In Love with a Devil

Chapter 17 - Growth

Once back at the capitol, Historia's coronation took place in front of the wall where Rod died. The celebration was something to remember as your old cadet members drank and ate to their heart's content. Historia kept quiet about your relation to her, respecting your wishes to be unaligned with the Reiss name. And for the first time in 12 years, you got to laugh and spend time with your baby sister once again. You confided in her about your engagement to Levi, making her promise not to say anything to anyone about it. Not because you or Levi were ashamed, but because you both knew now wasn't the time. The scouts still needed to retake Wall Maria, and find out just what exactly was in Eren's basement.

Two months had passed, and Historia was a natural born leader. She went to the farthest walls and the underground city and brought back all the orphans and the less fortunate back with her to the old farm you both had grown up in. Levi even assisted her in her endeavors with his personal connection with the underground. With the corrupted military, it was decided that those with exceptional skills were to be discharged so that there was no room for doubts and suspicions to start again. Though it came with a fair trade; the ore that was found in the cave proved to be very helpful for everyone in the walls, providing a natural light source that wasn't dependent on oil or wax. Things were relatively hopeful for the people. As well as you and Levi.

You had gotten to know him more in between assignments and even got him to open up about his past. Though it was short and quite sad, you could sympathize with why he is the way he is. During those two months, however, you both nearly attacked one another behind closed doors. He would pull pleasure from you religiously, showering your body and scars with love. Levi requested that you both wait until marriage to take one another... but that didn't mean he wouldn't lap your cunt almost every night, writing the sweetest poems with his tongue to the point of being unable to speak until the next morning. It wasn't long before your new squad mates and former squad leader found out about your engagement. Commander Erwin gave Levi his blessing in private and Hange would find ways to bring up wedding arrangements nearly every time you had bumped into them. This life could be something you could get used to... but eventually, the day to retake the wall was creeping up faster than you thought.

Eren trained with his new hardening ability with Hange and helped them develop a weapon that could kill titans day and night without risking a soldier's life. They called it 'the executioner from hell'. Once it was tested and proven effective, Erwin held a feast for the scouts and the new recruits the night before the mission. It was almost nostalgic. You sat with Levi, Hange, and Commander Erwin as you watched your fellow cadets drink and eat like they were back in training camp. Their faces flush from drinking and their attitudes slightly optimistic about going on mission again. Though it was short lived when Eren remembered something from his father's memories... he told the Commander that Commandant Keith Sadies was with his father the day he died and gave him the key to the cellar.

The next day, you, Hange, and the rest of Levi's squad rode to the training camp to question Sadies. Oddly enough, he had been expecting to have this conversation sooner or later. He shared how he met Eren's father, Grisha, outside of the walls. Sadies explained how he thought it was odd that Grisha lost his memories, but he decided to give Grisha a break and taught him about the history of the walls. Sadies shared how Grisha told him that special people exist in the world, people who have the will to find the world's secrets. And when Wall Maria fell to the armored and colossal titan, Grisha asked him to watch over Eren that night... Grisha had taken Eren into the forest near the refugee shelter, but when Sadies went to search for them, Eren was the only one he found. Once he retrieved Eren, he left him, only to see him again when Eren joined the cadet corps years later.

"So that's the real reason you resigned as Commander of the scouts..." Hange said angrily.

"Hange-" Levi started, but Hange stood up from their chair and slammed their hands on the table.

"No, you resigned and gave Erwin command because you wanted to protect your ego! Not to atone for those who gave their heart and soul to the cause!!"

"No... Commandant Sadies was right. I was just the son of someone who was special..." Eren said softly, his eyes full of sadness.

"Your mother once told me something, Eren... she told me that you are special. Because you were born into this world." Sadies continued.

Everyone cleared out shortly after, riding back to headquarters to further plan taking back Wall Maria.

~

The following days were filled with numerous meetings as to the new information brought to light. In conclusion, Grisha Jaeger was a person from beyond the walls like Reiner, Bertold, and Annie; he wanted humanity within the walls to thrive, and wanted Eren to know the truth about the world. You were asked to join Levi in a meeting with Hange, Erwin, and a few other veteran scouts. You sat beside Hange as Erwin sat at the head of a table.

"Thank you for joining us, Y/n." Erwin said warmly.

"Of course, Commander. But, I'm confused as to why you asked me to." you said with uncertainty.

"We've now established a plan to retake Wall Maria in two days' time, but we would also like some of your input as well." Erwin explained.

"What kind of input can I offer? I'm not exactly qualified-"

"But you do have some knowledge of the world outside of the walls, do you not?" Hange interrupted inquisitively.

"Well... yes, Section Commander. But it was more of a fairy tale than proven history."

"But the stories took place in a world beyond ours, correct?" Erwin asked.

"Yes, Commander." you reply.

"Then my hopes have a chance to be fulfilled. Thank you, Y/n."

"That's not all, though. Is it, Levi?" Hange asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Damn it four-eyes... it could've waited till tomorrow." Levi retorts, annoyed.

"I think now is an appropriate time, Levi. Y/n doesn't need to be kept in the dark now that she is your fiance." Erwin adds. You blush slightly and look at Levi curiously.

"Fine..." Levi sighs as he walks towards the opposite side of the table.

"Is something wrong?..." you ask nervously.

"No... I just wanted to ask if you'll accept the position of Lieutenant on my squad." Levi replies as he sits down.

"Lieutenant??"

"It seems fitting that you are his second in command. You are qualified to lead as well from the reports in Trost." Erwin says.

"You're an excellent soldier, Y/n. You deserve it" Hange says proudly.

"I... I don't know what to say. But I hope to live up to all of your expectations" you say through a smile. Levi's lips threaten to curve into a smile in return, but he bites the inside of his cheek and nods instead.

The meeting ends and you salute your superiors as you walk out of the room.