Is it possible that Levi felt like he was made a fool/clown by Erwin? Especially because, upon reflection, Zack didn't even need to be killed by Levi, as he surrendered. Thinking of Levi as a jester hurts me, but it seems real.
Not possible. For one, Zeke did in fact need to be killed since his life was powering Eren's Attack Titan. Zeke surrendered to Levi, but that didn't negate that Levi needed to kill him nor his satisfaction in doing so.
The idea of Levi being made to feel foolish by Erwin is so completely at odds with everything I know about the story, and Levi and Erwin's relationship. I think his moment of peace at the end, speaks volumes. He finished the mission. He made their sacrifices worth it. He made them proud. In fact, he only character I recall who ever made Levi feel foolish was Eren. In chapter 112 he reflected on the number of times he saved Eren, only to be betrayed by him. He called believing in Eren a joke and farce.
Thanks for the ask! I hope this answers your question.
