Levi*
"I didn't mean that, it's not what you thought." He kept his tone low as a sign that he doesn't want to show any disrespect to this man.
"Is that so? For as long as I can remember, you delivered Petra's stuff to my house, and then you left without even saying a word. That's the last time I saw you. " Pedro's eyes narrowed at him. He can see the creases around his brown eyes.
"I was in a hurry," Levi replied. "But I assumed you read my note on top of it and the stuff inside her belongings."
Pedro's face contorted into a grief pattern, "Yeah, you were sorry for our loss . . . you checked up all her stuff before handing it to me. You relied on the journals that Petra kept, to save yourself from explaining some craps."
Bull's-eye. The old man won't waste any time and wants to go straight to the shitty point. Guess he's itching to squeeze the truth out of him.
"No, I knew that I have to talk to you personally. . ." Levi placed his hands in his pocket. He thought about it way back before, but he can't imagine himself being rebuked because of his actions from the past. He admitted that even at his age, he received lectures and even get scolded by Erwin sometimes, but he can't stand the predicament because of his flaws.
He recalled that he prepared his dead squad's personal belongings and delivered them to their families. He gave his support, apologies, and condolences to their families, but except Petra's family. He was dumbfounded in front of her father and mother. That's why he left Petra's stuff in front of their doorstep and couldn't say a word in front of her grieving parents.
He just thoroughly hurt the couple's feelings because of his pride.
"You wanted to talk? But when do you plan to do it? You know that we are waiting but you refused to face me. Instead, you found an alternative way to show how sorry you are and it bothered me so much. .." Then Pedro turned away, obviously calming himself. "But that's something that we have to discuss later, I think you need to settle yourself before we continue our conversation. I can wait anyway. Come inside the house and change into your clothes" He switched his mood and walked towards the house. Levi followed silently and prepared himself, he may want to run away but he's not a kid anymore.
But wait.
Why am I nervous?
Historia
Historia went inside the bathroom leaving the two-man outside; the bathroom was well-furnished just like the bathroom inside her capitol's quarters. It's clean and neat, with white tiles, a bathtub and with a glass door that separates the bath and the toilet...
She began to strip herself and placed the Captain's green cloak at the sink; she washed the cloak with plain water, Wings of Freedom printed on the green fabric, she recalled that the Captain wiped this cloak on her face which made her blushed. Why does he have to be so sweet and kind sometimes?
Maybe because he realized that she's not that young dumb cadet kid anymore. But still, he had given her a lot of support these days. From the orphanage to this garden and Glorious, the white horse that he truly cared for and treated just like his pet and not just an ordinary horse, he gave her away to historia.
After she hung the green cloak on the small rail wall she undoes her hair; she cleaned her body with soap, the water on the floor tiles turned brown as soon as she washed out all the mud on her body. Including her hair, there was even a tiny rock that fell from her head, it made her shook.
That path was the worst, now she's standing on the brown water with a little bit of sand. It's a good thing that this place was already renovated and she got a chance to clean herself in a bathroom and not at the well. She thought that this place was not bad at all, a good thing they got this from the fallen nobles.
While soaking herself she remembered what happened a while ago when she heard the voices. It occurred in the middle of the day, it dulls her eye senses. But why? It mentioned her being the true rulers of the wall. She already knew that but hearing voices that no one could even hear but her, is not ordinary, it's a terrifying feeling for her to be lost in nothing.
Her shoulders began to shake like she couldn't control her muscles. She was terrified at that moment; it was like her body was reacting by itself because of the thought, the voices she heard, and the feeling of being hit by a flash of lightning. They were telling her something.
Deep inside her, she just felt threatened thinking that the source of the voice was unknown to this world. Even the Captain didn't hear anything.
She never felt horrified like this; she doesn't know what's waiting for her out there now that she had this new title.
The message was clear;
Your blood has been awakened.
She frowned. What does it mean? What triggered it?
Was there something hiding inside her blood veins, that she acquired from her father? She just thought that her identity was something else? There was something more than her father didn't tell her about.
"What could it be?" she whispered to herself while water was pouring down her face. She stared at her small pale palm.
What has faith had in for her? Can someone bring her all the answers?
"Your Majesty, your clothes are ready upstairs."She heard Wena from the other side of the door.
"Y-yes, thanks, Mrs. Wena," she replied,
"Call me Wena, your grace, I'll be here outside."She sounds friendly.
"S-sure. I'll be out in a minute."She washed right away so the woman outside will not wait that long.
Levi*
They stepped inside the house, Wena was standing at the side of the door, then at the same time, the other door from the corner of the kitchen sprung open and Historia came out there just wearing a towel around her naked small body.
