After leaving the royal palace, Lillian and the others stepped onto the streets, only to find chaos everywhere. The newspapers had clearly taken effect—large crowds had gathered in front of the palace to protest.
"Kill those corrupt ministers!"
"Don't let them keep deceiving the king!"
"It's all because of them that the king doesn't know how miserable our lives are!"
Incited by the newspaper's content, the people unanimously believed that it was the ministers who had distorted the truth and blinded the king—causing their suffering.
Meanwhile, the Garrison and Military Police were desperately trying to maintain order. Lillian led the others away from the palace from a side route.
Now that the coup was over, he needed to return to the Stohess District first to make arrangements, and then pay a visit to Zachary.
As for the Garrison Regiment represented by Pixis—well, he couldn't truly claim to represent it. There were four military districts within the Garrison, and only one stood firmly with him. The other two were lukewarm at best.
Especially the Eastern District's commander—he was actually on much better terms with Lillian. After all, Stohess was located in the east, and the two had interacted far more frequently.
At this point, it was obvious that Pixis had no intention of cooperating with him. In that case, there was nothing more to discuss. If Pixis returned obediently to being a commander, Lillian wouldn't act against him. But if he interfered… then extraordinary measures would be unavoidable.
"Kenny," Lillian said, "go on ahead. And keep an eye on Pixis's movements."
"Got it."
After Kenny left, Historia looked at Lillian and suddenly asked, "Lillian… can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"Earlier… why didn't you want me to become queen?"
"..."
Ymir and Annie also turned to look at him curiously.
Lillian smiled. "There's no special reason. I just think that sitting on that throne would make you unhappy. And besides—if you became queen, I'd have to call you 'Your Majesty.' I don't like that. 'Historia' sounds much better."
"I see…" Historia said shyly. "Thank you—for what you said back then… I… often… alwa—"
Bzzz. Crackle.
Suddenly, Historia's voice began to stutter, as if lagging. Her image blurred—and then Ymir and Annie too… no, not just them. The very light and shadows of the world distorted!
Colors and lines twisted together, forming a warped kaleidoscope!
What was happening?!
Lillian's heart jolted. It felt like a damaged disc—sound and visuals becoming surreal, everything losing coherence. In the haze, a distant voice echoed:
[It's almost over.]
A wave of dizziness struck his brain. His body swayed, and just before he collapsed, someone caught him.
"Lillian! Lillian!"
The shouting in his ears pulled the world back into focus. The distorted colors vanished. Everything returned to normal.
"Lillian, what's wrong?!" The three of them stared at him anxiously.
Lillian snapped back to reality and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. "I—I'm fine."
Almost over…?
He would never mistake that voice.
It was the same "goddess" who had sent him to this world in the first place.
Almost over—what did that mean?
Lillian recalled what she had told him back then: one world after another, each an adventure…
Was his time in this world nearing its end?
Damn it!
He clenched his fist. This couldn't be happening. There was still so much left undone—so many people he hadn't settled things for yet. If it ended now…
"Lillian, are you really okay?" Annie asked with a frown. This was the first time she had ever seen such an expression on his face—fear and helplessness. He had never shown her anything like this before.
What could make him like this?
"No… I'm really fine. Just feeling a little unwell," Lillian said, forcing a smile, though his heart grew more restless.
In truth, he had thought about this possibility before. He had simply avoided it—resisted it—refused to think too deeply about it.
But now, this was a warning.
A reminder that time was running out.
Still, he didn't know when he would truly have to leave—and he had no control over it.
So all he could do was this:
Before leaving, leave as much behind as possible.
And remove as many obstacles as he could.
The reason the king had been kept in place under the banner of "purging corrupt ministers" was originally out of fear that moving too radically would bring destruction to the world inside the walls. Given the current level of productivity and public awareness, abolishing the monarchy outright was simply impossible. Everything had to be done step by step—first gradually weakening the power of the thousands of nobles, only then could the next stage be carried out.
As for the military, Lillian had also intended to avoid open conflict as much as possible, allowing things to progress slowly while he built up his own strength. But now, looking at the situation… did he still have enough time left to proceed that way?
"Lillian…"
Historia looked at him with concern. His complexion at that moment was truly terrible—deathly pale, as if something extremely horrifying had happened to him.
Ymir, however, frowned thoughtfully and asked, "Is something wrong with your body?"
There was no teasing or joking in her tone. She continued seriously, "That kind of 'resurrection' can't possibly come without a price, right?"
"…Yeah,"
Lillian went along with her words and used it as an excuse. He simply couldn't bring himself to say something like I'm about to leave this world.
"That kind of revival…" he hesitated, then said, "does come with certain aftereffects. But it's fine. You don't need to worry. They're just minor issues."
Annie replied flatly, "Minor issues, like nearly fainting?"
"…Anyway, let's head back first. We'll talk later."
This sudden development completely disrupted all of Lillian's plans. This time, the "goddess" had deliberately given him a warning—but what about next time? Would she simply take him away without notice and throw him into another world?
If that happened, then before that day arrived, he had to act as quickly as possible. He didn't dare imagine what would happen after he was gone. Without him, would the people he cherished still be safe?
He didn't have an answer.
All he could do now was clear away every obstacle before his departure—eliminate every hostile presence that might threaten Historia and the others.
"If that's the case… then I'll have to act soon."
Sitting in the carriage, Lillian felt nothing but a profound sense of powerlessness.
Power—if only he had more power.
But even if his physical strength surpassed that of the Colossal Titan, what difference would it make against a "goddess"? He still had no control over his own fate, no choice over whether he stayed or left.
How irritating…