𝙎𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙤𝙧 |AotxMaleOc

Preparation and The Night Before

It was announced that the operation to retake Wall Maria would commence in two months. During those two months Ari and Historia got very busy. Historia made many new changes that received her even greater approval from the people.

-Taxes were raised on nobles and the wealthy whilst taxes on the poorest were eased.

-The death penalty was abolished and a higher burden was placed on prosecution in order for guilt to be determined.

-Greater resources were allocated to things like infrastructure projects for public good like hospitals or roads.

-Press censorship was loosened.

-More funding was given to orphanages and children in the foster system and with foster parents. That one specifically was the very first thing Historia implemented.

-MPs would now have to complete at least two missions outside the walls under the command of the Scouts per year in order to keep their status.

-Pay was increased for Scouts to make joining them more enticing.

-Each regiment now had to complete audits to ensure no funny business.

-Technology hidden by the MPs was to be made public.

-Historia also established an independent guard core specifically for the crown and to i-investigate any threats to it.

-Citizens that lived underground were given full surface citizenship.

-Historia was made prelude to all military decisions.

-The system of being able to be promoted simply based on their family name was removed and a strictly merit based system was implemented.

-Education was made easier to access.

These changes were extremely popular with the people, the only real opposition she faced was from some MP higher ups. However they quickly fell into line when she reminded them that she was Queen and they had enjoyed cushy lives for long enough. Ari helped her with many of these and always advised her whenever he could. He was given the title of Consort. Historia had offered him the title of Prince and even King if he desired it but he turned them all down. It even took a lot of pressure and nagging from Historia to take the Consort title.

His Consort position did actually make him second in command of the military just below Historia. However he never used this and stated that he never wanted to unless he was left absolutely no choice. Ari voluntarily relinquished any and all claims to the throne even though he never made any in the first place. He wanted it to be made clear that he was not in charge and that Historia was, Ari did state though that he would step in to rule but only if Historia wasn't able to though.

As much as he wanted to Ari was unable to stay with Historia in the palace. A little bit after their wedding and advising he had to go to the Scout HQ in Wall Rose. When he got there he was greeted with a suffocating hug from all of his friends.

Ari: It's so good to see you all again. Feels like I haven't been back here in forever.

Hange and Erwin soon arrived as Ari and his friends spoke around a fireplace. They saluted Ari, as was technically necessary since as Consort he was way above them on the chain of command. Ari stood up and put his hands up a little.

Ari: Please don't salute me. As far as I'm concerned I'm still under your command 100%.

Erwin: That's good to hear, and it's good to have you back. We missed you.

Ari: I missed you as well, I'm sure everyone is getting ready to take back Maria, huh?

Hange: You bet! You're gonna be put right to work.