𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍; 𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍

24

"Don't worry so much about your older brother." Zeke smiled and glanced back at the garden, where he was taken aback by what he saw. "Wow, look at that," he exclaimed. You held a young child while other kids from the town danced around her in the garden.

"She seems happy," Eren muttered as he looked at you in the garden. A small smile appeared as he watched you play with the other children, and he seemed somewhat relieved. "This is good, this is what I want."

"Kids seem to love her."

"The children love her because she's kind, a good person at heart truly."

"Just like mom..." Zeke's words made Eren go quiet as he thought about his mother. The mere mention of her caused the image of her to appear in his mind. They say that every individual in this world has a unique scent. A mother's scent is one of warmth, kindness, and love. Eren's mother was the very embodiment of a mother's love. "Yes just like our mother."

"Hey! Pick your chin up, don't start sulking and mourn. Celebrate the life she gave and the life she lived."

"You're right. I guess just the thought of Mother always brings me despair." Zeke smiled and patted his back. He noticed you were looking up at the window and laughed.

"Oh look!" He pointed, and he saw you waving with a big smile. After that, a few of the kids also waved and laughed. Then, finally, you blew a kiss and smiled. "That kiss was obviously for me!"

"That kiss was not meant for a blond ape like you!" Eren laughed a bit as he stared out the window. "It was meant for me and me only, perhaps your still stuck in a delusion."

"Now you're just acting full of yourself, Eren. Why dont you go down to the garden and mess with Venus for a bit. Perhaps keep her company?"

"Alright, maybe I should, perhaps it would be a nice break." After departing from his quarters, Eren strolled through the winding passageways of the regal edifice, eventually arriving at the lush and ornate royal garden. He gracefully descended the stone steps leading to the verdant paradise below.

The garden basked in the sun's warm glow as the kids played. The radiant sun was beaming its warm rays upon them, enveloping them in its comforting embrace. You tenderly cradled a small, delicate girl, her tiny head gently resting on your shoulder. As you hummed happily, fixing the rose bushes, the children continued to play. Finally, the little girl lifted her head and noticed Eren approaching them as she gasped happily.

"Hello there, little lady." Eren smiled as he approached. The children were happy to see him, but that girl seemed delighted and incredibly excited to see him. You turned to look at him and smiled. "What's your name?" He asked her as he stopped in front of the two. She buried her head into your shoulder as you rubbed her back.

"My lord, this is Caroline. she's the daughter of one of my maid friends."

"Really? Well, it's a wonderful pleasure to meet you, Caroline." He smiled at the little girl and offered his hand for Caroline to shake. "I'm Eren. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." Caroline giggled and shook his hand. "Do you like the garden, my dear?" She nodded shyly, and he laughed. "Good... she's such a doll, isn't she?"

"Don't be fooled. This little one is quite mischievous!" He laughed some more.

"Oh, is that so?" Caroline stared at him with big eyes and smiled as she slowly lept out of your arms.

"C-can I tell you a secret!" Caroline said in a hushed tone.

"Absolutely little lady. I promise not to tell a soul." The two of them giggled a bit as you watched. She began to whisper.

"You hair is really pretty and long!"

"Oh? Do you like my hair? Eren smiled as he felt touched by the little girl's remarks and compliments. Zeke couldn't help but chuckle at his little brother. He was acting very different from the Eren he usually saw. However, his brother's warmth with the little girl was endearing. "Thank you, little lady." The little girl danced around him as you just watched peacefully.

"Your welcome!" Caroline was joyfully twirling around Eren amidst the vibrant flora of the garden when, in a sudden burst of enthusiasm, she took off running down a small hill. Unfortunately, her footing was lost in a muddy puddle, causing her to slip and fall. You and Eren both instinctively gasped and hurried over to help her. The little girl was laughing as you picked her up.

"You mischievous little thing. Look at you. All dirty!"

"It's okay. Accidents happen," Eren said gently. "You must be really careful when running," He told Caroline as he gave her a friendly expression. "Remember, no more running, okay?" He continued to smile, and he looked back at you. Caroline stood behind you with her muddy shoes and nodded. As Eren and you engaged in conversation, a sense of warmth and ease enveloped the air. Your exchange of smiles and laughter felt natural, like old friends catching up after a long time apart. Though in Caroline's eyes, this was more than friends, like lovers. Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through the garden, carrying the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. Observing your interaction closely, Caroline seized the opportunity to scurry back into the castle, her muddy shoes leaving a trail behind her.

"Well, I must not take any more of your time my lord-" You looked down to where you thought Caroline was standing as your eyes widened. "Caroline?!" Eren looked to your side.

"Venus? Is something the matter?"

"Where, my lord... did you see where she ran off to?"

"Caroline, oh gods... don't tell me she ran off." You began to panic as Eren sighed. "Don't panic; I'm sure she hasn't gone far!" Eren started his search for the girl, scanning the garden in hopes of finding her nearby. "Does she run off like this often?"

"Unfortunately... yes." You sighed out and look around the rose bushes hoping to find a giggling little girl.

꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒦꒷

𑁍┊-TiredBunBun