Chapter Text
Eren was sitting on top of his throne, looking down at Mikasa from above. She had just returned from the Marley Empire to fulfil his quest in the war. Personally, Eren didn’t mind jumping straight into battle against whatever kingdom or government there was to protect his people, but following his Sovereign Armin to at least consider telling them first wasn’t a horrible idea.
Now it’s time to hear from their biggest enemy - The Marley Empire.
“Speak, Mikasa. What words did you bring back for us from overseas?” Eren spoke in an almost of a murmur, faint yet intimidating.
“Yes, your Majesty. After several meetings with the ambassadors, I must report back that the Empire did not take our friendly reminder as a soothing promise, but rather declared war on our soil this upcoming Spring. I have failed the mission and would be completely ready for any foreseeable punishment you’ll lay upon me.”
Mikasa lowered her head in a defeated demeanour when the last word came out of her mouth. She has known and believed faithfully in the King’s mercy, which there won’t be any in this outcome, as she has failed his Majesty and her homeland.
To her surprise, the Lord didn’t show any signs of disappointment or anger. Instead, she saw a glint flickering in his eyes, telling her Eren was pleased, excited even, like this was what he had hoped for in the first place. His lips quivered into some kind of satisfied smile while he slowly moved to the figure beside him, hinting at their opinions. Armin, who was being stared at, seemed utterly defeated and smiled sheepishly to the bowing Messenger below, “You can rest now, Miss Ackermann. The King and I need some alone time to discuss this matter. Thank you for the good work.”
Confused as she was, Mikasa took a quick glance at Eren to confirm the Sovereign's command. She didn’t find any opposition on his end, so after sending her retreatments, Mikasa disappeared from the room.
The King, still not looking away from Armin, finally spoke, “This war is meant to be just as I predicted, Sovereign. No kingdom wants peace until they devour our home, torture our people, and put an end to the Eldia’s name. They shall not be forgiven, and I will take on the duty as the decapitator to perform the necessary judgment.”
Eren’s eyes were burning with hatred and commitment, saying that. He had sworn to prove what his land was capable of ever since he was a young prince. That is to lead his kingdom to the top, crushing their enemies and anyone who looked down upon the island. Paradis may be small, but their power could not be overlooked, their loyalty towards the land could not, and most crucially, their pride wouldn’t allow them to back off.
“Mark my word and make an announcement in another hour. I will be present on the main balcony overlooking the main square. We have a war to fight and a home to protect, Eldians need direct explanations from their King!” Eren sat up from the throne and commanded in a high, loud voice.
“As you wish, Your Majesty.” Armin and the guards said in sync, bowing down to their King and his order.
***
Exactly one hour later, the square was filled with Eldians, all with different expressions and movements. Some were stern and serious, some were worried with confused looks on their faces, while some just laughed happily with their mates, drinking the night away, thinking the King was just about to announce some new festivities.
The King stepped out onto the balcony and didn't immediately draw everybody’s attention right away. He stopped the royal trumpeter from announcing his appearance to take in his people's image first, ruminating on what he would tell them shortly later. That their homes were in grave danger, and fighting was the only correct response. Painful, yes, but necessary. Lives would change severely depending on the outcome of this war. Winning and Paradis would secure her own safety for at least 20 years. Losing meant a massacre and torn families on chained land. As the King, Eren would do whatever it takes to keep his people safe, pouring gold into their chambers, and guaranteeing their way of life. Therefore, he must tell them to sacrifice, to throw themselves out on the battlefield, to say farewell with their wives and children’s arms, and to their home Paradis. It needed to be done, but it didn’t mean it would be easy for anyone involved. Not him, not the military, nor the innocent citizens below him.
“Children of Ymir! I called upon you this nightfall to ask for your help!” He spoke up.
“The Marley Empire is planning to invade Paradis next Spring, threatening our peace and comfort. They had declined my goodwill of negotiating, to see eye to eye. Resolving any misunderstandings to ensure the two kingdoms’ current state. They chose war and didn’t hesitate to challenge us. They chose bloodshed and dispute.”
