The royal family genealogy was soon brought in.
When Minister and Sergeant entered together, everyone relaxed—this copy was authentic, untampered with under both their supervision.
The book was handed to President Zachary.
Adjusting his glasses, he examined it carefully, turning to the records from a hundred years ago.
"Karl Fritz."
The name was written in fresh ink—its color starkly different from the aged writing surrounding it.
(Distressing: a technique in the antique trade, where craftsmen artificially age new material to make it look ancient.)
Pinned to that same page was a small lock of hair tied with a pink ribbon.
Zachary stared at it silently.
"I didn't care before," he muttered darkly, "but I didn't expect him to act so fast… Bastard."
Darius Zachary then stood and announced, "We have verified that a century ago, there was indeed a royal family member named Karl. It seems Zeke fabricated his claim carelessly."
Gasps rippled through the hall.
But amid the commotion, Zeke sneered, voice cutting through the noise:
"Is the ink dry yet?"
Everyone froze.
Sacre's expression stiffened. Slowly, he closed the family tree and said flatly, "What nonsense.
Karl's name has been in this record for a hundred years—the handwriting is consistent. It's clear Zeke Yeager is spreading lies. King, please render judgment."
The King rose.
"I declare that Zeke Yeager and Eren Yeager are guilty of treason and lese majesty! They shall be handed over to the Military Police Brigade and executed immediately!"
The words exploded through the chamber.
The Captain of the Survey Corps slammed his hand on the railing, shattering it.
"King! I can understand if you wish to execute Zeke—but Eren? He's a child! What crime could he have committed?"
Murmurs spread.
"Yes, how can a child be a traitor?"
"What's happened to His Majesty today?"
The King hesitated. Before he could answer, the Left Minister stepped forward.
"It was his brother who plotted treason. According to the law, relatives of traitors must share their punishment!"
Erwin stepped forward sharply.
"There is no such law!" he barked. "If you insist on executing a child, then show us the evidence of his crime—and name the statute that allows it!"
The Left Minister froze, speechless.
The crowd stirred again—
"Is the King mistaken?"
"Would His Majesty truly condemn a child without proof?"
Erwin turned toward Zachary.
"Your Excellency, there are clear doubts about the genealogy. I ask that it be shown to the public for inspection!"
Zachary's tone chilled.
"Erwin, are you questioning my integrity? I said there is no problem, and therefore, there is no problem."
Erwin's voice rose.
"If there is no problem, then why hide it? This trial concerns the fate of all humanity—it cannot be judged by the King and the President alone! Every person here has the right to see the truth. President, show the genealogy to the people!"
Darius Zachary hesitated, sighed, and reluctantly lifted the lock of hair from the folder.
The Left Minister snapped, "How dare you! To question the royal records is to insult the dignity of the King!"
Erwin straightened, eyes unwavering.
"I am a soldier of humanity.
The day I swore my oath, I vowed to give my heart to humanity!"
He raised his hand in salute.
The entire Survey Corps followed, voices ringing out as one:
"Give your heart to humanity!"
Their oath reverberated through the hall.
For the first time, the people understood—the soldiers did not serve the King, nor the government.
They served humanity itself.
From the Garrison Corps' benches, a laugh broke the tension.
"What's this? Are we not human soldiers too? If they give their hearts to humanity—so shall we!"
Commander Pixis rose, grinning lazily, and saluted.
"Give your heart to humanity!"
Erwin blinked, caught off guard. Pixis merely winked back.
Across the room, Military Police Brigade Commander Nile muttered a curse.
"Damn that Erwin… always showing off."
But with both the Survey and Garrison Corps saluting, his men could do nothing less.
"Give your heart to humanity!" the Military Police Brigade shouted in unison.
Even the First Regiment—those who moments earlier prepared to execute the Yeager brothers—found their hands trembling. Their loyalty was to the crown, but surrounded by every soldier declaring allegiance to humankind, they too saluted.
"Give your heart to humanity!"
The Left Minister's face turned purple.
"You—you are all rebelling!"
He had never seen such open defiance. His composure cracked; panic seeped into his voice.
He turned desperately toward the nobles' seats.
"Now is the time for the Queen to act! Restrain these traitors!"
But Rod sat rigid and silent, his jaw trembling, his fists clenched on his knees. He did not move.
The Left Minister's voice faltered.
"The Queen… where is the Queen?!"