Chapter 4
Ever since Aya became pregnant, I have been the one who is leading the military with a lot of decisions and training. Even though Aya protests that she wants to help out, I just don't want to risk the baby in her stomach.
I also have some meetings with Armin, Jean, and Connie. The three of them act as diplomats for the outside world, I'm happy that they haven't found out my true identity, or else it is going to be a great problem.
Today is the day when Lady Kiyomi, the seasoned diplomat and leader of the Azumabito clan, brings the survivors of Hizuru to Paradis Island. As the queen of Eldia, Historia is now welcoming them with open arms.
Kiyomi takes a deep breath and steps forward to greet her. "Your Majesty," she says, bowing respectfully. "It's been a long time."
Historia returns the bow and gives Kiyomi a small, sad smile. "Lady Kiyomi, there's no need for formalities anymore. We're all in this together now."
Kiyomi's eyes soften with sympathy as she replies, "You're right. We're all survivors, trying to make sense of this new world."
Historia closes her eyes and asks, "Because of the Rmbling, Hizuru is already in a state of collapse as a nation, do you regret that you have come to Paradis, only for this to happen?"
"I can't deny that I feel a deep sense of regret," Kiyomi admits, her voice ting with sadness. "When I first came to Paradis, I believed that forging an alliance with the people within the Walls was the key to securing a future for Hizuru. I never anticipated the scale of the destruction that would result from the rumbling. I am the one who brought Zeke and Eren together. I imagine there's nothing I can do to atone for the sin of bringing about this mass slaughter."
Historia gazes at Kiyomi, her expression filled with sympathy. "Lady Kiyomi, we're all grappling with the consequences of our actions. It's true that the alliance between Zeke and Eren led to unimaginable destruction, but we can't change the past. What matters is what we do now."
Kiyomi says with regret, "You're right, Your Majesty. All we can do is work towards a better future, a future where such atrocities will never happen again."
"So what brings you here to Paradis Island?" Historia asks.
"I came to Paradis Island in search of a better future for Hizuru. It is true that the people of our nation dislike that we allied ourselves with the one who creates the mass destruction, but for our survival, Hizuru is willing to cooperate with you even if that means surviving." Kiyomi says.
"Very well, so I assume you want to continue the trading deal?" Historia asks.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Despite the destruction caused by the rumbling, I still believe that continued cooperation and trade between Hizuru and Paradis Island can benefit both of our nations. Our relationship can be a cornerstone of the new world we aim to build."
Historia says, "Trade and cooperation are essential for the survival and growth of our people. We can learn from the mistakes of the past and use our resources to rebuild and ensure a better future."
Kiyomi's eyes dart to the soldiers standing behind Historia, and she can't help but feel a sense of unease. She clears her throat and asks, "So I have to assume that this is the military that used to be the Yeagerists?"
"Yes, Lady Kiyomi. After the events of the rumbling, the Yeagerists disbanded, and we've reorganized our military. We are committed to a different path now, one that promotes peace and cooperation." Historia says. "Our Commander Aya Neumann is pregnant, which is why she's absent right now. And this is our new premier, Grey Kruger."
I step forward and Kiyomi gives a polite nod to me, her interest piques. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Premier Kruger."
"The pleasure is mine, Lady Kiyomi. We're all committed to a new era of peace and cooperation." I say.
Kiyomi flinches at my voice, and she asks, "Pardon me, if I may ask, your voice does sound familiar to Eren Yeager, is it a coincidence?"
I feel a wave of anxiety wash over me. I offer a cautious smile and reply, "Ah, you have a keen ear, Lady Kiyomi. It's merely a coincidence, I assure you. My voice may resemble his, but I am not Eren Yeager."
Kiyomi is looking at my face, trying to discern any hint of deception. "I see. It's just that the resemblance is quite uncanny."
I try to maintain my facade, and I say, "Well, it's a small world, and sometimes, voices can sound alike. Please rest assured that I am fully committed to the goals of peace and cooperation that we share."
Kiyomi seems to accept the explanation. "Of course, Premier Kruger. I'm sure we can work together for the greater good. There is another reason why I'm here; I want to know if Lady Mikasa has returned, and if is she fine?"
"Mikasa Ackermann has resigned as a soldier, she's not part of the military anymore." Historia says with a slight frown.
Kiyomi is surprised to hear that Mikasa has resigned as a soldier. She inquires, "Resigned as a soldier? Is there a specific reason for her decision?"
"Mikasa has a special relationship with Eren Yeager. She has loved him her whole life. When the Rumbling happened, it was an incredibly difficult time for her. The realization of what Eren had become and the destruction he was causing took a heavy toll on her." Historia closes her eyes.
