Wall Rose.
Inside an orphanage.
Commander Erwin stood on a high stool, helping the orphanage's female teacher stick cartoon decals on the windows.
"Thank you so much, Commander Erwin. I'm sorry to trouble you with such small chores."
Beside him, the head of the orphanage—an elderly, kind woman—spoke with heartfelt gratitude.
Ever since Wall Maria fell, Erwin, commander of the Survey Corps, had often come to this orphanage. He not only brought in homeless children from time to time but had also arranged for a highly professional female teacher to work there.
The teacher was herself homeless, but for both the orphanage and her, it worked: she provided a service, and the orphanage provided lodging. Harmony all around. The director, in particular, felt moved every time she saw this teacher's patient instruction and care for the children.
"A good girl, truly," she often thought.
That Commander Erwin came so often to help probably had something to do with that beautiful teacher.
Maybe she was the commander's sweetheart! The director indulged the thought—what a well-matched pair.
After pressing the last decal, Erwin stepped down from the stool.
"It's nothing. If anything else comes up, call on me again," Erwin said. "Whatever difficulties the orphanage faces—if I can help, I'll do my best."
"Ah! Thank you so much!" The director was close to tears. In the present chaos of Wall Rose, finding protection from a person of standing—especially a military officer—was a blessing beyond measure. The orphanage could hold its ground amid the turmoil, giving children who'd lost their parents to Titans a quiet haven.
Wiping his hands with a cloth, Erwin looked across the room at the female teacher he had personally arranged to send there.
"Director, how is Ms. Penny's work going?" he asked, seemingly casually—Penny Rupert, the teacher.
Following his gaze, the director also looked over at Penny.
Penny was holding the children's hands as they played, a serene smile on her face. She tended them gently, their laughter pealing together.
"Penny is… well, I doubt I could ever find a teacher as professional and attentive as her," the director praised. "No matter how you look at it, she's wonderful. A fine teacher and a fine young woman."
"I'm glad to hear it."
Erwin nodded slightly, thoughtful.
Sensing an opportunity, the director teased, smiling, "Commander Erwin, girls like her are hard to find these days. You look out for her; I'm sure she won't forget it."
"…Mm."
Erwin didn't pursue the topic. He only murmured an acknowledgement, did nothing more, said nothing more.
He seemed to have worries of his own. Every time he came, he was quiet. Each time she saw him, the director felt he was restless in spirit.
Perhaps that's just a soldier, the director thought, deciding not to pry for fear of overstepping and offending this benefactor.
"Shall I call her over? You always ask after her—better to speak face-to-face."
"No need, thank you." Erwin dipped his head. "I've imposed enough. I'll take my leave."
"Ah… already? Very well—take care." The director bowed deeply.
At the door, Erwin mounted the horse his adjutant was holding by the reins. With a flick of the reins, he rode back to the Survey Corps' quarters.
After he left, the teacher, Penny, turned her eyes toward the doorway and watched his figure recede on horseback, thoughts churning.
"Hey, Penny!"
A child called, snapping her back.
"What is it, Qiuqi?" she asked softly, eyes narrowed with a smile.
The little boy Qiuqi puffed his cheeks.
"Can you finish the Lion Man story? You've been putting it off forever."
"Yeah! It's been so long!"
"Teacher's stalling—you promised last week!"
"Waaah…"
Once someone brought it up, the children burst into chatter.
"Okay, okay," Penny soothed them. "I'll finish the story. But it's nap time now—if anyone doesn't sleep properly, then… next story time won't include them, all right?"
"Mm… tell it first!"
"Yeah! Tell it now! We promise to behave!"
"I sw—ear!"
The children made their vows at once.
Penny laughed at their earnest faces. "All right, I'll continue, okay?"
"Mm-hm!"
"Last time we said the Lion Man was so frightening he was driven from his hometown. With nowhere to go, he came to a foreign country, nursing a grudge…" Penny narrated, and the children listened, rapt.
"And then?" someone cut in.
"Then," Penny said, teasing a little, "the people in that country also thought the Lion Man looked strange. Now—who remembers what the Lion Man looked like?"
"I remember!"
"Me too!"
"Me! Teacher, me!"
Hands shot up.
"I saw him with my own eyes."
A voice rose from the corner—an aloof boy who often tried to sneak out of the orphanage.
He was a child Penny herself had once carried in. He liked to do odd things to set himself apart, and he was intensely curious about fallen Wall Maria, longing for the day he could climb out and see what the fearsome Titans really looked like.
He had only come back a few days ago and was already the orphanage's little hero.
All the children turned to him, surprised by what he said.
Penny also looked at him, her gaze complicated.
"Taiba, what did you say?"
"I said I saw the Lion Man with my own eyes. Exactly like you described, Penny."
His voice brimmed with pride.
But the children didn't believe him.
"Quit bragging, Taiba!"
"No way!? For real?!"
"Tell us! Where did you see him?!"
They crowded around. Penny watched him, hesitating.
"Is it true, Taiba? Tell me honestly. Where did you see him?"
Seeing Penny's expression, Taiba sensed something was off, but he told the truth.
"In the Interior. The capital. I slipped in with a grain wagon. The uncle driving was nice—really tall, wore a straw hat. He even gave me a carrot and let me stay with him for a bit."
"The capital?"
"Mm." Taiba nodded, peering at her curiously. "What's wrong, Penny? Don't be mad. I promise I won't run off again. Please don't ignore me."
"It's all right, Taiba." She stroked his head with affection, eyes unfocused. "I'm sorry, children—I may have to travel far for a while. Really, really sorry!"
She kept her promise and finished the Lion Man's story.
In the end, a hunter rescued the Lion Man and took him to a land called "Paradise," where he lived a happy life.
There, there were no worries or burdens—food without end and happiness without limit.
After the story, she rose and went to the director's office to tender her resignation.
There was something she had to do herself.
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