Family Crest
When Higashito Kiyomi Azumabito learned that the Iceburst Stone did indeed originate from Paradis Island and that the island possessed a vast quantity of them, her eyes seemed to light up.
With the guarantee of the Iceburst Stone, the Hizuru was able to fully support Paradis Island, but the Hizuru still had conditions.
"The Hizuru wants an exclusive partnership? Miss Qingmei, what do you mean?" Pyxis asked, frowning.
Kiyomi Azumabito nodded and said, "This means that your island's future Iceburst Stone resources will only be provided to our Hizuru. In return, our Hizuru will send our top Scientist to help your island develop technology and improve your island's military strength."
Prime Minister Zackly stroked his beard and looked at the Kiyomi Azumabito, saying, "Is this considered a monopoly? Miss Qingmei, you should know that in the law recently passed by our Parliament, merchants who attempt to monopolize businesses will be sentenced to death by hanging."
Kiyomi Azumabito remained calm. "Prime Minister, you seem unaware of the situation outside the island, don't you? Although Marley currently at war with two major Middle East powers, both sides harbor ill will towards the Eldians. If they were to learn about the precious Iceburst Stone resources on Paradis Island, I'm afraid..."
Kiyomi Azumabito didn't continue, but everyone understood what she meant: the technological strength of countries outside the island far surpasses that of Paradis Island, which is rich in resources but weak in strength, those countries probably wouldn't have any good intentions.
Erwin looked up and asked, "Is the Hizuru also willing to help our Paradis Island?"
Kiyomi Azumabito was somewhat surprised, not expecting the question from the Officer from Paradis Island to be so clever. So Kiyomi Azumabito also frankly said, "No, even within our Hizuru, there are differences of opinion, but many families, led by our Azumabito, support your island."
However, there are opponents within the country, so we need your support so that we can both benefit.
Kiyomi Azumabito's words were very straightforward and made it clear: Paradis Island needed help, and her Azumabito also needed the Iceburst Stone resources to solidify their position in the country.
After a brief, quiet discussion with Prime Minister Zackly, Erwin, representing Paradis Island, responded, "In the future, Paradis Island is willing to provide Iceburst Stone resources to countries that maintain peaceful and friendly relations with Paradis Island."
The statement wasn't entirely definitive, but everyone present understood that, currently, only the Hizuru was willing to cooperate amicably with Paradis Island.
The two sides hit it off immediately, and the ensuing conversation was very relaxed and pleasant. However, this was a political meeting between high-level officials, and Historia, sitting on the Throne, and Yago and Eren on the other side were all in a daze.
After agreeing on some details, Kiyomi Azumabito brought up another purpose for the trip.
Soon, a bewildered Mikasa was led to the conference room.
Yago looked at Eren with a hint of mockery, while Eren looked completely bewildered by his gaze.
When Kiyomi Azumabito saw Mikasa, she covered her mouth in surprise.
After Mikasa groggily bowed to the higher-ups, she saw a strange woman lunge at her. Ackerman's extraordinary reflexes allowed Mikasa to quickly dodge Kiyomi Azumabito.
Kiyomi Azumabito wasn't embarrassed. Instead, with tears in her eyes, she said, "So alike, so very alike! He's practically a carbon copy of the General." As she spoke, Kiyomi Azumabito took out a neatly folded black cloak from a box Three Interwoven Samurai Swords.
When Mikasa saw the symbol, her breathing became erratic; it was a mark her Mother had left behind.
"Miss, have you seen this Family Crest before?" Kiyomi Azumabito asked hopefully.
Mikasa hesitated for a moment, but Eren recognized it first, pointing to the Family Crest and saying, "Mikasa, isn't that the mark on your wrist? You showed it to me before."
A hush fell over the words. Kiyomi Azumabito stared at Eren with some surprise. Had Eren seen this mark before? Did he know what it meant?
Mikasa's face flushed slightly, but her left hand was already pressing down on the bandage wrapped around her right wrist.
Seeing Mikasa's hesitant expression, Eren said, "Mikasa, what's wrong? Isn't this the same mark you have? Open it and compare. Didn't you say it was left to you by your mother?"
Yago couldn't help but secretly stomp on Eren's foot, then pulled Eren away, while giving the other men present a wink, and they made way for Mikasa.
Mikasa then unwrapped the bandage on her wrist with a sigh of relief.
Ignoring Kiyomi Azumabito's exclamation behind him, Yago looked at Eren, whose face was full of resentment, and then unceremoniously tapped Eren on the head again.
As he grew older, Eren looked more and more like the Big Eren, except that his face lacked the Big Eren's decadence, gloom, and despair.
As Fate Titan has seen the future, Yago has a heavy burden on his shoulders. Because of his dissatisfaction with Big Eren who passed the burden on, Yago can only take it out on Eren in the present. Of course, even though Yago took the burden voluntarily, it doesn't stop Yago from venting his anger.
Eren, who had been hit, was naturally extremely dissatisfied. Eren grabbed Yago's collar and whispered, "Yago! That's enough! Have you been on fire lately? Why are you always targeting me? Even that stinky horse-faced guy isn't as bad as you!"
Yago looked at the furious Eren and grinned wickedly, "What? Eren's not happy about it? Fine, if you're so tough, beat me up to vent your anger. If you won't beat me up, I'll beat you up to vent my anger."
Eren gritted his teeth and yelled, "Temee!" Although he was furious, Eren really couldn't beat Yago, whether in human form or Titan form.
In human form, Yago, Fusion the fighting techniques of Annie and Mikasa, could easily defeat ten Eren. In Titan form, the Fate Titan's agility and bone claws Ackerman, capable of cutting through Hardening like mud, leave the Attack Titan far behind.
Eren's impotent rage gave Yago a sense of satisfaction, but Yago also reminded Eren, "Eren, if you have the chance, ask Kiyomi Azumabito Mikasa what it means when Mikasa shows a boy her family crest."
Eren was taken aback. "Huh? What does that mean?"
Yago shrugged and said, "Want to know? Go ask him yourself."
Eren turned his head and looked at Mikasa, who had her head down, with a puzzled expression on his face.
On the other hand, Mikasa didn't like Kiyomi Azumabito at all. Although the other party seemed sincere with tears in her eyes, Mikasa wasn't a naive little girl. After learning the details from Historia, Mikasa immediately lost her goodwill towards Kiyomi Azumabito group.
These people are probably just using their supposed status as the orphans of a general as an excuse.
So Mikasa decisively refused their request to welcome her back to Hizuru. Paradis Island was her home, where the people she cared about most were. Mikasa looked at Eren, Eren seemed to feel Mikasa's gaze as well. Their eyes met, then quickly looked away, and no one knew what they were thinking.
Yago walked to the conference room window and looked at the scenery outside, but unexpectedly saw a scene that made him smile.
A Blonde girl in Omni-Directional Mobility Gear sat on a rooftop not far away, holding a dessert given to her by someone, seemingly waiting for someone.