Titan and Queen in Konosuba Volume 3 Version 2026

The city council’s decree was ice—no gratitude, just terms.

Priest (smiling, hollow): “Compensation for damages. And… removal.”

That night—packing in silence.

Armin (quiet, packing): “They understood. They just chose profit over truth.”

Mikasa (nodding, grim): “Always has been.”

Aqua sat curled on the bed—arms tight around her knees.

Aqua (small, broken): “When I revived them… there was a gap. Did Eris… warn them?”

Armin (soft, no comfort): “If they knew… they chose to pretend. Safer for them. For you.”

Dawn.

The caravan waited—no farewell. No flags.

Historia turned—one last look at Arcanretia’s white spires.

Historia (quiet): “…So it ends.”

Eren didn’t answer.

Just offered his hand.

She took it.

Eren (quiet, certain): “No. Just another place we leave behind.”

As the wheels turned—no one waved.

Behind them, Arcanretia prayed to a goddess they’d just banished.

—

The road stretched—dust, silence, exhaustion.

Aqua stared ahead—not tired. Empty.

Eren scanned the horizon—not alert. Ready.

Then—Axel’s crooked walls.

Sasha (sprinting, bread in hand): “EREN! You’re alive?!”

Armin froze.

Armin: “Sasha?”

Sasha (grinning, tearful): “Armin?! Mikasa?! Ymir?!”

Chaos erupted—questions, laughter, disbelief.

Yunyun hovered—wide-eyed, whispering.

Yunyun (to Sasha): “Eh… friends?”

Sasha (grinning): “Yeah. From another world. It’s… complicated.”

Eren watched them—Sasha alive, Yunyun blushing, Armin’s stunned smile—

and finally, finally, breathed.

[Not an ending.]

[A reunion.]

Historia stepped forward—calm, decisive—and took Yunyun’s trembling hand.

Historia (smiling, to Porco): “Porco. This is Yunyun. A skilled mage. She just needs… the right team.”

Yunyun stammered—flushed, earnest—listing spells, mana reserves, anything to prove her worth.

Porco studied her—not dismissive. Assessing.

Porco (nodding, curt): “…Sirve.”

Fio and Cremea exchanged glances—uneasy—as Porco’s gaze shifted past Yunyun.

To Ymir.

Silence thickened.

Then—

Porco (low, voice rough): “…Ymir.”

Ymir (meeting his eyes, no malice—just truth): “Porco Galliard. The one who ate me… after I ate your brother.”

A beat.

The plaza held its breath.

Ymir (soft, solemn): “I’m sorry, Porco. For Marcel. I was trapped—sixty years in that Titan’s nightmare. But because of him… I woke up. I lived. I met her.”  
A glance at Historia—tender, unbroken.  
“You had every right to take my power. Orders. Revenge. I was just… in the way.”

Porco’s jaw tightened—not anger. Relief.

Porco (quiet, raw): “I carried it… the guilt. Even here. Her memories in my head… I thought I owed her something.”  
He met Historia’s eyes—grateful, released.  
“But seeing you two… together… I don’t need to repay anything anymore.”  
A pause. Almost a smile.  
“And now? You brought me a mage who doesn’t explode things. My team’s complete.”

Ymir nodded—no grudges. Just peace.

Ymir: “Then go be you again, Porco. Not a weapon. Not a debt.”

He exhaled—shoulders loosening, weight lifted.

Porco (to Yunyun, firm but kind): “Stay close. Learn fast. And don’t die.”

Yunyun beamed—teary, radiant.

Yunyun: “I won’t!”

Around them—Sasha munched bread, Armin laughed, Mikasa watched Eren with quiet pride.

And Eren?

He looked at Historia—hand in Ymir’s, smile soft, finally whole—

and knew.

Some circles were meant to close.

Historia didn’t wait.

She took Ymir’s hand—firm, unshakable.

Historia (soft, sure): “Then try something different. Here. Now.”

Ymir didn’t pull away.

—

That evening—gold light, quiet resolve—

Armin (to Eren, gentle): “The mansion has space.”

Ymir (shaking her head): “Dependence isn’t strength.”

Mikasa (nodding): “We need our own rhythms.”

Sasha tossed Eren keys—simple, final.

Sasha (grinning): “I’ll find my own place. Smaller. Mine.”

No drama.

Just choice.

That night—four signatures on a Guild ledger.

“The Survey Corps.”

Not a fracture.

A foundation.

Axel buzzed on—unaware it had just gained legends, and lost none.

—

Later, Eren found Aqua alone—shoulders slumped, gaze distant.

Eren (quiet): “You’ve been quiet.”

Aqua (sighing, eyes clouded): “My purification… it stuttered. In Arcanretia. I needed you to hold him still.”  
A pause. Vulnerability.  
“What if I’m… weaker now?”

Eren (hand on her shoulder, steady): “Power isn’t just what you do. It’s who you stand with.”

She smiled—flicker of the old spark.

Then—Eren hesitated.

Eren (careful): “Aqua… people think there’s… more between us.”  
A beat. Heart in his throat.  
“What… am I to you?”

Aqua (surprised, earnest): “My friend, Eren. Obviously.”

[Not enough.]

[Never enough.]

He forced a smile.

Eren: “Right. Just… confused.”

Aqua (frowning, sharp): “Confused how?”

He shook his head—retreating.

Eren: “Forget it.”

—

Wiz’s shop.

The door swung open—Vanir leaning against the frame, grinning.

Vanir (mocking, delighted): “Moi lives~! Did you miss me, Titan boy?”

Eren (flat, unimpressed): “Your face still bores me, Vanir.”

Armin (stunned): “Alive?! But—!”

Eren (cutting in): “He’s a demon. Explosions just irritate him.”

Vanir gestured—to a sealed room.

Inside—Wiz, gasping, pale.

Wiz (hoarse, desperate): “Help! This gas—! It’s killing me!”

They moved—Eren yanking the door, Historia dragging Wiz free.

She collapsed—breathing deep, trembling.

Wiz (teary, relieved): “Thank you… so much.”  
Then—bright, teasing:  
“Heard you cleared Historia’s name! And Hans? Impressive.”

Eren (dry, exhausted): “Weeks ago. Arcanretia… hated us.”

Wiz (sobering, sincere): “You saved them anyway.”

No fanfare.

Just truth.

And in that dusty shop—

a lich’s gratitude,

a demon’s smirk,

and a Titan’s weary nod—

felt like the start of something real.

Vanir (mocking disbelief): “A child defeated Hans? Impossible.”

Eren (dry, shrugging): “He was… problematic. Not unbeatable.”

Wiz (beaming, starry-eyed): “Hans had the highest bounty! Eren, you’re a hero!”

Eren (flat, turning away): “I don’t care about titles.”

While the girls browsed—Aqua reaching for a glittering pendant—

Vanir (snapping): “Don’t touch that, disaster in heels!”

Wiz (panicked): “It’s cursed!”

Aqua (grumbling, putting it back): “Fine.”

Eren’s gaze sharpened—suspicion, old instincts.

Eren (to Wiz, low): “How do you know so much about Demon Generals? And why is he here?”

Wiz froze—panic flashing.

Wiz (whispering): “I… I’m… a General too.”

Silence.

Aqua (eyes wide): “What?!”

Before Wiz could explain—Aqua tackled her.

Wiz (muffled, flailing): “Wait! Let me explain!”

Aqua (jumping up, triumphant): “More bounty! We’re rich!”

Eren (calm, cutting through): “Listen first.”

Wiz panted—teary, desperate.

Wiz (small, ashamed): “I’m the General of Laughter… No bounty. No threat.”

Aqua deflated—then grinned.

Aqua: “Even better. We keep her.”

Eren (nodding, to Wiz): “No harm. You’re useful.”  
A pause. Cold, practical.  
“And when this is over? Aqua purifies you. Clean.”

Wiz (relieved, sniffling): “Fair.”

Historia (soft, grateful): “Thank you, Eren.”

They settled—tea, quiet, trust fragile but present.

Historia (curious): “Vanir doesn’t… kill?”

Wiz (explaining, gentle): “He feeds on fear. Suffering. Not flesh. He amplifies pain—he doesn’t cause it.”

Ymir (murmuring, wary): “Still wouldn’t want to owe him a favor.”

Wiz (smiling): “He’s helpful. Just… dramatic.”

Then—the village.

Wiz (bright, hopeful): “The Crimson Demon Village? Full of rare goods! But… I can’t teleport there directly. Only places I know—Axel. Arcanretia. The mines.”

Eren (thoughtful): “So you walk.”

Wiz (nodding): “The journey’s part of the charm.”

Historia (eyes sparkling): “We have to go.”

Wiz (warm, genuine): “I’ll take you. When you’re ready.”

No grand promises.

Just possibility. 

One ordinary afternoon in Axel, Yunyun unfolded a letter—and her world tilted.

“The village is under attack,” her father wrote.  
“Your child, born of a failure, will defeat the Demon King.”

Her blood ran cold.

[A ‘failure’? I barely know anyone!]

She found Megumin at the Guild—hands trembling, voice small.

Yunyun: “I don’t know anyone like that! Even Porco’s… heroic, sometimes!”

Megumin scanned the page—snorted.

Megumin (dry, pointing): “This bit? Chapter One of Arue’s Tragic Romance. Probably stuck to the real letter by accident.”

Relief flooded Yunyun—brief, sweet.

Then Megumin’s eyes narrowed.

Megumin (grim): “…But the village is under attack.”

Yunyun’s breath hitched.

Yunyun (quiet, resolved): “Then I go. Now.”

At the plaza, Porco stood with Fio and Cremea—arms crossed, sharp-eyed.

Yunyun approached—fists clenched, voice steady.

Yunyun: “My village… the Crimson Demons… they need help. Will you come?”

Fio frowned. Cremea stiffened.

Porco studied her—no mockery. Just truth.

Porco: “Our base is the capital. Axel was… a detour.”  
A glance toward Eren’s group—distant, watchful.  
“That detour’s over.”

Yunyun (nodding, throat tight): “You’re leaving. Tomorrow.”

Porco (blunt, not unkind): “I won’t lie to give you hope.”  
Then—a shift. Not dismissal. Assessment.  
“But if your father says ‘attacked’—not ‘fallen’—they’re holding. Go. See. If you truly need a Titan-shifter?”  
A pause. Promise.  
“I’ll come. If not? Visit your kin. Rest. I’ll wait in the capital.”

He turned—no flourish. Just fact.

Yunyun didn’t protest.

Just bowed—grateful, resolute.

—

Minutes later, at the Guild—

Yunyun (voice cracking): “I’ll go alone.”

Megumin (reaching): “Wait—!”

Too late.

The teleportation circle flared.

Yunyun vanished.

Megumin stared at the empty space—fists tight, jaw set.

[Stubborn. Just like me.]

She grabbed her báculo.

[…Fine. I’ll follow.]

Mansion – Dusk

Historia (quiet, urgent): “She went alone?”

Megumin (grim): “Teleported to Arcanretia.”

Historia (no blame—just concern): “Reckless. But so was Porco dismissing options.”

Darkness (raising a brow): “Moral duty? Or tactics?”

Historia (firm): “Both. But Yunyun acted alone—no coordination. That’s dangerous.”

Aqua (arms crossed, uneasy): “I’ve seen this story before. It never ends well.”

Eren was silent—then:

Eren (calm, final): “If her village’s in danger, we go.”

Megumin (steely): “It’s my home too.”

Historia (nodding): “Then it’s settled.”

—

Preparations – Final Decision

Eren (commanding): “Wiz teleports us to Arcanretia. Then—I shift. Quadruped Titan. Fastest route.”

Aqua (worried): “The distance—”

Eren (cutting in): “He carries us. All of us.”

Megumin (grinning): “Finally—the Apóstol Salvaje de la Catástrofe Animal!”

Eren (deadpan): “It’s the Beast Titan. Just one.”

Megumin (dismissing): “Boring names.”

Historia (practical): “Speed matters. Not titles.”

Darkness (dreamy, hopeful): “Think I’ll fall off? Catch me, Tatakae~”

Wiz confirmed—no direct teleport to the Crimson Village.

Wiz: “Arcanretia’s the closest anchor.”

No debate.

They stood in the square—Wiz’s magic flared—and vanished.

—

Arcanretia – Edge of Town

Eren didn’t announce it.

Just bit his thumb.

Steam erupted.

The Beast Titan rose—15 meters of coiled muscle, fur thick, stance low, stable.

No roar.

No threat.

Just motion.

Megumin (climbing, awed): “It… talks?”

Eren (voice echoing, calm): “Built for endurance. Not war.”

Darkness (sighing, enchanted): “Every time I think I’ve seen it all…”

Historia mounted—no hesitation. Just trust.

Aqua followed—hand lingering on Eren’s knee, brief, grounding.

Then—they moved.

Wind tore past.

The titan’s gait was smooth, relentless—a living bridge between worlds.

Axel’s chaos faded.

Ahead—the unknown.

But for the first time— 

Aqua (clutching her stomach, breathless): “This is amazing! I’ve never—ugh—mptfh—”  
She retched over the Titan’s shoulder—sour, unceremonious.

Megumin (grinning, wind whipping her hair): “We’ll be there in a blink!”

Historia (hand resting lightly on Eren’s nape, voice warm): “You’re incredible, Eren. Thank you—for always keeping us safe.”

Darkness (leaning forward, dreamy): “Faster, Tatakae~… faster.”

Eren (smiling, voice calm beneath the rumble): “We’re a team. That’s all.”

The Beast Titan surged onward—paws carving earth, breath steady—toward the Crimson Village.

The land grew wild.

Megumin (pointing ahead, sharp): “Orc territory. Female orcs.”

Darkness (perking up, eyes gleaming): “Really?”

Historia (cool, firm): “You’re still engaged to Walter, Darkness.”

Darkness (waving a hand): “A political contract. My spirit remains unbound.”

Megumin (flat, warning): “They don’t just flirt. They mate to death. Their males die exhausted. They hunt other species for… variety.”

Darkness’s smile faltered.

Darkness (quiet, crestfallen): “…Ah.”

Megumin (grim): “Stay on the Titan. Step down willingly? No rescue. Ever.”

Darkness hugged herself—shivering, not from cold.

Darkness (muttering): “…Not today.”

—

Then—Aqua gasped.

A child—small, hunched, hair shielding her face—sat by the path.

Aqua (soft, urgent): “She’s hurt. Starving. We must help.”

Historia moved to descend—

Eren (commanding, no hesitation): “Stop.”

The Titan halted.

Eren (voice low, certain): “It’s not a child. It’s a Tranquility Sprout.”

Aqua (frowning): “You’re paranoid—”

Eren (cutting in): “A carnivorous mimic. The ‘fruit’ it offers? Empty calories. It weakens you. Then it digests you.”

The figure lifted its head—offered a glowing fruit, eyes wide, innocent.

Aqua (pleading): “Eren, look—she’s scared—”

Eren (already moving): “Don’t.”

A blur.

His hand—human, bloodied—ripped the thing from the earth.

One motion.

Snap.

No scream.

No blood.

Just roots—pale, pulsing, veined—twitching in the dirt where it had been anchored, not sitting.

Silence.

Megumin (hoarse): “…It wasn’t sitting.”

Aqua stepped back—face ashen.

Historia closed her eyes—not in judgment. In sorrow.

Historia (soft, aching): “You knew. And you did it anyway.”

Eren (voice steady, no remorse—only weariness): “Yes.”  
A pause. Truth, not apology.  
“And it never gets easier.”

No one spoke.

The Titan resumed its run.

And in that silence—

the girls remembered.

This wasn’t the Eren who joked with Aqua, who blushed at Historia’s teasing, who laughed over Chomusuke’s antics.

This was the Eren who’d seen—too much, too young—and learned:  
Kindness gets you eaten.  
Hesitation gets you dead.  
Innocence is often just bait.

He carried the weight.

Crimson Demon Village – Gates

A dozen figures lined the walls—staves raised, crimson eyes gleaming.

Guard 1 (shouting): “Intruders!”  
Guard 2 (panicked): “A golem! Attack!”

Then—Yunyun sprinted forward, waving her arms.

Yunyun (breathless, earnest): “Wait! They’re friends!”

The staves lowered—slightly.

Guard 3 (suspicious): “Friends? Of Porco’s group?”

Yunyun (firm, despite trembling): “No. This is Eren. His Titan is allied with Megumin’s team. They’re here to help.”

The Beast Titan dipped its head—not submission. Acknowledgment.

Eren (voice deep, calm): “If we meant harm, you’d already be dead.”

A murmur rippled through the guards.

Guard 4 (grudging, impressed): “…He’s right.”

Defenses lowered.

Tension eased.

Megumin scanned the village—stone towers, rune-carved paths—her usual mischief absent.

Megumin (quiet, intense): “We’re here. Now—show us the truth.”

They entered.

Yunyun introduced them—nervous, quick.

Yunyun: “Historia, Aqua, Darkness… and Megumin. My… team.”

Megumin (dry, cutting in): “Porco’s team. You got left behind.”

Yunyun (hissing): “Megumin—!”

Aqua beamed—unfazed.

Aqua: “Hi! Big fans!”

Historia bowed—graceful, sincere.

Darkness sighed—dreamy, off-script.

Darkness: “…Hope they capture me.”

The guards exchanged glances—confused but trusting.

Guard 5 (nodding): “Yunyun vouches. That’s enough.”

Eren stepped forward—no grandeur. Resolve.

Eren: “We fight beside you. Not for glory. For her.”

They were led inward—hope lacing the air, beneath the old fear.

Then—Yunyun’s father.

He sat, arms crossed, grinning.

Yunyun’s Father (laughing): “Oh, attacked? Sure! But no one said we were losing.”  
A wink. Proud, sly.  
“In fact? I’m thinking of charging tickets for the next raid.”

Yunyun froze—relief, exasperation, love.

Yunyun: “…Dad.”

Around her—the team exhaled.

[Not a war.  
A family.]

And for the first time in too long—

Eren’s shoulders loosened.

