"Erwin San, what do you think about this? I know we don't have enough time. It normally takes from 5 to more years but I will try to finish this in three years. I know you are worried about war and all. But if we won't set this up how are we going to advance technology? Hange San's group has already started working on the sniper rifle I made and the thunder spears as well. So, don't worry we won't be empty-handed even if the war is declared sooner." Sana said without taking a break. Even Erwin didn't interrupt her. She had explained the power plant project to him.
"So what do you want? Just tell me how can I help you ?"Erwin asked Sana continuously staring at her face.
"I want a workforce, a huge area of land, a huge supply of metal, and three years." Sana introduced her three demands.
"And what, in your opinion, is the success rate?" Erwin asked Sana looking into her eyes.
"50% it's like always a head or a tail, either you win or you lose," Sana answered in a confident tone. "And Erwin San I have never made such a thing before. You see every other project was a pie in front of this. But I still want you to trust in me."She added.
"I understand what you are saying. And we don't have anyone else who can do this. You are the only hope for people inside the walls."Erwin said in a polite tone.
Sana left the room and headed back to the barracks.
********** MEANWHILE IN WALL MARIA*********
People whose homes had remained intact were able to return to their lives without much trouble. However, those whose houses had been destroyed had no choice but to live in temporary shelters for the time being. They would need to rebuild their homes from scratch and, in the meantime, were tasked with farming to ensure the upcoming season's crops. This decision had come from the higher-ups, who had little regard for the inconvenience it caused, focusing instead on the practical needs of the community.
In a makeshift shelter near the edge of the village, Carla sat with Eren, Mikasa, and Armin. She watched as the children sat on the ground, staring out at the remains of their homes and the distant boulder blocking the path. They were tired, their faces drawn with worry, but Carla tried her best to console them, her voice soft but firm.
"Eren, Mikasa, Armin," Carla said, her tone filled with warmth as she held out a small bundle of food to them, "Here. Have something to eat. They're saying it will take some time to remove the boulder, so we'll have to live here in the tents until then. I know it's not easy... I'm sorry." She paused for a moment, taking a breath before continuing. "But once all this commotion settles down, your father will return. He's coming back soon."
Her words were meant to comfort, but there was a bittersweet note to them. Eren, Mikasa, and Armin, each processing the situation in their own way, tried to find solace in her reassurances. Eren, ever the determined one, clenched his fists, his eyes focused on the horizon where the boulder loomed, blocking their way. Mikasa, always protective, wrapped her arms around her younger brother, while Armin stared down at his food, lost in thought.
Carla watched them carefully, her heart aching for them. It wasn't easy to see them like this, so young, yet burdened with the weight of the world on their shoulders. But there was no time for pity. The higher-ups had ordered the residents of the village to plow the fields and prepare for the next season's crops. It was a task that involved everyone, young and old alike. Everyone was expected to pitch in, doing their part to ensure that the village could survive through the coming months.
As Carla sat back, watching the children try to eat despite their anxiety, she couldn't help but feel the heavy weight of the future pressing down on her. There was so much uncertainty, so many things that could go wrong. But for the sake of the children, and for the sake of the village, she had to stay strong.
Living inside the walls became somewhat like the same as the underground. Dead bodies and blood all around. People starving and the sheriffs order them around.
****** **** *********** ******* ****Back in Wall Rose*****
Sana returns to the barracks.
"Sana San we have gone through some pages but we think many things are missing out here. As no dimensions and equipment are mentioned here. Also, the capacities of the machines are not mentioned. " Franz told Sana as she returned.
" Good, now you all are getting used to these things. I didn't mentioned anything in here. But you will get all the details tomorrow. I will work on it today. " _ "And yes, permission from Erwin San will come. After getting that start arranging the material. And two of you will go and see the allotted location." Sana added after a brief pause.
She went upstairs after giving them the details.
"Farla..." As she entered the room she saw Levi and Isabel there.
"Sanaaa.... See we came to meet you and Layina." Isabel jumped in joy.
"What about me?" Farlan frowned upon.
"Of course. You are too dumb to understand sarcasm. " Isabel giggled.
"Don't you have any work today? I mean, there would be a lot of paperwork for Levi." Sana asked.
"Aniki did it yesterday only. And I was missing you all so I forced him to bring me here." Isabel said.
They were all sitting on the couches. Isabel was sitting between Farlan and Levi while holding Layina. And Sana was sitting next to Levi at the end of the couch.
Everyone was playing with her. And suddenly Layina started crying. Isabel got up with Layina in her arms.
"Is she hungry?"Sana inquired.
"No, she just drank before you came. You don't have to worry I'll take her outside for some fresh air and she will be alright." After saying, Isabel sprinted outdoors.
Sana: "Ok. Don't rush" Sana gave a little smile.
"I'm going after her..." Farlan said and rushed outside.
After Farlan went out there was an awkward silence in the room for at least five minutes...
"Isabel sure is a lively one" Sana giggled and broke the silence.
"Hmm."Levi simply nodded in answer.
**_ *** __ ****** Sana's POV *** __ ****** , ____
He's sitting too close to me. Why it is bothering me now? Even before when Farlan and Isabel were here he was sitting exactly there.
Stupid me.
I think I should go into the kitchen and make a tea that would be best.
******* ***
As she stood up, Sana tripped.
She fell over Levi. She didn't understand what was going on. Her heart began to beat rapidly.
Over his right shoulder, her left hand was placed.
Levi's eyes widened. He never imagined even in his wildest dreams that something like this would ever happen to him. Even he didn't know how he should respond.
Sana leaned her head a little toward him. Even she didn't have any idea what she was doing.
Levi's face turned red.
******* knock **** knock**********
Both their eye contact was dissolved by a knock on the door.
Sana got up in an instant and went to answer the door.
"Sorry I didn't..."
"No.. Nooo. It was not what you are thinking. I just tripped. I'm just clumsy." Sana interrupted before Franz could complete the sentence.
"Ohh, sorry for Misinterpreting. The orders from Commander Erwin have come and here's a letter for you." Franz apologized and handed over the letter.
****†
Levi's heart was still racing. Usually, it wouldn't have bothered him that much.
Sana brought the letter and kept it on the table.
"I think I should leave now. You have got a lot of work to do." Levi left without saying any further.