Panic began to crawl out, sweeping the crowd in horror and despair. All mothers grabbed their children tightly in their arms, crying out in pain and hopelessness. People have been living comfortably for 500 years under their roofs, farming, selling, and crafting in harmony, to which the idea of being targeted and attacked never occurred to them till this day. How on Earth would they survive when no one was prepared for this war? To even contemplate such a horrid outcome?
“We shall not satisfy them. We gave them a chance to be our closest companion, and they said no. To that now of an enemy, there will be no more compromise, no more sweet talk, we shall strike back to protect our honour, our homeland, and our loved ones. For I’m certain you all know what comes next for a defeated army. We will not endure our children to live on in suffering, to call themselves prisoners or worse, slaves.” The King continued despite the noise.
And Eren spoke up again, louder and more composed than ever to his distressed people, “I told you the truth, and I expect your utmost loyalty towards the kingdom, to your brothers and sisters, to your parents and children, to your spouses, and undeniably, to YOU, my people. You shall hear this and act right away. Protect what’s important to you, do what you have to, and accept your own demise if you must. Because if you’re not, you sure will bring upon yourself the death penalty. Remember it was your choice, not mine nor Paradis’s, to act, fight, and to live or to run away cowardly and surrender.”
“The kingdom will forever be in debt to you, soldiers. Not just to actual soldiers in the army, but to all of you who decided enough was enough, and it was time to show the world we are mighty Eldians. To strike back at their cunning schemes. We are not to be looked down upon and get crushed like their inaccurate assessments. We shall win!”
After every word, the crowd seemed to find back the courage bit by bit, along with the hope of their survival. They would fight for their own lives and for the better good. High in morale as they were, the people’s united roar echoed in the moonlight, sending streams of determination throughout the kingdom.
***
The war broke out that next spring, per the announcement. To this, the island had prepared itself to the teeth. Troops trained, food collected, weapons made, and most crucially, the King would go into battle himself. Armin tried to reason with him, but no dice. The Sovereign accepted his Majesty’s wish and got some training as well, since war was not something you could let loose and count on others for your own safety.
Mikasa also trained with Armin from time to time. Despite having excellent fighting skills dating back to her military school days, being on top of her class, training was a nice way for her to let off steam. Her being chosen for the Ambassador-related role was only because of Eren’s order, his idea of showing off his strongest graduated cadet. She was young, powerful, loyal, determined, and happened to be one of Ackermann's, the family line that created the strongest soldier in the kingdom - Levi. Mikasa was the perfect individual to apply pressure on Marley’s government. Although that plan didn’t work out as he expected, Eren was sure his opponent wouldn’t easily let their guard down and disregard Eldians like they used to.
After several months of gruelling fighting, Paradis was on high momentum, claiming victory after victory. The intimidation Eldians brought to the table jolted the Marley Empire off big time. And to tell they were desperate for a getaway to save face was an understatement. Their enemy had other plans, unfortunately, for they had successfully captured the Head General, Reiner, and were heading back to the land with triumph.
The Marley’s Empire Sovereign, Zeke, was trying to initiate a peace treaty, but Eren ignored the effort. He wanted to ruminate on this accomplishment a little longer and to have more thought-out conditions benefiting his citizens in that agreement. All of this needed time. Henceforth, Reiner would be escorted to him at any given point, then for Eren to rub it deep in the war prisoner’s face. Or rather, in Marley’s defeat, to be more precise.
