Infinite Stratos - Summer Mayhem

Chapter 12 – London

First Day - Part 2

"Is that all that you wanted to say?"

"Of course, this concerns your future greatly."

"I trust you, I will not ask you why I need to be in London… but I will ask you, what do you get out of this?"

"An experiment, nothing more. Do not concern yourself."

"Hmph, it's been a while since anyone has ordered me around like this."

"Well that's to be expected! After all I'm the greatest scientist in the world Shinonono Tabane-desu~. Also the cutest cosplayer and lover of Yakuza dramas!"

"I can't take this anymore!"

Cecilia threw herself onto her soft double bed. Her moaning was drowned out by the layers of fabric but it did not stop Chelsea from prying her from it.

"Cecilia! You only have a matter of minutes, do not waste that time."

"Why is Lord Miller here? Why are the other girls here?" Cecilia wailed scratching her hair in frustration.
Chelsea grabbed her wrists and forced them away from her head. With that one motion Cecilia had calmed down.
There were more variables than before, but the solution had not changed.

"Don't lose heart Cecilia."

"Chelsea…"

She embraced her friend warmly. They had grown up together, cried together, fought together and cared for each other.
Chelsea was her family, one that could not be replaced.
The maid held her firmly, stroking her blonde hair. Cecilia knew that she was trying to smooth out the lumps that she had created earlier but the action comforted her.

"Are you feeling a bit better now?"

"Yes," Cecilia replied letting go. She stretched and proceeded to change into her formal light blue dress. It splayed to her ankles, narrowed at her waist and hugged the skin on her chest. She then took a seat in front of the wooden work station looking into the oval mirror.

"Now stay still," Chelsea said taking out a basket of makeup. Skilfully she applied layer after layer onto Cecilia's face. Foundation, powder and many things that went beyond her knowledge.

There were two knocks to her door.

"Cecilia?"

It was a male voice and her whole body jarred upright. That informal way of addressing her could only come from one person.

"Chelsea, did you let Ichika go?"

"Of course, you didn't expect me to just leave him there did you?"

From the mirror she observed that Chelsea had a very sly grin. If Cecilia had to assign an animal to her maid it would be a cat. Cunning, but adorable.
Chelsea had always been playing games with her. But it was all with Cecilia's best interest in mind. They frequently talked on the phone when she was at the IS Academy, and it was her maid that suggested to take a more direct approach when dealing with Ichika.

"Come in Ichika," she said.

The door swung upon slowly. He was wearing a tight fitting shirt and black trousers, standing straight towering over her. For a moment Cecilia was lost in the moment, as if her prince had just walked through those doors and for a second her heart yearned for him to take her hand. To escort her from this nightmare.
How she wished she could be prettying herself up for this man which she loved and not anyone else.

"Cecilia."

The way he said it excited her.

It was like he was ready to just run and embrace her. Cecilia would scream in embarrassment as he nuzzled the back of her neck and his lips planting soft kisses on her delicate skin. He would then throw her onto the bed, telling Chelsea to leave as he removed his shirt revealing a muscular chest. She would fight it first, but he would hold her down an-

Chelsea sharply jabbed her in the shoulder bringing her back into reality.

"Ichika, what a surprise! What are you holding there?"

"Oh, Chelsea told me you played the violin and I really wanted to hear you perform," he said smiling and showing her the leather case in his hands. It was indeed her violin case and she threw a glance at Chelsea who replied with a thumbs up.

"But Ichika, I have a dinner to attend to in less than five minutes," Cecilia replied regretfully. "Maybe a bit later…"

"There is no problem Madam," Chelsea said smirking. "I will personally show Lord Miller around the grounds. There is no need to hurry."

"Ch-Chelsea?!"

The maid smiled one last time before closing the door as she left. Cecilia was acutely aware of the fact that she was just fantasizing about Ichika and hid her face from him in embarrassment. There was no movement from behind her and she turned half expecting to see him gone. But he was still there waiting patiently with his arm outstretched holding the violin.

"It'll take a while to tune," Cecilia said shyly but she took the case.

