The gate bell rang, its sound echoing throughout the district. Residents crowded the streets, awaiting the arrival of the Scouts, who had completed their mission.
Soon the ground began to shake, and the heavy sound of giant chains echoed from within the stone walls. The gates slowly opened, accompanied by the afternoon sun creeping along the street.
Krause walked behind the crowd, finding a gap to stand at the front of the line.
Erwin led the procession, followed by Levi, Hange, and Mike. Unusually, they all walked with their horses in tow.
Hange noticed Krause's presence in the crowd first. She nodded slightly in greeting.
"Who is he?" Mike asked.
"He's... one of the people I met when I recruited Violet."
Mike studied the man for a moment.
"Is it just me, or does he not look like a civilian at all?"
Hange smiled faintly.
"Yes, you're right... It would actually be much more interesting if you met them in person."
Mike glanced at him for a moment.
"You're not joking, are you?"
Hange shook her head slowly.
"I only have one suggestion. It's best not to mess with them."
"What do you mean? They're military police or something?"
"No. It's more complicated, although in some ways they're similar to our unit. They could be very beneficial allies... as long as the girl is okay."
Mike was silent for a moment.
"Too naive. They think the girl is as good as Levi. She could die at any moment."
"No, it's not like that, Mike. What they care about isn't her death, but how she died. Or... As soon as they smell the slightest hint of an unreasonable threat to her, they'll act immediately."
"As allies, right?"
"...I hope so."
Mike took a deep breath.
"That shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Hange didn't answer immediately.
"You know the Underground City? You've been there, right?"
"...Yes. And then?"
"Two weeks ago, I accidentally saw a wanted poster for a girl with fantastic grades. From her description, there was no mistaking it for Violet." Hange glanced at Mike for a moment. "You must know that the top-tier bounty hunters there have abilities on par with our seniors, and some even approach those of Levi's squad."
She paused for a moment before continuing.
"When I met her a few days ago, she was truly untouchable. With their connections and experience, it's impossible for the bounty hunters not to immediately go after her, especially considering the tavern isn't in Sina Wall."
Mike nodded slowly.
"That's impressive. You've thought things through that far... and I have to admit, it all sounds reasonable."
"Yes..." Hange exhaled softly. "Mr. Greta's men are no ordinary people. They can't be ignored."
"And what about Levi? Erwin told him to handle that girl, didn't he?"
"Yes... and that's the second problem."
Mike furrowed his brows.
"What do you mean?"
"Levi..." Hange paused for a moment. "He was a bit skeptical of Violet from the start. I was surprised she'd dare leave her post. It never crossed my mind that she would disobey orders." She sighed softly. "About that... I'll investigate it myself."
Hange glanced up at Levi's back, who was walking a few steps ahead of them.
"Plus, his squad members were just slaughtered, so he's taken a double blow. It couldn't be worse."
Mike didn't respond.
A momentary silence enveloped them. Only the sound of footsteps and horse hooves could be heard along the road.
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Violet sat on the cart, next to a corpse covered in a cloth.
"Hey, miss, I haven't heard you in a while. Are you okay?" said the soldier guiding the horse, half-turning his head.
"I'm fine, you don't need to worry."
The soldier nodded, "You'll have to get used to it."
Violet was silent for a moment before finally turning to him.
"Have you... also lost someone close to you?"
"Yes." She glanced to the side. "That corpse over there. He was my friend."
Violet's eyes slowly widened.
"I'm sorry."
The soldier smiled faintly,
"Thank you. But it seems you need emotional support more, miss."
Violet's gaze slowly lowered.
"Don't you feel sadness?"
"Yes, of course, but I, and everyone who has been here for a long time, probably long for the days when we could still feel that lingering sadness."
"Doesn't that mean you've become stronger, less fragile than I am now?"
"You're right, miss. But have you ever considered that if you spend too much time watching death, it will slowly make you lose all sense of it... I call it a curse for the strong."
