It was natural for the Survey Corps to consider rebellion—after all, once the truth of the world is revealed, Erwin would want to unite the interior first. Even then, going against Marley was nearly a death sentence, let alone resisting a major industrial power without unity.
Compared to President Zachary, Erwin preferred coordinating with Commander Pixis. There were many reasons, but familiarity was key. The Titans broke the walls twice starting from southern cities, and Pixis commanded the southern regions. Naturally, Erwin had more contact with him.
On the other hand, Zachary kept his true nature well-hidden. On the surface, the commoner-born president seemed no different from other nobles. The nobles lived in luxury; Zachary had to as well—this was his way of surviving and ascending. Being too pure or upright wouldn't have allowed him to reach this position.
Lillian spent about ten minutes with him, obtained the Reiss family address, then left wearing a hood. It wasn't convenient to appear in public yet. Once everything settled, he wouldn't have to explain anything.
---
Meanwhile, at Survey Corps headquarters:
"Still refusing to speak?"
"Ah."
Erwin and Levi stood outside a dungeon. Bertholdt was locked inside.
He looked pitiful—bound in chains, emaciated to the point of losing shape. Anyone starved for three days straight would be the same.
Since a human with Titan powers consumes energy to transform, the Corps continuously weakened his stamina—reduced rations to a near-survival minimum, shortened sleep to 3–4 hours a day. Maintaining sanity under such conditions was already remarkable, let alone having strength to transform.
"Bertholdt, we've obtained some intel about Marley that you were supposed to keep secret. Cooperate, and your treatment will improve."
Bertholdt lifted his head weakly, voice faint. "So… it was Lillian who told you."
"Yes. He said he is a member of the 'Eldian Restorationists.'"
"I see…" Bertholdt said, "That explains it… he managed to make it to the island. But Commander, give up. I won't say anything."
Erwin remained calm. "Is that so? Then you'll be transferred to the capital."
Bertholdt's eyes widened. "Transferred?"
"An order from the 'King.'" Erwin said. "Next week, you'll be escorted there and guarded by the capital's soldiers."
"The capital… no, no!" Bertholdt panicked, fear flashing across his face. "They'll eat me… they'll eat me…"
"What did you say?" Erwin frowned. "Eat you?"
Bertholdt froze. "You don't know?"
Erwin and Levi exchanged a glance, puzzled. Lillian hadn't explained how Titan powers are inherited, so the Survey Corps naturally didn't know the rules.
Bertholdt chose silence, but the terror in his eyes was unmistakable.
---
Outside, sunlight streamed into the courtyard. Levi squinted at Erwin. "It seems odd that the capital wants us to go there too."
"Yes. Very odd," Erwin agreed. "According to Lillian's intel, the King knows some truth. Yet Father Nick insisted Krista's involvement is crucial. Why? Krista is just an ordinary orphan."
"That priest refuses to explain anything, even under Hange's threats. But Erwin… Annie hasn't been found yet. Do we ignore that?"
Erwin had indeed considered Annie's situation. During the forest chase, they had witnessed the Female Titan's incredible speed and lost her almost instantly. They had briefly glimpsed Krista on the Titan's shoulder, possibly with two others—maybe Reiner and Ymir—but many questions remained. If Annie and Reiner were allies, why flee? And why was Krista with those who killed Lillian?
Too many questions. Returning to the capital, the first order was to escort the Colossal Titan immediately—an unrefusable royal command.
"Something big is about to happen, Levi," Erwin said, thinking for a moment. "Next week, I'll personally escort them. You and Hange stay behind and move Eren elsewhere. This place may no longer be safe."
Levi nodded gravely. "Understood. You be careful too, Erwin."
---
Royal Capital, Underground District
Lillian's sudden appearance startled Klaus, who thought Lillian was dead—the newspapers confirmed it. Yet here he was, alive and unscathed.
"These idiots at the press! Making stuff up again!" Klaus slammed the table. "I swear I'm smashing the office later!"
"Stop," Lillian said. "They aren't wrong. My situation is… special. Enough with that—let's get down to business. Klaus, how many people do you still have under you?"
"Uh… let me see…" Klaus counted. "Fewer than two hundred. Most are relatives of the wall-side brothers, barely surviving together down here."
"Can't keep living like this forever," Lillian said. "Staying underground too long is bad for the kids' future."
"I know, but what can we do?" Klaus laughed wryly. "I tried to lead them above ground, but living there is expensive. And the Military Police… in the underground, they turn a blind eye. Above ground, we'd be ripped apart. They'd skin us alive! My brothers can't afford that."
Klaus looked curiously at Lillian. "So, you have a plan, right? You wouldn't just talk for fun."
"Exactly. I have a way," Lillian nodded. What he said next left Klaus dumbfounded.
"I'm going to make all of you Military Police."
"What?!"
Klaus jumped to his feet, stunned, eyes wide.
"Don't get ahead of yourself. Achieving this will take time."
"Hey… Lillian, you're serious… right? You're not joking?"
"I don't joke about this kind of thing." Lillian stood up, flashing a confident grin. "A new era is coming. Get ready."