"It's fine, I want to hear you play."

"What piece do you want to hear?"

"Your favourite one."

Ichika was being forward today, but Cecilia preferred that. She opened the case and positioned the beautiful dark ebony instrument on her shoulder. As she plucked a few notes she noticed that the violin had been tuned recently, Chelsea had probably planned this well in advance.
But she didn't care right now.

Her favourite piece?

She had no particular attachment to any song. Music was only an addition to her large list of skills, a requirement for high class ladies. Cecilia had played in many concerts before but never had she hesitated like this.

Alone with the boy that she liked.
Holding the violin, aware that the song could change the dynamic of their relationship.

"Cecilia, what is that song you're playing?
It sounds so sorrowful, yet beautiful.
Perhaps one day you'll get used to sorrow.
My lovely daughter, don't be sad when mother is not here.
You'll get used to it I'm sure."

Love's Sorrow, Kreisler.

Her mother was stronger than anyone else, she took on many responsibilities and was a very rigid person. No one could match her noble figure, her intelligence nor her determination. She was a true noble.

Cecilia tightened the bow and applied a thin layer of resin. Her fingers arched mechanically into place as she had done thousands of times before. The first notes rung in a slow timely manner, her bow running in straight motions and muscles straining to bring about the deep hollow sound of vibrato.

Yes her mother had been the most beautiful person in the world.
But her father...
Submissive, pointless, useless, always causing trouble…
But mother had loved him.

Her fingers arched and her long legato chorus rang out as she forced the notes. The sound vibrated around the room but her eyes were closed solely focused on this one task, she was before anything else a noble.
She would perform like one.

Her father always doted around Cecilia needlessly. Throwing affection and worry in such an annoying fashion.
Mother couldn't stand his doting either and preferred to be alone, there were almost never together. Then why?
Why?
Why did they die?

The song climaxed and her fingers tensed, the whole instrument straining as she contorted the piece to her will. Cecilia made the sound loud and lasting.

When they died they had been together… they had never been together before then.
Were they set up? Did they want to die?
What about their daughter?!

Ichika broke through her thoughts with a loud applause. His eyes shone with such admiration that Cecilia's ego grew three levels.

"Consider yourself lucky to hear the great Cecilia Alcott perform a private concert just for you," she said crossing her arms and throwing her nose into the air in pride.

"You're really amazing Cecilia!"

He still had not stopped clapping and she felt a blush forming on her cheeks. Cecilia turned away from the boy hoping to mask it, but she feared she had not succeeded as it spread all the way to her ears.

"It sounds so sorrowful, but so beautiful. Almost like you're used to sorrow."

Her mind focused in an instant. Ichika had spoken the exact same words that her mother did years ago. But he was right, she was used to sorrow.

To save the name of the Alcott family she had given up everything she had, she was willing to give up anything she could give. If the Alcott name were to die, then her parents would truly be dead. She could not allow that, no matter what. Cecilia turned towards Ichika and saw the kind smile he gave in return.

She loved him, she wanted him and he was perfect in every aspect.

He could save her from the hell she was in. But Cecilia would never say those words, 'help me', she had far too much pride for such a feat.

"Ichika, you can get used to sorrow you know."

"But that sounds upsetting, I want you to be happy."

"Then you could always…" she took a deep breath, "-marry me Ichika. That would make me happy for the rest of my life."

The colour from his face drained. Well that was the normal reaction, but Cecilia felt a bit disappointed. There was no way she was going to tell the truth to him now.

"So that means you'll be marrying Lord Miller?"

This time it was her face that went pale as a chill descended on her thin and slender frame.
How on earth did he work that out?

"Ichika, how did yo-"

"Do you love him?"

A beautiful naivety, as if love was the only reason one could get married. Often women would have to sell their bodies to others in distribution of power. It mattered not if she could pilot the IS or not, the world of nobles would never change.

"No I don't Ichika. But my engagement to him was to protect the Alcott name and fortune. I worked really hard Ichika…"

It was beginning to spill out now, to an extent she could not stop it. Cecilia Alcott was pleading for help. The thought was revolting to her but if anyone could understand, it would be him.

