Author's Note: Well, well, well. . how are you guys? I'm so glad you waited for me patiently. I was kind of busy this month since it's my daughter's birth month. I'm so happy to know that there are readers who loved my fic. I'm just amazed that somehow you appreciated my efforts. I'm more inspired to continue and do my best to satisfy us. CHAPTER 139 just made me cry and I was really hoping to know that Levi was the father of our Queen's child. But anyway, it didn't happen. I'm. Still ok with that, I respect Isayama. Hats down for him.
Anyway, let's not keep you waiting and enjoy this chapter!!
"His worst Acquaintance"
Gideon
Gideon instinctively opened his eyes from a five-hour sleep as his mind was telling him that it was already time to get up. Well, he knew that his body had somehow set a body clock since he was eager to get up every day before the sun's up. It's his 1st-week experience living here in the Queen's Greenhouse Farm.
Darkness still filled the sky, and stars are bidding their goodbyes as light from the morning sun started to eat up the sky. The colors of the plants on the garden field were still dull as the night sky slowly fade to welcome the sky blue endless phase.
It's already dawn and it's time for him to start up his day.
Why would he waste time when finally had something worthy to do and an honest way to make a living. His daily routine starts early in the morning. Grateful as he can be, he was happy to have a place where he can do his true passion even at this old age...
He sat at the side of his bed, as the chilling cold wind passes through the window of his bed. He just left the window open for the whole night and was not bothered by the cold chilly air since he likes it more that way. As he moved to sit down at the side of his bed, the wooden box filled with the stuff of Pedro's late daughter was slightly exposed under his bed.
The box was in his room since the day when he moved in, the Rals got here first, and three days after, Gideon arrived. They are not that mindful to think that a person like Gideon would be curious to touch their late daughter's things unless they thought that he didn't know how to fucking read. Well, if so, then let it be. He will pretend not to know how to read to keep him from chaos and issues...
It's been a week and he was almost done reading on the diaries like it was a novel.
He felt sorry for Petra as she spent her life with her family for seventeen years, and dedicated herself to the Survey Corps for two years without seeing her family. She died without seeing her mother and father. He also felt sorry for the baby. Even if it was a cruel world to live in, there were still things that we can all consider as beautiful things. The kid has the right to see the world, even if it's full of evil.
He remembered how he detests abortion so much that he went against several officials to prove his point. But that was before he became an ordinary person. That is why Gideon wanted to bitterly laugh about what happened between Petra and that damn cunt. They were flirting and at the same time, they were striving themselves to kill and clear all titans outside the walls.
He shook his head.
He tried to understand what kind of life did Petra chose and he admitted to himself that somehow, he can relate to all the sacrifices that she made for the Survey Corps. All of those just to seek answers about where do titans come from.
As what he had read last night in Petra's diary, she was not thinking right when she decided to follow Captain Levi into the woods and admitted her feelings for him while he was drunk.
Gideon sarcastically smirked. He laughed so hard about how failure the two were. They can never find happiness if one of them was a jerk.
Tch...One of their weaknesses he guessed. He's not surprised with their awful training. It was peculiar but they managed to scrape a pathway by tainting it by the blood of their soldiers.
As their line of work was to fly above and behind those ugly, bloodthirsty monsters, they still found themselves following what their hearts truly desire behind the walls and fuck like there's no tomorrow. That was seeking comfort during grief. The baby was made in a thought that they can change their life direction...
It changed her life direction. Now she paid for the price.
Gideon gritted his jaw with the thought of the tragedy that the Rals were facing.
It was hell for them as grieving parents.
When he met the Survey Corps and the Queen, he can't help himself but glance at Levi Ackerman. He really can tell or smell the blood that was running in his veins. He remembered Kuchel's youthful features...
He wanted to approach the young boy but it seemed that he was hostile as ever even in his calm demeanor.
Gideon stood and pushed the box back under his bed because it's time for him to start his daily routine. He glanced in his room, all made of wood but it's well cleaned. The Rals insisted that he should use the extra room because they were all blessed to be placed here in the garden. He told them that he doesn't need a room since he was contented living in a hut to watch out the green field. He dedicated his life to planting several plants and make teas and medical herbs. He doesn't need a house.
But anyway, since they insisted that he should stay at the house, and then be it. In return for their kindness, Gideon allowed them to fill his room with old stocks. Then, that was how Petra's things were placed in his room.
He maintained the cleanliness in the house, with not a single dust in it. Screw the dust, he just disliked it.
Sounds familiar huh.
He smirked again and brushed his thick itchy shit beard. He disliked it pretty much, but it seemed it serves its purpose well...
Gideon then took a bath, changed clothes, and grabbed his hat, and went downstairs before the sun rises in its full term.
Then headed to the kitchen.
The Couple was already there and they were whispering while talking. Gideon did not enter the kitchen right away to listen to the couple's conversation.
"Pedro, I have enough of this. Tell that man that we will no longer accept these goods. Or else I will report him to the premier." Wena was furious but she always made a good effort to keep her voice low. But despite doing it, Gideon always hates the way Wena's eyes almost pop out when she's angry.