No monsters.

No mimicry.

Just home.

The silence after the father’s remark was thick—not hostile, but heavy with unspoken understanding.

Eren didn’t flinch—just assessed the “home”: rough-hewn timbers, patched thatch, the scent of damp earth and dried herbs. No pretense. No shame. Just resilience.

Megumin stood rigid—chin up, fists clenched—but her gaze flickered to the cracked step, the faded runes on the doorframe. She’d never lied about her poverty. But she’d never invited them here, either.

Eren (calm, respectful): “We came because Yunyun was worried. Not for glory. Not for reward.”

Aqua (crossing her arms, blunt): “Yeah—poorly worded letters are dangerous.”

Historia smiled—soft, relieved—but her eyes lingered on the humble doorway—a queen recognizing another kind of strength.

Megumin’s father, Hyoizaburoo, stepped forward—no sneer, just sharp appraisal.

Hyoizaburoo (to Eren, direct): “So—you’re the one filling my daughter’s letters with explosions, Titans, and… companions.”  
His gaze swept the group—Aqua’s grin, Darkness’s blush, Historia’s quiet grace—and settled back on Eren.  
Hyoizaburoo (dry, inevitable): “A harem leader. At thirteen, she’s barely old enough to hold a báculo steady.”

Megumin (flushed, indignant): “Papá! We’re a team!”

Hyoizaburoo (unmoved): “And how many teams include four women and one man?”

Eren (firm, no defensiveness): “We protect each other. That’s all.”

Aqua (cheerfully oblivious): “He’s very popular~”

Historia (cutting in, gentle but firm): “Aqua.”

Yuiyui, Megumin’s mother, stepped beside her husband—calm, observant.

Yuiyui (soft, insightful): “A team that travels together… eats together… fights together. That’s rarer than magic, Hyoizaburoo.”

Before he could retort—

Pitter-patter.

Komekko burst out—small, barefoot, eyes wide.

She scanned the group—no fear, only curiosity—then latched onto Historia’s leg.

Historia froze.

[Small hands. A daughter’s laugh. A life lost before it began.]

Her breath hitched—just once—before she knelt, smoothing Komekko’s hair.

Historia (voice thick, tender): “Very brave.”

Eren saw it—the flicker of grief, quickly masked. He said nothing.

Just watched.

Then—Aqua.

Aqua (grinning, oblivious bomb): “Oh! And Eren totally stole my—!”

Eren (low, urgent): “Aqua. Don’t.”

Too late.

Hyoizaburoo’s eyes narrowed—not anger. Calculation.

Hyoizaburoo (to Aqua, deceptively mild): “Stole… what, exactly?”

Aqua (waving a hand): “Purity! Well—technically—”

Eren (palms pressed to his temples): “Goddamn it—”

Darkness (muttering): “Here we go…”

Hyoizaburoo (turning to Eren, final): “Let me get this straight. You’ve bedded a party companion… traveled with three other young women… and now you’re here, in my barn, claiming to be Megumin’s comrade.”  
A pause. Not accusation. Warning.  
“She’s thirteen, Jaeger. Not a recruit.”

Eren (meeting his eyes, no evasion): “I know her age. I respect her power. And if you think I’d ever—”  
He stopped. No oaths. No pleas.  
“I’ll prove it. With my actions. Not my words.”

Megumin stared at him—not embarrassed. Proud.

Because for the first time—

her father wasn’t seeing a poor, eccentric girl.

He was seeing a mage.

And the man beside her?

Not a womanizer.

A shield.

The air turned to glass—fragile, sharp.

Hyoizaburoo didn’t shout.

He moved.

A farmer’s strength, honed by decades of hauling stone and fending off raiders, coiled in his frame—and unleashed.

A fist—calloused, brutal—shot toward Eren’s jaw.

Eren didn’t dodge.

Blocked.

Forearm met knuckle—crack—and the force sent tremors up both their arms.

Hyoizaburoo (voice low, venomous): “You think I’ll let you touch her? A man who beds goddesses and collects girls like charms?”

Eren (cold, unyielding): “I don’t collect. I defend.”

Megumin (shrieking): “Papá—STOP!”

Yuiyui was faster.

She wrenched her husband’s arm back—not gentle. Desperate.

Yuiyui (fierce, trembling): “Enough! You don’t know anything!”

Darkness and Historia flanked Hyoizaburoo—not attackers. Barriers.

Historia (firm, calm): “I’m not part of any harem. I have a partner. Ymir. She’s waiting for me in Axel.”

Darkness (nodding, then—too honest—): “And I’m engaged to Walter Alderp.”  
A pause. Her voice dropped, dreamy, unguarded.  
“…Though, if Eren had asked first—”

Aqua (blurting, wide-eyed): “Oh! And Eren did try with Historia once! But it was awkward—like kissing your sister!”

Silence shattered.

Hyoizaburoo roared—lunging again.

Eren didn’t block this time.

He stepped back.

Not retreat.

Choice.

Eren (quiet, final): “I won’t fight a father protecting his daughter. Not here. Not ever.”

He turned—no anger. Just exhaustion.

Eren (to Aqua, flat): “We’re leaving.”

Aqua didn’t hesitate.

She fell into step beside him—no jokes. Just loyalty.

---

Yunyun’s House – Dusk

The knock was soft.

Yunyun opened the door—sleepy, hair loose—and froze.

Yunyun (blinking): “E-Eren? Aqua?”

Eren (rubbing his bruised forearm): “Can we stay? Just tonight.”

Aqua (grinning, but tired): “We come bearing no drama! …Mostly.”

Yunyun’s mind raced.

[Sleepover! Like the ones in the scrolls!  
…But Eren’s nineteen. Aqua’s a goddess. I’m… me.]

Her cheeks flared—mortified, hopeful.

Yunyun (flustered, ushering them in): “O-of course! I—I have spare mats! And tea! And—!”

She led them to a clean, quiet room—soft futons, warm lantern light.

Yunyun (mumbling, setting down blankets): “It’s not much… but it’s safe.”

Eren sank onto the mat—shoulders loosening, just slightly.

Eren (quiet, to Aqua): “Thanks. For staying.”

Aqua (plopping down, stretching): “Where else would I go? The goddess doesn’t abandon her Tatakae.”  
A pause. Soft.  
“…Even when he’s a stubborn idiot.”

Yunyun lingered in the doorway—watching them, quiet. 

Dawn painted the Crimson Village gold.

Megumin led Historia and Darkness through cobbled lanes—proud, animated.

Megumin (pointing to a stone archway humming with runes): “This was gifted by the Crimson Vanguard! A hero who crossed deserts to warn us of sand-wyrms!”

Historia’s breath caught.

[Runes in Eldian script. Reinforced with Marleyan alloy.]

[Sasha’s style. The arch she built after the Uprising.]

She said nothing—just smiled, touched the stone.

Megumin (next, to a shimmering fountain): “And this! By the Azure Flame! He purified our wells during the Blight!”

[Armin’s work. The distillation array disguised as art.]

Her chest ached—joy, grief, recognition.

Then—the frauds.

A “dragon’s skull” that flickered when Aqua passed too close.

A “haunted well” with illusionary whispers.

Darkness sighed—not bored. Restless.

Darkness (softly, to Historia): “It’s… too peaceful. My blood itches.”

She drifted away—toward the forest’s edge.

—

Elsewhere, Yunyun guided Eren and Aqua—nervous, earnest.

Yunyun: “This path leads to the Whispering Stones—supposedly—”

Aqua (pointing, loud): “Pfft! That ‘stone’ is just a rock with a wind-channel charm! And that ‘whisper’? Someone’s hiding in the brush snoring!”

Yunyun winced.

Eren (dry): “Let her be. Truth’s… refreshing.”

Aqua beamed—unrepentant.

---

Sunset.

The village’s calm shattered.

Snarls. Claws on stone.

Darkness stood atop the watchtower—bloodied, grinning—surrounded by goblin corpses.

Darkness (breathless, radiant): “Climax!”

From the trees—a figure emerged.

Tall. Pale. Eyes like fractured glass.

Silvia (voice smooth, edged): “General Silvia. Chimera Demon King’s Vanguard.”

Eren moved first.

No roar.

Just steam.

The Jaw Titan rose—15 meters of raw, snapping power.

Silvia froze.

[Galliard’s form. Yunyun at his side. The rumors—confirmed.]

Silvia (mask slipping, just slightly): “Porco Galliard. I’d heard you’d… retired.”

Eren didn’t speak.

Just stared—Jaw Titan’s maw slightly open, teeth gleaming.

Silvia’s hand tightened on her sword.

[No backup. No advantage.]

Silvia (cold, retreating): “A… reconnaissance mission. Nothing more.”

She vanished into the trees—no flourish. Just survival.

Darkness jumped down—landing beside Eren’s Titan.

Darkness (grinning, bloody-knuckled): “She ran! Was it my charisma? Or your teeth?”

Eren emerged from the nape—exhausted, but smiling.

Eren (quiet, to Yunyun): “You’re in Porco’s group. She saw you. That was enough.”

Yunyun’s eyes widened.

Yunyun (soft, awed): “You… let her believe.”

Eren (shrugging, walking past): “Fear’s a weapon. Sometimes… you don’t need to swing it.”

Behind them, Historia watched the receding trees—mind racing.

[Silvia. Chimera King. Porco’s shadow.]

[The lab. The runes. The past—still breathing.]

She touched her pendant—cool, familiar.

Midnight. Still.

Eren slept—deep, rare—when the door slid open.

Aqua stood there—barefoot, hair loose, eyes wide.

Not flirtatious.

Afraid.

Aqua (voice small): “Eren, I—”

Then—the alarm.

A shrill, bone-deep wail—village wards breached.

They moved—no questions.

Outside, under the bruised moon—Silvia.

Calm. Smirking. Unharmed.

Silvia (soft, delighted): “Jaw. I’ve heard so much. Let’s see if the stories hold up.”

Eren didn’t transform—not yet.

Just stepped forward—human, unflinching.

Eren (low, final): “Run. Now. Or I end you.”

Silvia (laughing, not afraid): “Oh, please—this’ll be fun.”

Yunyun and Aqua flanked him—tense, ready.

Aqua (whispering, urgent): “Does he know what he’s doing?”

Yunyun (gripping her báculo): “He believes he does.”

Eren didn’t hesitate.

Cut.

Steam erupted—not the Jaw’s snapping fury.

The Cart Titan rose—four meters, compact, dense muscle coiled like springs.

Silvia’s smirk faltered.

Silvia (eyes narrowing): “Another Titan? Porco… you’re full of surprises.”

Eren (voice echoing, grave): “I’m not Porco.”  
A pause. Truth, not boast.  
“I am Eren Jaeger. Demon of Paradis. Leader of the ones who broke Veldia, Hans, the Destroyer.”

Silvia stilled.

Then—a slow, hungry smile.

Silvia (soft, thrilled): “Eren Jaeger. The one who burned eighty percent of the world?”  
She tilted her head—not fear. Fascination.  
“How… delicious.”

She moved.

Not brute force.

Precision.

Dodging the Cart Titan’s charges—twisting, leaping, studying—like a surgeon probing a wound.

Aqua (stepping forward, staff blazing): “Eren—stand down! This one’s mine!”

Sacred light surged—pure, blinding—engulfing Silvia.

She didn’t scream.

Just laughed—rich, mocking.

Silvia (voice cutting through the light): “You’re weak, priestess. I’m no pure demon.”  
She stepped free—unscathed, eyes gleaming—  
“Chimera. Flesh and spirit stitched. Your light… tickles.”

Aqua staggered—shock, doubt.

Aqua (whispering): “It… didn’t work…”

Eren’s mind raced.

[Chimera. I’ve read this… before…]

Aqua, Yunyun, and the others watched in stunned silence as Eren stood his ground—Cart Titan low, coiled, waiting.

Silvia didn’t flinch.

She leaned in—thrilled, predatory.

Megumin (voice tight): “Eren—don’t do this alone.”

Eren (calm, eyes sharp): “I’ve got a plan.”

Silvia (grinning): “Do tell.”

He didn’t explain.

Just watched her—calculating, searching.

[She didn’t flinch at Darkness. Didn’t crush her. Why?]

Then—abrupt.

Silvia raised a hand.

Silvia (commanding): “Fall back.”

Her troops vanished—shadows, smoke.

Eren didn’t relax.

Eren (low, urgent): “She’s regrouping. Not retreating.”

Aqua (stepping forward, voice grave): “Eren—chimeras absorb. Not just power. Memory. Instinct. She doesn’t just copy—she becomes.”

His blood ran cold.

Eren (flat, to Aqua): “…You just gave her the blueprint.”

Silvia’s smile turned feral.

Silvia (soft, gleeful): “Oh, priestess… thank you.”  
She lunged—tentacles lashing.

Eren dodged—Cart Titan weaving, powerful, but not enough.

Darkness struck—blade flashing.

Yunyun’s magic sizzled—deflected.

Historia watched—mind racing.

[Pattern. Adaptation. She’s learning us.]

Then—contact.

Silvia’s hand pressed to the Cart Titan’s neck.

Fusion.

Eren’s eyes widened—Annie. The Female Titan. The crystal.

He ripped himself free—human, gasping—hoping to break the bond.

But Silvia moved faster.

She seized the nape—the command center—and sank in.

Steam boiled.

The Titan convulsed.

When it stilled—

She was reborn.

The Cart Titan’s body—Eren’s form—but from its back, Silvia emerged.

Not riding.

Integrated.

Her torso fused where the nape should be—spine inverted, limbs replaced by writhing tendrils.

A grotesque marriage of Titan and Chimera.

Eren (panting, furious): “Damn it.”

Silvia (voice echoing, layered—hers and the Titan’s): “Escape? Cute.”

Then—she moved.

Not at Eren.

At Historia.

A blur.

Jaws snapped—Historia vanished into the Titan’s maw.

She reappeared—not swallowed. Held.

Tendrils coiled—one at her throat, precise, poised.

Silvia (voice low, lethal): “One step… and her neck snaps.”

Eren froze.

[Carla. Mikasa. Hannes.]

[Not again.]

Eren (commanding, raw): “Hold. All of you.”

Darkness’s sword trembled.

Yunyun’s magic guttered.

Aqua opened her mouth—then closed it.

Silent.

Silvia backed away—slow, deliberate—Historia limp in her grasp.

The vault loomed—ancient stone, runes etched deep.

Historia’s breath hitched.

[Marleyan script. Not Eldian. Older. Harsher.]

Silvia pressed a talisman—nothing.

Silvia (snarling): “Why won’t it open?!”

Historia (soft, instinctive): “It’s… Marleyan.”

Silence.

Silvia’s gaze sharpened—not hope. Calculation.

Silvia (cold, lethal): “A useless hostage.”

Historia (steadfast): “What do you want? This weapon—you’ll destroy them all.”

Silvia (smiling, venomous): “The Mage-Slayer. Magic’s death. And when it’s inside me?”  
A pause. Triumph.  
“Every Crimson Mage—extinguished.”

Then—the ground shuddered.

Silvia’s Titan convulsed.

Steam erupted—fissures splitting flesh, Silvia’s human form unraveling at the seams.

Silvia (panicked, raw): “What’s happening?!”

Historia didn’t think.

Just knew.

Historia (shouting): “You’re not Eldian! Titans reject you!”

Silvia understood.

In one motion—desperate, brilliant—her tendrils wrapped Historia.

Not to crush.

To fuse.

They pulled her into the collapsing Titan’s chest—not deep. Just enough.

Her head, shoulders, arms remained free—breathing, seeing, trapped.

The steam ceased.

The Titan stabilized.

Silvia gasped—then smiled.

Silvia (hoarse, triumphant): “Thank you.”

Historia trembled—not just fear.

[Connection. Power. Blood—royal, ancient—surging through the Titan’s core.]

The Cart Titan changed.

Muscle thickened. Steam glowed gold.

[Not just Eldian.]

[Reiss blood. The Founding’s echo.]

Silvia flexed her new form—stronger, smoother, alive—and laughed.

Silvia: “Now… let’s see if your Demon of Paradis can stop me.”

Behind them—Eren emerged—Jaw Titan roaring.

The Jaw Titan skidded to a halt—steam hissing, jaws parted.

And froze.

Before them—Silvia’s Titan.

Not monstrous.

Grotesque.

Historia’s head and forearms protruded from the chest—pale, trembling, eyes wide with trapped terror. Tendrils coiled around her limbs, anchoring, suffocating.

Yunyun staggered—pale, hand over her mouth.

Yunyun (whispering, shattered): “No…”

Aqua’s usual grin was gone.

She stared—not at the Titan. At Historia’s eyes.

Aqua (quiet, shaken): “She’s not hostage… she’s fuel.”  
A pause. Dread.  
“Chimeras don’t release. They consume. She’s… still alive… just to hurt us.”

Darkness’s breath hitched—voice raw, unsteady.

Darkness: “Eren—stop. Every blow you land… she feels it.”

Eren’s fists clenched—human, trembling.

Eren (gritted, to Silvia): “Let her go. Now.”

Silvia (voice layered—hers and the Titan’s—smug, triumphant): “Behold, Eren Jaeger—union. Eldian blood stabilizing the impossible.”  
Her grin widened—malicious, intimate.  
“Your little queen… breathing me to life.”

Historia (straining, voice thin): “Eren—!”

He flinched.

[Mikasa’s grip. Carla’s hand. The weight of choice.]

Silvia (mocking, circling): “I hear you’re quite the general-killer… Demon of Paradis. Yet here you stand… frozen.”

Eren (low, dangerous): “You don’t know what you’re playing with.”

Silvia (laughing, sharp): “Oh, I do. I feel her blood. Her fear.”  
A tendril tightened—Historia gasped.  
“Tell me, Eren… how much of you would you carve away… to keep her breathing?”

Eren moved—Jaw Titan lunging.

Silvia met him—Cart Titan surging.

A blow—massive, deliberate.

Eren blocked—absorbing the impact, not dodging.

