But after dying once, the question of who the true devil was no longer mattered.
Zeke's thoughts had become simple.
He wanted only to stop Eren.
To see his father again.
And, in this life, to let the people he cared for find happiness.
Even Eren—who could see countless possible futures—must have thought the same in the end:
As long as the people who matter most can be happy, that's enough.
The world was vast, yet as individuals, they were so very small. In their limited time, what could they really do? Only push themselves to their limits… and that was all.
Zeke kept silent. Race, ideology, history—those things were too heavy to put into words.
Anna did not press him further. Instead, she asked another question.
"What are the Eldians… like?"
Her persistence surprised him. Still, he answered:
"Other than being able to turn into Titans, they're just ordinary people."
"The same as us…" Anna sighed. Then, after a pause: "What does it feel like, turning into a Titan?"
Zeke thought, then said the one thing that troubled him most:
"My eyesight worsens."
"?"
"If I want to see someone's face clearly, I have to squat… or lie down."
"Pfft…" Anna suddenly burst into laughter.
It was the first time Zeke had made her laugh.
Something so helpless, yet it could still bring out her smile.
"Maybe becoming a Titan isn't so bad after all," Anna said, still laughing softly. "At least it gives you power. At least it makes people fear you."
She took his hand and guided it to her abdomen.
"Hey, Zeke… we've done this so many times. Do you think I'll get pregnant?"
Zeke froze.
He understood. Anna had begun to yearn for Titan power herself.
Those who lived under oppression desired strength—destruction—more than anyone.
If she couldn't control him, she would create someone she could control. Their child.
Memories of his childhood surged back. His parents pressing him from both sides, feeding him Restorationist ideology, planting hatred for Marley in his young heart.
It had been suffocating.
If he ever had a child, he would not force them into the same fate. He would let them be born free.
A ridiculous idea.
In his previous life, he had never even considered having children. Never wanted to see another Eldian inherit such misery.
And yet, here he was—thinking it might be good to have a child with Anna.
Life was cruel. Always slapping him in the face.
He stared at her flat belly for a long time before finally saying:
"Maybe."
"If I do get pregnant… would you want it to be a boy or a girl?"
"…Either."
"…You really want me to have your child?"
"?"
"Our child will be nothing but a tool from birth. The Marley government will control them for life—just like me." Her voice dropped. Shadows crossed her face.
Zeke gripped her hand firmly.
"Don't worry. If you get pregnant, just give birth. When I come back, I'll take you and the baby away—to a place where no one can control us."
"I'll protect you. And our child."
No more revenge.
No more manipulation.
Just freedom.
This was Zeke's deepest wish.
Anna turned to him, stunned. "You… will protect me?"
"Yes." His answer was firm.
She searched his eyes, then whispered:
"Are you protecting me… or 'him'?"
"…You."
Anna laughed softly, a trembling sound, and buried her face against his chest.
"Zeke… do you love me?"
He hesitated.
And she knew—hesitation was already an answer.
"…I don't know," he admitted honestly. He couldn't lie to her, not after everything between them. "We've known each other too briefly. We don't understand each other deeply. And… there are too many politics between us."
He paused, then spoke with quiet conviction.
"But I do know this: I don't hate you. I don't hate the idea of you bearing my child. If you give birth to my child… you'll be the person I love most in this world. The one I'll protect with my life."
He buried his face in her hair, breathing in the faint scent of roses. He wanted to remember it—carry it with him when he went to Paradis, so he wouldn't feel so alone.
"Thank you, Zeke…" Tears streamed down Anna's cheeks, hot at first, then cooling as they slid down his skin. "I never thought… I could be loved by someone."
Neither had he.
His family had shattered long ago. Even his only brother had deceived and used him from the very beginning. He had never imagined he could start a family of his own.
Zeke's eyes stung. He blinked hard, refusing to let tears fall. Instead, he stroked her hair gently.
"Anna… you have to think like this."
"I love you."
"We'll have many, many children."
"They'll love you, too."
"And even if I'm gone, they'll love you enough for me."
"…Parents may not always love their children. But children always love their parents."
Anna laughed through her tears. That night, she fell asleep in his arms, a faint smile curving her lips.
Zeke stayed awake, watching her peaceful face. When she was finally deep in sleep, he laid her gently down, dressed quietly, and slipped out of the palace under the cover of night.
Before going to Paradis, there was one last thing he had to do.