That night, as Violet was talking with Eren on the other side of town, a silent silence enveloped a stable near the main road. From the outside, the building looked like any other horse rental shop: hay was scattered about, horses were resting, and the smell of earth mixed with animal sweat filled the air.
But in the farthest corner, behind a row of horse beds, stood a simple wooden door. It looked like just a small storage room, but once it was opened, the dim light revealed another secret: a hidden staircase.
A similar path lies hidden within the main building, neatly hidden. Two different paths, but both lead to a place not just anyone can find. It's not a dark room for storing weapons, nor a hiding place for illegal activities, but a bar, the only place where they know the meaning of freedom. There, anyone can speak without fear of risking their lives.
Late every night, the room always felt warmer than the tavern on the surface. The tables were filled, the bar stools were never empty, and the air was filled with whispers, laughter, and a relief that was rarely found in the outside world.
Elias, Greta, and Krause sat at a table in the far corner. The table was cluttered with alcohol, an ashtray, and… a glass of milk.
"Where did you get that tobacco, old man? Don't tell me you stole it from the medical warehouse," Krause asked with a sneer.
Greta blew a slow puff of smoke out to the side. Sitting back, he tapped his pipe twice on the ashtray before replying,
"You talk like you've never stolen underwear. There's no herb I can't get my hands on. I have a lot of connections."
Elias chuckled, taking another sip of his alcohol. His eyes were already drooping, no one knew how many glasses he'd had.
"Haha, don't mind what he said. He might not drink, but he's drunker than me."
Krause didn't give any expression as if he was used to those words,
"Tch, a real man would never do such a pathetic thing uncle, they stole her heart. Right?"
He grinned, one side of his grin lifting so that his white teeth reflected the sparkling light.
Elias stared at Krause for a moment.
"Yes, you're right."
Elias then turned to Greta.
"Please keep this young man away from Violet."
Greta just smiled faintly then looked away to enjoy his cigarette.
"So mean!" Krause's voice rose, followed by Elias's laughter, but their voices were muffled in Greta's ears.
Greta was about to pull the tobacco pipe to his mouth but stopped, as if thinking of something.
"Elias, by the way, does that girl know what she has to do?"
Elias didn't answer the question straight away, his dull eyes stared at the glass for a moment while turning it around a little.
"It's unusual for you to ask something like that... I haven't seen her in a long time, has something happened lately?"
Elias thought it was Greta but it was Krause who answered him directly.
"There isn't any."
Hearing that, Elias' head lifted slightly and now he looked at Krause.
Krause crossed his arms while looking away.
"My men didn't see anything suspicious, of course we flagged down several units from the military police and the government that could potentially harm her."
Greta then added,
"I haven't told you Elias.... I told him about Violet."
Elias was silent for a moment, his gaze dropping as if feeling regret.
"You're very understanding, aren't you, Greta... if only I hadn't made that mistake, maybe you wouldn't have had to go through all this trouble."
"Did the Military Police bring the ODM Gear uncle?"
"That's...the worst case scenario....but...let's just say that if the Scout Regiment finds out first, I think Violet has a better chance."
"Including the possibility of her being one of the corpses on the cart they always carry... right?"
For a moment, no one spoke, Krause's words carrying a silence heavier than the one that usually greeted them every night. Elias glanced at Krause for a moment then back to his glass, he couldn't deny what the man said but he tried to understand, from the look in his eyes he knew, the man seemed to be looking at someone he had known for a long time but was no longer with him now.
Krause straightened his gaze again.
"Nothing personal but you're right uncle... there's no one else I can trust but that person."
Krause casually picked up his glass of milk trying to restore the situation but all he got was silence, no response from Greta or Elias, their gazes both fell to the glass and the smoking pipe they were holding.
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That night, the Scout Regiment canteen was packed with soldiers. Large tables and long chairs were filled, each seating eight people. Incandescent lamps hung low, emitting a warm glow that combined with the aroma of fresh bread and rich soup created a cozy atmosphere after the heavy rain that had fallen outside.
