In Trost District
Mikasa saw Violet's body lying near the rubble, motionless. Without hesitation, she immediately took her stance and sped off using the 3D maneuvering device. With incredible speed, she performed a sharp maneuver in the air, slashing two Titans at once in one deadly move.
As the Titans' bodies crumbled behind her, Mikasa landed next to an old woman who looked calm. "I'm fine, that girl needs help more."
Mikasa nodded and ran towards Violet. However, she stopped for a moment when she saw someone was already there, it was Elias.
Mikasa's eyes widened, showing her concern for Violet. "How is she?" she asked quickly.
Elias looked at Violet's pale face. "She's still breathing... but I don't know how bad his injuries are."
Mikasa took a breath. "Then, let me take him to the nearest medical post."
But Elias answered. "No. You better put away that big cart, I'll take care of it."
Mikasa fell silent then turned towards the gate, then her face looked annoyed then she approached the selfish trader.
There was a heated debate, and feeling that he was at a disadvantage, the trader finally agreed to give in.
Mikasa was silent for a moment, she looked south as if she was worried about someone, but for a moment she looked at Violet because she felt guilty, if only she had moved faster then that wouldn't have happened.
Making sure that the situation was conducive, Mikasa hurried away.
The person Mikasa is worried about is Eren Yeager.
Eren Yeager is a soldier who has just completed his training. Although not as great as Mikasa, she is also one of the best in his class.
Mikasa was rescued by Eren from Human Trafficking, in which incident both of her parents were murdered
Mikasa was adopted by Eren's family
She always says that Eren is her family, but his behavior, attitude, and feelings are more than that, he is everything to Mikasa.
Seeing that Mikasa was gone, Elias sighed, he knew what he was doing. Elias actually lied about what he said to Mikasa, because it could make things more complicated.
Elias thought, as he carried Violet to the cart, "I can't take her to the Medical Post, thank goodness that girl didn't force me. It's not a good time to take him there right now. I have to go to Greta right away."
Elias carefully laid Violet on the cart, without wasting any time he immediately spurred his horse, the cart moved quickly.
In the few hours that Violet was unconscious, many events occurred, the soldiers trapped in the Trost District were rescued thanks to the help of Eren who transformed into a Titan, the Rose Gate was broken through by the Armored Titan.
The Armored Titan has the ability to coat itself with a surface so hard that it is impossible for even cannons to penetrate its skin.
Some groups of soldiers did not trust Eren, they fought and almost broke out internally, luckily Commander Pixis managed to convince them and used a brilliant plan to retake the Trost District.
The plan is to use Eren's Titan power to close the gates of Trost District again with large rocks. The plan could not go smoothly, the morale of the soldiers who had fought the titans affected the assembled troops. Some of them were afraid to follow the plan and chose to back down.
In the execution there is a big obstacle, Eren is still unable to control his power making a greater sacrifice that must be borne by the troops, but they continue to fight in the midst of despair. They continue to believe in the only hope.
And finally the miracle happened.
Eren has fully controlled his titan form, he lifts a large rock on his shoulders and carries it to the south gate. At that moment, the troops were ordered to protect Eren, the process was so difficult and at the end there were no buildings standing, they were forced to become sacrifices to divert the titans.
When Eren had succeeded in closing the gate with a rock, the entire army was deployed to eradicate all the titans in the Trost District including the Scout Troops who had arrived at that time, the battle lasted all day.
Warm steam rose into the air, enveloping the silent field . Soldiers lay on the ground, some crying in grief, others smiling in emotion.
The battle was over. History had recorded it: humanity's first victory over the titans.
The Trost district... was successfully retaken.
In the Treatment Room
Violet slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was still blurry, the candlelight flickered faintly in the corner of the room. She turned her head to the side and saw Sophie sitting next to her.
"Thank goodness... you're awake, Violet," Sophie said, looking calm.
Violet tried to speak, her voice weak, "Sophie...? Where's Uncle Elias?"
She tried to lift her body, but Sophie immediately held her shoulders gently. "Don't force it yet. Get some rest...Uncle Elias is fine. No need to worry."
"Then... what about the people there? Are they safe?" Violet asked softly.
Sophie nodded gently. "Uncle Elias didn't say much about it, but I heard that all the residents were evacuated. They are safe... I'm more worried about you."