Historia jerked—a choked breath, eyes squeezing shut.

Historia (thought, fractured): [He… took it. For me…]

Megumin (suddenly sharp, cutting through despair): “She’s alive because Silvia wants her conscious! If she’d absorbed her fully… Historia would be gone—just power, no voice, no face.”  
A pause. Harrowing.  
“She’s not just a hostage. She’s leverage.”

Aqua (nodding, grim): “A perfect one.”

Silvia (delighted, circling again): “Exactly. You fight monsters. But this?”  
She gestured to Historia’s exposed face—tear-streaked, defiant.  
“This is war.”

Eren stood—Jaw Titan panting, steam thick.

Not defeated.

Eren (voice low, final): “This ends now. Release her—and I’ll let you live.”

Silvia laughed—not mocking. Certain.

Silvia: “After what your friends just said? You think you can extract her?”  
A pause. Cruel, clear.  
“Her organs are mine. There’s no undo.”

And in that moment—

Historia stopped fighting.

She felt it—the pulse of her blood, the anchor holding the Titan together. Not hope. Truth.

No clean rescue.

No miracle.

Just choice.

She opened her eyes.

Historia (calm, devastating): “Eren… listen.”

He froze.

Historia: “Don’t hold back. Without me… the Titan fails.”

Silvia’s smirk vanished.

Historia (each word a blade): “She knows.”

Aqua (shaking her head, desperate): “Wait—don’t say that!”

Darkness (voice raw, breaking): “We can’t just accept this!”

Historia looked at them—not pleading. Resolved.

Historia: “If I die… the Titan rejects her. Both vanish. Clean.”

Silence.

Eren trembled—not rage. Grief.

Eren (hoarse, shattered): “Don’t… ask this of me.”

Historia (soft, smiling): “You always carried the impossible weight. Let me bear one.”

Silvia screamed—not fury. Fear.

Silvia: “Silence her!”

But Historia was already gone—not in body.

In surrender.

Eren (roaring, Jaw Titan surging): “NO MORE!”

He struck—not to kill.

To sever.

Jaws clamped—not on Silvia.

On the fusion.

He ripped Historia free—torso, limbs, bloodied, limp—as Silvia’s Titan convulsed.

Steam boiled.

The form dissolved—not violently. Quietly.

Silvia (voice thin, fading): “Evaporation… doesn’t hurt.”  
A pause. Human, weary.  
“I failed… No Crimson Mages dead… No one… loved.”  
A broken laugh.  
“…Irony.”

Then—gone.

Only steam.

And Historia—broken, still—on the ground.

Aqua ran.

Not divine.

Just terrified.

She gathered fragments—bone, flesh, hair—hands shaking.

Aqua (whispering, frantic): “No, no, no—”  
[Is this hers? Or Silvia’s? Will her body… recognize itself?]

For the first time—

the goddess doubted.

 Aqua knelt—hands glowing, voice steady—over Historia’s broken form.

The prayer began—ancient, soft—blue light spilling from her palms like liquid starlight.

Flesh knit.  
Bones aligned.  
Breath returned—shallow, then deep.

The world held its breath.

Then—accepted.

The Jaw Titan shattered—Eren collapsing, knees on stone, fists trembling.

Eren (whispering, raw): “…Sorry.”  
He struck the ground—once, twice—then broke.

Tears fell—not for the world he’d burned.

For the one he’d almost lost.

—

The Beyond

Historia awoke—warm light, sterile peace.

[Not the afterlife. The in-between.]

Eris stood before her—not radiant. Professional.

Eris (calm, final): “Historia Reiss. You’ve died again.”

Historia (quiet, resigned): “No miracle this time.”

Eris (nodding): “Two paths. Ascend. Or rebirth.”

Historia inhaled—not fear. Purpose.

Historia: “Aqua. Can she return? To where I brought her?”

Eris (without hesitation): “Yes. If the Demon King falls… her contract ends.”

Relief—soft, certain.

Then—

“NO—WAIT!”

Aqua barreled in—astral, furious, hair wild.

Aqua (pointing, breathless): “Eris! She’s alive! I rebuilt her!”

Eris didn’t flinch.

Just sighed—the sound of millennia of headaches.

Eris (precise, weary): “You’ve breached the Veil. Violated resurrection protocol. Twice.”  
A pause. Dangerous.  
“And your transgression… it’s eroding you. Your divinity—fading. If you continue… you’ll lose your place here. Permanently.”

Aqua crossed her arms—no smirk. Defiance.

Aqua: “Worth it.”

Historia (stunned, dawning hope): “I’m… not dead?”

Aqua (grinning, tearful): “Nah. Your body’s good as new. Beat Eris to the paperwork.”

Eris’s eyes narrowed.

Eris (low, lethal): “You threatened me with… the padding.”

Aqua’s grin turned feral.

Aqua: “Revive her. Or everyone learns the goddess of luck’s… secret.”

Silence.

Then—Eris moved.

A door appeared.

Eris (resigned, grave): “Go. But remember—this debt remains.”

Historia stepped through—

—and gasped.

Cold air. Stone. Hands—Yunyun’s, Megumin’s, Darkness’s—pressing cloths to her skin.

She was naked. Alive.

Historia pushed herself up—weak, disoriented—and the first thing she registered was cold air.

Then—panic.

Her clothes were gone.

She folded in on herself—hands flying, cheeks burning.

Historia (whispering, mortified): “No…”

Yunyun (rushing forward, gentle): “You’re back! You’re alive!”

Historia (nodding, breathless): “Yes—but—where’s my—?”

Yunyun (soft, practical): “The fusion… it consumed everything. But—here.”  
She draped Megumin’s worn crimson cape over Historia’s shoulders—heavy, warm, smelling of gunpowder and dried herbs.

Historia (muffled, embarrassed): “Thank you… just… hurry.”

Yunyun nodded—already sprinting toward her home.

Then—a whisper.

Historia: “E-Eren…?”

He stood apart—not looking at her.

Just staring at the ground.

[Ymir. The promise. The failure.]

A hand touched his shoulder.

He reacted.

Spun. Shoved.

Aqua hit the dirt—more startled than hurt.

Eren (hoarse, ragged): “Don’t touch me!”

Aqua (sitting up, indignant): “Hey! I just revived your girlfriend!”

Silence.

Eren froze.

Eren: “…What?”

He turned.

And saw her.

Alive.

Breathing.

Wrapped in Megumin’s cape, eyes wide, impossibly here.

He dropped to his knees—not in grief.

In relief.

Eren (voice breaking): “You’re… real.”

Aqua (dusting herself off, smirking through tears): “Took some convincing… but yeah.”

He was at Historia’s side in two strides—kneeling, hand hovering, afraid to touch.

Eren (soft, raw): “You’re safe. I’m here.”

She reached out—fingers brushing his.

Historia (smiling, fragile): “I knew you’d find a way.”

Aqua enveloped her in a fierce hug—no jokes. Just love.

Aqua: “Never doubted you, idiot.”

Around them—Megumin, Darkness, Yunyun—crowded close, not speaking.

Just being.

Then—Yunyun returned, breathless, arms full of soft linen.

Yunyun (apologetic, warm): “Here. It’s clean. And not cursed.”

Historia dressed quickly—grateful, quiet.

When the cape fell away, revealing simple trousers and a tunic, she sighed—not in shame.

In peace.

Eren stared at Aqua—fury dissolving into stunned, aching relief.

[She brought her back. She brought her back.]

Eren (voice rough, humble): “Thank you, Aqua. I… I can’t—”

Aqua (smiling, tired but bright): “What are goddesses for?”

He looked down—ashamed, raw.

Eren: “…I’m sorry. I was… ugly.”

Aqua (waving a hand, dismissive): “Pfft. I’ve seen worse.”  
A pause. Sincere.  
“Besides… you hardly ever see me use revival, do you?”

Eren met her eyes—still trembling.

Eren: “I… forgot you could.”

Aqua (soft, almost sad): “It’s fragile. Needs the soul close… and the body… enough to remember.”  
She glanced at Historia—alive, whole, dressing in Yunyun’s borrowed clothes.  
“This time? We barely made it.”

Eren (hoarse): “Thank you. Truly.”

—

Axel – Guild Hall

Gold clinked into their coffers—Hans. Silvia. Two Generals. One reward.

But no cheers.

Megumin stared at the coin purse—empty, quiet.

Megumin: “I barely did anything.”

Darkness (nodding, uncharacteristically somber): “Neither did I. It’s… unfulfilling.”

Yunyun (soft, resolved): “I’m leaving. For the capital. With Porco’s team.”

Historia hugged her—no words. Just understanding.

—

That Night

Aqua sat alone—hands in her lap.

The divine light—faint. Flickering.

[The night. The wine. The warmth. The weight.]

[If I’m pregnant…]

[Unwed. Cursed. Exiled.]

[And Eren—marked, broken—]

She pressed her palms to her eyes.

Aqua (whispering, terrified): “I can’t tell him.”

Then—straightened.

Aqua (voice shaky, determined): “Then I’ll do it right.”  
A breath. No confidence. Only resolve.  
“I’ll… marry him. But first—I have to love him. For real.”  
A pause. Desperate, small.  
“Eris… why?”

—

Weeks Later

Eren returned from a minor mission—weary, quiet.

Pushed open his door.

Aqua stood there—nervous, bright-eyed.

Aqua (not meeting his gaze): “I just… wanted to thank you. For Arcanretia. You saw Hans. Fought him. Saved them.”

Eren (shifting, uncomfortable): “You purified the slime. Without that—”

She stepped forward.

Then—kissed him.

Quick. Clumsy. Human.

He didn’t pull away.

Didn’t lean in.

Just stood—stunned, heart pounding.

Aqua (murmuring, fragile): “I… appreciate you. Your… presence.”

Eren (swallowing hard): “…I don’t… know what that means.”

Her smile faltered.

She stepped back—door open, escape ready—and vanished.

Eren stood alone.

[Not anger. Not joy.]

[A hollow, unfamiliar ache.]

—

Months Passed

Aqua avoided wine.

Avoided jokes.

Brought him tea—too hot. Mended his cloak—stitches crooked. Sat beside him—silent, close, terrified.

She didn’t know how to love.

Didn’t know how to ask.

But she knew this:

Some debts couldn’t be paid in gold.

They had to be paid in truth.

And she was still saving up.

A month passed in Axel—quiet, uneventful, almost peaceful.

Sunlight poured through the mansion’s tall windows, dust motes swirling in the golden air. Aqua lounged on the sofa, half-asleep, toes wiggling. Megumin hovered near Eren, waving a spellbook like a banner.

Megumin (bright, insistent): “Just one explosion! I’ll aim it away from the city!”

Darkness sat at the desk—uncharacteristically still, brow furrowed over scrolls.

Then—BANG.

The door shuddered.

Aqua jolted upright—annoyed, disheveled.

Aqua (grumbling, yanking the door open): “Ugh! If you’re another debt collector, I’m reviving your grandmother and making her haunt you—”

The butler stood there—sweating, trembling, eyes wide.

Butler (stammering): “M-Milady Darkness! I bring urgent news! You stand to lose… everything most precious!”

Silence.

Eren’s whetstone stilled on his blade.

Megumin dropped her book.

Darkness (standing abruptly): “What?! Speak clearly!”

Aqua (pointing, accusatory): “See?! I told you! Trouble follows fancy coats!”

Eren (arms crossed, voice low): “Explain. Now.”

The butler fumbled out a sealed letter—crimson wax, royal crest.

Darkness paled.

Butler (voice shaking): “Princess Iris… requests your presence. She wishes to hear of your… heroic deeds. In exchange for generous compensation.”

A collective exhale—relief, tentative.

But Darkness’s grip on the letter tightened, knuckles white.

Darkness (hushed, urgent): “You don’t understand! If we dishonor her—if Aqua blesses a soup tureen, or Megumin blows up a fountain, or Eren snaps at a courtier—”  
She met Eren’s eyes—dead serious—  
“—she’ll have us executed!”

Chaos erupted.

Megumin (leaping): “Royal audience?! Let me see! She’ll adore my Explosions!”

Aqua (dashing forward, grinning): “I’ll purify the whole castle! Hand it over!”

Darkness (clutching the letter to her chest, panicked): “NO! This isn’t a game!”

Eren pinched the bridge of his nose—exhausted.

Eren (muttering): “Disaster.”

The butler shrank into the doorway—utterly forgotten.

Butler (to himself, defeated): “…Should’ve just mailed it…”

Darkness (shouting over the fray): “ENOUGH! This is serious! Eren! Historia! Pay attention!”

Historia sat by the window—distant, detached.

Historia (calm, dry): “Explain quickly, Darkness. I’ve no interest in royal farces.”

Darkness (frustrated): “Princess Iris wants our stories. If we act like… this—”  
A pointed glance at Aqua, who was now attempting to climb Darkness’s back—  
“—we’re dead.”

Aqua (indignant): “Why are you looking at Eren? I’m a goddess! You’re the clumsy one!”

Historia (smirking, arms crossed): “She’s right, Aqua. And you’re included. So’s Megumin.”

Megumin (offended): “My Explosions are art! The princess will weep with joy!”

Historia (deadpan): “You’re as useless as Aqua and Darkness combined. Just… louder.”

Darkness flinched—stung, but silent.

Eren finally spoke—low, final.

Eren: “Then don’t go. Problem solved.”

Historia (nodding, already turning back to the window): “Exactly. Darkness—decline. This group isn’t fit for thrones.”

Darkness hesitated—torn between duty and dread.

Historia (without looking): “Do it.”

The letter trembled in Darkness’s hands.

Outside, the sun still shone.

But inside—

the quiet dread of consequence settled like dust.

The next morning, Darkness entered the common room—letter in hand, face pale with dread.

Darkness (sighing, defeated): “I knew it. I replied too fast.”

Historia (raising a brow): “What now?”

She placed the letter on the table. Aqua and Megumin pounced.

Megumin (nervous laugh): “Oh. This… this is bigger than I thought.”

Aqua (paling): “A party? At the castle? In our honor?”

Darkness (grim): “The princess rejected our refusal. There’s a banquet. Local heroes invited. We can’t say no.”

Eren (arms crossed, flat): “I’m not going.”

Historia (sharp): “You can’t just ignore royalty, Eren.”

Eren (turning away): “Already am.”

Darkness and Historia exchanged a look—frustrated, resigned.

Darkness (forced cheer): “Fine! No banquet! The royal guard is just… delivering a message! Nothing more!”

Historia (nodding smoothly): “Exactly. Just a message, Eren.”

He eyed them—suspicious, but too tired to fight—and grunted.

Historia (whispering as he walked off): “This is your mess if it blows up.”

Darkness (tight smile): “Under control. Promise.”

—

That afternoon—sun high, dust swirling—the group gathered at Axel’s gates.

Eren (already walking): “Come on, Aqua. Move.”

Aqua (blinking): “Where’s the rush?”

Eren (exasperated): “The royal guard? Delivering the message? Ring any bells?”

They laughed—not cruel. Just human.

As they walked, chatter flowed.

Aqua (dreamy): “What dress should I buy once we’re disgustingly rich?”

Historia (smirking): “Sapphire. It’d suit your hair.”

Eren (dry): “Never understood the fuss over clothes.”

Darkness (teasing): “Even if it’d look good on you, Tatakae~?”

Eren (flustered): “That’s not the point!”

Darkness (grinning): “Relax. I’m just nervous. This tension needs breaking.”

She’d always been relentless—a force of nature. Even demons flinched.

Eren (muttering): “You’re like a kick to the groin.”

Darkness (mock-hurt): “A compliment once in a while wouldn’t kill you.”

Then—Megumin, mischievous.

Megumin: “So… who’s Eren dating in town? I’ve heard rumors… But Darkness flirts, even though she’s engaged, and Historia’s got Ymir—yet Eren never bites!”

Eren (snapping): “What?! No! I’m not seeing anyone! And since when do you care?!”  
A pause. Sharp.  
“Or is it because Yunyun’s with Porco now? No one left to pester?”

Megumin panicked.

Megumin (flustered, desperate): “N-No! I—what should we eat tonight?!”

They laughed harder.

---

Dustiness Mansion – Dressing Quarters

Darkness stood like a general inspecting troops.

Darkness (authoritative): “Today, we look like the heroes we are!”

Historia surveyed the opulent hall—marble, gold leaf, absurd grandeur.

Historia (dry): “So this is where you were raised. Fitting. As overblown as your speeches.”

Darkness (blushing): “Unnecessary!”

Servants presented gowns.

Aqua held hers up—lace, ivory, regal.

Aqua (frowning): “How do I look?”

Historia (deadpan): “Like a bride.”

Aqua (horrified): “I’m not marrying anyone, Darkness!”

Darkness (through gritted teeth): “No time for complaints!”

Eren slouched in a chair—already bored, arms crossed, eyes distant.

But beneath the indifference—

he watched them.

Laughing. Bickering. Alive.

And for the first time in two lifetimes—

the weight on his shoulders felt… shared.

While Aqua disappeared to change, the servants rummaged for something that might fit Megumin.

Servant (offering a tiny dress): “This was Miss Darkness’s, when she was a child…”

Megumin (indignant): “This is too big for me?! That’s absurd!”

Historia (smirking): “Maybe because you’re stuck in an eternal child’s body, Megumin. Be grateful they didn’t offer you doll clothes.”

Megumin (flustered): “Historia!”

Darkness, exasperated, snapped her fingers.

Darkness: “Tailor. Now.”

Eren watched from his chair—arms crossed, expression unreadable, but the corner of his mouth twitched.

Darkness (turning on him): “And you! You can’t show up in that ragged gear!”

Eren (calm): “I’m fine.”

Historia (arms crossed, dry): “Don’t be stubborn. You need to look presentable.”

Eren (grumbling): “Why?”

Historia (sarcastic smile): “Wouldn’t want the princess thinking we’re uncivilized barbarians. Though… in your case, it’d be accurate.”

He sighed—reluctant, but yielding—and accepted the formal coat that once belonged to Darkness’s father.

