Rising out of Darkness
Author's Note: This took longer than I thought but I'm glad you waited. If you play Fate/Grand Order please feel free to friend request me:
My friend ID is: 461,323,571
I have a ton of friend slots open and I have a good team of support Servants so feel free to request me until I run out of slots!
And yes, I take Arturia and EMIYA out on every quest together!
I've gotten reviews criticizing me for following the Code Geass canon plot for awhile. This is my story and I write it how I want. I've seen plenty of fanfics where people replace Shirou with Lelouch. I have yet to see anyone else put Saber into the plot of Code Geass. I wanted to use the canon story for awhile because it made sense to do so up to a point. I always intended to deviate because Saber is very different from C.C., I just needed to figure out where to start deviating, and I have already, from here on out, some canon battles will take place but with different outcomes. Code Geass canon will happen, but with several surprises that will not be like the anime, although I'm happy to use Code Geass character dialogue.
Saber gazed at her Master as he watched Nunnally sleep.
"Master, why have you not asked me to use my scabbard to heal her?" Saber asked him, "You only need to ask me, and I will do so."
"Am I really worthy of such a miracle?" Lelouch looked at her. "She would only be used as a political tool. I don't know what to do; everything I do is for her sake, so we can have that kinder, gentler world."
"You are afraid that she will disapprove if she feels you are thinking for her, am I correct?" Saber glanced at her.
"Yes, but she hasn't asked you to heal her either. Nunnally said she was happy, just living with me."
Suddenly, Nunnally moaned and began to scream, it wasn't some nightmare, it was something else.
Lelouch turned on the light so he could see Nunnally, who was screaming in pain although she didn't appear to have any physical injuries.
"Uncle Shirou, Aunt Rin! What's wrong with Nunnally?" Lelouch cried out in terror as his sister screamed and writhed in her bed, turning her head from side to side.
Shirou and Rin came rushing into the room. Rin scooped her up and held her.
"What's wrong, Nunnally?" Rin asked quickly.
"It hurts! I'm trying to open my eyes but it hurts!" the princess wailed in agony.
Lelouch could see Nunnally's eyes open halfway, they were ringed with a red glow that seemed unnatural. Suddenly, they snapped shut again.
Lelouch grabbed her hand.
"It's okay, Nunnally! It's okay!" Rin soothed her. "You're going to be fine. Shhh…"
Nunnally began to cry.
Shirou glanced at Rin, "Was that a—?"
"A Geass. I haven't seen one in a very long time. But apparently, someone cursed her with a Geass."
"I've never heard of anything like that," Lelouch looked at her.
"Go back to sleep, Nunnally," Lelouch reassured her. He watched her breathing slow and knew she was going back to sleep. He didn't let go of her hand until she was asleep again.
"I found something recently, and I can use it to explain how Geass normally works among Mages," Rin gestured for him to follow her.
They went into the kitchen. Rin reached into a bag and pulled out a piece of paper.
"A Self-Geass Scroll is a powerful magical item used throughout the ages to forge an unbreakable pact between one mage and another. Read it for yourself, it was made by your adopted grandfather, Kiritisugu Emiya," Rin tossed him the scroll.
"Binding Spell…Affected Party: Kiritsugu Emiya. The Crest of the Emiya family orders the following actions. The pledge is to be obeyed by the affected party upon the fulfillment of the terms described herein. Pledge: That Kiritsugu, son of Norikata, Fifth heir to the house of Emiya, will be forever forbidden from harming Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald and Sola-Ui-Sophia-Ri…Or from intending to, by his hand harm or injure them in any way whatsoever."
Lelouch gasped, "Incredible! It's actually possible to bind someone's soul with a contract?"
"Yes," Rin explained, "In principle, the curse of the Geass cannot be removed by any means known to the Mage world. Even if you forfeit your life, as long as the Magic Crest exists, it will bind your soul, even in death."
Rin gazed at Lelouch, "For your sister to open her eyes even a little under the Geass curse that has forced them shut is unheard of! The Mages Association would want to study her."
"No, I won't let anyone take her away!" Lelouch snapped. His sister would not become a guinea pig for a bunch of Mages!
"Calm down, Lelouch, the Association will learn nothing about her, it's not their business," Rin sighed. "At least I know why you were born with Magic Circuits. Your parents have been dabbling in Geass, whether they possess it or not, they have come in contact with it."
