ACKERMAN IN MARLEY | PART1

Jealousy

Eren Kruger

As I accompanied Tamara on the journey back to her home, we were enveloped in deep silence, each lost in our private thoughts. Since leaving my office, I had been watching her with extreme worry. Somehow, I felt guilty.

"Tami," I began, "concerning what occurred earlier... exposing you to such a toxic atmosphere created by that strange, wicked woman was completely horrible and unexpected. I am truly sorry for that."

Tamara took a leaden breath. "Everything's fine, Eren. It wasn't your fault."

"Are you certain?"

"What makes you think otherwise? I wanted to be there with you."

"It's because each time we were alone since leaving the office, you've been sighing deeply."

"I needed fresh air somewhere else after meeting her."

"I also noticed you trembling."

"So?" Tamara's irritation flared as she clutched her right arm tightly. "Back there, I started to feel cold. That's all."

"Does that mean you feel cold now?" I caught her shivering hand, but she looked away, trying to hide her troubled face. "That doesn't seem like the whole story."

She finally met my gaze and confessed in a wobbly voice, "One look from her dissipated my dreams for a second."

"Were you afraid?"

"Yes... I was afraid after I saw burning hell reflected in her eyes. Putting on an act was damn frustrating. I misjudged the situation by thinking it would be positive!"

"Calm down, Tamara." I squeezed her hand. "Look at me, please!" Her crimson face revealed the pain of losing hope. "Feeling down or insecure is normal. We're human, and the world can be cruel. I understand what you experienced because I've been through it too. And if it makes you feel any better, you did an impressive job."

"Do you truly mean it?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"If you remember, she expressed her disappointment with your choices, describing me as a weak, innocent girl."

Anger surged within me as I recalled Hilda's hideous words. I leaned toward Tami, gripping her shoulders. "Get rid of that nonsense! She said that only because..." Suddenly, I ran out of words, realizing the situation. My eyes widened, and possible scenarios raced through my mind. I snapped back to reality when Tamara's voice cut through my confusion.

"Eren... You were saying?"

"Because no one could stand steadily and calmly in front of Hilda like you did—soldiers included—even when she was in a good mood. You might think Gross is the worst person, but to Hilda, he's merciful. She's one of Marley's ruthless executioners."

Tamara relaxed slightly, but she knew there was something serious behind Hilda's behavior. "Well, glad to hear I was good enough. However, your statement isn't entirely accurate."

"In which part?"

"You said no one but me. But from my point of view, it was your frightening stare that put an end to her demeaning actions."

"I was ready to teach her an unforgettable lesson if she dared to go any further, but she was smart enough to step back."

"And I wanted to thank you for it. You protected me despite her outranking you in the military."

"Of course I would. Her rank means nothing to me."

"She might jeopardize your mission, Eren. Even Gross struggled with her behavior. I suspect she'll seek revenge."