Chapter 1: Proposal

Disclaimer: I do not own Shingeki no Kyojin

Summary: A marriage of convenience between Petra Ral, a young noblewoman, and Levi Ackerman, the Survey Corps' strongest soldier, becomes more than just a contract.

The paper was expensive, the writing neat and eloquent. Erwin picked up the letter curiously. His curiosity only increased when he saw whom the letter was from. His eyes became bigger with every word he read. Checking the time, he folded the letter and slipped it into his shirt pocket. Quickly, he rushed out of his office, mind whirling with possibilities.

"Hey, Erwin, where're you going?" Mike approached him.

"Something just came up. I need to make some arrangements. I'll be gone for a few hours tomorrow."

"What about the upcoming meeting? We have to make more cutbacks." Mike sighed unhappily. He hated the monthly budget meeting.

"I'll be back by then. If I'm successful, we might not have to worry about financial issues much longer," Erwin told him optimistically. There was still a chance that it wasn't was it seemed. But he put it out of his head, unwilling to jinx it. He arranged for his departure and waited eagerly the next morning.

The long ride to the manor gave him time to mull over the letter. According to the content, the young lady wished to fund the Survey Corps. But she wanted assurance first her investment would be profitable. He felt confident he could get her to come around. If there was one thing he was good at, it was making an excellent case and getting people to see things his way. Many possibilities churned in his head, exciting him. The carriage finally came to a stop and the door opened.

The footman, a young man with blond hair and pale skin stood before him. "Welcome to the manor, Mr. Smith," he greeted, gesturing for the commander to follow him.

Erwin studied the large, beautiful three-story house. Made of gray bricks with a black sloping roof, the manor sat a thirty-minute ride away on the outskirts of the Utopia district within Wall Rose. Despite being the head of an influential noble family, his host preferred living surrounded by nature instead of within the city. The footman led him through the house. Bronze, wall-mounted candelabras surrounded him, the marble floors were polished to a shine, and the tasteful paintings hanging around gave the place a homey look.

The footman brought him to the parlor and asked him to wait there for his mistress. Erwin took a seat and observed his surroundings. The dark brown furniture was surrounding a round glass table and there was a small fireplace was to his left. His host joined him and he stood to shake her hand.

"Commander Erwin, welcome."

"Thank you, Lady Petra."

She took a seat across from him. "Sorry for the abrupt invitation. I'm sure you're wondering why I called you here."

"You wished to discuss the prospect of funding the Survey Corps."

"In a way, yes. To be honest, I just wanted to get you here."

Erwin watched her cautiously, having considered her offer may have been a ruse to lure him to her home for a different reason. Nobles did not just fork over a large donation without some smooth-talking and charm from him first.

Erwin had done his research on her and had heard she was rather independent and free-spirited. He could see without even the expensive leather boots, the fine skirt, and her white blouse that she was, indeed, nobility. It was obvious from the way she carried herself. I still can't see her pulling such a tasteless prank. While the Survey Corp was far from a respected branch among civilians, they were still military and as such, were afforded some respect. Such as the fact their time was valuable and to be wasted on a trivial matter.

"Let me explain over tea." Petra nodded to a tall servant and he placed a tray with a teapot and a bowl of sugar cubes on the table, pouring steaming tea in the two cups. She dismissed him and he closed the door behind him, giving them privacy. "I don't know if you heard, it was quite the controversy at the time, when my mother, a high-born heiress, married my father, a lowborn man."

"Yes, I believe it ruffled some feathers, especially between members of your family."

"That it did. Unfortunately, it's come back to bite me in the ass."

Erwin barely flinched at her language. Internally, he couldn't help but be amused. The vulgar phrase a contrast to her sweet and innocent-looking appearance.

"My mother's cousin," Petra continued, "my uncle, wants to use that to his advantage and take over the position of the family head, my position. As of now, most of the family has been in my favor."

Erwin's mind raced at where the conversation was heading. "So what changed?"