"Yes, but there are also immortal witches who bestow Geass on others," Saber told him. "I met one long ago. I am sure she is still alive somewhere."
"But the terms," Lelouch looked at the scroll, "Use your remaining Command Seals to force your Servant to commit Suicide", Command Seals are that powerful?!"
"Yes, Lelouch, a Command Seal is an unbreakable order which is why I told you when I became your Servant that you shouldn't waste them."
"I see, we'll have to figure out how to counter Geass somehow," Lelouch buried his head in his hands, I'm glad Nunnally's doing better now."
"We're bringing her with us, aren't we?" Lelouch asked.
"Yes, she'll stay in Camelot with Taiga Fujimura and Milly, the Tigers of Fuyuki will look out for her," Saber replied.
"I know she'd be worried if I were gone too long," Lelouch glanced at her bedroom.
"We will not leave her behind," Saber reassured him.
Lelouch went to bed, tomorrow, it would all begin.
Principal Richard K. Ashford sat in his office at Ashford Academy. He was surprised to see his granddaughter enter the room, accompanied by a stunningly beautiful young woman.
"Father, this is Saber, she's been staying with Lelouch and Nunnally for awhile, she wanted to speak with you, to thank you for your hospitality," Milly explained.
Saber stepped into the room and the older man tried to get up to bow before her. She stopped him, "Please, I don't want you to make a scene!"
"I understand Your Highness, but why would King Arthur be here in Area 11?" Richard asked.
"I lived in Japan for a short time, long ago; I have come back because I must save Britannia. There is no other reason except that I am needed."
She smiled at him, "For housing my Master I shall reward you with the title you lost and land in Britain. I shall be your patron and you will be restored to what you were before you lost everything."
Richard Ashford began to cry, "All this…because we were kind to them?"
"Yes, because you were kind to them and gave them a home when they had nothing, I shall reward you," Saber placed her hand on his shoulder.
"I request that Milly Ashford accompany me home," Saber glanced at him.
"Of course Your Highness!" Principal Ashford beamed.
Milly left with Saber.
"Where is your friend Nina? I wish to take her with us," Saber looked to the Student Council President.
"She got sick so she's been home for the past couple days, unfortunately," Milly replied.
"I see, bring Shirley and Rivalz with us, I will need her father Joseph Fennette to help bring Camelot into the modern era with his knowledge, and Shirley is worried about Lelouch, so I shall bring her with us."
Milly headed to the teachers to gather their homework for at least a week.
The teachers were surprised when she asked for homework for Lelouch, Shirley, Suzaku, Nunnally, and Rivalz but Milly was always carefree and did as she pleased. She was also an excellent student so they weren't concerned about her grades.
The little group left the school in secret as Shirou drove them to the harbor.
"The Pridwen!" Rivalz exclaimed.
"Merlin sent my ship here, excellent," Saber smiled.
"How are we supposed to get to Europe all the way from Area 11?" Milly asked.
"Merlin will summon the ship and us in it," Shirou replied. He had been sent here by Merlin.
"It sounds exciting," Nunnally told them.
"Saber, I had Diethard travel to Wales as you requested. He's eagerly awaiting your arrival to broadcast it to the world."
"He'll have to wait a little longer," Saber sighed.
As they all gathered in the ship, Shirou called to Merlin, saying that they were ready.
Within an instant, the Student Council glanced around; they could see the beautiful countryside that was definitely not Area 11.
The ship drifted to the shore and Arturia disembarked.
Saber knelt and kissed the ground. At long last, she was home.
Diethard Reid was waiting for her with a van, camera in hand.
They traveled to Gwenydd and Saber easily located the cave where the Knights of the Round Table were sleeping.
"Zero, ring the bell," Saber told him.
Lelouch rang the bell and the knights awoke, drawing their swords. Lancelot saw Arturia and bowed to her.
"My King, what are your orders?" Gawain asked.
"You have awoken in a new era, and in this era, our country has lost its way, their leader is an evil tyrant who oppresses others. They have taken over one-third of the world, and even though I might regain the Kingdom, my people have lost my ideals."
"My Mage, Shirou Emiya will help you adjust to this era, along with Merlin and a young Rivalz Cadermode whom I have recently knighted."
They departed the cave, Arturia asked them to sit.
'Shirou, make us something to eat would you?" Arturia asked.
"Of course, Saber," Shirou replied.
Arturia gestured to Mordred.
"We need to talk, Mordred," Saber told her.
