Without much consideration, Eren assumed that Lin Yi's actions were influenced by Mikasa's presence and that he was a good person.
Feeling grateful once again, he hurriedly ran back to the refugee camp to inform his mother.
The camp leader, understanding Lin Yi's intentions, quickly agreed to this arrangement since they were just two ordinary refugees.
Upon Lin Yi's arrival, he was alone, but on the way back, there were suddenly three or four horse-drawn carriages, a significant change.
Lin Yi had concurred with the camp leader, and the next day, Hannes also reported to the local garrison, formally accompanying Lin Yi back to the trading company for the time being.
Among the three carriages, one was assigned to Eren and his mother, one for the rest of the group and the staff, while Lin Yi invited Hannes to share the final carriage.
In the eyes of others, it seemed that Lin Yi was expressing gratitude to a benefactor.
"Mr. Lin... Mr. Lin."
Once inside the carriage, Hannes was so frightened that he immediately knelt down and nervously knocked his head against Lin Yi's, saying, "Mr. Lin, I promise not to reveal what I saw that day."
"Don't be so nervous. If I wanted to silence you, I wouldn't have let you go that day, right?"
Lin Yi comforted him with a sentence.
Hannes might not be particularly intelligent, but he was adept at gauging the situation.
"I am building your reputation deliberately. I intend to nurture you. You should be happy; this is for your own benefit."
The carriage was very luxurious, well-stocked with drinks, and spacious.
Lin Yi was casually reclining on a wooden bed in the carriage, pouring a drink for himself and sipping it slowly.
On the streets, there were only beggars and victims of the disaster.
In fact, those who were able to stay in the refugee camp were considered fortunate.
"But... but I can't actually kill Titans. What if..."
Hannes suddenly panicked; he had engaged in minor deceptions before, like exaggerating his accomplishments and misleading his superiors, but claiming to have single-handedly killed a dozen Titans was beyond his courage.
If he had been ordered to kill Titans that day, what difference would there be between that and being sent to die?
"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid."
Lin Yi consoled him, "You don't need to kill Titans. You just need others to believe that you can."
"But... but what if they genuinely believe that I'm capable and assign me to investigate the military unit? What should I do?"
Hannes was anxious.
"Is that difficult to handle? Just tell them directly that you're solely focused on protecting civilians and holding your ground. Isn't that a justifiable and righteous reason?"
Lin Yi finished his drink, "Maintain this pretext, and I will help you establish a connection and get you inside."
Hannes wiped his forehead, clearly feeling the pressure. Within the Walls of Rose, not only was there the Wall of Sina, but also the royal residence. It was the last line of defense of the three walls.
There, it was impossible to encounter Titans unless even the Walls of Rose were breached.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Lin. Your guidance is invaluable. In the future, I will unquestionably follow your instructions."
Hannes proved himself to be perceptive and quickly expressed his loyalty once he comprehended the plan.
Especially after witnessing Lin Yi's incredible strength that day, where even the towering Titans were nothing in front of him. Hannes had no intention of betraying him.
"Well, well, talking to you is quite relaxing. Just focus on your tasks. Eren and Carla will be treated well, and this will also repay the favor."
Lin Yi offered some guidance before closing his eyes to rest.
Hannes was shrewd and not particularly skilled, but his strong sense of loyalty was sufficient.
During the summer heat, Hannes picked up a folding fan and fanned Lin Yi, helping to alleviate the heat.
Upon arriving at the trading company, everyone disembarked from the carriages. Lin Yi kept his promise and arranged excellent accommodations for Eren and his mother, Carla.
Carla was injured, so Lin Yi even arranged a maid to attend to her, leaving no detail unattended.
"Young man, you've been sticking to me like a shadow these past few days. What exactly do you want?"
With Eren and his mother settled in at the trading company, their situation had improved greatly.
The next day, Hannes also went to report to the local stationed garrison. It was rumored that he had been promoted to squad leader.
Meanwhile, during this period, aside from taking care of his mother during the day, Eren secretly followed Lin Yi.
"I want to learn from you."
"As long as I can become as skilled as you, I can eliminate all those scoundrels and reclaim my homeland!"
Though young, Eren's determination was evident in his words, his anger and resentment impossible to hide.
Although due to Lin Yi's actions, Carla hadn't been devoured by Titans before Eren's eyes, her lower body remained paralyzed, and she shed tears daily. Eren's hatred for Titans hadn't diminished in the slightest.
Lin Yi fixed his gaze on Eren's eyes, sensing a certain intriguing quality.
"You want to defeat Titans?"
"Of course!"
Eren affirmed.
"But do you know the truth behind the Titans breaching the walls of Shiganshina District?"
Lin Yi suddenly posed a question, causing Eren to pause.
He had revealed his sharpness too early. It seemed that Grisha, who had been undercover for years, had taken notice of him, though he hadn't shown himself yet.
Lin Yi's suspicion now shifted to Grisha's intentions.
At just twelve years old, Eren now carried a heavy burden of information, shaking the very foundation of his world.
He learned that there was a world beyond the walls, that his father was not an Insider.
He realized that the breaches in Shiganshina and Maria's Wall were part of Marley's scheme.
The seeds of doubt, once planted, were hard to explain away.
Even without Lin Yi's instigation, Eren himself began connecting the dots: his father's prohibition on entering the basement, his inexplicable absences. Including this time, his father had conveniently been away when Shiganshina was breached.
Eren sat on the ground, lost in doubt.
"Whatever your father's motives are, I need an explanation from him. So, Eren, when your father appears, I hope you'll notify me."
"Just an explanation?"
Eren asked.
"If he's not a Titan, I won't treat him harshly."
Lin Yi assured him.
Eren nodded silently.
Seeing his progress, Lin Yi smiled slightly and offered some comfort. He urged Eren to inform him as soon as his father showed up and then headed toward the trading company's stable.
The trading company had acquired a plot of land in the Rose District and was building carriages under the guise of creating a caravan. In reality, it was to train private soldiers.
Unfortunately, Lin Yi was short on available manpower.
~~~
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