The Empire of Titans

Marley

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Chapter 85, Chapter 86, Chapter 87, Chapter 88, Chapter 89, Chapter 90, Chapter 91, Chapter 92, Chapter 93, Chapter 94, Chapter 95, Chapter 96, Chapter 97, Chapter 98, Chapter 99, Chapter 100, Chapter 101, and Chapter 102 are already available for Patrons.

' The training yard fell silent as the afternoon sun began its descent. Porco sat alone on a wooden bench, running a cloth over his blade even though it was already spotless. His muscles ached from the day's regimen, but the physical discomfort paled against the hollow feeling in his chest.

Tomorrow, Marcel would be gone.

He watched his brother across the yard, talking with Commander Magath. Marcel's posture was perfect—shoulders back, chin up, the model Warrior. The pride Porco felt was genuine, but so was the bitterness that clung to his thoughts like tar.

It should have been both of us.

The selection announcement still rang in his ears. Marcel, Reiner, Bertholdt, Annie—chosen for the Paradis mission. Not him. And certainly not because Reiner was better.

"You're going to wear a hole in that blade."

Porco looked up to find Pieck standing before him, her dark eyes soft with understanding. She lowered herself to sit beside him.

"Maybe that's the point," he muttered.

"At least I'll still have someone to talk to after tomorrow," she said, nudging his shoulder with hers. "Though your conversation skills need work."

A ghost of a smile crossed his face. "Better than Annie's."

"A low bar to clear."

They watched as Reiner joined Marcel and Magath, standing at attention like he was posing for a statue. Even from this distance, Porco could see the eagerness in Reiner's stance, the way he leaned forward slightly as if straining toward his glorious purpose.

"Look at him," Porco spat. "He has no idea what he's walking into."

Pieck said nothing, which Porco appreciated. She never tried to change his mind about Reiner, never lectured him about teamwork or respect like Marcel did.

"My father's feeling well enough to cook tonight," she said after a moment. "We're hosting a small dinner for everyone before..." She didn't finish the sentence.

"Let me guess—Karina Braun has turned it into a celebration of her son's greatness?"

"She's bringing three dishes and has invited all the families."

Porco groaned. "Perfect."

The Finger household was modest but clean, with mismatched furniture that somehow created a cohesive whole. The smell of roasting meat and spices filled the air, and despite himself, Porco felt his mouth water. Mr. Finger might be frail, but the man could cook.

Marcel nudged him as they entered. "Be nice," he whispered.

"I'm always nice," Porco replied, earning an eye roll from his brother.

The Braun family arrived last, naturally. Karina swept in like a visiting dignitary, cousin Gabi skipping at her heels. The little girl immediately attached herself to Reiner, who hoisted her onto his shoulders with a laugh that grated on Porco's nerves.