Well, she is angry right now.
Wives are scary when you let them have the authority to get you under their pride.
"Dear, I already told Flegel to stop delivering goods, but it turned out he doesn't have any choice either... He told me that it's part of the benefits from the Captain's name. He was only doing his job." Pedro's voice was weary; Gideon can tell that it was far different from the tone of Wena.
"Get rid of it today, or I will send the wagon to the Survey Corps headquarters where the Commander and the rest of the military will know about what their beloved Captain did.. Do you understand?" It was Wena.
"Damn it Wena. You know that we needed food and more. You just gave the previous wagon to the strangers without taking a few stocks for us. I'm tired of eating greens for the past few days, can we just keep it and make a good meal out of it--"
"Shut up old man. You needed to eat a lot of greens since we can't afford to call a doctor. Thank God, I saved enough money to call a doctor for you, by I think that will be the last time. I don't have money to bring you medication. Don't tell me that you want to rely on Levi again? Well, wake up! Petra's dead because of that man. And now you want me to accept that he was supplying us with his wealth? We are not his responsibility Pedro! Bear that in mind! No wonder you failed to convince him when he was here last time because you don't honor our daughter's death!"
Gideon already knew about it all for these past few days, since they fought so loud in the other room and whenever they are together, same topic, same arguments, and same lines. As for this say, Gideon entered the kitchen and immediately went straight to the hotpot to pour some hot coffee.
The couple went silent in his presence, restraining themselves from opening their mouth to continue what they have fought about... Their eyes were still at war while glancing at each other. Gideon glanced at them silently with his prying observing eyes. At least it made them go silent for a while.
"Good morning." He casually said as if he heard nothing from their previous discussion.
"G-good morning Gideon," Pedro spoke while seating at the side of the table, clasping his hands together...
"Gideon. . . You said that you want to visit the orphanage right? It's Sunday today." Suddenly Gideon heard Wena.
Gideon transferred his blank look on Wena.
"Hmm. . ." he answered flatly.
"I- Id like you to bring the goods with you and donate them to the orphanage. I'm sure the Captain will be there today." She fiercely said.
Upon hearing it, Pedro stood up in objection and slammed his hand on the table.
"Wena! We need those goods." Pedro exclaimed towards his wife, but when frowned before him.
"Shut up Pedro."Wena scowled
"Do you want me to give it to the Captain or donate it to the orphanage?"
Wena shrugged with her half-opened mouth as if she was not ready with his question.
"I- I just want to give it to its rightful owner. It is not ours to keep anyway." Wena utterly explained and looked away.
"Oh, I heard that it was not good to turn down a blessing, Wena. Just forgive the person and move on. Nothing will happen if you hate him more. He was a good man looking out for you in place of your daughter."
"Forgiveness is not easy Gideon. I don't want to eat the food that came from the person who corrupted my daughter's judgment."
"Here we are again." Pedro shook his head and rolled his eyes... When Wena saw what her husband just did right now, her eyes began to burn in annoyance and Gideon can sense that fire was already burning inside wena's head, and sure, she was going to explode.
And her mouth will sound like a riffle with tons of bullets.
And NOISE will wash up all the innocence of the morning. It was too early to taint his day with irritation so he had to cut her off...
"Ok. I'll do it. Now let's have a peaceful morning can we?" Gideon immediately replied to avoid a long discussion.
The couple shut up.
Gideon stared at them silently as he sipped on his coffee. He tasted the rich bittersweet content that made him bit his tongue. He just glanced seriously at them, who was fighting about this crazy matter again and again that he almost thought that days would cry if they can't bring this sucking matter up. It made him sick already. He memorized the lines for the fuck sake.
As silent morning air passed by between the three of them, Gideon noticed that it was already day outside the house. He drunk all of his coffee and placed it at the sink and turned to them with his boring mood.
"I am taking the wagon with me at heading to the orphanage in one little favor. Spare one chicken for me and cook it to make a chicken soup."He marched towards the door when Pedro spoke.
"You're seeing Levi today? I can't come. I mean, four days after they came here, he promised to see her Majesty today right?" Pedro asked
"Yes. Just rest Pedro. I heard what the doctor said. Don't go out today and take a rest." He flatly replied.
"Thanks, Gideon. Do you think that you can still travel that far? Heat strokes are very often for the old ones nowadays."Wena spoke giving Gideon a side glance.
"Old? That's why I want you to cook chicken soup so that I won't rot while driving the wagon." Gideon weakly said as he stood at the door frame.
"Oh. . . Ok. Then I will spare one chicken from the wagon..." Wena smiled slightly.
"Why can't you just spare it all?" Pedro murmured.
"I said no! Good heavens!!"Wena blurted out.
Gideon turned to them with a great effort and placed his hands on his hips. He can't stand them anymore. They were like kids.