"I studied really hard on how to pilot an IS, to be better than all the other English pilots so I could be the test subject for the Blue Tears third generation model. When I succeeded I was guaranteed protection from the English Government… but it wasn't enough. The name of Alcott was still being split by all the lower power shareholders, so I made a deal with Lord Miller."

Cecilia steadied her breath.

"He would buy up 40% of the shares of the Alcott family, becoming the dominant owner until I turn of age. I would then marry him and take control of the Alcott Corporation. Therefore I signed a contract and he has since protected my family's name. Bu-"

"You idiot!" Ichika shouted over her. Cecilia was a bit taken back at this sudden change as his eyes blazed with fury. She had never seen him this angry before and was genuinely frightened of what he was capable of.

"Cecilia, why would you make such a contract? What do you get out of it?"

"This way my parents will never truly die. They left nothing to me but their wealth and business Ichika. I can't throw them away."

"Their greatest gift to you was your life. That is the real thing you should not be throwing away!"

Cecilia had heard those words before. She did not expect Ichika to say them and anger flared within her.
Why did he not understand?
Everything that Cecilia did up until this point was in preparation for this day. Lord Miller was not the most unpleasant of men, but-
It was not love, but desperation.

"Why are you so depressed then Cecilia? I thought this was the path you chose?"

How could she tell him?
Albert C Miller was a womaniser, she would be cast aside in the future.
How could she tell him?
That ever since she met Ichika she realised the true meaning of love. The true meaning of kindness. Cecilia could feel her heart bursting as she thought of him, and she suddenly found Albert revolting.
How could she tell him?
That Albert was only interested in a chance to purchase the majority of her stocks so he could profit from the investment. She would only own the Alcott Corporation by name but had no power over it.

Yes, she couldn't tell him any of this. It was so stupid, her choice from back then.
And in a few months she would turn 16.
Therefore the only way to break a contract was to form another contract with a stronger entity. The only man in the world who could pilot an IS, the sister of the first Brunhilde.

"I'm depressed because I love you Orimura Ichika."

Cecilia almost blushed to the point of setting fire to herself. After all her resolve to not say it, she did…

"I love you. I have always loved you... For a very long time now, you uncouth gentleman!"

"Cecilia?" Ichika said eyes wide in shock. She knew what he was thinking, that she abandoned her pride to tell him this. Cecilia herself was in similar shock, but she felt a weight lift from her heart, and he was worth the pride in every aspect.

"Ichika, I was young and foolish at the time. But even so I do not regret saving the Alcott name, for that is my duty. Could I… Could I be so bold as to rely on you for just a little while longer? Even if it is just a façade, but I really want to be with you. If you could take me as your bride, even for just a moment then I would be happy."

"If I were to marry you, it will not change the fact that Lord Miller owns the dominant share of your company."

"That is why I needed someone stronger than him. I don't think you know how much weight your name carries.
If you so command it, most of the world's riches would be in your hands.
If you so command it, women would flock to your feet.
If you so command it, then even I will have no choice but to submit to your wildest fantasies."

"I-I don't want anything like that," Ichika replied shaking his head vigorously. Cecilia grinned as the boy's ears went red. He was still immature, but she knew that he had 'needs', and she was far from unattractive.
It was unfortunate that they could not be together. His reaction was enough to tell her that he was not prepared for such a commitment, nor did he reciprocate her feelings

"But Cecilia. If you so desire it, and if it would truly save you, then I will marry you."

What did he say?

"Ichika? T-T-This is no time for jokes."

"I'm serious. I won't let you throw your life away because of this. Cecilia, I may not currently reciprocate your feelings but if this will save you then I will do so."

There's something wrong about this.

"But you're doing the same thing then! Throwing your life away!"

"You're right, but I should do this for you. You saved my life before Cecilia, and after hearing this story I know you need me."

This is what I want right? Why does it feel so wrong?