Saber glanced at her daughter. "I know that I made many mistakes in my life, how I responded to the truth that you were my daughter by rejecting you. You told me, that you would be happy being my shadow, you were proud of your heritage and you hoped that I would choose you as my successor. I was wrong to mistreat you."
Saber put her hand on Mordred's shoulder.
"Mordred, I rejected you because I could not accept your existence, I was wrong to do so. When I sought the Holy Grail, I wanted to save you from your fate. And I'm sorry that I was not a better father to you. In this era, we can start over; will you do that for me?"
Mordred was thoughtful, isn't this what she always wanted, to be acknowledged by her father?
"I will l try father, but don't disappoint me…"
"I know you well, you'd try to kill me in my sleep if you'd have your way, but I didn't hesitate to kill you, remember that well, Mordred, and do try to restrain yourself around these Britannians, I have no doubt they'll anger you."
Mordred scowled.
"You can stop scowling, you are forgiven."
"Now my friends to the business at hand, this era is vastly different than our own, with its technology and advancement. Merlin and Shirou will teach you as much as they can, but I will hire tutors to help all of you learn more about this era," Saber told them.
Shirou had finished cooking and they sat down to eat, the knights, Zero, Nunnally and the student council.
Diethard Reid watched as the siblings Sir Gareth and Gaheris stayed close to the girl in the wheelchair that had been with Zero.
Are they siblings? It could be a possibility, he thought.
"You are not to pry into my Master's personal life, understand?" Saber asked him, standing behind him.
She's like his shadow, I can't get away from her! Diethard thought nervously. "Of course, Saber."
Shirou left for awhile and returned a few hours later.
She looked to Shirou, "You brought the clothes I asked for?"
"Yes, Saber, just what you wanted," Shirou presented her with the clothes.
Saber went away to change. She came back wearing the clothes she had worn when she'd drawn Caliburn from the stone.
"Now we go to London, where I shall once again draw Caliburn from the stone," Saber told them, they rode the horses she had purchased. People were puzzled but shocked when they saw that the horses could somehow keep up with the cars.
They arrived at the London Cathedral, the men gathered around the sword in the stone and kept trying to remove it. They stood back as Saber dismounted from her horse; the crowd turned to her, a beautiful young woman in medieval peasant clothes as she walked towards the elaborate anvil that housed Caliburn.
Without any hesitation, Saber removed the sword, pulling it out and holding it up.
The vast crowd bowed before her in silence. Climbing to their feet, they were silent, until a little boy began to sing:
God save our gracious King,
Long live our noble King,
God save the King:
Send him victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the King.
O Lord, our God, arise,
Scatter his enemies,
And make them fall:
Confound their politics,
Frustrate their knavish tricks,
On thee our hopes we fix:
God save us all.
Thy choicest gifts in store,
On his be pleased to pour;
Long may he reign:
May he defend our laws,
And ever give us cause
with heart and voice to sing
God save the King.
The crowd joined in and they raised their voice as one people.
Lelouch felt like he could cry, was this the Britannia he had always wanted, deep down in his heart?
"People of Britain, I have returned to you, in this dark time. When the Britain you love was lost to you, because Britannia has lost its way, but I will do what I can to unite us both, and if they refuse, I will destroy that Britannia and build a newer and better one in its place! But I cannot do that without you, the people of Britain. Without the people, there is no king! And a king is nothing without his people! Long ago, I felt I had failed to protect my country, but the love you have shown me today has shown me that I was wrong. I learned to accept my life with no regrets, and that I have lived in your hearts for so long, moves me deeply. You, the people of Britain are my beloved country, to which I dedicated my whole life, and so I shall dedicate it to you again!"
"My bond with you is my greatest treasure! My path to Kingship! So I ask you, will you follow me once more?"
She held out her hand to them.
"We will have our King! LONG LIVE KING ARTHUR! LONG LIVE KING ARTHUR!" the crowd called to her.
Within days, all of London had prepared to have Saber crowned King of Britain.
She was escorted into the cathedral by the Knights of the Round Table.
They carried a canopy that they would use to shield the public's eyes from the most sacred part of the ceremony: the anointing of the king with Holy oil.
Diethard Reid shut the camera off just as he was supposed to. He was disappointed that he wouldn't be able to see it.
Arturia stared at the Bishop as she sat on her throne.
"Is Your Majesty willing to take the Oath?" the Bishop asked Arturia Pendragon.
