Chapter 16 The Manor Talk

(Eren's POV)

As we enter our humble abode, Taka is already engrossed in playtime with Carla. His eyes flicker up at our arrival, and he greets us with a nod. "You're back," he acknowledges warmly.

Gloria wastes no time inquiring about Elizabeth. "Where's Elizabeth?" she asks, her concern evident in her tone.

Taka's response is brisk, his gaze distant. "She's returned to the Stammer Nation," he informs us. "We've got reports to compile for the Rumbling."

I can't help but question his absence from Valij. "Aren't you supposed to head back to Valij to relay the news?" I interject, prompting a weary sigh from Taka. "We've already conducted the report through an online meeting. Besides, someone's got to look after little Carla if I'm off gallivanting."

Carla's attempts to reach us tug at my heartstrings, and I watch as Gloria swoops in to embrace her daughter, their bond a beacon of warmth amidst the tension. With a silent agreement, Taka and I lead our guests into the living room.

Once we sit down, I bring up a topic of interest. "Gloria has three of the Titan powers, and so do I. If that's the case, where were the remaining three? They have gone into my sworn brother Taka here."

Armin's curiosity is piqued. "Since when did you and Taka become sworn brothers? What have you been doing in the Stammer Nation?"

"The Stammer and Valij nations had endured civil strife before our arrival," Taka recounts, his voice carrying the weight of history. "The core conflict that sparked the war revolved around the question of Eldian rights. Despite Eldians forming a minority in each nation compared to Paradis Island and Marley, they constituted a significant portion of our populations, leading to heated tensions and ultimately, conflict. Under the leadership of President Abraham and President Libre, who championed Eldian rights, the war concluded with a victory for those advocating for Eldian inclusion, while dissenting voices were permanently exiled."

I nod in agreement, reflecting on the aftermath of the war. "However, even after the resolution, there were lingering concerns among civilians regarding Gloria's and my lineage. Gloria hails from the Tybur family, and I possess the Founding Titan. This prompted us to initiate negotiations, eventually reaching an accord to utilize our titan powers constructively."

"With the agreement in place," Taka adds, "we embarked on a mission to cultivate a vast tract of land along the border, leveraging our titan abilities for prosperity rather than conflict."

I exhale, recalling the initial challenges we faced. "The task wasn't without its difficulties. Initially, Gloria and I toiled alone, met with apprehension from both farmers and soldiers who observed from a distance. It was Taka who rallied reinforcements, easing our burdens and paving the way for Elizabeth's involvement. Their collective support allowed Gloria to rest, especially vital as she carries our child."

Taka interjects with a smile, reaffirming our bonds forged through shared struggles. "Since then, Eren and I have stood as sworn brothers, while Elizabeth and Gloria are sworn sisters, bound not just by blood but by the trials we've faced and overcome together."

Mikasa's frown deepens as she brings up Gloria's past as Aya Neumann, a spy. "Was that the reason you left with her that day?" she asks, her concern palpable.

I nod, acknowledging her question. "The Attack Titan grants glimpses of the future, yet in those future memories, there was no trace of Gloria Tybur. This uncertainty led me to question whether the future is immutable or if Gloria is a pivotal figure in shaping events. Her arrival on the island raised suspicions, especially as she worked with the medical group. Having recently inherited memories from my father, I decided to delve deeper into her motives and identity."

Turning to the window, I continue, "Our collaboration extended to aiding sick civilians, although Gloria remained guarded and refused physical contact. It wasn't until the events unfolded during the hearing in Marley that I realized the significance. Knowing the predetermined outcome, I felt compelled to leave, resigned to the supposed inevitability dictated by future memories... until Gloria disclosed everything, allowing me access to the paths."

"In the paths, we transcended concerns about security and defied the vow renouncing war, breaking the curse of thirteen years. We summoned Historia first, confiding in her to keep our plan clandestine from the military. Naturally, we also informed Floch and the Yeagerists, urging them to prepare for what was to come," I explain, the weight of our clandestine actions evident in my words.

"Why didn't you call for our aid then? We could have helped you with the negotiations as well. Isn't that what we Survey Corps were doing?" Mikasa asks with a frown.

"I did mention my reasons before," I reply with a hint of annoyance. "Consider Sasha's death; you were all devastated. Now, imagine if our entire plan failed. Gloria and I could survive due to our titan abilities, healing, and the power of the paths for escape. But if all of you were with us, we wouldn't be able to ensure your safety in time. Moreover, if Gloria revealed herself as a Royal Blood Titan like Zeke, what would Commander Hange and the military do? I won't let her suffer as I did."

Jean exhales, processing my words before responding. "Did you really think that far ahead?"

"When Gloria unlocked the power of the Founding Titan, I inherited 2000 years of memories from previous kings. Betrayal, distrust, and countless struggles shaped me into a different person. I'm no longer the one who would proclaim to eradicate all titans to every trainee," I admit with a sigh.

Taka adds insightfully, "According to Eren, he and Gloria adopted disguises as merchants, traversing the world for negotiations. However, they often faced ambushes or encountered conferences where negotiations with Eldians were rejected, especially during the Mid-East War, where Eldians were unfairly blamed for Marley's conflicts."

