Chapter 40: I guess... it's time to enter the tiger's den

A day went by and Ymir finally decided to take the first bite,

"The first one to attack gets the upper hand they said" Said Ymir,

When suddenly he saw a group of samurai Scouts lurking around the area, he smiled and just pretended not to see them then proceeded to walk,

"There he is the giant immediately report this to the headquarters" says the scout leader,

Ymir just smiled then proceeded to walk past them until he was completely out of their range of vision,

Maria noticed this change and suddenly asked Ymir,

"F-father where are we going?"

"To a place where you are safe" he replied,

...

Maria started calling Ymir Father a while back when she felt very comfortable talking with like a father which also makes her feel safe,

...

Maria was shocked hearing those words,

"W-why did I do something wrong did I make you angry?" she cried,

"no you did not do something wrong it's just... I have many enemies and we already encountered some of them and I cannot guarantee your safety" Ymir replied in a very sad yet cold tone,

"Like those beast? then I'll train! teach me so that I can help you fight" she said,

"No! you must stay away from harm and my enemies are not mindless beasts they're humans who are more dangerous than beasts, listen to me it's better for you to be safe than to be hurt because no father could bear watching their daughter get hurt, and you are not a burden you are MY daughter my precious treasure"

"so... please just listen to your father just... be safe that's all I'm asking is that so difficult to do? and also you see me fight and train you understood some of it and it's up to you to push your resolve please..." Ymir said while holding maria in his hand,

Maria was saddened because of what Ymir had said but nodded since she understood how dangerous this battle is and the worst outcome if she forced herself to come.

She might be held hostage, worse her father might die because of her.

She could not see the expression Ymir is making since he is wearing a helmet, Tears started to fall from her eyes knowing that she. can't help her father in any way,

Ymir seeing this patted the girl's head and gently place her on his shoulder,

Maria was silent throughout the time as if she was in a trance, Ymir let the girl be since it is indeed painful to see the person who raised you or adopted you leaves you behind just so you could be safe,

(even though she's just an npc I pretty much got attached to her, maybe this is how it feels to be a parent, haha... throughout the twenty years of my life being single I became a father I dare say I really have a knack for it) Ymir thought,

While Maria was silently looking around she noticed humanlike silhouette moving in the dark,

Whe she was about to inform Ymir she saw him put his finger on his mouth indicating that she must be quiet and just watch,

Maria nodded and hid under Ymir's mane,

Ymir stopped his movements and decided to sit down and wait for them to appear,

After a few hours of waiting there was no sign movements, Ymir proceeded to sit down and wait a little longer.

...

"sir that giant seems to be just sitting there and not moving it seems to be asleep" says one soldier,

"shush! Didn't you hear the news? lord Hiroko who was rumored to rival The shogun was killed by that thing so don't let your guard down even if it's sleeping" says the captain,

All the men were shocked hearing this they turned their attention towards Eren, They cannot believe that a mere giant could kill the Shadow emperor along with his armies who are famous for hunting colossal beasts for sport,

Ymir smiled as he listened to their conversation, while Maria is confused since she heard voices but doesn't know what they're talking about which made her worry since her father stayed at a sitting position without even moving for the past six hours,

Sweat started to pour on the Captain's head he then turned to his men and said,

"we'll report this to the headquarters let's leave that giant be for now"

"But captain we've already sent someone to report this" replied a soldier,

"I know but if we stay here and that thing notices us we'd end up like Kabuki and his men this is not running away but a strategic retreat now move!" the captain ordered,

All men became silent as much as they desired to stay, they know that if they stay there any longer they would suffer the same fate as Kabuki, They do not fear death but they wanted to die while fighting alongside the shogun.

They turned their heads in regret them ran towards a different direction from Ymir and ran towards the headquarters they don't seem to mind if Ymir would follow them since it would make their job easier since they have finished their task even though they won't fight alongside Kashigawa they still have their brothers fighting with them.

(Such a shame I thought they would at least try to shoot some arrows but... they're not on the same level as "Them" so it's understandable) Ymir thought as he slowly stood up,

And walked towards the direction of the forest with colossal trees where Maria is safe and away from harm,

...

The men finally reach the headquarters then shot an emergency flare up into the sky where other branch could see it,

Everyone including Giyamoto saw this and started to shoot some flares as well until It reached Kashigawa's border,

"My Lord The giant is near our premises!" Said the soldier,

Kashigawa, Sashime and The abbot were shocked after hearing this,

"That thing came earlier than I thought" Says Kashigawa,

"indeed it seems it noticed us our existence after being attacked by your men and is coming to get us" says the abbot,

"I see then All men prepare for battle!" Kashigawa shouted as he ran towards his armory and wore his armor along with his weapons,

...

After safely placing Maria into the largest tree he gently touches her head and said goodbye to her as he walked away,

"I guess... it's time to enter the tiger's den" Ymir said,