"Captain Magath is reportedly about to sign an armistice with the Mid-East Allied Forces. There probably won't be any fighting for the next two years, so you can go home and spend some time with your family, Reiner," Zeke said slowly.
"Thank you, Warrior Commander. As for my Armored Titan..." Reiner trailed off.
"Barring any surprises, the successor will be chosen from Gabi and Falco. None of the other Warrior candidates have performed as well as those two so far. From here on, the decision will mainly depend on their individual achievements." Zeke adjusted his glasses as he explained.
"Achievements..."
"Still, although this mission failed, the military doesn't intend to end your term early."
"Really?!" Reiner asked, pleasantly surprised. It wasn't because he could live another two years, but because he didn't want Gabi to inherit the Armored Titan and be left with only thirteen years to live.
"That's mainly because of a newcomer. He's also the reason I came to see you. Come with me." Zeke adjusted his glasses, his voice filled with apprehension.
Puzzled, Reiner followed Zeke to the edge of the encampment, where he saw a boy who looked about fifteen or sixteen. He stood roughly six feet tall, with reddish-brown hair and the broad, square face that seemed to run in the Galliard family.
"Marcel!" Reiner cried out the moment he saw Roald, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.
Roald's gaze was cold. When he saw Reiner, he said slowly, "Long time no see, Reiner."
Reiner's pupils contracted. "You're still alive... no! That's impossible! Who are you?!"
"Reiner, he's a new Warrior, a natural-born Titan. The third son of the Galliard family, Roald Galliard. This year, he should be... uh... two years old." Zeke hesitated as he looked at Roald.
"Reiner Braun. You took Porco's