"The one thing my uncle has going for him is that he has children, heirs to succeed him. While normally my young age has let me get away with it, my uncle has recently pointed out my shaky relationship record." The average life expectancy of her relationships was a month. "My family is worried I'm too much of a loose cannon and I might make the same mistake my mother did. The family reputation can't handle that kind of scandal again."

"Wouldn't a simple solution be marrying a young nobleman?" Erwin pointed out, picking up a cup of tea and taking a sip.

Petra sighed, leaning back. "I was in a relationship with most of the men that are considered fitting of my station. Well, I say relationship loosely. Basically we were forced to court and they really weren't my type. My uncle has promised his children's hand in marriage to the families of the rest. So I'm in a bit of a fix."

Now Erwin was almost certain where the conversation was headed.

"I could marry a rich man, one who is not nobility, but that'll leave me open for another coup in the future. I need to end this now, once in for all, and show my family I am the right person for the job."

Erwin's lips twitched. "I take it you're not asking for my hand in marriage."

"As handsome and charming as you are, I'm probably not your type," Petra replied easily.

"You want to marry Levi." Erwin's mind automatically began finding ways to use the information to his advantage. "But you're not the only one who wants to marry him." There was no way he was telling her Levi was uninterested in settling down. He didn't want to risk losing a potential sponsor. They were in too much of a bind to do that. It was a situation they had faced before, but now that there was such a tantalizing solution to the problem, it seemed worse somehow.

"I'm different from the other suitors." Petra waved her hand. "They want to marry Levi to boost their reputation and for the prestige that comes along with tying such a famous and far admired individual. While I, too, am trying for something similar, I do not expect him to change his life so his world would revolve around me. He can keep on living the military life. I'll fund your expeditions to the best of my ability. And my business will prosper even more if people knew who my husband was, meaning for money to go around. Additionally, those in the Merchant Association who wish to curry favor with me may also show the Survey Corp support."

"Levi might not be what you are expecting. In any case, why are you telling me all of this?" Erwin tried not to let his mind get ahead of him. It was hard not to, though. If Petra and Levi married, and she kept her word, the Survey Corps would finally have major political power as well as continuous funds. They wouldn't constantly have to beg the government and noble families for scraps.

"On the contrary, I know exactly what he's like: a rude, angry, foul-mouthed midget. My cousin's words, not mine." Petra put her teacup down, a wide smile on her lips. "She tried to talk to him once and he shot her down fast." Something her bratty cousin was not used to.

Erwin couldn't help but mirror her amused expression. "You've hit the nail on the head." At least she didn't have the wrong image of Levi and knew what she would be getting into so he wouldn't have to worry about that.

"As for the second question, I wanted to talk to you first because I was hoping you'd put in a good word for me. I don't want to approach him while he has preconceived notions about my character based on the stereotypes regarding nobles." Even if the labels were true for most of them. Petra looked him dead in the eyes, knowing full well how tempting her offer was, and asked confidentially. "So, what do you say Commander Erwin?"

Erwin sat still, quietly mulling over her proposition. It was more for her benefit, really. He'd already made up his mind. "I'll ask Levi to think about it. But that's all I can promise." It was the truth. He couldn't force Levi into this but he would at least make it so Petra had a shot, a chance to make her case.

"Be sure to mention the most important bit."

"And what is that?"

Petra grinned cheekily, eyes sparkling. "Unlike most of the women he's approached by, I'm actually shorter than him."

Erwin chuckled. "Well, now, how can I argue with that logic?"

The commander mentally prepared himself. He was going to bring up Petra's offer after the monthly budget meeting to make Levi really think about it. Admittedly it was a bit underhanded, but he had made far more morally questionable decisions. Soon the squad leaders and other veterans joined him and they discussed the less than stable financial position of the Corps, the atmosphere dampening greatly. Once the others left and only Mike, Hange, Nanaba, and Levi remained, Erwin decided it was time to bring it up.

"We have to do something. Otherwise we won't last much longer," Hange said grimly.

Erwin cleared his throat. "I have something to say about that. What I have in mind won't only take care of monetary problems but gain us some much needed political clout." They leaned in curiously. "I was invited by Lady Petra Ral and she brought up the option of marriage—"

"No!" Levi snapped with a glare.