Violet fell silent, starting to realize her body was wrapped in medicinal plants beneath her clothes.
"Sophie, did you do it? " Violet asked.
"Yes, but my father made it. He used to be a doctor in the military," Sophie replied.
Violet bowed. "Thank you so much for taking care of me. I don't know how to repay you, but I really appreciate it."
Sophie smiled, her tone light. "Yes of course, you have to work in this tavern for a whole month," he said with a chuckle.
Violet confirmed seriously, "Yes, I will."
Sophie was shocked. "N-No, Violet! I was just kidding, hehe..."
Violet was silent for a moment, her eyes still staring blankly at the ceiling.
"Is there anyone still fighting out there?" Violet asked .
Sophie took a deep breath, then said, "The fight is over, Violet. While you were unconscious, several military regiments united to fight the Titans."
His face looked proud
"That hope came through a young soldier named Eren. He... had the power to transform into a Titan. Thanks to him, and the hard work of the brave soldiers, they managed to retake the Trost District."
Violet's eyes opened for a moment, shocked. "A human...turned into a titan?"
Sophie lowered her head slightly, "Yes, unfortunately he is currently imprisoned underground."
"Why? Didn't that person save us?" Violet asked in surprise.
"Because...some people are afraid, of its power," Sophie said.
While looking at her palms, Violet asked, "I don't understand... why in a situation like this we can't trust each other."
In a low voice Sophie replied, "Yes, even without the titan problem, humans might not be able to do it."
Silence enveloped the room. Suddenly there was the sound of the door creaking softly as it opened. Greta entered quietly, wearing glasses and holding a piece of paper in his hand.
"Sophie, is he your father?" Violet asked in a soft voice.
"Yes, he's my father," Sophie replied with a nod.
Violet immediately bowed lightly. "Thank you very much for taking care of me, Sir—"
Greta, who looked a little shocked, hurriedly interrupted, "S-Sir? No, Violet, just call me Greta," he said with an awkward smile.
Checking the sheet of paper in his hand, Greta said, "I have checked your condition in more detail. Your internal organs are fine, there is no significant damage. There are several parts of the body that have experienced trauma, and I have wrapped them with medicinal plants. Motorically there are no problems, but from the symptoms that appear, it is likely that several bones in the upper part of your body have suffered minor fractures. You should be able to walk tomorrow, but for now, avoid heavy work, okay?"
Violet lowered her head slowly, her fingers touching the blanket on her lap.
" I understand... Thank you for taking care of me this far."
Her tone remained gentle, but her eyes showed deep respect.
Then, after a pause, she looked at Greta.
"If I may... I would like to repay your kindness. I can help out at the tavern, or do whatever I can do."
Greta smiled "yes that would be very helpful, you can also stay here as long as you want"
" And also a girl with an attractive appearance like you will definitely make my tavern very profitable haha-"
Greta laughed but Sophie pulled her father's ear and looked annoyed
"Hehe sorry Violet don't listen to what he says too much, just watch out if Violet gets sick again I won't hesitate to beat you up Dad"
Violet just kept quiet watching their friendly bickering. But behind her silence, a faint smile could be seen decorating her face.
The next day
Fresh morning greeted us, the sunlight slowly shining through the wooden windows. Inside the tavern, the tables were neatly arranged, not many, just six dining tables and four bar stools. Sophie's tavern was still closed that morning, but the atmosphere felt calm and clean.
The front yard is quite spacious, it can accommodate up to ten horses belonging to visitors. This humble tavern is known for serving a variety of warm drinks and filling home-cooked meals.
Violet came out of her room, she was ready to wear the clothes that Sophie had lent her ,
She wore a simple maid's uniform, with a clean apron tied neatly around her waist. Her sleeves were long, covered by a pair of white gloves that glistened softly in the light. Around his neck hung an oval pendant, standing out amidst his high-collared white shirt, as if it were the only decoration that hinted that he was anything but ordinary. Her face remained flat, showing no smiles, laughter, or anger, but it was precisely because of this calmness that her charm felt gripping. Every movement was measured and smooth.
Violet began cleaning the inside of the tavern.
With calm steps, he swept the wooden floor which was still dusty, then wiped the plates and glasses one by one until they gleamed. After making sure everything was neat, she moved to the sign in front of the door and slowly flipped it to "OPEN".
