𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍; 𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍

53

Levi looked out the window nudging Eren to follow short and toward the entrance of the Brothel. As the two hung low by the entrance, the flickering lamps tossing and turning in the windy air, Eren's sharp gaze followed the group of rowdy men stumbling toward the entrance of the brothel. Their drunken boasts echoed in the narrow streets, and their malicious intent was palpable.  The news of General Tobias's demise had spread like wildfire, and some sought revenge.

Zeke, catching wind of the commotion, strolled back to Eren with a mischievous grin. "Looks like we've got some fans, little brother. These gentlemen seem to be quite fond of our family."

Eren's jaw tightened as he continued to observe the unruly bunch. The tension in the air was thick, and he could sense the impending clash. The brothel's bouncer, a burly man with a scarred face, eyed the troublemakers warily but allowed them entry. The atmosphere inside the establishment shifted as the patrons sensed trouble approaching.

Levi, who had been keeping a vigilant eye on the surroundings, approached Eren and Zeke. "It seems our reputation precedes us," he remarked dryly.

Eren's mind raced as he contemplated the best course of action. Confrontation in the brothel could lead to unnecessary chaos, and the last thing they needed was to draw attention to themselves. Still, the threat against their lives couldn't be ignored.

Zeke nudged Eren playfully. "What's the plan, Commander? Ready to show these lads a Yeager welcome?"

"Aren't you supposed to be finding working women to release whatever pent up bullshit you have up that ass of yours?" Eren retorted to which Zeke spoke in a light chuckle.

"I have yet to find a woman to suit the cravings I so openly yearn, but a bar fight. Now that is something I am open to discussion for."

Eren's eyes remained fixed on the unruly group, his expression unwavering, he rolled his eyes at his brother's ridiculous statement and continued. "We handle this discreetly. No unnecessary attention. If they become a problem, we deal with it swiftly."

Levi nodded in agreement, his steely gaze mirroring Eren's resolve. "Keep it low-profile, but let them know we won't tolerate any nonsense."

As the hoodlums swaggered further into the dimly lit establishment, the tension escalated. Eren couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter would be a mere precursor to the challenges that lay ahead. In the shadows of the brothel, he steeled himself for the inevitable confrontation, ready to protect not only his own life but also the fragile peace he hoped to maintain.

The brothel's interior buzzed with a mix of hushed conversations, clinking glasses, and the distant melodies of a bard's tune. Zeke discreetly followed the group of hoodlums, ensuring not draw attention to himself. The dimly lit corridors of the establishment provided a cloak of anonymity.

As the troublemakers boisterously approached the main hall, their voices grew louder, drawing the attention of the patrons and the working staff. Whispers of the princes' presence circulated among the crowd, creating an uneasy atmosphere. The brothel's manager, a shrewd-looking woman with a sharp gaze, approached Eren with a subtle nod, signaling that she, too, was aware of the potential trouble.

Eren gestured for Zeke to speak up while Levi and he fell back to a darker corner of the brothel, keeping a watchful eye on the unruly group from various vantage points within the hall. The tension escalated as the hoodlums, fueled by alcohol-fueled bravado, began making crude remarks about the royal family.

Zeke, ever the provocateur, intercepted the group with a sly grin. "Gentlemen! You seem to be in high spirits tonight. Looking for a good time, are we?"

The leader of the hoodlums, a burly man with a scar across his cheek, eyed Zeke suspiciously. "What's it to you, pretty boy? We're just here for a drink and some entertainment."