"You haven't even heard what he has to say." The grin on Nanaba's face said she knew exactly what was going on.

"I won't force you to say yes, but you have to meet her, Levi. She met with me first so I could be a character witness, I guess you can say. Trust me, before you pass judgment at least meet the woman."

"Yeah, if you say no, you're only dooming us," Hange added helpfully, Mike nodding next to her.

"Out," Levi growled at them, "I want to talk to Erwin alone." With a nod from the commander, the three left the room. They went quietly, knowing better than to gossip about it. At least not within earshot. "Why the fuck would you ambush me like that?" As much as he trusted and respected the man, would follow him into almost anything, Erwin did not dictate matters of his personal life.

"You know why, Levi," the commander responded calmly. "I believe we discussed it at a length for an hour and a half just now. The Survey Corps is on its last leg." Perhaps that was a little dramatic. They'd been in worse positions before. But that had been decades ago.

"And I'll be sacrificing myself for the greater good, right?"

"Don't be so dramatic." Erwin rolled his eyes. "You'll like her."

"That's not for you to decide." Levi stood up to leave.

"Just give her a chance. Don't let your prejudice against nobles color your perception of her."

"I don't exactly have a good experience with those pigs. Or their piglets," he mumbled under his breath.

"Do you trust me?"

"Yes," Levi answered without hesitation.

"Then believe me when I say she's nothing like the other noblewomen you've met."

While he was opposed to the idea, it occurred to Levi the woman wasn't going to meet his expectations anyway, but the Corps needed the funding so he may as well agree to only meeting her and get it over with. Otherwise, Erwin wasn't going to shut up about it. "Fine, I'll give her a chance. Five minutes, take it or leave it."

And that was how Levi found himself leaning tensely against the wall behind his desk in his office, arms crossed, frowning, as he waited for his potential bride-to-be. Unknown to him, she was getting tested by his comrades at that very moment.

"I'm sorry," Hange apologized awkwardly.

Petra's lovely cream-colored dress now had a large, ugly stain on it from Hange's tea. "It's alright," she assured. "Accidents happen. You didn't get any of your hands, did you? It seemed hot."

Hange decided she liked Petra. "I'm okay, thank you." The scientist ushered her to the showers and gave her a plain, light blue dress. "I'll lead you to Levi." She eyed Petra in her peripheral vision. Since she had passed Hange's test, the dress was her way of helping the redhead. Levi wouldn't be as quick to jump to conclusions when he saw her dressed so modestly.

They left the shower room, heading for Levi's office, talking easily. Hange was delighted by Petra's genuine interest in what she had to say and actually listening rather than nodding and humming now and then to show she was "paying attention." They were in an empty corridor when Mike walked up to them and Hange was almost disappointed at having to part with her.

"Good afternoon," Petra greeted him. Much to her confusion, he didn't say anything, only leaning in to sniff her. "Um..." She shifted awkwardly, looking to her escort for an explanation.

"Don't worry, he always does that," Hange said. Mike smirked and left after a nod to Hange. "He likes you. Oh, shoot, I forgot I have something to do. Hey, Nanaba," she waved at the blonde-haired woman who just happened to be walking by. "Can you guide Lady Petra to Levi?"

"Sure," Nanaba agreed. After Hange went her own way, Nanaba began walking alongside Petra. "Sorry for the sad state." She gestured to herself. "I was training."

"It's no problem," Petra replied.

Most high-class folks would turn their noses. Nanaba had purposely trained in the sun so she was sweaty and smelly and dirty. "Just one second," she said, stopping Petra before the closed door. She went in and Levi looked up. "Hey, as your friend I thought I'd do you a favor so I brought Lady Petra's handmaid for you to talk to. I'm going to tell her you're Levi's subordinate. You're welcome." She left before he had a chance to reply.

"Is everything well?" Petra asked curiously.

"Levi's not in yet. His subordinate is there so if you have any questions, ask him."