Levi immediately switched his attention to another direction. Pedro did the same, both of the guys turned around in different directions just to look away from the Queen. Levi squared his jaw . . .
It looks like he can't avoid the Queen from hearing things at this point if Pedro will talk about Petra
"o-oh. . . I think we should head immediately upstairs your Majesty, your clothes awaits you." Wena mumbled while she stood up between the Queen and the boys.
"O-ok." Historia stammered and walked away from them, Wena followed the Queen to the stairs.
Levi followed the Queen's back with his eyes. Somehow, he can see her white porcelain skin. Her scent of soap vast into the air as she walks past them. . He gazed at the path that the Queen trailed inside the place and a feeling inside him suddenly build-up.
Tch
"Captain, I saw this in the box. I think you can try them on. We don't have extra clothes that could fit you. . I think it's a little bit large for Petra but--." Levi cut through Pedro's words. . He recognized the fabrics.
"It's my clothes." He pleaded.
Upon hearing it, Pedro became speechless. . He paused for a moment and his face was filled with bitterness. Levi felt guilty while staring at the man. What could the old man possibly think by now?
But Pedro tried to pretend it doesn't disturb him
"Ok. Then you can have them back." the old man said flatly. Well, Levi can't hide his secrets anymore; even it embarrassed him so much.
Levi entered the bathroom, shutting the door behind him; how he wished he could just storm outside the house and leave all of them. He can't face the man anymore. It's making him crazy.
But if he leaves, it will only make the tension worst. He immediately placed his hands at the sink and let go a deep sigh . . . he bit his lip
Petra . . .
Levi whispered in his mind. He recalled the hazelnut-haired woman.
What would she say...? Will she laugh at him, or will she show her sad youthful face in his dreams again?
He sighed. He remembered how the female titan steps on her and how they dropped Petra's body to distract the titans. How can he ever do that to her? Did he really have no choice at that time?
Fuck him. . . .He screwed up. Shit.
Then he noticed the green fabric beside the sink.
Historia washed his cloak.
The kid was attached to him like crap. How can he push her away when he already made a vow to support her from all the things that she wanted to accomplish. He began to think that if he was doing the right thing, he was afraid that he might show the wrong impression to the Queen since they already have this fondness of being next to each other.
Fondness
Is that the right word for what is going on here?
After a few minutes of settling himself on his old set of clothes he prepared himself to face the old man outside.
Pedro was already sitting at the chair beside the dining table in the kitchen. He went to grab a chair and sat across him. He may be that thick face but he wants to settle things right away. But at the same time, his heart was throbbing rapidly against his chest.
"You should have stayed that day and talked to me like a decent man, Captain. I'm sorry it turned out like this. I didn't mean to call the Commander's attention. But you gave me no choice." Pedro's hand rested on the table and
"I'm sorry," Levi glanced at him uncomfortably, "I understand that you are still mourning at this rate. I was planning to spare a day to talk with you but my schedule is hectic, we're still in deep training with the titan shifter's hardening skills. I'm sure you heard about all of it." He explained.
"Yes, that boy. Doctor Grisha Yeager's son, do you think that we can trust that boy? My daughter died protecting him. He had taken so many lives to stay alive." Pedro mumbled.
"It's not his fault. But he's not stupid to understand all of that. I'm not saying that we can trust him. If he's willing to cooperate with the scouts and fights on our side, then there will be no need of exterminating the kid. He already proved himself and saved our lives several times, but if he takes wrong moves to turn against us, I will be enough to cut his guts and nape out. Your daughter . . . . Has a better judgment as one of my squad, if she thinks that Eren is not worth trusting for, she has already killed Eren a long time ago. So if your daughter decided to protect him until the end, she must have seen the potential within the kid's determination to help us."
Pedro smiled bitterly after hearing what he said. "But because of trusting this kid, she ends up being left outside the walls. Will, you ever tell me that she died because of her potential and not because she chose to stay with you?"
"I'm not washing my hands, Mr. Ral. I will stand and take the blame since I'm the only one who stayed alive in my squad. We might say that Yeager may have something to do with her death but that's all because she decided to enter that field."
"I'm not hurt that my daughter died because of him . . . life is precious because you only live once, that's why I allowed her to follow her heart, but in Petra's case, you know that not only the lives of your comrades and Petra are lost." Levi winced and placed his hands on his forehead.
"Please not about this Mr. Ra" - - Levi resist but Pedro spoke again.
"You could have cherished the moment with her and with the innocent brat. You would not look miserable now. You would have experienced what it would be like to be a father if Petra was still alive with the brat that she was carrying. So with all due respect Captain, I'm just disappointed that you're not saying anything all this time, I understand how my daughter means to you but you refused to stand to face me. We have to ask for Erwin's help to reach out to you." Pedro stood up and looked at him sideways. "Anyway, you should head to the table outside with the Commander. The Queen will follow later with Wena." He sighed and walked towards the door that leads to another room where the front door was located.
