As the ferry's whistle sounded, Yago, who had been away from Paradis Island for nearly three years, finally saw his true homeland once again.
Unlike when he had left, the once small and narrow port had undergone a complete transformation. Several large cargo ships were docked and ready to depart, along with many smaller merchant vessels—these were all trade ships from countries outside the island.
Although most of them were from Hizuru, under its lead, some island nations from the Eastern region had also gradually begun trade relations with Paradis Island.
Though the scale was still small, Yago knew this marked a major step for Paradis Island toward the wider world.
In addition to these commercial ships, numerous warships were docked within the vast harbor. These were all part of Paradis Island's newly developed naval forces. Perhaps due to intelligence obtained from Hizuru, the island's higher-ups had taken this seriously. Under Pixis's leadership, the military strongly supported the development of naval power.
Combined with the fleet previously sent to Marley's capital for operations, Paradis Island now possessed a navy that could rank among the world's forces.
As the ferry slowly sailed into the port, people aboard began gathering on the deck.
Soldiers like Sasha, Jean, and Connie—who had been away from Paradis Island for several months—naturally missed their homeland deeply. They crowded by the railings, waving, cheering, and shouting excitedly.
Meanwhile, many core members of the Eldian Revolutionary Army like Serena looked around with curiosity, pointing at Paradis Island. Clearly, seeing this "Island of Devils," long infamous among Marleyans, for the first time left many of them astonished.
Serena gazed at the seemingly endless expanse of Paradis Island and was slightly shocked. The island was even larger than she had imagined! It was hard to believe that millions of their fellow Eldians lived here.
"What's wrong? Missing your father?"
Yago smiled and gently rubbed Annie's hair. Annie awkwardly scratched her nose—indeed, it had been quite a long time since she last saw her father.
At the same time, a wave of longing rose in Yago's heart as well.
"Mom, I'm back."
After three years apart, the moment he saw the land of Paradis Island, the image of his mother Lucia's smiling face instantly appeared in his mind.
At the port, many workers had already begun bustling about, directing temporarily docked ships to clear a path, preparing to guide the ferry into harbor.
What Yago didn't know was that while he was missing his mother, Lucia herself was at the port at that very moment, waiting alongside many families of the Survey Corps soldiers.
News of the Survey Corps' imminent triumphant return had already spread across Paradis Island. Countless citizens were thrilled upon hearing it. If not for restrictions on the railway leading to the port, the harbor would likely have been packed with a sea of people welcoming them.
After deliberation, the council ultimately approved allowing the families of the returning Survey Corps soldiers to wait at the port, as a way to comfort these honored soldiers in advance.
After three years, a few more wrinkles had appeared on Lucia's face, but the longing in her eyes had only grown stronger. She had always worried about Yago's safety. Back when he left Paradis Island for the unknown land of Marley, she had been so anxious that she couldn't sleep night after night.
Yet Lucia had never stopped him.
Because she knew her child had grown up. It was time for him to spread his wings and soar on his own. As a mother, she shouldn't interfere or hold him back. All she could do was sincerely pray for his safety, and when he returned, make sure he could always eat warm, delicious meals.
In the small basket hanging from Lucia's arm were egg cakes and various sweets Yago loved, all prepared the night before. When she learned a few days ago that Yago would be returning soon, she had been so overjoyed she nearly cried.
Originally, Eren's mother Carla had insisted on coming with Lucia to welcome the children, but her leg had been injured in the past. Though it had mostly recovered, the journey from the capital to the port was still long. Considering her condition, Lucia persuaded her to stay behind.
In the end, Lucia came to the port to welcome the children, while Carla remained at home preparing a feast for their return.
As the ferry slowly docked, Lucia's smile grew brighter.
However, besides welcoming the children today, Lucia had another thought in mind.
"Mr. Leonhart, don't you think… Annie and Yago are already quite grown up? As parents, shouldn't we start thinking about their future?"
Mr. Leonhart, leaning on his cane, was momentarily stunned, but quickly understood what Lucia meant.
This mother was extremely concerned about her son's lifelong happiness. Especially during the years Yago had been away from Paradis Island, Annie often came to visit Lucia at home.
This only made Lucia like Annie more and more. Watching Annie grow increasingly beautiful and graceful, Lucia couldn't help but worry for her son—such a wonderful daughter-in-law must not be lost.
Later, when she learned Annie had also left Paradis Island to find Yago, Lucia felt not only concern but also a hint of joy. This girl truly cared deeply for Yago.
This time, besides welcoming her son, Lucia had an even more important goal—she had to quickly bring Yago and Annie together. If that foolish boy still couldn't seize the opportunity, then no matter how much she loved him, she'd have to teach him what discipline meant.
Mr. Leonhart, however, felt a bit bitter inside.
The daughter he had raised for over a decade was about to be handed over—what father could accept that easily?
Yet what comforted him was that Yago was someone worthy of his daughter. The two had grown up together—like childhood sweethearts, as they say in plays.
Moreover, Annie truly loved Yago. No matter how reluctant he felt, Leonhart would still smile and bless his daughter.
"Mrs. Lucia, you're right. The two children are no longer young. It's time for them to start a family. I think this matter should be settled as soon as possible."
Lucia's eyes lit up.
"Then it's settled, in-law! You're absolutely right—I also think it should be done quickly. How about getting them engaged tomorrow?"
Mr. Leonhart: "..."
She's already calling him in-law… seems this mother is truly in a hurry.
However, while the two parents were discussing their children's lifelong matter, our protagonist Yago remained completely unaware—he was happily watching Connie and Jean arm wrestle.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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