"Damn it!"
Eren knew that as he was now, it was impossible to go outside, but his eyes burned with a fierce reluctance. "One day, I will drive every one of those disgusting things out of this world! Not a single one will stay!"
Kouta and Mikasa were stunned by his bold ambition. It had been a hundred years since the Titans appeared, and yet this was the first time they had heard anyone speak with such absolute conviction.
"Eren, I believe you can do it," Kouta said with a slight smile.
He knew that once he absorbed enough faith from the three walls, he would unlock most of his celestial power. At that point, making Eren stronger would be child's play. If the boy wanted to be the savior of the world, Kouta was happy to let him. After all, Kouta had no intention of saving the world himself; he only cared about his own.
Eren beamed, clearly thrilled that his "big brother" believed in him. He looked up at the sky. "Oh, it's already noon! Kouta, Mikasa, Armin—why don't you come to my house for a meal?"
"I can't. I have to return this book quickly before I'm caught," Armin said, already backing away.
"That's fine," Kouta nodded. He didn't mind visiting the Yeager household. He wanted to see Eren's mother, Carla. If she was as beautiful as the stories suggested, he might just save her when the time came.
Kouta wasn't a "good" person. If he was going to help Eren, he figured taking the boy's mother as "payment" for her safety was a fair trade.
"Eren, you're back!"
Outside the Yeager home, a stunningly beautiful woman called out to her son. Her grace and presence were so outstanding that Kouta felt a stir deep inside. I definitely have to save her, he thought. A woman this beautiful shouldn't be eaten by a Titan. That would be a waste.
"Mom, let me introduce them. These are the friends I told you about!"
Carla looked at them, remembering the tragic story her husband had shared. "You must be Kouta and Mikasa. You poor children..."
She stepped forward and pulled them both into a sudden, tight embrace. Kouta froze. His head was buried right against her chest.
Breathe... I can't breathe! What is happening?!
Kouta's mind raced, he didn't feel pathetic at all. His father's death had been the best thing to happen to him. But he knew he had to play the part. If he showed his true colors, his "favorability" with these people would tank.
He forced a sad, lingering expression onto his face. Mikasa looked at him, confused. She knew how he really felt about their father, but she didn't question him. Kouta had told her that a "good sister" doesn't question her brother's actions, and she was determined to be the best sister possible.
"Wait here a moment," Carla said warmly after comforting them. "Auntie will make you something to eat."
"Then thank you, sister," Kouta said with a charming smile.
"You're a sweet child," Carla laughed. She wasn't offended at all; in fact, the compliment made her even happier. No woman dislikes being told she looks young.
Eren stared at his mother in surprise, then turned to Kouta. "Brother, if you call her 'sister,' doesn't that make you a generation older than me?"
"We each have our own way of talking," Kouta said, dismissing the boy's concern. Internally, he thought: I don't just want to be a generation older than you. I want to be your stepfather.
After a pleasant meal, Kouta and Mikasa began the trek back to their mountain cabin.
"Brother, why do I feel so much stronger?" Mikasa finally asked.
"Mikasa is growing up... she doesn't even call me 'Onii-chan' anymore," Kouta sighed, acting hurt. "Does little Mikasa hate her Onii-chan now?"
Mikasa's face turned bright red. "No! Never!" she cried out. "Onii-chan... please, what is this power?"
Kouta looked at the sky, then back at her. "This is the power I use to protect you, Mikasa."
Mikasa was moved to tears. Remembering how he had fought the traffickers for her, she clenched her fists. "Then I will use this power to protect Onii-chan and Mom, too!"
Kouta patted her head. He had no intention of letting her fight his battles, but he didn't want to discourage her. "Mikasa is very powerful," he whispered.
When they finally reached their home, they both stopped dead in their tracks.
Shia was waiting for them, but she wasn't in her usual clothes. She was wearing a stunning purple kimono that hugged her perfect figure in a way that made Kouta's heart skip a beat. It was a vision of pure, traditional elegance—and a direct temptation.
She knelt modestly on the floor, a hint of joy on her face. During the hours they were gone, she had made a decision. This family needed a head, and she had decided to stop fighting her complicated feelings for her son.
"Mom, you are so beautiful!" Mikasa said, though her eyes held a trace of envy. She saw how Kouta was staring, and a sense of crisis gripped her. If Mom is this beautiful, will Brother still look at me?
"Mikasa, this is an important dress for our family," Shia explained. "Soon, you will learn to make your own."
Mikasa nodded, but her mind was racing. Is she trying to bribe me so she can have Onii-chan to herself? I won't let you succeed, Mom!
"Mom, what's going on?" Kouta asked, his voice thick.
"Today is a big day for us," Shia said solemnly. She looked at her son with an intensity that wasn't entirely motherly. "Today is the day you officially become the Head of the Family."
"The Head...?" Kouta repeated.
"Yes. The master of the entire family. It is our tradition."
Kouta looked at his mother—his beautiful, submissive mother—and then at Mikasa. A dark, satisfied smile bl
oomed in his mind.
The Master of the house... I think I'm going to like this.