On the following day, Eren and Aya conduct outdoor martial arts training for Erich and Fay.
"Higher lift on your arm, Fay," Aya instructs, observing Fay's technique closely. "Otherwise, your hand might overshoot and hit your head."
"I'm trying, Mama," Fay responds earnestly.
Eren, seated on the ground, beams with pride, "Great attack, Erich. You're doing really well."
"Thanks, Dad," Erich says, offering a hand to help Eren up. "Maybe someday I'll be skilled enough to enlist in the national military."
Aya nods approvingly and says, "That's a great ambition, Erich. But don't rush. Learning martial arts is a process, and your progress has been impressive so far."
At the same time, Armin and Annie observe discreetly from behind a tree, Annie questioning, "What's the purpose of watching them?"
"I want to understand what Eren's been up to in these places," Armin responds, keeping a close eye on Eren's interactions.
Eren engages in conversation with Erich, inquiring, "Why do you aim to join the national military, Erich?"
"Isn't it clear? I want to defend the island from external threats, just like how you tried to shield us by executing the Rumbling," Erich responds confidently.
Aya turns to Fay, asking, "What about you, Fay?"
"I aspire to become a doctor, like Papa. I want to aid more people," Fay replies determinedly.
Eren nods thoughtfully, acknowledging Erich's ambitions. "Erich, you'll have to wait another three years before applying to the Training Corps."
"I know, that's why we're seeking your guidance to learn some skills," Erich explains eagerly.
Just then, a military soldier arrives on horseback, catching Eren and Aya off guard. The soldier swiftly dismounts and bows respectfully. "Mr. Yeager."
"How many times do I have to remind you that I'm Kruger now?" Eren grumbles. "What's the matter?"
"I'm here to deliver this to you." The soldier hands him a sealed letter. Eren takes the letter and pursues its contents. After reading it, he says, "Very well. Please return to Historia and inform her that I've received the letter. Wait for the reply too."
"Yes, sir." The soldier hops back onto the horse and rides off. Aya inquires, "What does it say?"
"It seems there's another food shortage in Stohess District, and Historia's seeking suggestions to address the issue," Eren explains with a sigh. "I might need some help with this."
Aya nods understandingly, "It's good to see Historia's leadership improving without anyone trying to manipulate her."
"Even though I feel obliged to assist her, considering I still retain memories of the past Founding Titan inheritors, particularly the memories of the former kings," Eren remarks solemnly.
Erich requests, "Hey, Dad, can we get something to eat? All that training has made me really hungry."
"Sure thing. There's some leftover food in the fridge. Let me warm it up for you," Eren replies as they head inside.
Armin and Annie cautiously emerge from the tree, and Armin remarks, "Even though they live here quietly, it seems Historia still has soldiers secretly meeting Eren and involved in political matters..."
"Given Eren's past as the Founding Titan, it's not entirely surprising," Annie adds.
At the same time, Mikasa and Jean arrive, bringing Carla along. Oblivious to Armin and Annie observing from a distance, they walk towards the house and knock on the door.
Eren opens the door and sighs, "I see you've come. Just the two of you?"
Jean responds, "We couldn't reach the others, but we brought our daughter with us."
Mikasa introduces Carla, saying, "Carla, this is Uncle Eren."
Carla timidly peeks out from behind Mikasa's leg, softly murmuring, "Hello..."
Eren's eyes widen in surprise, "You named your daughter after my mother? Why?"
"It was Mikasa's idea. She thought of using your name if we had a boy instead. Initially, I wasn't on board, but given what you've done, I thought it was fitting," Jean explains.
"Ah, I see," Eren nods, "Erich! Fay! Come here!"
Both children quickly approach, and Fay asks, "Yes, Papa?"
"This is Carla. Would you two mind taking her out to play with the other kids around here?" Eren suggests.
"Sure thing! Let's go!" Fay agrees enthusiastically.
Carla glances at her parents, who signal their approval before Erich and Fay whisk her away to join the other children in play. The four adults sit around the table, and Jean curiously asks, "What have you been doing here in the woods all these years?"
Eren responds, "I've been cultivating crops, hunting for meat, and once things settled, I started assisting in the districts as a doctor, providing aid to people with injuries and wounds. Historia also allowed me to visit an orphanage, where I'd tell stories and conduct health check-ups for the kids."
As Aya brings cups of tea to the table, Jean addresses her, "You're Aya, right? I feel like I've seen you before. Weren't you part of the Yeagerists who orchestrated the bombing of Premier Zachary?"
Aya sighs, "Yes, I was with the Yeagerists, influenced by Floch Foster. My motivation was simple. I wanted to learn more about Eren and detested those who neglected our own people. Honestly, when I saw Annie yesterday, I felt a strong urge to confront her just because she was a Warrior from Marley."
Eren intervenes, "I'm relieved you didn't act on that impulse, Aya. Explaining that would've been difficult." He then turns to Mikasa and Jean, cautioning them, "Aya particularly holds a strong disdain for former Warriors of Marley, so it might be best not to invite them here."
Mikasa nods, expressing understanding with a faint frown on her face.
