Wall Rose, Survey Corps Headquarters, the parade ground.
The sun was setting, and the parade ground was packed with Survey Corps soldiers returning from leave. Everyone was discussing the upcoming Wall Maria Retaking Operation.
"This time, we have to retake Wall Maria! Take back the land we lost!"
"We'll definitely pull it off. We've got Captain Levi and Chen Si."
"But Eren's supposed to be the main force this time, right? That Titan kid."
Chen Si, Eren, Mikasa, and Armin had arrived early and were waiting around with nothing to do. They had no parents waiting for them at home, while Jean, Sasha, and the others were eager to see their families once more before reporting back.
Before long, Jean hurried over in his Survey Corps uniform.
"Hey, Jean, you've still got sauce all over your mouth," Chen Si reminded him.
"Must be left over from the omurice I just ate." Jean pulled a handkerchief from his waist and wiped his mouth. Seeing the stains on it, the corners of his lips lifted slightly.
"Your mom made it, right, Jean?" Eren asked.
"Yeah," Jean said happily.
"That sounds nice," Armin said wistfully.
"Why did you get here so early... you..." Jean paused, looking at the four of them. Only then did he remember that they were all orphans...
"Sorry," Jean added.
Chen Si was puzzled by Jean's sudden apology. He glanced at Eren, Mikasa, and Armin, then considered himself, and a wave of longing rose within him-not just for his own parents, but for Mikasa's parents and Carla, too.
Soon afterward, Connie, Mina, and Floch returned as well. Connie looked deeply miserable.
"My lord, setting up the branch within Wall Sina has gone smoothly. New believers are joining in a steady stream," Floch told Chen Si.
"Thank you for your