Attack on Titan Episode 42: Reply

The military leaders meet to disband the Scout Regiment as gallows are publicly erected for Erwin Smith's execution. In the throne room, Erwin argues to the King and nobles that the Scout Regiment is essential for humanity's protection. He explains that if Wall Rose falls, its residents would flee to Wall Sina, but the previous evacuation depleted resources, leading to potential civil war. To prevent this, he states, reclaiming Wall Maria is necessary, a task for the Scouts.

When the nobles remain unconvinced, Erwin asks if they have an alternative plan. Aurille avoids the question and brings up the Charter of Humanity, which states one should not prioritize personal gain over humanity's longevity. Gerald accuses Erwin of violating this by repeatedly refusing to hand over Eren. Deltoff adds that Eren is too risky for a single commander to control, even if Erwin believes he is crucial for regaining Wall Maria.

The nobles ask Dot Pyxis for his opinion. Pyxis states he is disturbed by the suggestion that the Garrison would align with the Scouts and wishes to avoid humans killing other humans. He suggests that if the Scout Regiment is a spark that could start a fire, it must be extinguished.

After conferring, Aurille announces Erwin's immediate execution for violating the Charter of Humanity. Nile Dawk appears disturbed by the proceedings and Pyxis's lack of reaction. As Erwin is led away, Anka Rheinberger bursts in, declaring that Wall Rose has been breached. She reports that the Colossal and Armored Titans have broken through both gates of Calaneth District, and refugees are heading towards them.

Aurille visibly shakes as Pyxis calls for an evacuation route. However, Aurille countermands Pyxis's order, demanding the gates to Wall Sina be closed. Nile protests, arguing this would abandon Wall Rose's residents. Aurille, concerned only with preventing civil war, insists on maintaining their absolute authority.

Pyxis discreetly nods to Anka, who rushes out. The nobles speak quietly, with Deltoff expressing frustration about the timing. Aurille mentions that "the power" has been found and it's just a matter of the "vessel" taking it.

A Military Police soldier suggests closing the gates as ordered. Nile tells him to wait, but another soldier warns it will be too late. Aurille demands Nile hurry, threatening him with treason. Nile refuses, declaring himself a human of Wall Rose and stating he will not allow the gates to be closed.

Dhalis Zachary arrives with armed soldiers and announces his support for Nile. Pyxis asks Zachary if he is surprised by the nobles' response, to which Zachary replies he is not. Zachary then informs the nobles that the report of the breach was a false alarm. Pyxis admits to orchestrating the plan, stating that while the Garrison is not aligned with the Scouts, it is also not aligned with the Royal Government. He explains that he would have left things to the government if it were better for humanity, but the military, despite knowing less about Titans, can save more people than the government.

Pyxis declares their actions a coup d'état. Anka returns, informing Zachary that the Interior Police have been restrained, shocking the nobles. Zachary tells the nobles that soldiers will obey their superior officers over the King. Pyxis adds that they will install a new ruler in place of the false king. Erwin tells Aurille that if the false disaster had been real, the nobles' decision would have violated Clause Six of the Charter of Humanity. He then asks if installing a false king to control the government is not a crime punishable by death.

Zachary's soldiers escort the nobles away, and Erwin is freed. Nile is puzzled by Erwin's lack of happiness, but Erwin states humanity has embarked on a new, more dangerous path.

That night, Squad Levi prepares for an ambush, but the cloaked figures are Hange Zoë and Moblit Berner, who bring news of the coup's success. Zachary controls the capital, and the nobility is not rebelling. Hange reveals that newspapers have printed the truth about the false charges against the Scouts, thanks to Flegel Reeves, and the Scouts are now free.

Levi apologizes to Hange for losing the three people they loaned him. He mentions that the leader of the Interior Police, Eren, and Historia Reiss are still at large. Hange suggests they might be able to help and holds up a book Erwin gave them.

Earlier that day, after Erwin's audience, Zachary announces the ousting of the previous government from atop the gallows built for Erwin. Nile speaks to the press, assuring people they are not establishing military rule but installing a new ruler from the true royal family.

As Erwin rides with Zachary, he expresses doubts about their chosen path, noting the previous government had kept humanity alive. He suggests losing half of humanity is better than all of it. Zachary tells Erwin that dying would have been the easy option and asks why he didn't take it if it bothers him so much. Before Erwin can reply, Zachary offers his own answer.

Zachary explains his long-standing hatred for the government, calling them pigs, and reveals he had dreamed of this day and would have attempted a coup himself. He states he doesn't care if the coup is good or bad for humanity, and claims Erwin is no different, prioritizing himself over humanity. Erwin does not disagree and shares his childhood dream with Zachary.

Returning to that evening, Hange explains the contents of Erwin's report to Squad Levi. Five years ago, on the day Wall Maria was breached, the Reiss family's chapel was raided and set on fire by bandits, killing the entire family except Rod Reiss. This occurred days before Historia's mother was killed by the Interior Police, indicating Rod sought Historia immediately after losing his family.

Levi concludes there must be something special about Historia's bloodline. Hange is uncertain but notes that parts of the stone chapel were completely destroyed, which would be difficult for bandits interested in robbery. Rod then used his own fortune to rebuild it, making Hange believe the location is worth investigating.

In the Underground Chapel, Eren has a vision of a dark-haired girl brushing her hair in a mirror. He wakes to find himself restrained by chains on his limbs and a gag in his mouth within a large crystal cave on a raised platform. Historia, wearing a white robe, walks beneath the platform and looks up at Eren.

Erwin prepares the Scouts to move out, but Hange suspects they won't have enough time. Hange, Levi, and their squad members head for the chapel to prevent Eren from being eaten. Armin wonders when Eren became a Titan and who he ate, if a Titan gains the powers of a person who can change into a Titan by eating them.