𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍; 𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍

18

After Eren departed, he headed to his chambers, where he retrieved a colossal ledger containing various documents and reports that were given to him by his father. Such statements are filled with the many things he must abide by and finish for the good of Eldia. Though deep in thought, he noticed you were not in his chambers like you said you would be. You did state you would be cleaning, though there might have been nothing to clean, and you left. It was a possibility. Or so he speculated.

"Such a hassle..." He sighed in frustration as he glanced at the pile of paperwork on his desk, not wanting to dwell on your sudden need for private duties. The reports and documents seemed never-ending, and he knew he would have to dedicate the entire night to reading through each. "Why can't I just appoint a general to do this for me? It would be so much easier."

As the sun slowly descended, closing quite close to the horizon, a somber air hung over the kingdom of Eldia. The execution of a high-ranking general had been carried out, yet the citizens went about their day as if nothing had occurred. Meanwhile, Eren remained steadfast in his academic pursuits, pouring over reports with an unwavering determination. As the hours wore on, exhaustion began to take its toll, but he soldiered on with remarkable effort, his vision growing hazy yet his resolve unwavering.

"This is too much work! How could my father ever put me in this situation? To do this much tedious work... how is he so unempathetic to my well being? Why doesn't he care in the slightest?" As Eren persisted in his complaints, a sudden and unexpected knock echoed through the room, drawing his attention away from his current frustrations. His exasperated sigh was accompanied by the removal of his glasses, which he habitually relied on for reading, as he turned his gaze toward the closed doors that separated him from his unannounced visitor.

"Damn you... COME IN!" Eren said impatiently and annoyed as he looked to the door with a puzzled look." Is there something I can help you with?... do you understand that I am very busy at the moment?" He said with a slight grimace as he glanced at the door. Soon, a male servant walked in and bowed in respect.

"Sorry for the interruption, my lord. We have a message from your father." He handed Eren the scroll, bowed again, and left the room. Eren sighed as he opened the scroll and read it. A slight feeling of unease enveloped his heart.

"What could my father possibly want?... Does he think I am some servant to be summoned on his request? He makes me so frustrated. why must he treat me so?" Eren said with a hint of annoyance and anger as he read the letter. He could feel that the paper was written fancy and luxurious; he could tell his father wrote it. Furthermore, the letter noted that his father and brother would return to the castle sooner than they realized, in about 'three weeks tops.' This information made Eren's blood run cold as he recalled what the captain had said.

"Three weeks?" Eren said with despair as he thought about it." Three weeks?! Are they insane?" He didn't want his father and brother to return so soon, as it stirred up negative emotions like pain, despair, and anger. He felt overwhelmed as he crumpled up a piece of paper in his rugged grip. "Three damn weeks! Damn them... why must they do this?" Eren cursed to himself. "Damn that damned letter! Damn it all!" His anger and rage exploded as he said this and continued tearing the paper apart. He was enraged now, and his face turned dark and bitter. Then, just like before, there came a knock on the door, but this time the sound was more delicate and polished.

"DAMMIT. COME IN!" Eren said with a harsh tone in his voice. "WHAT COULD YOU POSSIBLY WANT?!" Unfortunately, Eren had not given up on his tantrum and was still destroying the paper as he waited." You best have something important to report!"

"Goodness... I only wanted to ask if you'd like some tea, my lord." You opened the door and poked your head in with a hesitant smile. Then, you laughed as you gained sight of his little tantrum.

"Tea?" He paused as he took that moment to look at you. He was quiet for a moment till he spoke. "Sure... why not." As he gazed at you, his tone softened. Despite his annoyance and anger, looking into your eyes had a calming and healing effect on him. It was strange, but he could get used to such odd things.

"Perhaps you should take a leisure break from your studies and join me in the kitchen for your tea. The hearth is warm, and I would love your company." Then, with a tender approach, you took hold of his hands, gradually removing the tattered scraps of paper he had been holding onto.

"I suppose your right, being stuck at a desk for hours on end will send me into madness I am sure of it!" Eren said with a chuckle as he looked at your soft hands, though the hard work of being a maid was evident, they were quite the opposite to his rough and calloused hands. "So gentle. . ." He spoke to himself as you tilted your head towards his gaze.

"What was that my lord?"

"Hm?! Nothing you must worry about, shall we go?"

꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒦꒷

𑁍┊-TiredBunBun