Historia
Historia was amazed because the place was kept cleaned despite it was made of wood. Wena must be good at cleaning since she could see herself on the floor like a mirror, she became conscious, afraid that she might slip on the floor; she left her boots outside the bathroom door. They went inside a bedroom. There were clothes on top of the bed and a pair of boots on the floor. As she observed the room, it's all made of wood, the windows were closed, there's a cabinet beside the bed and a single small desk. The bed was plain. There's no pillow or blanket, it's only covered with a white bed sheet.
"Your Majesty, I found a dress in my daughter's stuff, I believed that this dress was still new and was not worn. Don't worry, it's clean. This pair of shoes are mine, but it's totally clean and I guarantee you that this is fine, I hope we have the same size, I will clean your boots right away so that you can wear them when you leave after lunch."
She nodded and smiled as she immediately checks the dress on top of the bed.
It's a cerulean shade of the blue off-shoulder dress, with long sleeves with a small ribbon at the center of the collars. It's an upper knee length. It looks plain but it has beautiful plates and small ribbons, it's the kind of a special expensive fabric.
Wena's right. This dress was new; she could see in every yarn of the fabric, there were no flaws within it.
"You had a daughter?" she examined the dress;
"Yes. She was turning nineteen this year. But she already passed away." Historia noticed the sadness in Wena's face. She guessed that they didn't expect the death of their daughter, it was written all over her face, a mother who weeps for her child's death. She wondered if her mother would have this kind of face if ever...
Ahh, no
She cut the thought about her mother. Her mother was nothing like this woman. Her mother won't fret if ever she was the first one to be killed that night. Her only mother wished her dead.
Historia placed her hand on Wena's shoulder to express her comfort. How would it feel to have a loving mother?
"I'm sorry for the loss of your daughter. Just when did she pass away?" she tried to ask.
"Two months ago." The woman stared at the floor with a depressed face.
Historia remembered the feeling of losing someone; the loss of her mother and the loss of her friends. Time flies so fast and she didn't have time to think it over and to grieve for them. .Life is harsh these days especially since Ymir was not around anymore.
"I-I see. I'm sorry about what happened to your daughter Wena. It must be hard for you as a mother. " Historia held Wena's hand and squeezed it.
"So- so hard that I wanted to die as well, Your Majesty." Wena's voice staggered. "I can accept her choices, her betrayal, her principles, and her beliefs towards her devotion in one person. But I can never accept her death."
"I'm sorry for what happened to your daughter. I wish you move on and go on with your life." Historia felt sorry for Wena. . She wondered how Wena's died, but she thought that asking questions wouldn't help.
"Thanks, Your Majesty. But I have to leave you here so that you could change. You must join the others at the table soon, it's lunch already. I'll be back for a minute."
The woman went outside before she could say another word and slightly closed the door. When she's alone, she stared at the dress. She bet that Wena and Pedro's daughter was a lovely lady. May she rest in peace. Maybe she's happy now that her parents were now under the government's protection; they were one of the lucky ones.
Historia removed the towel that wraps around her naked body. She tied her hair in that poor manner and sat on the edge of the bed as she roams her eyes around the room. It's clean, there's no dust in here, but it looks like no one was using it.
Then something bumped on her feet, she looked down and she spots an open wooden box under the bed. Half of its body was exposed while the wood cover was tipped at the side. She stared at the box and found something inside.
She tried to pull out the wooden box, and when she checks the inside she can spot a bunch of papers. It was letters, a notebook, and other pieces of stuff. But only one thing had caught her attention, she saw a piece of paper on top of all the rest; it had a few words on it.
She tried to reach for it, but she hesitated. What if Wena will come back and see her.
Well, she will only read the content and return it to its place. She will read it quickly.
Don't show your fuck-up faced to me tomorrow. I don't have time to discuss the shit that you want. My answer's "no" so forget about the fucking group plans. Go home and wait for me to visit you. We will talk.
p.s stay safe and leave tonight. Don't make me hate you.
C.A
Who could it belong to? It's using a code name instead of its name. Does this belong to Pedro and Wena when they were still young? But it's impossible. Who among these people here were militaries? Whose stuff is this?
She glanced again at the box and found a little red box made of special material. She opened it and found a gold ring inside. Historia's eyes twinkled as she can see the clear detailed lines scraped in the golden ring. . She tried it on her right index finger, it fit perfectly. She giggled with the thought. This ring might have been used to propose. But why was it stored here in the dusty box?
