Recognition

(Eren POV)

Eren's chest tightened; what was up with him? His heart had been pounding non-stop since Mikasa sat near him. She was always sticking close to him as usual. However, just her presence was making him nervous and he didn't know why. Mikasa had been beside him for the longest time; he had never felt the way he was right now due to her.

His dad did mention before feeling something similar when he first met his mum. Eren shook his head; it can't be ... did he actually fall for Mikasa? When did it happen?

Mikasa's head turned in his direction, her eyes ever full of concern. "Are you not feeling well, Eren?"

He studied her; even though Mikasa was in just her uniform, she never seemed more attractive.

"I'm fine. I'm just … just overwhelmed thinking we are going to meet the king." He looked away from her, glancing at the buildings outside the carriage window.

There was a heavy sigh, and another voice spoke. "Is that so?"

He met Erwin's gaze that seemed to pierce through his lie; it was obvious from his words that he had been seen through by him.

The commander folded his hands across his chest. "Do you both still recall what I said earlier?"

"Yes, commander." Mikasa nodded.

"It's the decorum and procedure, isn't it?" Eren said.

"Good. Remember, you are third in line for the presentation, Eren. Once your name is called, move forward and do a half-kneel, the king himself will present you the award. At no time are you to show your back to him, even when moving away." Erwin reminded.

"It still feels unreal, though, to think we are going to meet the king."

Erwin straightened his collars. "To be frank, I don't know if the king will be there. I've never seen him at all, not even during my appointment as commander."

"Are you serious? Is the king that busy …"

"Anyways, once it's over you should head back right away. We still have to attend the gala at night. You and Mikasa will need time to prepare as well. The time we have is tight."

"Yeah."

Erwin went through again a few pointers and reminders on how they should conduct themselves until the carriage finally stopped and the door was opened.

He stepped out and was greeted by a man dressed smartly in a black suit and bowtie.

"Good morning, heroes of the Survey Corps." He bowed. "My name is Alexander, the Chief Royal Steward, I will be guiding you to the throne room where the award ceremony will take place."

And so they followed after the man, striding along the seemingly endless arched hallways and expansive granite steps. Eren continued to marvel at the splendor of the palace: Green marble floors, ceilings with intricate beliefs etched onto them, and huge framed arched windows littering the spacious corridors.

He even passed by a few beautiful young palace maids who stole glances at him, giggling and murmuring amongst themselves. They immediately stopped upon being glared at by Mikasa; she was being way too overprotective of him again - why was she unhappy at the other girls giving him attention? It's not like they were going to harm him.

They soon stepped into a room with a high domed ceiling, then were led down a red carpet across the marbled floor. He took his seat in the front row. Well-dressed people in fancy clothes sat all around, a few of them casting inquisitive glances at him.

There wasn't even time to ask Erwin who some of those people were. A guard marched into the middle of the room, turned smartly and faced the audience. "Announcing the arrival of the Minister of State, Deltoff Fletcher."

The room fell quiet as a man in a black coat strode into the center, standing right in front of the throne - an empty red high-backed chair.

"On behalf of His Majesty. I thank everyone for attending this award ceremony. However, the King has fallen ill and shall be unable to confer the awards personally. Therefore I will be doing so in his stead." Deltoff said, his hands behind his back.

He continued. "His Majesty has also decided to award the Heroes of the Survey Corps with 10 pieces of gold each, to show his appreciation for their contributions."

Gasps could be heard amongst the audience along with murmurings. Eren's eyes widened; this wasn't stated in the letter Erwin showed him. What made the King decide to add in the extra reward at the last minute?

The guard announced: "Erwin Smith, step forward."

The commander marched down the red carpet towards the minister, gave him a salute and half-kneeled before him.

"Erwin Smith. His Majesty recognizes your valiant efforts and numerous successes in leading the Survey Corps against the enemies of humanity. By the Grace of His Majesty, I confer upon you the Order of the Defender of the Realm, First Grade." Deltoff tied the medallion around Erwin's neck.

When Erwin had returned to his seat, the guard's solemn voice sounded again. "Mikasa Ackerman, step forward."

Eren watched the figure walk towards the minister, following the same motions as Erwin did. Mikasa's every movement was filled with detached attractiveness, her face exuding reserved beauty.

He gave his head a slap. Something was seriously wrong with him; it was just walking. How did he even get captivated by such a simple movement of hers?

"Mikasa Ackerman." Deltoff's voice snapped him from his train of thought. "For your efforts in defeating the Female Titan, leading to its capture. By the Grace of His Majesty, I confer upon you the Order of the Defender of the Realm, Third Grade."

Soon after, it was his turn as the guard called out his name. "Eren Yeager, please step forward."

He clenched his hands, trying his best to maintain eye contact while walking towards the Minister. When he was a few paces from him, he thumped his right fist towards the chest and kneeled.

"Eren Yeager. Achievements: Defeated an Aberrant Horde. Stopped the Armored Titan and prevented Wall Rose from falling. Defeated the Female Titan. For your exceptional efforts, by the Grace of His Majesty, I confer upon you the Order of the Crown of the Realm; Fifth Grade." Deltoff began to tie a gold star-shaped medallion around his neck.

He felt his heart pounding before he heard the low voice of the minister through his ears:

"You've done very well. Eren Yeager. The king is in need of able men like you by his side. Interested in joining the Military Police as a captain?"

"Well, I-"

"You don't have to give a reply now. It is an important decision so you should take time to consider it carefully. We can discuss more details at the gala tonight."

Deltoff gave him a pat on his shoulder, and Eren pulled away to the applause of the audience; the award ceremony drawing to a close. Even though he knew from Erwin's warning that there was probably a plot behind this event; it was still a good feeling to be recognized and have the attention of so many important people.

He wanted to leave already to prepare for the gala, but the stream of well-wishers was keeping him from doing so. How many hands had he shaken? He didn't even know anymore.

"So you are Eren ... the one my granddaughter is totally enamored with. I heard from her about you. Congratulations on your award." Holding a black walking stick, an old man with a wispy grey beard approached him. He had a dignified appearance.

"Granddaughter?"

Beside him, Erwin stepped forward, greeting the nobleman. "This is Lord Franklin, the Deputy Finance Minister, Eren. Even when Keith Shadis was in command, he has always been our Survey Corps' biggest backer, one of the main reasons why we were able to keep carrying out expeditions. Natalie is his granddaughter ."

An alluring figure popped up in his mind, "Oh. Thank you."

"Lord Franklin, if you would excuse us, we have to make a move first. We shall catch up again at the gala later." Erwin gave a bow.

"I shall see you there, then."

With a few more exchanges of pleasantries, they left the throne room. Mikasa's lips were pressed together - did something make her unhappy again?

A/N: 1.4k Words