Mitras

(Eren POV)

Eren lifted the windows of the carriage once more and glanced at the buildings lining the street. They had already passed through the inner gates of Stohess district and entered into the Capital, it was the first time he had set foot into it. The buildings here were definitely a lot well-maintained than the ones in Karanes, it was indeed a place where only the privileged class of citizens got to stay in.

Beside him, a huge structure resembling a mansion caught his eye. Three flags, representing the branches of the military, flew proudly; hoisted on a podium before a flight of steps. Judging from the gold-colored words emblazoned across the roof, it was the military court.

"H-Hey! Give it back!"

A distressed shout drew his attention while the carriage continued moving. He eyed a plump man in black chasing after a child who held a briefcase, turning into an alleyway as they disappeared from his sight. Robbery in the daylight? And it was done so by children …

"Surprised, are you?"Erwin's voice broke his train of thoughts.

Eren couldn't hide his disappointment."I always imagined life within the capital would be much safer and pleasant, but it … doesn't seem so."

"With the fall of Maria, the economy within the walls has been in a recession. There's not enough jobs and food for everyone. Unless you are the ruling elite, life has been hard for most of the population."Erwin said."Which makes the retake of Shiganshina all the more crucial."

Eren nodded, humanity was in trouble. If they couldn't succeed in retaking the territory lost beyond Wall Rose. There might be no more future left for any of them when the situation worsened beyond control.

The carriage ground to a stop as a voice sounded outside.

"Halt. What is your business for entering the inner district?"

"His Majesty's Orders. I am bringing the heroes of the Survey Corps for the award ceremony." Another voice spoke. Eren recognized it - the driver.

The conversation continued on, and when it ended, the wheels of the carriage creaked as it began to move once more.

"Inner district?"Eren asked.

Erwin raised a brow. "It's where the real upper class of the society and their families reside -Regional lords, ministers, extremely wealthy and influential business people. Even amongst the nobility, only an elite few are allowed to call this area their home. Security here is the best and overseen by a mysterious branch of the Military Police - the Interior Brigade. You will soon be able to see the stark difference between the Inner and Outer regions of Mitras for yourself ."

His tone contained a hint of displeasure, Erwin didn't seem to like the nobles at all.

"Erwin. Could I ask you something?"

The man's gaze turned to him."Go ahead."

"You don't seem to like the nobles or the government that much. Is there a reason behind it?"

Erwin bowed his head. For a moment, no one spoke amidst the clattering of the carriage wheels. The silence made Eren realize he might have touched on something sensitive, it was probably an experience Erwin didn't want to recall.

"My bad, I shouldn't have ask-"

"It's fine."Erwin lifted his head."That's why you should join me and the other officers when we go for drinks. We often share our stories then."

"I'll try to do so next time." Eren didn't like to stay up late and wanted to rest, so he always turned down their late-night drinking sessions.

Erwin glanced at Mikasa, and looked back at him again."Knowing the comrades whom you fight with is important for your professional development. You should learn to set aside time to know them better. Especially those right beside you."

"Y-yeah."Was he referring to Mikasa? Eren was sure he already knew all he needed to know about her. What was he hinting at exactly?

Erwin paused, clasping his hands."My father … was tortured and killed by the military police."

"W-what?"

"Yes, I was only a child back then. A naive child who was mesmerized by what he confided in me. I went about foolishly telling my friends about it, and the Military Police caught wind of it."

Eren kept quiet, not wanting to push him.

His head sank even lower."That day, my dad never came home, and later his mutilated body was found abandoned in a forest. The Military Police said he was killed by robbers, but the real reason was obvious. He was murdered in cold blood. I cannot imagine how much suffering he went through before they took his life ... "

Eren squeezed his knees;the pain of losing family was something all too familiar to him and Mikasa. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"I believe my father was right. I will prove it."His voice turned heavy.

The conversation soon turned to other topics, with Erwin sharing with them about the plans for the Survey Corps after this, as well as some banter and conversations about their personal lives and history. In his eyes, Erwin was a brilliant strategist and charismatic leader; composed and always thinking a step ahead. It wasn't often he got to see and enjoy the side of him being just a conversational partner and friend as well. He appreciated how despite being the commander, Erwin never spoke in a haughty manner towards him nor his men.

Eventually, the wheels stopped creaking, and the carriage door was opened by a man in a black suit. He gave a sweeping bow."Welcome to the Grand Viridian Hotel. Esteemed guests. "

An incredible sight stunned Eren for a moment when he stepped out of the carriage; the hotel before him was simply magnificent. Two towering oak trees stood beside its elaborate double doors and a fountain right between the entrance and him. Three carriages with intricate symbols carved on their doors were parked to his right. He never imagined it would be possible for him one day to even stay in such a place.

"Dear sirs and miss, may we help you with your luggage?" Two other hotel employees walked towards them and bowed.

"You may."Erwin pointed to the back of the carriage and stepped inside the hotel.

Eren followed behind him along with Mikasa, his mind reeling from the grandeur of the place. Upon entering the lobby, his attention was drawn to an expensive rug that lay beneath the marble floor they stood on; just how many grilled fish could he eat... if the money spent on it was used for food instead?

"Wow. Look at that, Eren!" Mikasa, tugging his arm, pointed at a group of decorative pots filled with bright yellow and pink flowers beside a cushioned chair.

Eren moved closer with her, taking in the fragrant scent from it as he squatted. "So beautiful … it looks just like the flowers that used to be near your house."

