Attack on Titan: A Blacksmith's Tale

Chapter 64: Stepping Up

Why did I volunteer for this? That question repeated in Armin's head as he waited outside the door of the interrogation room. Breathing exercises failed to calm his nerves since whatever happened next determined the fate of the Scout Regiment. No, that wasn't it. Dealing with Titans sounded much more preferable than performing an interrogation. Perhaps it was because it was a test to see who could crack first. Playing mind games with a man who was part of a corrupt government was easier said than done.

"Armin, don't be so nervous," Mikasa advised at last. "You can handle this."

He let out a sigh, trying to relieve some of the stress. "Sorry. It's just... this day doesn't seem to end." It took him a second to decide to change the subject. "How are you holding up, Mikasa?"

The Asian glanced away briefly out of shame. "I shouldn't have lost it like that. We're supposed to be on the same side." Once again, she found herself fiddling with the scarf. "I'm-"

The door swung open, catching their attention as Moblit stepped out. He shut the door before addressing the duo. "He's shackled to the chair, so he's not going anywhere." His light brown eyes stared directly at Armin. "The only reason I'm letting you take charge is because you have a history of coming up with good plans even during bad situations. Don't make me regret this."

"I understand, sir," Armin replied, hiding whatever anxieties he had remaining under a mask of bravado.

"Mikasa, you and I will provide backup in case something goes wrong," he instructed her. "Don't interfere unless absolutely necessary. Is that clear?"

She nodded. "Yes, sir."

No turning back now. Armin thought as he entered the room.

Per the usual standards, Sannes's wrists were tied to the arms of the chair and his legs were bound to its legs. There was no chance of him escaping. Still, it didn't hurt to have a contingency ready, which is why Moblit and Mikasa stayed in the back while Armin approached the man.

"So the Scouts allow children to conduct torturous interrogation," Sannes said with disdain. "Just another despicable crime the Regiment will answer for."

Armin slowly dragged a chair over to the shackled man and sat down once he was directly across from him. "You tortured and murdered Pastor Nick, Corporal. How do you sit there and condemn us when your own hands are dirty?"

"Because I serve the greatest purpose, boy," he answered, a slight tinge of pride in his tone. "To protect this country above all else. If I have to commit atrocities in service to that, so be it."

"Everything you've done has been to hide the truth from us," Armin shot back angrily. "That's not protection, and you know it."

The corporal shook his head in disappointment. "You really don't get it, do you? Are you so desperate to hold onto the concept of good people only doing good things?"

He narrowed his eyes at him. "I want to hear you try to justify your atrocities. The secrets, the murders, all of it. We know so much of what you're hiding, so look me in the eye and explain it."

"Armin..." Mikasa warned softly.

"Let him be," Moblit said just as quiet. "He knows what he's doing."

"I doubt that very much." Sannes stared point-blank at his face without hesitation. "It seems I'll have to explain this so a child can understand. Tell me: why did you lie to Annie Leonhart?"

Armin was taken aback by the question. "What?"

"You could have told her that you figured out her identity," he elaborated. "Instead, you deceived her in an attempt to capture her. We'll ignore the fact that it's because of your incompetence that hundreds of people were senselessly killed for now. Focus on figuring out why you didn't tell her the truth."