Chapter 3

The next day has come, and Mikasa, Armin, Jean, and Connie arrive at the court. The Yeagerists are asking me about my opinion, and I decide to say nothing as I only wish them to keep the secret of my being alive during the whole trial.

Aya is already greeting the four people, saying, "I am the Commander of the new Eldia Military, you can call me Aya Neumann."

"Neumann? So you're related to Akira Neumann?" Connie asks, and Aya says, "The name you're speaking of is my deceased brother. However, I'm not here to chat, I'm here to escort you to the main court, where you'll be given a trial by Grey Kruger, our new Premier."

As she is walking, Jean says, "The military has changed a lot, I assume most of them are now Yeagerists."

"Considering we end the original military's lives. We are what that's left." Armin frowns. "It is no wonder."

After they are taken to the courtroom, they notice my face as I sit on the chair. Historia sits on her ornate throne, a cold and stern expression on her face. Her presence was a stark reminder of the power she now wields. The courtroom was filled with military officials, mostly Yeagerists, eager to see justice served as they saw fit.

The four accused stand before us, their eyes are fixed on the ground, their expressions a mix of defiance and regret. Mikasa's usually determined gaze is clouded with sorrow, Armin's once-curious eyes are now filled with anxiety, Jean's sarcastic smirk has disappeared, and Connie's carefree demeanor has given way to a grave countenance.

I say, "With the queen and the accused here, let's begin our trial." I can see that the four of them flinch a little at my voice, which is something I can't actually change. I say, "Due to Zeke Yeager's interference, the old military regime has been no more and the final decision will be handed down by me. We will deliberate upon whether you live or die as well. Do you have any objections?"

"No, sir." The four of them say as I continue, "Very well. Let's begin. Mikasa Ackerman, Armin Arlert, Jean Kirstein, and Connie Springer, the four of you allied yourselves with the enemy and killed a majority of the soldiers at the port. How do you plead?"

Mikasa's eyes flash with a glimmer of defiance. "We admit to attacking the Yeagerist forces at the port, but it was a desperate attempt to prevent them from killing the Azumabitos and getting the flying boat. We had no choice."

Armin, his voice tinged with sorrow, adds, "We didn't want to harm our fellow soldiers, but they were loyal to Eren, and we had to stop him at any cost."

Jean, his voice somber, continues, "We didn't want to see more lives lost. It was a painful decision, but it was the only way to end the Rumbling."

Connie nods in agreement, his eyes heavy with the weight of their actions. "We're not proud of what we did, but we believed it was necessary to save humanity."

Just then, a citizen yells, "Necessary? Your actions caused the deaths of many loyal soldiers who believed in Eren's vision. You betrayed your own kind."

"They also allied themselves with the Armored, Female, and the Cart Titan! They were the ones who killed most of the soldiers at Shiganshina!"

"They should be punished!" As the crowd continues to roar, I smack the table with the gavel. "Order in the court."

Now the crowd is silent, I continue, "We are in a court! Argue about your individual beliefs and opinions somewhere else." Then I turn to the four. "You're saying that you believed it was necessary to save humanity. Can you elaborate more?"

Armin says, "We had seen the devastation caused by the Rumbling. The world was on the brink of destruction. We knew that if we didn't act, countless lives would be lost. We made the agonizing choice to stop Eren because it was the only way to prevent further catastrophe. Eren was no longer the person we once knew. His actions had become a threat to humanity itself. It wasn't about betraying our own kind; it was about preserving the future for everyone, inside and outside the Walls."

Jean says, "We understand the pain our actions caused, but we believed that the greater good was at stake. We couldn't stand by and watch the world crumble. It was a choice between two terrible outcomes, but we had to make it. We chose to protect humanity over everything else, even if it meant turning against our own comrades."

I turn to Historia, "Your Majesty, do you believe that their actions were justified, even if it meant going against Eren Yeager?"

Historia closes her eyes and says, "The decisions made by Mikasa Ackerman, Armin Arlert, Jean Kirstein, and Connie Springer were not taken lightly. They were faced with an impossible situation, a choice between two terrible outcomes. They believed, as they have stated, that stopping Eren was necessary to save humanity. I understand that their actions have caused pain and loss among our own people. But we must also remember the dire circumstances they found themselves in and the heavy burden they carried."

Some of the citizens are not happy, and Historia continues, "I believe that we must weigh the greater good against the sacrifices made. While I do not condone the loss of life at the port, I acknowledge that the accused acted out of desperation and a sincere desire to protect humanity."

I nod as I continue, "So you have stopped the Rumbling and saved the humanity outside the island, the rumbling was meant to protect our island from the humanity that you're trying to save. What if in response they try to attack us for revenge? How are you sure they won't fight back?"

"According to the deceased Eren Yeager, 80% of the population outside of the world has been wiped out, the humanity outside the walls will fall to the same level of civilization as Paradis. Which means there won't be any one-sided retaliation. The war will never end."

Now he's using the words against me, and the crowd is starting to murmur again. Jean says, "Armin is right. The Rumbling has fundamentally changed the global power dynamic. It's in our best interest to seek peaceful coexistence and rebuild our relationships with the rest of the world."

Armin says, "And when Eren Yeager dies with the Rumbling, the power of the Titans is also taken away. There is no more reason for people to hate Eldians because of the fear of turning into Titans."

