Chapter 58 - The trial (2/2)
”Hmm? Please continue.”
”Yes. Since in the future, Eren's capability will be tested regardless, it's better to conduct a test when security is at its maximum. My Survey Corps is willing to take that risk.”
”You have a point. Please continue.”
”Though this may not necessarily be of the highest importance. We should note that Cadet Armin Alert and Cadet Eren Yeager are the adopted sons of the Trost's Heroes, Karl Ackermann, Mikan Ackermann, and Alfred Alert. If it is known that one of their sons is being accused without a fair trial, things might just get out of hand once the words get out.”
Murmurs began to spread throughout the courtroom. If what Erwin said was the truth, that would spell trouble for the Military Police.
In fact, it's not that the Military Police is trying to use Eren for themselves. They're genuinely wanting to protect the wall and its people. This was all due to Athanatos' effort, and after he reformed the entire country, the Military Police had been fully concentrating on protecting the citizens rather than corruption.
This was why the judge had been leaning onto the Military Police's side, rather than the Survey Corps. But Erwin's words became the game-changer. This now meant that they would need to take things more seriously and give Eren a chance unless they wanted to bear on the full brunt of hatred from the Trost's Heroes.
*Bam*
Suddenly... the courtroom gate was opened, and with that, a group of 7 people walked in... in slow motion. 3 of the people among the group was in the uniform of the Survey Corps, indicating that the other 4 is also affiliated with them.
At that moment, the judge, Darius Zackly's face began to pale with a color so white, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him a corpse.
Some of the noblemen and merchants, who are now 'good' people, also had a big reaction. Contrary to the scared expression that the judge had shown, these people's face was blooming with excitement.
Trying to keep his cool, the judge cried out while shivering uncontrollably, ”Everyone! The trial is over. Eren is now in the custody of the Survey Corps. No need for further discussion! Goodbye!”
With that, he ran out to the back door as if he was being chased down by the grim reaper himself.
Everyone suddenly got quiet. Most expected the judge to be furious and kicked the group out, but instead... they got this. Why?
”Hey come back! Why are you running away! I still need you for something!”
And fortunately, or unfortunately, it seemed that the reason why the judge ran away came in the form of the boy in front of them.
As to what did Athanatos do to make the judge feels so miserable? That would be a sad story to tell for another day.
Meanwhile, on where the influential resided, a group of people was chattering among themselves. These people were the 'good' people, that for some reason, suddenly had a change of heart more than a year ago. Though out of necessity, they aren't using their 'real' names and instead were using their alias, which were actually used to be real names.
”Is that Zero?” (Joe Mamma 37)
”Yes, that is Zero.” (Joe Mamma 14)
”Praise Zero, for he is the most benevolent.” (Joe Mamma 68)
”I trust his decision. It seemed like he is with the Survey Corps, let's support them.” (Joe Mamma 11)
Thankfully, it wasn't too long before they convinced (not threatened) the Military Police of not opposing Athanatos, or who they referred to as Zero.
”Hey Eren, why are you on the ground? Come on get up!” Athanatos said while walking toward Eren.
”Thana-kun... you're here...” Eren's eyes were teary. His friends came for him, and thanks(?) to him, he was finally a free man. He was extremely grateful, but then he realized he was chained and couldn't get up. Thinking that Athanatos was coming for him, he relaxed.
But then Athanatos turned left and walked toward Armin.
”...” Eren turned speechless. '*Sigh*, I guess I will still be chained for a while then. Well, at least I won't be used for experimental purposes.'
Arriving at the Survey Corps, Athanatos didn't even give a glance at others.
”Hey Armin, I saw what you did there. Good job.” Athanatos spoke with encouraging words. Armin who heard that, was relieved that he was being recognized, but then he realized that if Athanatos just walked in, then how did he even saw his speech?
”Huh? Thanks, I guess, hahaaha.” Armin laughed wryly, but in his mind, he was rolling his eyes. 'God... I wanna go home already.'
Armin then saw that Athanatos raised his arm toward him. He thought that he was probably going to get a slap or something. He resigned himself to his fate, but then realized he didn't do anything wrong. If he didn't do anything wrong, why should he be weak?
Straighten his back, he looked straight into Athanatos's, but he was still slightly nervous. However, instead of receiving a slap, he saw Athanatos' eyes turned serious. It was times like these that he actually speak properly.
”I'm not joking Armin. You stood up for Eren. That's good. Your grandpa would be proud of you. And I'm proud of you as a friend.” Athanatos was actually praising Armin! He did not receive a slap, but was given a pat on the shoulder, signifying that Athanatos was actually satisfied by his performance.
Armin's turned blank. This was unusual. The Troll God was praising him for real, not just a joke.
”... thanks.”
”Hahahaha. It should be me who said thank you. I didn't do much, you solved almost everything on your own. Good job. Keep it up and maybe you will get a girlfriend one day.” Athanatos said encouragingly, before whispering something.
”Look behind you, there are already some eyeing on you. Good luck *wink*”
”Huh?” Hearing Athanatos' words, Armin turned around. Expecting to see a bunch of hotties looking at him, he saw a bunch of old middle-aged man instead.
”Kiddo, those are some nice muscles.” (Soldier 1)
”You should join the Survey Corps! You got guts! Join and you will get more muscles!” (Soldier 2)
”Muscles!!” (Soldier 3)
Inside Armin's mind, he was mentally crying.
'F**k my life. I ain't gay.'
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”Levi. Why were you late to the courtroom? Things have almost taken a bad turn. But I'm glad it turned out alright and we didn't have to make that boy 'suffer', I'm sure you won't like it either.”
”... I was drugged...”
”Huh?”
”Erwin... don't mess with that boy, especially if he ever given you any food or drink. Refuse at all costs. You will thank me later.”
Looking at Levi's appearance, you can tell that he had gotten some good sleep that the dark circles around his eyes are gone. But instead of feeling happy, Erwin saw that Levi was actually quite angry, with a hint of being traumatized by something.
And whatever Levi experienced, Erwin should also definitely avoid at all cost. Whatever happened that day, would be another story for another day.
Trust me... even the author wouldn't want find out what happened to Levi.