Her attention went back to the letter, she tried to flip the letter, the ring must have something to do with this letter but she stopped when she heard a loud growling sound from her stomach.
Geez, she didn't see that coming.
She placed the letter on the bed and she immediately moved and started to wear her undergarments. Speaking of her undergarments, it was not that stained, so she felt glad about it.
After slipping herself from the dress, she wished she could see herself in a mirror with this dress. Its corners fit her curves so much. It's beautiful... It's a good dress for free time strolling. It will make her look elegant somehow. She likes it. It would be more beautiful if she can wear this around the orphanage. She felt good wearing it.
"Your Majesty, the food is ready," Wena announced from the other side of the door.
Historia jumped out of her senses and without wasting any time, she took the letter and folded it. She placed it inside her chest. She didn't know why she wants to keep the letter, she guessed that she was intrigued by it but she doesn't have time to dig deeper about the letter.
"Coming!"
Levi
Levi was sitting at the chair next to Hange. Pedro immediately left them and went back inside the house. There was a long silence between the three of them, Erwin was looking at him, and his eyes were waiting for him to speak. He can tell because he's crossing his arms, which means that he wanted to know what's going on at the moment. Hange was reading a brown small notebook and whistling. She's keeping herself busy to avoid getting caught up with their true motives.
If they were not up to something, Hange will be as talkative as hell...but today, Levi can tell how guilty four eyes were. They plotted this day. How long the Ral family did had a connection with Erwin? Does Historia know about this? Since she insisted to push through this lunch?
A moment later, an old man of his seventies came out from the house; it was the one that Hange talked with when they arrived a while ago. He has the same height as Hange, has a large body but not overweight, and has short grayish hair and blue-grey eyes., wrinkles formed on the sides of his eyes, a thick beard and he's wearing a farmer's hat, Levi can't get a good look on his face since his features were covered with all that beard. He was holding a pot; smoke came out from its spout as he came to them.
"Have some cup of tea while waiting." He said while offering the teapot to them. The three of them glimpsed at the old man; Erwin nodded and offered his cup. Hange and Levi did the same. Levi was the last one to be poured with tea in the cup, when the fragrance of the tea reached his nose, he can't help but turn to the old man who tries to look away. He still has that agile body for his age. Levi can tell that he kept a good lifestyle because he's already old but his body still had those well-proportioned forms. This old hag must be used in hunting.
The old guy poured a black tea, Levi can tell that it's well oxidized; it smelled citrusy and woody with a hint of mixed earthly delights. This is not an ordinary tea and it's not just made of ordinary spices
He sipped. It has a strong taste. The caffeine content is recognizable.
"You're a tea sommelier..." Levi commented and glanced at the old man.
Upon hearing it, the man stepped back and looked at him; he had this cold stare towards Levi. "And I can tell that you have a thing with tea, Captain." He replied casually at the Captain. Hange and Erwin glance at them.
"Well, the Captain was known for being such a tea lover," Hange explained to the old man while smirking. He smiled but his mouth hid behind those curly beards.
"I'm afraid I never heard of that. But I can tell by now, he recognized my creation of flavor just by serving a cup. Only tea enthusiasts can tell that I am a tea sommelier." The old man smiled at them.
Levi sipped on the tea and the effect was very rewarding to his senses. What a lucky day somehow for meeting this kind of man since the likes of them are expensive; they only serve the nobles and the royals. You can't see them walking around on ordinary days in a shop since the nobles paid a high price to keep them from indoors. You can only meet a Sommelier if you are invited to noble tea parties.
"Ahh, I'm sure you and Levi will agree when it comes to tea if you only knew how high his standards are when he asks you for a cup." Hange sipped on her cup. "This is outstanding," she added. "If the Captain has chosen another career, I'm sure he'd become a tea sommelier. Since tea is already part of his life." Hange added.
Levi thought that sharing this thing with the old man was unnecessary; she just can't shut her mouth.
"Just look at how he holds his cup," Hange mumbled.
"Hey Hange, enough sharing shits," Levi snapped at her.
Then the old man laughed in a sound.
"That's normal, it only means that he is a person who has a great taste of tea; since tea is good for your health, brewing them perfectly can soothe your brain anyway. It's my job to meet all your high expectations and perfection towards tea." He replied.
"Perfection's not required, you only need to brew the fucking tea properly so that it will not get thrown up on your face. . .no need to use exaggerating words to sell your tea," Levi commented flatly.
He can tell that he hurt the old man's feelings since he winced after his words. Strangely why does he have this extreme feeling of guilt today? do they want to murder Levi by drowning him in guilt?