Not stopping there, Violet stepped into the front yard. She began to tidy up the horse stalls, sweep the scattered leaves, and make sure the front area of the tavern looked clean and ready to welcome the first customers.
Unbeknownst to Violet, a young man was standing frozen across the street, his eyes never leaving the figure cleaning the yard.
"Who is he...? Does he also work at that tavern?" he thought curiously.
Driven by curiosity, he stepped in, becoming the first customer of the day. Violet, who was standing near the door, greeted him. Sophie watched her from behind, ready in case Violet got nervous.
Violet bowed her head politely. "Welcome... please sit down, sir."
From behind, Sophie whispered softly, "Violet, add a little smile... just a little."
Even without a smile, the young man was still amazed. There was something else... something inexplicable, yet captivating.
A little nervously, the young man said, "T-that... yes, I would like a cup of hot chocolate and... some bread."
Violet nodded slowly. "Okay, I'll prepare it. Do you need anything else?" he said in a soft and polite tone.
"N-no... that's all," the young man replied with an awkward smile, his eyes briefly meeting Violet's gaze.
Behind the bar, Greta, who was wiping glasses, just smiled slightly, as if he understood what was happening.
Sophie then rushed to the kitchen. Previously, through Greta, she had asked her father to prepare a drink.
After the order was ready, Violet walked with firm steps, carrying a tray in her hands. Her movements were calm and composed, almost as if following military protocol. She placed the drinks and bread neatly on the table, without a single wasted movement.
The young man was stunned, as if he were being treated like a nobleman, not an ordinary servant. There was an inexplicable graceful aura, making him only nod slowly, almost forgetting to say thank you.
The warm service made the young man's face brighten, his smile wide. After leaving the tavern, he walked with a blank look, as if his thoughts were still inside.
Soon, two of his friends approached with surprised expressions.
" Hey, Falkon, are you okay?" one of them asked .
With his face still frozen, Falkon answered softly,
"An... Angel..."
His two friends were even more confused.
" Huh? Angel? Is your head not right or what?"
They then turned towards the tavern, and there they saw Violet still standing near the door. Both of them immediately gasped in their hearts.
" Very beautiful..."
Silent for a moment, they stared at each other. Their gazes seemed to speak, giving a code: Let's go there too .
Even though they were wearing ordinary clothes, the two young men tried to appear dashing. They puffed out their chests, fixed their posture, and strutted as if they were elite soldiers.
But before they had gone far, they collided with a burly man. His facial expression looked fierce and his voice was loud.
"Hey, hey, hey! Can't you see I'm in a hurry?!" he snapped.
"A real man always wakes up and starts his activities at the crack of dawn. If you want to be my rival, fix your pathetic body first!"
Both of them were silent, frozen in shock and fear. While the burly man continued his steps confidently... towards the same direction : the tavern.
To their annoyance, the man walked with exactly the same gait they were trying to achieve, chest out, stride confident.
The two young men stared at each other, then one of them whispered in an annoyed tone,
"Damn... he got it first!"
The man stepped into the tavern. Violet greeted him calmly, her voice gentle as usual,
"Welcome, please sit down, sir."
At that very moment, the fierce man's expression changed drastically. His hard face softened, his eyes closed as if he was flying to another world, and his mouth opened slightly in a smile as if there were flowers blooming around him.
In his heart, he exclaimed in admiration,
"So... Beautiful... Her voice is gentle... Her manners are beautiful... This is... heaven?"
"You're so rare to come this early, Krause," Greta said with a chuckle, his tone clearly mocking.
"Tch, shut up, Old Man. "I didn't come here for you," Krause replied with a slightly annoyed face, but there was clearly a tone of shame behind his voice. He sat down straight away in his usual chair—a bar stool, which he had never chosen before.
Sophie who was standing behind Violet immediately realized that. He almost couldn't hold back his laughter. His hands quickly covered his mouth and nose, trying his best not to be heard.
Krause, who was aware of Sophie's expression, immediately blushed. He quickly turned his face towards the window, pretending not to care.
Greta approached Krause with a serious face.
"So, do you want milk or honey?" he asked firmly.
Krause replied in an annoyed but calm manner,
"Mi-ilk? Don't make things up, you! Real men need a healthy dose of protein... I want some fruit juice!"