Some people were still seen queuing for their food rations, while those already seated were busy chatting within their own social circles. The cadets tended to hang out with their fellow classmates, while the senior soldiers preferred separate quarters, usually in separate buildings designated for their use.
At one of the most recognizable tables sat three people who were always seen together: Eren, Armin, and Mikasa. They were surrounded by their fellow classmates: Sasha, who was always busy with her food, Jean who was always loud, Connie, and Bertolt and Reiner, who were quieter but still part of the circle.
Connie supported his head with one hand, his voice sounded relaxed despite the faint hint of fatigue.
"I heard the news... they say we'll be getting a mission soon."
Sasha, who was chewing on her bread, suddenly stopped, her eyes widening. She swallowed quickly, then turned around with a pale face.
"So we'll meet those titans again?"
Jean lowered his head, his gaze blankly fixed on the table. The spoon and fork in his hands trembled gently, as if unable to contain his heavy thoughts.
"Damn, can't we get some more time. I still can't get over that horrible thing a few days ago."
Reiner, with a mouthful of food, responded with a straight face to Jean's words,
"Well, what can we do, facing titans is part of this Unit.... we have chosen the hell path."
Jean looked up quickly, almost cutting himself off.
"No, that's not it.... I'm talking about Marco... I still can't believe this happened to him."
As if that one word had wiped away all the warmth of the canteen, the noisy sounds of the other tables suddenly felt far away.
Reiner, who had been calm, suddenly stiffened. He stopped eating, and slowly put his spoon back down. His blank gaze stared at the surface of the soup, as if there was something inside that only he could see.
Bertolt, who rarely participated in conversations, always silently watched, but the way he swallowed his tongue certainly made him act differently than usual, even someone who rarely could give his reaction to others, could give a reaction like that when seeing something terrible.
Armin who was at the corner of the table paid close attention to every word that was spoken, when Jean said about Marco, his gaze dropped slightly, he remembered the time with him then he just disappeared like a falling leaf passing through the trees. Talking to each other exchanging thoughts, sharing dreams or doing tasks together then without him knowing suddenly... he died. He realized how easily humans lose their lives in times like this, one second talking, the next second they might be gone. But no matter what, the remaining humans must continue to move forward and carry the hopes of those who have passed away.
Armin glanced at Mikasa, who was sitting beside him. She was still eating quietly, her spoon steady as if undisturbed by the conversation at the table. Mikasa wasn't someone who easily showed reactions, but Armin knew her well enough. From the dim look in her eyes, he knew she cared, she just chose to keep it close to her heart.
Armin's gaze then shifted across the table. Eren was sitting directly across from him, but he looked different. His mouthfuls continued, but his hands hesitated, as if losing strength. Not because he was listening to their conversation, but because his own thoughts were wandering somewhere.
Armin chose to remain silent. Asking Eren questions at a time like this would only make things worse, and he knew exactly when to hold back his words.
After eating, the soldiers dispersed and returned to their barracks. The night still held a chill from the lingering rain, and the incandescent lamps outside cast a dim light on the muddy dirt road.
Mikasa paused in front of Eren. Her voice sounded softer than usual. "Don't sleep too late, Eren. That power drains you a lot, right? So you have to keep your health-"
Eren cut her off, he took a short breath as he looked away. "I told you, don't treat me like a child."
Without waiting for an answer, he strode off towards the barracks, his steps quick and heavy. "Come on, Armin."
Armin just nodded briefly, then followed from behind.
Footsteps could be heard on the wet road, accompanied only by the silence of the night. Occasionally, a chuckle from another group of soldiers ahead of them broke the silence.
Out of the corner of his eye, Armin noticed Eren. His face was still the same as it had been in the cafeteria, he looked tense, as if he was keeping something to himself. Curiosity finally prompted Armin to ask,
"You're late for lunch, Eren."
