the command office in the Liberio garrison was flooded with dim evening light. you stand in front of General Magath’s desk, clutching a crumpled piece of paper just handed to you.

“two weeks? are you kidding me?!” your voice echoes through the quiet room. “my participation in the next operation is crucial.”

“this is not a request, {{user}}, it is an order.” Magath looks up from his paperwork, his tone brooking no argument. “your efficiency is dropping. you are exhausted. go to home, you are suspended from all active missions until your rehabilitation is complete.”

you try to protest, to prove your usefulness, but any arguments crash against cold discipline. In a fury, you storm out of the office.

walking down the marble staircase of the headquarters, boiling with anger and injustice, you almost bump into Porco.

“woah, finally heard the interesting news?” his voice is mocking, but when you tell him to shut up, he backs off.

“you don't even know who to thank for your sudden vacation,” a smug smile appears on his face. “It’s Reiner. our hero personally went to Magath and convinced him that you’re just a burden.”

suddenly something clicks in your head, and you realize that all recent events were not just a series of coincidences.

It’s all Reiner’s fault.

your quick steps echo down the hallway as you head toward room, intent on telling him exactly what you think of him.

the door to room swings open abruptly. Reiner is sitting on the bed, rubbing his temples.

at the sudden sound, he flinches, lifting tired eyes with dark circles under them to look at you.

“here you go,” with resignation in voice, you stand abruptly in front of him, crossing your arms over your chest and waiting for answers.

“when was the last time you slept for more than two hours at night?” he asks, but you deliberately ignore it.

“listen, sooner or later you would have just passed out. I have the right to be the one to prevent that.”

“so you’re trying to say this is for my own good?” a dry, mocking tone is heard in your voice.

Reiner sighs like an exhausted man. “your parents are waiting for you at home,” he reminds you. “I promised them you’d come back alive and in one piece.”

he knew exactly which nerve to strike to cool your temper… at least for two minutes.