"For Pete's sake! Stop fighting. I hate babysitting all day, how much more if I deal with the old ones." Gideon nagged at them, and for some reason, they both went shocked and silent. Wena glanced away and Pedro was scowling in a different direction too. He can't believe that he has to deal with them every day. He has to stop them from arguing, or else, his mind won't have peace. The two needed someone to stop them from this endless argument.
Such a Pain in the ass . . . when the hell can they all move on?
He aids and strides towards the field leaving the couple behind... It's already day and they're slowing them down. He can smell the scent of the lavender in the cold morning air. He crossed the muddy pathway expertly along with the green plants of vegetables and flowers. He followed the sweet scent of lavender until he reached the purple field garden.
He placed his scarred hand on his hat as he stood in front of the lavender field. It's already morning, and the sun has completely shown its hot surface. The beauty of the lavender field was rich with its sweet scent, he was thankful that in just three days, he managed to cure and save this area from the wild twigs. Lavender naturally grew here but it was not taken care of, since the previous owner of this garden was seized and fallen among the other nobles.
"What a beautiful day to water graves eh?"
The old man smirked behind his beard.
Levi
He went down inserting the letter and the ring in his pocket. Leaving Historia's study and letting her be with herself. Assuming that Historia was telling the truth about her reasons, still, it was not acceptable to keep a letter and a ring of another person for no reason.
Aside from the feeling of being mocked by the Rals, he just hated the idea that Historia was digging some personal information about him behind his back. He wanted to maintain a formal connection with the Queen and leave all his personal life uninvolved. As he was saying, serving her doesn't mean that she also ought to know about his history.
Unfortunately, his promise to Erwin didn't go quite well for opening remarks. He crossed the line and yelled at her just because he was driven by his emotion and guilt...He just can't accept the fact that he has no choice. The flow of the situation will end up the same way.
She will know about him and Petra.
Whether he likes it or not he has to tell her before anyone else... He has to tell her about Petra, that he still has to spill the damn beans to Historia before they leave tomorrow...Or his personal life will be in chaos again.
Well, he still had a lot of time to talk to her later when they both calm down. Anyway, Levi and his squad will spend the night here, so he can still find his way to get things done before he and his squad return to their original business as scouts.
As he went down the stairs, the entrance to the kitchen made him stopped as he can see Armin, Sasha, and Connie helping Diana peeling the potatoes. The three of them were now wearing their shirts and they kept their green cloak away.
"Sasha, you're supposed to go with Mikasa fetching the firewood right?" Connie suspiciously glanced at Sasha, moving only his eyes to hers. Sasha was peeling the potato as if she was not up to something this time. Potatoes are a thing for the brat and he knows what kind of scenario these kids will be in the next two minutes.
"Eren's with her." Sasha conveniently replied as she expertly peeled the vegetable in three strokes and gets another potato to peel off. She was fast at peeling the potatoes.
"You know that Mikasa will get to carry most of the woods than Eren right?" Connie's brows met as he placed the peeled potato at the hill of peeled vegetables on the table...
"Well, at least, she's keeping an eye on him, complaining is not a big deal for Mikasa, you know. . ." The potato girl replied.
Potatoes filled the table like an anthill, and below the table, there was another bucket of carrots.
"I would leave them alone with it. Since they were good at fetching firewood's since they were kids. I think it made them thought about the old times." Armin was also peeling the potatoes while Diana just came to the table placing a pot to put all the peeled potatoes inside.
"Yeah, like siblings he thought they were?" Jean came in and joined the group. He was holding white fabrics and placed them at the small table near the sink.
Connie turned to Jean. "Eren never said that Mikasa was like a sibling to him, but I know the likes of you would hope so that he will treat her like one, Jean boy." Connie sarcastically smiled behind Jean. The horse-faced just scowled at Connie's opinion.
And
"Uhm, the young lady is eating the potatoes. Oh my!" Diana. The three guys turned to Sasha
"Sasha! You can't start eating the potatoes! You will only eat more!" Armin was being blocked by Sasha's hand as she ate potatoes at a sudden speed.
"Aggh! Sasha, I knew it!"Connie was baffled and began to approach her. First, she ate the whole half of the peeled potatoes into her mouth, and she immediately chewed the second half, as fast as she can, and then she started to pick another peeled potatoes with both of her hands as when she swallowed the first one. "Jean! A hand here!" Connie yelled as he shoves all the peeled potatoes away from Sasha.
Levi rolled his eyes as potatoes dropped on the floor.
What a mess.
Springer immediately restrained Sasha by placing his hands on Sasha's underarm and to her shoulders as Jean instantly took the potatoes away by placing them on an empty bucket. Diana was picking up the peeled potatoes on the floor and placed them on the fabric of her skirt for temporary purposes...
Levi stood at the end of the staircase thinking about going somewhere quieter than the kitchen, he will not join the chaos that they were in, he will only terrify them since Levi hate the mess. And at the same time, even if he will show himself to them, Sasha will not stop eating the potatoes. If they need his advice, better leave the potatoes to Sasha and let her have all the potatoes she wants. But of course, they cannot allow that to happen since they were not in their headquarters. The potatoes were never theirs.