"But I like your tea. Thank you..." Levi immediately spoke. Tch
"Do you have a name?" Erwin asked. He stared at the man with an obvious suspicion in his eyes. Levi saw it and at the same time, glanced at the old man with curiosity. He never saw this man for sure before. But he's a good tea maker.
"I am Gideon Vader" he smiled at them.
Erwin immediately stood up and offered a handshake to Gideon. Levi was stunned by the sudden move, he glanced at the commander. Erwin's smiling decently now with a willingness in his eyes. What a sudden change of mood?
"Nice to meet you, Gideon. You are an excellent tea sommelier." Erwin's praising the old man. The old man smiled back and accepted his hand.
Levi wondered, Erwin's seemed amazed and at the same time shocked. But he kept it to himself; Levi can sense that the Commander discovered something. What is it now? Did he get something? Is there a game that he wants to play along?
Well, the Commander can see through people's minds. So Levi's curious what did he saw in the old man. Hange stood up as well and offered her hands to the old man then unexpectedly, she hugged him. "I'm so honored to meet you, Gideon. You have an exquisite passion. "
"Thank you, I am so happy to serve you." Gideon smiled at them.
Levi cringed. He doesn't like the way the old man looks at him. His presence somehow sent him an uneasy feeling. He can see that he's old, but judging from his body built, Levi can tell that he's used in extreme physical activities at his old age. But there's something unnatural about it. Did Erwin felt it too?
The three of them laughed except for Levi who sipped his tea silently on his chair. He's not interested in knowing where the old man came from and how did he end up here. He glanced at the foods, according to his appetite, he's not that hungry. But it's been a long time since he got a proper meal. They prepared a good meal with tons of dishes, Eating something delicious this day won't ruin his diet anyway.
Pathetic. Now he's hungry. He just remembered that he mentioned his ration bar. But scouts don't usually have this kind of meal.
"It looks like you were all having a good time." Levi heard a female voice spoke from his back. It was Historia. Levi didn't bother to look as he was concentrating on his cup of tea. He sipped on the tea.
Erwin, Hange, and Gideon turned in her direction. As Levi didn't hesitate to look at the kid, he can see the change of expression within the faces of his colleagues when they saw the Queen.
They were all awed.
Levi being the only one who didn't glanced at the Queen was confused. The three persons in front of him suddenly stood straight and bowed slightly. Levi wants to roll his eyes. It's not like the Queen was on her gorgeous presence at this rate. For sure she's wearing some ordinary dress from Wena.
As a sign of respect, Levi stood up in his seat and turned to the dear young Queen. He was just as surprised when he noticed what she was wearing. This blue dress was very familiar to him. He could not stop raising his eyebrow because he can remember the owner of the dress that Historia was wearing.
Historia's now wearing a blue dress, her shoulder's exposed. Her hair was fixed in a bun form with a few locks left hanging at the side of her face and ears. She's wearing a little lip tint.
Tch. It's Petra's dress.
Levi must not be bothered by the dress because he has not seen it for a long time. Seems like recently and this is what they are now. Petra is no longer wearing the dress so the look of the dress was different from his point of view. But it still brings beauty to Historia, her blue eyes were as clear as heaven.
Petra
Levi mentioned her name as he gazed at the blue dress. He remembered when was the last time she used it, he bet that she never wore the dress after that event.
"Your Majesty . . . you are beautiful in that dress, it's good and it suits you. I'm sure if guys will see you in that dress, lots of them will draw hearts in their eyes." Hange was amazed while looking at her. Levi rolled his eyes.
"Y-Your Majesty, my daughter's dress suits you very well. You have the same body size, that's great." Pedro was standing beside Vader now.
"T-thank Your Mr. Pedro." the blonde kid felt shy as she brought her hands to her cheeks out of habit.
She looked at Levi like she's waiting for him to say something. That expectant look on her face makes him want to turn away. She's just proving to everyone how she became dependent on him since she gave him that look. Hange's eyes were enjoying the way historia look at him.
"I do not know what clothes I will give to the Queen. That's all I thought would suit her because it looks decent." Wena came behind Historia.
"This will do Wena. Thank you for letting me use it." Historia thanked them innocently.
The Captain swore secretly and looked away.
They are pissing him off.
Historia
After an hour, they are all done with their lunch; Historia keeps on drinking her juice and used it to glance secretly at the Captain who signifies a dark expression on his face. He's not saying anything at this moment but Historia often recognized the frowning and scowls at the Captain's eyes.
He won't even look at her, what's his problem? At times like this, she was already used to glancing at him; he's sitting beside her as always. They already had this sitting routine whenever they have meetings, Historia sits at the center of the table and the Captain sits beside her.
But it was different this time. He's maybe seating beside her but he's looking away even they were this close. It made her feel uncomfortable. Even his feet were resting away from hers; he used to bump his feet to hers whenever she felt unusual in meetings. The Captain will give him a brotherly glance even at ordinary times. But none of that was happening right now.
