Attack on Titan: A Blacksmith's Tale

Chapter 29: The Truth Unsealed

(Scout Headquarters)

Eld knew it was only a matter of time before someone attempted to kill Annie and Dillon. What he didn't expect was that they couldn't prevent the attack from happening in the first place. A quick investigation of the guards that were supposed to be protecting Dillon revealed that they took a bribe from the ringleader. Naturally, the guards and three of the attackers were imprisoned in the basement cells, but none of this was over. Word would spread among the ranks, and others would rise to make another attempt.

For now, though, he needed answers from the Scout who led the attack, the same one who smuggled the ODM gear in. Because they weren't stupid enough to borrow Levi's pristine office, Hanji allowed Eld to borrow hers on the condition she could help interrogate the Scout.

"Karl Dewitt," Eld read from the file he had. "Rank 41 of the 99th Cadet Corps. Originally joined Garrison but transferred to the Scouts after the Fall of Shiganshina. Nicknamed 'Dimwit' by your instructor and peers." He closed the folder, giving the Scout in question a pointed look. "I'd say you earned that nickname today, soldier."

"I was only doing my duty, sir," Karl replied simply.

Eld raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? And how do you see it that way?"

"There are threats within Headquarters, and they need to be eliminated."

"Save the fancy monologue for lawyers and politicians," he interjected, crossing his arms.

The Scout stared back, his determined expression unwavering. "If you're looking for regret from me, you're gonna be disappointed, sir."

"Don't worry about it," Hanji assured. "We weren't looking for a guilty conscience. We're just trying to figure out what to do with you."

"I'll accept whatever—" Karl was cut off when Eld's fist slammed into his gut.

"God, your self-righteousness is annoying," Eld muttered. Great, now I'm acting like Levi. He was pretty sure Oluo was laughing his ass off wherever he was.

On his knees, Karl let out a harsh cough, trying to catch his breath. "You people made a mistake."

"Oh? Do tell," Hanji said, pulling the man up.

"Annie Leonhart is a—"

"Okay, we're good," she interrupted, waving him off. "It's just the same thing we've been hearing these past few days. 'Annie's a monster,' 'Dillon is a traitor,' 'They deserve to die,' yadda, yadda, yadda. It's getting old."

"We know why you tried to kill Dillon, but for a so-called patriot of humanity, you nearly damned us all," Eld added. "Tell me, if a Scout managed to kill Amsdale, what do you think Leonhart would've done? How many of us do you think she'd kill before someone managed to bring her down?"

This time, Karl didn't respond, only choosing to avert his gaze.

"That's what I thought." Eld stepped forward so that the man would have no choice but to look at him. "You're going to be facing punishment. How severe it is will be up to you. The sentiment you have is shared by a lot of the Regiment, but only a select few would be stupid enough to act on it. You're gonna give us the names of those soldiers right now."

"What makes you think I know?" Karl asked.

"Your operation consisted of bribery and smuggling ODM gear," he explained. "It's highly unlikely the four of you acted alone. If you cooperate, we can come to an arrangement that may not lead to your court martial."

The man snorted. "I'm not about to snitch on comrades."

Hanji latched onto that statement without missing a beat. "So, there are more than just you four?"