Well better leave them be.
Levi immediately strides outside the house.
There were only a few hours and the surroundings are going to be even noisier because the kids are going to have lunch...
As it was already in the middle of the day, Levi roamed his eye around the broad field outside the orphanage, the sun was high and it hurts his eyes just by looking around. He can't stare outside as it was too much sunlight around the place. Trees were not that common here. He can only see a few trees from the distance and one nearer the orphanage. While struggling to look a little farther from the orphanage, he can spot something from where he was standing. From the roadway, he can see a loaded wagon with large quantities and two horses with its rider. As it strode down towards their direction, Levi slowly recognized the person who was seating in front of the Wagon.
Oh. It's the tea sommelier from the Reiss Garden.
Gideon Vader
Levi stepped outside; he bet that the old geezer will park his wagon in front of the orphanage. Another thing that catches his attention was the wagon. He recognized the cart very well. It came from the Reeves Company. . And he already has his suspicion by looking at it.
A moment later, Gideon halted in front of Levi, the old man with his grey checkered long sleeve and faded brown trousers, a face of an old man peered out under the farmer's hat. His observant blue-grey eyes were tired and with visible grayish wrinkled circles, and his thick beard.
Somehow, Levi remembered how odd this man was to him. He raised an eyebrow and crossed his hands, wondering in his mind where the hell did he meet this man before.
"Oi, It's high noon." He welcomed him.
The man placed his cold eyes at him. "I'm fine thank you, son." He replied and nodded to him.
"Who are you calling son?" He replied narrowing his eyes.
He can guess that Gideon was smiling behind that messy beared. His wrinkled face was grinning with that bored familiar eyes.
"You. That's how I address a younger individual. It was like an elder showing respect for the likes of you? Ain't you glad?" Gideon sarcastically chuckled with his faded, old husky voice.
"No. It sounded weird actually. Why would I be glad when you can address me as Captain?" Levi converted the subject as he approached the wagon. He can sense Gideon's gaze following his every movement. "Where are the Rals?"
"They stayed in the garden. I came here because a thoughtful man sent this wagon of blessings to the Rals, too bad they were too ungrateful for it. . Wena asked me to donate this to the orphanage." Gideon stuck his eyes to him as if he was pointing Levi as the thoughtful man.
At once, Levi felt a creep as the hair follicles from his nape stood up, while staring at the old man's wrinkled face and gray beard. Of course, this man would know what's going on, Pedro and Wena lived on the same roof with Gideon. Tch, for sure the Rals told Gideon about the fuss that he was involved in but it was so damn weird to hear such words from a stranger.
Levi glanced at the wagon loaded with goods and other stuffs. He knew what's inside, a load of decent fabrics, sheep meat, milks, live chickens, and other things for daily needs. He wants to grit his teeth while looking at it, the Rals we're truly not thankful for the benefits. And now they sent this here to make Historia wonder how the Rals got this bunch of goods.
He glanced at Gideon who was now looking at him with his steady eyes, waiting...
Now what?
Why of all people, why does he have to see his heavy-lidded eyes, he looked old but fast-witted, like in a stage of being old but physically infirm with age. It seemed like he knew things just by looking at Levi like an open book.
"I think you brought it to the wrong place old man." He said
Gideon's sarcastically raised a brow... "I doubt it. They told me to donate this to the orphanage. I'm only following orders." He innocently shrugs his shoulders.
"Orders from whom? Your housemates? Why would you follow their orders when you just knew them for days?" He suspiciously asked.
"Hmm...I did it to compromise with them. I've been craving chicken soup. . We don't have enough meat stocked in the garden, that's why I'm so happy when I thought this wagon will stay at the farm. But it turned out that it was not welcome there. So I brought it here. They spared one chicken for me for doing it." He dryly laughed.
Levi didn't find it funny; it was a horrible joke for him.
"Then I think you should know what kind of mess you entered yourself into," Levi said with a dangerous tone.
"Oh?" Gideon paused and suddenly burst out in a peal of husky laughter while placing his hand on his hat covering his eyes. Levi narrowed his gaze as he observed Gideon's body built while seating on the wagon's driver spot.
"Oh, you found it funny?" Levi flatly replied while his blank face stared at the old man who was laughing in a sarcastic and slack way. "Well, let me tell you this, old man. Don't mock me here or you will be sorry."
While waiting for him to realize that Levi was not that happy to hear his laugh, the old man's expression switched and darkens.
His eyes were now seemingly serious as ever, as the eyes of an eagle that could see through Levi's deepest secret. The air suddenly disappeared between them; his eyes were now in a different mood. Gideon got this terrifying gaze that would make normal people fear him, but to Levi, he was just a stranger and his wrinkly face won't frighten him.
"You think so?"Gideon's tone had gone hard and for a moment, there's no hint of old faded vocal sound in his tone. Levi was now more intrigued by his sudden change of mood. "Then tell me, Captain Levi, what kind of messed-up situation have I entered into just by dragging this wagon, I want to know why Wena hated it so much?" The old man suddenly sounded different, as if he was challenging Levi according to his guilt.
