Chapter Text
"They are having a ball?" Princess Hange was brushing her medium long brown hair as her sisters, princesses Ymir and Sasha, were telling her about the Reiss Kingdom and their new upcoming ball.
"Yes! Brother Mike just came with the announcement! Oh my how I love these events and all the glorious, scrumptious, mouth-watering food!" Sasha was salivating just thinking about all the food that would be served.
Ymir rolled her eyes, while Hange just chuckled at their gluttonous sister.
"That is the only reason you like to go to a ball. Why not find interest in some other hobby instead?" Ymir retorted at Sasha, who seemed to not care at all.
"Like you?" Sasha looked at Ymir smugly. Ymir widened her eyes for a split second before glaring back at Sasha.
"What is that supposed to mean?!" Ymir seemed to be ready to pounce at the younger brunette.
"Oh you know, this and that. Some things are gold, some are blue, if you get what I mean." Ymir's cheeks reddened a bit, knowing well what she meant.
"Why you little-!" Ymir was just about to choke Sasha --who was just trying to contain her laughter while still teasing her older sister-- when Hange finally decided to interfere.
"Alright, alright, I do not want you both killing each other over a silly bicker, not to mention, it would be a stupid way to die." Hange held back Ymir whose hands were stretched out to grab Sasha, while Sasha was sprawled out on Hange's bed, laughing.
"Besides, let us just look forward to that ball. Regardless of what we want we have to go because mother and father would not have it any other way." Hange spoke again, now hugging Ymir's head to her chest, petting it, which Ymir found both weird and comforting.
Hange was an overly affectionate older sister to the two, as well as Mike but she had a flair for being a bit over dramatic and sometimes being a little unhinged. When angry, Hange becomes a completely different person, to the point the soldiers, servants, and maids usually try to stay as far away from Hange for fear of her. Hange is usually very poised and mature. As the older sister, she feels it is her duty to be a role model for her younger sisters. She would do anything for their happiness.
Sasha slowly approached to sit beside Hange and laid her head on the older sister's shoulder.
"But Hange, I thought you did not like these events? You said it was a desperate attempt for mother and father to set us up with princes and get us married. And that it is a waste of time."
Hange stretched her right hand to hug Sasha from the side while Ymir continued to rest the back of her head on Hange's chest while Hange continued petting her. Both sisters had a huge admiration for Hange, they loved their older sister a lot, she was like a second mother to them.
"And I still do. But we will have to do it someday and better if we meet them on our own through social gatherings such as these. I rather this than you two being forced to marry someone you barely know and out of benefit."
Hange thought back into the conversation she had with Mike two months ago. Their father, the King, with the backing of their mother the Queen, and the court counsel, wanted to create an alliance with the Jaeger Kingdom and although not all the details are known, one of her theories was an alliance through marriage. If that was the case, then that would mean either her or one of her other sisters would be forced to marry with one of the Jaeger brothers. All this commotion due to their common enemy, the Ackermans.
One thing she knew is that both Jaeger brothers were unmarried. One is a few years older than her while the other one is around Sasha's age. She had only met them a few times. Her younger sisters had probably met them more often than her. This matter was bugging her. And she was hoping that going to this ball, the girls would finally find someone who is worthy enough to wiggle their way inside their hearts.
Although Hange was not much of a romantic, it is not like she did not know the implications of it. She was more into science, the stars, the sun and moon, the earth, nature itself. She was much different when she was younger. Messy and acted very tomboyish. But then time passed, and she matured. She became or tried to become the definition of a "lady".
She gave props to Freida Reiss, who always spewed these things to her own siblings. Considering she's the eldest of 6 siblings. She always has to be perfect and poised. She is the definition of the perfect princess.
She was not that close to Freida Reiss. They met a couple of times, mostly during a ball, sometimes for "friendly" visits or that is what her mother would call them. She is rather nice but way too serious. And they did not have much in common, so conversations sometimes would fall short. Her mother would press her into becoming very acquainted with Freida, but it just did not do much.
And honestly, she was not fond of going over there often. Most of the family were rather entitled and a tad too overdramatic. Both the sons and daughters, with the exception of Freida and perhaps Historia, however she had seen the younger sister raise her voice at the servants plenty of times. But compared to what the other siblings have done in Hange's presence, Historia was basically a saint. Not to mention the extremely obnoxious Queen and the narcissistic King.
Their maid knocked on her bedroom door and Hange told her to come in. "Your highness…" The maid entered and bowed before looking up. "OH! All your highnesses are here. Pardon me, but dinner is served."
Sasha was the first one to get up, "Yay!" She jumped off the bed, and slowly, the other two started getting up.
"Well, we can talk about all of this later, let us eat." And they all followed the maid and Sasha to their dining hall.
-
"No, I am not going." Prince Levi was drinking his afternoon tea along with his cousin, Princess Mikasa and their uncle and King, Kenny.
"Neither am I." Mikasa followed Levi's response to Kenny's request. Both of them express the same bored expression that they always carry.
"Oh, come on children! You have to go. This is not a suggestion by all means, it is a requirement. You need to find someone suitable to marry and it also talks a whole lot about our image as a kingdom. Nothing more to say to the only two heirs to the throne." Kenny explained, grabbing his cup of tea before taking a sip of it.
Kenny had just told them about the ball taking place in the Reiss Kingdom two weeks from today. And apparently, every surrounding royal family and noble families were invited. In retrospect, Levi believed they usually only do it to show their power and fortune over the three other Kingdoms. Being the neutral Kingdom among the big four Kingdoms really seemed to get to their head.
Levi had visited the Kingdom very few times along with Kenny, excluding the many extravagant balls that had taken place there, which he attended only about 4 of them in total. Everyone there behaved like a pompous snob, with the exception of their eldest daughter.
When he first visited the Kingdom, King Uri was still ruling. The man was really generous, and the kingdom was thriving. His uncle and Uri were practically best friends, along with his other uncle Kai Ackerman, who is Mikasa's late father. Levi was 14 at the time and Mikasa was 5.
The second time he was there was for King Uri's funeral. He remembered seeing his uncle Kenny, for the first time, shed a tear. It did not make it better that his uncle Kai, along with his aunt Aiko had died only 7 months later, passing the crown to his uncle and his mother Kuchel as well as taking in Mikasa who at that time was only 8 and he was 17.
The third time he was there, he went with his best friend Furlan Church. Furlan was a duke in the Church family. His uncle had asked Levi to visit the Reiss in his stead to maintain good relationships and he decided to take Furlan along with him. Little did Levi know, Furlan would fall in love with princess Frieda. The guy turned into a complete cheesy fool, completely enamored with the eldest Reiss daughter.
