The Heart of Humanity

Chapter 10: Starting Over

Levi had requested a favour from Erwin, a meeting with Lovof. Eva was stuck in the infirmary since they returned, and was under the effects of sleep aids since she also hadn't slept since they returned. There wasn't permanent injury, but once the shock wore off Eva was unable to focus. Her panic was overwhelming and so, at Levi's request, they gave her enough sleep aids to force her down for a few nights. That way he would also have a night. One evening he needed to slip away from Eva's bedside and enact his own plan. Eva protected him, she made sure Erwin would give them a place in the regiment following his attempt. Now it was his turn. Erwin assured Levi multiple times that Premier Zachary would be just in Lovof's sentencing, but Levi knew better than to trust officials or nobility.

"You'll have five minutes," The guard reminded, opening the door. Levi looked around as he entered. The fireplace flickered with light, and the table in front of it was lined with sweets, small sandwiches and tea. The walls were lined with books, and portraits of the King along with members of the court. If it wasn't for Lovof's chained wrists, he would have forgotten that he was even under arrest.

"Levi!" Lovof greeted, nearly spilling his tea as he tried to stand.

"These blasted chains," He muttered, shaking his fist and rattling the chains. Even how nobility was arrested looked different, and it made Levi set in his decision.

"If you're here about the documents, you'll see that you're too late and I know that Erwin is still alive. It would seem you and your sweet sister have guaranteed your surface citizenship by choosing Erwin. So, for now, I have no more business with you."

"My sister is dead," He replied. This time Lovof looked up from his table of treats, his eyes a little wide but Levi couldn't pinpoint with what. Anger? Hurt? Loss?

"Excuse me?"

"Eva is dead," He repeated.

"Oh my, oh my sweet girl." Levi's nails cut into his palm, but he kept his face set. He recognized it now, the emotion behind Lovof's eyes. The look a child would have when they broke their toy or lost a possession.

"Where will she be buried?"

"There is no body. The titan that killed my friends took Eva as well," He replied smoothly.

"Oh dear, my poor sweet Eva. She would have made such a lovely wife," He mused, shaking his head.

"What a waste, but there will be others. I suppose our business really is done." Levi nodded, turning to leave.

"You don't seem upset about it," Lovof noted.

"Death is common where we were from. It's miracle Eva made it as far as she did," He replied, and Lovof laughed. 

"I suppose you're right." Levi hesitated at the door and looked back at him.

"You were never going to give us surface citizenship, were you? You just wanted Eva." Lovof smiled, unbothered by Levi's assumptions. He seemed to think over his response as he reached for a bottle of wine.

"I met with Eva," He started, pouring himself a generous glass.

"I offered her a transfer to the Military Police and in exchange, I would make sure you weren't executed or thrown in prison for killing Erwin. She refused of course," He continued and took a sip of wine. A disgusted look crossed his face, but Levi knew it wasn't directed at the wine.

"It would seem she was still able to protect you in her own way and get me on a trial, even if nothing will come of it," He finished with a chuckle.

"So Furlan and Isabel-"

"I needed you to control Eva, and Eva to control you. Anyone else was just cannon fodder. It's just a shame my sweet girl was lost in the crossfire."

"She's better off dead than with you." He laughed again.