Those words made Violet realize something. Levi wasn't indifferent, she just hadn't grasped it deeply yet.
Suddenly, Violet turned her head quickly. The corner of her eye felt like she saw someone familiar, but there was no one there.
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The sign in front of the shop read CLOSED. At this hour, they were usually busy serving customers, even busier than usual.
Greta was neatly inserting tobacco into his pipe. His gaze lifted slightly before he let out a long sigh.
"Could you sit down? You're giving me a headache," he said.
Sophie kept pacing back and forth in front of the entrance, biting her thumb.
"Sophie!" Greta called, his voice slightly raised, trying to bring her back to her senses.
Sophie stopped, her face irritated. Just as she was about to open her mouth—
The door suddenly opened, followed by the tinkling of the bell hanging above it.
Greta and Sophie both turned their heads.
Krause stepped in.
Sophie's breath hitched. She immediately approached him.
"Krause!"
Krause simply shifted Sophie's shoulder with one hand as he continued walking.
"She's fine."
Sophie's gaze continued to follow him, as if still uncertain.
Krause pulled up a chair and sat across from Greta. The old man was still busy tidying the tobacco in his pipe.
"Get him a drink, Sophie."
Sophie quickly brought a glass of warm milk on a tray and served it to the man like a customer. Afterward, she turned around the bar stool directly in front of their table and sat down anxiously, awaiting the news she had been waiting for.
Krause let out a long sigh after setting the empty glass down.
"Do you still need a moment?" Greta asked.
"Violet's okay, right?" Sophie said impatiently.
Krause glanced at Sophie for a moment, then looked at Greta.
"Actually, I didn't actually meet her. She probably doesn't even know I was there."
Seeing Sophie about to interrupt, Krause quickly continued.
"I know what you're going to say, but this is the best option for her." He looked at Sophie calmly. "I don't see any injuries on her. That should be enough to reassure you."
Sophie lowered her gaze. Her eyes narrowed slowly.
"I knew you wouldn't bring good news... but thank goodness," she said quietly.
"How do you know?" Krause asked.
"People outside are already talking. They say they lost more soldiers," Sophie replied.
Krause shook his head slowly.
"Worse than that. They lost more than half their men."
Greta and Sophie's eyes widened.
Greta immediately lowered his pipe.
"Impossible... You must be joking. If that's true, then this is their worst defeat yet."
"I counted it myself. They left the Calaneth District with one hundred and twenty-six soldiers, and there were no more than sixty who returned."
Greta fell silent again, his expression disbelieving.
For a moment, the room fell silent.
Greta placed his pipe on its stand. His gaze dropped to the table.
"The fifty-seventh expedition..." he murmured softly. "Their primary mission is to find the safest route to Shiganshina. Their experience is undeniable. The operational plan, the choice of terrain, even bringing heavy equipment for the first time... they've truly prepared everything thoroughly."
Greta's head finally lifted.
"Do you think... the ordinary Titans they've been facing are capable of causing that much damage?"
Krause froze.
"No... but I'm more surprised how you knew all that information."
Greta didn't respond.
"They brought an elite squad and two Ackermans. Hange and Mike were there too..." His gaze narrowed. "There's no way Erwin could be that careless."
Krause shook his head slowly, then walked toward the door.
"I understand, Old Man. But there's something more important."
"..."
"I saw a Military Policeman there."
Greta immediately looked up. He said nothing. His gaze followed Krause until he stopped right in front of the door.
Krause turned.
"If something happens to that girl... do you have a plan, Old Man?"
Silence fell over the room.
"Too risky."
"For our lives?"
"..."
"F*ck. I'll do it."
Greta smiled faintly.
"No, it's not that." He shook her head slowly. "I'm trying to figure out a way for us to do it together."
Krause looked away, hiding a small smile.
"You never disappoint."
The bell jingled again as he opened the door and stepped out.
Sophie remained in her seat, while Greta clasped her hands together and sank into silence.
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Levi stood in front of the building. His gaze shifted to the window, then down. There were no shoes in front of the door, but it was slightly open.
