After signing the treaty, Tōjin Kiyomi happened to notice the bandage wrapped around Mikasa's wrist and could not help looking surprised.
"Then this meeting is adjourned. Minister Nile, I'll leave the accommodations for our guests from Hizuru to you," Historia said as she slowly rose.
As Historia stood, everyone else rose as well.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Nile replied.
Historia turned toward the door, glancing back at Chen Si. When he noticed and nodded, she left with her mind at ease. Ymir followed her out of the hall.
Waiting outside the door, Kenny leaned against the wall in utter boredom, yawning as he waited for Historia to come out.
Opposite Kenny, Tachibana Masao sat cross-legged on the floor, resting with his eyes closed. Neither man said a word.
Kenny narrowed his eyes slightly at the longsword on Tachibana Masao's back. This man seemed a little different from the other attendants, who carried pistols.
Creak. The doors slowly opened, and Historia stepped out.
Kenny lowered his foot from the wall. Tachibana Masao also stood and gave Historia a slight bow in accordance with etiquette. Historia nodded.
"Kenny, one of your apprentices is only ten this year, correct?" Historia asked.
"Hm? Yes," Kenny replied.
"First Minister Zackly," Historia called when she saw Zackly coming through the doors as well.
"Your Majesty." Zackly stopped.
"The children in Hizuru all attend school. They have schools where children can study, and I want to establish schools in our country. Kenny, send your apprentice to school," Historia ordered.
Zackly's brows furrowed slightly, his expression troubled. He wanted to ask where they could possibly find so much money to establish schools now. Education funding was no trifling matter. More than half their spending currently went to the military, and the rest went to Hange's Research Department.
Hearing this,