Sophie chimed in,
"Well, I don't want to hear that from a man who drinks milk and jam rolls every day."
Krause was immediately at a loss for words. He lowered his head, his face red with embarrassment.
Suddenly, Violet, who had been silent all this time, spoke up calmly,
"Milk contains more protein than most fruit juices. Bread with jam does have a little protein, but it is very low. However, looking at your posture, it looks like you've been training hard. To support better muscle development, you need a more optimal protein intake, such as meat. Would you like me to help you choose a menu that suits your body's needs, sir?"
Krause froze. His face was moved, he remembered his hard training, in his heart "She understands my suffering? ", his eyes began to tear up. Then with a manly style , he answered, "Y-yes of course... A real man will not refuse a woman's advice."
Sophie and Greta began to prepare the food according to the order. Meanwhile, Violet resumed her service with her characteristic grace and poise, making Krause look very happy. After finishing his meal, she walked out of the tavern with a bright, enthusiastic face, his wide smile giving the impression that the day was going to be even better than usual.
A warm atmosphere enveloped the tavern, combined with the morning sunlight that was starting to come in through the windows. Towards noon, more and more customers arrived. However, without realizing it, almost all eyes were secretly focused on one figure—Violet.
At one point when the tavern was busy, a man dared to approach Violet. In a slightly nervous tone he asked,
"I-may I know your name?"
Instantly the atmosphere in the tavern became quiet. The customers turned their heads silently, watching with curiosity.
Violet bowed gently, her movements filled with her trademark grace.
"If that is what the customer asks for... I will go as far as I can."
Then, he slowly stood up completely, his posture firm but gentle.
"Three Roses Tavern Waiter, at the North Rose Wall... Violet Evergarden."
Both of her hands were neatly crossed in front of him between her hips and stomach, like a noblewoman welcoming a special guest. Her face remained flat, but his attitude radiated a calm and charming elegance. Her tone was calm, her speech was clean, and the entire room seemed hypnotized.
Sophie, who was watching from a distance, couldn't hide the proud expression on her face. Her eyes began to fill with tears. He turned to his father who was wiping glasses at the bar—his father was smiling, with a face full of warmth and admiration.
Days passed. For the first time, the tavern was busy non-stop all day until night. The tables were full, the sounds of laughter and chatter mixed with the aroma of warm food.
Small gossips began to spread among the visitors and locals.
"Hey, do you know the blonde girl who works at the tavern?" someone whispered.
"Ah, you mean her? She's so pretty... and she's so polite and graceful," another said in awe.
In Trost District.
Two days after the Trost Incident, civilians are still not allowed to return to their homes. The area is undergoing a body cleanup to prevent an outbreak of disease, as well as the process of identifying the victims' bodies. Meanwhile, a unit of the Scout Troops receives a covert mission, an investigation into the northern gate area.
Unlike other military units, the Scout Troops were the only ones who took the rumors about the "The Battle Angel" seriously. In the circulating report, the figure is said to have fought against two Titans without any maneuvering equipment.
A soldier assigned to the investigation finally found something.
In the ruins near the gate, hidden behind the rubble, lay a 3D maneuvering device. It appeared to be in a state of disrepair, with several parts broken and destroyed. However, the two swords that were still stuck in the ground looked intact, unsheathed as if they had just been used in battle.
"I think this is enough," he muttered to himself. He then took the evidence into a box and left.
At the Scout Unit Headquarters
Mikasa, Eren, and Armin were sitting in one of the crowded barracks . Mikasa seemed lost in thought. Her food was still intact in front of the table.
Eren glanced at her, then said softly, "Mikasa, if you don't eat, the food will get cold."
Snapping out of her reverie, Mikasa looked up. "E-eh... yes, Eren." She started to feed slowly.
Seeing him still looking anxious, Armin asked, "Did something happen?"
Mikasa was silent for a moment, then put down her spoon. "Have you heard about the rumors that have been circulating lately?"
Armin nodded slowly. "Yeah, there were a lot of rumors after that incident. Some of them were a bit exaggerated."
With a blank stare, Mikasa continued, "About a girl... who fought Titans without tools, without fear. I heard it by accident. Some people call it... 'The Battle Angel'."
Eren looked at Mikasa deeply. Her words seemed to light an ember inside him.
"Fighting a Titan without tools ?... That great?" he muttered softly.
