The new regime had a lot of hardships to overcome. The coup meant that many of the old policemen along with administration personnel had to be incarcerated. The nobles weren't exactly happy about Historia ascending the throne, but it turned out to be quite easy to divide them with the use of taxing. The ones who were more optimistic would gain huge tax cuts, while the ones opposing the military rule would be forced to pay even more.

When the scouts seized the first squad assets, they discovered a lot of new technical novelties, stored within the secret lab of the interior research unit. For instance, the shining ore found in the Reiss chapel had been distributed to the people. With its help, the manufactories could work day and night, nearly doubling the production in the process.

Thanks to all the experimenting with Eren's hardening power, Hange invented a brand-new way of killing titans without the need of getting close to the monsters themselves. The sealed gate in Trost became a home to the invention of a titan slaughterer. It used a huge pile of wood, pulled by horses, to remotely crush the titans' necks. This was a huge news for the troubled society within the walls.

The theory about Marley and the outside world, reached the ears of many civilians, and it already had its own supporters.

"Someone has even written a book about it" Dina exclaimed as she read a newspaper "what do you know, Armin had it all along."

"It was a wise choice to let him be in charge" Erwin responded as he sipped on his tea "he's a very capable type of genius. He'll make a fine leader one day."

"That'd have to be the day you kicked the bucket" the blonde woman replied sarcastically.

The commander looked towards her with a raised eyebrow.

"You should make up with him" he commented "didn't you take care of him when he was young?"

"Not like Eren and Mikasa" Dina said with a blank gaze "he was always reserved."

Silence fell as the woman thought about the past. Everything was on good tracks, yet something was still bothering her. She looked out the window. The clouds were gliding lazily across the sky.

"As much as I like our morning chats, I didn't invite you here for a get-together" Erwin exclaimed as he put down his cup.

Dina looked at him again.

"What is it?" She asked.

"The beast titan" Erwin started "it had an ability to create new titans. Not only that, but he was also able to control them pretty well. From what you told us, there is no way a regular shifter could simply do this."

"I must ask. Could it be your son?"

Dina looked surprised at that. Her son had the power of the attack titan. Why was Erwin asking such a weird question?

Suddenly, she understood. The woman looked down in shame. She had spent so much time with Eren, she forgot she even had a son before that.

"Yeah…" She replied nervously "Ere-… I mean Zeke… The royal blood could possibly unlock such abilities…"

She hadn't thought about her son in years and yet, his royal blood was the first thing that came to her mind with his name.

Dina felt sick. It was as if she never considered her only son as anything more than that.

"Are you okay?" The commander asked her worriedly.

"Yes…" she said as she stood up "…I just need to do something, quick…"

When she exited the room, she slouched over the wall. Tears ran down her face, as the unbearable guilt washed over her.

How could she forget? Dina was so focused on her mission, that she completely disregarded her greatest sin.

What would she do if she faced Zeke again? No number of apologies could ever change what already happened. Fate gave her a second chance, but she honestly had no idea how she could ever make things right with her son.

And now, she was supposed to face him in battle? Dina wasn't sure what she'd do if this ever happened. How could she possibly fight against her own child?

"Dina" she suddenly heard.

The woman looked up to see the concerned face of Erwin.

"I'm sorry about mentioning your son" he said slowly.

"It's not your fault…" she responded, wiping the tears off her face "…this one is on me…"

The commander sat next to her.

"You don't have to punish yourself…"

"I do" Dina said abruptly "I made him like this. Maybe, none of this would happen if I had been a better mother…"

Silence filled the air as the two sat against the wall.

"Yet" Erwin started after a while "if your original plan did in fact work, we would have yet another king incapable of saving anyone."

The woman looked at him.

"Thanks to you and Grisha, our people have a future."

"But Zeke was the one who paid the price…" Dina responded "maybe… Maybe it would be better for everyone if I stayed a mindless titan…"

"You don't know what would happen" the commander explained.

He put his hand on her shoulder.

"For that" he said, "you have my utmost respect and admiration."

Dina felt new energy fill her. She smiled at Erwin.

"You're right" she admitted "but I have something to ask of you."

"What is it?" The commander asked.

The blonde woman was anxious about her request.

"If we ever face against the beast titan" she started "don't make me fight it."

She knew it was much. She knew her power was the second greatest force within these walls. Yet, she knew she would feel helpless if she faced off against her son.

"Alright" Erwin responded after a thorough consideration "this is a fair request."

"Thank you" she said as she leaned on his shoulder.

The preparations for the wall Maria recovery operation were coming to an end. With all the news, soldiers from other branches of the military admitted to the survey corps numerously. Marlowe, whom she met before, was the first to do so, much to Hitch's displeasure. Dina felt a little sorry for the boy, who was oblivious to the girl's feelings. She just hoped he would live to see his former partner again.

Finally, the big day came. The cheers of the civilians weren't exactly a common thing when the scouts would start an operation, yet today was different. This excursion would become the first real step towards freedom.