Kiyomi frowns, "I can only imagine the emotional turmoil she must have experienced. Love can be a powerful force, but it can also be a source of profound pain."
"When Armin reveals the one to deliver the final blow of Eren Yeager, that is not the case. The one who actually delivers the final blow is Mikasa Ackermann." Historia reveals.
"Mikasa delivers the final blow to Eren? That's unexpected. What happened?" Kiyomi asks.
"Eren had the power to command the Titans and reshape the world as he saw fit, but he chose not to use that power to manipulate the Titans or control their actions. Instead, he allowed them to act according to their own instincts." Historia replies.
Kiyomi is intrigued by Eren's decision, "That's a surprising choice, given the extent of his power. Why did he make such a decision?"
"Eren believed that freedom was the most important thing, even for the Titans. He wanted to give them the freedom to decide their own fate, just as he fought for the freedom of the people within the Walls." Historia says. "However, in the end, despite Eren's ideals, Mikasa had to find the strength to make the ultimate choice and deliver the final blow. It was a deeply emotional and challenging moment for her, to deliver the blow of the man she truly likes."
I try not to show my emotions, but what Historia says really hurts my heart. Kiyomi says, "I see. After she kills Eren, I assume she just leaves and lets Armin Arlertr deal with the aftermath?"
"Yes, she comes back to this island alone with Eren's decapitated head, hoping to give him a proper burial." Historia says.
"I see... and I was hoping to have Mikasa back in Hizuru since she's the descendant of our nation's leader. Looks like it won't be possible..." Kiyomi nods.
After the talking is over, I am more than willing to go back to Aya's side. But when I get there, I am surprised to find Mikasa there as well. I ask, "Mikasa Ackermann... What is she doing here?"
Aya says, "She came and I decided to offer some tea to her."
Mikasa says, "I'm sorry to be a burden, I'll leave-" But he isn't expecting to hear me say, "It's fine. I'm glad there's someone who is able to watch over my wife in the dire moments."
Aya says, "So how is the meeting with Hizuru going? Is everything fine? Is there a fight?"
I shake my head, "Everything is fine thanks to Queen Historia, the Hizuru nation is trying to negotiate and do the trade. I'm glad they're still cooperating, but it was tiring since Lady Kiyomi really asks a lot of questions. She even asks about Mikasa's whereabouts and is hoping to get her back to Hizuru..."
Mikasa widens her eyes, before she says, "I'm sorry that I have to decline."
"We know, it seems that the queen and you really know each other so well that she even understands your intentions." I say. "I know you want to stay near Eren's grave despite everything he's done."
Mikasa knows and then she has to leave because it is almost late, and Aya says, "You know it is really hard not to tell her that you're still alive to her, but at least I get to know more about you from her. So you saved her by killing two people when you're in the age of nine?"
"It was not my best moment, but they were scum that were trying to rape her and killed her parents." I say. "And after that, my Dad just invited her to live in our house."
"Is that so..." Aya says. "The more I've heard from her, the more I felt jealous as well..."
I say, "I promise you that I'm not returning to her. Eren Yeager, the one of her life, is already dead. I am now Grey Kruger, not Eren Yeager. I am your husband and I love you even more than her. Besides, I already told her that I hated her ever since we were kids."
"Of course, you told me about this a lot of times, but for some reason, there is still an odd feeling in my chest." Aya says.
A few months passed, and it is finally time when our daughter to arrive, I gently wipe a bead of sweat from Aya's forehead and offer her an encouraging smile. "You're doing great, Aya. Our daughter is almost here."
Aya clutches my hand tightly, her pain and determination mingling in her eyes. "I know, Grey. I can do this."
After what feels like an eternity but is, in reality, only a matter of minutes, the moment arrives. My hands carefully cradle our newborn daughter, who let out her first cry, filling the room with the promise of a new life. Tears of joy well up in my eyes as I hold our daughter, a tiny and fragile bundle. My heart swells with indescribable love and pride. I watch with exhausted but elated eyes as I gently place our daughter in her arms.
"She's beautiful, Aya." I say, and Aya nods, "Welcome to the world, Erina. You're free..."
Hearing the words, the baby starts to open her eyes, it has emerald eyes like mine, but the facial features are much like Aya's. That is a good thing since I don't want others to recognize her being Eren Yeager's daughter, but Grey Kruger's daughter.
Here is a new chapter, and you can see that in this chapter, Eren and Aya's child is now in the story, I also added the interaction with Hizuru and Paradis with the Azumabitos in the story as well. Things are turning for the better, but how long will it last? And how long can Eren hide the secret from the others about his true identity of being alive and what will happen with Erina's childhood? I hope you like this chapter.