"I am willing," Arturia told him without hesitation.
"Will you maintain and preserve inviolably?" he asked.
"I will," the King of Knights replied.
Lelouch was not particularly religious so all of this was new to him, Divine authority, anointing oil; it seemed like something out of a fairytale.
The anointing oil was poured into a golden spoon, and the priest dipped his finger into it. He drew the sign of the cross in her hands.
"Be thy hands, anointed, with Holy oil," the Bishop told her.
Lelouch saw the oil drip onto her upper chest.
The Bishop drew the sign of the cross on her chest. "Be they breast, anointed, with Holy oil."
Once again, he dipped his finger into the anointing oil, "Be thy head, anointed, with Holy Oil."
The Bishop nodded at her, "As Kings, priests and prophets were anointed. And Solomon was anointed…king by Zadok the Nathan the prophet, so be thou, anointed, blessed, and consecrated King over the peoples, whom the Lord thy God hath given thee to rule and govern, in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."
"Amen," Arturia replied.
The canopy was removed and the Bishop placed the crown on her head as she held the scepters in her hands.
All the other nobles placed crowns upon their heads.
The choir began to sing, "Zadok the Priest" as the crowd began to chant, "God save the King! God save the King!"
Shirou began to walk forward, as a servant held the train of the robe he was wearing.
He knelt before her. "I Shirou, Mage of Fuyuki, do become your liege man of life and limb, and of earthly worship. And faithful and truth I will bear unto you, to live and die, against all manner of folks. So help me, God."
Shirou stood up and kissed her on the cheek, backing away as they departed the cathedral.
Once the ceremony was over and she had left, she attended to the first order of business and knighted Suzaku, Kallen, and Rivalz.
She immediately met with Parliament and the House of Lords to discuss the manufacturing of Knightmare frames and boosting Britain's economic growth. the meantime, the student council occupied themselves with exploring the castle.
"This place is incredible!" Kallen exclaimed, gazing around Camelot.
The construction crews were constantly working, adding electric wiring and bringing the old castle into the 21st century.
"I know what you mean Kallen; it really is something out of a storybook!" Rivalz replied.
"Where is Saber right now?" Kallen asked.
"She's meeting with a general from the United Republic of Europia," Rivalz replied.
"Already? They got here fast," Kallen commented.
"Of course, King Arthur is European and they want to get on her good side. I wonder if she could actually unite both Europia and Britannia."
"With the Emperor, I doubt it," Kallen smirked.
"Yeah, you're probably right," Rivalz laughed.
Arturia Pendragon sat on her throne as a general wearing the uniform of the United Republic of Europia entered and bowed before her.
General Gene Smilas bowed deeply, "Your Highness."
"General Smilas, I am glad that you are able to meet with me. I will travel to Paris so that I might meet with the 40 Man Committee in person," Arturia told him. "But first I must visit Britannia."
"The 40 Man Committee approved of my visit," Gene Smilas informed her. "I do hope this means that you will consider an alliance with the United Republic of Eropia since you have said that Britain will secede from Europia and become independent."
"Yes, the House of Lords and the House of Commons have already ratified the United Republic of Europia Referendum. Britain will be a sovereign nation ruled by a king."
"I wouldn't know too much about kings and emperors. I'm just a soldier," Gene sighed.
"And who is this woman and the soldiers with her?" Arturia inquired.
"She is Commander of the wZero Squad, a member of the Europia special forces," General Smilas explained.
"And this is her squad?" Saber nodded to Leila Malchal.
"This is Lieutenant Akito Hyuga, Yukiya Naruse, Ayano Kosaka, and Ryo Syama."
"I look forward to working with United Republic of Europia. Please return to Europia and tell them I am open to negotiating with them."
Saber reached out to him and extended her hand.
General Smilas shook her hand.
Leila Malchal sighed, reading a book as she waited for them to finish.
"It's not every day I see a woman reading Guilbert's tactical writings," a voice spoke to her.
Leila looked up in surprise, she saw Zero staring at her.
"I am a commander, I have to learn how to command my troops," Leila told him.
"I know that you are a master strategist, only an excellent strategist could negotiate the release of Suzaku Kururugi and earn the trust of the King of Knights."
"You're a very smart girl; you want to ask me something, don't you?" Zero asked her.