Historia's mind keeps on dwindling at the message of the voices. When will the Captain talk to her about it? She wants to catch his eyes to remind him of his promise. That they will discuss what happened at the muddy pathway. But he just laid his eyes low.
While Pedro's sharing about his experiences as a farmer, only Erwin, and Hange was keeping up with the conversation. The Captain was seemed so lost in his thoughts.
Gideon was also with them, he's sitting beside Pedro on the left side of the table while Levi, Erwin, and Hange were sitting across them.
If Historia looks at Gideon, there's something familiar about his face. If only he gets rid of that beard, maybe she will have a good look at his face. Still, there's something odd about how he looks away and glances around. Then he looked at his plate with his wrinkled eyes, pacing down with a trace of something. Like a depressing expression as he covers his face with his hat.
"Queen Historia, you reminded me about my daughter in that dress. We never imagined this day would come. I can sense that you also have a good heart just like my daughter. Just like you, my daughter was very determined in joining the military." Pedro sighed.
She remembered their daughter in that case.
"In what regiment did she work, if may I ask?" She asked politely, but she felt that she raised one eyebrow. She's curious about their daughter.
Everyone at the table seemed moved. Gideon suddenly coughed out of nowhere while drinking his tea. Historia glanced at him and as usual, the old man was covering his face with his hat by lowering his face subtly. He's not making eye contact with her.
"A-are you ok?" Historia tended to him. He may be a big man but she can tell that he's already old.
"I-I am. But yes, I'm curious, what regiment did your daughter devote her heart to?" Gideon fixed his gesture from gulping his tea carelessly.
Devote. . Her heart? She remembered the letter.
Historia's waiting for Pedro to answer but she noticed that he was hesitating. She glanced at Wena and she was also lending the strength to his husband, they were speechless now, Hange brought a spoon full of food to her mouth at the same time. . Then again and again until her mouth was full. She just reminds her of Sasha.
"Actually she joined our regiment. She's one of Levi's previous team squad, who died two months ago while protecting Eren along with the others in the woods. The Female Titan killed her. I don't know if you met her before, Your Majesty, I bet you barely knew her that time. Her name's Petra Ral." Erwin inserted, he placed his arms at the top of the table in a praying manner. His hands covered his mouth while he talked to her.
But as she pictured out the situation outside the box, she understood how heavy the setting is. The heads of the Survey Corps and Petra's parents were all gathered in one place.
She gasps and turned to Levi who is now drinking his tea. But he was looking away. His orbs were looking in the farthest direction away from them. Is he somehow affected?
"Captain? Is Petra Ral one of your subordinates?" She asked. She remembered that the Captain only had one female member in his previous squad. For a moment she wants to hear him say something. Is this the reason why he was so silent all the time? Because he was facing the parents of his dead comrade? Is the guilt killing him for being left alive by his entire squad?
Captain Levi turned to her with his unpleased eyes. He seemed disturbed. So it explained the unpleasant aura in the place.
"Yes, Your Majesty." He replied in a deep calm tone but it sent chills to her spine. He doesn't like the way he answers her. Suddenly she felt scared deep inside by asking him.
she can feel the vibe of his hostility.
She glanced at Pedro and Wena. They both looked so down.
"Oh. I see." she shortly replied since she doesn't want to talk anymore.
"Not bad. Your pie is delicious, but I think I already tasted this kind of pie before... I wonder if when or where is that" Hange commented while still spooning herself with the food. Pretending not to notice Levi's suppressed scowl.
Historia thank her silently for switching the topic.
"W-well, it's been a long time since I made this kind of pie. I managed to pass the recipe to my daughter but since she's not around anymore, I decided to try and make one again, I never expected it to have the same taste since I gave up on cooking.." Pedro replied with a kind but unsure smile. "I bet Petra cooked this pie to you before."
"Oh yes. I forgot. Petra's a good cook way back in the scouts. I see it now; she inherited the talent from his good father. Right, Levi?" Hange subtly called for Levi who is now drinking his cup of tea.
Levi used the tea to excuse himself from the topic. He didn't say a word but he nodded his head in response. He kept himself busy by eating his food slowly.
Historia thought that she has never seen him eating like this before. It seemed that he loved the food that they prepared. He's more focused on the food now than responding to their conversation.
Historia can't help it anymore; she wants to hear him say something. Why is he so silent? Why is he holding his opinion about Petra?
She moved her feet towards Levi's shoes and kicked the tip of his foot. She expected him to glance but he just looked away.
No way, he should recognize her secret tap. She wants to get his attention.
