Chapter Text
Levi took the hand of the little eight-year-old girl with black hair and the five-year-old boy. He began walking down the long hallway that led to the throne room of the queen of Hizuru.
The guards at the entrance opened the two large doors, revealing the interior. The room was enormous, with a throne in the middle of the far wall where Kiyomi Azumabito sat. Sunlight poured in through the large windows to her right, adding warmth to the space.
"You may enter," the queen said, lifting her chin.
"Your Highness," Levi said as he bowed, motioning for the children to mimic the gesture.
"What brings you here?" she asked, standing up.
Levi walked further into the room with the two children by his sides.
"May I present Mikasa Ackerman and Kasak Ackerman? They are descendants of your daughter. I understand what their heritage means to your culture. Unfortunately, I cannot provide them with the education or life they deserve."
The queen approached slowly, scrutinizing the children. Both had the distinctive jet-black hair of her daughter and the deep, steely eyes of the princess who had fled with an Ackerman. She instantly guessed that Levi must be related to the children.
"What is your relation to them?"
"I am their first cousin, Your Highness."
The queen knew who the children were—her grandchildren. She also knew the Ackermans were being hunted by the king of Paradis, Rod Reiss. However, in her culture, it was only her daughter, the princess of Hizuru, who had lost her honor—not the children. There was little reason not to accept them. Besides, Kiyomi doubted she had the heart to leave the children to their fate. The little girl could marry a prince, and the boy could inherit the throne of Hizuru.
"So, you're saying you want to entrust them to me?"
"Yes, Your Highness. I know they haven’t lost their honor, and with the right education, they could achieve titles as high as yours," Levi replied.
The queen knelt to the children's level and spoke softly. "Did your mother leave you any mark?"
"Yes," Mikasa confirmed.
"Show her," Levi encouraged gently, guiding the girl forward.
Levi’s cold, expressionless demeanor betrayed nothing, but Kiyomi sensed that he cared deeply for the children.
Mikasa rolled up her sleeve, and her little brother did the same. Levi let go of their hands to remove the bandages wrapped around their left wrists. Revealed beneath were the characteristic "A" with crossed swords, the symbol of the Azumabito family, etched into their skin. The queen could not discern what material had been used to create the mark, but it undeniably confirmed their lineage.
"I never doubted you, but I had to be certain," Kiyomi said, smiling at the children. "Even if you weren’t of my blood, I would love to adopt you."
Levi watched the queen as she stood and took the children’s hands.
"You’ve kept them safe until now?"
"Yes, Your Highness. Their parents came to my mother’s house, thinking she was still alive. They entrusted the children to me until they could secure their safety. They stayed with me for three years, but when I learned of their deaths, I had to bring the children here. I cannot provide them with the life they deserve," Levi explained, not seeking pity but simply laying out the facts of his situation.
The queen adjusted the children’s clothing and stood before Levi once more. She realized how much of a bond he must have formed with them in those three years. Despite everything, they were family.
"I understand the king of Paradis pursues all Ackermans," Kiyomi remarked, recalling how the family had fled the island years ago.
"That is correct, Your Highness."
"However, Hizuru has taken no stance on that conflict. You may remain here. Is that acceptable, soldier?" she asked, deducing his training from his movements and speech.
Levi had indeed been trained by his uncle Kenny before being abandoned. Despite that, he had continued to hone his skills and used them to protect the children.
Leaving the children behind filled Levi with a quiet sadness. He didn’t want them to experience the same struggles he had—living as fugitives, hungry and alone.
"I don’t wish to trouble Your Highness or risk causing a conflict between this nation and Paradis."
"It’s no trouble. Besides, you’ll stay as Mikasa and Kasak’s self-defense instructor. After all, you’re family. You’ll be under the protection of the queen of Hizuru."
Levi’s eyes widened slightly as he met the queen’s gaze. Kiyomi smiled. After being forced to order her daughter’s death for dishonoring the family, she had believed she would never have family again. But now, her grandchildren had been returned to her. She still had time to raise them as both their grandmother and their queen. She also saw the affection Levi held for them, though he wouldn’t admit it. He had cared for them for three years.
"How old are you?" the queen asked Levi.
"Twenty, Your Highness."
"From now on, you are my grandchildren’s self-defense instructor."
Levi bowed deeply, grateful to be welcomed into her home and trusted with such an important role. But above all, he was relieved to know he would see his cousins grow and have a future. Though he wouldn’t say it aloud, he had grown attached to them.
"Thank you, Your Highness," he said, bowing again.
"Tomorrow morning, we will make these announcements. For now, let’s give you all a bath and assign you rooms."
"By your leave, Your Highness," Levi said, attempting to excuse himself.
"No, you’re staying for lunch."
Kiyomi was tired of eating in a room full of empty chairs and oppressive silence. She longed for the sound of children’s laughter and conversation.
"May I formally introduce them?"
"Of course," Kiyomi replied, kneeling to the children’s level.
"Mikasa," Levi said, pointing to her. The little girl smiled shyly at him. "Kasak," he continued, pointing to Kiyomi. "She is—"
"Kiyomi," the queen interrupted, simplifying her title to her name.
"Kiyomi Azumabito, your mother’s mother. In other words, she is your grandmother."
Kasak was the first to embrace Kiyomi without hesitation. The queen gently pulled Mikasa, who was shyer than her brother, into her arms.
"Thank you," Levi murmured softly to the older Ackerman.