"Yes, I have given the Elevens, the Japanese a place to belong because they have no homeland, but on our last mission, before I recruited them, the only remaining survivor of the last operation was Lieutenant Hyuga. The 40 Man Defense Committee called my strategy a success."
"One survivor. My plan was only succeeded because so many young Japanese men sacrificed their lives. My father told me that it was the duty of a citizen to protect his homeland. But to these disenfranchised few, to these people who have lost their homeland, do I come across as a dethatched Chessmaster, hiding safely inside her castle?"
"Not at all, you don't treat your soldiers like pawns, you care about the Japanese, and you're a worthy leader. If the King doesn't lead, how can he expect his subordinates to follow?"
"I know, but sometimes I feel that my superiors just want to throw Japanese lives away, so they don't have to go to war themselves."
"The politicians are tepid; you haven't earned your reputation as the "Ghost of Hannibal" by being cowardly."
"I see Lieutenant Hyuga's reputation has preceded him," she smiled a little.
"I look forward to working with you, Second Lieutenant Leila Malchal," Zero nodded, he turned and left.
Shirou entered and bowed. "Your dinner is ready, your Majesty."
"Will you all join me for a meal?" Arturia offered them.
Shirou greeted the Japanese soldiers and presented them with misou soup. They were chattering excitedly about eating a genuine Japanese meal and called her over to join them as they all sat down to eat.
"Here's to the alliance between Europia and Britain!" General Smilas toasted.
They ate and drank and shared a meal as friends.
The next day, General Smilas departed with his soldiers.
"There's something different about those two, Second Lieutenant Malchal and Lieutenant Hyuga. I can't put my finger on it though."
"They will be of great help to us, between the two of you, Britannia doesn't stand a chance of victory," Saber told him.
"Tomorrow, we depart for Britannia," Saber glanced out over the balcony where they were standing.
"Yes, tomorrow," Lelouch grinned.
Exiting the private plane, Saber was greeted by a man in a military uniform.
"I greet you, Your Highness in the name of Charles Zi Britannia. I am Commander Michael Augustus. I have been asked that I accompany you and the Knights of the Round Table to the Imperial Family's private train."
They followed Augustus to the train and boarded it.
"Do not disturb us unless I call for food or drink," Arturia instructed.
The guards left her alone.
"Good, we are alone," Saber smiled. "Now we can discuss our plans for negotiation."
"Rin, make sure no one is spying on us," Saber told her friend.
"You got it!" Rin replied she went outside to make sure that no one would try to eavesdrop on them. Shirou checked the room for hidden cameras and microphones. The room was safe.
"I have no doubt, the Emperor will try to arrange a political marriage for me, I have no intention of marrying him. My marriage to Guinevere was already political, not to mention to keep up appearances that I was a man."
"I have no doubt he will try to make you into a puppet ruler, little more than a figurehead."
"I have no intention of being a puppet ruler under that man," Saber clenched her fist.
"If that fails, my father will ask for a hostage, and the Knights of the Round Table are known for their ability to fight. Each one of you is a one-man army," Lelouch thought aloud. "Leaving any one of you with them is still a threat to the Emperor. He might force them to fight against us."
"Why don't we just leave Mordred with him?" Shirley Fennette suggested.
The entire Round Table, Lelouch, Saber, and Mordred all turned to stare at her.
"Listen here you little hussy, I refuse to stay with those morons!" Mordred clenched her fists.
"Wait a minute Mordy, hear me out okay?" Shirley raised her hands.
"Mordy?" Mordred frowned at Shirley's nickname for her. The knight's right eyebrow was twitching.
"Easy Mordred, Shirley gives everyone nicknames, it's normal!" Lelouch raised his hands in a placating gesture.
"I'm listening, Girly," Mordred gritted her teeth, leaving her hands at her sides.
"Mordred is famous for betraying King Arthur, she's the last knight of the Round Table that the Britannians would want as a political hostage," Shirley explained.
"Why? Because they think I'm not as good as the rest of you lot?" Mordred smirked.
"No, because they're afraid of you," Shirley explained.
"Shirley, what made you think of this?" Lelouch was puzzled.
"Well, my father used to read to me about King Arthur for bedtime stories, so I know them very well, at least in theory," Shirley glanced down at her hands.
Mordred let herself smile. She slapped Shirley on the back, "Girly, I think I like you!"
The rest of the knights breathed an enormous sigh of relief. Mordred's temper was as legendary as her treachery.
