Juliet Diekman is the daughter of a well-respected Marleyan scientist who works alongside the military.
In a new proposal, he is asked to go on an expedition to Paradis for research purposes before planning their big attack. He agrees, only if his b...
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A PRESCHOOL-AGED JULIET pushed the door open, glancing back to make sure no one saw her. The bright sun warmed her small face as she stepped out onto the worn path outside her house. Her tiny fingers slipped into the pocket of her pants, feeling the smooth pouch she had tucked away there earlier. A plan was already forming in her mind, but she hadn't shared it yet.
Beside her, Armin, just as small and wide-eyed, matched her pace. His curious gaze flitted between Juliet and the path ahead, clearly waiting for her to explain where they were going. His blonde hair caught the sunlight as he squinted up at her, clutching a little book he'd brought with him.
"Hey," he finally asked, his voice soft but full of anticipation, "Where are we going?"
Juliet smirked, glancing at him briefly, before looking straight ahead again.
Earlier that morning, she'd stood by the door, watching her father as he hurriedly packed a small bag. His movements were quick, as if he couldn't wait to leave.
He told her he'd be working in the interior today and that he should be back by nighttime.
He handed her a small pouch with change, in the case that she wanted to buy something to eat from the stands near town.
She knew he was going to be gone for hours—plenty of time for her and Armin to explore.
Now, with the pouch tucked safely in her pocket, she had an excuse to invite Armin out to join her.
Juliet's father never worried about leaving his daughter alone. She was young, yes—only a child—but she had been trained to be far more capable than her years suggested. From the time she could walk, he had made sure she knew how to fight— of course, she would need it for the future.
Juliet came to an abrupt stop, her tiny shoes scuffing the dirt beneath her. Armin, who had been quietly walking beside her, stopped as well, his wide, curious eyes blinking up at her. Without saying a word, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small pouch. She turned to face him, lifting it up between them.
"What's that?" Armin asked, peering down at the pouch with interest.
"Look," Juliet said, opening the pouch just enough for both of them to see inside. As they both leaned in, their heads bumped together lightly. Armin flinched softly, rubbing his forehead, and Juliet did the same, though neither of them seemed to mind.
Inside the pouch, a few glimmering coins sat neatly at the bottom, catching the sunlight.
"My father gave it to me before he left," Juliet explained, her voice quiet but filled with excitement, "We could go to town and grab a snack or something."
Armin's eyes lit up as he looked from the pouch to Juliet, a bright smile spreading across his face. "Really?"
Juliet nodded firmly, a small grin tugging at her lips.
