COMRADES • Eren Jaeger

CHAPTER 19: Skilled Fighters

"Don't act nervous," he said to you as the pair of you walked on towards the gate. "They might think that you're hiding something."

The PSA uniform consisted of a soft edge peaked cap with a leather visor, a trench coat, a leather belt, a shirt worn with a black tie, and a pair of leather jackboots. The gate troopers were armed with modern small-arm weaponry like bolt-action rifles and revolvers. You knew you had to get used to the sight of them, but the idea that they were walking around to keep the Eldians in check was unnerving.

The regular Eldians in line turned to gaze at you and Zeke as the two of you skipped the queue to head outside Liberio. You could practically feel their envious eyes burning into the back of your outfit, and you also couldn't help but feel guilty about openly exercising your rights as Honorary Marleyans in front of the less fortunate.

You weren't a Warrior—you didn't spend your childhood days training in the heavy rain to be awarded the grand title of Honorary Marleyan. The only reason you had been given the red armband was because you were born into a bloodline that was important for Marley's plans to gain the Founding Titan.

It amazed you how unbelievably lucky you were that you had been birthed into such a family while others pulled the short end of the stick of a boring life in Liberio. When you went past the gate, the only thing you could feel was wary at the presence of the gate troopers.

"Hold it there, Boy Wonder."

You and Zeke looked over your shoulders to see two tall, burly PSA guards walking up to you and beckoning the two of you over. Balding middle-aged men with black hair and wrinkle lines appearing on the creases of their saggy faces—they were very similar looking, if it weren't for the mustache above one of their mouths.

Zeke stopped walking and glanced at you for a quick second before strolling over to them. You followed him, crossing your arms across your body as if to shield yourself.

"Officers Muller and Becker," Zeke greeted. "Both of the PSA. To what do we owe to this fine conversation?"

"Zeke Jaeger, back already from the land of the devils, eh?" asked the one with the mustache. You read the grey name tag pinned above his heart — Becker. "Must have been a good experience seeing the demons in action. Sure it must have served as a reminder as to what you Eldians really are."

"And would ya take a look at this, Becker, he brought back a demon with him!" the other one, Muller, said gleefully. "Man, they'll have a good time with this one. Looks like she's about the ripe age, too. All we need is that damn Founding Titan."

"This girl is under Marley's care," said Zeke, putting a protective hand on your shoulder. "Were you not informed?"

Becker and Muller ignored him and looked down as they took heavy steps towards you, causing you to releasing yourself from Zeke's grip and squeak out in fear. The two guards had wide, malicious smirks on their faces, pleased that they had successfully managed to intimidate you with mere actions alone. It made them feel powerful.

"Well, you're a pretty little thing, aren't ya?" mused Muller, looking you up and down and judging your appearance. "How old are ya, girl?"

"It's—It's my birthday in a few weeks," you replied stiffly. "That's all."

"Birthday, huh? Excellent. You still a minor?" he asked. "No wonder they can't touch you just yet. It's such a waste that you're Eldian... but I guess it'll have to wait for two or three years, probably by Year 854. Shame, you look like an adult woman already."

"Excuse me?" you exclaimed, taken aback.

"I've never heard words more true, Muller," Becker said, crossing his arms and eyeing you in the same manner the other had. "The body underneath that coat seems to be well-built, but I do think the face could look a little better."