Lelouch looked at them, "Saber, I suggest that all the Knights of the Round Table save for Suzaku, Kallen, and Rivalz all exaggerate how awed you are by modern technology. The Britannians expect you to be medieval morons, dumbfounded by all you see."
"I refuse to have my intellect insulted!" Bedivere spoke up in irritation.
"Please understand, I am not insulting you, the royal family expects you to behave and act like ignorant fools because they want to manipulate you for their own purposes. If they underestimate you, you will have an advantage over them," Lelouch explained.
"His wisdom is sound," Lancelot agreed.
"Why do we have to follow the advice of some little girl?" Agravain grumbled, glancing at Shirley.
"Oh shut up Agravain," Gareth sighed.
"Yeah, that's amusing coming from you, how you hid your gender from us still puzzles me!" Sir Kay smirked.
"Who beat you soundly when you tried to stop me from going on my first quest? Oh, that's right, me!" Gareth glared at him as she put her hand on her sword.
"Keep your misogyny to yourself, nephew, Shirley brought up an angle we have never considered in this era: our reputations and our legends," Saber reprimanded him. "It is something we must consider when dealing with the Britannians."
"I already know what persona I'll play the role of your advisor and I will act and behave as they expect me to act," Lelouch told her.
Saber gestured to him. "I might suggest Master, that you take a proud, arrogant tone with them, after all, they would expect the man who has brought me back to this era to be a man who stands above all others as one who can advise me."
"Are we all in agreement my friends that we should behave as they expect us to, but we must never let our guard down, and if they should betray us, we will deal with them swiftly."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the knights agreed with one voice.
Saber smiled. Let the game begin.
Prince Schneizel greeted Suzaku Kururugi as he exited the train.
"I am deeply honored to meet you, Sir Kururugi. To meet a Knight of the Round Table in the flesh, even if he is a man of the modern era is a great honor. I shall have my commander Michael Augustus take you to the guest of state house immediately."
"I greet you in the name of King Arthur. I'm honored, Your Highness, but Her Majesty requests an audience with the Emperor immediately." Suzaku had been taught by the other knights regarding how they addressed royalty. He would play the part at least, just to annoy them because they discriminated against Elevens.
Prince Schneizel continued, "I trust that the King of Knights has had time to become acclimated to the modern era. I do hope that she isn't too bewildered by how the world has changed."
Lelouch disembarked from the train.
"What is this?" Lelouch snapped, taking the arrogant tone Saber had instructed him to use. She would not have them deduce his identity so easily.
She also instructed him to wear an eye patch, an ornate one that she had asked to be custom made for him.
"I am Julius Kingsley, the man known as Zero, Arturia Pendragon's ambassador and personal advisor. Her Highness expresses her gratitude at being given such generous accommodations, utilizing the royal family's personal train."
"This all the welcome I get? I'll forgive it, this time at least. But the next time we come to your city, I want to see the streets lined with people chanting her name and giving her a king's welcome!"
"We would not offend the King of Knights the moment she sets foot in Britannia by denying her a King's welcome!" Prince Schneizel replied smoothly, bowing to Lelouch.
The Prince bowed before Arturia as she disembarked from the train, followed by the sixteen Knights of the Round Table.
"I am Arturia Pendragon, High King of Britain and founder of Camelot," the king greeted the young Prince.
Schneizel was astonished by her beauty and managed to not lose his composure. Still, he was in awe, but why should he not be, she was the embodiment of Britannia.
"I am Schneizel El Britannia, Second Prince of Britannia and Chancellor of the Holy Britannian Empire. I apologize if I have offended your ambassador," he glanced at Lelouch.
Lelouch nodded, not saying a word.
Why would father send you here, Schneizel? What game are you playing brother?
"I assumed you wished to greet me in private, away from the eyes of a vast crowd," Arturia told him.
"Of course, Your Highness. Please follow me."
Schneizel began to converse with her.
"I trust you are impressed by the highly advanced technology of the Britannians," Schneizel told her.
"Indeed, to think that it now takes hours what took us months to travel. And that a man can use machines to fly is truly impressive."
In truth, Saber had flown in an airplane; she hadn't found it to be too marvelous, as she had been given information of the modern era by the Holy Grail. Still, she'd play up the awe and wonder, just so she would be "behaving" as they expected her to.
"What awaits us outside, Prince Schneizel?" Arturia asked.
"The people, Your Highness, and so we welcome you to Britannia!"