He entered.
Sure enough, Violet was sitting inside.
That room was the last place they had met before their departure. That time, Violet had left early due to a change of plans.
Hearing footsteps, Violet immediately turned and stood up straight.
She didn't even have time to wipe away the tears still streaming down her cheeks.
"Captain Levi, I apologize for my behavior earlier." Her voice trembled slightly. "I am willing to accept any punishment."
Levi continued walking until he stopped right in front of her. He glanced left and right for a moment, then accidentally glanced at Eld's room, the door still open. It looked unusually tidy. So did the main room where they were now standing.
"You will be transferred to the cadet barracks."
Levi immediately turned to leave.
"Wait, Captain. What about my punishment?"
Levi's steps stopped in the doorway.
"Your name appears in many reports, I've read them." Her voice was flat. "You helped supply gas to the entire rear formation, eliminating thirteen Titans, and saving four squads single-handedly."
He paused for a moment.
"By not remaining with the logistics squad, you made the best decision." Levi glanced at her briefly. "But a violation is a violation, you're not going on any missions for the time being."
A moment later, he added,
"The cadet barracks are to the west. Mikasa is waiting for you there."
Violet's tense face immediately relaxed. She clenched her fists over her chest.
"Yes, Captain Levi... Thank you."
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It was late afternoon. Along the dry road, leaves fluttered low, carried by the wind.
Violet carried a heavy-looking suitcase. After climbing a slope, the roof of the building slowly came into view. Before her lay a large, dirt field, while in one corner stood a training facility.
She passed a man who stood frozen, staring at her.
Violet bowed her head slightly in greeting, then resumed walking.
"Wait!"
A voice came from behind, the man calling out to her.
The man quickly caught up and walked beside her. When Violet turned halfway, he said,
"Thank you... for saving me."
Violet nodded slowly.
"Sorry, but I don't remember your face very well."
The man paused, then extended his hand.
"Jean Kirstein."
Violet lowered her suitcase and stood up straight, clenching her fists over her chest.
"Violet Evergarden."
"W-Well... you don't have to be so formal, actually." Jean scratched his head with an awkward smile. "Besides... weren't you my senior?"
Violet's eyes widened slightly.
"Senior? I was assigned to the Special Operations Squad, but I should have been in the same year as the other cadets."
Jean touched his chin.
"Special Operations Squ—wait a minute." His eyes widened. "You're Levi's Member?!"
His head tilted back slightly.
"Oh... no wonder."
He let out a long sigh. After a moment's silence, his gaze shifted.
"I'm sorry."
Violet's gaze slowly lowered.
"Yes... they were very good people. I miss them terribly."
Jean stared at Violet for a moment, letting the heavy atmosphere pass. Then, he tried to lift the suitcase she was carrying.
The suitcase lifted a few inches, but his face immediately stiffened. He glanced down.
Crazy... what is she carrying?
"Y-You... are carrying this... with one hand?"
Jean tried to hide his surprise and pretend it wasn't difficult.
Violet blinked slowly.
"I used to carry heavy things on my travels. This shouldn't be a big deal."
"Really?"
Jean gave up and quickly set the suitcase down.
"Damn... I should have trained harder."
Violet resumed carrying her suitcase, and they continued on their way.
"Captain Levi said Mikasa was waiting for me."
"Oh, she said she wanted to visit Eren, so she left you with me."
Violet immediately turned around.
"Is Eren okay?"
"Of course," Jean answered immediately, almost cutting her question off. "He's... a Titan, literally. It's almost impossible for him to die."
A few minutes later, Violet arrived in front of a door. Jean handed her the room key. The entire structure was made of wood.
The door creaked softly as Violet pushed it open.
She stepped inside.
The room was quite cramped, more like a cabin than a room. Nevertheless, it looked comfortable. A window faced the entrance. Turning to the side, Violet saw a bunk bed with a drawer on one side.
She walked over to the bed. On the bottom bed were several folded clothes that appeared to have not been moved.
