Wall Rose, Trost District.
The sun rose as usual, its light shining over the bowl-shaped city pressed against Wall Rose. Inside the city, ruined buildings scattered everywhere and the gaunt faces of the people seemed to still tell the story from not long ago, when Titans had broken through here.
A massive boulder blocked the breach kicked open by the Colossal Titan. That day also marked the first time humanity reclaimed its home from the Titans—though by relying on a Titan's power, it was nonetheless a rare, morale-boosting victory.
Reconstruction in Trost District had continued without pause. When the Titans broke through the wall, the people had thought they would become refugees, just like those from Wall Maria five years earlier. Fortunately, human soldiers ultimately held Trost District.
Unwilling to leave their homeland, the people voluntarily joined the reconstruction of Trost District, rebuilding their homes under the call of Trost's Chamber of Commerce chairman, Dimo Reeves.
But after the fall of Wall Maria, humanity's situation had never been optimistic. Supplies were scarce, food was a major problem. Chairman Dimo tried every possible means, even exhausting nearly all his personal wealth just to barely hold on. Yet sometimes, trouble always came knocking.
"Chairman Reeves, we have evidence of your bribing the Garrison, so I hope you'll think carefully," a man in the uniform of the Central Military Police said coldly.
Dimo clenched his fists and snapped angrily,
"Damn bribery! If the royal government could support the reconstruction of Trost District, why would I bribe those damned people! I did it only so everyone wouldn't starve! Is the Military Police always this unreasonable?"
The Central Military Police replied impatiently,
"Enough, enough! Chairman Reeves, we're not interested in hearing any of that. You should take reconstruction matters to the finance ministers. The Central Military Police have no interest in such trivialities."
"Now, you only need to help us complete this task. The Central Military Police will overlook your bribery, and we may even punish certain Garrison officers who deliberately make things difficult. Chairman Reeves, please consider it carefully."
With an uncertain expression, Dimo looked at the two portraits on the table before him.
"Since when does the Central Military Police need help to arrest people?"
The Central Military Police officer stood up, looking as if he couldn't be bothered to explain. He walked to the door on his own, then suddenly stopped, murmuring as if to himself,
"Tsk tsk tsk, such pitiful citizens. Without Chairman Reeves, how many would starve? Oh, that must be Chairman Reeves's family. It seems Chairman Reeves has an adorable daughter."
As chairman of the Trost Chamber of Commerce, Dimo was not ignorant. He knew well the power of the Central Military Police—far beyond what a mere merchant like him could provoke. Those words just now could clearly be taken as a threat.
After the Central Military Police left, thud thud thud—Dimo's son, Flegel Reeves, entered the room with his plump body.
"Dad, our grain reserves are running low again. By the way, what was that Military Police officer about just now?"
Dimo waved his hand.
"It's nothing. If the grain isn't enough, go buy another batch from that guy. Oh, right—call Mike over." After speaking, Dimo picked up the portraits on the table and examined them carefully.
Flegel agreed, "Alright."
At the doorway, Flegel suddenly turned back and said,
"Actually, I always thought you were a stingy miser, Dad. I didn't expect you to be so impressive—willing to help everyone. People really admire you."
Dimo scolded with a smile, though it carried a hint of bitterness.
...
On a street not far from the giant boulder blocking the breach, a tavern stood open. Cheap ale was the perfect way for people exhausted from a day of reconstruction to relax. Moreover, this tavern belonged to the beloved Chairman Reeves, and the drinks were very affordable.
Besides, the royal government seemed, at last, to have turned its gaze toward Trost District for the sake of commemoration. It was said that a large batch of supplies would be delivered here, and naturally, the people fell into celebration.
"To Chairman Reeves—and to that king who showed up after ages!"
Someone inside the tavern shouted, and a large crowd followed suit. Mug after mug of ale was set upon the tables.
Amid such lively bustle, after settling things, two figures quietly emerged from a room attached to the tavern and naturally walked out onto the street.
Rarely, Annie had dressed herself up a little—a long dress with a pink coat over it, round-framed glasses, and her hair let down. This gentle-looking Annie made it hard for Yago beside her to connect her with the Annie who used to pin him down and beat him senseless.
Yago had changed a bit as well. Even in ordinary clothes, he couldn't hide the youthfulness about him. Unless he wore the Survey Corps uniform, someone meeting him for the first time probably wouldn't think that the gentle boy before them was a Survey Corps soldier who dared to face Titans head-on.
Yago and Annie were striking in appearance, and walking along the road they might draw some admiration from passersby. But in the end, they still looked too young. In today's Trost District, this pair who looked like a sweet young couple only stirred a bit of nostalgia for the peaceful life of the past.
As they walked on, Yago and Annie blended into the crowd. That was fine—neither of them wanted to attract attention.
"Here." Yago bought an apple on the roadside, drenched in thick syrup—if memory served, it might be called candied fruit?—and handed it to Annie.
Annie's change in appearance seemed to have altered her temperament as well. She accepted the apple shyly. Why shy? Nothing more than having eaten too much. Along the way, there were still many snack vendors, with very cheap prices—especially those selling sweets. Catching the sweet scent, Annie couldn't help but glance a few extra times.
For Yago, his heart ached endlessly for Annie—whether it was the responsibilities she bore or her wishes, Yago was willing to shoulder them for her.
Want sweets? Eat! Big portions! One piece not enough? Make it two!
If they couldn't finish, no problem. Yago was there—after all, if his stomach burst, Titan power could fix it.
So they bought and ate all the way, hand in hand, just like an ordinary young couple. But a casual glance from Yago shattered this calm.
Though both figures had their faces hidden under hoods, Yago quickly recognized them with his sharp eyesight—Jean Kirstein and Sasha, carrying two large bags and moving hurriedly.
"Why are they here?" Yago pondered, then turned to glance at Annie. Annie seemed to have seen them as well and nodded.
They exchanged a smile.
"Let's go see them—maybe we'll learn what's going on. Some things still have to be faced." Yago tightened his grip on Annie's small hand.
The two quickly followed after Jean Kirstein and Sasha.
...
Chapter for your Power Stones. Thank you