𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍; 𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍

49

Eren still stood in the royal courtyard, the beauty of the garden contrasting starkly with the sadness in his heart. The lush greenery, blooming flowers, and the gentle murmur of the fountains were a stark reminder of the life he might have had if his mother was still alive.

He looked at the vibrant roses that adorned the garden, their colors so vivid that they seemed to be painted by an artist's brush. His mother would have loved these flowers. She had always been so fond of them, tending to her own garden with a gentle touch and a smile on her face.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue over everything. It was the kind of evening that should have been filled with laughter and joy, with his mother's soothing presence beside him. But instead, he was left with memories and a deep sense of loss.

As the gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the ancient trees, Eren couldn't help but imagine what life could have been like if she were still here. He envisioned her smile, the sound of her laughter, and the comfort of her embrace. His thoughts were a bittersweet mix of longing and regret. He wished he could have protected her that fateful day when the world changed forever. But as he stood there in the courtyard, surrounded by beauty, he knew that some things, no matter how much he wished, could never be changed.

Eren was lost in his thoughts, reminiscing in the royal courtyard when Marco, his loyal servant, came rushing in. Marco's face bore a look of concern and urgency.

"Eren!" Marco exclaimed, his voice slightly breathless. "I've been looking everywhere for you. Your father needs you immediately."

Eren blinked, his thoughts scattering like startled birds. "What happened?"

"I'm not sure," Marco replied. "But your father sent for you. It seems to be of great importance. You must come with me right away." Eren nodded, pushing aside his reverie. He followed Marco, leaving the beautiful yet melancholic courtyard behind, his heart heavy with the weight of his father's summons.

———

Eren walked into the royal court and immediately sensed the tension in the air. Zeke and Captain Levi stood there, looking grim, and King Grisha wore a stoic expression. Something significant was afoot. As Eren approached, his brother Zeke was the first to speak, his voice laced with concern. "Eren, it's not looking good."

"What's going on?" Eren asked, anxiety growing in his chest.

Captain Levi, usually a man of few words, spoke up, "There have been rumors spreading among the court, and His Majesty wishes to address them." Eren felt his face go numb as he stared toward his brother.

"Rumors..."

"Yes."

Eren turned to his father, King Grisha, whose face revealed little emotion. "Father, what's happening?"

The king took a deep breath and finally spoke, "Eren, Zeke, it has come to my attention that tensions are escalating in the villages on the outskirts of our kingdom. Some of the people there demand justice for General Tobias's death."

Eren's heart sank. He thought the King decided to leave it up to the knights, what changed now? "What do you intend to do?"

Grisha's gaze remained unyielding as he continued, "I've decided that it is best for both of you to be sent to those villages. You will work to maintain peace and order, while also investigating these rumors."

Eren's face turned pale, and anger surged through him. "Father, this is outrageous! You're sending your own sons into potentially dangerous situations. We should stay here and find another way to resolve this. We have already spoken of this before father, what has caused this rift?"

Zeke's eyes, however, showed a glimmer of understanding. "Eren, there might be more to this than we know. Father's decision might be necessary."

Eren gritted his teeth, his frustration evident. "Fine, I'll go. But only to protect our people and this kingdom, not to please the likes of you!"

As they stood there, the court was abuzz with activity. Men were already preparing caravans, gathering supplies, and making plans for the mission. The impending battle between the crown and those seeking justice for General Tobias's death loomed before them, and Eren couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility bearing down upon him. Gritting his teeth all he could really think about is the thought of you and Ms. Hilgred being left alone within the castle.

꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒦꒷

𑁍┊-TiredBunBun