Aqua returned—stumbling in the heavy gown.

Aqua: “I can’t move in this!”

Historia (taking her in): “You look ready for a wedding. Pity no one’s brave enough to marry you.”

Aqua (scowling): “Shut up, Historia!”

---

At the royal carriage, they gathered—elegant, tense.

Even Eren, stiff in his tailored coat, looked the part—if deeply uncomfortable.

Eren (muttering): “Fine. Message delivered. Let’s go.”

Then—the escort arrived.

Knights. Messengers. A nobleman at their head—sharp eyes, polished armor.

Langris (bowing slightly): “An honor, Adventurer Eren Jaeger. We’ve heard great things. I am Langris.”

Eren (wary): “Just a message, right? Why the army?”

Langris (smiling, too smooth): “It’s a celebration. The princess insists.”

As they walked through the castle halls, Eren’s gaze never settled.

[Too many eyes. Too many faces.]

Eren (low, to Historia): “They know who I am.”

Historia (nodding, voice quiet): “Marleyans. Reincarnated. Just like Armin. Mikasa.”

Eren: “Langris… he recognized me. Maybe even… the Founder.”

Historia (firm): “We don’t start a war in the capital. Not here. Not now. But if they move… we end them.”

Aqua watched them—confused, curious.

Aqua (whispering): “What are you two talking about?”

Eren (dismissive): “Nothing. Just… nonsense.”

Ahead, a young man—Marleyan features, adventurer’s badge—tripped.

No one helped.

Historia stepped forward—instinct, grace.

Historia (soft): “Are you alright?”

Marleyan (surprised, humbled): “You’re kind… to help a stranger.”

Historia (smiling): “I like helping people.”

He studied her—suddenly uncertain.

Marleyan: “Wait… have we met before? Somewhere?”

Historia (smooth, practiced): “I don’t think so.”

Marleyan (hesitant): “Right… I should return to my team.”

Eren (sharp, from behind): “Historia. Now.”

She turned—apologetic smile.

The Marleyan froze.

Marleyan (whispering, stunned): “…Eren? Historia?”

Silence.

Eren (cold): “Do we know you?”

The man’s face hardened—old wounds, fresh fear.

Marleyan: “How could I forget the Eldians who defied peace… who brought fire to the world.”

He walked away—fast, tense.

Marleyan (to himself, bitter): “They’re here… and they’re plotting.”

Eren didn’t move.

Just watched him go—fists clenched, jaw tight.

[No more Rumbling. No more ash.]

[This peace… I’ll guard it.]

Even if it meant facing ghosts.

Again.

The castle hallway shimmered with chandeliers and murmuring nobles—when a familiar figure stepped forward.

Eren (voice low, razor-sharp): “If it isn’t… Warrior Honorary of Marley. Pieck Finger. Or do you prefer I use your full name?”

The woman stopped—dark eyes narrowing, then softening into weary amusement.

Pieck (smirking): “You’ve gotten sharper, Jaeger. Relax—I won’t kill you. Not here. Though…”  
She glanced around—nobles, knights, hidden eyes—  
“…plenty here would love to drag the Founder out of you.”

Eren (cold, unblinking): “Then prove you’re not one of them.”

Pieck (shrugging): “I’d cuff myself if I could. But I’m on royal invitation. Behaving is the price of entry.”

Eren didn’t relax. Every muscle stayed coiled—ready to strike if she twitched wrong.

Eren (flat): “Don’t think I’ll go easy on you just because you’re a woman.”

Pieck (soft, almost sad): “Eren… you’ve changed. Truly.”  
A pause. Genuine.  
“I won’t betray you. Trust my word—as a lady.”

Historia stepped beside him—calm, but alert.

Historia: “Pieck Finger. Former wielder of the Cart Titan. And Reiner Braun’s… confidante.”

Pieck (tilting her head): “Ah—you are as he described. A queen. A goddess.”

Historia (brow furrowed): “Reiner? Loved me?”

Pieck (dry chuckle): “Obsessed, more like. Wrote your name in his letters like a prayer.”

Historia (firm, unshaken): “I love only one person. And it’s not him.”

Pieck’s smile faded—not pity. Respect.

Pieck: “Then bless you both. Reiner deserved worse.”

Eren (muttering): “Imbecil.”

Pieck (grinning again): “Come on, muchacha. Let’s survive this party.”

But Eren’s mind raced.

[Her eyes lingered on Historia too long. Silvia used royal blood to stabilize the Titan. What if they try to take her again?]

He wouldn’t let it happen.

Then—voices.

Armin (urgent, from a side corridor): “Eren!”

Mikasa (close behind, hand on her sword): “There you are.”

Eren froze—relief, then tension.

Armin (lowering his voice, eyes scanning the room): “You saw it too, didn’t you? The Marleyans. They’re everywhere.”

Eren (nodding): “They know about the Founder. And they’re still hunting.”

Mikasa (sharp, protective): “That four-legged woman won’t make a move. I’ll watch her. Closely.”

Eren (exhaling, just slightly): “If you say so… I trust you.”

Mikasa (quiet, absolute): “I won’t fail you.”

Before they could speak further—a herald’s voice rang out.

Herald: “Heroes of Belzerg! To your tables!”

Eren turned—Pieck already deep in conversation with Megumin and Darkness, laughing like old friends.

He didn’t trust it.

Then—spit.

A Marleyan noble—young, furious—spat at Eren’s boots.

Marleyan (voice trembling with rage): “Do you even remember? The villages. The children. You erased them. Their dreams. Their lives. You think peace here absolves you? Monster.”

Silence fell.

Aqua and Historia stepped in front of Eren—not shielding. Defending.

Aqua/Historia (in unison): “He’s not trash. He’s our friend.”

Marleyan (bitter, shaking): “Admirable. You commit the world’s greatest genocide—and get rewarded with friendship?”  
He turned away—a guard ushering him off—but not before adding:  
“You don’t deserve this peace.”

Historia’s fists clenched.

Historia: “You don’t know him.”

—

Across the hall—

Darkness (startled): “Walter?”

Walter stood—polished armor, knight’s insignia gleaming.

Walter (smiling, formal): “Lady Dustiness. Didn’t expect to see you here. Though—why wouldn’t they invite Belzerg’s finest?”  
A pause. Pride, not mockery.  
“I’ve been a knight since I was twelve. Fearless, they said.”

Darkness’s smile was tight—not pleased. Resigned.

Darkness: “…You’re assigned to our table?”

Walter (offering his arm, polite but firm): “As your partner. Protocol, my lady.”

She hesitated—then took it.

Not love.

Obligation.

But as they walked, Eren watched—Pieck, Walter, the Marleyan guests—

and knew.

This wasn’t a party.

It was a battlefield.

And the war for his past—

had followed him here.

The warning given, the rooftop confrontation dissolved into uneasy silence. They returned to the banquet hall—music swelling, laughter masking tension.

Aqua, blissfully unaware of the noose tightening around them, poured herself another glass of wine.

Aqua (raising her goblet, bright as ever): “Megumin, stop worrying! We’re at a royal party! Free food, free wine—what more could you want?”

She lifted the glass—then froze.

[Wine.]

Her smile faltered. Just for a heartbeat.

She remembered Wiz’s hushed words, the test strips, the quiet terror in her own hands.

[Not safe. Not anymore.]

Aqua stared into the ruby liquid—pretending to admire its hue—while her mind raced back to that secret moment in the apothecary.

Megumin watched her, sighing.

Megumin (dry, fond): “Sometimes I think you understand nothing, Aqua… but… maybe that’s the point. Someone’s gotta laugh while the rest of us plan funerals.”

Eren observed them—his ragged, impossible family—and felt something unclench in his chest.

[They’re here. Alive.]

Even in this gilded cage, they were his.

Aqua blinked, shook herself, and—subtly—touched the rim of her glass.

A whisper of blue light.

Wine became water.

Aqua (murmuring to herself): “Just… water. No one will notice.”

She took a sip, smiling wide, and laughed along with Megumin.

[The lie was easier when it tasted like truth.]

—

Then—the room stilled.

From across the hall, a figure approached.

Darkness (whispering urgently): “Princess Iris. And her guard. Don’t move. Don’t speak. Just bow.”

Aqua straightened—suddenly regal.

Megumin tucked her spellbook deeper into her dress.

Eren and Historia exchanged a glance—Wall Maria protocol. Quiet dignity.

The Princess Iris Stylish-Sword Belzerg glided forward—gold hair, silver gown, eyes wide with naive admiration. Behind her, Claire Field Symphonia stood—armor polished, hand resting on her sword hilt.

Claire (warm, formal): “Welcome, brave heroes. On behalf of Her Highness, I thank you for your service to Belzerg. I am Claire Field Symphonia, Royal Guardswoman—and voice of the Princess.”

Bows all around.

Darkness stepped forward—graceful, proud.

Darkness (presenting, voice tight with pride): “This is Eren Jaeger and his company. And… my fiancé, Walter.”

She said Eren’s name like a secret thrill.

Aqua bowed—exaggerated, theatrical—then whipped her hands up, clearly about to “bless” the Princess’s goblet.

Darkness (elbowing her ribs, hissed): “Aqua—not now!”

Aqua pouted—muttering about “ruining the mood.”

Megumin, not to be outdone, whipped her crimson cape from beneath her gown.

Megumin (dramatic, booming): “I am Megumin, Arch-Wizard of the Crimson Demons! Wielder of the Supreme—”

Darkness (grabbing her shoulders, shoving her down): “Sit. Down.”

Megumin whimpered—“I just wanted to shine…”

Through it all, Eren and Historia remained still—heads bowed, hands clasped, posture perfect.

Historia (soft, regal): “Your Highness. It’s an honor.”

Eren (calm, respectful): “Eren Jaeger. Thank you for your hospitality.”

Iris beamed—a girl playing queen, shielded from the world’s teeth.

And in that moment, Eren saw it.

She didn’t know.

Didn’t know about the Rumbling. The blood. The ghosts in his eyes.

To her, he was just a hero.

And for the first time…

he wasn’t sure if that was a relief…

or a cage.

Claire (smiling, diplomatic): “Her Highness is eager to hear of your adventures. We’ve been told you’ve faced truly fearsome foes. Might you share some of your deeds?”

Eren met Historia’s eyes—tired, skeptical. To him, this felt like theater. The Princess, cloistered in silk and ceremony, couldn’t possibly understand the grit, the blood, the weight of choices made in the dark.

But before anyone could speak—

Rustle. Splat.

All eyes snapped to Aqua.

In seconds, she’d snatched a napkin, scooped a dollop of beetroot paste, and—using gravy as ink—whipped a startlingly precise sketch of Princess Iris.

She held it up.

There it was: Iris’s delicate features, golden hair, even the faint crumb clinging to her lower lip from the bread roll.

Aqua (beaming): “Behold! A divine tribute to your royal beauty!”

Silence.

Iris blinked—then blushed, caught between bewilderment and delight.

Claire (stunned): “You… drew that… with food?”

Aqua (proud, chest puffed): “Duh. I am a goddess.”

Megumin covered her face.

Darkness looked ready to vanish into the floor.

Historia bit her lip—fighting laughter.

Eren just exhaled—long-suffering, fond.

Princess Iris (soft, genuine): “It’s… precious. Thank you. I’ve never received a gift so… unique.”

Darkness (horrified, bowing deeply): “Your Highness, please forgive this disgrace! I’ll personally beat her into proper decorum!”

Iris leaned toward Claire, whispering with a smile.

Iris: “I actually… like it.”

Claire’s lips twitched.

Claire (to Darkness, voice light but sharp): “You really are magnificent, Lalatina. The way you panic around your friends—it’s endearing.”

Darkness froze.

Lalatina.

Her childhood name—unspoken in years—hit like a slap.

Her spine stiffened. Her cheeks burned.

Claire (grinning now): “Shall we dine? The food’s getting cold.”

The table exhaled—tension easing, if only slightly.

As they seated themselves, Darkness kept her gaze forward—rigid, humiliated. Claire, Iris, even Lain watched her with quiet amusement.

And Walter, ever the dutiful fiancé, sat beside her—making it all somehow worse.

Because in that moment, Darkness wasn’t the fearsome paladin.

Midway through the meal, Claire spoke—and Eren’s spine straightened.

Claire (casual, but sharp): “So… you’re the ones Porco Galliard mentioned.”

Eren (neutral, but eyes flickering): “Porco Galliard? The Jaw Titan user?”

Claire (nodding, impressed): “He speaks highly of you. Few wield power like his—and yours—with such… precision.”

Eren didn’t smile. Didn’t preen.

Just spoke—flat, factual, like a soldier’s after-action report.

Eren: “We purified the Dullahan—Aqua freed his soul. Vanir was obliterated by Megumin’s Explosion. The Destroyer—I burned from within, using the Colossal Titan. Hans, the slime—Aqua purified him. Silvia, the Chimera—I tore her in half with the Jaw Titan’s claws.”

Silence.

Iris paled.

Lain shifted in her seat.

Even Claire’s polite mask slipped—just slightly.

Historia sighed—fond, exasperated—and nudged Eren’s ribs.

Historia (smiling, gentle scold): “Idiot. You’re scaring them.”

Then, to the table—warm, graceful—she took over.

Historia: “Let me tell it properly.”  

She softened the edges—framed the chaos as courage. How they’d worked together. How Aqua’s faith, Megumin’s fire, Darkness’s shield, and Eren’s strength had saved cities, not just shattered them.

But it was one moment that caught Iris’s breath.

Historia (calm, haunting): “Silvia forced me into their fusion. I lost control of my own body. Felt my bones become anchor, my blood their fuel…”  
A pause. Quiet resolve.  
“I died. And Aqua—our goddess—brought me back.”

Iris stared—awed, trembling.

Princess Iris (soft, reverent): “You… returned from death? That’s… miraculous.”

Claire (leaning in, intrigued): “Before you became adventurers—what were you all?”

The table stilled.

Eren’s eyes closed—not to shut out the room, but the memories.

[The roar. The dust. Carla’s hand. The endless sky after the Rumbling.]

Eren (low, final): “I was… military. In a kingdom… very far away.”

No embellishment. No lie.

But the weight in those words hung like smoke.

Historia watched him—then smiled, bittersweet.

Historia: “I grew up on a farm. Later… joined the same army as Eren. That’s where we met.”

Claire studied her—the posture, the poise, the quiet authority in her eyes.

[Not just a farm girl. Not just a thief.]

But she said nothing.

Instead, she watched the group—really watched.

Eren: the shield, the fury, the one who took the blow so others wouldn’t.

Darkness: the unbreakable wall, throwing herself between danger and her friends—even when it hurt.

Megumin: the detonation at the end of the storm—wild, precise, devastating.

Aqua: the healer, the fool, the miracle—chaos and compassion wrapped in one.

And Historia?

Claire frowned.

No flashy magic. No brute strength. No divine power.

Just… presence.

[Is she just the “pretty companion”? A noble playing at adventure?]

She almost missed it.

Because what Claire didn’t see—what no outsider ever did—

was how Eren’s shoulders relaxed when Historia spoke.

How Darkness deferred to her in quiet moments.

How Aqua, for all her noise, always sought Historia’s nod before acting.

Historia wasn’t the sword.

She was the hand that held it.

The voice that steadied the storm.

And in a world of monsters and miracles…

that was the rarest power of all.

Midway through the meal, Claire spoke—and Eren’s spine straightened.

Claire (casual, but sharp): “So… you’re the ones Porco Galliard mentioned.”

Eren (neutral, but eyes flickering): “Porco Galliard? The Jaw Titan user?”

Claire (nodding, impressed): “He speaks highly of you. Few wield power like his—and yours—with such… precision.”

Eren didn’t smile. Didn’t preen.

Just spoke—flat, factual, like a soldier’s after-action report.

Eren: “We purified the Dullahan—Aqua freed his soul. Vanir was obliterated by Megumin’s Explosion. The Destroyer—I burned from within, using the Colossal Titan. Hans, the slime—Aqua purified him. Silvia, the Chimera—I tore her in half with the Jaw Titan’s claws.”

Silence.

Iris paled.

Lain shifted in her seat.

Even Claire’s polite mask slipped—just slightly.

Historia sighed—fond, exasperated—and nudged Eren’s ribs.

Historia (smiling, gentle scold): “Idiot. You’re scaring them.”

Then, to the table—warm, graceful—she took over.

Historia: “Let me tell it properly.”  

She softened the edges—framed the chaos as courage. How they’d worked together. How Aqua’s faith, Megumin’s fire, Darkness’s shield, and Eren’s strength had saved cities, not just shattered them.

But it was one moment that caught Iris’s breath.

Historia (calm, haunting): “Silvia forced me into their fusion. I lost control of my own body. Felt my bones become anchor, my blood their fuel…”  
A pause. Quiet resolve.  
“I died. And Aqua—our goddess—brought me back.”

Iris stared—awed, trembling.

Princess Iris (soft, reverent): “You… returned from death? That’s… miraculous.”

Claire (leaning in, intrigued): “Before you became adventurers—what were you all?”

The table stilled.

Eren’s eyes closed—not to shut out the room, but the memories.

[The roar. The dust. Carla’s hand. The endless sky after the Rumbling.]

Eren (low, final): “I was… military. In a kingdom… very far away.”

No embellishment. No lie.

But the weight in those words hung like smoke.

Historia watched him—then smiled, bittersweet.

Historia: “I grew up on a farm. Later… joined the same army as Eren. That’s where we met.”

Claire studied her—the posture, the poise, the quiet authority in her eyes.

[Not just a farm girl. Not just a thief.]

But she said nothing.

Instead, she watched the group—really watched.

Eren: the shield, the fury, the one who took the blow so others wouldn’t.

Darkness: the unbreakable wall, throwing herself between danger and her friends—even when it hurt.

Megumin: the detonation at the end of the storm—wild, precise, devastating.

Aqua: the healer, the fool, the miracle—chaos and compassion wrapped in one.

And Historia?

Claire frowned.

