The Outer Courtyard Hall in the castle within the inner walls was where most of the guests were staying.
Among them, Gale headed toward the place that had only recently begun to be inhabited.
An unexpected scene unfolded before him.
"What are you doing?" Gale looked at Ymir strangely because of the way she was eating.
Ymir trembled slightly with nervousness, but she did not stop eating and said, "Every day is one less day for me, so I have to eat for all the years I won't get to live."
"Well, that explains the increase in your training…" Gale smiled as he remembered that Ymir had been forced to undergo elite training designed specifically for her.
That training was far more intensive for her, and that was because she ate much more than anyone else within the walls.
"It doesn't matter if I gain weight. My Titan won't be affected by my human form." Ymir complained about it often.
Gale's calm gaze, not paying much attention to this small disaster, shifted toward the new nobles.
They all recognized him. Many of them were children of murdered parents.
Those who had kept the secret paid with their lives, and their sacrifice laid the foundation for a new country that the world would soon recognize.
And everyone knew the reason for this ceremony was to demonstrate power, to show the people and the army that they were in control.
The engagement ceremony was held in an atmosphere that was neither modest nor overly extravagant.
The decorations were luxurious, and Historia was dressed even more magnificently. However, the ceremony itself was brief and ended quickly.
Although many people gathered, the only outsiders present were emissaries from various Districts, who had arrived merely to deliver small gifts.
A modest banquet was held, and food was distributed to the families living near the palace. However, very few people even recognized the fiancé's name.
Well… that did not mean everything went smoothly.
"Here! Have a drink!"
"But Captain Hange, I still have the cup Pixis just gave me."
"Then hurry up and empty that one so you can take mine!"
Closing his eyes, Gale downed the liquor in a single gulp.
A burning heat scorched his throat, followed by the delayed aroma of alcohol.
His vision trembled for a moment.
He did not dislike drinking. In fact, he enjoyed it occasionally to clear his mind.
But this was the first time he had ever drunk with other people, and never before had he been forced to drink so much at once.
Controlling the intoxication was not easy.
"Phaah…"
"Haha! Well done! I'm going to get Levi drunk next, so I won't bother you anymore!"
As Gale let out a long breath, Pixis, who was sitting beside him, roared with laughter and refilled his empty cup once again.
Drip, drip.
He had only just finished his drink, yet his cup was already overflowing with liquor again.
The reflection on the surface revealed his face, now completely flushed red.
The engagement ceremony itself had gone smoothly.
The problem was the banquet that followed.
People he had never met before approached him one after another, offering him drinks.
High-ranking members of parliament also joined in, each personally pouring him another cup.
Hannes used to take care of all these annoyances, but ever since he became an elite soldier, things had changed.
In the end, Gale swallowed his pride and spoke carefully. "Can I eat something before we continue?"
"Hmm? Ah, of course! Hahaha!" At least Pixis, who had just poured him another drink, still had some consideration left.
He laughed heartily instead of forcing Gale to drink.
Distressed, Gale took a bite of fatty pork and decided not to wander around anymore. Instead, he stayed beside Historia, who maintained a dazzling appearance.
"Come on, let's get out of here." Historia also felt uncomfortable, so she pulled Gale along and took him to her room.
The ceremony, which had now become a more personal gathering, continued for those who deserved a break from the continuous work they had been doing.
As for Gale, he ended up completely asleep.