"Will you be happy with someone like me Ichika? I'm such a proud person, I say things before I think, I'm a big show off, I don't know much about the outside world, I've got such a foul personality, oh god it's all coming out and I can't stop myself!"

"Seeing as you were willing to kidnap and shoot me… I'm sure I can get over those other things easily enough."

"You're right, of course you're right but-"

-why does my heart ache so much?

"Ichika, maybe if you do it properly then I would feel better about this."

He looked reluctant but she continued to look at him pleadingly. Cecilia put all of her emotion into the contact and tears started to stream from her eyes. Ichika went down on one knee and her heart stopped, nothing else existed except for this very moment. Their eyes were still connected and his face was serious, pure and straightforward. Her heart began to beat erratically again after stopping and her breaths came in short ragged gasps.

This was fine, this was right, this is our happy end. Ichika, Ichika, Ichika, Ichika….

His mouth opened to form the words-
"Will you marry me, Cecilia Alcott?"

Albert C Miller did not consider himself a man of many desires. He knew he often came across as that way because of his ambition but that was more driven out of fear that no one would remember his existence after his death.

If immortality was impossible then he would achieve the next best thing.

Obtaining the Alcott Corporation had been but one step in his ambition, ultimately he needed to become global, and he had found the perfect tool to do so.

Charlotte Dunois, what luck to come across her in such a place… it was such an amazing discovery that if he played his cards right then he would have even have the Dunois Corporation under his control.
Third largest IS manufacturer in the world!

"Ah! Glasses man! What are you doing here~?"

That voice he had heard countless times in his nightmares greeted him as he walked into the Alcott gardens waiting further services. From the shadows of an oak tree sat a girl with a bunny hairband, wearing the most ridiculous Alice in Wonderland cosplay.

"I met your sister here a while ago. Are you here for her Shinonono Tabane?"

The girl glanced towards his direction and merely looked away again. Albert felt his anger rising, to be ignored in such a way was infuriating but he had to pay his respects to her.
It was her who provided the data for Blue Tears after all.

"Well if you're here, you can help me then~"

"What is in it for me?"

Tabane turned towards him with a disgusted expression that contorted her face, wrinkling the skin around her forehead and eyes flashing red with killing intent. Albert felt nauseous at the sight, archiving this experience for future nightmares.

"What do you want then, four eyes?"

Her face reverted back to normal and his heartbeat regulated. To her he must have been nothing but a cockroach, a slave to do her will.
But he would gladly do so to achieve his goals.

"Hack the Dunois Corporation, specifically the files for Charles Dunois."

Tabane looked at him levelly before shrugging. Albert doubted that she cared, to her all people were merely insects.

"That's no problem for me~. Now your task Glasses Man. There's this slight annoyance chasing me and I would like for you to deploy all your IS suits to stop her for maybe two or three hours. She'll arrive sometime tomorrow."

"I have over three hundred units on standby. That should not be an issue."

"You might need more~"

"Laura put that knife down!"

Charlotte wrestled the cutlery knife from Laura's hands and set it by the other tableware. The German girl began to search for another weapon and Charlotte gave a resigned sigh. She was in no mood to stop her anymore, having Albert discover her secret was giving her the biggest headache imaginable.

"Hey Charlotte, are you okay?"

Surprisingly it was Rin who asked this. Both Houki and Laura were discussing methods of torturing Cecilia, leaving only the Chinese girl to worry about her.
Charlotte was not oblivious though and knew that Rin had something against her, but she knew not what caused it.

"I'm okay Rin," she replied automatically with a smile. The Chinese girl's face showed a flash of irritation which Charlotte had grown accustomed to seeing.

"Suit yourself," she said shrugging her shoulders. Rin then walked to the centre of the domed room and sat on one of the wooden chairs. The light bulbs from the overhanging chandelier illuminated covering the room in bright white light as the sun began to descend. In the centre of the room was a large wooden table and a tea stand, each layer containing scones, macarons, tarts and biscuits.

"Where are the others?" Houki asked looking around the room.