The doors of the train station opened and Arturia saw before her a great throng of people. She wondered if they were "good, patriotic Britannians", like the ones who had thrown things at Suzaku during his escort to his trial. Still, she did receive a king's welcome.
As one voice they shouted, "Long live King Arthur, ALL HAIL BRITANNIA! Long live King Arthur, ALL HAIL BRITANNIA! Long live King Arthur, ALL HAIL BRITANNIA!"
Since the Knights of the Round Table had been taught many things by Shirou, Merlin and many teachers she had hired to teach them about the modern era, they had learned a lot over the past few days. But she chose to play dumb in order to test the Emperor. If they thought they could manipulate her, they would see her bewilderment with the modern era as a way to keep her under their thumb.
They entered the cars in the motorcade and they were driven to the Pendragon Imperial Palace.
When they exited at the entrance of the palace, they were greeted by the guards.
Mordred looked up at the vast building. "I thought you were gaudy, father. I was wrong; this place makes you look like a lowly pauper!"
"The extravagance is impressive," Saber muttered.
They opened the vast palace doors to them.
"Presenting Her Royal Highness Arthur, King of Britain and Founder of Camelot!" the herald called out to them.
Saber could hear the whispers of the courtiers, it was what she expected:
"A woman calling herself a king? The impudence!"
'She is truly beautiful, would our Emperor consider taking her as one of his many wives?"
"Does she think herself above the Emperor? How arrogant!"
Arturia stopped her approach as a pair of guards stood in her way.
Emperor Charles Zi Britannia waved them away. She approached the throne and stopped a few feet away from him.
"Your Imperial Majesty, I greet you on behalf of the people of Britain and I Arturia Pendragon have come to speak with you concerning the future of my country and yours."
He gazed at her coldly, "I see you do not bow before me, Arthur, King of Knights."
"All my life I have never bowed to anyone, but they have bowed before me. But I would be discourteous to you if I did not bow before you, Your Imperial Majesty."
"And still you do not bow before me," he stated again.
Arturia did not move. "You should bow before me, without me, your Britannia would not exist. Still, I will concede. I'll forgive it. I'll be generous to you for all you have done for Britannia."
She offered her hand for him to kiss it.
By not removing your head from your neck at this moment, she thought in disgust.
"You are a true Britannian!" Charles beamed at her. "Britannians bow to no one!"
The Emperor kissed her hand as a formality.
A great cheer went up from the crowd. Lelouch was shocked that his father had not been insulted. But then again, it could be her immense charisma that had won him over. The whispers he had heard earlier had faded away.
"I have brought generous gifts for you and your family," Saber told him.
She began to present members of the royal family with many splendid and expensive gifts. For the emperor, clothing worthy of his magnificent status. She presented Guinevere with a generous amount of money since Saber learned that her "wife's" namesake loved to spend her wealth on monuments. To Odysseus, she gave a fine horse, as Britannians loved to ride horses.
Saber gazed at Prince Schneizel. "For you, Chancellor, a fine gold chess set. I have heard that you are a Chessmaster and this is a set worthy of one such as you."
"I thank you for this extravagant gift Your Majesty, might I proposition you for a game later, at your leisure?" Prince Schneizel inquired.
Saber smiled at him, "Yes, of course, I would be honored to match wits with you on the chessboard."
"For you Princess Cornelia Li Britannia, I give you a fine sword, crafted by the best blacksmith in Camelot."
"I accept this sword with gratitude, Your Majesty," Cornelia replied formally.
"And to Princess Euphemia, I give you a young man to serve as your personal knight," Saber smiled.
"How did you know that Your Majesty, I've never met you before," Princess Euphemia asked.
"A fine young man told me you were in search of a man to be your knight, and so I will give to you, an esteemed knight of the Round Table."
The crowd was stunned; the King of Knights would give Princess Euphemia a member of the Round Table?
"He is one of the finest men I have had the privilege of knighting, a noble young man who believes in justice. Step forward, Sir Suzaku Kururugi!"
"Your Highness Princess Euphemia I offer you my service in the name of Arturia Pendragon, King of Britain," Suzaku knelt before her.
"I accept your service, Sir Kururugi," Princess Euphemia smiled at him.
The Knights of the Round Table began to clap and cheer. The nobles were stunned.
"Cheer you miserable bastards, CHEER!" Mordred roared at them.
The nobles forced themselves to clap under the Knight of Treachery's withering gaze.
