Lady execution Levi Ackerman x OC (ENG) 18+

Chapter L. Calming tenderness

Seaside area of Paradis Island July 27, 853

"You continue to exceed my expectations, Theia. Your father would be proud," Prime Minister Zachary noted with satisfaction, proudly observing the fleet of ships and the giant airship being prepared.

"The Prime Minister," along with Levi, she bowed very gently, crossing the railway leading to the walls, which had recently been completed with the cooperation of Marley volunteers.

"I believe Marley won't even have time to take a shit while our army destroys their whole military power. It's a shame I can't see that," he chuckled as Theia frowned in concern. It was clear to both of them. Zachary and the government saw only benefits in this attack. For scouts, it only means more suffering, unnecessary deaths and unanswered questions about whether there really is no other option to save Paradis. "You will receive a medal upon your return," Zachary remarked, thinking how much joy he would make them by this news.

"If we secure peace by attacking Marley, we're both considering resigning," Theia informed him, to which Zachary frowned in disgust, trying to push this information out of his mind.

"The government is beginning to consider a new Founding Titan holder," Zachary began in a serious voice, Theia raising her eyes to him. "Eren has four years left and we must not leave the new successor to some stupid coincidence. We need a trustworthy soldier to be used in battle, somebody loyal to Paradis," he continued, while his guards joined them in walking. "We agreed that you are the best candidate, Theia," he said as calmly as if announcing that it was sunny today. Theia frowned in shock, not noticing that Levi had stopped walking.

"Pardon?" She asked because she hoped Zachary was just making fun of her. But he also stopped and turned to face the pair, ignoring Levi's angry expression, which was so intense that Zachary even felt that those steely eyes would kill him right now.

"We agreed that your excellent abilities have to be used for..."

"Theia is not going to become any shitty titan," Levi interrupted the prime minister's speech in a low voice. Zachary closed his eyes and exhaled.

"Levi, I am aware that this is not pleasant for you, but for the sake of Paradis..."

"I won't allow anything like this," he stopped him again, which truly surprised Zachary, he didn't know Levi so restless. He clenched his fists and kept his sharp gaze between the prime minister's eyes.

"Once she's a titan, she'll be safe for next 13 years,"

"And when she will be 47, she'll die, and that is the best case scenario. Because someone can eat her at any time to get her power. Theia will only become a titan over my corpse," Theia's eyes found his, determined to keep his word. He took a step forward and this time, after a long years, he didn't stand behind her as her support. But he hid her behind his back, like her shield. He looked firmly into Zachary's eyes, who finally smiled and held his arms out in front of him defensively.

"One would be afraid of you Levi," Zachary laughed fakely. "We still have 4 years and enough time to make the right decision," Zachary finally stated and called off his bodyguards, who reached for weapons to protect him. He turned his back on the pair and boarded the train. "Well, forget Levi, that individuals can decide the fate of humanity," he added as the door closed behind him.

The train left the station with a loud whistle, and Theia just stood there, letting the warm wind, that smelled of salt water, blow through her hair. She kept her eyes fixed in front of her, watching the event that melted her heart almost immediately. An elderly gentleman, she had no idea how old he might be, but he obviously had trouble walking, bent down to pick up individual flowers with white heads and place them in his shaky palm until he had created a beautiful, romantic bouquet. He smiled at his creation and turned back to his lifelong partner who was resting on a nearby bench. He sat down next to her and respectfully took her hands in his to give her the flowers. Her face was graced with such a beautiful, sincere smile that maybe Theia had never seen before. No... only one person in this world has a more beautiful smile like this lady, who smelled the flowers and let herself be grabbed by the chin so that the gentleman would kiss her tenderly. And then she snuggled to him, with a flower on her lap and they enjoyed each other's pleasant company, without words. Theia didn't know when her eyes welled up with tears. The peace and love she saw in front of her filled her soul to the edge and she couldn't control her own emotions, which formed salty drops which ran down her cheek.