He leaned back against his chair again, picked up his teacup, and took a long, relaxing pull. He had known Levi would agree sooner or later, yet in his own subtle way Levi had indicated that this assignment was not only acceptable, but intriguing. Better in every way than an unwilling dispatch. Nor had he relished the thought of testing Levi with an order.

After some consideration, he frowned thoughtfully. "No. I want to talk to all three of you together, along with Armin Arlert. I'll summon you after dinner."

Those two Shiganshina boys had a part to play in this. Their distance from Mikasa had to be carefully managed, and Erwin had developed an excursion for them while Levi and Mikasa were away.

"Any other questions?"