No flashy magic. No brute strength. No divine power.

Just… presence.

[Is she just the “pretty companion”? A noble playing at adventure?]

Midway through the feast, Claire leaned forward—casual, but eyes sharp as flint.

Claire: “I’ve heard whispers… that you defeated Porco Galliard.”  
A small smile—playful, testing.  
“Though I must say… the Princess and I find him rather… striking.”

At the next table, Porco nearly choked on his wine.

Fio and Cremea froze—torn between laughter and horror.

Yunyun buried her face in her hands.

Claire (ignoring the spectacle): “May I see your adventurer’s card?”

Iris nodded—blushing, but curious.

Eren exhaled—not annoyed. Resigned—and handed it over.

Claire’s eyes widened.

“Titan”—nine times.

Colossal. Beast. War Hammer. Armored. Attack. Female. Founding. Jaw. Cart.

Claire (impressed, voice low): “Skin-shifters are rare. Most call them ‘golems of flesh’… though you Titans prefer ‘shifting’.”  
She looked up—measured, fascinated.  
“Porco has one. You have nine. Where did you get such power?”

Eren (calm, opaque): “A… gift.”

The air thickened—too much unsaid.

Then—Aqua.

She sprang up—jar of water raised like ale, expression drunkenly grand.

Aqua (booming, theatrical): “Who needs mysteries when you’ve got me?! The great goddess who watches over this legendary team! Cheers!”

Nervous laughter rippled.

Even Iris giggled—relieved, charmed.

Historia (murmuring to Eren, dry): “She thinks she’s lightening the mood. Really, she’s just giving us all secondhand embarrassment.”

Eren (almost smiling): “She does know how to steal a scene.”

But Claire wasn’t done.

Claire (leaning in, earnest): “Eren—how did you beat Porco? They say he’s lightning in battle.”

All eyes turned to him.

Eren didn’t boast.

Just stated—like fact.

Eren: “Seven-meter Jaw Titan versus my seventeen-meter Beast.”  
A pause—memory, not pride.  
“I grabbed his jaw and threw him before he could pivot. Size isn’t just strength—it’s leverage. Speed means nothing if your opponent controls the space.”

Silence.

Even Aqua stilled—watching him, really seeing him.

Claire (soft, awed): “You’re… more strategic than I thought.”

Eren (shrugging): “It was necessary. Nothing more.”

Then—Aqua had to ruin it.

Aqua (swinging her jar): “Can anyone possibly compare a mere warrior to a Titan?! And don’t forget—a goddess watches over them! What more could Belzerg want?!”

Darkness watched Eren—not with lust. With dawning respect.

[He doesn’t rage. He calculates.]

Iris beamed—warm, genuine.

Iris: “You truly are a unique company. It’s an honor to call you allies.”

And in that moment—between Aqua’s theatrics, Claire’s scrutiny, and Iris’s trust—

The banquet ended with Iris rising—graceful, sincere.

Iris: “Thank you again—for your courage, your friendship. This kingdom owes you all a debt. You’ll always be welcome here. Let this not be our last meeting.”

Bows. Gratitude. Quiet farewells.

As the group stepped into the moonlit gardens, the night air crisp and cool, other guests filtered away—polite smiles, veiled warnings in their eyes.

[Leave. Now. Before they remember who you really are, Eren Jaeger.]

Then—Iris turned.

Not to Eren.

To Historia.

Iris (taking her hand, eyes bright): “Will you tell me more of your adventures, Adventurer?”

Historia froze.

Iris—golden-haired, wide-eyed—reminded her painfully of another child. One she’d never held. Never known.

Historia (softly): “I… of course.”

She turned to her team—apologetic, certain.

Historia: “I’ll stay. Just for a while.”

Aqua blinked.

Aqua (blunt): “Did the princess just kidnap Historia?”

Megumin (grinning): “Guess she liked her stories more than Eren’s ‘I ripped it in half’ routine.”

Darkness (smiling faintly): “Castle life’s dull. She just wanted… company.”

Eren (frowning, arms crossed): “I don’t like it.”

But he didn’t stop her.

Just gave her a look—quiet understanding—and said, “Write to Ymir. Tell her you’re on ‘vacation.’”

---

Back at the mansion, Eren couldn’t shake the unease.

Next morning, he found Ymir in the tavern—bread in hand, blissfully unaware.

Eren (calm, blunt): “Historia’s been ‘taken.’”

Mikasa (sharp): “Kidnapped? By who?”

Eren: “Princess Iris. After the banquet.”

Ymir (slamming her tankard down, eyes blazing): “What?! And you just let her?! I’m going now—!”

Eren (shrugging, almost amused): “She’s a queen, Ymir. She’s handled worse than a royal sleepover.”

Ymir (still fuming, but chewing bread): “But… alone?”

Eren (quiet, certain): “She’s Historia. She’ll be fine.”

He didn’t say the rest: [She always is.]

---

POV – Historia, Beelzerg Royal Castle

One moment—Axel’s gardens.

The next—marble, moonlight, towers scraping the sky.

Historia (dazed): “What… just happened?”

Iris (beaming, innocent): “Welcome to my home.”

Claire and Lain hovered—panic barely concealed.

Claire (hissing to Lain): “She just smuggled in a commoner!”

Lain (whispering back): “She’s the Princess! We can’t just return her!”

Historia almost laughed.

Historia (gentle, amused): “Relax. I won’t bite.”

Claire (recovering, stern but relieved): “We’ll formalize your status immediately. No… diplomatic incidents.”

Historia (raising a brow): “Diplomatic incidents?”

Iris (squeezing her hand, radiant): “Don’t worry. You’re my guest. Nothing else matters.”

And as servants bustled and nobles gawked, Historia realized:

She wasn’t trapped.

A New Routine in the Castle

After Claire finalized the paperwork, Historia was led to a sunlit chamber—warm tones, gilded accents, crimson drapes. It felt less like a guest room and more like a quiet sanctuary.

Claire (efficient, precise): “You’re not a prisoner. Walk the halls. Request meals. Write letters.”  
A beat. Dry.  
“Even desserts.”

Historia (smiling): “Especially desserts.”

Days settled into rhythm.

Iris—twelve years old, bright-eyed, restless—latched onto Historia like a long-lost anchor.

Not as a subject.

As a mother.

She’d curl beside her, listening wide-eyed to tales of Titans, explosions, and divine hangovers.

And every time Iris laughed—soft, unguarded—Historia’s chest ached.

[She looks like her.]

[My daughter. The one I never held.]

---

An Unexpected Offer

One afternoon, in a parlor lined with ancestral tapestries, Iris blurted:

Iris (grinning, impulsive): “I’m giving you a job!”

Historia (blinking): “A… job?”

Claire (horrified): “Your Highness! Protocol—”

Iris (waving her off): “Official Royal Storyteller! Paid!”

Historia bowed—mock-formal, amused.

Historia: “How could I refuse a royal decree?”

Claire (muttering to Lain): “This is spiraling.”

Lain (shrugging): “But she’s happy.”

---

Later, over tea, Iris sighed—wistful, small.

Iris: “I wish I could leave. Live adventures like yours.”

Historia (gentle): “Adventures aren’t all glory. But… I know that feeling.”

Iris (studying her): “You’re… different. Claire and Lain—they see the crown. You see me.”

Historia (softly): “Because you’re worth seeing.”

Iris beamed.

And Historia—who had ruled kingdoms, who had sacrificed thrones—felt something quiet bloom in her chest.

Purpose. Not power.

---

One evening, Iris leaned forward, eyes gleaming.

Iris: “You fit here… like you’ve always belonged.”

Historia (modest): “Let’s just say… I’ve lived in palaces before. Though I’d rather not dwell on that life.”

Iris (curious): “Tell me something.”

Historia hesitated—then smirked.

Historia: “Alright. Once, Eren hired a succubus to dream of his mother—to feel like a child again. Innocent, right?”  
A pause. Amused.  
“He didn’t realize succubi grant other kinds of wishes.”

Iris burst into laughter—hand over her mouth, shoulders shaking.

Iris: “He didn’t know?!”

Historia (grinning): “He was mortified. We’ve never let him live it down.”

As the fire crackled, Historia found herself sharing more—subtly, wisely. Not as Queen Reiss, but as a mentor.

Leadership. Strategy. How to rule with your people, not over them.

And Iris—future sovereign—listened like her kingdom depended on it.

Because maybe, in this quiet corner of Beelzerg…

It did.

Historia (thoughtful, leaning forward): “I’ve noticed the Crimson Mages run a school in their village. Beelzerg could use something similar—an academy to train future adventurers. It would strengthen our defense against the Demon King’s forces.”

Iris (sighing, eyes shadowed): “It’s a beautiful idea… but we’re at war. Every coin, every soldier, goes to the front lines. Social projects… aren’t feasible right now.”

Historia nodded—understanding, but quiet disappointment flickered in her chest. She let it go with a small smile. Some battles had to wait.

---

Each night, the castle trembled—not from cannon fire, but from the rush of adventurers repelling demonic incursions. Historia watched from the parapets as they returned—bloodied, triumphant, collecting bounties.

And among them—too many familiar faces.

Reincarnated Marleyans. Eldians. Warriors who remembered everything.

[Why are there so many of us here?]

The question coiled in her gut, unanswered.

---

One Night – Beneath the Stars

On a stone bench in the royal gardens, Iris finally unraveled.

Iris (staring at her hands, voice small): “I had a brother. We used to talk… about everything. He’s in another country now. And since he left… I’ve felt so… empty.”  
A pause. Raw.  
“I’m always surrounded by guards, by courtiers… but I’m alone. That’s why I… took you.”

Historia (soft, unjudging): “So this was your rebellion.”

Iris (nodding, tearful): “It was selfish. But I needed someone who’d listen. Not to the princess. To me.”

Historia smiled—not pity. Recognition.

[I know that silence. That gilded cage.]

She looked up at the stars—and for the first time, let the past breathe.

Historia (quiet, steady): “I was born the daughter of a noble and his maid. My mother… never wanted me. Made me feel like a mistake.”  
Iris gasped—but Historia pressed on.  
“I joined the military to disappear. There, I met two people who… meant everything.”  
Her voice cracked—just once.  
“But duty stole them from me. Both.”

Iris (eyes wide): “You lost them?”

Historia (nodding, distant): “I became queen. Married a kind farmer from my childhood. We had a daughter.”  
She touched her chest—where a heart still ached.  
“I left her when she was small. I couldn’t stay. But I know she’s safe.”

Iris (whispering, tears spilling): “Then why not go back? If you love her—”

Historia (gently): “Some choices can’t be undone. But loving her… that never stopped.”

Iris reached for her hand—desperate, hopeful.

Iris: “Is that why you stayed? With me?”

Historia squeezed back—warm, certain.

Historia: “Being with you… it’s like healing a wound I thought would never close.”

Iris sobbed—not quietly. Fully.

And Historia held her—not as a guest. As a mother.

In that moonlit garden, two lost girls found what they’d been missing.

Back in Axel, Ymir paced like a caged wolf.

Ymir (arms crossed, voice tight): “I don’t care how many letters she sends saying she’s fine. I’m going to get her.”

Eren (calm, patient): “We’ve been over this. No noble’s invitation, no entry. We’d start a war.”

Just then—Darkness strode in, eyes gleaming.

Darkness (smirking): “Good news. Princess Iris is hosting another banquet—and we’re invited.”

Eren (raising a brow): “How?”

Darkness (mysterious, smug): “Let’s just say… Walter’s father owes me a favor.”

---

The journey to the capital was swift.

At the castle gates, servants greeted them with practiced smiles—but their eyes lingered on Historia with cold suspicion.

Servant 1 (whispering): “She’s manipulating the Princess. Must be a foreign spy.”

Servant 2 (nodding): “We should help them take her back. Before she poisons her mind.”

One approached—smile brittle, voice sweet.

Servant 1: “The Princess awaits you in the gardens. And…”  
A glance toward a corridor.  
“Historia’s chamber is just there.”

Eren gave a curt nod—uneasy, but grateful.

They found her room.

Historia (opening the door, radiant): “Eren!”

She was swept into hugs—Aqua nearly tackling her, Megumin squeezing too hard, Darkness grinning like a proud sister.

Eren (smiling, quiet): “Ymir misses you. We all do.”

Megumin (blunt, teasing): “Which means Eren missed you too—why else come himself?!”

Eren flushed.

Darkness (cutting in, low): “Getting in wasn’t easy. We made… concessions.”

Aqua (gazing around, awed): “I’ve killed generals too! Why don’t I live in a castle?!”

Darkness (hissing): “Lower your voice!”

Then—Iris appeared—cheeks pink, eyes wide with guilt.

Iris (soft, ashamed): “I’m sorry, Historia. For… taking you. But talking to you—it was the best part of my days.”

Historia (gentle, smiling): “I’m glad we had that time.”

Iris (hopeful): “Stay for one last banquet? Tonight? As my farewell gift?”

They agreed.

---

That Night – The Banquet

Aqua and Megumin attacked the feast like starved wolves.

Aqua (mouth full): “I could live like this.”

Megumin (gnawing on a wriggling melon): “Even the fruit is alive here!”

Eren scanned the crowd—and froze.

In the garden’s shadow, a cluster of adventurers laughed over wine. Marleyan faces. Reincarnated warriors of such renown, they dined beside dukes.

[They know who I am. Who she is.]

Across the hall, nobles swarmed Darkness—handsome, eager.

Until Alexei Barnes Alderp boomed:

Alexei: “Lalatina is spoken for! Betrothed to my son, Walter!”

Walter appeared—polished, poised—and bowed to Darkness.

Walter (warm, sincere): “I couldn’t miss this. It’s an honor… to stand beside someone as remarkable as you.”

Darkness stiffened—not displeased. Disarmed.

And in that glittering room—spies, lovers, ghosts of past wars—

Eren watched Historia laugh with Iris. 

The banquet hummed with laughter and clinking glass—a fragile peace, gilded in lamplight.

But Eren’s jaw tightened as he caught sight of Alexei Barnes Alderp—smug, polished, standing too close to Historia.

A cold knot twisted in his gut.

Historia saw it—instantly stepped between them.

Historia (soft, urgent): “Eren. Don’t.”

Eren (fists clenched, voice low): “He doesn’t even remember what he did.”

Alexei (smirking, saccharine): “Ah, Historia! Thanks to you, my estate’s still paying for that explosion. Truly unforgettable.”

Historia’s spine stiffened—then she bowed her head, voice dripping with dry irony.

Historia: “My deepest apologies, Alexei. I should’ve let the Destroyer’s core detonate inside your mansion. Would’ve saved Axel the trouble.”

Walter intervened—calm, diplomatic.

Walter: “Father, let the past rest. Eren, Historia—it’s an honor to see you both.”

Eren forced a smile. Historia exhaled—grateful.

Historia: “Good to see you too, Walter.”

Walter scanned the room—then blinked.

Walter: “Where’s Aqua?”

Eren’s eye twitched toward the food table.

Eren (deadpan): “Over there. In her natural habitat.”

Aqua (mouth full, shouting): “Food is the soul of any party! This is heaven!”

Megumin (chewing a wriggling melon slice): “Long live feasts!”

Eren pinched the bridge of his nose—then took Historia’s hand.

Eren: “Let’s get air.”

---

In the garden, moonlight silvered the hedges.

Then—Eren froze.

Petra Ral.

Standing there—young, bright-eyed, alive—laughing with a group of adventurers.

His heart stopped.

[The forest. The blood. Her hand going still in mine.]

Eren (hoarse): “…No. It can’t be.”

Historia (watching him): “Do you know her?”

Eren (swallowing hard): “She was… my squadmate. In another life.”

Historia squeezed his hand.

Historia: “Then go. Maybe she remembers you too.”

He hesitated—then walked forward.

Petra turned.

Saw him.

Petra (gasping, radiant): “Eren?!”  
She rushed forward—no hesitation, only joy.  
“What are you doing here? In this strange world of all places!”

Eren (smiling, pained): “Same as you, I guess.”

Petra (laughing, head tilted): “You look old, Eren! What happened?”

Eren (shrugging): “A few decades passed… in our world.”

Petra’s smile softened—nostalgia, grief, wonder.

Eren (softly): “This is Historia Reiss. From the 104th.”

Petra (eyes widening): “Christa?! No—Historia. Of course.”  
She bowed slightly.  
“You were with us… in the Survey Corps.”

Historia (nodding): “Same training squad. Same war.”

Eren glanced at the castle—music drifting, laughter rising.

Eren (quiet): “Seems there are more Marleyans here than Eldians from Paradis.”

Petra’s expression darkened—just for a breath.

Then—the moment broke.

From the terrace, Aqua’s voice rang out.

Aqua (gleeful): “Watch this!”

She sent shimmering bubbles spiraling into the air—popping into harmless starlight.

Princess Iris appeared at the garden arch—curious, warm.

Iris: “Why are you out here? The party’s at its peak! It’s too quiet without you.”

Historia (smiling, tired): “Just needed to breathe. It’s been… a lot.”

Iris nodded—understanding beyond her years.

Iris’s eyes sparkled with restless yearning.

Iris: “I dream of being an adventurer like you! A priestess, paladin, archmage… or even a thief—like you, Historia! There’s this Honorable Thief—he targets corrupt nobles, and afterward, orphanages get huge donations, all signed ‘In Eris’s Name’! Claire says he’s real!”

Eren’s brow lifted.

Eren: “An ‘Honorable Thief’? Seriously?”

Iris (grinning): “He’s a secret legend! I’d love to meet him!”

Nearby, Aqua floated more prismatic bubbles into the air—guests gasping, children giggling. The music swelled, warm and alive.

Eren glanced at Historia—and offered a rare, quiet smile.

Eren: “Maybe we should go back in. The feast is for celebrating.”

Historia (nodding): “Yeah. We shouldn’t let them think we’re hiding.”

They returned just as Iris clapped her hands.

Iris (bright, impulsive): “I have an idea! What if you tried to catch the Honorable Thief? You could stake out a noble’s estate—he always strikes there!”

