Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

FORTY

'The land of nobility has always been foreign to me. Many have speculated about the circumstances of my birth, and, it is true, I was born into the Underground City. But shame is not a world I am familiar with. Being born into nothing, having no legacy, and no ties has opened my eyes to the truth. It is due to my low birth that I can see with eyes unclouded.'

-An extract from scholar and journalist Aksel Briggs' autobiography.

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FORTY

Wall Sina, Interior, Mitras, Royal Palace

The carriage pulled up to the courtyard of the royal palace. Lorelai stepped out and was greeted by lush gardens, impressive entrances and an array of servants that had been awaiting their arrival. Oddly enough, the palace was somewhat nostalgic to her. It reminded Lorelai of the Bervik manor and the great architectural marvels of Ingreed.

Levi joined her side, his dull eyes scanning the courtyard. A noble was walking through the gardens, primping himself in a hand mirror. "Tch, pigs."

He looked at Lorelai. Just as when he had met her in Islet, she was scanning her environment, deciding how to act. He watched her slowly take off her Survey Corps jacket, exposing an elegant blouse.

"Levi, be a dear and carry this for me?" She handed it to him.

"...Losing the jacket?"

"Sends the wrong message." She smiled shrewdly. Lorelai adjusted her hair to expose her golden earrings. He knew her play; wealth's power could not be overstated in this battleground of power struggles.

"I'm sure it does," he mumbled sourly.

At that moment, Lorelai was an entirely different person. No longer was she some common soldier; with the loss of a jacket and an adjustment of her hair, Lorelai had transformed into an aristocrat. The posture. The air. The haughty expression. It seemed more natural to her than breathing.

As Erwin joined his side, the two of them watched as she strolled gracefully into the palace, bidding other nobles a charismatic 'good day' as though she had known them all her life.

"Something tells me she's going to be troublesome this week," Levi droned.

"For this one week, Lorelai is no longer under my jurisdiction. She can do as best fits her own interest."

"...You do see how that could potentially end badly for you, right? You're tied to Havas now. Whatever she does will reflect the Scouts."

He smiled knowingly. "Yes, and I'm sure Lorelai is very well aware that the vice versa is true as well. I'm betting she'll do her best to sever the connection."

"Another gamble then," Levi huffed. "You don't think she's even a little loyal to you? Since you two are..."

"Lorelai and I's personal feelings aside, I've known from the beginning it was likely for our interests to diverge," explained Erwin.

"...And you still went for it?"

"Oh, old friend, love does not always agree with logic. Though, I suppose you have no way of knowing that, do you?" He caught Levi's scowl. "I'm teasing. Come on; we should probably follow her."

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Erwin and Levi stepped into the palace. The reception area was rather impressive. They looked up to a soaring vaulted roof, painted and plastered with cherubim playing in clouds. Grand windows flooded the space with afternoon sunlight.