ROD REISS, the ruler recently accused of misdoing, misdemeanor, and manipulation, was assassinated after taking a walk in the palace gardens. Witnesses report he had been contemplating or attempting to tune in to nature while “touching grass” when he was killed, though officials have not released details on how or by whom. His killing has intensified existing unrest in the kingdom, with questions lingering on who planned it and what the monarchies future will be.
In swift response, Historia Reiss has been declared queen. As a younger noble with on field combat experience and her growing political popularity, she has positioned herself as a reforming leader committed to distancing the new monarchy from the legacy of Rod Reiss. She has emphasized her strengths; clarity, democracy, and stability, vowing to create a better kingdom founded on order and integrity. One of her earliest actions, though, immediately sparked controversy: legalizing a casino. First touted as a sidebar measure by Commander Dot Pyxis, the suggestion was intended to boost morale and bring in revenue, but critics have condemned it as exploitative.
Meanwhile, Eren Yeager has returned from beyond the Walls with precious insight into the world outside. Although the specifics remain on lockdown, military leaders vow his report will turn the kingdom’s understanding of its enemies and its future on its head. His return brought the militarial attention back to reattaining the Wall Maria and the reclaiming of lost territory from the colossal Titan. Mikasa Ackerman, who has stayed in close communication with Eren, has purportedly hung up her internal politics to assist with this campaign to return.
After Rod Reiss’s death, also in the spotlight is financial mismanagement under his rule. Recent reports detail the former king had been investing significant amounts of money into personal vices, like pre-development of the already-approved casino. Reflecting improvement, the government has already initiated the funds into scientific research and anti-Titan operations. Commander Hange Zoë resumed studying Eldian powers and Titan origin, and Commander Erwin Smith continued arguing for strategic spending of military budgets. However, the kingdom remains divided. As much as reformists such as Survey Corps and Military Police are supportive of new leadership, other regime loyalists loyal to Rod Reiss’s regime have remained silent or disappeared. The re-emergence of Kenny Ackermann and the Anti-Personnel Control Squad into politics has raised fears of retaliation or conspiracies elsewhere.
Overall, despite attempts at reforming the governance of the kingdom, the lasting scars of deception, scandal, and power struggle are yet to heal. As the kingdom rebuilds itself in this period of uncertainty, it stands at a crossing of ideologies, control and truth, and collapse and renewal.