Before Levi knew it, Furlan would visit more often and only in the beginning did he drag Levi with him. Ironically, Furlan was charming enough because the princess did fall for him. Furlan was now courting Frieda. Have been together for 3 years and now was hoping to ask the Reiss king for his daughter's hand in marriage. And as far as Levi knew, Rod Reiss would probably say no because he wanted Frieda to marry a prince, not a duke.
During a ball the Reiss had thrown, where Furlan would stare at Frieda from afar, they met Princess Isabel. Although a niece to the queen of the Jaegers, she wasn't anything like them. In fact, it is probably one of the only good things to happen at one of these gatherings. Isabel was like a little sister to him. Not to mention they met her when he was 19, Furlan 18, and Isabel 15. They quickly became a trio, and Isabel completely disregarded any tensions their families could have.
After meeting Isabel, Levi stopped going to the Reiss Kingdom altogether. All three of them would meet at his kingdom, talk, ride horses, and just have a good time in general. Levi felt like he had met all the people he would ever need. Besides his friends, Mikasa, his uncle and his mother, he did not believe he needed more people in his life.
"If that's an order then why ask in the first place?" Levi asked while taking another sip of his tea.
Kenny just chuckled, "I thought for once you two would actually agree without me having to order you to go. However, you two are as stubborn as ever, so now it is an order. Besides, Levi you are not getting any younger and Mikasa, you are getting older and seeing your age, says a lot about my life clock and Kuchel's."
Mikasa interjects, "Then why do you not have a child? You still can. Get your own heir and leave us out of it."
Kenny just shakes his head in disappointment, "Children please, I am too old for that. You both are going to the forsaken ball and that is final. You are going to meet a suitable companion and then marry. Take the crown and produce heirs. May I remind you Mikasa that this crown in my possession belongs to you and Levi. Anyways, I will leave you now to your peaceful teatime."
Kenny then gets up, finishing his cup of tea, and leaves down the corridor of the castle, leaving Levi and Mikasa sitting down on the veranda, sipping on their tea.
"Ugh, Levi do we really have to go? I do not like the Reiss family. I do not like their palace. And I especially do not want to be forced to marry anyone." Mikasa glanced at him, drinking his tea with a bored expression before answering her.
"You heard Kenny. Besides, if we do not go, he will be up our asses. Going to this one, may just calm him down for a while." Then he poured himself more tea.
"But they are so boring. I do not have anyone I could be around. At least when you go, you have your friends." She tapped her fingers on her cup, thinking about how she will be either sitting or standing for hours while everyone else is just conversing away.
Levi, not looking up from his cup, "Then take someone with you. What about that Leonhart girl, Annie? You are friends with her. Even better since she is a knight of ours, she will be able to scare any suitors who try to come close to you."
Mikasa's head looked up from her cup. 'Yea, that's right!' And with that thought, Mikasa got up. "You are right, thanks Levi." Then she ran out of the corridor to another part of the palace.
-
"Ugh, not another ball." Prince Eren was fencing with his best friend Prince Armin when Zeke interrupted them by announcing the ball that the Reiss Kingdom will be having in two weeks.
"Now Eren, father wants you and me to go. He believes it would be a good place to find a suitable companion. Either that, or he may just force you into an arranged marriage."
Eren rolled his eyes at his older brother. They always made Eren go to these unnecessary events, like the ball. He did not like them. He thought since Zeke is next in line for the throne, that Eren would not have to worry about marrying yet.
He turned towards Armin and asked him, "Are you going?" Armin shrugged, "My older siblings always make me go. My parents are not pressuring me to marry yet as I have two older sisters and an older brother who they worry about more."
Eren sighed, 'At least I will have company.' Making the most of a boring situation in his mind. "Fine. I will go. Not like I had much choice."
This made Zeke smile, he always liked it when his little brother would accompany him. He also wanted Eren to meet a nice damsel. He would rather have his little brother happy and in love than have him shackled to a marriage that was decided against his own will. Eren is a free spirit. He liked to soar his wings and take off wherever life took him. And Zeke knew that Eren in an arranged marriage will only suffer and feel caged.
"Great then, I will let the tailors know so as to make our suits right away." And then Zeke left out of the yard into the corridors leading to the inside of the palace. They could still hear him as he stopped to call one of the servants.
"So Eren, why do you not like to go to these events anymore? I remember when we were younger, you used to look forward to these sorts of events. But ever since we were 10, you stopped enjoying them. And whenever I ask you about it, you are always like 'I am just too old for them.' So what is the actual reason?"
Turning to look at Armin, Eren was not expecting him to ask him that. Eren groaned as he got tired of answering Armin this question over the years. There was an actual reason why, but it would be a reason he would take to the grave. He did not like talking about it and very few people knew the actual reason. Nobody, in his circle, not his family, not even his closest friends knew about it, including Armin.
He always thought about telling Armin as he was practically a brother to him. But decided against it. "I told you, it is not my thing anymore. We all grow out of things as we get older. An extravagant ball is just not my cup of tea. Besides, I also do not want to go because I do not want to have to let Historia down. I noticed she is smitten by me."
Armin putting his fencing sword down and sitting on the bench by the beautiful magnolia trees, decides to put his input, "Well, Historia is a very beautiful and kind lady. She's very poised and obedient, with an occasional joke or two, she is not boring to be around. Your father and mother would definitely want you to marry her."
"Of course, my parents would approve of her, not to mention she is a daughter from the Reiss Kingdom. But I do not see her that way. She is more of a friend, even a sister you could say." Eren responds, stabbing his fencing sword through the grass and dirt, leaning against the sword.
"Well, if not Historia then who? Any of her sisters? Or perhaps you are interested in princess Sasha or Ymir? What about Duchess Pieck? Or Duchess Hitch? Or what about the princesses in the northern Kingdoms? Or are you interested in the older princesses like Frieda, Hange, Petra who is not your cousin by blood or even my sisters Nanaba and Yelena? Although I have to warn you, Nanaba is engaged, and Yelena has a strange preference for your older brother. I also heard the rumor, as I visit here quite often, that your family is preparing for an alliance with the Zacharias. Which could only mean in marriage so that mea-"
Eren interrupted Armin's rambling as he said the last part. "Hold it, what?! How do you know that? I don't even know that!"
"Well, I overheard the maids talking about it as well as the servants. Your father and mother are planning an alliance with the Zacharias Kingdom. And the only way this could happen is through marriage."
As Armin finished explaining, Eren started thinking of the implications of what this could mean but then remembered the ball and why Zeke was very insistent for him to go.
As Eren continued to think, Armin realized what Eren might be thinking, "Eren, I do not think that you are the one the King and Queen will insist on an arranged marriage."