"I'm guessing they're preparing for the dinner service most likely. They told us to wait here," Rin replied eyeing the stand. Charlotte also felt hunger gnaw at her stomach, each pastry seemed delicious and it had been a while since she had last eaten.

"All of you are so passive!" Laura announced already examining the food and taking a tart.

"No fair, wait for us all to have one as well!" Rin shouted running over and grabbing a macaron. Houki in turn took a biscuit and for variety Charlotte decided to take the scone.

An ominous feeling descended upon her.

"Then, altogether now," Laura said raising her pastry in an overdone fashion. They played along and bit into their food.

Words could not describe what Charlotte had just consumed. She did not even have the willpower to spit it out as the lumpy substance had coagulated near her windpipe forcing her to swallow.

Sacré bleu, this is horrid…

Her vision blanked out for a second before her hand snaked out gripping the edge of the nearest chair steadying herself. It was without a doubt a product of Cecilia Alcott.

"Guys, you wouldn't believe how terrible that scone was just now… Guys?"

All three of them lay collapsed on the floor frothing from their mouths. The half-eaten desserts were strewn across the floor and Laura had even go so far as to throwing it a few metres away.

"Oh no! Are you all alright?!"

There was no reply but their bodies started to convulse showing that they were still mildly conscious. Rin's hands were now scratching her neck in vertical motions repeatedly as if influenced by a curse.

"D-Damn, the en-n-nemy has p-poisoned us," Laura chocked out. "How f-f-foolish of me…"

The light in her eyes dimmed as she passed out onto the floor. Her condition now similar to Houki's who must have lost consciousness only seconds before.

So the scone was the safe choice…

"What happened here?!"

Charlotte span round to see a red haired maid staring at the three patients with worry on her face. Behind her were two more attendants and… Albert C Miller. As much as Charlotte did care for her friends, she suddenly wished that she could just bolt away from the man, the last thing she needed was to deal with him now.

"Did they eat the food? What a blunder! They need to go into emergency treatment straight away!"

"Did Cecilia make them all?" Charlotte asked.

"Yes, the madam tried her hardest. Unfortunately they were… unsuccessful," the maid said picking up Rin. The other two attendants grabbed both Laura and Houki and headed towards the door.

"C-Cecilia, I won't forget t-this…" Laura mumbled.

"Dunois was it? Please wait here with Lord Miller while I take them to the doctor, should not be long," the maid said without turning her head.

Before she could reply the maid had already closed the door leaving both her and the person she most hated in the same room. Albert merely grinned smugly taking a seat not paying much attention to her. Charlotte preferred it this way and stood in the corner as far as physically possible from him.

"Charles Dunois, I trust you have been well then."

She could not see his face as his head was faced away from her and Charlotte decided to take on a similar position turning her whole body so that her back was towards him.

"Well enough Lord Miller…"

"Imagine the reaction of the world when they find out the successor to the Dunois Corporation is a girl."

"Successor? Everyone knows that I'm not considered his true family."

"You… really don't know anything do you?!" his voice was filled with glee and Charlotte could imagine the wild grin that was plastered on his face.
But what was it that he knew that she did not?

"What don't I know?"

"An announcement was made a few days ago. You probably haven't been checking the news lately though."

Charlotte checked her mobile watch and sure enough she had notifications that she had not read. Ever since she left Guangzhou she never found the time to check, and apparently something directly concerned her.

I announce Charles Dunois, as my next successor in hopes that we can promote global relations in the near future. He is still young and untrained but the very fact that he can use an IS cannot be overlooked. It is to my knowle-

She stopped reading, her blood ran cold and only now did she feel the true weight of her actions. By revealing herself as a woman to so many people she had effectively caused the Dunois Corporation's downfall. Charlotte turned to Albert and almost yelped in shock when his head was now swivelled so that his gaze fell on her. If she had to describe his expression it would have been 'disgusting.'

He desired her, her wealth, her inheritance, her status…

"Stop looking at me like that!"

"I'm no paedophile don't worry," he said putting both hands into the air. "I wasn't thinking anything about that."

Charlotte's mind didn't even consider those things and hearing him mention it only made her hate him more.