How odd. Petra watched Nanaba leave. She went in. And immediately figured out what was going on. They were testing her. Despite never having met Levi before, she knew it was him. Her cousin's description of him was spot-on. And there was fact Levi didn't have a team. "Good afternoon."

Levi nodded, taking in her appearance. He thought she looked very naïve, soft-hearted, and easy to get information from. Perfect. "Don't mind me." He went to the desk and began shuffling papers absent-mindedly, trying to look authentic. "If you don't mind me asking, what's your ladylike?"

Petra blinked in confusion. Why does he—oh. He has such great friends. They must like her. She felt thrilled. Why else would they set up a meeting where he would get to meet her and see her without his prejudice getting in the way? That says something about him. If he was surrounded by such kind people, he must be a genuinely good person underneath the "Humanity's Strongest Soldier" title.

"Hey," Levi said a little sharply to snap her out of her thoughts.

"Sorry, I was trying to find the words to describe my mistress." Petra didn't know how to describe herself. But if she made myself sound like a peach of a woman, he would either think she was lying or, after he found out, he would think she was being arrogant and big-headed. Petra looked around nervously. "To be honest, she's kind of a cow."

"Oh?" Levi tried hard not to frown at her words. "What do you mean by that?"

"She eats too many sweets so put that together with her small stature, it makes her looks like a giant ball. And she's terribly stubborn. Lady Petra really likes animals so I suppose that's a plus. She keeps tight control over her money and her laugh sounds like a donkey in pain." Petra was quite enjoying herself and was very entertained by the way Levi's face was darkening. "And don't even get me started on her filthy habits."

Levi's hands twitched and he felt that small tug at the thought of filth. "What kind of filth are we talking here?"

"You know, eating with her mouth full, spilling food and wine everywhere, and by the way, she smokes, too, so her breath and teeth are very dirty and they smell really bad. She's got this high-pitched voice that makes you want to stab your eardrums. And Lady's Petra's also an egomaniac with serious jealousy issues."

"I fucking knew it," Levi practically growled. "I can't believe Erwin fell for her bullshit. I haven't even met the damn woman and I'm already sick of her. How does Erwin expect me to spend the rest of my life with that disgusting cow?"

Petra shook her head, speaking solemnly. "I pity any man unfortunate enough to marry her. If you have the chance, sir, my advice is to run now. All the money in the world is not worth being married to such a person."

The door opened and the commander walked in. Levi rounded on him immediately. "Erwin, we need to talk."

"What is it?" Erwin asked, taken back by the infuriated look on Levi's face. He had come in to ensure Levi was actually giving Petra a chance, hoping he hadn't sent her running because of his toilet humor or by insulting her.

"You said this Petra woman was nice. Her maid here says she's a fat, annoying, and greedy—"

"And filthy."

"—and filthy cow!"

Erwin raised an eyebrow at Petra's laughing face before turned to his agitated subordinate. "Ah, Levi, that's not Lady Petra's maid, that is Lady Petra herself."

Levi's head jerked slightly in shock. "What?" Confusion replaced fury.

Petra chuckled, hand covering her mouth. "I'm sorry. I didn't expect you to pretend to be someone else," she explained, "and wasn't sure how to answer your question without sounding pretentious. So I thought it would be funny to mess with your head a little." His reaction had been worth. It was hilarious the way his face had changed shades.

"I'll leave you two to talk then," Erwin said and stepped out, feeling optimistic.

"You lied to me." Levi stared at her blankly, unsure what to make of her. While he didn't find her immediately repulsive and dislike her, he did not feel particularly positive toward her either. He did not like being made a fool of.

Petra shrugged, arms behind her back. "You were expecting me to be some rich, spoiled woman so I just let you believe it and vent. I thought you might see me better once you knew what I was really like."

Levi continued to stare at her, unmoving. A move that would normally have the poor soul on the receiving end squiring in discomfort.

Instead, Petra took the initiative and stuck out her hand. "Let's start over. I'm Petra Ral, it is a pleasure to meet you, Captain Levi."

He stared at her small hand.

"This is the part where you shake my hand."

Levi grunted, rough fingers curled around her slim, soft ones.

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