Pulling him out of his thoughts, Eren looked at Armin a bit astonished, "You think?" Armin responds with a nod before following with a response, "Yes, I believe the best course of action here would be that Zeke be arranged to a marriage with one of the Zacharias daughters."
Sighing in relief, Eren began to relax a bit before Armin continued with a finger to his chin as he thought it out loud, "However, Zeke could refuse the marriage and then you would be forced to marry one of the Zacharias' daughters."
Eren started to panic again on the inside and Armin noticed the expression on his face before reassuring him, "But he could not. Anyhow, it is only rumors for now, so nothing is sure yet."
They both became silent. Letting the summer breeze relax them from the conversation that had caused panic to the brunet.
Armin got off the bench, grabbed his fencing sword again and approached Eren, putting himself into a fencing position, "Shall we?"
Eren pulled out the fencing sword he stuck inside the ground and then proceeded to get into his own fencing position, "En-garde, pret, allez!"
-
"Pardon me, you want me to do what?" Annie was flabbergasted at what the princess was asking of her.
"Accompany me to the ball. Not as my knight or soldier, but as my company. I will get you a nice dress to wear, I will let my maids tend to you, and you will be by my side the entire time."
Mikasa had just ran up to Annie, springing this to onto her, which took Annie off-guard. Annie is actually the only friend Mikasa really has, besides Annie's younger sister, so it seemed like the perfect person to accompany her.
"But your highness, I am but your knight. I have duties of my own as well. I cannot just leave it and go play princess with you; besides I am also a peasant. I do not fit in that world." Annie emphasized the word "that" to make a point.
Mikasa rolled her eyes when hearing Annie call her 'your highness'. Mikasa and Annie were very close, practically like sisters, so Annie always calls her by her actual name. Annie only calls her by title for one of three reasons, one to emphasize their social classes, two, if they were in front of other higher-class guests, or three, when trying to get out of anything Mikasa wants to drag Annie in again.
"Oh, please Annie, Levi is the one who suggested it, so you cannot get into any trouble by coming with me. And as long as I go to the ball, my uncle will not mind as to who I bring as company."
Annie started thinking of many excuses in her head, really not wanting to go, "What about Zofia? Yes! It would be oh so unfair for my little sister to watch her older sister enjoy luxuries while she stayed behind, completing her duties."
"Oh, we will bring her along! She is my maid-in-waiting, so really, she will not be doing much after we leave, the more the merrier." Mikasa now looked right at Annie as she saw that Annie was thinking of another excuse. She raised an eyebrow at the blonde knight before interrupting her thoughts.
"No more excuses Annie, it is settled, you and Zofia are accompanying me and Levi to the Reiss ball in two weeks." Annie sighed, realizing defeat she just nodded along.
"So why do you need company anyways? And why is the King making you go?"
Now it was Mikasa's turn to sigh as she remembered the reason she had to go in the first place. "Kenny is pressuring Levi and I to go so as to find a suitor and get married, so that one of us already takes the crown from him. He feels too old for all this and just wants one of us to take it off his hands."
"Should he not be pressuring Levi more as he is a male heir? He is also much older as well." Annie wonders why Mikasa is also being pressured.
Mikasa shrugs her shoulders, "Kenny does not care who takes it, whether it is Levi or I, he wants one of us to just take it. I mean we are the only heirs to the throne."
Annie nods in understanding and then proceeds with her next question, "Understandable, but why do you need company?"
Mikasa looked to the side before responding, "I am usually alone in these sociable events. Levi on the other hand, has his friends always there, leaves me alone but keeps an eye on me from a distance."
Annie looking straight at Mikasa, could tell that she wasn't telling her something. Although Mikasa tried to keep a normal demeanor, she did seem a little tense.
"Another thing, as far as I have been serving under you and your family, I have not seen you go to a ball at all. The only thing I have seen you do, is visit certain kingdoms, with your uncle or aunt. And even visit your distant family from your mother's side. Even all of those are not done often. But never something as a ball or sociable event with many people gathered in one place."
Continuing to look elsewhere, Mikasa became even more tense and it made Annie worry that there was something much bigger than she was leaving out.
"I just do not feel very up to going to such events. Levi does not go either. This time it is only because of the insistence of my uncle."
Looking visibly at Mikasa, Annie could tell she felt uncomfortable talking about it, and even though Annie is one to just leave things be and not pressure on, it kept bugging her, "Mikasa is there something you are not telling me?"
Mikasa snapped her head towards Annie's direction, eyes a bit wide but then turned into a sad look. And that was enough to tell Annie to stop. Mikasa was not one to show sadness like that in front of anyone.
"It's fine if you do not want to tell me. I will not ask again."
Looking down, Mikasa stayed quiet for a moment, before speaking, "It is something personal, not something I share lightly. Maybe one day I will let you know but right now, I would rather you respect my privacy."
Annie nodded in respect. Then Mikasa completely snapped out of her upset mood, surprising Annie on the spot.
"Well, let us go see Zofia and tell her the news, I am sure she would like to play princess for a day." Annie just scoffed at her and followed as the princess started walking towards another room to where her younger sister was currently at.
-
After dinner, Hange went to take a walk through their garden. Looking up to the sky as the sun set. Every day after dinner she would take a walk through their beautiful garden, look at the sunset and just think about everything that happened throughout the day. Today the biggest news was of the ball the Reiss Kingdom was having. Although they always have multiple ones, they are usually exclusive to certain guests.
This one, however, is very much open to everyone, with high class status of course. So, if someone such as nobles or Ackermans for example decided to go, they were openly invited. Not that the Reiss excluded the Ackermans from other invitations, but during such events involving both the Zacharias and Jaegers in the same event, they usually would not get an invitation.
Hange has never seen the Ackerman in one before, in fact she believes she never even met an Ackerman at all. Her parents have seen the Ackermans, and her brother Mike has only met their current King.
All Hange knew was that they had only two notable heirs, the daughter of the previous king and queen, and the son of the current queen.
She always heard rumors of them being rather nasty people. Always, using others for their own gain, very greedy, treating their staff worse than horse dung, always causing wars, killing those who cause them even a slight dislike, overall, very dangerous people.
This rumor could apply to other well-known Kingdoms she knows. At this point, Hange had mostly concluded that all of that is just rumors made by their enemies, including her family.
It did not matter to her anyways. She found this whole rivalry between all their families to be rather mundane. Hange loved to meet new people, and she hoped that one day she could meet them. More so to disprove the rumors.
She mostly remembers a rumor that happened 9 years ago, about one particular Earl found dead after the birthday ball of princess Frieda. Some speculated he had taken his own life, some speculated he was murdered. And then the Jaeger family started a rumor that it was most likely that the Earl had been murdered by the Ackermans. Her family ate it up, as they continued to agree with it and spread this rumor. But there was no way to confirm it.
