𝑺𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒇 | A Yeager Story

[17] Back in Paradis

Mina's POV

Coming home from an expedition is a disaster.

Instead of a warm welcome, the people's gazes are furiously staring at us, probably wishing for everyone in the Survey Corps to become corpses instead.

How nice of them to think like so.

Thankfully, due to my stubbornness, my horse was given back to me minutes after Captain Levi took me away from my impending death, with the condition that I wouldn't disobey any orders from now on.

"..."

I won't lie; that will be hard to follow.

And it's not like I'll die! It's just that... it'll be a bit troublesome to go back to my original schedule. Yes, that's about it.

Anyway!

The citizens continue to mumble as the wounded march their way in, their eyes dead and broken. If not for the captain, I would have looked like that as well. Ymir would probably tell me phrases like, 'How embarrassing, young Yeager.' or 'Eager for some touch? How hopeless!'

Yeah.

Screw that ancient being.

"Captain Levi!" A man, probably in his 40s, walked up to him and said, "My daughter is in your squad." I paled. "I'm Petra's father."

My eyes wandered to the captain's back, wishing nothing more than to pat it. We continue to listen to Petra's father as he talks about wanting to see him while telling him about Petra's letter. I couldn't help but smile after hearing from him that Petra wanted to devote herself entirely to her captain, obviously telling her father what she felt as a young maiden in love.

My heart could only wail as the idea of seeing them happy would never happen. She has lost the chance to acquire such a thing, happiness, that is. Petra... wherever you are, please don't worry. In addition to Eren and Mikasa's safety, I swear to protect him as well.

Here, I devote my heart because it's the least... that I could do.

The expenses and casualties from the expedition were more than enough to discredit the faction that had supported the Survey Corps. As those responsible, including Commander Erwin, were summoned to the capital, it was decided that Eren would be handed over.

***

Informing the Survey Corps of who killed Sawney and Bean a month ago would have prevented the whole massacre that the female titan had committed. It was a shortcut that I thought of taking, but I instantly rejected it. The only reason why I didn't pull Armin immediately to credit my ideas is that prioritizing the flow of events as it should be in every world is important.

Like how Eren was given time to practice, how the female titan first appeared, how the commander learned about the different variations for every intelligent titan, and how the other soldiers would mature after experiencing an expedition.

All of this is for their sake, and it won't be right for me to take whatever development they'll experience. Besides, it's not like I'll forever live in this world. My mission is simply to eradicate the devil that continues to make this world cruel, not knowing when and how death will claim me once more.

Also, changing too many scenarios would make the devil aware of my actions, Ymir once said to me, ultimately leading to my impending death. As for this threat, however, I could care less about that part. What's important is for Eren, Mikasa, Armin, and others to grow, as it will help them make wise decisions in the future.

I hope.

Goodness, Ymir, just thinking about it makes my head hurt.

At long last, this time, once everything has been set in place, ignorance shall become unessential. This time, with my own will and power, I will fight.