It was a sunny morning when all of Paradis celebrated in exorbitant delight when their Head General Levi was extraditing the prisoner to the King’s castle. Sitting on top of his horse, dragging his defeated opponent back to his homeland, Levi sure was a reliable soldier for showing no signs of joy or arrogance. People still saw him exactly like when he left for the battlefield: Stoic, serious, and lacking apparent emotions. Reiner, however, was the complete opposite. He kept his head low and took heavy trudges on the cobbled road. Naturally, when one lost and got apprehended in one’s enemy’s territory, he could fathom his utmost shame and horrible outcome awaiting him. In Reiner’s case, this was even far worse than people’s imagination, for him to have lost faith in the Empire’s victory from the beginning of this war. He had expressed his concerns regarding Paradis’s strength, yet the higher-ups took his advice with a grain of salt. In spite of obeying orders and serving his country, the circumstances proved to be aligned with his predictions.
If only! If only they had listened! Now I might as well have my head chopped off by tomorrow, and guaranteed it will be dumped somewhere dogs have access to for a light snack! Reiner thought painfully.
In that meantime, the extraditing team had reached the castle’s inner courtyard. Armin welcomed them with a pleased smile on his face and commanded the team to disband, keeping only Levi and Reiner behind to have an audience with the King.
On the way to His Majesty’s throne room, Levi expressed his doubt, "Sovereign Armin, what’s His Lord going to do with this loser?”, gesturing towards the figure walking behind him.
“Surely he wouldn’t let him live, would he? We lost chunks of promising soldiers in this brat’s hands; we can’t let him die so easily. I suggest torturing him for more helpful information about Marley. Cut off all his fingers and toes, plucked all his teeth out, crushed all of his major bones except his legs or something. There’s no need to feel pity for this prick and carry him to the guillotine; he can drag that little sorry ass of his to hell himself. That’s if he had the guts for it, was crying like a nagging baby being separated from his mama’s breasts when he got captured.” He added.
Both scared and impressed at the same time, Armin put on an awkward smile and said, “I’ll report back that idea of yours to the King, General. However, I have to inform you that His Majesty had different plans for the prisoner. It would be better off keeping him alive to buy some time, asking for more advantages in the treaty anyway. After all, there would be no agreement if we executed him instantly. There could also be the possibility of Marley’s rage in the last-ditch effort to attack the island. For that, I’ll advise you to stay calm and think this through carefully, General, and not to act harshly. There will be other opportunities to reclaim our soldiers’ honour.”
“Humph! Lucky for you, scumbag. You should get on your knees and lick His Lord’s shoes for his mercy. He won’t spare them for long, and you might want to get on his good terms for a nice jail meal. I doubt you’d get to eat at all, though. Bugs and rats off the cell’s floor should be more than enough for you!” Levi cursed with a hollowed tone.
“Please, General. The King wouldn’t be happy with that language.” Armin said that without much confidence, as he knew Eren would be more than happy to hear those insults. There was nothing in this world that could cheer him up quite like witnessing his enemies suffer.
Levi grumbled under his breath some more until he finally gave in and stopped. The Sovereign let out a noticeable sigh of relief and led them into the room. Upon entering, he spoke up to the figure sitting on the throne, “Your Majesty, Head General Levi had brought in the prisoner at your behest.”
Levi bowed and saw the King with part of his face covered in the dark, saying in a slightly satisfied tone, “You exceeded my highest expectations I have for you and our Army, General. Do you have any wishes? Any requests or prizes I can give you for your service to the kingdom, Levi?”
“That’s my duty, Your Majesty. I only wish for considerate sums and honourable medals for our fallen comrades. Their families could use the cash, and they should be remembered for their sacrifices.” Levi said.
“Very well, General, I would fulfil that wish of yours, albeit I had already commanded those benefits for our soldiers. All dead or alive shall receive my utmost gratitude and gold for their bravery. For you, General, take a good vacation out on the beach, perhaps. Let loose a little, we have won!” Eren answered with more noticeable pleasure this time.
“Thank you for your generosity, My Lord. On behalf of all Eldians, it’s our honour to serve you and Paradis.” The General bowed once again and excused himself from the room.
“Now, onto you, prisoner. What do you have to say for your defeat in front of our mighty kingdom? Huhm?” Eren said whilst getting up from the throne, slowly stepping towards Reiner.