Now Levi doesn't see Gideon as an old man from the garden. Suddenly, he was someone who turned out to be Levi's worst acquaintance, why does Levi felt like it wasn't normal for this stranger to meddle in their business? Who did he think he is? His knuckles were now itching to hold a punch for this old man, but he can't. He just doesn't like the way he faces him at this moment with this damn wagon.
He was starting to hate him for this.
Feeling defeated and to cut all the fuzz that he was into with this old man, he turns around and walked back towards the orphanage building.
"Hmm. . fine, I'll get someone to help you unload the wagon. The kitchen's a mess as we speak, we brought our food supplies so we have to find a place to store what's inside your wagon." He left immediately, striding away from the old geezer.
"Very well, thanks. . . . Son."
Levi exhaled as he heard it again. The word tingled on his ear canals piercing through his eardrums like a bug just got in. his head vibrated from the words.
"Get lost."
Levi whispered to himself as he entered the house.
Historia
She slammed the door against the Captain's face after she ordered him to get his letter and his engagement ring. Though she knows nothing about the history of the ring, she just said it to annoy him in return for how he insulted her pride as a queen.
There's no chance for her to know about what's going on with his personal life. He was telling her to keep out of it but how can she explain that deep inside she felt involved. She didn't know in what way but as his friend, she thinks she deserved an explanation upon why he was so affected about this matter. Well, the question is, does the Captain even see her as a trusted friend?
While leaning at the door, she heard the heavy footsteps of the Captain from the other side of the room toward the door and slammed it as well. She was gathering her thoughts to calm down as she stared at the warm and cozy room.
Her bedroom was painted with a cream white color. Her bed was just a plain king-size bed without any fancy decoration in it. Compared to her quarters in the capital, her bed has consisted of a luxurious headboard with a white satin curtain held from the top of her bedroom ceiling. This bed was just made of plain wood and clean pillows and sheets. She had wide closets with a vanity mirror and one couch placed by the window.
She strides towards her bed and sat at the edge of her fluffy white mattress, her eyes dropped on the fabric of her gray skirt with grass of hays. Now she felt the little pressure on her stomach and the pain from her arm where the Captain held her.
She just wants to know about what happened to him and Petra and what was the letter all about. She spent four days wondering why did the Captain walk out of the garden, what happened when they talked at the back of the house that made his mood turned dark.
She kept on thinking about the voices that she heard while in the middle of blindness, and what did those voices mean at all. Thankfully, it never came to her through nightmares though it creeps her out. But the only person who knew about it was the Captain. She was hoping to talk about it with him a while ago, but she failed. The wind in the room was filled with confusion and anger.
Basing on how the Captain reacted when he saw the ring and the letter, her questions about the C.A initials have finally found an answer from the brink of the Captain's mouth. It was clear that the Rals and the Captain has unsettled issues after Petra died and she assumed that the couple wanted to discuss it when they met at the garden.
After they fought, she thought that it would be better to forget about it since there are more important things that they have to think about rather than overthinking what happened in the garden. She was thinking about how the Survey Cops will proceed on their next mission, her mind was wondering about t how they will retrieve Shiganshina.
But all she can remember was his fervent dark eyes telling her to back off. She wanted to help and hear if there are any news about Reiner, Bertholt, and Ymir because she wanted to know about what is there beyond the walls where the three of them came from. She reserved all these questions for the Captain, as she thought that he would be still considerate to share information about their activities.
But it turns out that she cannot have her answers for today, or maybe it's better for her to stop asking questions and mind her own business. She has to go on her way and entrust all to the survey corps.
She stood and walked towards her closet to change into new clothes when someone knocked on the door. She froze and thought about the Captain. There's no way that the person behind the door could be still the Captain since she was certain that he will leave after she shut the door. But maybe he stayed and wanted to talk to her; maybe he also realized that she needed a word with her, to calm his mind and ask for an apology.
As she walked towards the door, part of her was hoping that it was him. But when she opened the door, she met Anna's green eyes and red hair; she was smiling as she was holding a huge bouquet. It was a bouquet with a huge volume of Lavender flowers; she can tell that Anna was struggling while holding the bouquet as some of it has fallen on the wooden floor.
Upon surprise, Historia immediately caught the other portion of the flowers that were starting to slip on Anna's hands.
"Woah, Anna?! Where did you get these flowers?!" She almost exclaimed as she held some of the stems.
"Your Majesty, an old man just arrived today and he said that I will give this to you. He came here with a wagon full of meat stock, live chickens, and vegetables and more" Anna's tone was also a little bit exclaimed like it was also great news for her, and she keeps on smelling the flowers. "They are lavender, your Majesty, it's one of the spectacular variants of a lavender plant that exude a rich perfume fragrance, unlike the other variants, and this is an expensive one in the market. It's your favorite; we can make a perfume out of it." She added excitedly.
Historia breathes as she saw the different shades of purple and purplish-blue flowers; some of them had blue to a darker shade of purple, and at the bottom were the green stems and the pale hand of Anna.
