chapter 27; return to grace

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You followed the soldier in silence through the twisting corridors of the palace halls

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You followed the soldier in silence through the twisting corridors of the palace halls. Eventually, he led you to a door with two guards on either side before he nodded, taking his leave. 

You hesitated outside for a moment, now wondering what they could possibly want you for. Reluctantly, you knock on the door, signaling your arrival as you stepped inside. Historia and Erwin are seated around her desk. They both seemed to be in a fine mood, their expressions welcoming.

"Your Majesty," you acknowledged Historia with a respectful bow, and then turned to Erwin, offering him a polite greeting.

Historia smiled gently, "Oh, there's no need to bow, Adeline, please. We're friends! I'm not even Queen yet. Please, have a seat," she invited, gesturing for you to join them at the table.

As you settle into the chair, Historia cleared her throat, her gaze softening as she begins to address the confusion evident in your expression. "Adeline, I understand this may seem unexpected, but there's something I want to express to you," she began.

"As the Queen, I feel it necessary to acknowledge the hardships your family endured," Historia continued, keeping her tone solemn, "The Abertines, were once valiant warriors who fought alongside my ancestors, and I believe they were unjustly persecuted and outcast by those within the walls. Yet in spite of this, your family continued to dedicate their lives to humanity's survival, which speaks volumes of their unwavering loyalty."

There's a pause as you let Historia's words sink in, "On behalf of my ancestors and humanity as a whole, I want to offer my deepest apologies for the actions of the past," she said, holding eye contact with you, sincerity evident in her gaze, "I am truly sorry for the pain and suffering your family endured."

You shifted in your seat, not quite knowing how to react. The bitterness of your family's exile and the sorrow of their struggles are still fresh in your mind., but you were grateful it was finally being discussed..

"Thank you, Historia," you reply, clearing your throat, "I appreciate your acknowledgement, and your apology means a lot. I'm honored to fight alongside you for humanity's sake."

She smiled, sharing a quick glance with Erwin, who had been sitting in silence in the seat next to you, "Furthermore, I have officially cleared the Abertine name of any crimes falsely attributed to them by the government. Adeline, you are no longer considered a traitor, and you are free to live and roam within the walls without fear of persecution. I just signed this into action today."

A sense of relief washed over you with Historia's declaration, the weight of years of unjust accusations finally lifted from your shoulders. It's a moment you never thought would come.

It was Erwin's voice now that broke the silence following Historia's announcement, "Adeline, Historia and I have discussed this at length, and we both agree on a proposal."

You turn your attention to Erwin, your curiosity piqued by his words.

"Historia believes it's only fitting to restore the Abertines to their rightful place as the monarch's trusted advisors," Erwin continues, his gaze steady. "And with that in mind, she offers you a position as her executive officer. This will give the public a chance to see you and your family in a new light. One that should have never been tarnish in the first place."

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