This only grew tension between the families. Hange was honestly sick of it. If she ever got to the throne, one of the first changes she would make is to end this feud between their families.
Hange was now walking by a beautiful bush filled with pink and white roses. And then her mind went back to the ball 9 years ago. One of her most memorable moments was when she bumped into a handsome man. Shorter than her but otherwise was very captivating. He insulted her for dropping her drink on his well-tailored suit. He glared at her, was rude to her and yet it was weird how she did not feel insulted at all.
When other people saw her, they always tried to kiss up, or bow to her, even apologizing on her behalf even though it was her fault. So, this encounter was new to her. And she liked that he held her accountable for her actions.
He was the first "real" person she has met in a long time. And yet, she never ever saw him again. She would forget about the encounter but then whenever she remembers that ball, it all comes back to her. She sometimes would go to these events hoping to bump into him again. Maybe this one will be different.
'Or maybe I am letting myself get my hopes up again.' Hange let out a sigh at this thought, as she continued to walk through her garden, making her way to the middle of it where a gigantic water fountain stands. Her family garden was more of a maze and unless whoever went in knew every inch of it, they could be trapped in it for days.
Making her way towards the fountain, she noticed another figure there. She approached and saw who it was. "Gabi? What are you doing here?" The younger girl snapped her head towards the direction of Hange.
"Oh-OH, Princess Hange! I am sorry! I forgot you like to take your walks after dinner, please excuse me!" Gabi started walking towards one of the paths out of the middle of the garden when Hange stopped her.
"No Gabi, do not leave. Come here! Join me!" Gabi, a little fidgety, went to sit at one of the garden benches, next to Hange.
"So, Gabi, is something wrong?" Hange placed a hand behind Gabi's back, making Gabi a little jumpy but then relaxed.
"Er, no, your highness, everything is fine. You must not worry about me." Gabi looked towards the fountain, watching the water come out from the swanlike stone and make small splatters of water as it hit the bottom of the fountain.
Hange chuckled at her, making Gabi look at her a little confused. "Gabi, you have been with us for 3 years now, I can tell when you are not feeling well. Go on, I am listening."
Gabi sighed, knowing that Hange was very intuitive and also very persistent, she would not let her excuse herself until whatever was on her mind was let out.
"Well," she began, "I have been working here for 3 years, and I love it so much, I would never want to leave it for the world but…I do miss not being able to see my cousin or my best friend."
Hange nodded, she understood. 3 years ago, she had met Gabi when she was visiting the Reiss Kingdom. She was both a maid and also training to be a knight alongside her cousin Reiner. Gabi was only 11 years old then. Her best friend Falco also worked there as a stable boy as his older brother Colt was princess Frieda's knight.
As she was visiting, along with her sister Sasha, they both had taken a quick liking to Gabi. She had only just started working there only months prior. And Hange and Sasha had decided to stay for a week at their palace. By the end of their visit, they had all bonded and Gabi wanted to be with Hange and Sasha, as she did not particularly like the Reiss family.
So, when Hange made the offer to Gabi to come with them instead, she immediately agreed. Hange talked to Frieda, and Frieda let her take Gabi as she thought the young girl would be better off with them. So, Gabi went with them, leaving behind all the people she cares for.
She felt for the girl. Not being able to see her loved ones for a long time must be painful. Then Hange got an idea that would work perfectly.
"Why not accompany us to the Reiss ball?" Gabi's eyes widened in surprise, "Eh?!" Hange let out a chuckle, thinking how adorable the younger girl was.
"Come with us, then you will be able to see your cousin and friends."
"Bu-bu-but I-I cannot go like this! I-I am not of high status, oh please, Princess Hange, it is a generous offer but I- '' Gabi stuttered, until Hange interrupted her.
"Do not worry about status. You are coming with us as our company, and as for your dress, we will get you something tailored before the ball. You will be attended to as the rest of my sisters are."
"Bu-but!" Gabi was about to protest again, before Hange shut it down. "No buts! You are coming with us and that is final." Hange gave her a huge smile and Gabi could not help but give up and agree.
The rest of the evening, Gabi accompanied Hange throughout the garden until they went back inside the palace. Hange considered Gabi like her little sister. It also did help that Gabi could pass for a member of the Zacharias as she looked a lot like Sasha. Hange was starting to look forward to this ball. All for a sweet reunion for the young girl and her loved ones.
.
.
.
It was two days before the ball and Mikasa was getting the two Leonhart sisters to try on their dresses.
"I think it looks beautiful on you sister." Zofia expressed, looking at Annie. Mikasa agreed with her statement. "She is right Annie, you look incredible. You do not wear dresses often; you should put them on more."
Annie rolled her eyes, "I am a knight, there is no need for me to wear them so often. Besides, I think Zofia looks better in her dress than I do."
"You are also right. Zofia, you look beautiful in that dress." Zofia blushed a bit, a little embarrassed to be getting compliments from someone like princess Mikasa, who is known as one of the most beautiful princesses.
"Thank you, Princess Mikasa. And thank you for letting us accompany you, it is a great honor." Mikasa shook her head, "Zofia, drop the title, just Mikasa is fine. Annie calls me Mikasa, so it is fine if you do as well. And also, I enjoy both of your company, so it is also an honor you both agreed."
"More like forced." Annie mumbled and Zofia elbowed her older sister. Annie glared at her while Zofia maintained a small smile towards Mikasa.
Mikasa, who also heard Annie, just ignored it and went on about the preparations for the next two days. That is when Queen Kuchel, Mikasa's aunt and Levi's mother, in the doorway.
"My oh my, you damsels look beautiful." The girls turned to the doorway, only to see the queen standing there. Annie and Zofia bowed down to the queen as Mikasa gave her a welcome.
"Aunt Kuchel! Welcome back! How was your trip to Hizuru? I am hoping my grandmother treated you well."
Kuchel entered the room, approaching her niece and giving her a hug. "The Azumabito were just lovely. They told me you are welcome there anytime Mikasa. And your grandmother was also very welcoming, she misses you."
Mikasa shook her head, "I am afraid that if I go visit, my grandmother will not let me leave. That is why I have not visited in a long time. I do not blame her, however, after the death of my mother, I am the only young heir left to the Azumabito Kingdom."
"Well, if you ever change your mind for a visit, I can always accompany you to make sure they do not force you to stay." Kuchel gave her niece a warm smile, which always made Mikasa's heart feel warm. She always looked up to her aunt, like a mother figure, even to the point where sometimes she accidentally almost calls her mother. Aunt Kuchel would notice and smile.