Eren glanced up briefly. There was a pause before he answered in a flat tone.
"Oh... yeah. A little... something happened. But I already took care of it."
Armin furrowed his brows.
"A little?"
Eren tilted his head slightly, as if trying to form words.
"On the road... I met a girl. She said she wanted to join the Scout Regiment. She said she volunteered."
Armin's steps slowed involuntarily, his eyes widening.
"Ehh? Really?"
After a pause, Armin, who looked confused, asked again.
"But why? Did you ask the reason?"
Eren suddenly stopped walking. Armin reflexively stopped as well, turning his head quickly. He saw Eren looking up at the night sky, the scattered stars and the shining moon. There was a long pause, enough for Armin to be sure that Eren was looking at something more than just the sky.
Without turning around, Eren said quietly,
"She wants to... understand the world."
Armin held his breath. His eyes widened, his chest tightening. That one sentence was enough to make him freeze, as if he had just heard an echo from within himself.
Eren was still looking up.
"You know... that reason sounds similar. Or did I hear it wrong?"
Only then did he turn to Armin, his eyes serious.
"The sea. That's what you said, right? Could it be... that she wants to see it too?"
Eren took another step while Armin remained rooted to the spot. His eyes followed his friend's back, as if trying to make sure he hadn't heard correctly. But before he could follow, a voice escaped his lips.
"Then… what are you going to tell her?"
Eren rubbed the back of his neck, looking a little awkward. His gaze never left the road ahead.
"I said I promised to help her. But I also asked her not to get her hopes up. Because, you know… I'm not important person."
Armin was silent, his heart was beating. Not important person? How could Eren say something like that? After the Trost incident, after the entire army chose to bet their lives on him… after Commander Erwin himself placed his hopes on him. He is not just a nobody, Eren has become an important part of the future of humanity.
With a stiff smile, Armin tried to hide his surprise. "A-ah… I see. You're right, the Scout Regiment is indeed busy preparing for the mission. But you said it was all over… so what exactly were you doing, Eren?"
The answer came out so lightly, as if it were nothing more than a trivial matter.
"I've spoken to Commander Erwin, and he said he'll consider it."
Armin nearly tripped over his steps. He immediately quickened his pace, aligning himself with Eren, his face tilted slightly forward as if he didn't want to miss a single word.
"A-Amazing Eren!"
Eren frowned, turning his head briefly.
"What do you mean?"
"Really Eren?? Do you really not understand what you've done? Just making Commander Erwin consider it is already amazing!, You know yourself, in this situation he must have much more important things to think about…"
"I see... yeah..." Eren tried to swallow those words while staring at his own fist.
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As morning approached, dew still clung to the windows, a fresh breeze and sunlight slowly crept into the Three Roses Tavern . Only one table was occupied by a loyal customer, leisurely enjoying his hot chocolate. On a bar stool, Greta lazily puffed on her pipe, savoring the quiet moments before her busy day and into the evening.
Violet moved diligently, sweeping every corner of the interior until there was no dust left. Meanwhile, Sophie was by the window, busy watering the flowers neatly planted in wooden pots.
As she turned, her eyes caught two uniformed figures approaching from a distance. The two-tone wing emblem on their chests made Sophie immediately recognize them as scouts. One man, holding a sheet of paper in his hand, appeared to be an assistant. The woman was a step ahead, wearing glasses, her posture erect and confident. Her aura was clear, she was no ordinary soldier.
Suddenly...
Bang!
The tavern door slammed shut. Sophie nearly dropped her ladle. With an annoyed face, she shouted,
"Krause!! you're so annoying!"
Krause smiled, showing off his gleaming teeth, whether it was a greeting or a taunt. Sophie let out a long sigh, as if this were just another day.
Krause came in and waved his hand teasingly.
"Good morning, Violet-Chaan!!"