She wants assurance that he's okay, just like how they secretly tap each other's shoes before at their general meetings with the officials.
At this rate, the Captain was far from doing that.
Suddenly Levi stood from his seat " Mr. Ral, can I have a word with you in private. Is it ok if we excuse ourselves, you're Majesty?"
Historia just nodded even though she didn't know what he truly means. He spoke so suddenly that she flinches from her seat. Somethings not right about him and she's worried.
He ignored her shoe tap. She forgot that he's the famous cold, rude douchebag way back when she's in the scouts, why is she expecting to be treated differently? When he can be the rudest and intimidating Captain.
Cut it out Historia.
Pedro stood up "excuse us, Your Majesty." He said seriously. The Captain and Mr. Pedro strode to the back of the house.
She doesn't feel well about this. There was something in here that involves the Captain and Petra's parents. Maybe there were unsettled issues.
Unsettled issues, is it even possible?
Historia can't hide the feeling of concern. She glanced at the Commander and to the others, they were still enjoying the company and the food. why is she so certain that there was tension between Petra's family and the Captain?
She just sipped the tea and asked for more from Gideon who attentively poured her cup. Wena was talking with the Commander and Hange.
They were talking about herbal teas.
Historia sighed.
Levi
They went to the back part of the farmhouse, Pedro seated at the chair beside the outdoor table. He can see that the old man was struggling and was not yet ready to confront him.
He promised himself that he won't let the blonde kid notice, but he can't help it anymore. They intentionally let Historia wear the dress and brought up Petra in front of him. They even gave her their ring. He thought about this to cut the crap while the Queen is around, he doesn't want Historia to hear something about his past.
But did she know already?
"Please what do you want to talk about, I'm leaving after this. . " Levi didn't bother to sit, but he just stood across him.
"Please, take a seat and relax." He asked him calmly.
Levi can't stand how they mocked him. His fingers are itching and he wants to leave because he will find a way to punch someone's face. They had stepped on his pride and he wants to keep himself from getting angry. He wants to leave while he's still in his proper mindset.
"No thanks. I'm out of time so we have to talk." He crossed his arms.
"I insist," Pedro said in a thick tone.
Levi doesn't want Pedro to defy him, so he just did what he says.
He sat across him.
"Please pardon my behavior last time, We don't have time to grieve for the loss of our comrades. Since we have to plan for another strategy, all we could do is to keep going so that we will not get left behind in preparation, you know we planned to claim shiganshina back. As Petras Captain, please forgive me for my reckless actions. I may want to grieve for the loss of my squad but I have no choice but to fill my duty, it's the only thing that I can do for the sake of their sacrifices, I'm proud of your daughter."
"I know, but Let me remind you Captain Levi that am not a military who mourns for the death of my colleagues. I am a farmer, not a military man like you. I am a father who grieves for the sudden death of my daughter. The blood of my own, my only daughter left. Every day I waited for her to come home believing that she will change her mind and live with us at the farm. . Until that letter came. "
"I'm just her captain, they made their own choices to charge at the female titan. It's hard for me also, I lost my entire squad and comrades. "
"I know that petra is not just a fallen comrade to you and I also knew that you're not just her captain."
Levi lowered his face and squared his jaw. What else can he say?
"I just felt bad for my daughter, I was not there by the time when she needed me most. I'm sure she's terrified knowing that there's no one she can lean on. Not even to you." He said.
Levi just stared on the floor.
"Do you think it's too soon for both of them to left us?"
Levi moved his head to the other side, clearly disturbed by the question. His face unreadable but Mr. Ral's glad to see the Captain's first reaction to the topic.
"As a father, I know you understand that I am angry with you."
"You have all the right Mr. Ral" He simply said, the old man stared at him before he spoke another word.
"If my daughter did not die, do you still intend to let her go?" Pedro asked
Levi's face went dark.
"Fine. " Pedro replied sternly. "I accepted the offer to live here, I allowed you to pay for my debts from my previous landlord and I accepted all the gifts that you sent even though my daughter is already dead, I accepted them because I think that you should pay for the things that you've done to her. She's so young and she deserves to live longer. I made sure that no one knew about your involvement with Petra even after she died. Until I knew who's name is written in your beneficiary. After the crowning of the Queen, I received a whole wagon filled with goods. I was surprised at that moment, the soldier told me that I am one of the luckiest people who will receive unlimited supplies from the Reeves Company since I raised a child to be part of the Scout Regiment. At first, I thought that it was because of Petra, but then the man told me that I should be proud of my son. At that point, I began to suspect you. My connection in your regiment was supposed to be cut off when my daughter died. I went to talk with Flegel, he said that you sent it to me, he said it was kept as a confidential deal. ."