Historia was awed by the beauty of the extremely wonderful flowers; she never received such beautiful flowers before. Her eyes went round in amazement as she can't believe what she saw.
Historia half smiled as she smelled the sweet scent that it gave her, her heartbeat calmed somehow as the sweet fragrance of the plant entered her nose. Her mind felt relaxed and her tensed muscles loosen a bit, her anger subsided as she was glad to receive such a wonderful gift from her entire life.
Suddenly these flowers came here like in good timing. She felt comfortable while holding it and her heartfelt light as before. She still had a fit of anger inside of her from the previous meeting a while ago but she doesn't have the heavy feeling anymore.
Her brows frowned at the information of an old man who brought this? "Anna, what's his name?"
"Gideon, Your Majesty. He said he's the farmer from the garden..." Anna smiled gently as she shared the information.
She remembered how weird the presence of Gideon back on the farm was last four days ago. He keeps on covering his bearded face when Historia looked at him, but she believes that this man was talented as Section Commander Hange was so fond of him. Hange got excited when the old man shared to them that he had planted a rare collection of plants in the garden that was used as herbal and medicine. He had his discoveries and more.
"Tell him to stay here for lunch. I'll be down in five minutes. Please take care of the flowers; I want a bunch of them in my bedroom and study. You know what to do about the rest of it." Historia smiled at her as she carefully removes her hands from the flowers. Anna shouldn't have brought it here on the third floor. it was much hassle for Anna just to present these beautiful flowers to her, the red-headed girl was so thoughtful to Historia.
"I will Historia." Anna smiled as she turned around and started walking away from her door.
"Anna, let me help you with that. You carried all of it up here when you can just leave it downstairs and inform me after.." She was concerned about her taking the stairs with that huge bouquet.
"Oh, I was just surprised and excited your Majesty, I never thought that I can hold a bouquet of lavenders in my whole life, I always wish I could have one of them and make a perfume out of it." Anna shyly admitted as she hugged the flowers, Historia can see the excitement in Anna's eyes, both of them were amazed by the rare sight of the expensive lavender, "but I can manage Historia. Don't worry..." Anna turned around and smiled at Historia.
"Alright. Spare a bunch of it for you and Diana. I'll be down in a minute."
She immediately closed the door and walked towards her closet.
How sweet of an old man Gideon was. He reminded her of his grandfather. Historia's grandfather was so sweet to her in so many ways back when she still lives with them. In the absence of her mother, the old man would always show that he cared for her by giving her a piece of apple and milk in the evening before she went to sleep.
Though they don't speak to her that much, at least Historia can feel that they cared for her. Until the night came when Kenny Ackerman came and took her mother's life and sent her away from the residence that they lived on.
Oh well.
Historia frozen as she remembered her grandparents, they could be still living inside the walls. Though she was the last royal bloodline on her father's side, she was still hoping that she still had living relatives on her mother's side.
Historia stopped for a moment and an idea had reached her mind.
Levi
Levi crossed his arms after setting down the last pile of fabrics from the wagon that Hange gave them. Gideon's wagon was unloaded already and was also taken here inside the house. They placed the supplies from the two wagons temporarily here at the orphanage's living room making the whole area look mixed up. The whole squad was busy organizing the stuff from the wagon, Connie carried the whole meat of sheep to the kitchen and there were six more at the basket, while Jean carried the five trays of eggs from the two feet piled trays of eggs.
Sasha was carrying the white fabrics; accompanied by Diana, both women were carrying tall folded fabrics that almost covered their face as they walked towards the stairs to bring the fabrics to their storage room. Mikasa just lifted a jar full of Cow's milk out of the five jars, while Eren carried a bag full of the starch out of the five bags.
Armin was dragging a huge basket full of green vegetables and he has to come back to lift six more baskets. Gideon carried three chickens on each hand and he's going to bring them to the barn house where pigs, horses, and other chickens resided. Anna the red-headed girl just came carrying a huge bouquet of lavenders, its sweet smell reaches Levi's nose, and he couldn't stop himself from sneezing, as flowers usually make his nose go itchy. Levi wondered why Gideon gave such a huge volume of lavenders when its tiny little flower furs fly in the air like dust that it made Levi's nose tingle.
Observing how too much these supplies were that it could already support twenty people in a month. He just thought that this was one of the perks if you join the Survey Corps, a food supply will be sent to your beneficiary's residence, sponsored by the Monarchy, and the Reeves Company. It was enough to support the whole orphanage for just one week, but it could support two persons for how many months. No wonder the Rals felt overwhelmed when the wagon from the Reeves Company came to them, they can't consume all of these in a month, because another set of food supplies will arrive by the next month. So it will be more than enough for them. But instead of being thankful for it, It just made them hate him more and hold a grudge against him.
If only these people here knew why the hell this wagon came here, that this was part of the miscellaneous perks under their captain's name, for the woman he once cared for and planted his seed through the nights before she died, and he just hoped that he can keep it to himself forever. Deep inside, his guilt had grown more and more.
