𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍; 𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍

40

Amidst the next day, in the grandeur of the medieval court of Eldia, King Grisha, and his sons Zeke and Eren, gathered to discuss the recent and fateful demise of General Tobias. The general, who had long been at odds with the crown, had met his unfortunate end. Eren, his gaze carrying a glimmer of relief, seized the moment to express his unfiltered sentiments. "Father, you know all too well that I never placed my trust in Tobias. His ambitions and blatant defiance posed a significant threat to the kingdom. I cannot pretend to mourn his fate."

Zeke, his expression mirroring his brother's sentiments, chimed in, "Indeed, Father. Tobias's loyalty had been questionable for a long time. His demise might just bring a sense of stability to the court."

King Grisha, in stark contrast, wore a grave expression. "My sons, while I understand your concerns, we must remember that Tobias was once a loyal servant of this kingdom. His death is a sorrow, a reminder of the choices we sometimes must make to protect the realm."

Eren's voice remained unapologetic as he addressed his father, the weight of his decision evident. "Father, it was I who ordered his execution. I don't mourn his loss, and I hold no regrets for that decision. Such choices, impulsive and rash as they may be, were necessary. All this over a maid?" Eren chuckled incredulously, while Zeke looked on with a mix of surprise and uncertainty. "Yes, he might have been a capable general, but his character left much to be desired, and I won't pretend otherwise."

The King placed a reassuring hand on Eren's shoulder. "It was a necessary action, Eren. I... understand that now, but We must maintain the authority of the crown. Your feelings are understandable, but remember the greater good that it serves." He sighed and sat down in his chair as his sons looked on. As the kingdom grappled with the aftermath of General Tobias's execution, a lingering tension between father and sons remained, a testament to the complex nature of leadership, loyalty, and the sacrifices made to protect the realm.

"Which is why I must make this grave decision, my sons," King Grisha declared, his gaze heavy with responsibility. Eren and Zeke exchanged weary looks, sensing the weight of what was to come. Eren had an inkling of what his father was about to propose.

"The two of you must embark with a formidable force to reclaim what was rightfully ours," Grisha continued, unwavering in his resolve. Eren clenched his teeth and locked eyes with his father.

"Father, your own sons? You expect us to don armor and march into battle?" Eren's voice was filled with incredulity, and Zeke quickly hushed him. "No! I won't stand for it. You want both of us to confront the threats to the crown with our men, without knowing what we're walking into? It could be an ambush, for all we know!"

"Eren, for the love of the gods, restrain yourself," Zeke urged in a hushed tone. King Grisha's expression was stern as he continued, "I require both of you to restore peace to our realm, and that is final. Due to your ill-conceived decision to end the life of a well-loved general, chaos has erupted, and groups seek to challenge the authority of the crown. His death has made me realize, Eren, that you let your personal sentiments cloud your judgment."

"WHAT IS RIGHT WAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE HIS DEATH, FATHER," Eren vehemently retorted, his defiance unwavering.

"Enough out of you, boy. My decision is sealed."

"And for how long shall we even be gone?" Eren's voice was laced with concern, and he sought reassurance from his father.

"There is no time in war, Eren," Zeke interjected with a gravity that underscored the perilous path that lay ahead.

Eren's frustration simmered just beneath the surface. "Regardless, for how long?" He pressed for a clearer answer.

King Grisha leaned back in his ornate throne, his gaze fixed on Eren. After a prolonged silence, he finally responded. "Fine then, you want a time placed onto your skirmish? Give it two months. I'd say that is lengthy and gives you both enough time to settle commoner woes."