Armin lowered his head slightly, trying to analyze calmly.
"I think people are just blowing things out of proportion. I find it hard to imagine humans being able to fight Titans without equipment."
"No, Armin. I saw it myself," Mikasa said firmly.
She stared straight ahead, as if replaying the incident in her mind.
"The way she fought... it was as if everything had been calculated. Every movement is precise. Every step, like part of her death dance."
Eren remained silent, but his eyes widened, captivated by the story. While Armin gasped, his expression changed to surprise.
Mikasa added, her voice now softer, "She has blonde hair... as bright as gold. And the movement is so beautiful. Maybe that's why people nicknamed him 'Angel'."
Silence enveloped the three of them. Mikasa sat quietly, keeping everything she saw behind her cold gaze. Eren, transfixed by the curiosity that burned his chest. Armin, silent, still having trouble believing what he had just heard.
Suddenly, the creaking sound of a wooden door shattered the silence. A soldier from the Scout Troops walked in quickly. His breath was a little short, then he called out, "Mikasa Ackerman!"
The entire room turned. The soldier scanned the crowd, and when his gaze caught Mikasa's standing figure, he asked, "Is that you?"
Mikasa answered dryly, "Yes, myself."
The soldier nodded and conveyed his orders, "You are called Commander Erwin. Come to the office immediately."
The peace of the barracks was instantly shaken. A loud commotion immediately spread among the other soldiers who heard Erwin's name being called. Their eyes turned to Mikasa with expressions of curiosity, envy, and amazement.
Eren and Armin turned to him. Mikasa herself didn't say a word. He just took a slow breath, then stood confidently, looking straight ahead.
One day ago, Eren, Mikasa Armin had joined the Scout Regiment. Eren managed to escape his execution and was taken over by the Scout Troops led by Erwin Smith. His main goal is to use his titan power to close the gate of Wall Maria which has been breached.
Armin is Eren and Mikasa's best friend.
His blonde hair and shorter stature make him appear weaker than his two friends. But behind his appearance, Armin is known for his extraordinary intelligence. He is often the brain behind various strategies. In fact, the idea to close the gates of Trost District, a plan that became a turning point in saving the city , came from him.
As Mikasa stepped into the room, the atmosphere immediately turned silent and oppressive. Several important figures were already seated there : Commander Erwin with his sharp, calculating gaze, Captain Levi leaning back with his arms folded, and Hange who, as usual, looked curious yet serious. Several other seniors from the scout regiment had also taken their seats.
The room is not very big. A round table is the centerpiece, surrounded by chairs that are only occupied during important meetings.
"Sit down, Mikasa," Erwin said in a calm but authoritative tone. Mikasa sat down, maintaining a respectful attitude.
"We have received a number of reports... unofficial, of course. About someone who fought against the Titans in the Trost District. Without maneuvering tools. Without support. And stay alive."
He paused for a moment, watching Mikasa's reaction. "People are starting to call her the 'The Battle Angel'."
Hange interrupted, her face looking enthusiastic, "And interestingly... the reports are consistent. There were even soldiers of ours who found abandoned broken maneuvering equipment. But there was no body. No trace. It's as if he disappeared."
Levi remained silent, but his gaze was locked on Mikasa.
Erwin continued, "We want to hear from you directly, Mikasa. We know you're not easily influenced by rumors. But the latest report states that you were assigned to the northern area near the Rose Gate... and saw it firsthand. Is that true?"
Mikasa answered calmly "let me get this straight, more precisely not without tools, he was using a 3D maneuver tool on his side but for some reason he didn't fly and instead ran, and surprisingly he managed to dodge two titan attacks before finally being able to take down one of them at once."
The whole room was silent in shock, Erwin narrowed his gaze, he was getting more curious. Levi asked in surprise "If he's on the ground then how do you kill one of those titans, a titan's height is at least four meters, it's almost impossible for a human to reach his neck without flying"
Mikasa lowered her head slightly and sighed, "She didn't fly, to reach a higher place, the girl used the titan's own power and used it as a foothold and jumped diagonally, she also managed to avoid the second attack, using the right momentum she jumped back towards its head slashing its eyes in one move, and at that moment she pushed herself back using the titan's head as her foothold and fell on the shorter titan's path, at that moment she immediately slashed its nape"
Silence enveloped the room, Erwin pressed his hands together, Levi was just silent, his gaze blankly directed at Mikasa, trying to deny the reality of what Mikasa was actually seeing.
