Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

FIFTY

'Family is an individualistic notion. Many will find comfort and loyalty in predetermined and often unconditional love through common blood. Though for those born to blood they do not claim, family is often chosen and acquired. Though conflicting, each way is still irrefutably genuine.'

-An extract from the book 'Evolutions' written by philosopher Adette Briggs.

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FIFTY

Wall Sina, Interior, Mitras, Royal Palace

It was the next day. Erwin and Hange were about to set off back to Noaks, back to mission planning and the dull monotony of soldier life. Lorelai and Levi had gone out into the palace courtyard to see them off, for today, they would be returning alone.

"Write to me, Hange. I want to know everything about how the mission goes," Lorelai smiled, hugging her briefly.

"Of course," Hange nodded. "Keep me updated as well."

"I will."

"And, don't be too soft on Levi," she teased. "If he comes home a noble, it'll be you to blame."

"I'm never soft," Lorelai grinned. "See you in a month."

"See you." Hange climbed into the carriage.

Lorelai turned around to say her goodbyes to Erwin. Levi lingered a little ways behind her; goodbyes weren't exactly his forte.

"You be safe now," Lorelai told Erwin sweetly. "Be smart, like you always are, and everything will work out fine."

He smiled. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too, sweetheart. But I'll be back before you know it."

"Alright. Good luck in your negotiations, Lorelai. I'm sure you'll figure it out," said Erwin before turning to Levi behind her. "Levi, keep an eye on her for me, alright?"

"Tch. Believe me, I'm practically an expert in babysitting Lorelai at this point. You have nothing to worry about."

He chuckled, turning back to Lorelai. "See you in a month."

"See you, Erwin," she leaned up to kiss his cheek before retreating to Levi's side as he climbed into the carriage.

The birds in the courtyard tweeted as the two watched the carriage roll out. Levi got the distinct feeling he had passed some kind of threshold. When had he last been without Erwin's command? It was strange to watch him go and be left behind.

He looked to Lorelai beside him, her blonde hair blowing softly in the spring breeze. At least he had her.

"So," Levi began. "It's going to be just you and me now, huh?"

She nodded, her eyes staying on the disappearing carriage. "Well, you, me, and all of the nobility I have to impress."

"True."

"As well as Thomsen."

"Thomsen?" Levi raised an eyebrow at her as he followed her back into the palace. "The MP?"

"The next step, dearest, is going on our own little outing to the Krüger Tunnels so that I can prove my claims about the gold. I need an MP to lead the mission," Lorelai explained. "Of course, it's still going to take two weeks at the least to win approval, as things stand."