"What do you want from me?"

"… Would you like to sign a contract?"

Ichika sat on the bed as Cecilia curled up on his lap and slept peacefully. She had forgotten all about her ordeal and her face was peaceful. The haughtiness that was there previously was all gone, it had all been an act to protect herself. Now that he was there for her he was sure that he would see more of her kindness. He lightly stroked a blonde hair from her forehead and her eyebrows twitched slightly before resting back into position.

Even he himself was surprised that he had agreed to Cecilia's request. Marriage was no small commitment, but somehow seeing the girl in front of him, so helpless and out of character made him reciprocate. A part of him was afraid of the commitment, but seeing her content right now was enough for him.

It could be that in a few years he would regret the decision, but he would think about it when the time came. Right now all he had to do was endure.

"Excuse me madam," a voice said on the other side of the door knocking gently. Cecilia did not stir but continued to sleep making him chuckle.

"Madam… Cecilia?"

"Chelsea?" he called back quietly. The door opened and the maid took one look at them before her eyes lit up. Trying not to wake her she signalled an okay sign to Ichika. He responded in kind.
She then went on to show her left index finger go in and out of the 'okay' sign.

"NO!" Ichika shouted back in shock. Cecilia stirred, her arms wrapping around his waist and she continued to sleep. He was suddenly well aware of how close her head was to his…

"Ichika, does this mean she finally asked you to marry her?"

"Sort of…"

Chelsea's usual calm expression faltered, before she openly wept with a wide smile. There was nothing to regret if he could save Cecilia, and if she needed him the most then he would be there for her.

It was the least he could do.

"This is such great news, no wonder Cecilia is sleeping so soundly."
Chelsea then threw a grin at Ichika.
"I guess I should call you 'master' now."

"Please don't."

"Ichika-sama , I know how hard it was to make this decision. You can have me as well, that way you will not regret your choice," she said shyly.

"What?"

"Ichika-sama, you can take me however you want. I am your maid, a mere plebeian not fit to be with royalty such as yourself and wha- good morning madam."

Ichika looked down and sure enough Cecilia was giving Chelsea a deadly stare, while her arms tightened around him protectively. The red haired maid simply smiled showing her playfulness before sticking out her tongue, appearing ten years younger than her actual age.

"Why are you here Chelsea?"

"Oh that's right; Bodewig, Shinonono and Huang are all unwell and have retired for the night."

"Unwell?"

"We… left some food that was unfortunately inedible and they consumed it."

Cecilia's cooking…

"How disgraceful, get the finest doctors in the area. I want them to be treated well. I expected better of you Chelsea, how could there be inedible products in this establishment?"

Ichika had to wince as he remembered the texture of the very strange scone. He should have tried the other products instead.

"What about Dunois."

"She is currently with Lord Miller waiting in th-"

"Oh no!" Cecilia screamed standing to her feet. "Ichika we have to hurry."

"Why? I'm sure Charl will be fine."

He did not want to see her right now. Every time his thoughts lingered on her his chest started to constrict and tighten uncomfortably. It was most likely the nerves from seeing her in a panic attack… it felt like he had developed his own atheroma in response.

"Ichika! Albert C Miller knows exactly who Charlotte is! If we don't hurry he might blackmail her."

"Blackmail?"

"He wants money and status, and the Dunois Corporation is one of the most powerful companies on the planet."

Even as the light from the sky darkened and the time ticked onto the later hours of the day, Ichika knew that this day was far from over.

But he had to save them.

Charlotte? Cecilia?

Reality settled into place and his happy mood disintegrated.

He could only save one of them…

A/N: Thanks for reading hope you enjoyed the chapter!

Things did get a bit serious in this chapter! I'll be surprised if any of you guessed that these events would occur haha.
This really brought some light over Cecilia's past which I felt was probably the saddest of the girls. The bit up to making a deal with the British Government is canon, I added the contract with Albert Miller.
Also I added a few other anime references in this chapter XD. See if you can spot them haha!

Get ready for the next chapter finale of the England Arc!
Stay Awesome Guys!