" I owed you a lot." He replied.
Flegel. . finally he knows where to land his fists later.
"No. You don't owe us. Even if you will give me this entire land area, or give me a lot of money, it's still not enough to replace the life of my daughter. No, I mean, the life of my daughter and my grandchild. Your child."
He was speechless. He asked for this so he will not back out.
"This is my first and last request, Levi. Remove my name as your beneficiary. I don't want to get involved with you ever again. You've done a lot for us. For placing us here. Thus is enough. "
Levi went silent for a while. He doesn't want to make a final decision now, he can't give them what they want. He truly is sincere about the good things that he showed to them, and he's willing to grant their request whatever it is. But not this request.
"I can't." He flatly replied. He doesn't want to go any further with this talk. "Thank you, Mr. Ral, I'm leaving here." He quickly walked away towards the front yard. Leaving the old man.
"Wait, Levi!" Pedro stammered and tried to follow him. "It's just my name. Placing us here is enough, it's a big help. We--"
"I don't have time for this Mr. Ral, if you wish to remove your name from the beneficiary, then let the premier know. I don't mind getting dismiss. But my answer is No." He walked fast until he reached the front yard where the others are dining.
Erwin who is sitting at the table immediately noticed him.
"Captain Levi, please, listen to me " Pedro followed him and it just caught the attention from the table. Everyone's looking in their direction
Great.
"I'm leaving Commander Sir. I loved the food and the tea, thank you for the nice meal. I have to head back to the quarters. It's already past lunch. I left them unattended" Levi hurriedly went straight to pour some tea on his cup and drink it.
He needs this to calm his shit down
He felt the stunned gaze of the blonde kid but he can't face her like this. He knew that she's confused about his actions but he can't let himself loose in front of her.
Not with that dress and with the ring on her. Fuck the walls and the three Queens. Bullshit!
"Captain. . " Historia stoop up with a face of concern. Levi knew that she's confused but this is not her business. He knew that his anger was written all over his face so there's no denying it aBout how he feels. "We can leave together. remember that we still have things to discuss." She said
"Four days from now, I will bring the brats to the orphanage, we will discuss it in that day. I will tell the MPs to get you out from here if you are done, there's no way for you to cross that filthy pathway again" He walked and stood beside Erwin. . his blue eyes was not pleased and Levi already knows from the bottom of his ass that the commander already knew that he screwed up.
Levi will not tolerate them from ruining his pride. They already got him and there's no way for him to stay longer.
"I will send reports tonight. Hange and I will continue Yeager's hardening experiment this afternoon. See you later four eyes." He did not wait for their response.
"Levi." Wena stood up from her seat. She called his name in a firm tone that made Levi stopped from making another step. It's the first time she called for his name and Levi remembered Petra. She used to that kind of tone whenever she wants him to stop and listen. What mother is for?
He waited for her to say something.
"Consider our request," she said immediately. She's catching up with the point now but there's no way he will respond to that. Not a chance.
"Goodbye for now Mrs. Ral." Levi did not stroll his eyes around the area to know how they all reacted. He knew that he screwed up. They are all disappointed for ruining the set up.
Hope the sky will eat him away and spare him from this walk of shame. She will deal with the consequences if ever Erwin will lend him some.
Let the walls be damned.
Gideon
Gideon excused himself from the group, since everyone was in the middle of something, no one dared to notice him leave, he went inside the farmhouse and to his room upstairs. He quickly went to the window and saw the wide flat green land area, this land is huge and he's happy to get his hands on it again. He felt relieved somehow for staying here.
He removed his hat and sipped his black tea while staring at the boy who is now storming away from them. He already prepared himself for this moment and thought about spilling the beans. But it's a good thing he held back.
He forgot what kind of people he is dealing with today. The Commander's examining his actions and he's already doubting his presence, and the four eyes second in line commander was subtly measuring his actions. The Captain of the Survey Corps gave his cold piercing eyes on him, there's no room for a warm welcome in his tired and bored orbs. He felt bad about it.
"Tch, What a foolish man you turned out to be."
He mentally thought and smirked under his thick beard. He can't wait to shave this fucking beard when the time comes.
He placed his hat on his hard muscled chest.
" My dear Kuchel, I didn't see this coming but I told you he really looks like me." He sipped his tea.
Hello again! Thank you for waiting for my update. I know I'm updating the chapters so slowly but I am taking my time not to rush. I have plenty of ideas in My mind and I am finding a way to write them down in a nice and more relaxing way since my grammar is nasty. Sorry for that.
Anyway, thanks for the kudos and comments!!! It boosts my inspiration and I will always be thankful for it. those who appreciated my fic. Cheers for more chapters and comments!
Good health for you readers!!! - C18