"Anyhow, look at these beautiful young ladies. These dresses suit you both perfectly. Annie, it is nice to see you like this once in a while." Kuchel pointed out to the two of them standing there in their dresses.
"Oh please, your majesty, I am embarrassed." Annie reddened in embarrassment by being complimented by the queen herself.
"Nonsense darling, you could even pass off for a princess yourself. As well as Zofia! Look at that, you are indeed growing into such a beautiful young lady. And to think you are only 14 years old."
Zofia, flattered and embarrassed by the queen, bowed her head, "T-thank you, your majesty."
"So, I heard about this ball that Kenny is making you go to." Mikasa groaned remembering the reason why her uncle was making her go there in the first place.
"It is in the Reiss Kingdom. He wants Levi and I to go there and find someone to court." Kuchel let out a chuckle before answering her niece.
"Oh my, that Kenny. Always looking for the easy way out. I would not put pressure on yourself or Levi to find a partner to marry. Although I will not lie that I would love to have grandchildren."
Mikasa could not help but think of the reaction her cousin would give when his mother told him she wanted grandchildren.
"What I wanted to ask you though, Mikasa dear, is if you are going to be alright going back there?" Her aunt now carried a serious expression.
Mikasa's smile disappeared, not noticing how the two sisters were listening carefully to their conversation. "I will be fine auntie. I will have Annie and Zofia accompanying me and Levi will also be there, as well as Isabel and Furlan."
The queen nodded, and Mikasa noticed how she relaxed before another smile appeared on her face. "Well then, I will leave you ladies to get everything prepared. It has been a month since I have been away, and I still have yet to see my son."
The girls bowed themselves to the queen as she gave Mikasa a quick kiss on the forehead and a hug before heading out.
Mikasa cleared her throat before turning to the sisters, "Now, where were we?"
-
"Levi, I have never heard you complain so much since the day you went to the storage room and found out it was covered in dust and actually cleaned it yourself." Levi was sitting on one of the chairs by his desk, as Furlan continued to point out his complaints.
"If you did not want to hear my complaints then why are you here? You already knew I was going to the ball, so you could expect complaining from me."
Furlan chuckled at his friend. Then Isabel, who was also in the room with them, reading a book in the corner to avoid Levi's complaints, decided to finally interject.
"Big brother, I know you are not fond of these types of events but let us look at the bright side. You could potentially find someone and fall in love. And then you would not be complaining all that much." Furlan agreed with her as Levi only rolled his eyes.
"If I fall in love, please be ready to pull my eyes out." Isabel could not believe that Levi could be such a drama queen. Usually, she was the one who is considered the drama queen. So, it felt out of place.
"There will be many, and I mean many beautiful ladies there. Going from princesses to duchesses to countesses and more. As long as they have a title, I am sure your uncle would not care who you fall for as long as you marry and ascend to the throne."
Furlan said as he finally took a seat on one of the chairs beside Levi's desk. Tired from standing up throughout Levi's complaining.
"What of it? They are mostly stuck up." Levi expressed as Isabel glared at him and corrected himself, "You are right Isabel, my cousin is not like that, although she could be a bit of a brat at times."
Levi smirked, teasing Isabel, who only continued to glare at him. Furlan was also not being subtle as he chuckled at Levi for insinuation.
"Well, I was just trying to encourage you. Now I wish you would fall for someone so hard that you will not even be able to breathe without them being beside you. Even better if it is a member of your family's enemies." Isabel huffed out; Levi just rolled his eyes and smirked at Isabel. She was like his little sister, so it was fun to push her buttons sometimes.
"Uh oh, Levi, Isabel is mad now." Furlan teased as he loved to watch the two bicker.
"Oi, Isabel for your information, the Jaeger's do not have daughters. And you and Nifa are the closest ones to being a part of their family, except you are not even related to the actual Jaegers but to the queen who married into the family." Levi decided to point out.
Isabel, and the rest of her siblings come from the Magnolia kingdom. They consist of 4 siblings, Petra, Isabel, Nifa, and Floch. They have the same father but different mothers. Isabel and Nifa are from the same mother, who happens to be related to Carla Jaeger, Grisha Jaeger's second wife after the passing of the first queen. Making the ladies cousins to the younger son of Grisha and Carla Jaeger.
"Levi, I think you are forgetting that your family are also enemies to the Zacharias'." Levi glared at Furlan who had a smug expression. "Do not help Furlan."
Isabel then jumped at the moment, "That is right! The Zacharias family has three daughters! Oh, they are so lovely, but not your typical princesses either. They practically adopted Nifa into their family, kind of like how I am into yours, and Petra into the Reiss. Floch is too much like my father, so they will not accept him anywhere. But he likes to linger around the Jaegers, I am not sure why though, I do not think my cousin likes him all that much."
"Your brother is strange. Remember when he tried to get you in trouble for being around Levi?" Furlan added as he remembered the first year they met Isabel, and she started to visit the Ackerman Kingdom afterwards.
"Yes, but it backfired on my brother for two reasons, one, he did not consider the fact that I did not care what my father said and two, my father was ecstatic to know that I was close to one of the members belonging to one of the strongest kingdoms. Wait until my father finds out that I am in no way interested in Levi more than just a brother."
Levi only shook his head. "Your father is a greedy pig." Isabel and Furlan laughed.
"I love my father, but he is a greedy pig. Anyways, back to Levi. What if you fell for one of the Zacharias' daughters?" Levi rolled his eyes, then glaring at Isabel for bringing back this conversation.
"We are not talking about this. I am done complaining, so let us change the topic." Before either Isabel or Furlan could say anything else to keep the topic in place, a knock was heard on his door before it was opened.
In came Queen Kuchel, Levi's mother. Levi immediately got up out of his chair to greet his mother. Furlan and Isabel did the same.
Kuchel gave her son a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. Smiling at her son, Levi softened at the sight of his mother, completely forgetting about the bothersome conversation they were having only moments ago.
Then she went to hug Isabel and Furlan. Those two were practically family as they visited pretty much all the time.
"Mother, how was your trip?" Levi had missed his mother. She was away for a month, but it felt longer.
"Oh, it was wonderful. I just came back from Mikasa's room, I was telling her all about the trip. Her other family were very welcoming."
"Well, your return could not have been better timing." Kuchel smiled at her son realizing what he was getting at.
"Yes, I heard from Kenny. I do not like that he is forcing you and Mikasa to go, however I do think that maybe it is about time you socialize beyond your small circle." Levi groaned, noticing what his mother was trying to say.
"That is exactly what we tell him, your majesty. But your son is rather stubborn." Furlan spoke out in an innocently mocking manner. And following his lead, Isabel joined in, "Indeed we try to speak to him all civilly, pointing out the rather good things about it but he would rather not hear about them and talk about horse dung."
