The heavy doors of the courtroom loomed ahead.-
As Erwin walked in, his thoughts churned like storm clouds.
"What's wrong? Still worrying about Zeke?" Hange asked, stepping up beside him with her usual casual grin.
"Not exactly…" Erwin replied, frowning.
"Relax. The Military Police Brigade may be arrogant, but they wouldn't risk the lives of the king or the people. You saw that syringe—it really was an anesthetic."
"That's not what troubles me."
"Huh?"
"I'm wondering why they gagged him and used that much anesthetic," Erwin murmured, voice low. "It's excessive, even for the Military Police Brigade."
"Because they're terrified of him," Hange reasoned. "Same as when we first brought him back."
"If it were only fear…" Erwin's tone grew darker.
Hange tilted her head. "Erwin, what are you getting at?"
He hesitated, then spoke quietly: "I'm starting to wonder… what if Zeke lied to us?"
Hange froze. "What—what do you mean?"
"So far, every piece of information we have comes from Zeke himself. None of it's been verified. If he's lying, we'd have no way to know."
Hange frowned, uneasy. "Erwin, that's not like you. You trusted him before."
Erwin's voice dropped. "When I saw that needle today… I couldn't help it. I remembered the assassination attempt last week."
"The one aimed at you?"
He nodded. "Since then, I've suspected that the Titan experiments might involve the royal family. Zeke never confirmed it, but he didn't deny it either. I've had no proof—just instinct. But if the royal family really is involved…"
Hange's eyes widened. "…Then they might already know the true conditions for Titan transformation."
The implication hit her like lightning.
Erwin's gaze remained fixed ahead. "What if that injection wasn't anesthetic?"
"Enough, Erwin! Don't say that." Hange rubbed her arms, goosebumps rising. "I saw his reaction. His muscles went completely slack. It was anesthetic."
"I hope so," Erwin murmured. "For everyone's sake."
Then he straightened his shoulders. "Hange, there are three more witnesses coming up. Go on ahead."
"Ugh! You really know how to ruin my mood." Hange stomped lightly, then sighed. "Fine. Prepare your speech, Commander. I'll go calm the kids."
She turned and walked toward the small group of detained children waiting nearby.
"Hey there~" Hange waved cheerfully, masking her anxiety. "First big public event, huh? Nervous?"
The group was silent. Only Bertholdt fidgeted, anxiety written all over his face.
"Why did they do that to our brother?" he blurted. "They tied him up like a beast—and injected him!"
"Well," Hange said lightly, "your big brother can turn into a Titan. Even though the military knows he can't do it without the special serum, the public doesn't trust that."
"But still…" Bertholdt's voice trembled. Before he could say more, Annie pinched his side sharply.
"Ah—ow!"
"How about that?" Hange tilted her head, watching their reaction.
Bertholdt stayed quiet. Annie's tone was cold and measured. "Then we can only obey… unless you want our brother to die."
"No, no. This isn't cruelty," Hange said quickly, smiling. "Humans are just… cautious. As long as Zeke behaves during the trial, the king and the president will judge him fairly."
"Really?" Both Annie and Bertholdt looked doubtful.
"Really. And you two…" Hange gave them a meaningful look. "You'll behave well too, won't you?"
"…"
The tension thickened. The children's expressions hardened, shadows flickering in their eyes.
The Devil's Judgment.
Would they truly sit still and accept it?
Before the silence could deepen further, a clear young voice broke in:
"Don't worry! I'll keep an eye on them. I won't let them cause trouble in the trial!"
Everyone turned.
Eren stood there proudly, small fist pressed to his chest in a perfect Survey Corps salute, eyes burning with earnest determination.
"Wow!" Hange burst out laughing. "That's a perfect salute! Who taught you that?"
"Uncle Keith!" Eren said proudly.
Hange ruffled his hair. "Impressive! You've got a bright future in the Corps, kid. But you'll have to wait until you're at least twelve."
"..." Annie and Bertholdt's expressions twisted.
"Is this… role-playing?" Bertholdt muttered.
"I've had enough," Annie sighed. "In the dungeon, he made everyone play 'Survey Corps and Thieves.' I was always the thief."
Eren glared. "Hey—"
Before he could argue, Carla stepped in, eyes red. She gently lowered Eren's small fist. "That's enough, Eren. Stop playing soldier. You don't need to do anything dangerous."
"Why stop him?" Hange asked impulsively. "He's got talent—"
A sharp glare from Carla cut her off.
Hange raised both hands in surrender. Mothers… the true final boss.
"…I understand," Eren said quietly. He unclenched his fist, lowering his eyes.
The room fell still. The laughter faded, replaced once more by the weight of uncertainty.
Above them, the bells of the courthouse began to ring.
The trial of the "Devil's Son" was about to begin.