The Island of Devils

Chapter 27

In the cell, Armin asked Eren, "So Eren, what do you think was going on outside?"

"Who knows? I'm sure Commander Hange was trying to find any means to get us out of here, and the remaining scouts were also trying to help us out."

"Hey!" They all turned to see Hitch walking toward them,  holding a newspaper in her hand curled up like a horn.

"Hitch, what are you doing here?" Annie asked with surprise.

"I'm bringing you the newspaper." Hitch said. "Look."

Armin took the newspaper and began to read. "Military clings to Power by wrongfully detaining the King of Paradis, Eren Yeager." He turned a few pages. "Distrust in the Military soars higher."

Hitch began to speak again. "Because they're not giving the public any answers."

"Of course, they couldn't. The power of the nine is in the Scouts, they were so afraid of us taking their glory." Floch said with a sarcastic tone.

Outside of the Military HQ, a large crowd is protesting. "Only our King Eren Yeager can save Eldia!" "Our king's the only one who avenges the eaten!"

Many were carrying signs of all sorts, the crowd was clearly agitated and angry. "The New Eldian Empire needs our King Eren Yeager!"

"There're citizens surrounding the entire HQ." Hitch explained, then she had to leave because of more work.

Jean and Connie arrived at the Military Building, and they noticed some of the Scouts were leaving. "Scout recruits? What are they doing at the HQ?" Connie asked.

Yelena was sitting on the balcony with Pixis. Several Garrison troops were standing behind them while they faced the forest and the mountains. "That day, I did go to meet Eren." Yelena began.

"Oh?" Pixis chimed with interest.

"I'm sorry for keeping quiet about it. That's enough reason to detain the volunteers." She continued.

"How kind of you to admit." Pixis commented, retaining a relaxed and calm attitude.

"The way I saw it, you guys didn't know the world. If you kept arguing and putting it off, it would be too late. Eren felt the same sense of urgency, too." Yelena said.

"So, you convinced the Scouts to infiltrate Marley alone to get our military moving?" Pixis asked her.

"Not quite. I said someone needed to light a fire under the administration." She responded.

"That's all you said?" He asked. "You risked a secret meeting without discussing any concrete plans?" His tone was still calm but curious.

"That's right." Yelena answered. "Given our positions, we weren't allowed to meet with him in public."

"But the risk was worth it for you." Pixis concluded. "You succeeded in manipulating the scouts just as Zeke hoped you would."

"What would be the point in that?" Yelena's calm expression broke as her eyes widened and she leaned forward, her tone far more fiery and less composed. "All I wanted was for Eren Yeager to know who I was!" She declared.

Pixis' expression changed to one of surprise as she spoke, but Yelena then composed herself. He cast a glance toward the soldier standing behind him. Yelena grabbed the nearby cup of tea and took a drink while Pixis watched.

Yelena began again, returning to her calm tone. "No... We wanted Eren's Founding Titan to crush Marley into dust." Her expression was a bit sadder now. "Just like we hoped, he inflicted heavy damage on Marley." It zoomed into her face. "No... He exceeded expectations. He delivered the divine retribution we wished upon Marley for years." Her face showed a light smile. "For him to achieve such things is proof he possesses the Founder." She turned to Pixis. "Commander Pixis, do you know what we're witnessing?"