𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍; 𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍

21

"Zeke, by god's name, do I have your word that you won't tell a soul?"

"Who am I going to tell? Grandfather? He is going through constant manic episodes as we speak."

"ZEKE, DAMN YOU. DO I HAVE YOUR WORD?"

"Good god Eren, fine, you have my word." Eren let out a sigh of relief upon hearing Zeke's promise to keep things between them. Then, with a gentle smile, Eren spoke, feeling sheepish and averting his gaze from Zeke.

"Her name is Venus... Venus is the woman I care about." Eren expressed his emotions, finally opening up and speaking his mind. "It's not like I have an obsession with her or anything!" Eren felt slightly embarrassed as he looked at Zeke, which was visible on his face.

"Venus... why- why does that name sound familiar?"

"When we were younger, we used to play pranks on a shy maid. Do you remember her now? Perhaps that may ring a bell or two?" Zeke chuckled at the realization, only for his eyes to grow wide.

"GOOD GOD, MAN! A maid? A servant?!"

"Now is that wrong of me Zeke?!"

"No, course not, but a maid? With your upbringing and personality you seem to front, a maid is the last woman I'd see you fall for." Eren chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck.

"I understand it may seem unbelievable, but I assure you that even though many see her as a maid, she is someone I genuinely care about." While maintaining a stern gaze at Zeke, Eren continued to speak." I hope you will respect what I have said regardless of this woman's social status."

"I respect it fully. I will not tell a soul, though it has been ages since my eyes have rested upon this young lady."

"I suppose your right."

"Well then? When can I meet the young maid that has softened my brother's heart, aye? I am sure she is a delight! Perhaps a bit of spunk since she may resent my past pranks!" Zeke spoke up with a kind laugh.

"Meet her? Now? Why do you wish to meet her so soon? Are you open for a meeting so that you may insult her? Is that it?" Eren's expression showed a hint of skepticism as he arched his brow.

"What? No of course not that is something our father would do. Not me."

"Ah, your right... so then is it to mess with her or get to know her?"

"Quite a bit of both!" Zeke couldn't keep eye contact with his and looked all around the room."Zeke..." Eren said with a firm tone as he stared down Zeke. "If I catch even a whiff that you are mistreating her, I will not spare you. "Now tell me, can I trust you or not?"

"Look at you all protective! I will not lay a finger on her. Now joke with her? Of course!" Eren laughed a little bit.

"Tch you are just as irritating as I expected... But very well... if that is all I'll let you meet her." Eren shrugged a little bit as a small smile grew on his face. "You would have met her eventually, no point in being so reluctant, I suppose."

———————

Wearing a sly grin, Eren guided Zeke toward the servant's quarters through a quiet hallway. As they walked, passing maids occasionally greeted them, but the atmosphere remained relatively deserted. Eventually, they arrived at a particular door - the entrance to Venus's quarters. Eren banged on the door with a loud, confident knock while continuing their conversation.

"Venus... I'm with Zeke; he has been begging to see you, so I decided to grant you a favor. Are you in there?" After a brief silence, you gently turned the doorknob and peered out to see two youthful gentlemen standing before you. A warm and genial smile graced your face as you welcomed them inside.