Shaking my head, I continue, "The support from Stammer and Valij proved invaluable. Their advanced technology surpassed that of other nations. After cultivating the lands and spending three months in their nations, we held numerous meetings with Historia and the two presidents. The military remained unaware due to the efforts of our Eldian Military, or what you call the Yeagerists, controlling information flow. However, we didn't conceal our plans from civilians; they embraced the technology and machinery provided by Stammer and Valij. We used the Founding Titan's power to ensure their silence, not to the military but to preserve our strategy."

"Why did you decide to return to Marley after accomplishing so much in Stammer and Valij Nations, only to wreak havoc in Liberio?" Armin probes.

"I returned to Marley after our accomplishments in the Stammer and Valij Nations due to Gloria's ties to the War-Hammer Titan and the Tybur family," I explain, frustration lacing my words. "Her loyalty to Marley remained unquestioned, allowing us to maintain a facade of allegiance. However, her betrayal went unnoticed, ensuring Marley continued to view her as an asset. Plus, I needed to confront Zeke to understand his reasoning behind our plan."

Reflecting on the events in Liberio, I admit, "Our assault resulted in significant casualties. Gloria and I engaged in combat, concealing her true intentions until we escaped on an airship. Her motivations stemmed from seeking revenge against her own kin for her parents' deaths."

"Why resort to such drastic measures, especially with the looming Rumbling plans?" Jean questions, his concern palpable.

"If you were there, you'd have heard Willy Tybur's speech," I reply. "Consider what might have happened if I hadn't been present, given that I was conversing with Reiner and Falco beneath the building."

"Reiner was with you?" Armin exclaims. "But that changes..."

"As a Marley warrior, he sought reinforcements to capture and devour me. Imagine if I hadn't transformed then," I point out.

"Why risk letting Reiner find you?" Jean asks.

"Falco. He helped me send letters to all of you, believing I'm a force for good. He introduced me to Reiner, unaware that we already knew each other from the island," I explain. "But let's focus on the bigger picture. Had I not been in Marley during the speech, what might have unfolded?"

Taka elaborates, "During the speech, they painted Eren Yeager as humanity's enemy, baiting nations to attack the island. Even though Stammer, Valij, and Hizuru had fled, we overheard the applause for the island's destruction. If nations resisted, Marley planned to use bombs, blaming the island's inhabitants and rallying others to attack."

"I would have been responsible for the island's destruction," I admit. "That's why I chose to strike first instead of waiting for a pretended assault. We had to act to prevent catastrophe."

Taka's recounting of our conversations during those five months after Carla's birth delves into the depths of guilt and sorrow. "Eren shared his adventures with us, often expressing his pain over the deaths of his friends," Taka explains. "He mourned for the Levi Squad, slain by Annie Leonhart; Thomas Wagner, Mina Carolina, and others lost to the Titans unleashed by Reiner and Bertolt; and Commander Erwin Smith's heroic yet tragic charge that claimed many lives, leaving only Floch as a survivor."

Armin tries to interject, "We cared about their deaths, Eren—"

"Do you truly understand the weight of their sacrifices?" I interrupt, my voice edged with frustration. "Sasha's death affected you deeply, but what about the others? Why did I confide in Floch instead of you? Because he understood the gravity of that charge. Most of those who died were his friends. He initially hesitated to assist me, knowing I couldn't sacrifice Armin. But he grasped what was necessary for the island's survival, unlike you. Your plan would lead to betrayal and doom for the island."

Armin protests, "We didn't know then. Did you expect us to predict—"

"Proof?" I cut in sharply. "We have proof in the form of Zeke's spinal fluid in the wine. Yelena and Zeke's mistake was confiding in me about this plan. Imagine if I hadn't known. What would have transpired?"

This causes them to be silent, as they finally begin to realize the situation. Mikasa decides to ask, "How did you manage to persuade the Anti-Marleyan Volunteers to assist you?"

"After Zachary's demise, we orchestrated a collective escape from imprisonment," I explain, my tone retaining a hint of detachment. "With the support of the populace, we rallied their aid to liberate the volunteers and divert the guards' attention. We presented them with a choice: compliance meant survival, while resistance led to their demise."

Armin's expression darkens at the mention of further bloodshed. "So, more lives lost... how many of the volunteers have you killed because of this?"

"Sometimes, sacrifice is unavoidable for the sake of our collective future," I assert, rising from my seat. "We must acknowledge that some are devoted to Zeke and Yelena's agenda, intent on our destruction."

As I prepare to depart, a pang of longing for my daughter Carla surges within me. "Despite my earlier harsh words, I've missed my daughter dearly," I admit, my voice softening slightly. "I may have been too blunt in calling you all weak, but I implore you to grasp the gravity of our world's circumstances and strive for strength."

Mikasa's insistence on accompanying me prompts the others to follow suit, their resolve evident as we venture forth together.

Here is a new chapter, and we have another argument with Armin and Jean in this chapter. As you can see, Mikasa has understand when she has to be quiet. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be back to Gloria.