The military remains unmoved, while the citizens are surprised. I say, "Very well. Among you guys, there is also Hange Zoe and Levi Ackermann, former members of the Survey Corps. What has happened to them?"

Mikasa, her voice steady but tinged with sadness, responds, "Hange Zoë, our former commander, and Levi Ackerman, our comrade, have both faced their own challenges and sacrifices. Hange was a brilliant strategist and a dedicated leader who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect humanity. Levi, too, has paid a heavy price during our battles, and he has been left severely injured."

Armin, looking pained, adds, "Hange's death was a loss that shook us deeply. They gave their life to save the people of Paradis and to help us in our mission to stop the Rumbling."

Jean continues, "Levi has been incapacitated due to his injuries, and he's no longer able to participate in active missions. Both of them have made incredible contributions to our cause."

Connie nods, concluding, "The sacrifices of Hange and Levi serve as a constant reminder of the high cost of our actions and the responsibility we bear."

"I see. Now let's hear what the queen has to say." I say.

Historia stands up and says, "Hange Zoë and Levi Ackerman were true heroes who dedicated their lives to the Survey Corps and the protection of humanity. Their sacrifices will be remembered, and their legacy will live on as a symbol of our commitment to a better world. We must honor their memory by continuing the work they began, and by seeking peaceful coexistence with the rest of the world. It's a path fraught with challenges, but it's a path that we must walk."

I look at the papers and say, "I have received a resignation letter from Mikasa Ackermann here, is it true that you want to resign your role as a Survey Corps member? May we know your reasons for resigning? Is it related to your actions in stopping the Rumbling and the consequences you now face?"

Mikasa replies, "My decision to resign is a personal one, and it is not directly related to the trial. While I stand by the choices I made to stop the Rumbling, I believe it is time for me to seek a different path and to find my own way in this changed world."

Armin, Jean, and Connie look at Mikasa with understanding and support, recognizing her need to make her own choices after the trials and tribulations they had faced.

Historia, acknowledging Mikasa's decision, added, "Mikasa Ackerman's decision to resign is her own, and we respect her choice. She has been an integral part of the Survey Corps, and her contributions will not be forgotten."

Armin speaks, "While Mikasa has chosen to resign, the rest of us are committed to staying and helping to shape a new future. We believe that our actions were the first step towards change, and we want to be a part of that change."

Jean adds, "The world is different now, and it's up to us to show that we can coexist peacefully with the rest of humanity. We won't abandon our mission."

Connie nods, concluding, "We've faced many challenges and made difficult decisions, but we're determined to see this through. We want to be part of a world where humanity can live together without fear and hatred."

"Very well, and I have made my decision." I say while smacking the table with the gavel. "After careful consideration, we believe that you three have demonstrated the qualities needed to become our ambassadors to the outside world. Your actions have shown your commitment to humanity and the pursuit of a better future. It is a challenging role, but we believe you are well-suited for it."

"This decision is an insult to the memory of Eren Yeager, our savior! They betrayed us, and now they are being rewarded with the role of peacemakers? We won't stand for it!"

"We cannot forget the lives we lost, the pain we endured. These ambassadors will put us at risk, and we should not trust the outside world that easily."

I know that there are going to be protests, and I yell, "Order in the court!"

After they are silent, I say, "We understand your concerns and the pain many of you have experienced. The decision we made was not taken lightly, and it is based on the belief that peace and coexistence are possible. Eren Yeager himself believed in a future where Eldia and the world could find common ground. While we acknowledge the sacrifices made in the name of his mission, we also recognize the need to move forward in a way that benefits all of humanity.

We do not dismiss the past, but we must acknowledge the reality we face. The Rumbling forever altered the world, and we have an opportunity to shape a better future for our people and for the rest of humanity. We hope that, in time, you will see the potential for change and the possibility of a world where fear and hatred no longer dictate our actions. We understand your pain, but we also believe in the power of hope and reconciliation."

That finally shuts them up, and then the court ends with the four of them relieved.

After the court ends, I'm greeted by Aya and Historia. Aya says, "Well done, Grey, those are some inspiring words you get there."

Historia says, "I was a little scared at first of what is going to happen. I'm glad that things are going well."

I say, "As much as I want to put my personal feelings inside, I know that it is prohibited. However, it takes two parties to talk, what we should worry about is their response."

After we leave, we encounter Armin's group. He says, "I want to thank you for considering our side of the story."

"Don't thank me. I'm just doing my job." I say. "Is there any more problem? If not, please excuse me and my wife."

Jean asks, "Wait, so the wedding yesterday was your wedding? Congratulations."

Aya says, "Thank you. However, you're not safe just yet. You've heard from the court that some of the people are still against you and the whole world. As the commander, I need you guys to work really hard."

"We understand." Connie says.

Mikasa asks, "I have another question... your voice... it sounds so much like Eren..."

I say, "I'm not sure what you mean. I'm just a person who made a decision based on the information presented."

"I see..." Mikasa says as we excuse ourselves. I can hear Armin saying, "Mikasa, you and I both know that Eren no longer exists..."

"I know... but... I just want to meet him again..." Mikasa mutters.

It's sad, and I'm feeling bad, but for the future, this has to be done.

Here is a new chapter, and this is the trial of the four of them. I did have some help from Chat GPT because it is hard to write. I hope you like this chapter.