Historia (surprised): “Catch him? Seriously?”

Iris (pleading): “It’d be thrilling! Please?”

Aqua and Megumin exchanged eager glances.

Aqua (grinning): “I have to see this!”

Megumin (pumping her fist): “I’ll prep Explosions outside the city—just in case!”

Eren and Darkness groaned in unison.

Eren (arms crossed): “Do we have to?”

Darkness (muttering): “I’d rather jump off the castle than babysit Aqua’s ‘spectacle.’”

But Historia saw Iris’s hopeful face—and relented.

Historia: “Alright. I’ll take watch at the noble’s house.”

Iris (delighted): “Perfect!”

Then—Historia frowned.

Historia: “Wait… which estate?”

Iris described it—marble columns, east wing gardens, a tower with red shutters.

Historia’s stomach dropped.

Historia (horrified): “That’s Alexei’s mansion!”

Walter smirked.

Walter: “Fate’s got a sense of humor. Just… try not to blow it up again.”

Alexei stepped forward—smile thin, eyes sharp.

Alexei: “If Megumin destroys my home again, I’ll make sure she explodes too. Can’t have rumors of corruption spreading.”  
Then—his gaze slid to Darkness.  
“But Lady Dustiness… you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.”  
A pause. Smooth, suggestive.  
“Perhaps a moonlit walk with Walter?”

Darkness beamed—no irony, just genuine excitement.

Darkness: “I’d be honored! Ready to be his personal shield anytime!”

As the group dispersed, Alexei turned away—smile turning private, calculating.

He didn’t mention the enchanted mirror in his private study—one that let him watch anyone, anywhere.  
He especially enjoyed using it after baths.  

And lately… Darkness’s dressing rituals had become his favorite pastime.

But he said nothing.

Just smoothed his doublet—and vanished into the crowd.

Historia (soft, uneasy): “I hope this doesn’t end in disaster.”

Night settled over the feudal mansion—thick, watchful.

In the garden, Megumin bounced on her heels, báculo humming.

Megumin (bright, determined): “Aqua! Help me set off an Explosion outside the city walls! Let the capital know the Crimson Arch-Wizard is here!”

Aqua (grinning, mischievous): “Let’s light the sky! Fame awaits!”

Darkness approached—arms crossed, brow furrowed.

Darkness: “Are you sure this is wise? We don’t need the feudal lord’s wrath again.”

Megumin (undaunted): “This is who I am! I won’t waste this chance!”

Aqua (waving a hand): “Relax! I’ll purify the fallout—no one gets hurt!”

The spell flared—light tore the sky, thunder rolled through the streets.

Citizens poured into the lanes, wide-eyed.

Servant 1 (panicked): “Is it war?!”

Servant 2 (clutching her apron): “Is the mansion under attack?!”

Megumin laughed—triumphant, heedless.

Megumin: “Now they’ll give me an official commendation!”

Inside, Aqua had already migrated to the servant quarters—wine glass in hand, laughter ringing.

Aqua (slurring slightly, playful): “Who needs heroes when you’ve got wine and friends?!”

Darkness (mortified, hissing): “Aqua! This is a noble’s house—act like it!”

Aqua (winking, swaying): “But they’re adorable! How can I resist?”

In the library, Eren emerged—eyes shadowed, voice flat.

Eren: “Megumin. What was that for?”

Megumin (pointing at Aqua): “She’s the one causing chaos! Look at her!”

Eren (ignoring the deflection): “That’s not what worries me.”

His gaze drifted past them—to the shadows where Historia stood watch, silent as a ghost.

---

Later, exhaustion pulled most to their beds.

Alexei, ever the “gracious” host, made a pointed suggestion over dessert.

Alexei (smirking at Walter and Darkness): “Such a long night… perhaps you two should share a chamber? For safety.”

Walter (stiff, chivalrous): “I would never presume, my lord.”

Darkness (blushing furiously): “I—I sleep alone! Or with a sword! That’s… that’s just how I am!”

Alexei chuckled—disappointed, but not surprised.

One by one, candles were snuffed.

Only Aqua and Historia remained awake—both gifted with night sight.

They sat on the terrace, moonlight silvering the tiles.

Aqua (suddenly serious, voice low): “We need to get married. Soon.”

Historia (quiet, not surprised): “I knew it.”

[She meant: I knew he’d move on. That he’d find peace—with someone lighter than me.]

But Aqua’s stomach twisted.

[She thinks I’m in love with him… She has no idea I’m carrying him.]

The truth clawed at her throat—the fading glow in her hands, the missed moon cycle, the fear that Eris would strip her of everything if she didn’t bind him to her before it was too late.

Aqua (forcing a yawn, standing abruptly): “Ugh, I’m exhausted. Bedtime!”

She fled inside—heart hammering, palms sweating.

Historia watched her go—sad, accepting.

[Let him be happy. Even if it’s not with me.]

And in the dark, neither knew the other was drowning.

Historia lingered in the shadows—every rustle, every shift of moonlight, a potential threat. The air hummed with tension; every shadow felt like a blade waiting to fall.

Later, exhaustion pulled most to their beds.

Alexei, ever the “gracious” host, made a pointed remark over dessert.

Alexei (smirking at Walter and Darkness): “Such a long night… perhaps you two should share a chamber? For safety.”

Walter (stiff, chivalrous): “I would never presume, my lord.”

Darkness (blushing furiously): “I—I sleep alone! Or with a sword! That’s… just how I am!”

Alexei chuckled—disappointed, but not surprised.

One by one, candles were snuffed.

Only Aqua and Historia remained awake—both gifted with night sight.

They sat on the terrace, moonlight silvering the tiles.

Aqua (suddenly serious, voice low): “We need to get married. Soon.”

Historia (quiet, not surprised): “I knew it.”

[She meant: I knew he’d move on. That he’d find peace—with someone lighter than me.]

But Aqua’s stomach twisted.

[She thinks I’m in love with him… She has no idea I’m carrying him.]

The truth clawed at her throat—the fading glow in her hands, the missed moon cycle, the fear that Eris would strip her of everything if she didn’t bind him to her before it was too late.

Aqua (forcing a yawn, standing abruptly): “Ugh, I’m exhausted. Bedtime!”

She fled inside—heart hammering, palms sweating.

Historia watched her go—sad, accepting.

[Let him be happy. Even if it’s not with me.]

And in the dark, neither knew the other was drowning.

---

Then—movement.

A figure slipped from the treeline—light, precise, cloaked in shadow.

Historia tensed—hand on her dagger.

But as the moon caught the stranger’s face—she froze.

Historia (startled, hushed): “Chris?”

Chris—the thief, Darkness’s old friend—flinched, eyes wide.

Chris (whispering, urgent): “Historia?! Are you here with them?!”

Historia (sharp, low): “Darkness. Megumin. Eren. All of them. You’re in danger.”

Chris (desperate): “I know. I was just… finishing my work.”

Historia (frowning): “You’re the Honorable Thief?”

Chris yanked off her mask—not guilt. Resolve.

Chris: “I’m not stealing for gold. I take relics—sacred items from fallen adventurers. Nobles keep them as trophies. I protect them.”

The words struck deep.

Historia understood—immediately.

Historia (soft): “So you’re honoring them.”

Chris (nodding, eyes glistening): “I can’t let their memories be mocked.”

A footstep echoed.

Historia (urgent): “Hide. Now.”

Chris ducked behind a pillar.

Historia (thinking fast): “If I just let you go, no one will believe me. We need it to look real.”

Chris (horrified): “You want me to hurt you?!”

Historia (firm): “Just enough to sell it. Then use ‘Bind’—make it look like you escaped.”

Chris hesitated—then nodded.

A quick jab to the shoulder.

A flick of Chris’s wrist—magic coiled, ropes sprang up, binding Historia’s wrists.

Perfect.

Just as Eren, Megumin, and Darkness rounded the corner.

Eren (alert): “Historia?!”

Historia (breathless, playing her part): “The Honorable Thief—he got away. Tied me up before I could react.”

Megumin (disappointed): “You lost him?!”

Darkness (squinting): “Those bindings look… suspiciously neat.”

Eren (kneeling, untying her): “We’ll track him. He can’t have gone far.”

Behind them, Alexei watched—disappointment twisting his mouth.

Alexei (dry, cutting): “So this is the great adventurer who blew up my mansion? Can’t even catch a petty thief.”

Historia met his gaze—not shame. Quiet defiance.

But inside, she knew:

She hadn’t failed.

She’d protected.

Just like she always did.

And somewhere in the night, Chris vanished—relics in hand, ghosts at her back.

The Honorable Thief lived.

And Historia?  

She’d keep her secrets—as she always had.

Historia’s jaw tightened—not shame. Resolve. Chris was fighting for something true. And no noble’s sneer would make her regret protecting that.

The next morning, the capital simmered with gossip.

In the castle’s grand hall, nobles clucked like hens.

Noble 1 (sneering): “That’s Historia Reiss? A noble playing dress-up as an adventurer?”

Noble 2 (dry): “She’s out of her depth. Leave heroics to those who belong.”

In the adjacent chamber, Iris dismissed them—gentle, but firm.

Princess Iris: “Thank you for trying. But… you may return to Axel now.”

Megumin (defiant): “But we can’t just—!”

Eren (cutting in, weary): “We’re done here.”

As they packed, Aqua bounced beside Eren—bright, restless.

Aqua (grinning): “Let’s get sparkling wine! It’s easier to… disguise things that way.”

Eren (frowning): “Disguise what?”

Aqua (flustered): “Nothing! Also—expensive meat! I’ve never had any!”

Eren (deadpan): “You got gifted prime cuts last week. You just refused to eat them.”

Aqua (pouting): “Because you wouldn’t share!”

They wandered the market—Aqua chattering, Eren half-listening—until a familiar voice cut through the noise.

Porco (grinning): “Eren!”

Fio, Cremea, and Yunyun stood behind him—Yunyun waving shyly.

Porco: “My team’s here. And… I need a favor.”  
He pressed a small box into Aqua’s hands.  
“For Historia. A token of friendship.”

Aqua (eyes gleaming): “Ooh! Party trick time!”

Before anyone could stop her—flash. The ring vanished.

Eren (sighing): “Aqua…”

That night—silence, then a knock.

Historia: “Who’s there?”

Chris slipped in—face tight with urgency.

Chris: “I need your help. The divine treasures I collect… their original owners were dark-haired. Reincarnated adventurers.”  
She lowered her voice.  
“And right now… I feel power radiating from this castle.”

Historia (sharp): “What kind of power?”

Chris: “Some relics bring fortune. Others—ruin. This energy… it’s different. Stronger.”

They moved like ghosts through the moonlit streets—toward Eren’s inn.

Peering through a window, they saw him asleep.

Chris (whispering): “Eren’s Titan power is a divine treasure… but it’s not this.”  
Her eyes locked on Aqua’s neck—the wax scarf glinting.  
“There. The Hagoromo. Aqua’s divine garment.”

Historia (disappointed): “All this… for a scarf?”

Chris (nodding): “To the realms beyond, both their powers are sacred relics. No wonder my senses led me here.”

Then—ALARM.

Demon King’s army—attacking.

Historia (panicked): “Darkness! She’s coming—barefoot, in pajamas—!”

Chris (shoving her): “Go! Before she sees you!”

Historia fled—just as Darkness burst into the courtyard.

Chris melted into the shadows—heart pounding, mission suddenly far more dangerous than she’d feared.

---

Dawn – Central Plaza

Eren, Historia, Megumin, and Darkness rallied with other heroes.

Eren (commanding): “We hold the eastern gate! No retreat!”

Then—Porco appeared—Yunyun at his side, staff trembling but raised.

Porco (grinning, fierce): “Heard the Demon King’s throwing a party. Thought we’d crash it.”

Yunyun (voice shaking, but bright): “Let’s show them what Crimson Mages can do!”

Megumin narrowed her eyes at Yunyun.

Megumin (suspicious): “And you are…?”

Yunyun (bright, nervous): “I’m Yunyun! I’ve been on missions with you guys!”

Megumin (tense smile): “Oh? Really? How… interesting.”

Historia (exasperated): “Megumin! Drop it. We need to unite, not squabble.”

At the muster point, a clerk barred Historia’s path.

Clerk (dismissive): “Low-level thief? We need high-tier adventurers.”

Historia (firm): “I have skills that matter.”

Eren (stepping forward): “She’s taken down Dullahans. Saved entire squads. Let her through.”

Claire intervened—voice sharp with authority.

Claire: “She’s earned her place. You’d be a fool to turn her away.”

The clerk hesitated—then relented.

Clerk: “Fine. But if you falter, you’re out.”

Historia exhaled—relieved, resolute.

Historia: “Thank you, Claire. I won’t let you down.”

Eren (already moving): “Time’s wasting. Let’s go.”

He cut.

Steam erupted.

The Beast Titan rose—15 meters of coiled muscle, fur matted, eyes blazing. Adventurers stumbled back, awed.

From the crowd, Claire watched—intrigued, assessing.

Claire (murmuring): “So this is the ‘skin-golem’ that beat Porco. Looks like a giant monkey.”

Eren ignored her.

Zeke’s voice echoed in his mind.  
“Use debris as projectiles.”

He ripped a chunk of shattered wall—hurled it into the demon ranks. Stone became shrapnel.

Across the field, Porco’s Jaw Titan snapped at enemies. He caught Eren’s eye—gave a mocking nod.  
[Show-off.]

Nearby, Aqua blazed.

Aqua (shrieking, divine light flaring): “Filthy goblins! You picked the wrong goddess to ambush!”

She incinerated undead like kindling.

Eren almost laughed—she was chaos, but effective.

Darkness, meanwhile, was terrifying the enemy.

Darkness (ecstatic, sword raised): “Strike me! I crave your blows!”

Monsters froze—confused, horrified—then fled.

Historia moved differently—not in the front lines, but behind them. Binding wounds. Fetching water. Steadying shaking hands.

[I’m not a warrior here. I’m… glue.]

Then—BOOM.

Megumin’s Explosion lit the sky—ash rained like black snow.

Megumin (panting, triumphant): “Explosion!”

One by one, the team shone:

- Darkness, unbreakable, drawing fire like a shield.  
- Yunyun, weaving barriers, her magic a net of light.  
- Historia, dagger flashing, disarming traps, tripping demons with thief’s grace.  
- Aqua, radiant, purifying poison, reviving the fallen.  
- Eren, hurling ruin, his Titan a battering ram of will.

Slowly, the tide turned.

The demon army broke.

When silence fell, the citizens flooded the square—cheering, weeping.

Citizen: “Heroes! You saved us!”

Adventurers swarmed Megumin—eyes wide.

Adventurer 1: “She’s a master! What other spells does she know?!”

Adventurer 2: “Brilliant! Can she teach us?!”

Megumin paled—leaned into Historia.

Megumin (whispering, panicked): “We leave at dawn. Before they learn I only know one spell.”

Historia (nodding): “Understood. Let’s rest at the castle.”

In Iris’s opulent chambers, Megumin sank onto silk sheets—sighing.

Megumin: “Now I see why you stayed.”

Historia (smiling): “It’s comfortable.”

Megumin’s grin faded—nostalgic, certain.

Megumin: “But I’d still rather be back in Axel. Where the real chaos is.”

Because peace, however soft, felt like waiting.

And Megumin?  

She was made for burning.

Megumin’s gaze snagged on Iris’s collar—pulsing, humming with raw magic.

Megumin (sitting up abruptly): “Wait—what is that?”

Iris (touching it absently): “A gift—from the feudal lord—to my brother, Prince Yatis.”

Megumin (eyes gleaming): “It’s… wrong. Like it’s hiding something.”

Iris (laughing): “No one can read the inscription. It’s just… pretty.”

Historia leaned in—and froze.

Historia (soft, stunned): “It’s… Marleyan.”

Megumin (frustrated): “Ugh! I knew it was important!”

Historia (suddenly bright): “Aqua can read Marleyan. And Eren—though he’ll grumble.”

Iris (hopeful): “Then let’s find her!”

They rushed off—leaving Megumin sprawled, too drained from her Explosion to move.

Megumin (muttering into the silk): “Abandoned. Figures.”

---

At Aqua’s door, Historia knocked—impatient, breathless.

Aqua yanked it open—hair wild, nightgown askew.

Aqua (groggy): “What—? Oh! Why are your eyes sparkling?”

Historia (thrusting the collar forward): “Read this. Now.”

Aqua squinted at the script—then recited, confident:

Aqua: “Mine is yours, yours is mine—I become you, you become me.”

FLASH.

Light swallowed the room.

When it cleared—

Aqua (staring at her own hands—Historia’s hands): “What—?!”

Historia (touching Aqua’s face, horrified): “No! We’ve swapped!”

Panic surged.

Aqua (frantic, chanting): “Mine is yours, yours is mine—! Change back!”

Nothing.

Aqua collapsed—tears spilling.

Historia (grabbing her shoulders—gently slapping): “Breathe! Think—did you make this collar?”

Aqua (sobbing): “Y-yes! I gave it to a Marleyan adventurer years ago! It was a temporary soul-swap—hours only! But—I’m in your body! What if someone—?!”

She recoiled—terrified.

[My powers—my divinity—trapped in a mortal shell. What if they hurt me? What if they use me?]

Historia frowned—then focused.

Historia: “Try your powers. Now.”

Aqua hesitated—then cupped her hands. Summoned water.

Purify.

The liquid glowed—clean, holy.

Aqua (stunned, relieved): “It… works.”

Historia (nodding): “Your power’s tied to your soul. Not your body.”

[But what if a mortal learns to steal a god’s soul?]

The thought hung—chilling.

Then—Iris burst in—eyes wide with opportunity.

Iris (grinning): “What if we use this? I’ve always wanted an adventure!”

Aqua (in Historia’s body, wary but intrigued): “You’d… take my place?”

Iris (bouncing): “Just for a few hours! Let’s show these adventurers how royals really live!”