Levi glared at his two friends, as they tried not to snicker in front of his mother. "Levi, it is not rather polite to speak to your friends about such oddities. Sometimes I wonder if I leave you with your uncle too much. You and he have such colorful vocabulary. Maybe you falling for a damsel may help with your manners."
"Mother please!" Levi exclaimed as his two friends were trying not to laugh in the corner. He was about to glare at them when his mother spoke again.
"Levi, please listen. Although I do want you to fall in love and give me grandchildren." Levi's eyes widened and his friends were now smirking at him. "Gr-grandchildren?!" His mother ignored him and continued.
"Listen, I want you to keep a close eye on Mikasa. She is very nervous about going back there after so many years. So, I am glad she is taking company with her, but I need you to check up on her from time to time. That goes for you two as well." Kuchel pointed towards Furlan and Isabel who by this point had stopped with their silly antics and were now serious.
Levi was also serious. Forgetting any other conversation, he knew that keeping an eye on Mikasa was his main priority. And if anyone tried to endanger his little cousin, he would not hesitate to hurt them, tenfold.
"Yes mother. You do not have to doubt that." His friends also nodded in response. Besides, his family, Furlan and Isabel were the only ones aware of what was going on.
"Now, make sure you have everything ready. You have to leave early tomorrow if you want to make it to the Reiss Kingdom on time." Kuchel advised her son as she gave him a kiss on the forehead before leaving the room.
"Well Levi, you heard your mother, time to pack!" Isabel broke the silence that had enveloped them as soon as his mother left the room. Levi only grumbled words.
Furlan started moving from his spot, "I will go to my room to make sure I have all my things as well." He said before he left Levi's room. Both Isabel and Levi watched him as he left.
Both Isabel and Furlan were staying at Levi's palace to go together with him to the ball. They had arrived 3 days prior.
As Levi started to move to start looking through his stuff, he began, "So when are you going to tell him?" Isabel whipped her head so quickly towards Levi's direction that it was a surprise she didn't snap her neck.
"W-what are you talking about?" Isabel stuttered as Levi continued with his things. "Of the fact that you love him?"
Isabel's eyes widened and she started denying everything Levi had just said, "No I do not! Furlan and I are just friends. And besides, he is with the perfect princess Frieda. He is completely in love with her."
"True but you and I both know that even if Furlan tried to marry her, he would not be able to. King Rod is strict on who his children marry. If anything, he would rather she marry that hairy bastard of Zeke who is a prince than a duke like Furlan." Levi knew very well that Furlan did not have a promising future with the Reiss princess.
Isabel sighed at this, feeling both bad for Furlan but also feeling a slightly bit relieved. "So, what of it? Just because I may or may not have certain feelings for Furlan, does not give me the right to take advantage of his misfortune. And even if he were to agree to be with me after having to leave Frieda, he would never truly love me like he would love Freida."
Levi sighed before turning to face Isabel, "Do not let yourself be hurt by this. I cannot tell you that he would love you like he does Frieda. But if you are not willing to try, then find it in yourself to forget about him or find someone else. And this ball will be perfect for you too."
Then Levi returned to what he was doing. Isabel only looked down, saddened at this little detail. She always knew she did feel something for Furlan, but would she consider it love? She never acknowledged these weird feelings she felt whenever she was around him.
She let out a sigh, "I think I am also going to go check if all my things are ready as well." And then she walked out of Levi's room as well, leaving Levi alone in his room.
Levi took a pause after Isabel left. He did not like this whole ordeal with "love". It was hurting Isabel, and it would hurt Furlan as well. 'I hope I never go through this. I would rather die before I marry.' He thought before continuing to get his things ready for the trip to the Reiss Kingdom.
-
"Aww, you look adorable!" Sasha exclaimed. She was with a big smile on her face, along with her two other sisters. Gabi was trying on the dress they had tailored for her.
"Wow Gabi, you look amazing." Ymir complimented Gabi. She felt as if she was looking at a younger sister. Which was not far from how they treated Gabi.
"Look at you darling! You look so ahh! I could just squeeze you! But I will not because then I will wrinkle the dress." Hange was probably the most excited of the three of them. She adored Gabi. To her, she was like her little sister, and sometimes even forgetting that she is not technically a part of the family. That, however, never stopped Hange from treating her like part of the family.
Gabi was red as a tomato. She felt embarrassed getting all these compliments from three beautiful princesses. Ever since she met them, she looked up to them. She even looked up to Mike who also treated her well for just being a maid.
"Oh, please do not embarrass me your highnesses!" Gabi now covered her face with her hands as they continued to tease her.
"Drop the formalities and refer to us by our names. You are practically a sister to us. Have you ever seen me calling Sasha or Hange, your highness? No, because that would feel so weird." Hange and Sasha agreed with Ymir's statement. Whenever Ymir gets close to someone, she would rather they refer to her by her name or else it just feels like they are strangers whenever they address her by her title. Her sisters feel the same way, especially since this habit was introduced by Hange herself.
The girls continued to adorn Gabi with compliments when a male voice came from the entrance of the door dressing room. "Wow, Gabi, you really could pass as one of our sisters. You look beautiful." They all looked up to notice the tall blonde man at the entrance of the door. It was Mike.
"Oh no, not you too Prince Mike!" He let out a chuckle. "My oh my, Gabi! Look at you! If you do not come out of that ball with a Prince in your arms, I do not know what will!" A blonde woman coming behind Mike popped up by the door.
"Miss Nanaba!" Gabi was surprised as well as the girls themselves. "Nanaba! I thought you were going to meet us at the ball?" Hange went up to her best friend and fiancé of her brother to greet her.
Giving Hange a hug, Nanaba responded, "I did but then I changed my mind. My sister and brothers were driving me crazy. Well, mostly my sister. Besides, I like being around all of you and my lovely fiancé."
Then she went up to the other ladies to greet them. She was about to hug Gabi too when she realized she could accidentally wrinkle the dress so instead went for a pat on the head, which Gabi received rather well.
"Oh also, I heard from my little brother Armin that Jean is back." Nanaba looked straight at Sasha, who looked both surprised and happy.
"Jean is back?! When was his return?! Is he going to appear at the ball?!"
They all could not help but feel the energy that Sasha was giving off. Jean was a close friend of Sasha's besides Connie. The three were rather close, along with Marco. Ymir also was great friends with them.
"Oh yes he is." Nanaba answered the radiating Sasha. Sasha also had a massive crush on Jean. So she was heartbroken when he went to sail to another country with his parents and twin sister for 5 years. But now he is back and she will not seize the opportunity to confess to him.
"While we ignore the happy Sasha who is now inside her head, any other fancy news you heard?" Ymir, now curious to hear if there was any other "gossip" to know. She needed to be entertained.
