Finally, back home. Sleeping in tents with all the noises of nature wasn't something a noble should do. Hildegard jumped to her bed and took her time to feel its comfort. She had just come back from a war over land borders. There were still some Marleyan rump states founded by those who managed to flee the titans in ages past. She looked around her room and sighed in relief.
— Who would want to be on the battlefield instead of being here? — She whispered to herself.
Steps echoed throughout the castle's hallways. She knew this walking pattern; it was her mother coming closer and closer to her bedroom. A short, red-haired woman slowly opened the door. She wore dark brown robes that contrasted with her pale, freckled skin.
— Is everything alright, sweetie? — She said as she walked towards the bed.
Hildegard was still laying on the bed, her face covered in the sheets.
— Can I sit here?
— Yes, mum.
She caressed her daughter's blonde hair. For some minutes, none of them uttered a word. Hildegard thought how much she missed her mother's touch. Rena breathed in to talk a few times but couldn't bring herself to do it after all.
— It was horrible, mum…
Hildegard was sobbing, the sound muffled by the covers.
— I can only imagine…
They stood silent for some more time. The sun was setting, spreading an orange and dim light around Hildegard's bedroom. She finally took her face out of the covers, her eyes red and moist from all the crying. Rena decided to speak.
— I hope you'll be able to understand once you inherit your father's memories. I personally don't quite think it's right, but…
— I know, mum. As the only eligible heir, it is my fate to inherit the Founding Titan. — Hildegard sighed and wiped her tears off.
— Well, think of all the good you'll be able to do instead! You can cure every disease that may plague our people! Or even command the titans to build houses for the conquered! It's such a shame your father has almost no time to do these things…
Hildegard felt pity for her mother. She stood up and walked to the balcony. The city sprawled around the castle like an intricate labyrinth. Her mother stood at her side, looking at the horizon. A cold wind gently moved their robes.
— In the end, the sun sets the same way for everyone. — Rena said out loud, maybe for herself, maybe for her daughter.
Someone knocked on the door. The two hurried over and saw a piece of paper sliding from under the door crack. Rena took it and read. It was written:
"To the most esteemed Princess and Heiress of the Founding Titan, Hildegard Fritz: Our Lord King Anders Fritz has called a meeting with the Nine Titans, their advisors, and their honoured heirs, tomorrow at midday. Praised be Ymir, who gave her children the Power of the Titans."
— You should get some sleep, sweetheart. Tomorrow might be a long day.
Hildegard nodded and hugged her mother. Rena left the bedroom and Hildegard was alone once more. Half an hour or so had passed, but she couldn't get up from the bed. Again, someone knocked on the door.
— You may enter.
A thin girl wearing a Marleyan-style toga entered the room. Her brown hair was tied up in a bun and in her hands was a tray with food, fruit, and wine. She quickly set up a small table and lit some candles. She bowed down and was prepared to leave, but Hildegarde interrupted her.
— Wait.
The girl froze and slowly turned around, wide-eyed. "What did I do wrong? I shouldn't commit mistakes, especially with a royal!" — She thought.
— What is your name?
— O-Octavia, my lady… Is there s-something you wish?
Hildegard patted on the bed.
— Sit here with me. You've been serving me for years, yet we never even talked.
— Oh, oh no, I cannot! A non-Eldian, sharing a seat with a royal!
Hildegard looked deadpan at her.
— It is an order, Octavia.
Trembling, Octavia walked over. Each step took an eternity in her mind. She finally sat down and fidgeted; her eyes turned towards the ground. Hildegard cut a piece of meat and savoured it. The silence was unbearable to Octavia, who was on the verge of tears.
— Tell me about your family. Judging by your name, you're an eighth child, correct?
— I-indeed, my lady.
— I've studied a bit of the Marleyan language, so I can at least hold a small conversation. Would you help me practice?
Octavia stood silent for some seconds then mustered up her courage and breathed in to speak.
— I need to hear your pronunciation. Try saying "Good morning", my lady.
Hildegard's pronunciation was probably a bit off because Octavia made a strange face. There were some sounds in the Marleyan language that were very difficult for Eldian speakers to pronounce. They both laughed at each other while the conversations flowed.
Almost an hour passed. Hildegard felt good learning from Octavia and forgot all about inheriting the Founding Titan while they were together. Octavia was happy to be treated like an equal, even if for a short time. It was already dark; the bedroom was lit only by the candles on the small dining table.
— The night has fallen, my lady. I must return and work with the other slaves to prepare for tomorrow. Would you like anything else?
— Yes, heat a bath for me. Tell another slave to call me when it's ready.
Octavia stood up, bowed, took the tray and left. Hildegard thought to herself "I won't be all day at the battlefield, right? I wish there were something else I could do as the future Queen…"