Hange looked very enthusiastic, in her heart
"W-Wow !, isn't that amazing!?, her fighting style is really crazy"
Hange then spoke up, "In the report, the sword the girl used was quite blunt, some parts were also rusty. That means it takes quite a lot of power to be able to cut a titan's neck with that sword."
The people attending the meeting were shocked, with a low voice saying, "Really!?"
Mikasa flinched slightly, lifting her head, her eyes widening and falling silent for a moment before continuing her story.
"But because she was too focused on the titan that hadn't fallen yet, she let her guard down and was knocked away by a titan behind him, it looks like she was quite badly injured. " Mikasa's expression looked very guilty.
Mikasa clenched her fists, "No, it was my fault for not being alert... At that time I tried to help him but a middle-aged man who was already seen beside him refused, he told me to take care of something more important. His words were quite reasonable, and I did not suspect him, I chose to save the soldiers who were trapped elsewhere."
"Is there something suspicious about that girl? ", Erwin asked.
"If that's it...." Mikasa paused for a moment trying to remember. "If I'm not mistaken, his hands were white, I think he was wearing gloves... That's it."
"Then do you recognize that middle-aged man?" Erwin asked.
"Sorry about that..I didn't really pay attention...so I don't know".
Levi crossed his arms, his sharp gaze piercing forward as if trying to dissect Mikasa's story from every angle.
" Both the girl... and the middle-aged man you mentioned."
He paused for a moment, holding his breath.
"Both are equally suspicious."
His tone was cold, flat, but full of emphasis.
Mikasa just lowered her head, and the room fell silent again.
A few seconds later, Erwin Smith stood up slowly, then walked away from the round table.
The room remained silent as he spoke.
"I understand your suspicions, Levi."
He turned his head slightly, his voice calm but firm.
"However, the report that the girl saved an old woman and a small child is a fact. We can't just ignore that."
Erwin turned to face Mikasa.
"Thank you for submitting this report, Mikasa."
Mikasa lowered her head slightly.
"I understand, Commander."
Then, one of the senior soldiers approached Mikasa and whispered softly,
"You can go out, Mikasa."
Mikasa nodded slowly, then stood up straight and saluted by placing her hand on her chest facing Commander Erwin.
"Thank you, Commander."
After that, she walked out of the room quietly.
While Mikasa is being interrogated, Eren and Armin are given a different assignment. They are ordered to help another regiment transport cannon ammunition to various points along Wall Rose using carts. Eren is assigned to the northern sector.
It started to rain that night. The sound of the cart wheels rubbing against the rocky road was heard occasionally jerking when hitting an uneven part. Drops of rain began to wet the road, making Eren look up at the sky with an annoyed face. He looked around, looking for shelter.
Finally, he parked his cart near a deserted looking building. He picked up some boxes and moved them to the front of the building. Suddenly, from the direction of the door came the sound of light footsteps. A woman appeared, flipping the sign that said 'Open' to 'Closed'. Her blonde hair was loose, her face was flat and calm. That is, Violet.
Eren stared at the girl's face with curiosity. Her wet blonde hair stuck slightly to her cheeks, but her expression remained flat, calm, as if unperturbed by the rain or the world around her.
When Violet turned her head slowly, their eyes finally met. For a moment, time seemed to stop. Eren's eyes widened slightly, this face... he had heard the description. But seeing it in person made him speechless.
However, behind her seemingly blank gaze, Violet was actually looking at the symbol clearly displayed on the chest of Eren's uniform. The two-tone Wings logo, white and blue, looks striking under the dim light.
'The Scout Troops...' Violet thought to herself, recalling Sophie's words, "...while the Scout Troops have a two-tone wing logo, white and blue, as if symbolizing freedom."
Time seemed to slow down amidst the sound of rain dripping on the roof and the thump of wet cart wheels. They were still standing in their respective places, staring at each other in silence.
Eren held his breath, his eyes not leaving Violet's face. In his heart, one question kept echoing, "Is she... that girl?"
Meanwhile, Violet looked at the symbol on Eren's chest. The rain didn't bother her, but her eyes were focused, sharp, as if she wanted to make sure. "Is he... a scout?" she thought silently.