"Hmm, well let me see, oh! I heard from Nifa that heard from her sister Isabel that the Ackermans will actually attend this ball. It will be now 9 years since they last attended one!" This actually had all their attention, even Sasha who was pulled out of her daydream.
Mike was the first to speak, "They are going to appear? How preposterous. This ball really does cater to anyone." He sneered as he did not even like the idea of being near an Ackerman at all.
"They are always hiding. Why are they all of a sudden deciding to appear at a rather big event like this one?" Ymir was curious, but mostly for gossip purposes. They are the enemy and they have to stay as informed as possible. Not that Ymir cared all that much. She neither cared for the enemy or the past between the rivalry of their families. She did however remain cautious as the rumors of them did not work in their favor.
Nanaba shrugged, "I am not sure. Nifa did not disclose much about it. I believe Isabel is not trying to give too many details."
Mike shook his head in disbelief, "How can a sweet princess like Isabel be close to that family? Maybe they are exploiting her for something."
"Not to mention that duke Furlan from the Church family is also incredibly close to the Ackermans." Pointed out by Sasha who had a similar sneer on her face as her older brother.
Like Mike, Sasha also did not like the Ackermans. As sweet and kind as Sasha was, she could not help but dislike them very much. And the main reason was because Jean had fallen for their princess. Petty as it was, she could not help it. And the dislike for them went deeper as the rumors of them reached her ears.
"Well, Isabel has always been one to follow her own rules. She is known as the 'black sheep' of their family. Not that the king minds it. The Magnolia King is rather greedy for power and if her daughters and son can make great relationships with every powerful kingdom alike, they would always have back up for certain future wars." Nanaba explained adding to their perspectives.
Hange only sighed, tired of hearing everything her siblings spouted out, "I do not know why you all are making a bigger deal than this has to be. It is not like we are going to bump into them in the middle of the dance and start arguing about past wars. Let us just enjoy our time there and not worry about them. Besides, not like any of us knows what they look like."
"I do! Well, the last time I saw their princess was when I was 11, but she should not look all that different. She has very distinguished features." Sasha remembered meeting her a lot back then as Jean always insisted on talking to her. It did not help her jealousy that the Kirstein family were on very good terms with the Ackermans and did a lot of business with them before they left. Meaning that Jean would visit and see their princess a lot.
Hange rolled her eyes at her sister. Sasha was very much a sweet girl but she had to take one of the worst things from their older brother. Sasha and Ymir were a mixture of Hange and Mike.
One thing for certain was that, for the majority, none of the 4 took after their parents besides their looks. Maybe Mike, but not that much. But unfortunately, his hate for the Ackermans was definitely from their parents.
"Let us not get involved in this conversation any longer. We will never hear the end of it." Hange said so as to finally end this petty conversation.
"But I rather find it entertaining when Mike and Sasha start going full bashing mode on the Ackermans. Then we get the history lesson from Mike about what happened in the past…you know what, Hange is right. Let us stop this conversation and let us go back to admiring how adorable Gabi looks in her dress!" Ymir suddenly turned the conversation back to Gabi so as to forget about the previous discussion.
Everybody in the room, now stared at the young girl, still standing there in her white and teal ball gown. Before Gabi knew it, all the attention was back on her. Being pampered with compliments left and right by the Zacharias Siblings and Nanaba.
Gabi sighed now thinking, 'At least they stopped the uncomfortable conversation….I guess I can let them pamper me a little longer to lessen the tension.'
.
.
.
It was the day of the Ball. The servants and maids were preparing the final touches in the Ballroom with decor, tables, different types of foods and appetizers. As well as drinks which will be offered as well by tray carried by the servants.
Hours go by and guests start arriving. Usually the noble families are the first arrivals.
One of the first noble families to arrive were the Hoovers. The Duke and Duchess Lucien and Ana, and their daughter and sons, Pieck, Bertholdt, Marlowe, Marco, & Udo. Pieck and Bertholdt were twins and also the oldest.
The next family to arrive were the Kirsteins. They had just arrived back from a voyage. They had been gone for 5 years. The family consists of Duke and Duchess Erickson and Mary and their twins, Hitch and Jean, who are now of the age of 20 years old.
They were only 15 years old when they had left for the voyage.
Both families were actually extremely close before the Kirsteins left. With Hitch and Jean being very close to the Hoover children. Hitch being extremely close to both Pieck and Marlowe and Jean being best friends with Marco. However, they got along with the others as well, basically considered each other family.
The Galliard family arrived third. Consisting of Marquess and Marchioness, Alexander and Annalisa, their sons, Marcel and Porco. They were also close to the Hoovers. Marcel being best friends with Bertholdt and Porco being best friends with Pieck.
Fourth were the Springers. They were Earl and Countess, Cornelius the second and Elizabeth, their oldest son Cornelius the third (Connie), their daughter Sunny, and their youngest son Martin.
Connie is best friends with Jean, as well as Marco, and Princess Sasha Zacharias.
Fifth to arrive were the Zoes, who were directly related to Queen Violeta Zoe Zacharias. They are Duke Darwin and his daughters Marie and Esther. Marie was the closest to her cousin Hange.
The arrivals after them were the Smiths. Earl Theodore and his son Erwin were second cousins to the Arlerts. However, Erwin was the leader of the Zacharias army and worked alongside Mike Zacharias, who was his best friend, and Hange Zacharias.
More and more noble families started arriving such as the Reeves family and the Bozado family who were Barons, The Church family who were Dukes, and the Dok family who were Earls.
And not soon after, the royal families start arriving.
The first to arrive are the Arlerts. Of King and Queen, Arthur and Angelica and their children, Princess Yelena, Prince Niccolo, and Prince Armin. Princess Nanaba is their eldest daughter but did not arrive with them. They were known as one of the most humblest kingdoms as they were very charitable with their people.
The Magnolias arrived next. Of King Nathaniel and his daughters and son, Princess Petra, Princess Nifa, and Prince Floch. Princess Isabel was the second oldest but had not arrived with them. Known for being cousins to Queen Carla Jaeger through second Queen Tatiana Tristen Magnolia, who is mother to princesses Isabel and Nifa. She decided not to come.
Third, fourth and fifth were other surrounding kingdoms that came from the east and the north, such as the Fritz, the Tybers, and the Krugers.
The Fritz being cousins to the Reiss family.
The sixth was the arrival of one of the big four powerful Kingdoms. Of the Zacharias, the children of King Daniel and Queen Violeta, were Prince Mike, Princess Hange, Princess Ymir, and Princess Sasha. Along with Princess Nanaba Arlert, fiance to Prince Mike and company, Gabi Braun. Known for having the most strategic army of the big four.