He wondered how will Gideon answer the Queen if she will ask where these supplies came from. His stomach was trembling inside, afraid that any moment, the blonde kid whom he fought an hour ago will come down to meet all of them. They were not yet through, Levi suspected already.
As for now, He was currently inspecting the supplied cleaning materials; he was alone in the living room while others were busy putting away all the stuff to their respected storage when Historia came down from the stairs.
Levi immediately noticed her paused at the end of the footsteps when she saw him. Her brows meet with a weary face. She was now wearing a clean different set of clothes compared to a while ago. She still wore her hair in a low ponytail and a new set of farm dress. Making her look more like a child.
After their eyes met, they both looked away from each other.
Levi remembered how her fiery wide blue eyes blaze in anger while he was drowned with his pride and guilt.
He turned his attention back to the cleaning materials and started to lift them all at once to make him look busy while Historia came just across him, observing the piled food stocks at the small table, chairs, and on the floor.
With just a few distances from the Queen, Levi can smell Historia's sweet scent of soap, the same smell of rose petals and honey that clung on his green jacket when he handed it to the Queen way back from that night after her coronation.
It lurches his stomach in such a weird way and he discomfortingly looked away a little bit for it. He wants to smell more of it, as it was so pleasing in his nose, but he found it absurd.
He doesn't know how to react while enjoying the sweet scent that she produces.
Judging from her hair, he guesses that she just took a half bath after he left. Maybe it also washed away the anger inside her. . .
But really, what a strong soap she used. She smelled so fucking nice at this rate, and it made his heart skip a beat, making him regret letting out his anger to her at the study.
If only they didn't fight, They could have been discussing his situation with the rals and have put a solution on his pending issue with his fucking beneficiaries.
As he started to turn away carrying all the cleaning stuff in his hands, Historia just spoke.
"you're not leaving today right?" her innocent voice reached his ears. She sounded calm right now.
Levi paused for a while but didn't turn around to face her. "Yes, You're Majesty."
She was silent for five seconds then he heard her sigh.
"Then . . . can we talk again? At my study," she asked.
Levi didn't bother to look at her, he was still disturbed by the fact that she was keeping Petra's letter and ring, he was unsatisfied by her reasons and it might trigger his annoyance at this very moment just by thinking about it.
Add the wagon to the list of reasons why he was not in a good mood for today. What's wrong with Rals? From all the places that they could drag the thing, why does it have to be here?
"As you wish, You're Majesty." He flatly replied and went on his way.
Historia
As she was left alone in the living room, she realized that the Captain was still upset because of her. She can see it from the way his eyes glare at her from his small gestures and it seemed that he doesn't want to make a conversation with her since he left her right away. Well, she did slam the door in her study against his face, so why would she expect him to talk to her.
But, she still can't believe how much food supply had arrived from the donations today. It occupied the whole living room area and it made the room looked messy and in chaos...
She never received such a large quantity of food supply from donators before, and she didn't expect it to be like this. Who would want to donate to her orphanage, since she can supply its needs at her own expense? She is the Queen, so every people will think they don't have to waste their money on this.
But still, someone donated. She wondered if who sent it here. Of course, for the record, she has to get their names and maybe give them a little credit.
While she was standing in the middle of the food supply, she decided to help them and carry something to finish things as fast as they can since it was already lunchtime.
She saw the cleaning materials. Rugs, nop, broomsticks, dustpan scattered on the floor, she thought that it would be nice if she can help a little bit to clear the area.
She glanced at where the Captain went and picked up the cleaning stuff from the floor and went to the storage where the cleaning materials were kept. It was at the right side of the kitchen, there was a small room that is intended for the cleaning materials and stocks for other kinds of stuff the orphanage, as she headed there, there was no one in the kitchen at the moment as Historia noticed that the door to the storage room was open. The Captain was certainly inside.
But before she could reach the room, someone stood up at the backdoor coming from the back exit of the kitchen. She glanced at the figure of a big man with a hat on his head, and that was the time when Historia noticed the bearded face of an old man.
"You're Majesty. Good morning!" It was Mr. Gideon. His steady, dull, and curious eyes were observing her from afar which made her think that he was calculating her every move.
The ambiance of the room changed and she can feel the shady presence of the bearded man. He looked unapproachable but the way he moves towards her inside the kitchen was graceful with tackiness. his eyes stretch on her sight, a sign that he was smiling at her.
"Good morning Mr. Gideon, I'm so glad you made it here." She smiled back to him who was now standing five feet apart from her.
"Yes, yes. I came to check the place. You said that you needed someone to fix some part of the orphanage, or whatever I can manage to help. Pedro stayed behind because he had chest pain for two days already." He placed his hands on his hips and traveled his eyes around the kitchen area.
Oh yeah. She forgot that she asked Mr. Pedro and Mr. Gideon to visit the place to make some repairs.
"What? Chest pain?" Historia felt worried about Mr. Pedro.