Still not looking up, the Marley Empire’s General replied somewhat breathless, “I lost, that was the truth, King of Paradis. I have failed my loved ones and my country. Do what you must with me, and I won’t fight back.”
The King snorted at that comment, and it turned into a hysterical laugh not long after. He even teared up a little, which confused the Reiner so much that he looked up for the first time since he fell into Eldians’ hands.
Eren finally got back his composure and spoke again with a surprisingly angry face, “Fight back? You? Ha! Cut the attitude. You’re only alive because I said so. You wouldn’t have been here to witness your shameful and fragile ego shattered into a million pieces if it hadn’t been for my pity. Or to be more accurate, my Sovereign’s ideas. You've got to see another day because my people want some entertainment, and yours want to save their dignity. Imagine having their selected one-of-a-kind, talented General to be killed off immediately on the battlefield. The Empire would much rather you’re alive to be hopeful at some comeback, a reason to continue this war, a ‘Give us back our General’ kind of nonsense.”
“But they would be disappointed, Prisoner. Your only purpose on our land is to show them who’s the actual one in charge. Who’s the one to have a say in that treaty about resources and war reparations they owe to the rightful winner? I would use you to your fullest potential, Reiner. Better than anyone from Marley has. The only difference this time is that you would be used against them, not for them. There’s no more Reiner the Head General, you’re now an Eldian’s property, a slave, and no less than a disposable piece of trash!” Eren shouted.
True horror began to build up in Reiner’s eyes. Even though he had heard Armin and Levi’s conversation earlier about his fate, he only knew the full weight of the situation until then. Living on as a weapon used to harm his people was the last thing he could bear to be. He had already failed his mother, his army, and his country. Reiner couldn’t keep existing like this!
“Please, no, please! I’m begging you, just kill me! Chop my head off, stab me, hang me, please! Anything other than keep me alive for that intention! Marley wouldn’t attack again, I guarantee you that! They would pay your kingdom regardless of my dying or not. Marley isn’t capable of funding wars anymore; they would HAVE to pay you! Kill me off now, and you’ll save up plenty of resources for a chamber!” Renier cried out in a panic. His whole body was kept near the floor while his head was bumping several times onto it.
Didn’t let Reiner beg any further, Eren grabbed him by the chin on one hand and his shoulder on the other. He spoke in clenched teeth, “I won’t satisfy you that easily, brat! Remember, I get to decide whether you live or not, not you! You can try to kill yourself in captivity all you want. But by doing that each time, I will order to bring forward a fellow Marley’s prisoner to shoot off. Right in front of your helpless face! You hear me? Don’t even dare to challenge my patience, prisoner. You don’t have that much use anyway. Know your place, and I’ll consider letting those Marley’s soldiers die in one piece. Or else.”
Tears kept flowing out of Reiner’s eyes. He squirmed to be free from Eren’s hands, but his effort was in vain. The Paradis’s King’s grab was like chains, locking him up from any foreseeable chances to die right away. His soldiers would be executed, that was certain, but how? The least he could do was make sure they died in milder methods than his. His own fate was officially at a dead end. Reiner’s only purpose of surviving had turned into his absolute worst nightmare, and he couldn’t do anything about it. How cruel it was for him! He tried his hardest at every point in this stupid war, and now the person who got placed under all this punishment was still him! Innocent and dutiful, Reiner received this out of everyone else? Life was harsh indeed, as they said. Especially for losers, even more so for those who lost in a war.
Reiner’s body moved weaker and weaker until he lost all momentum and collapsed to the floor, lifeless. Eren let go of the prisoner and ordered, “Lock him up in the deepest chamber of the dungeon. Make sure to ask Hange, Erwin and Levi to interrogate the prisoner, and they’re allowed to torture him if needed.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Armin bowed and replied. Guards were pouring in from outside the room to bring the prisoner to his designated cell. None of this affected Reiner, however, for he had no strength left in him to care.