Dangerous Territory

An Officer's Perks

"Father says he'll retire as soon as the war's over."

"He's been saying that for two years. Where is that old man?" Greiz asked, glancing around the building. "He's normally right up front to greet everyone."

"Ah, he and Mother left the city. They said it's getting too dangerous for their liking, but I insisted on staying. There's too much work to be done here in Metz."

"And too many hungry officers to feed," Greiz teased.

Nicolo laughed. "That's true! So, what can I get everyone?"

They went around the table putting in orders for food and drinks. Eren was stuck between Jean and Floch, and he realized the young soldier was looking anxious, frowning as he looked over the menu. Eren glanced around, then leaned into his ear.

"It's my treat, my gift to you on your promotion. Really, order whatever you want."

Floch looked up at him in astonishment. "No way, sir! I could never—"

"Accept my offer, or I'm buying you the most expensive plate on the menu."

Floch struggled not to burst into giddy smiles, and he focused down again on the menu, determined to order something that was good enough to satisfy Eren's generosity but not expensive.

They drank wine as they waited for their food. Eren cringed with the first glass he ordered, so Greiz, determined to prove that wine could be good, had him try many different types. Eren found the burgundy was a bit more to his liking, so Greiz shouted for a whole bottle.

Nicolo arrived with the food, and he and his staff made sure they had everything. One of the servers caught everyone's attention. A tall, strong-built man with ebony skin held trays of food. Eren could hardly help but stare at the man's dark skin in awe.

"A Negro? Here in Metz?" he muttered to himself.

Oliver scoffed and shook his head. "Disgusting."

Samuel added, "Yeah, make sure he doesn't touch my cup this time." He leaned over to Jean. "It's a shock to see, isn't it?"

"Yes," he muttered. "The last Negro I saw was in Italy, but it wasn't up close."

Eren's brow furrowed as he looked at the waiter, following the fluid movements of his long limbs, the curliness of his hair, the way his palms were pale while the rest of his skin had a chocolaty gleam, and those eyes! Such dark, gentle, wide eyes. How long had it been since he had seen a person with skin so dark? It was almost unheard of in Germany. He had gone his whole childhood without ever once seeing a person whose skin was not pale white.

Floch whispered, "I've never seen a Negro. It's fascinating."

"Nothing fascinating about it," Daz scoffed. "They're disgusting apes."

"He has ears," Surma pointed out. "He can hear you."

Daz shrugged unconcerned. "He probably doesn't understand."

Eren chided, "If I was him, I'd spit in your drink."

Samuel shivered in disgust. "He better not! I'd take him out back myself and shoot him."

Nicolo saw Eren watching and smiled knowingly. "You're new here. This is Onyankopon. He's a servant who has been with my family his whole life. I promise, he has not touched the food. He only helps to carry things and does the cleaning. He's a big help to my family, and especially without my parents around, I have to start using him as a server as well. I understand if it's a problem. I can call upon other staff, but it may be a longer wait."