At this moment, Historia—sleeping in the bunk below Mikasa—fluttered her long eyelashes slightly. Hearing faint breathing sounds from outside the door, she rubbed her eyes. Moonlight fell softly across her face, making her look almost holy.
She couldn't help but think back to those days in the snowy cabin. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks.
I wonder what Chen Si is doing right now… He should be safe in the Survey Corps…
Lifting her blanket, Historia turned over and prepared to get out of bed. Sitting on the edge, she stretched out her small feet, gently swinging them in the air—but they didn't quite reach the floor.
After getting down, one of her shoulder straps slipped slightly, revealing most of her fair shoulder. Still rubbing her eyes, she walked to the dorm door, opened it, and stepped outside.
Right in front of her, Mikasa's fist stopped just inches from her nose. The wind from the punch stirred her golden hair.
"Krista?" Mikasa withdrew her fist, surprised.
"Mikasa? Why are you still awake?" Historia asked, then frowned slightly at Mikasa's light clothing.
"I'm training," Mikasa replied calmly.
"You'll catch a cold like this. I'll get you a coat," Historia said, turning to go back inside.
"No need." Mikasa extended her arm and pressed it against the wall, blocking her path.
"Krista, you're kind and gentle. You're a good girl—and you would make a good wife. But you're destined not to stay by my brother's side."
Mikasa suddenly turned her head toward the window as she spoke.
"Mikasa…" Historia blinked her sapphire-like eyes in confusion.
"My brother carries an immense burden. He's destined to walk a path drenched in blood. He'll always be at the very front of battle. Your kindness and gentleness can't help him there. I'm stronger than you—only I can stay by his side and protect him!"
Mikasa's tone was firm and unwavering.
"You're right… Mikasa…" Historia lowered her gaze for a moment. "All this time, I've been the one being protected by Chen Si. I'm grateful he accepted me… that he likes me. I know I'm not strong in combat, but I still want to help you. I want to do something for him too! I'll work hard!"
Recalling Chen Si's past words, determination once again filled her heart.
"Mikasa! I want to train too! Teach me!" Historia clenched her small fists, looking at Mikasa with a serious expression.
"Krista…" Mikasa stared at her blankly.
This is my brother… He always becomes someone others look up to, bringing them hope and determination… I'm proud of him. He's my brother.
Wait… did Krista just say my brother likes her?
Mikasa's mind suddenly froze. She staggered slightly.
"Mikasa? What's wrong?" Historia quickly stepped forward to support her, concern written all over her face.
"When I first went beyond the walls, I didn't take it seriously at all. I never thought Titans were that terrifying… At least, not to me. But that very first expedition… I lost my dear younger sister and a good younger brother."
Winyaad's eyes dimmed.
"Miss Chis…" Eren felt uneasy seeing her sudden sorrow. Is the outside world really that dangerous?
"Chis's sister, Isabel, was a very cute girl… When she died, there wasn't even a complete body left…" said Nifa from Hange's squad. She had been friends with Isabel back then and had liked her very much. "It's all because of the Titans!"
"…Let's not talk about that anymore. Nifa, how's the incense I gave you?" Winyaad quickly changed the subject.
"It's amazing! There isn't a single bug left in my room, and it smells great all the time. Where did you get it?" Nifa said excitedly. After all, what girl wouldn't like a fragrant room?
"…Back in the Underground, Isabel stole it from a wealthy household. I modified it a bit," Winyaad said, her tone slightly unnatural.
She had tried to change the topic—but it circled back to Isabel again.
Both Winyaad and Nifa fell silent.
"Titans…" Eren clenched his fists tightly. Titans had taken too many lives. If they didn't exist, what would the world be like?
Chen Si sighed inwardly. Even someone as strong as Levi, Winyaad—or himself—couldn't avoid losing loved ones and friends.
He tightened his fist, unwilling to accept it.
I don't want to go through that again.
He wanted to bring Aunt Carla, Eren, and Mikasa to live peaceful lives.
As for how to achieve peace… the only answer he could think of was war.
In the original story, Eren chose that path for the sake of his friends—to let them live out their lives in peace.
But now that I'm here… I won't let you go through that, Eren. You deserve happiness too.
Chen Si looked at Eren's profile as he thought this.
"What's wrong, Chen Si? Why are you staring at me like that?" Eren asked, puzzled. That expression was rare—he had only ever seen Chen Si look at Mikasa that way.
"It's nothing. I was just remembering when we were kids—climbing trees together, secretly reading the books Armin gave us. Eren, what do you think happened to those kids we used to beat up?" Chen Si said with a nostalgic smile.
"Yeah… Back then we had to find secluded places just to read those books Armin's parents left behind. Those kids we used to fight… they've probably found jobs within the walls by now," Eren replied, smiling faintly.
"We're almost there!" a messenger shouted from ahead.
The horses began to slow.
"Carla, Eren will be fine. Don't worry," Keith said, closely following behind her.
"That boy always gets into trouble. Otherwise, why is everyone avoiding talking about him? I have to go to the Survey Corps and see him myself," Carla said firmly, her brows furrowed.
Keith sighed. He knew Eren wasn't at headquarters, but being held in a guarded castle outside the city. But telling her that would only make her more anxious, so he kept it hidden.
Now, he couldn't hide it anymore.
The feelings he had long kept for Carla made it unbearable to watch her worry day after day. This time, he let her go.
When they arrived at the Survey Corps headquarters, the guards didn't stop them—Keith's status as a former commander ensured their passage.
Carla asked around, but under Keith's subtle signals, the soldiers all claimed ignorance.
What Keith didn't realize was that his continued concealment only made Carla worry more.
Since it was already late at night, Carla rested in the family lodging area, while Keith stayed in the soldiers' quarters.
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