Violet was expressionless, as if the loud noise had never bothered her ears, greeting in a flat tone.
"Morning Krause-san. This is the third time you've slammed the door. Please don't do it again."
An awkward smile appeared on Krause's face. His hand rose to rub the back of his neck.
"Hehe... sorry Violet-chan, I was too excited this morning."
"I understand, do I need to order warm milk now?"
"No need," he replied quickly, flashing a smile unlike his usual one. Violet paused for a moment, her eyes following his back before returning to the broom in his hand.
Krause walked calmly toward the bar. His shadow cast over the table, causing Greta, who was puffing on a pipe, to glance up. She tilted her head slightly, waiting.
In a low tone Krause said one sentence.
"They're coming."
As if understanding the situation, Greta put away his smoking pipe.
"Oh, I see."
Then he turned towards the window, from their uniforms he immediately recognized them, then Greta saw the glasses the woman was wearing, Greta flinched slightly then smiled a little.
"Interesting... I thought it was just ordinary soldiers and not from the upper chain.... they actually... sent someone important."
"You recognize him?" Krause asked seriously.
"Of course... That woman... is the head of research for the scout regiment... Her name is Hange Zoe, I'm sure after the attack five years ago, she has a project in progress."
"You know a lot, old man."
Greta didn't respond, he started to stand up and then approached one of the tables in the corner, he then sat on the chair.
"Violet, come here."
"Okay," Violet answered briefly while lowering her head.
Sophie re-entered the tavern. She saw her father sitting in the corner and Violet standing beside him, talking. Krause tied his apron around his waist, a little surprised, but it seemed he was taking over Violet's role as waitress.
Sophie didn't ask and didn't react like a curious person, she seemed to already understand the situation and immediately stood beside Krause who was facing the door.
"Are you just trying to mess things up, Krause?" she asked quietly.
Krause grinned faintly, his hands still busy smoothing out the knots of his apron.
"Heh. For Violet?... don't underestimate me when I do something for her."
Sophie glanced at him briefly, then took a deep breath.
"I hope everything is okay."
Krause and Sophie had already straightened their uniforms and stood in a line, ready. Their gazes were fixed on the entrance. It was as if the entire tavern was holding its breath, waiting for what was to come.
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"Why aren't you saying anything, Captain Hange?"
There was no answer. Just quiet footsteps and glasses reflecting the sunlight. Then he tried again,
"You didn't answer my question either…"
This time, Hange slowed her pace. Her eyes moved slowly, sweeping left and right.
"We're being followed, Floch."
The wind blew through the buildings, bringing a heavy silence. Floch reflexively felt the handle of his pistol on his belt.
"W-what? Followed? But... when?"
Hange immediately turned her head,
"Calm down... they're just civilians."
There wasn't much change in Floch's reaction, just enough to tell Hange that he had lowered his guard.
"I think it was three blocks when we came in.... and now... there are men on every corner of the building watching us."
Her eyes glanced furtively at the people she considered suspicious, their faces looked normal, not giving off the slightest intimidation, but Hange realized that she was being watched.
Hange straightened her gaze back to the tavern.
"If Mike were here I'm sure he could probably detect more, I can only count five people."
Floch was flabbergasted, unable to hide his surprise. "Five people!? Then… who are they? Military Police?"
"I told you, they're just civilians..."
Floch was silent, because he was curious he glanced around trying to find the person his captain was referring to, even though he tried hard, his face made other people suspicious, Hange noticed it from the corner of her eye.
"Enough Floch."
"A-ah sorry."
Now Hange focused on the figure from behind the window, she saw a girl with neatly tied golden hair, all the characteristics that Eren mentioned matched and they all belonged to her. Hange touched the side of the glasses with her fingertips, she lifted the glasses slightly as if she was connecting something she was thinking about.
"You asked why I volunteered to come here, right, Floch?"
Floch didn't answer, the expression on his face was enough to tell him.
"Actually... there's something I want... to confirm."