Aqua (smirking, reckless): “Then do it. Say the words.”

Historia (in Aqua’s voice, resigned): “Mine is yours, yours is mine—I become you, you become me.”

FLASH.

Three souls. Three bodies.

- Historia—in Aqua’s form, divine aura humming.  
- Aqua—in Iris’s delicate frame, crown askew.  
- Iris—in Historia’s skin, eyes alight with mischief.

Historia/Aqua (grinning, grabbing Iris/Historia’s hand): “Time to teach these peasants how to live!”

They dashed into Axel’s streets—chaos, laughter, the scent of sizzling meat thick in the air.

Aqua (in Iris’s body) flinched as a drunkard stumbled past—too close, too rough.  
[This body’s so… fragile.]

Iris (in Historia’s body) laughed—free, unburdened—as she snatched a skewer of meat from a vendor.  
[No protocols. No guards. Just life.]

And Historia (in Aqua’s body) held them both—a goddess, a princess, and a queen—  
all playing at being someone else.  

For a few stolen hours,  
the world forgot their names.  

And they?  

They breathed.

Historia—now in Aqua’s body—grinned as she pulled Iris—trapped in Historia’s form—toward a street stall.

Historia (laughing): “Look—fried empanadas! You have to try them!”

Iris (eyes wide): “Street food? This is incredible! I’ve never—”

Historia paid—coins clinking, voice bright—and they settled on a bench.

The first bite was perfect.

Historia (mouth full, grinning): “Better than any royal feast!”

Iris (giggling): “It’s messy! I love it!”

—

Meanwhile, Aqua—stuck in Iris’s body—walked the castle halls.

Guards bowed. Servants curtsied.

Guard (reverent): “Princess Iris! An honor!”

Aqua (stiff, thinking): “So weird.”

She missed the afterlife—simple, loud, honest. Here, every step felt like a performance.

Then—Porco appeared.

Porco (studying her): “You seem… different today, Your Highness.”

Aqua (forcing a smile): “Just tired. Busy times.”

Claire watched—sharp, suspicious.

Claire (low, probing): “You’ve been spending a lot of time with Historia, haven’t you?”

Aqua’s stomach dropped.

[What is Historia doing in my body?!]

—

Back in the streets, Historia and Iris laughed at a drunk adventurer tumbling off his stool.

They watched jugglers, sampled honeyed fruits, breathed in the chaos of real life.

But duty called.

They returned to the feudal mansion—festive lights strung, staff bustling.

Historia headed to Aqua’s quarters—to prepare the body for the reversal.

Then—Eren.

He stood in the corridor—lean, tired, watchful.

Eren (raising a brow): “Aqua? Thought you’d be knee-deep in wine by now.”

Historia—nervous, playing her part—smiled.

Historia (as Aqua): “Just… getting ready. Big night.”

He studied her—really studied her.

Eren (soft, almost to himself): “You seem… different.”

She seized the moment.

Historia (as Aqua, gentle): “Eren… have you ever thought about… someone special? Someone who makes everything make sense?”

He went still.

Then—quiet, raw.

Eren: “There is someone. Brave. Kind. She’d burn the world to save one person.”  
A pause. Bitter.  
“But she’s made it clear… I’m not that person. And I… can’t ask her to be.”

Historia’s breath caught.

[He’s talking about me.]

But she thought he meant Aqua.

So she leaned in—a friend’s nudge, a matchmaker’s hope.

Historia (as Aqua): “Maybe she’s just waiting for you to step forward.”

He looked at her—searching, aching.

Eren: “Should I… try? Now?”

She nodded—heart breaking, resolve firm.

Historia (as Aqua): “Yes. You should.”

He offered his hand.

They walked to Aqua’s room—silence thick, unspoken longing humming between them.

Historia bathed—cleansing, preparing, believing she was weaving fate for her friends.

When she emerged, the air was heavy.

Eren stood by the window—tense, uncertain.

No words.

Just steps.

Closer.

Closer.

And then—heat, desperation, misunderstanding wrapped in tenderness.

He kissed her.

She kissed back.

Not as Historia.

Not as Aqua.

Just as two souls who’d carried too much, for too long.

And in that fragile, borrowed moment—

life sparked.

Neither knew the swap was fading.

Neither knew that Aqua’s divine purification—which had shielded her body from conception before—wasn’t guarding Historia’s borrowed form.

And so, as dawn threatened the horizon—

the collar’s magic waned.

Bodies realigned.

Souls returned.

But the consequence?

Aqua—still in Iris’s form—was fastening the clasps of her gala gown when a cold dread coiled in her gut.

[Something’s wrong.]

Then—light.

Blinding, swift.

She gasped as her own limbs snapped back into place—familiar, hers again.

She barely had time to steady herself before Historia came sprinting down the hall, face flushed, eyes wide.

Aqua (grabbing her by the shoulders, voice cracking): “What the hell happened while I was gone?!”

Historia couldn’t meet her gaze.

Eren stood a few paces back—confused, tense, utterly lost.

Historia (mumbling, mortified): “I—I just… thought I was helping… it was a misunderstanding—”

Aqua’s stomach dropped.

She saw it—the heat in Eren’s eyes, the way Historia wouldn’t lift her head, the flush on her neck.

[Oh no.]

Aqua (low, horrified): “Historia… tell me you didn’t do anything weird with my body. Please.”

She yanked Historia into a shadowed alcove—grip tight, eyes blazing.

Aqua (urgent, voice trembling): “Exactly what did you do?!”

Historia covered her face—silent, shame radiating off her.

The silence stretched.

Then—a whisper.

Historia: “I… had sex… with Eren. In your body.”

Aqua went rigid.

Her mind shattered.

Aqua (screeching, barely contained): “WHAT?! You used my body—for that—with Eren?!”

Historia shrank back.

Historia (desperate): “I thought… you two liked each other! All those little looks—I just wanted to help—”

Aqua (flabbergasted): “Help?! You don’t just borrow a goddess’s body for a romantic liaison! That’s not help—that’s theft!”

She paced—hands in her hair, muttering.

Aqua: “Of all the idiotic, reckless, boneheaded things—! You win! Champion of Stupidity!”

But then—she stopped.

Her eyes narrowed.

[Wait…]

[He touched me. In a way he never would’ve dared.]

[And if… if there’s a child…]

Her fury flickered—replaced by something colder. Calculating.

Because Aqua had a secret plan.

A wedding. A binding. A way to keep her fading divinity.

And now—Historia, clueless, earnest Historia—had jumped the queue.

Aqua exhaled—long, slow.

Aqua (thinking, dry): “You absolute fool… you just saved me six months of awkward flirting.”

She shot Historia a look—half exasperation, half reluctant gratitude.

Aqua (muttering): “Next time? Ask first.”

Then she smoothed her dress—and marched toward the banquet hall.

Because if fate had just handed her a miracle…

she’d be damned if she wasted it.

Later that night, the castle was filled with laughter and lively conversation. The celebratory party was in full swing, with nobles from all around toasting the victory of the adventurer team led by Eren. As the team members joined in the various conversations, the nobles' glances and murmurs occasionally turned toward Historia.

One of the highest-ranking nobles approached a group, making comments in a low voice but loud enough for others to hear.

Noble 1 : "That group of adventurers... they all seem quite capable. But don't you think that Historia seems to be the least capable? Is she really an adventurer?"

Noble 2 : (nodding conspiratorially) "I've heard some rumors that she might be a noblewoman in disguise. Apparently, a friend of mine, Claire, mentioned that there's something... suspicious about her."

Words began to spread, and although Historia was still in the hallway dealing with Aqua, in the hall, doubt about her identity was already taking root. The nobles glanced sideways, whispering among themselves, as the party continued.

Some nobles exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting interest and a hint of suspicion. Rumors were beginning to spread, and it was inevitable that others would start questioning Historia's presence in the adventuring party.

Meanwhile, Historia, still embarrassed by what had happened earlier and aware of the nobles' stares, decided to leave the party early. She felt everyone watching her with suspicion, and although they didn't know exactly what had happened, the tension in the air made the weight of her secret unbearable.

Historia : (thinking to herself, as she heads for the exit) "Maybe it was a mistake... maybe I should never have gotten involved like this. All this is just going to bring trouble... for Eren, for Aqua... and for me."

After making sure that Iris was already asleep, Historia slipped out of the banquet hall and headed to her room, leaving behind the laughter and murmurs of the nobles who were still continuing their evening, completely unaware of the emotional storm she was going through.

As she walked down the empty hallway, Historia couldn't help but feel guilty, wondering if her recent decisions had put not only her friendships at risk, but also her very identity.

" Don't you find it curious that Historia and Darkness are the least prominent members of the team? Perhaps they are nobles disguised as adventurers to experience some kind of excitement," one of the nobles suggested hypothetically .

"It's possible, although they seem too common to be nobles," another nobleman replied with a doubtful tone.

"Perhaps they do it to escape the responsibilities and restrictions of the nobility," added a third nobleman.

Historia was in her room, trying to process all the embarrassment and confusion she felt after the party and the incident with Eren. Her head was spinning with thoughts when she heard discreet footsteps approaching her door. Before she could react, the door opened silently and Chris, with his usual mischievous and alert expression, slipped in without a sound.

Chris : (whispering) "History? Can I talk to you for a moment?"

Historia nodded, knowing that if Chris was there at this hour, it was for something important. She closed the door behind her, and they sat down together, Chris keeping her voice low.

Story : "What's wrong, Chris?"

Chris : "I heard a rumor at Princess Iris's castle. They say there's a sacred relic here... a necklace that has the power to swap bodies for a few hours."

Historia felt a chill. All the chaos of the previous day, the body swap with Aqua… it had to be that relic.

Historia : (nodding slowly) "That's right. I accidentally used it when I switched bodies with Aqua. But why are you so worried?"

Chris : "Because it's dangerous, Historia. If someone is in someone else's body and dies, their soul would be trapped in that body until another change occurs, if it ever does. Also, if people find out about this... wars could start over a necklace like that. People would see it as some kind of method of immortality."

Historia nodded, understanding the danger such a powerful object posed and the potential repercussions. She couldn't allow something like that to fall into the wrong hands.

Story : "You're right, Chris. We need to make sure that necklace doesn't stay here where anyone can find it. We're going to retrieve it tonight."

Chris nodded, and they both agreed to proceed with caution. With handkerchiefs covering their mouths to avoid being recognized and dressed in dark clothing, they silently left the room and began to slip through the castle's dark corridors.

Scene: Recovery Mission

Night enveloped the castle in an eerie calm, and the only sounds were the whispers of the air currents and the soft crunch of their footsteps across the floorboards. Historia and Chris skillfully evaded the guards' patrols, taking advantage of the shadows and moving with stealth. Their hearts pounded, but their minds were focused on their objective: reaching the trophy room where the necklace was supposedly kept.

Finally, they reached the door to the trophy room. Historia carefully pushed open the door, and they both stepped inside, their eyes scanning the room for the object they were looking for. But, to their surprise, there was no sign of the necklace in the display case where it should have been.

Chris : (frustrated) "Where is it? It should be here..."

Historia approached one of the display cases and, instead of the necklace, found something familiar: a 3D maneuvering gear, like the ones they used in their world.

History : (surprised) "This...? How did this get here?"

Curiosity gripped her, and without a second thought, Historia donned her gear. Although there was a little gas left, she could see it would be enough for at least a quick escape or a short battle. Just then, a shrill sound filled the room.

Chris : (alarmed) "History! The security alarm!"

Without wasting a moment, they both ran down the corridor, but the guards' footsteps were getting closer. Chris, remaining calm, quickly set a tripwire on the door to slow down her pursuers.

Story : "This way, quickly!"

They ran through the castle, but soon realized they had reached a corridor guarded by Claire and Lain , accompanied by armored soldiers. There was no time to turn back.

Story : (determined) "Chris, hold on tight."

Without hesitation, Historia activated the 3D Maneuver Gear, lifting Chris and launching herself toward one of the windows. She used the gear to maneuver and evade the guards, soaring through the air around the castle in a movement that reminded her of her old life. Adrenaline coursed through her veins, and the world seemed to shrink to that instant of freedom and speed.

 

 

Inside the castle, in one of the corridors, Porco Galliard arrived just in time to see the silhouette of a familiar figure escaping through the window with 3D maneuvering gear. He was about to transform into Jaw Titan to stop the thief when the figure turned for a moment, and his heart leapt.

Porco : (whispering to himself) "History...?"

Something inside him stopped him. It was Ymir's feelings, which he had inherited when he gained his powers. Those memories and emotions resonated within him, blocking his resolve to attack her. Porco silently watched as Historia escaped, doing nothing to stop her.

Meanwhile, Historia and Chris continued walking away from the castle, leaving behind the safety and peace of the place, even though they knew they would likely be sought out in the morning. However, for Historia, that night had been a revelation; past and present had intertwined in a single instant.

Chris : (holding onto Historia as they moved) "Historia... that was incredible. I didn't know you could do something like that."

History : (smiling slightly) "Let's just say I had good teachers in another life."

Scene: Infiltration of Princess Iris's Room

The moon illuminated the balcony of Princess Iris's room, where Historia and Chris landed silently after a difficult journey. They had managed to evade the patrols and now stood right at the entrance to the princess's chamber. Adrenaline coursed through their veins; this was the decisive moment.

Chris : (quietly) "Okay, here we go. We just need to do this quickly and without raising any suspicion."

Historia nodded, taking a deep breath to stay calm. They cautiously opened the door and entered the room, but to their surprise, someone was already waiting for them inside.

Darkness : (in a low, disappointed voice) "Chris? Historia? I thought... well, I was hoping it was someone else."

Without flinching, Darkness sighed and raised her hands, gesturing with her head for them to use the Bind ability on her.

Darkness : "Go ahead, do what you need to. I won't resist..."

Story : (whispering to Chris) "Is she... is she asking us to tie her up?"

Chris : (with an amused smile) "It seems so. Well, never miss an opportunity."

Historia and Chris exchanged a glance before launching into the Bind spell , immobilizing Darkness . However, as soon as they finished, another unexpected obstacle stood in their way.

Iris : (drawing her sword) "Don't come any closer! I have heroic blood and I know how to use it."

Megumin : (jumping in front of Iris to protect her) "Princess, don't be afraid! I'll protect you!" (pauses and blinks) "Wow! Where did they get those... impressive outfits? I've never seen such stylish thieves."

Chris and Historia exchanged confused glances, but neither responded. They were too focused on their mission to stop and explain their attire. However, before they could continue, another interruption complicated matters further.

Aqua : (pretending to be drunk, staggering) "Hey! What are you doing in the princess's room?" (with a giggle, she snaps her fingers and dispels the Binding spell they had cast on Darkness and Megumin ) "Did you really think you could tie someone up in my presence?"

Tension rose in the room. Darkness and Megumin , now free, stood ready, though Megumin still cast admiring glances at Chris and Historia's outfits. Just then, hurried footsteps sounded near the balcony window, and two figures appeared at the edge: Eren and Claire, who had arrived just in time to intercept the escape.

Eren : (recognizing Historia, he freezes) "Historia…"

Claire : (not understanding the situation) "What are you waiting for, Eren? We have to stop them! They're thieves in the castle!"

Eren didn't answer. He simply stared at her, confused and with a mix of emotions, while Historia and Chris exchanged a worried glance.

Chris : (whispering to Historia) "We need to get out of here quickly!"

Feeling pressured, Chris began to concentrate, using her sensing ability. It was then that she felt a unique energy emanating from Princess Iris. An energy that seemed to resonate with something sacred.

Chris : (eyes shining with excitement) "Historia, the princess is carrying a sacred relic..."

History : (surprised) "Are you serious? We can't just leave her here then."

Without wasting a moment, they synchronized their movements and activated the Steal ability simultaneously. In the blink of an eye, Chris and Historia snatched a couple of items from Princess Iris. Chris ended up with a necklace in her hands, while Historia held a delicate golden jewel, a pendant she didn't recall ever seeing before.

Chris : (looking at the golden jewel curiously) "What is this?"

Story : "I'm not sure, but it's definitely not the necklace we were looking for. Still ... it has a special energy."

At that moment, the castle alarm sounded, and soldiers began to close in rapidly. Historia, aware that time was running out, checked the remaining gas in her 3D maneuver gear and made a decision.

Story : "Hold on tight, Chris!"

Using the last of her gas, Historia propelled herself toward the open window, taking Chris with her and quickly escaping into the night sky. Speed and wind enveloped them as they gained distance from the castle.

 

After several minutes of evasive maneuvers, they finally managed to get far enough away from the castle and stopped in a safe place to catch their breath. They looked at each other, exhausted but relieved.

Chris : (holding the necklace) "Well... at least we managed to take this."

Story : (examining the golden jewel in her hand) "And I... I took this, but I don't know exactly what it is. It looks like a ring."

They both stared at the jewel with intrigued expressions, wondering what kind of power it held. They had risked everything for this necklace and that strange jewel. The night had given them both a victory and a new mystery, one that would surely bring them more trouble than they had anticipated.

Historia and Chris, still breathing heavily from the adrenaline of their escape, managed to reach Historia's hotel room. They closed the door behind them, feeling safe, at least for the moment. They both examined the items they had just stolen: the necklace Chris held in her hand and the small gold ring Historia had taken by mistake.

However, their relief was short-lived. No sooner had they turned around than they found Eren and Darkness waiting for them in the room, their expressions decidedly unfriendly.

Eren : (arms crossed, looking at both of them with a mixture of disbelief and reproach) "Well, it seems you two were busy too."

Her gaze fell upon the 3D maneuvering equipment that Historia still had hanging, and a wry half-smile appeared on her face.

Eren : "Did you really take that, Historia?"

Darkness : (pointing at the necklace in Chris's hands) "And I see you got a beautiful necklace too, Chris."

The comment was enough to make both Chris and Historia pale. They knew they were trapped and that their plan to avoid trouble with their classmates had completely failed.

Chris : (nervously, raising her hands) "W-wait! Don't hurt me, I swear I can explain..."

