No matter where you are- Levi x Reader

Chapter 24

The next day arrived and Erwin and I left for the hearing. We were joined by Levi, Hange, Anna and Thomas, the latter two being the key witnesses.

An hour after we arrived, the session commenced. People were seated on either side of the room. I spotted Hans in the audience, casually chatting with the other Nobles. The sight made my stomach turn. But a small nod from Levi calmed me down.

There were two podiums in the center, one of which was occupied by me. The other one was for Stefan, who had still not come. Maybe they'll bring him after questioning me.

Commander Zachary, who sat on the judge's table, cleared his throat. "Ladies, gentlemen and members of the jury, we are gathered here today for the trial of Stefan Schmitz, who is accused of attempting to murder Dr. Y/N Smith in the 32nd expedition of Survey Corps. Members of the jury, your duty is to determine whether the defendant is innocent or guilty based on facts and evidence provided in this case." He cleared his throat again and continued, "Let us begin. Dr. Smith, please tell us what happened."

I recounted the whole incident, making sure not to leave any important details out. When I reached the part where I was almost eaten by a titan, everyone gasped and started to whisper among themselves.

Erwin was called to the podium next. He also narrated the sequence of events from his point of view, adding Stefan's confession of how it was Hans who had ordered him to do it. Bravo. Everyone started to whisper again at the mention of Hans's name, but that jerk kept a straight face, not wanting to show any emotions.

Anna and Thomas were questioned next, and they confirmed my story of how Stefan had misled me into going to the forest with him.

I was called to the podium again for one last time. Commander Zachary addressing me asked, "Do you believe it is Hans Biron who is responsible for what happened to you Dr. Smith?"

"Yes."

"Tell me, why would he want to hurt you?"

"I-at the party...that was hosted by the King...I-I had slapped him.", I confessed. My palms started to sweat.

"What was the reason for that? Did he misbehave with you?"

"Uh, no Sir. Not with me."

"Then who?"

I turned my gaze towards Levi, who looked like he was suffering.

I finally replied, "He-he had badmouthed people in the underground."

"And you think he took his revenge because of that?"

"Yes."

"That's ridiculous!", Hans yelled out from his seat and started to laugh.

"That's enough.", Commander Zachary said sternly. "Okay. It's time to call the defendant.", he said and nodded to the officer at the door. 

Several minutes passed. Suddenly the door opened, and the same officer came running towards the Commander, his face filled with panic. I saw him whispering something to the Commander, whose face turned pale.

"Ladies and gentlemen, there seems to be a problem. Stefan Schmitz was found hanging in his cell."

Everyone gasped and started to talk to each other animatedly. I couldn't believe what I had heard. Stefan is dead.

The noise was getting louder. Commander Zachary ordered everyone to be quiet. I looked at Erwin, who was having a non-verbal communication with Nile. Nile had a 'I swear I don't know what happened' look on his face.