The Vigilant Prince

Resumption II

Resumption II

   Two months ago, Armin had come to the same place in Shiganshina, in the outskirts of the City of Maria where poor people and scavengers are located. The poorest of the poor, malnourished children, ruined houses and thieves. He was dressed as some poor man again while he observed before he go to the Baron's household for a request directed by Eren himself.
He is guilty of ruining a place as beautiful as this, well, maybe not that beautiful but still. Armin sigh, putting his hands on his pocket and chewing his lips caused by irritation.

"Your here, mister." The familiar womanly voice surprised him, she was holding a basket full of vegetables and a beautiful smile plastered on her face. He become flushed, embarrass that the girl's face is literally inches close to him, she was tiptoeing.

"Oh..you again, Annie right?"

"Yes," the girl nodded, clearing her throat. " Your quiet decent looking today."

Armin flushed again, he almost choked on his saliva. " You think so?"

Armin look around just to avoid the girl's pale blue eyes that is beginning to make him feel nervous.

"Yes, anyway, what are you doing here?"

It sounded like she wants him to leave because of the lack of emotion on her face. " I was just looking around , see if I could help."

" What could you help? The king doesn't even help us." The girl gave a gloomy sigh. " I have to bring this home and cook."

"Can I accompany you?"

" How would I know that you are not a pervert?"

" Do I look like a pervert?"

" Such a pretty face and angelic smile couldn't be trusted too you know."

_____

Armin enjoyed a good time at the simple house of Annie,sipping a tea with her and her family. He had seen her dance too because her mother force her to dance for him, a traditional dance for good fortune. The family is very welcoming and they were just happy. Such a shame, he was one of the  reason of the ruin of this small City.

"Isn't my daughter just lovely?"
Mrs. Leonhart made it sound like
she was proposing to him as Annie's potential spouse. " She is graceful whenever she dances."

"I agree with you." His heart fluttered as he look at her with admiration, watching every movement of the dance he didn't even know. " She is an elegant beauty."

"Yes,yes. She is, so tell me are you married?" Mrs. Leonhart ask, hoping that he wasn't so she could recommend her daughter to him. He just seems so perfect for her, she remembered clearly that it was also the way her husband look at her. It was full of love and admiration.

"I am not suited for marriage." He blushed scratching the back of his neck and look away. " I would put my future wife in danger if I did."

" What do you mean, young man?"

" There is a lot of evil in the dark, waiting for the right moment to come out ." He smiled as he watched her again." Her future husband will be very happy to have her as his wife." 

His hear fluttered again, he wish he could he a suited husband for her  but he knew the game he is playing is dangerous and it could end her if she get involved. His heart broke and he let out a deep sigh, to calm himself, pushing the thoughts away. " I must get going, I've wasted your time."

" It's fine."

" Arumih.." she called  , her voice is such a pleasing sound in his ears. "Your leaving?"

"Yes, thank you." The music played by the chordophone stop. The mother and daughter look at each other, Silence followed.

______

Zack Dhalis, a Baron who collects taxes and also known as the king's watch dog.

He was the one Armin is meeting today and the servants from his household had been welcoming the young man especially knowing who he is. They served him a camomile tea and a crossaint for his welcome. Not long after, the old man finally came downstairs, smelling like a reeking alcohol.

"Armin, it's nice to see you and do business with you again."
He looks like he just woke up and his whores were unable to fix him.

"I'm surprised you haven't been caught, not even once no matter how many crimes you got. " The young man cross his legs as the old man snorted laughing at him.

"I'd say the same thing to you, you have a bounty of over fifty thousand gold coins whoever catch you. Your going to war with Marley? Don't you know how great they are? They could make you shit you pants. I'm sure, if you are constipated that time of their attack." He spoke with glistening eyes.

" They are not even that great." The young man replied, making the old man snort again.

"I expected you'll say that." He gave him a warm smile. " Alright, I know what you will need , just wait for the shipment. I have to be careful or else the king would have my head decapitated infront of everyone."