"We shall hold a feast tonight, with my entire family! Tomorrow, we will discuss the glorious future that awaits us!"
"Indeed, I look forward to it," Saber told him.
Saber offered her arm to him, and he formally escorted her out of the throne room to the cheering of the courtiers.
I'm surprised; I thought my father would be insulted, Lelouch sent to her. His reaction to Suzaku was worth it though. You've trampled all over national policy concerning the Numbers.
Saber's thoughts were filled with disdain, they discriminate and in doing so, extend the cycle of hatred. I had many knights in my service whether they were Britons or Mors it did not matter. If you followed the path of chivalry you were worthy of my service.
His behavior is like that of men from my time, he is not that hard to read, Master. He is behaving as I expect him to. Saber was confident.
All the tasks at hand have been cleared, Lelouch was pleased. He would have to play the long game, but he looked forward to watching Saber make his father squirm.
"I did not have my cooks prepare this feast," Charles Zi Britannia stated as he sat down to eat a meal he'd never seen before.
"I had my cook prepare this meal, it is one of my favorites," Saber told him.
"It is not Britannian food," the Emperor frowned.
"It is Japanese, and you would do me insult by refusing to eat it, as my Mage is the one who prepared it, and it is unwise to anger a Mage, Your Imperial Majesty," Saber warned him.
"It's wonderful!" Euphy exclaimed, clearly enjoying the food.
Cornelia tried to hide her disapproval of Euphy's enthusiasm, but she didn't say anything and ate.
"It's a truly a splendid meal," Schneizel complimented.
"This filthy Eleven should be grateful he has earned the King of Knight's favor!" Guinevere smirked.
"It is unwise to insult a Mage, Guinevere," Saber warned, gritting her teeth.
"So what is your relationship with him, hmm?" Guinevere smirked. "A woman does have needs, after all. Did the King of Knights make you her personal boy toy?"
"Shut your damn mouth, Guinevere!" Saber snapped.
"I'm not my namesake that I have any need to listen to you!" Guinevere smirked.
"No, you're not her, you're nothing like her, she was a thousand times a better woman than you'd hope to be!" Saber snapped at her.
"It's funny, now I know why she had the affair with Lancelot, you were too ignorant to even know it was happening, you're a fool!"
"You know nothing about what happened! I will not stand to be insulted, not about her, and not about Shirou!"
"That's enough, Guinevere, we want this to be a pleasant evening," the Emperor changed the subject. He was very uncomfortable, Guinevere could unintentionally ruin everything!
Watching you squirm made this entire trip worth it! Lelouch thought, there is no way you can refuse to eat. It'll be even worse because Uncle is an excellent cook, but you'll never admit it!
They forced themselves to eat as Lelouch exercised restraint as he inwardly gloated.
Later that evening, Saber, Suzaku and Lelouch were alone.
"This is progressing better than I could hope for," Saber told him.
"We'll see how well it turns out," Lelouch was paranoid about palace spies so they didn't speak about anything truly important, not even in private.
Suddenly a squad of men and Knightmares burst into the room.
"Knights of Michael?!" Suzaku exclaimed.
"Honestly, do you think this is proper? Barging into Her Majesty with a squad of Knightmares?" Suzaku demanded.
"Apologies, Your Majesty. I am Lord Shin Hyuga Shaing, when I heard that you would be visiting the capital city of Pendragon, I had to come and meet you myself," the lord bowed before her.
Arturia did not hide her distaste for his impropriety and thinly veiled threat by showing up unannounced with a squad of Knightmares.
"Would you raise your blade against me, Lord Shaing?" Arturia demanded. "You would be dead before you could move. My swordsmanship is beyond that of any human."
"I came to test the mettle of your Knight of the Round Table, your White Knight, Suzaku Kururugi."
"Rather than a duel Lord Shaing would you care for a game of chess?" Lelouch asked him, gesturing to the chessboard in the room.
"Of course, why not? You're not interested in Suzaku fighting the Knights of Michael?"
"Battles I can predict that easily are boring, I want to learn more about you."
"Your tactics will reveal everything. In fact, the chessboard reflects your moral compass," Lelouch smiled at him.
"Very well, let us begin," Lelouch said as Lord Shaing made the first move.
"This is unexpected, but I'll accept your challenge," Arturia gestured to Suzaku. "Suzaku Kururugi, show them why I knighted you and made you a member of the Round Table!"