Then Eren notices a bird flying outside and excuses himself momentarily. He walks over to the window and ties a letter to the bird's feet before it flies off. "Sorry about that," he says upon returning. "That's my pet bird, Freiheit. She's delivering a letter for me."
"It seems like you've found a happier life here," Jean remarks.
"Speaking of which, how have things been as peace ambassadors all this time? What's the situation with the other nations?" Eren inquires.
"It was initially tough, especially after everything you did. It took us months to calm things down and start negotiating peace. Fortunately, the queen sent reinforcements, which was a big help," Jean explains.
Eren sighs and then notices the scarf around Mikasa's neck, prompting him to ask, "You're still wearing that scarf?"
Mikasa responds, "I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it..."
"But why wear it again? You hadn't worn it since the attack in Liberio," Eren points out.
"Is there a reason not to?" Mikasa asks.
"No, not at all," Eren responds before turning to Jean, "How's everything with your family?"
"We're doing alright. But we've been wanting to ask more about what happened ten years ago," Jean says. "The letter you gave us, after reading it, we realized that if you hadn't attacked during that speech, it might have caused everyone to target our island. Why didn't you tell us about this speech before we planned to attack Marley?"
"There wasn't time for me, especially since I saw my death in the future, which wouldn't even last a month since the speech," Eren sighs deeply. "Marley already anticipated our attack during the speech. I did consider not attacking and observing the situation, but Marley had also planted bombs on the seats of those VIPs from other nations. They planned to kill them and then blame everything on us."
"And you're telling us this only now?" Mikasa questions.
"With the military losing trust in me, it didn't seem to matter whether I revealed it or not. As I mentioned yesterday, I was surrounded by soldiers who were aiming to attack me," Eren explains.
"But there might have been a chance if you had told us before trying to go off on your own," Jean points out.
Aya intervenes, "There's no way to turn back time. All we can do is move forward. By the way, your alliance, are they all here on Paradis Island? Or is it just the four of you?"
"Connie's staying in Ragako Village with his mother, while Reiner and Pieck are in Trost. Why do you ask?" Jean inquires.
"Have you told them about my husband being alive?" Aya asks. "If you do tell them, also inform them that neither Eren nor I will be meeting them after what they've done to us."
"But they've changed..." Mikasa murmurs, a hint of hesitation in her voice.
Eren nods, considering their conversation and adding more detail. "Yes, they've changed. But consider this, Mikasa. Even if the world were to know that I'm alive and changed, do you think they'd simply forgive me just like that?"
His words bear the weight of bitter truths, hanging in the air as Mikasa and Jean grapple with the complexity of the situation. "Just as the world holds resentment for me, I also harbor deep grievances toward them. Especially those responsible for my mother's death and the repeated destruction of Shiganshina. Orders or not, they were complicit," Eren elaborates with a mixture of pain and frustration.
Jean nods solemnly, his expression mirroring the conflict within. "Absolutely, I can't find it in myself to forgive them either. Not just for what they did to us, but also for taking Marco's life. Sometimes, I still find myself consumed by anger and avoidance towards them."
"It's good you understand," Eren responds empathetically. "As for the others living here with us: Katrina Strum and Peter Fischer are currently out fishing for seafood along the beach. They're ensuring our children have something substantial to eat. Meanwhile, Odom Wolff and Gloria Tybur are dedicating their time at the Reiss Orphanage, caring for the children there."
As Mikasa's eyes widen in concern, she interjects, "Wait, Tybur? You mean there's a member of the Tybur family residing with you presently?"
"Gloria despised her family vehemently. She made numerous attempts to seize the War Hammer Titan, unlike Willy Tybur. She genuinely cares for the Eldians in Marley and is a close friend of Yelena. Together, they plotted to manipulate blood test results," Eren explains. "My knowledge is limited up until 9 years ago, as I unintentionally caused her death during the attack in Liberio."
Aya chimes in, "Despite her demise, Gloria didn't hold Eren accountable for her death. Otherwise, she wouldn't have stayed here to lend us her support."
Before they can delve deeper into their discussion, Fay, Laura, and Wade rush into the room, tears streaming down their faces. "Papa!" Fay yells.
Alarmed, Eren asks, "What's wrong? Where's Erich?"
"It's Carla... she's been kidnapped by some people! Erich... he went to save her on his own!" Fay exclaims amidst sobs.
"What?" The gravity of the situation hits the adults, sending shockwaves through their group. Jean's voice rises in urgency, "Kidnapped? How did this happen?"
Mikasa grips her head, feeling a sense of dreadful déjà vu, while Eren's eyes widen in dismay. "Not again... Fay, take us to where they are," Eren commands, a sense of urgency gripping him.
Addressing Aya, Eren swiftly instructs, "Aya, contact the national military immediately and apprise them of the situation."
"Right away," Aya affirms, promptly leaving to make the call as the children lead the way to find Carla and Erich.
In this chapter, Eren and Aya share a moment of conversation with Mikasa and Jean, seemingly finding a bit of calm amidst their discussion. However, the emergence of Carla's kidnapping sets the stage for the next chapter. Erich is faced with the challenge of rescuing Carla, and the upcoming chapter will delve into how he plans to achieve this daunting task. I hope you enjoy this chapter.