After that was dealt with, we were already in the final stages of preparing for the official coronation of Historia as Queen. The future royal was constantly with her close 104th squad. They were her best team for support after all. Her mental thoughts were probably going haywire at this time. I wandered out and gazed up at the wooden podium, finally being endorsed with the great banners representing the 4 sections of the government. People constantly bustled around me, soldiers and civilians alike.

"Do you think she's ready?"

I chuckled at the question. "I'm sure only she can answer that, Levi."

"You know that's not what I meant." The Captain came to join me and also watched the final touches being made to the stage.

"From what I've seen, she may be the most competent leader of Humanity than any other before her."

"Does it help that the King before her was a fake?"

"Shut it."

Levi hummed in agreement, before changing the subject.

"Any word from Jack or the others?"

I bit my lip and shook my head.

"No, not yet. I've sent messengers out to contact them back at the Trost district but no word has returned. I'm getting worried, Levi. What if something happened to them?"

I send him an anxious look, crossing my arms involuntarily across my chest.

"The war is over. Wait for the messenger at least and then you can act on that. Don't act irrationally."

"It's giving me a twitch." I tapped my foot absentmindedly. I needed a sign that Jack, Linda, Soph and the doc were all right.

"Captain Levi! Squad leader Hazura! Commander Erwin needs you inside." A younger cadet rushed up to us, briefly saluting. Both Levi and I nodded simultaneously and followed the boy back into the building.

"Do you swear to lead the government with a fair yet empathetic influence?"

"I do."

"Do you swear to lead the people to prosperity with a logical but caring nature?"

"I do."

"Do you swear to lead Humanity to victory against the Titans?"

"I do."

My eyes wandered around the great church as an old priest, appointed as the Royal Coronation Officer, turned and recited a passage regarding the history of the Royal crown. The entire higher government had turned out, as well as a few people from each service. From the Survey Corps, Erwin, Hanji, Levi, Levi's squad and myself had turned up.

"By the power rested in me, given by the people, I crown you as Queen Historia Reiss."

The Officer gently placed the golden crown on the cadet's head, her hair swept up into an elegant low bun. After a pause, Historia straightened from her kneel and taking a visible deep breath, turned to face her audience.

"I, Historia Reiss, promise to lead Humanity to our well-deserved freedom."

Then saluted, fist tight on her heart. Everyone in that hall stood to attention, our boots clacking against the ground simultaneously.

"Yes, your Highness!"

The ceremony then ended and all prepared to file out outside, to the wooden podium made for Historia's first public appearance as Queen. Not prepared to get mobbed, we quickly moved between buildings, from the great church to the safer corridors of the main government building. As we walked closer to the podium, the sounds of the townspeople grew louder with each step. Their roars increased and dipped every time Historia would pass a window and they caught a glimpse of the new Royal. However, when the main doors were opened, it was like the entire of Humanity screamed their lungs out. Being the ever graceful girl she was, Historia didn't even seem fazed, as she smiled at the crowd and climbed up the steps to the top of the stage, the heads of the government departments helping her up. With the civilians taking up every single breath of space in front of the podium, the soldiers split up and milled about. After all, we already had the audience with the Queen and the people should have their own. Levi, his squad and myself stayed together and watched from the side as Historia stepped up to the people, chin up in confidence. With her golden crown and royal red cape on her shoulders, Historia both looked and acted as a Queen.

"Pssst. Hazura."

There was a rough poke to my back. I winced and glanced over my shoulder. Levi, who naturally stood by my side, caught my expression and turned to look at the source of my jolt. There stood Steve, with a hand beckoning me over.

"There's someone here to see you. Says it's urgent." He flicked his head over to even further behind him and I looked past him. A familiar face caught my eye and my jaw dropped open. I blindly reached out to Levi and managed to tap him on the arm.

"I'll be back."

"Sure."

I stretched out my arm and grabbed onto Steve's hand and he pulled me out from the crowd.

We stumbled from the public and I rushed over to the familiar face, Steve hot on my heels.

"Soldier Swan."

The man saluted instantly, slightly puffing and out of breath.

"I came as soon as I could, Squad Leader Hazura."

I shook my head hurriedly. "It's fine. Let's get out of here first."

Glancing over at Steve, he got the message.

"This way." Leading us back into the building, Steve took us into a side corridor where thankfully no one was around. Looked like everyone went outside to enjoy Historia's first public speech. Without even asking, Steve went to the far end of the hallway and watched for incoming passerbys. Shooting him a grateful smile, I turned back to Swan.

"First, how are you? Are you hurt?"

Swan seemed to be taken aback by the sudden question of his health but answered nevertheless.

"I'm fine, Squad leader. Not a scratch. I have some bad news though."

I blew out a breath and gripped the window pane beside me. I knew this was coming, especially after that long time with no word of what happened.

"Okay. Shoot."

"You asked me to locate Officers Jack, Brian and Sophie, an injured Officer Linda, and Survey Corps Doctor Chris. They were to be found in the Trost district."

"Yes."

"When I got to the Trost district and went to the place where you had instructed me…no one was there."

My head snapped up from looking at the ground.

"What do you mean, no one was there?"

"There was no one there. The place was completely abandoned. However, I did see what seems to be a makeshift infirmary so they were definitely there. I asked around the area to see if I could track them down but no luck. That's why I took so long to report back. Perhaps you would have more luck, as you are their squad leader." Swan averted his eyes. Realising I had gritted my teeth together, I relaxed and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"You did well, Swan. Thank you for trying and thank you for coming back so quickly. I appreciate it."

"Of course, sir! I'd gladly help you, should you ever need it again!" Swan saluted, a slight smile on his face. I did the same back and flicked my head out to the crowd.

"Go and enjoy the festivities while they last."

"Yes sir!" with a nod, the officer left and I heard Steve come up quietly from behind.

"What was that all about? If you can tell me, Squad Leader."

I sighed. "The others have gone missing."

"Missing?!" Steve rounded to my front, just as shocked as I was. "How are they missing?"

I shook my head, my mind racing with options of what to do.

"I don't know. I don't know whether they were forced to or not. I don't know if they were caught or not. All I do know is that they are no longer at that infirmary." My hand fisted and slammed against glass window in frustration. We fell into a bout of silence as the possibilities whirled through our heads.

"I'm assuming to go and get prepared."

I finally raised my gaze to look Steve squarely in the eye.

"Yes. We're leaving."