Gal dispatched a small squadron centered around a battleship to attack the Soviet Army transport fleet bound for Hizuru.
He sent a battle report to the Marley Governorate to confirm that he was carrying out his orders, while leading his main force in the opposite direction, toward Paradis Island.
Enraged by the sudden attack, the Soviet Union formally declared war on Paradis Island.
When Erwin received news of the Soviet Union's declaration of war, his brows furrowed, and a vague unease stirred within him. Unable to put his worries to rest, he informed the man he trusted most, Levi, who had left the Military Corps long ago.
The Royal Capital, Ackerman Main Avenue.
"I heard a few things. Are you going to move against Eren?" Levi was wearing a sweater, looking comfortable and domestic, without his former sharpness and edge.
"Yes. We still haven't been able to change Eren's genocidal mindset, and he keeps refusing to communicate with the Military Corps. We can't afford that risk.
"Once we set a precedent for crimes against humanity, the Survey Corps will never be able to turn back. From then on, the way we handle internal conflicts will only become more and more extreme," Erwin said quietly, sitting beside him.
"What about Chen Si? How are you planning to deal with him?" Levi asked.
"For now, only the Cabinet's senior officials and a handful of the Military Corps' top officers know. Chen Si and the 104th Cadet Corps know nothing. I intend to keep it from them until the inheritance is complete. He might kill me afterward, but by then, the threat will be gone, and my task will be finished," Erwin said calmly.
"Have you thought about who will lead the Survey Corps after you die? I doubt Chen Si will want