Beside him, Mikasa kept quiet. She then moved her face closer to it and brushed her fingers slowly through them. The corners of her pink lips lifted into a small smile.

Eren looked at her, surprised. In all the years they grew up together, he never knew Mikasa liked those kinds of flowers so much.

"We can proceed to our rooms now."Erwin's voice said from behind them, passing a key into his hands. "They have already prepared our accommodation for us - two rooms. I'll be taking one by myself, You and Mikasa will share the other."

"Erw-"

"I still have paperwork to do. Your presence in the room will affect my focus."Erwin brushed his protests aside ."The award ceremony and gala to celebrate it will be in a week's time, noon and then night. Make sure you prepare properly for it - both your attire and etiquette ."

"O-okay."Eren eyed the figure walking up the stairs, a little doubtful of Erwin's reasoning.

Mikasa's cheeks were turning red ."L-let's h-head up shall we?"

He nodded. Yeah, this was just sharing a room. Like how they used to do so when they were children. He tried to calm himself; what are you feeling so nervous for, Yeager?

They walked up the staircase together, admiring the framed portraits that hung on the textured wall accents beside it. Judging from the titles and descriptions beneath it, they were all famous people.

Eren stopped before one of them, the words below it had caught his attention:

- Coronation of King Louis Fritz in 829 -

He studied the man in full royal regalia before him. "Wow, so this is Louis Fritz … The current King! I finally got to see what he looked like."

"I heard about him from my father before, he told me that King Louis was the one who issued the Ackerman Proclamation within a few months of ascending the throne."Mikasa said, "Because of him the persecution of our clan ended."

"Sounds like he's a good guy... did your dad ever tell you why your clan was persecuted though?"

"No… he didn't know why as well."

"Didn't he have any other relatives?"

Mikasa shook her head as they continued to climb the stairs."He did mention about the clan head of the Ackerman then - how he sent him away with the rest of the other members when he was young. They each went their separate ways and never met again."

Realizing it might not be a pleasant memory for her, he tried to change the topic ."Anyways, at least you can live peacefully now."

They turned into a hallway, then stopped in front of their room.

"A-amazing…" After unlocking the door, Eren took in the features that lay before him. Numerous tall candles that sat on metal stands fixed to the walls were burning brightly, reflecting off the granite walls and expensive flooring. It even had its own bathroom and a balcony at the end of it.

He reached for the luggage stacked neatly beside the drawers."You can go ahead and shower first, I have to finish up a report for the recent expedition."

"Mhm."Mikasa began unpacking her clothes.

Eren found his quill, parchment, and ink and sat in front of a desk to start on his work. A scented beeswax candle, giving off a pleasant fragrance, lay right in front of him. He tried to be as specific as possible by jotting down every single detail he could remember, not slacking on the word count; this was important in their quest to defeat the titans.

He continued to put down whatever he could recall until the crackle of thunder sounded, and a sudden gust of cold wind blew through the windows from the balcony.

"Here, you should drink something, it will help you to focus." Mikasa's voice drew his attention. She placed a cup of tea on the desk, sitting beside him.

"When did you?"

She smiled at him."You were so engrossed. After showering, I went down to the lobby to get a drink for you. The menu here did mention some of the services they provide."

Mikasa actually went all the way down and back up just to get something for him? That was really nice of her. He placed a hand on her forearm." Thanks."

She bowed her head, her cheeks glowing red."I-it's nothing."

He took a sip of the tea and continued scribbling while Mikasa sat in silence beside him.

Flipping the page over, he finished a few more paragraphs and signed off at the end; finally done with the tedious task. Mikasa's hands were on the desk, resting upon each other.

He squared the edges of the papers, clipped them, and slid the written report into a file."That bandage on your hand, don't you want to take it off? Since we were children you had it on. You don't have to keep the tattoo on it hidden all the time."

"My mum said not to show it to others easily."Mikasa brushed the fabric wrapped around her wrist."She also told me I would need to pass it down to my child in the future too… do you know how to make a child, Eren?"

"Of course! My dad told me about it before."

Her eyes began to sparkle."Really? Can you teach me how?"

"Well, I'll have to become a stork for that to happen. You see, a stork brings the baby and puts it inside the mother," Eren said with a grin; now that Armin wasn't around, he felt kinda smart.

"But how does the stork bring the baby?"

"On their backs of course."

"It would fall then, wouldn't it?"

Eren scratched his head."Right, maybe I should check with Armin about it when we get back... Anyways! Didn't your mum tell you how children were made?"

"She told me to ask your dad when he was coming to visit later that day, and …" Her voice grew hoarse.

Realizing where this was going, Eren draped an arm around her and pulled Mikasa close to him. He didn't know why he did it, but hearing the pain in her voice, pained him too. He didn't want to see her sad.

"E-Eren."

"I'm u-um returning the favor. I borrowed your hug when we defeated the Female Titan back then … s-so I'm giving it back now!"

"Mhm."

His hand reached up to the back of her head as he pulled her even closer, and ran his fingers through her silky black hair, the bird-shaped hairpin that he gave her as a gift was still there. Mikasa's parents were not killed by titans, but by humans, by beasts in human clothing.

For the first time, he wavered. Would he really find freedom when he had exterminated all the titans? When he could see the flaming waters, frozen plains, and snowfields that Armin spoke of; and travel to the world outside. Was freedom truly found … in going beyond the walls?

A/N: 2.3k words.