Grisha's Lifespan

Nearly a year had passed since the operation to reclaim Wall Maria.

The displaced refugees had long since returned to rebuild their homes. Despite the massive titan invasion, the reconstruction was not too difficult—titans, after all, only hunted humans and didn't go out of their way to destroy buildings, plants, or animals.

Naturally, the Yeager family had also returned to their home in Shiganshina District, resuming what could be called a peaceful life.

But in some ways, peace was an illusion.

Eren had already learned the truth hidden in the basement — Grisha's journals, carefully written by his own hand, revealing the secrets of the Eldian people and the Marleyan Empire.

For someone Eren's age, it was a shattering revelation.

The world beyond the walls, the one he had always dreamed of, the one Armin spoke of, was supposed to be a place of freedom and wonder.

It was beautiful, in a way — but it also held humans, and all of them were enemies.

The so-called "man-eating devils" were, in truth, Eldians just like them — turned into Pure Titans and Abnormals by the Marleyan regime, used as weapons to slaughter their fellow Eldians behind the walls.

With his fiery nature, Eren naturally came to despise the Marleyans.

Though he now knew of the atrocities committed by the Eldian Empire before the reign of the 145th King Fritz, his hatred for Marley still burned strong.

Perhaps as he grew older, his perspective would change.

Alongside Eren, Mikasa, Armin, and Carla had also learned the truth about the outside world.

After their late-night talk, Grisha continued to speak with Byakuya, eventually understanding his intent: Byakuya wanted the Eldians inside the walls to wake up—to stop living in ignorant seclusion and learn the truth of the world.

Only then did Grisha feel justified in sharing everything with his family.

"Big Brother Byakuya and Sister Eto came to visit us again!"

Eren, peering out the window, spotted Byakuya and Eto approaching.

Grisha, who had been reading the paper, immediately stood to open the door—but Eren beat him to it.

"Mr. Byakuya, Miss Eto, it's been a while."

Grisha greeted them with respect.

"You've come at just the right time—lunch is almost ready. Why don't you stay and eat with us?"

Carla offered warmly.

Mikasa, as usual, was helping her prepare the meal.

"Gladly, and thank you, Mrs. Yeager"

Byakuya nodded.

"Nonsense—you saved our lives. This is the least we can do" Carla insisted.

Then Grisha turned to Byakuya.

"Carla, Mikasa, you two finish lunch. I'd like to speak privately with Mr. Byakuya."

Byakuya could already guess what the conversation would be about.

They stepped aside.

"Mr. Byakuya" Grisha began, "I can feel it—my time is running out. I doubt I'll even last another month. Are you sure you don't want me to pass on the Attack Titan to Eren?"

"There's no need" Byakuya replied calmly. "Because you're not going to die."

"...What?" Grisha froze in place. "But the Thirteen-Year Curse — there's no way around it. If there were, then the Owl wouldn't have—"

[Ding! Host has successfully purchased a Low-Grade Life Extension Pill. Attribute points -10.]

A small, candy-like object appeared in Byakuya's hand. He offered it to Grisha.

"Eat this, and you'll live another year."

Grisha stared, stunned.

"This... can really extend my life? That's impossible!"

It defied everything he knew—life, death, the limits of humanity. How could something like this even exist?

"Anything is possible. Just take it."

Byakuya's tone was casual.

"And if I want to, I can give you more. So you don't need to worry about the Attack Titan dying with you. There's no need to pass it to Eren — not unless you want your own son to devour you."

"...You're right."

Of course, Grisha didn't want that. And Byakuya had already performed countless miracles. He had reason to trust him.

Without hesitation, Grisha swallowed the pill—though he felt no immediate change.

"It doesn't work like that" Byakuya explained.

"You won't feel anything. But you won't die this year."

"I see. Thank you... truly."

Grisha's gratitude was sincere. Byakuya had already done so much for the Yeager family—more than they could ever repay.

To be honest, Grisha had always wondered why Byakuya cared so much. Especially about Eren.

"It's nothing. A small favor."

Byakuya waved it off. A single Life Extension Pill cost just ten attribute points — and he had more than he knew what to do with. Giving one away meant little to him.

But that didn't mean he gave them to just anyone.

"Oh, and—" Byakuya glanced at Grisha. "You haven't told Eren and the others about the Attack Titan, have you?"

"No" Grisha admitted. "I didn't want them to worry."

"Then there's no need to ever tell them. Just keep the Attack Titan for yourself."

"Understood."

With that settled, they returned to the house.

Eto had wandered into the kitchen to help out.

It had been a year—and Mikasa was now nearly as tall as Eto herself.