UNDER HEAVY CONSTRUCTION [BOOK 1] the daughter of a dying bloodline and humanity's strongest soldier find themselves entangled in a web of emotions they never expected to feel. but as the relentless fight towards freedom continues, they wonder if th...
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note: i black out in the second half of this long chapter. i cannot bring myself to go back and proofread rn because i'm scared i'm going to feel silly LMAO. but anywho, as the chapter title insinuates, this long chapter also has a long reward at the end mwaha
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You reluctantly bid farewell to Levi as you followed Erwin across the ballroom to where a group of officials and their wives stood. As you approached, Erwin introduced you and cleared his throat.
"May I present Adeline, the new executive officer of Queen Historia," he announced, his voice carrying across the group.
You offered a graceful curtsy, acknowledging the guests. Among them stood only a few familiar faces, including Nile Dok, whose presence stirred a bit of resentment within you, the memory of your imprisonment not lost on you.
Pyxis stood beside him, his weathered features softened by a genial smile. A few new faces stood around including Keith Shadis and Zachary Dhavis who completed the group, their imposing presence and curving frowns filling you with a bit of nervousness.
However, Hange was also among the group and she offered you a smile as you approached. You returned the gesture, grateful for her familiar presence.
You took a moment to exchange quick pleasantries with each official, mostly consisting of them congratulating you on your new promotion as well as offering you good luck. These were the men you would be working alongside, so it was smart to star off on a good foot.
You had no doubt that they questioned your ability to lead, being not only an Abertine, but a woman as well. The government has been historically male drive, with only a few women, such as Hange and now Historia, having much influence.
You managed to take a moment to step aside, letting yourself regain some energy before continuing in conversation. However, this was short lived as Nile and his wife approached you, the former avoiding your gaze as he did so. You nodded in greeting.
"Adeline," he began sheepishly, "I wanted to formally introduce myself and offer my apologies for our previous encounter."
Your lips thinned into a curt smile, "Commander Dok," you nodded in acknowledgement.
"I understand if you harbor resentment towards me for my actions. I assure you, it was never my intention to cause you any harm. I was merely following orders, as any soldier is expected to do."
Really? That's it?
You mentally frowned, wanting to demand a more sincere apology. But another part recognized the truth in Nile's words, acknowledging the difficult position he had been placed in.
It took a considerable amount of effort, but you forced yourself to bite back the sharp retort that you had thought of in your mind. Instead, you offered a nod, your expression remaining carefully neutral.
