Lady execution Levi Ackerman x OC (ENG) 18+

Chapter XXVIII. Torn appart

Trost District August 17th 9:20 am

"Hanje. Don't you think it was appropriate that you became the commandant after all? I think it's cruel to want something like that from Theia," Queen Historia expressed her concerns at the council meeting.

"I agree with the queen. Theia is an extraordinary woman and she would definitely be a great commander, but I don't think she's fit to lead an army now. Let's her to grieve," stated Nick, the commander of the military police, who himself was still shaken by Erwin's death. Hanje looked down.

"Erwin knew why he named her as his successor, and in the letter he gave me on the day of his death, he asked me to ensure the fulfillment of his request. I believe that he wanted to occupy Theia's mind with a new goal and not to fall into depression, because he was sure of her abilities to effectively lead a survey corps," Hanje expressed her thoughts carefully.

"I support Erwin's opinion. Theia has cells and blood of Smith. She will lead scouts to new victories. I'm sure of that. I've known her for many years, that girl never gave up and coolly continued to pursue her goal," stated Prime Minister Zachary loudly and all eyes turned to Commander Pyxis. "What do you think about that?" Zachary challenged and Pyxis narrowed his eyes.

"It doesn't matter how much we argue here. The final decision is up to her alone," he added and drank the offered wine. Hanje got up with a bow and left the room to go out into the corridor where Levi was waiting for her.

"What took you so long?" He asked irritably, bouncing off the wall he was leaning against.

"They're giving her time until tomorrow's honor ceremony when the queen will give us the medals," Levi frowned at her strange explanation.

"Time for what?"

"Levi..." she began cautiously.

"Time for what?!" He repeated his question in a raised voice.

"Erwin named Theia as his successor before his death," this sentence stuck in Levi's head like a thorn.

"No," he looked straight into Hanje's honest face. "You were supposed to be..."

"It was his decision and I agree with him. Theia will be a great commander," Levi frowned. He didn't want to hear any more. He didn't want to hear anything. His whole world, everything he hoped for and believed in, was slowly falling apart. He should have stopped him, he should have broken his legs. No, he should have stopped them both. He looked away in shock. Hanje patted him on the shoulder and left him standing in the hallway in silence while she went into Erwin's old office where she was surprised to find Theia sitting behind his desk. She blankly followed the texture of the wood and stroked its surface with her fingers, while in her other hand she clutched a ribbon with a green stone that belonged to Erwin. "How long do you want to hide from us?" Hanje asked and walked over to the huge library. "I think Levi at least deserves your attention. He's your husband. Don't hurt him more than he hurts himself," Theia looked up tiredly at her. It was clear that she hadn't closed her eyes yet. "Theia. We are all willing to stand behind you. Humanity needs you. You have to continue what your father started. He trusted you,"

"Why? For everyone to blame me for all their little mistakes, just like him? So that everyone sees me as the devil who sits on their shoulders and leads people to destruction. I have no plans to ruin anyone's lives and certainly not to be responsible for this never-ending nightmare," Theia put Erwin's ribbon on the table.

"What happened to you is unfair," Hanje interjected.

"Unfair? It's a curse! Until the end of the world, my name will be represented as the origin of all misfortune and that is the gift my father gave me!"