Violet put down her case and walked to the window.
The building she was in stood on a plateau in the middle of the forest. Not far away, a lake shimmered in the sunset.
Violet opened the window.
The two shutters swung aside, and a cool breeze immediately blew through her hair.
She savored the moment for a moment.
Then suddenly—
The sound of the main door opening was heard.
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Mikasa and Armin returned from the Medical Barracks after trying to visit Eren, but they were unable to find him. Eren was placed in a private room, and one of the nurses said he needed more rest and would be examined again at the next scheduled appointment.
"I've knocked and called several times, but Eren hasn't answered," Mikasa said, her eyes filled with worry. "Will Eren be okay?"
"Yes... that..." Armin's tone was hesitant. "He did seem fine earlier, at least physically."
His gaze slowly lowered.
"But on the other hand, he also witnessed Squad Levi being slaughtered before his eyes." Armin paused for a moment. "That part... won't be easy for him."
"He's impulsive." Mikasa glanced away for a moment. "I just don't think this fits him. Isn't that why he turned into a Titan?"
Armin tilted his head slightly.
"...You're right. I've seen him angry more often than isolated like this."
A moment of silence fell over them.
"Do you feel like he's changed lately, Armin?"
Armin shook his head.
"He's still the Eren I know. It's just..." He paused for a moment. "Last time, he did something unusual."
Mikasa stared at him more intently.
Armin understood. She was waiting for him to continue.
Armin shifted his gaze forward, then looked up at the sky.
"He met someone who suddenly said she wanted to join the Scout Regiment." He paused. "Do you know why? Because she wanted to understand the world."
"Maybe that girl also wanted to see the ocean."
"That's what Eren said." Armin lowered his gaze. "But at the time, I was thinking... maybe Eren wanted to say that there was someone who shared his reasons."
He took a deep breath.
"Someone who doesn't want to live behind the walls forever. Someone who also wants to join the Scout Regiment to see the wider world."
Mikasa's eyes slowly widened.
"Someone... a girl?"
Her steps stopped. Her gaze was blank.
Armin stopped as well and turned halfway.
"I haven't had a chance to ask him. But the only person I've never seen who recognizes him..." He paused for a moment. "Maybe that girl is... Violet."
Mikasa's hands clenched slowly. For some reason, her mind couldn't stop spinning after that conversation.
Her gaze returned to that moment.
When the girl landed in front of Eren.
Without turning around, her robes and golden hair still danced in the wind.
At the sight, Mikasa felt like a failure. Her hands clenched the ground. She should have been the one there, as usual.
She felt something very strange, something she couldn't even explain.
Unconsciously, her fingers kept touching the red scarf around her neck the entire way.
Her thoughts were only interrupted when she opened the bedroom door.
Their eyes met.
Violet was standing in front of the window.
Mikasa blinked slowly.
The girl lowered her head.
"Violet Evergarden. Nice to meet you, Mikasa-san."
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**West Tavern, Stohess District — Sina Wall**
Annie sat in the corner of the bar, her face uneasy.
Suddenly, someone passed behind her and took the seat next to her.
Annie's eyes widened for a moment.
Then, they widened even more as she turned her head to the side.
"Y-You?!"
The man didn't react. He simply raised one hand.
"Beer."
The waiter placed the glass in front of him a little roughly, but he ignored it.
"We meet sooner, Annie."
Annie didn't answer. Her gaze remained wary.
The man lowered his gaze.
"I don't have much time. And neither do you..." He took a sip of his beer before continuing. "Not like them."
"Them?"
The man turned his head.
"Bertholdt... and Reiner, right?"
Annie fell silent, her face growing tense.
"I know everything... Marley... Eldia... and of course, your secret mission."
He took another sip of his beer.
"Don't worry. For now, I'm on your side, including regarding that offer."
Annie remained silent.
"There's just one thing I want to ask..." The man stared straight ahead. "Do you know a girl named... Violet Evergarden?"