Chapter 52: Recruiting Erwin, the Future Direction

(T/N: Well, deal is deal.

1/3)

"Commander, where are you going?"

Seeing Erwin preparing to leave, Haruto asked curiously.

Although Erwin's expression did not change, he was actually somewhat exhausted inside. This man had been hanging around in his office for days, chatting and drinking tea, with an unknown purpose.

Considering the other party's strength, he had no choice but to put up with it.

Even someone like Erwin was close to putting on a mask of suffering.

"We have found the true royal family. I'm going to meet the successor."

Erwin stated the truth. This matter could not be concealed.

Moreover, it was somewhat related to Haruto. Hearing this, Haruto's expression changed slightly, then he smiled and said,

"I'll come along and watch the fun."

Erwin nodded.

The two left the office and arrived at a meeting hall. Inside, faint voices of conversation could be heard. Erwin pushed the door open and walked in. The conversation stopped abruptly.

Haruto followed behind and entered.

At the conference table, Historia was sitting.

Oh, and Ymir as well.

"Why are you here, poison-tongued girl? What are you sticking your nose into?"

Haruto taunted bluntly.

Ymir had initially been quite happy to see Haruto suddenly appear. But upon hearing this, her brows furrowed.

"Dark and gloomy guy! I thought you were dead, but as expected, troublemakers live long! I'm here with Historia—any problem with that?"

Historia had been pleasantly surprised to see Haruto and wanted to say something. But at this moment, she had to step in and mediate.

"Stop arguing, both of you! Haru, Ymir, this is the regiment's conference hall!"

Historia said helplessly.

Amidst the quarrel, everyone gradually took their seats. Erwin watched Haruto bicker with the two and felt somewhat dazed.

This man… could actually act like this?

Unbelievable.

"Ahem..." Erwin cleared his throat to draw everyone's attention.

"Commander Erwin." Historia was a little nervous.

This was the leader of the Wings of Freedom.

Erwin looked at Krista and said,

"Krista… No, you should be called Historia Reiss, the last descendant of the royal family."

Upon hearing this, Historia instantly tensed up, her fingers gripping the chair tightly. Ymir's expression darkened, and she looked at Erwin with hostility, questioning,

"What do you want?"

Erwin spoke in a deep voice:

"Would you be willing to inherit the throne as queen?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the room fell into a brief silence.

Haruto shook his head helplessly.

Was this the choice of Steins;Gate? The convergence of world lines?

Even though he had hidden Krista's royal bloodline, things still ended up like this. Krista lowered her head, her breathing slightly rapid.

A queen, perhaps a dream position for many.

But to Historia, it was nothing more than a curse.

She had been hated by her mother since childhood and had barely even seen her father. If she could choose her birth, Historia would probably rather have been born in the slums, dressed in rags and struggling for food every day.

That would have been better than being in the royal family. But at this moment, Krista couldn't bring herself to outright refuse.

This was a request from the regiment.

It was possibly the hope of the people inside the walls.

This request might carry the expectations of countless individuals.

Historia fell into a long silence.

Ymir grew anxious beside her.

She knew Historia didn't want to be queen.

But why was Historia hesitating?

Hadn't she made up her mind in the snowy mountains to live for herself?

Her fingers turned slightly white, indicating just how much strength she was using and how torn she was.

On one side was the expectation of others, on the other was herself.

At that moment, Historia felt a weight on her shoulders.

A warmth spread through her.

Historia looked up.

At some point, Haruto had walked behind her, placing both hands on her fragile shoulders.

"Haru… I—!" Historia wanted to say something.

But Haruto gently shook his head.

"The choice itself doesn't matter. What matters is who you're making the choice for. You once said you wanted to live for yourself."

Historia's eyes lit up, but she still hesitated.

"But… the regiment and the government…"

The girl was still full of concerns.

After all, childhood teachings couldn't be overturned overnight.

Haruto patted her head.

"The king forces you to kneel with worldly authority and empty titles. The Foundation asks you to stand up! Don't worry about others. Just follow your heart. Leave the rest to me."

Historia was stunned for a moment, then suddenly smiled and nodded.

"Alright."

She then looked at Erwin.

"Sorry, Commander Erwin. I must refuse. I am not suited to be a queen, nor do I want to be one."

Erwin's expression remained unchanged as he nodded.

"I understand. Then, may I ask you two to step out for a moment? I have some matters to discuss with Haruto."

Historia became uneasy upon hearing this.

She was afraid that because of her, Haruto would get into trouble. Haruto, however, simply smiled and ruffled her golden hair.

"It's fine. Wait for me in the next room. I'll be done soon."

Krista nodded and stood up to leave.

Ymir also stood up, her gaze toward Haruto complicated.

But—

"You always act cool at crucial moments and steal my spotlight."

Ymir said this, but a smile played at her lips.

The two walked out of the room.

Erwin looked at Haruto with some helplessness.

"Haruto, the regiment only temporarily holds power. Without a royal family, the people will have objections."

Haruto waved his hand dismissively.

"It's fine. They'll be too busy in the future to rebel."

Hearing this, Erwin's forehead twitched.

Haruto continued, "More importantly, Commander Erwin, the SCP Foundation wants to make a deal with the regiment, or rather, a cooperation."

Erwin immediately became serious.

"Please speak, Haruto."

Haruto walked to the window, opened it, and pointed to the vast blue sky outside.

"Commander, what do you think this country should rely on to stand in the future in this vast world? Or rather, what is the future?"

Without hesitation, Erwin gave his answer: "Technology."

Titans were certainly not the future of this country. Even controlling the Nine Intelligent Titans was merely a temporary advantage.

Marley had already proven this.

Titans were just temporary weapons, technology was the future.

"Commander Erwin's judgment is as accurate as ever," Haruto remarked.

"The SCP Foundation wants to establish a cooperation with the regiment; or rather, with the world within the walls." The Foundation can provide advanced technological blueprints for the world inside the walls; blueprints covering weapons, production, and daily life.

In exchange, the world inside the walls must agree to trade with the Foundation, allow the extraction of iceburst stone, and engage in commercial exchanges.

At the same time, an SCP containment site will be established underground on Paradis Island to secure anomalies.

What do you think of this proposal, Commander Erwin?"