A Parent's Ambitions

As the ferry's whistle sounded, Yago, who had been away from Paradis Island for nearly three years, finally saw his true homeland again.

Unlike when I left, the once narrow port has now changed dramatically. Several large cargo ships are docked and ready to depart, along with many smaller cargo ships, all of which are trade vessels from countries outside the island.

Although most of the cargo ships belonged to the Hizuru, under the leadership of Hizuru, some island nations in the Orient also began to slowly start trading with Paradis Island.

Although it is not large in scale now, Yago knows that this is a big step for Paradis Island to reach the world.

In addition to these commercial vessels, the vast port also houses several Warships, which represent the newly developed naval forces on Paradis Island during this period. Perhaps the intelligence obtained from the Hizuru has made the high-ranking officials of Paradis Island take it seriously, so the military leadership, headed by Pyxis, has strongly supported the development of naval forces.

With the Fleet previously dispatched to the Marley Capital, Paradis Island now possesses a naval force that ranks among the best in the world.

As the ferry gradually entered the harbor, everyone on board rushed onto the deck.

Soldiers like Sasha, Jean, Connie, who had been away from Paradis Island for several months, naturally missed their hometown very much, and they all came to the railing to wave, cheer, and shout.

Many of the Restoration Army's core members, like Selina, looked on with curiosity, pointing and gesturing at Paradis Island. Clearly, seeing this Restoration Army island of demons, so renowned among the Marleyan, for the first time had surprised many of them.

Selina was slightly surprised as she looked at the seemingly endless Paradis Island. Paradis Island was much larger than she had imagined! It was hard to believe that there were millions of their Eldia compatriots on this island.

"What? Missing your father?" Yago smiled and patted Annie's hair. Annie touched her nose shyly, but it was indeed a long time since she had seen her father.

At this point, a wave of longing washed over Yago. "Mother, I'm back." After three years apart, the moment he saw the land of Paradis Island, the image of his mother Lucia, flashed into Yago's mind.

In the port, many workers have already started to get busy, directing temporarily moored ships to make way and preparing to receive ferry boats to dock.

Unbeknownst to Yago, while he was missing his mother, Lucia, she was waiting at the port along with many other families of Survey Corps Soldiers.

News of the Survey Corps' impending triumphant return had already spread throughout Paradis Island, and countless people were thrilled upon hearing the news. If it weren't for the limitations on the railway leading to the port, the entire port would probably be a scene of massive crowds welcoming them.

After discussion, the Parliament ultimately supported allowing the families of the Survey Corps Soldiers who had set out on this mission to go to the port to wait for them, as a way to comfort these honored Soldiers returning home.

Three years have passed, and a few more wrinkles have appeared on Lucia's face, but the longing in her eyes has only grown stronger. She has always been worried about Yago's safety. When Yago was about to leave Paradis Island for the unknown Marley, Lucia was so worried that she couldn't sleep for nights on end.

But Lucia didn't stop Yago, because she knew her child was grown up and it was time for him to spread his wings and fly. As a mother, she shouldn't interfere with Yago. All she could do was sincerely pray for her child's safety and that he could have delicious meals whenever he returned.

Lucia's small basket, slung over her arm, was filled with the sponge cakes she had made the night before and various desserts that Yago loved. Lucia had almost cried tears of joy when she learned a few days ago that Yago was coming back soon.

Originally, Eren's mother Carla, insisted on coming with Lucia to welcome the children, but Carla's leg had been injured before. Although she had recovered a lot, the journey from the Capital to the port was still a long one. Considering Carla's health, Lucia persuaded her Carla.

Finally, Lucia went to the port to greet the children, Carla stayed home to prepare a delicious meal for them.

As the ferry slowly docked in the harbor, Lucia's smile brightened. However, besides welcoming the children today, Lucia had another thought on her mind.

"Mr. Leonhardt, look at Annie and Yago, they're not getting any younger. Shouldn't we, as parents, start thinking about their future?"

Mr. Leonhardt, who was leaning on a cane, was taken aback, but quickly understood what Lucia meant. Lucia's elderly mother was quite concerned about her son's marriage, especially since Annie often came to visit Lucia when Yago was not on Paradis Island in recent years.

This made Lucia like Annie more and more. As Annie grew more and more beautiful, Lucia was worried for her son. She couldn't lose such a good daughter-in-law Annie.

When Lucia later learned that Annie had also left Paradis Island to find Yago, she felt a mix of worry and joy. Annie was truly devoted to Yago.

Besides welcoming her son, Lucia's main purpose in coming to greet Yago was to immediately bring Yago and Annie together. If that brat Yago was still so clueless and couldn't seize the opportunity, then even though Lucia loved Yago dearly, she had to teach him a lesson about discipline.

Mr. Leonhardt felt a pang of sadness. What father could accept giving away his precious child, whom he had raised for over a decade?

Even though his own little cabbage hopped and skipped into someone else's mouth, it still made Leonhardt's father heartbroken.

But what comforted Leonhardt was that Yago was someone his daughter could entrust her life to. The two children had practically grown up together; in theatrical terms, they could be considered childhood sweethearts.

Besides, his daughter Annie genuinely loves Yago, and even if he's reluctant to let her go, Leonhardt will still smile and wish his daughter and Yago well.

"Mrs. Lucia, you're right. The two children are getting on in years; it's time for them to settle down. I think this matter should be addressed as soon as possible."

Lucia's eyes lit up. "My dear in-law, you're absolutely right! I think we should hurry up and get engaged. How about we do it tomorrow?"

Mr. Leonhardt: "..."

They've even invited her in-laws; it seems Lucia's mother is really anxious.

However, our protagonist Yago, was completely unaware of the two family members' discussion about their child's marriage; he was happily watching Connie and Jean arm wrestle.