Darkness , ignoring Chris's pleas, firmly grasped her head, holding it tightly. Chris let out a soft whimper, trying to break free.

Chris : (writhing in Darkness 's hands ) "Ah! Darkness , you're hurting me! You're going to break my head!"

Meanwhile, Darkness also reached for Historia's head, ready to give her a similar punishment, but Eren stopped her by placing a hand on her shoulder.

Eren : "Enough, Darkness . Let them speak before you break their necks."

Darkness released Chris with a soft sigh, clearly disappointed that she couldn't physically "interrogate" both thieves. Then, she crossed her arms and adopted her characteristic serious tone.

Darkness : (with an accusing look) "Explain everything to me from the beginning. How did you end up stealing the 3D maneuvering gear and the princess's necklace?"

Historia exchanged a quick glance with Chris. They both knew the only way out of this situation was to tell the truth, or at least one version of it.

Story : (sighing, trying to sound convincing) "Chris and I... were trying to recover a divine treasure. A very dangerous one. We didn't want to involve you so you wouldn't get into trouble because of our connection to the 'Honest Thief'."

Darkness frowned upon hearing that, pondering Historia's words. However, her expression shifted from concern to surprise as she glanced at the ring on Historia's hand.

Darkness : (with a growing expression of concern) "Historia... do you know what you just stole? That ring you're holding isn't just any old accessory."

Historia looked down at the golden ring, her expression one of confusion. She didn't quite understand what Darkness meant .

History : "Is it... important? I thought it was just an ordinary piece of jewelry."

Darkness : (in a deep voice) "That ring is one of the symbols of commitment of the Belzerg royal family . It's the ring the princes wear to wed their partners. Whoever steals it is destined to marry the princess. It's extremely valuable and unique. If anyone notices it's gone, you'll be immediately singled out... and the royal shame could carry the death penalty."

Historia froze, processing the gravity of what she had done. She couldn't sell it or return it without revealing her identity, and she clearly couldn't take it without risking her life.

Story : (in a low voice, clutching the ring) "So... I'll have to hide it until my grave?"

Chris : (placing a hand on Historia's shoulder, trying to ease the tension)

Eren watched the scene in silence, but his expression softened slightly when he saw Historia's distress. Despite his initial anger, he didn't want her to be in real danger.

Eren : (sighing, calmer) "I guess we have a new problem now... Who else knows?"

Historia : (looking at Chris) "Just us. I think we managed to leave the castle without being seen directly. But we have to be extremely careful."

Darkness : (sighing deeply) "Fine. Then we'll keep this a secret. But remember, this isn't a game. If anyone finds out what you did... the consequences will be dire."

After listening to Historia and Chris's explanations, Darkness remained silent for a moment, processing all the information. Her face showed neither judgment nor anger, only a deep resignation. Finally, she sighed and gave them a firm look.

Darkness : "We're going to have to avoid the capital for a while... We can't risk someone else making the connection between you and the ring theft."

Historia and Chris nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Planning to leave as discreetly as possible, the group decided to make one last stop before departing: a formal farewell with Princess Iris, who had insisted on seeing them before they left.

Porco Galiard (to him): "It's interesting that whoever did this can use a 3D maneuvering rig. That would mean they're an Eldian with experience in the Walls militia, right?"

"It could be, but explaining that to the authorities would be complicated," Pieck replied , reflecting on the situation. After returning to Axel from the capital, the group met in a quiet place to discuss what had happened.

Princess Iris was waiting in the drawing room, accompanied by her loyal attendant Claire, who wore a somewhat stern expression as she looked at the newcomers. Iris smiled brightly as they entered, especially when she saw Historia approaching. However, Claire did not share the same enthusiasm.

Claire : (staring intently at Historia, frowning) " Hmm ... There's something familiar about you... It's like I've seen that silhouette before..."

Historia felt a knot in her stomach, but she remained calm, forcing a kind smile as Claire scrutinized her suspiciously. Fortunately, Claire had no real proof to confirm her suspicions, and after a few seconds, she simply looked at her distrustfully, but said nothing more.

Iris : (approaching Historia, with a bright smile) "I'm so glad to have met you. Historia, I hope we meet again someday."

Historia felt a mixture of relief and affection upon hearing Iris's words. The princess was innocent and kind, and despite everything that had happened, she seemed to hold no grudges. Historia knelt slightly in a gesture of respect.

Historia : (with a gentle smile) "Thank you, Princess Iris. I hope we meet again too. Take good care of yourself."

Iris : (with determination) "Then promise me that you'll come back someday."

Historia nodded, smiling sincerely. The connection between them was evident, and both knew this farewell wasn't the end. They hugged briefly, and then Historia stepped back with a slight gesture of respect. Meanwhile, Chris remained in the background, grateful that no one suspected her identity; after all, the legend of the "masked thief" assumed she was a man, which afforded her a degree of protection.

Claire crossed her arms, still glancing sideways at Historia with a mixture of suspicion and displeasure, but without any further arguments to confront her, she decided to drop the subject.

Claire : (in a firm voice) "Remember that Princess Iris will always be protected. If any of you attempt to approach her again without a formal invitation... you will answer to me."

Eren let out a slight snort, as if Claire's threat didn't affect him at all, but Darkness gave him a gentle nudge to prevent him from responding in a way that would worsen the situation.

Finally, after the formal farewells, the group left the castle and began to retreat from the capital. As they departed, Iris remained on the balcony, watching them with a thoughtful expression.

Iris : (thinking to herself) "So... Historia was one of the thieves."

A hint of a smile appeared on the princess's face. It had been fun watching Historia in action, and she was sure that if she had taken the necklace, she'd had a good reason. Instead of feeling betrayed, Iris felt a mixture of admiration and curiosity. She knew she would see her again someday, and she had a hunch that this reunion would be under equally unexpected circumstances.

On the Way Out

The group moved quickly to leave the capital before suspicions about the theft of the ring and necklace intensified. Once they were far enough away, they all breathed a sigh of relief.

Chris : (looking at the necklace in his hand) "At least we got what we were looking for... although I'll definitely be staying away from this place for a while."

Story : (holding the ring carefully) "Yes... and it seems I'll have to keep this hidden forever."

Darkness : (looking at them with a slight smile) "At least they managed it without major consequences... although now we'll have to be much more cautious."

Eren walked in silence, with an expression somewhere between amused and resigned, while thoughts of Claire and Princess Iris faded into the distance.

Eren walked a few steps behind the group, his expression grim as the capital city faded into the horizon. Throughout his time in the city, he had felt those hateful stares fixed on him, the eyes of the reincarnated Marleyans who seemed to recognize him instantly. Their gazes were filled with spite, resentment, as if his very existence reminded them of something dark from their past. It was something he knew all too well, but it never ceased to be unsettling.

Eren : (thinking to himself) I've never felt so hated... even here, in another world... that contempt still haunts me. But I don't care. I didn't come here to make friends, or to seek acceptance. I just have to keep going, protect those I love... no matter the cost.

She shook her head, trying to banish those thoughts, and quickened her pace to catch up with the others. Once she reached them, she avoided any direct eye contact, focused on getting back to Axel as quickly as possible.

At Axel - The Group's House

After the long journey, they finally arrived home in Axel. The group had barely stepped into the driveway when a familiar figure appeared, waiting for them with arms crossed and an impatient expression on their face.

Ymir : (looking at Historia) "You've finally arrived! Do you realize how long it's been since you left? I thought you'd forgotten about us."

Historia smiled with a touch of guilt, knowing she had taken longer than expected. However, she couldn't suppress the warmth in her chest when she saw Ymir waiting for them, loyal as ever.

Historia : (with a conciliatory smile) "I'm sorry, Ymir. It wasn't our intention... but some complications arose in the capital."

Ymir : (raising an eyebrow, crossing her arms) "Complications? Come on, tell me everything. What did you do this time?"

Historia began recounting the events in the capital, from her encounter with Princess Iris to her conflict with Claire and the situation with the stolen necklace. As she spoke, she summarized as best she could, omitting some details so as not to upset Ymir further. But as she mentioned Iris, Ymir's brow visibly began to furrow.

Ymir : (looking at her with a mixture of jealousy and annoyance) "So... that princess, Iris, huh? It seems you got along quite well with her."

Historia : (somewhat uncomfortable, scratching her head) "Well... she's a very kind girl. And the situation was somewhat complicated... but it's not like I..."

Ymir : (with her arms crossed and a sarcastic smile) "Yeah, right, complicated. You leave me here worried, and you go off to make new royal friends. I'm sure you had a lot of fun."

Historia sighed, trying not to blush. It was difficult to dissuade Ymir when she got jealous, but at the same time, a part of her was glad that Ymir cared so much. She tried to change the subject, glancing at her suitcase as she did so.

Historia : (changing the subject, with a nervous expression) "W-well, I think the trip was worth it. We managed to recover some important things..."

Opening his suitcase, his gaze fell upon the 3D maneuvering gear he had stolen from the palace trophy room. Seeing it was a wave of nostalgia, a reminder of the days when he had fought with all his might. He also felt the slight weight of the ring in the inside pocket of his jacket, the one he had accidentally taken from Princess Iris.

Historia : (thinking to herself, with a touch of worry) I'd better keep this safe... I don't want to cause any trouble if someone finds out I took the ring too...

Ymir observed Historia's thoughtful expression, and although she sensed that Historia was hiding something, she decided to let it go… for now. Instead, she approached and placed a hand on Historia's shoulder, offering a gentler smile.

Ymir : (with a sigh) "Just promise me that next time you'll take me with you. I'm not going to let you have fun alone again, understand?"

Historia let out a soft laugh, nodding as the group began to settle into the house, happy to be back in Axel. The adventure in the capital was over… but many more were yet to come.

A few hours later, Historia sat in her room, in front of the piece of 3D equipment she had stolen during the party in the capital. She meticulously studied the details, trying to understand the logic behind its operation in the fantasy world. She and Eren had attempted to replicate a similar design months before, but their efforts had been in vain, as their creation simply hadn't worked as expected.

While examining the 3D equipment closely, he noticed some key differences in construction and operation compared to his previous attempt, differences that involved engineering. Magical . There were components he didn't fully understand and a mechanic that seemed to defy the laws of physics as he knew them in his world.

Historia sighed in frustration as she tried to decipher the secrets behind this device. She knew it would take time and patience to fully understand how it worked, and perhaps, if she managed to unravel its mysteries, she could use it to the benefit of the team and her group of adventurers in the future.

Eren and Historia continued debating with Vanir about the possibility of selling the patents for their world's inventions.

Both were reluctant to allow firearms to be mixed with magic in their world, worried about the potential consequences. However, Vanir was determined to do business and make the most of his future vision.

It was then that Eren had an idea. He remembered the diary they had found in the Crimson Mages' village, which belonged to Angel. Aaltonen , the creator of the 3D Maneuver Gear in their previous world. That journal contained detailed information about Aaltonen 's inventions , and therefore they could determine which ones were safe to replicate in their fantasy world and which ones should be avoided.

Eren looked at Vanir and proposed a solution. Armin, Eren's childhood friend, would be Vanir's business partner in this venture. They would use Angel 's diary to determine which inventions could be safely manufactured in their world and which should be discarded. This proposal seemed to please Vanir, as it guaranteed that they would only produce technology that wouldn't endanger their magical world.

With this agreement, Eren, Armin, and Vanir laid the foundation for a commercial collaboration that could bring advanced technology from their home world to the fantasy world.

Although there was still much work ahead, they were hopeful that this partnership could benefit both worlds without causing havoc in either of them.

In the feudal lord's house

Feudal Alderp was furious at having been robbed and thwarted in his attempt to switch bodies with his son Walter to keep Darkness . Without the necklace that allowed him to change bodies, he decided to resort to his plan B: summoning Max, a demon capable of manipulating reality. He's missing a piece of his head, which is why he has a bad memory.

In a dark and mysterious room, Feudal Alderp placed the stolen sacred relic in the center of a magic circle. He spoke words in Marleyan that echoed through the room, summoning Max, the forgetful demon. With a faraway look and a mischievous grin, Max appeared before him.

"Hello, who are you?" Max asked indifferently.

Feudal Lord Alderp smiled maliciously. "I've told you a thousand times, I am Alderp , the feudal lord. I want you to use your powers to ensure things go according to my plans for the next few months. I want everything to go my way."

Max narrowed his eyes, thinking for a few seconds before answering. " Very well, may everything go exactly as you wish. I'll do what I can. By the way, who are you? "

Feudal Lord Alderp nodded, " Ahh . I am Alderp , the feudal lord. Make sure nothing gets out of control and that my plans are carried out. I want everything to go perfectly."

Max nodded and reached for the stolen sacred relic. His eyes glowed with a magical radiance as he focused his powers on the relic. "So be it," Max whispered as he vanished into a dark mist.

Feudal Alderp gazed at the relic with a triumphant smile. Now, with Max's help, he was certain that everything would work out in his favor and he would succeed in his evil plans.

Life in Axel continued its normal course after the events in the capital. Eren's team resumed their usual routines of adventures and missions. Although the city appeared calm on the outside, certain subtle changes were beginning to manifest themselves.

On a sunny morning, while the team was gathered at the inn before departing on a mission, Darkness shared some news with his companions.

"Guys, I've been hanging out with Walter lately," she announced with a smile on her face.

Everyone's eyes turned to her with surprise and curiosity. "With the son of Feudal Alderp ?" Eren asked, raising an eyebrow.

Darkness nodded, though her smile seemed a little forced. "Yes, with him. He's a charming young man and has been very attentive to me. But, I must admit, I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately."

"That's an unusual change for you," Armin commented with a slight smile.

Darkness sighed. "I know, I know. But I can't help feeling that I must keep seeing where this leads."

Mikasa looked at her with interest. "Is there a particular reason why you feel that way?" Darkness shook her head. "I don't know, Mikasa . It's just a strange feeling I have. Like there's something more behind all of this."

In a private conversation with Megumin and Aqua, Darkness confessed, "I don't know what's been happening to me lately. I keep seeing Walter, but something inside me feels uncomfortable about this situation. I don't know if it's because I've gotten used to his company or if I actually feel something more for him."

Megumin , with a playful look, replied, "Oh, Darkness , it could be that you're finally in love! Could you be the next to fall under love's spell?"

"Aqua chimed in, laughing: "That's right! Maybe Feudal Alderp did something to make you attracted to him, like a love spell or something!"

Darkness blushed at her friends' speculations and tried to deny the possibility of being in love. However, doubts lingered in her mind as she continued to see Walter. Although she felt uneasy, she couldn't help but find him intriguing.

Meanwhile, at Dustiness Manor, Darkness 's father , Lord Sebas Dustiness , was beginning to show worrying signs of a mysterious illness. His usual strength and vitality seemed to be waning, and his health was gradually failing.

Lalatina " Darkness " Dustiness was growing increasingly worried about her father and spending more time at the mansion to care for him and be by his side. Although she didn't know what was causing his illness, she was determined to find a way to help him.

Darkness was still seeing Walter, the son of the feudal lord Alderp , though their relationship was starting to bore her. One afternoon, as they walked through the streets of Axel, Megumin approached Darkness with a mischievous smile. "Hey, Darkness , I've noticed you've been spending a lot of time with the lord's son lately. What's going on between you two?"

Darkness smiled nervously and looked at Walter, who was standing beside her. "Well, we've been seeing each other lately. It's nice, but sometimes I feel a little... smothered."

Walter looked at her tenderly and kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry, my sweet Darkness , sometimes I get carried away by my feelings. But I can't help it, you're simply wonderful."

Darkness smiled shyly, but inside, she still wondered why she felt this urge to keep seeing Walter, despite feeling sickened by him. She wondered if perhaps she was trying to fill an emotional void or if there was something more behind her attraction to him . Meanwhile, Eren, Historia, Aqua, and the rest of the team continued to observe the scene with curiosity and a touch of concern . They knew that Darkness had a particular fondness for dark and complicated situations , but this was different . As she walked through the streets of Axel, Darkness bumped into Chris on a corner. Chris looked at her with a malicious smile.

"How are things going with your handsome knight, Darkness ? Do you still feel butterflies in your stomach?"

Darkness sighed and rolled her eyes, letting out a sigh.

"Well, yes, Walter is... attentive. But lately I feel like it's all too much, like I'm being suffocated by so much attention."

Chris chuckled softly. "It feels like you're living in a fairy tale and you don't know how to get out. But you know, sometimes a spark of excitement and danger can be just what you need to feel alive." Darkness frowned thoughtfully.

"What do you mean?" Chris winked at her.

Let's just say there are certain enchantments and magical artifacts that could bring that exciting touch to your life. Things that could take passion and adventure to unimaginable levels.

" Darkness looked at her curiously, but at that moment, her concern for her father returned to her mind."

"Chris, I'm not sure about that right now. I'm worried about my father. He's been sick and the doctors don't know what's wrong with him."

Chris became more serious and nodded.

I understand, Darkness . If you need help or anything else, don't hesitate to tell me. I'll be here for you.

Darkness thanked her friend and continued walking through the streets of Axel, conflicting thoughts swirling in her mind

Darkness : "What am I doing? Continuing to date Walter, knowing that his father is such a despicable man... It's like I'm betraying my principles and my loyalty to my comrades."

The internal war between the desire to stay with Walter and the moral conflict she was experiencing was evident on her face, where an expression of deep anguish was drawn.

Darkness : "Why is it so hard for me to leave him? It's true that Walter is charming and treats me differently than everyone else, but... at what cost? Can I really ignore the fact that his father is a despicable person?"

Sighing ruefully, Darkness rose from her seat and walked to the window, gazing up at the dark night sky.

Darkness : "But also... is it fair to judge Walter for his father's actions? He didn't choose to be born into that family. Perhaps he deserves a chance to prove he's different."

Although her heart was filled with doubt, Darkness knew she had to confront her feelings and make a decision. If she wanted to find true happiness, she would have to resolve this inner conflict and face whatever consequences might arise.