The Jaegers arrived after the Zacharias. Also part of the big four kingdoms, came only the sons of King Grisha, Prince Zeke and Prince Eren. Zeke being born to the late Queen Dina Fritz Jaeger and Eren being born to current Queen Carla Jaeger. They were known for having the smartest and most advanced army of the four.
And lastly, arrived the Ackermans. Niece and nephew to current King Kenny, were Prince Levi and Princess Mikasa. Also arriving with Princess Isabel Magnolia and Duke Furlan Church. With company, Annie and Zofia Leonhart. Prince Levi is son to the current Queen Kuchel Ackerman, sister to Kenny and late Kai Ackerman. Princess Mikasa is daughter to late King Kai Ackerman and late Queen Aiko Azumabito Ackerman. They are known for having the strongest army of the four kingdoms, as well as being led by King Kenny himself.
At the entrance of the Ackermans and their company, whispers and murmurs were heard everywhere. Some who did not even know who they were, some wondering why they showed up. Most of everyone's reaction was surprise and curiosity. But the main discussion was of the beauty regarding the two Ackermans.
And even though they were the hosts of the ball, the Reiss family made their entrance last. Making a big entrance at their own ball, King Rod and Queen Emma and their children, Princess Frieda, Prince Urklyn, Prince Dirk, Princess Abel, Princess Florian, and Princess Historia. Known for being the neutral force among the big four and also having the largest army.
And so, the night began.
-
"Wow, they really go all out for their events." Gabi commented as she looked around. She never stuck around long enough in the Reiss castle to experience one of their extravagant balls.
"If you think that now, wait until they celebrate their birthdays." Ymir responded to Gabi's comment while her eyes kept wandering around.
Sasha grabbed Gabi's hand and started guiding her elsewhere, "Come on now Gabi! They have the tastiest food!"
"Sasha, wait!" Ymir shouts to her younger sister while chasing after her and Gabi. Hange just stands there shaking her head. It had not even been longer than ten minutes and they had already run off.
Mike had also excused himself almost as soon as they had arrived. So now Hange stands with her best friend Nanaba.
"It is quite funny that this is always the same scenario every time we go to a ball." Nanaba chuckled as Hange just shrugged her shoulders.
"I thought you would go see your siblings?" Hange asked as she looked at all the guests. Some conversing, some dancing to the orchestral music, and some even eating. She was able to make out Sasha, Gabi, and Ymir where all the food was at.
Nanaba shook her head, "Oh no, if they want to see me they will look for me." Hange could not hold back a laugh at her best friend. Being the eldest means always looking out for the younger ones but it also means taking a break from that responsibility once in a while.
"I completely understand, with Sasha and Ymir, they can be a little too excited at times that it forces me to have to act like the mature one. So sometimes when they wander off, I let them be until they look for me."
Nanaba nudged Hange as she said that. "Hange, you used to be worse than Sasha and Ymir combined. Remember when you were 9 years old and went exploring for bugs? You made a hole in the garden big enough to fit 20 bodies. Nobody could find you all day. And once Mike found you, he had to get a rope to get you out. To this day, nobody knows how you managed to make such a big hole."
Hange could not help but laugh remembering that time. "Actually, I had read about millipedes and how they could be found deeper in the ground. So each day for a few weeks I would sneak into the tool shed and grab a shovel and dig that hole deeper and deeper each day. I had also recently learned how to sew and I was able to make a cover out of the patches of grass I had practically destroyed. I also had a small wagon that I would fill with the dirt and I would take it and throw it by the forest behind the stables."
Nanaba's eyes widened, "Hange you got the gardener in trouble for that. Once your mother saw there was a huge pile of dirt almost reaching the trees, she kicked him out."
Hange groaned at the memory as the guilt of doing that to the poor man was still evident until this day, "I was a child, how was I supposed to know that the gardener would get in trouble? Anyways, let me finish." Nanaba shook her head but then signaled for her to go on.
"Anyways as I was saying, after that I would keep digging. However, one day I had not noticed that the hole I was digging had a small cavern below it. So while I was there I slipped inside the hole and it all crumbled down, making the hole that big. And yes, I actually thought I was going to die. Good thing Mike found me. But Mike was more impressed with the fact that I was able to make a hole that big before actually getting stuck in it."
Nanaba started shaking with laughter, "Did not Mike get stuck in that hole a few days later? You put back that covering over it and he fell through it did you not?"
Hange was also laughing now, "Yes, actually. This is how my parents found out about the hole. I could not get him out because I was smaller and weaker, so I had to get someone bigger to help pull him out. So I got one of the knights to help out, he pulled Mike out and later that day he told on us, to our parents. I got in trouble and I was not allowed to go to the garden alone anymore. And Mike got in trouble for not telling them when he found out."
Nanaba was trying to control her laughter and Hange was also trying the same thing. Then Mike got into view as he approached the two and the two ladies just burst into laughter. Confused, Mike asked them what was so humorous.
Once they calmed down, Nanaba explained how they were talking about the hole Hange had made. And Mike immediately glared at Hange, recalling the pain he went through in that hole. They started to bicker while also trying not to laugh at the whole situation.
After Nanaba enjoyed watching the siblings banter, Mike turned to her, "I came here for one reason." He outstretched his hand towards Nanaba, "Will you do me the honors of dancing with me, milady?" Nanaba, blushing at this whole ordeal, took his hand, "Of course kind gentleman." And Mike led her to the center for a dance.
Hange was in awe at how adorable the two were. However, she was alone. So she decided she would look for her cousin Marie. As she was about to walk through the crowd of guests, a servant with a tray of champagne glasses approached her and asked if she would like one so she took it. Sipping a little bit of it before she took off to look for her cousin.
As she is walking and slipping through the people, she bumps into someone, spilling a little bit of champagne on the person.
"Oi, What is the matter with you?!" The man in front of her now inspecting his suit at the wet spot and bringing out a handkerchief trying to dab it out.
"Oh! Your suit?!" Was the first thing Hange could say.
"Tsk, my suit indeed, you seem to have four eyes yet you do not use any of them." The man responded back, very much irritated at the whole situation.
Hange raised an eyebrow at his comment, "Four eyes, huh? How original for a short man." The man's eyes shot up from his suit and looked at the woman in front of him. Ready to retort back, he freezes. This whole conversation feels very familiar. She looks familiar.
Hange also freezes as she realizes that the conversation was too similar, no, it was the same as the conversation she had…
"Hey, Levi, do you want something to eat?" Isabel shouts as she approaches him, when she realizes that he is not alone.
Levi and Hange, now both frozen in their spot, their minds racing through memories, as they continue to stare at each other. At that moment, there was only one thing on their minds,
"Have we met before?"