"Yeah. The doctor just came there yesterday and told us that he has to rest, since his heart is weak, he can no longer work under the sun and help me with the harvest. "
"W-why didn't you inform me? I would have sent a personal doctor to check on him immediately." Historia placed her palm on her chest, how careless she was, it's her responsibility to take care of her subject's health. She has to send help there immediately to check on Mr. Pedro. Poor man
"I tried but Wena refused. She said that was just a minor issue, she doesn't want you to be worried. But honestly, Pedro seemed to need real help. Yes, please Majesty, send someone to check on Pedro, That would be a great help. I never thought that Pedro could be that weak already." The old man removed his hat and revealed his almost bald head and swing the hat right on his wrinkled face to make one air.
"ok Mr., Gideon. You count on me as always. I will send a doctor to check on him." She nodded her head to take note of her promise.
She will ask Diana to make a letter to the royal physician.
" Majesty, have you seen the lavender that I brought for you?" The man asked
"Oh yes, Mr. Gideon. You did a great job keeping that lavender inside the garden. They were so wonderful and smelled nice. I loved them." Historia smiled genuinely at the old man. He was sweet indeed to send her flowers, Historia felt honored to receive such wonderful flowers.
The man smiled behind his beard and suddenly Historia found his eyes seem familiar. She wanted to look at him closely but of course, it would be weird to do so.
"Anything for you Queen Historia. I'm at your service." He said with. Proud tone.
Anyway, Historia thought that this man was fine when you get to know him more. He was sweet and thoughtful. . .
"And anyway Mr. Gideon, Anna told me that you brought a wagon full of food supplies and stuff. Where did it come from?" Historia was curious?
It was impossible if the wagon was donated by Gideon.
"Uhm, actually, it was Wena's idea--"
"Hey, are you going to put that cleaning tool inside the storage or are you gonna hold on to that forever?" Suddenly, the Captain came out from the storage room, butting in their conversation. Historia glanced at the Captain who was now making a scowling face, he was looking straight at Historia with his hands on his hips.
", yes. I'm still talking to Mr. Gid--" but Historia int finish her words as the Captain approached her and took the cleaning tools harshly from her hands...
"Give that to me. We can do the talking after we clean up your living room before the kids come." She was about to protest but as he noticed the way his dark face look t her, she suddenly felt scared.
She glanced at the old man whose eye was on them. Historia felt sorry for how the Captain behaves. He was disrespectful.
But as She met Gideon's eyes, the old man mildly smiles at her. As if he understood the situation. He nodded.
"O-ok." Historia awkwardly replied to Levi.
She was currently switching her eyes from the two guys who were glaring at each other.
Suddenly she felt the tension. The captain was looking at Gideon like he was swearing. And the old man was doing the same. What creepy eyes they both have.
Do they hate each other?
Historia awkwardly headed back to the living room, leaving the two guys who were glaring at each other. They both have these hawked eyes stick to each other.
She strides wy from them, hoping that they wouldn't do something towards each other.
Gideon
Gideon just nodded on Historia who was now hesitating to leave the kitchen.
How can she not be weary when this tiny scowling guy just came and interrupted their talk.
He was a little bit offended by the Captain's behavior, as he can sense that the young Queen was still scared from her former Captain. The way Levi command the blonde kid was a little too informal and he was not pleased by it.
As the Queen left the kitchen, Levi was still glaring at him.
But Gideon understood why he interrupted their conversation, and he can feel Levi's annoyance from the way he looked at him with his notable unforgiving eyes. There was a slight silence between them and Gideon can feel the tension.
The dear boy hated him.
But for now, the Queen just left and he wouldn't give Levi a chance to say a word.
Instead, he just gave him a mocking look and smiled sarcastically. He laughed in a low scornful way that only Levi can hear and rolled his eyes away.
He stepped towards the living room, passing through the small man.
As he gets past him, Levi suddenly blocks Gideon's way by slightly slamming his arm on his stomach.
"What do you need, old man?" He lowered his voice but he sounds dangerous and threatened.
Gideon smirked at the man who was as tall as his shoulders.
He raised a brow and glanced at Levi. "I just want to eat chicken soup, Captain. That's all."
Then Gideon continued to move and intentionally oddly bumped on Levi's body, to give him a hint that he was not scared of him.
Gideon was not afraid of anyone or anything, even if they point a sword at him. They wouldn't dare.
The Captain remained silent behind him as he was waiting for him to make another move.
But there was none.
As Gideon entered the living room, he saw a bunch of teenagers whom he thought would be Levi's new squad. Historia was smiling together with the crowd.
Gideon moved his eyes around and met other steely glaring eyes behind the blonde boy.
Her black straight hair and black eyes were staring at him. Like she was observing him.
Oh, she looks familiar. An Ackerman. . .
And as he switched his attention to the right, another set of an eye was staring at him.
Green orbs with that face full of hope and courage. He is the famous titan shifter. . and the Survey Corps would put their life in the line just to protect this brat.
Eren Yeager.
Gideon finally meets him. He heard a lot about him. Humanity's hope?
Tch...
A thought just came right in Gideon's head.
Let the rumbling begin.