Imperial Affairs (Levi X Reader) AU

9. Speechless

Reader's POV

I wrote a note to the Military Police Section Head of Stohess to transfer back the extra recruits. I asked The Stohess tax department to send warnings to those who didn't have a good enough reason for not paying the taxes. I took the tax receipts and came up with a budget for city development which took most of my time. Then, I did the most important thing, I wrote a letter to Father, asking for his help yet again. I don't know what I'd do without him.

Dear Father,

I hope you are doing just well. I am doing great thanks to all that you have done for me. Yet, your irresponsible child has once again struck up trouble with the Empress. She wants me to marry at this young age and I'd like to avoid that for multiple reasons that you are already aware of. Also, I was thinking about the upcoming Imperial Family dinner held in the Imperial Palace every year. I was quite exhausted with my current work when I realised how hard it must be for you. I'd like to offer my help for the preparations.

Your child,

The second prince.

That's it. No formalities with Father. Despite being the Emperor, he isn't very formal with me, me being my mother's daughter. I still used 'Prince' on the letters in case someone manages to steal them before they reach Father. I also offered my help or rather, asked if I could have the opportunity to help since arranging dinners, banquets and parties hosted by the Emperor helps gain power.

I put the letter in an envelope, put wax on the opening and sealed it with a stamp that had my seal on it which was a wolf growling and a snake, curling around it, resting its head on the wolf's and spreading its fangs threateningly at whoever looked at the seal. I looked over my desk one last time and got up. I stretched my arms a bit and left my office, locking it. I was done early today and I informed Mikasa of that. She nodded and made me aware of the fact that Levi had accepted Mikasa's challenge. Even though I was a little shocked, I still wanted to watch it. I told them to head out to the grounds while I got this letter sent and turned opposite them, to my butler's office.

I found my butler, Erwin, in the halls, working. He was making sure the entire palace was clean.

"Erwin," I interrupted his work.

"Yes, Your Highness?" He bowed.

"I need you to get this sent to His Majesty," I handed him the letter.

"Very well, Your Highness," he bowed once again and I left for the training grounds. Once I reached, I heard quite a commotion.

Every guard and soldier had paused training and surrounded the duel ground where Mikasa and Levi stood, clutching their swords. Mikasa was using her own sword which she used all the time and Levi was holding dual swords. I heard everyone being quite excited to see the unexpected match and I heard Jean taking Mikasa's side once again, betting his whole dinner on her. To be honest, I wanted to see how this turned out too. I was not betting on anyone but I was almost sure that Mikasa would win.

They got into their stances, I saw pure determination in both of their eyes. I focused on Levi, interested in seeing his moves. As soon as the bell rang, I saw Mikasa charge at Levi mercilessly and I felt a little bad for him. Even though I somehow managed to win from her, she was no easy opponent. In fact, she was the second strongest swordsman of the Empire. I was surprised when she chose to be my guard once her training was finished, I was almost sure she'd choose Father.

As Mikasa charged towards Levi, I saw him move out of the way, quite quickly. Mikasa swung her sword at Levi and he just blocked it with both his swords, looking quite overwhelmed by Mikasa's raw strength.