Attack on Titan: A Blacksmith's Tale

Chapter 71: Ymir's Tale

The capital of Marley was bustling with anticipation and drowning in palpable tension. In the main council building, a meeting would be taking place that would determine the fate of Marley and, by extension, the world. The military leaders of the Army, Air Force, Navy, and even the Public Security Authorities and intelligence services would be present. As a member of the highest-ranking noble family in all of Marley, Willy Tybur was also invited to the committee. Being a man of high class and reputation, not a wrinkle could be seen on his black suit.

Currently, he was trying out a goatee minus a mustache to see if he could pull it off. According to his wife, the look suited him, which was all the support he needed. Normally, he would simply count down the minutes it took for him to return home to his family, but today was different. For once, there was excitement flowing through his veins, unlike the boring obligation he felt many times before. And he had his sharply-dressed companion to thank for that.

"You can suit me up however you'd like, Willy. I still despise wearing outfits like these," Atticus told him after adjusting his burgundy, striped tie for the third time. "Feels like I'm being strangled to death."

"It's a small price to pay for looking nice," Willy chided playfully. "You know how this all works."

"Unfortunately, I do. One day, I will deceive everyone into believing I am dressed this way."

"That would qualify as an abuse of your powers," he pointed out.

He paused for a moment, considering. "Hmm. I don't have a clever comeback for that."

Willy gave him a good-natured smile. "I don't have to be a Psion to know you're anxious. It's only the fate of the country on the line. Nothing special."

"Your words of comfort are legendary in these trying times," Atticus deadpanned, though the smirk indicated he was amused. "I wonder if any of them will remember me."

"Whatever these people thought of you then doesn't matter." His confident tone allowed for no arguments to be had. "This day is about you, Atticus. The only concern you should have is to not fall asleep in the middle of the meeting." His blue eyes narrowed at the slight makeup underneath the older man's eyes. The only reason any man would use that is if they were exhausted. "Did you even sleep last night?"

"Only for a couple of hours," the Psion found himself admitting. "It's not everyday you get exciting news that will change the world."

That was only part of the story, and the patriarch of the Tybur family bought it. Atticus, however, found his thoughts drifting to the conversation he shared with the goddess of all Eldians.

"I'm impressed with how well you handled him, Milady."

"Your patience paid off, Atticus," Ymir Fritz responded in a satisfied tone. "Dillon Amsdale is yours to keep."

Truly, those simple words were music to his ears. Fitting considering the woman's voice was like soft bells playing eloquently in a ballad. "Is it safe for us to have an actual conversation?"

"The boy is quite unconscious and his mind completely exhausted," she answered. "I think it's time that we meet face to face."

Atticus raised an eyebrow at that remark. "And how do you plan on doing that?"

"Concentrate on the mental link between us. I'll pull you in."

With a shrug, he eased back into the chair and closed his eyes. He didn't have many mental links, so it was easy to find the one that belonged to Ymir. Before, it was faint, but now, it was getting stronger and pulsing with raw power the likes of which he had never felt before.