Hiya, people! I believe it's time to continue Code Geass: The Black Steel Prince of Britannia! Last time, I left off just as Lelouch had finished his entrance exam into West-Point, and passed them (like there was even a chance he wouldn't :P). But now, the real challenge begins. He's going to be facing some irritated and jealous classmates, and will have to deal with Volver's machinations. Without further ado, let's roll on! Hope you enjoy this chapter!

I still don't own Code Geass. This state of affairs is not likely to change anytime soon.

Note: text like "this" will denote somebody who's speaking loudly.

September 5th, 2016 A.T.B, Britannian mainland, West-Point Imperial Military Academy. Day of the opening ceremony.

Two days before the opening ceremony, Lelouch had gotten the results of his examinations: all passed! And so, he had been added to the fourth year group.

As Superintendent Corben did his speech, Lelouch noticed from where he was sitting in the back that there were many cadets who were giving him downright dirty looks over their shoulders, mostly from the fourth year. He was glad Jeremiah was here, and hoped his knight would be enough of a deterrent. But Jeremiah couldn't protect him from everything! Especially when the female cadets were concerned.

The looks he got from most of the girls who were present were of another nature than the ones form the men. With his extensive experience concerning young women, he had a good idea what many of them were thinking up: they were seeing him as a way to go up the social ladder. He'd have to be careful around them, probably even more than with the men, for they could very well try to have their parents set up an arranged marriage with him. It wasn't impossible for him to beneficiate enough from an arranged marriage to make it bearable in case he didn't like the woman, but it was highly unlikely.

As it turned out, two girls tried to start a conversation with him after the ceremony. The first one was obviously trying very hard to act nice, but it came off as a bit creepy. The second one did a little better, but not by much. He ignored both as politely as he could manage.

Next day, September 6th

As part of the curriculum, all cadets participated in various drills and group physical training on a regular basis. The group Lelouch was with (which was composed entirely of men, the female cadets were in separate groups) was scheduled to do just that today, and they were under orders to assemble in the field at the crack of dawn, and their drill instructor was going to be no other than Hamilton.

Lelouch, in his training uniform, got in line with the rest of his "fellow" cadets. Soon, Hamilton appeared, as cold-faced and merciless as Lelouch first saw him.

"Cadets!" he bellowed. "To attention!"

They all stood to attention as Hamilton looked over the group. The drill instructor nodded.

"Welcome back, cadets! I hope for your asses that your summer break hasn't got you out of shape! Because I'll show no mercy to anyone who falls behind!"

As Hamilton was talking, one of the cadets glanced at Lelouch. Bad idea. Hamilton noticed it, and went directly for him. The other cadets moved out of his way in a hurry.

"Cadet Callahan!" The DI yelled a tiny inch from the guy's face. "I'm really curious as to why you're looking at vi Britannia instead of me! What, is it because you think he's prettier than me!"

A number of cadets had to try really hard not to laugh. Callahan started to sputter, unable to immediately come up with a response.

"Well, answer me, cadet! Or are our going to stand there gapping like a fish all day!"

"No sir!" Callahan said, regaining control of his voice, "I wasn't looking at him because he's prettier than you, sir!"

"So you're admitting you think he look better than I do!" Hamilton said with a sadistic smile. Callahan could only gape in a 'Ho shit!' fashion. "Drop and give me thirty!"

As Callahan did as he was told, Hamilton resumed his walking.

"Let me assure you!" He said, "Cadet vi Britannia isn't here amongst you today only because his daddy is the Emperor! While it might have helped, had we not found him capable enough, I can guarantee you we would have sent his ass to first year! He's not your problem!"

Hamilton stopped, faced the cadets, pointed with his arm to his left and yelled even louder than before: "I'LL BE YOUR PROBLEM IF ALL OF YOU DON'T GET YOUR ASSES MOVING THIS VERY SECOND DOWN THE RACE TRACK! NOW!"

Same day, Britannian Mainland, Florida District, Gottwald Estate

Joshua Gottwald was sitting behind his father's desk, and was talking on the phone with his older brother.

"So, yeah, I've considered his highness' offer, and I'm going to take it. I think it's going to be fun… What about the plantation? Don't worry Jerry, we got it covered. Noah has been helping father of late, and this could be an opportunity for him to spread his wings a little… Relax, I'm not going to turn him into a mini-me. The world couldn't possibly handle that much awesomeness. Anyway, I was already going to accompany Lilicia there, so tell the guys back there to expect to see me tomorrow morning. Yeah, I'll tell mom you say hi! See ya bro!"

Joshua hung up.

"Well, it's going to get busy!" he said to himself. He got out of the office, and headed to his room to pack his stuff. On the way, he yelled down the stairs: "Mom! I'm going to stay in area 11 a while longer than I originally planned! Jeremiah hooked me up with a huge PR job! And he says hi!"

Afternoon, September 8th, 2016 A.T.B., Area 11, Tokyo concession, Ashford Academy, Student Council Meeting Room.

Classes had begun once again at Ashford for a couple of days now. At first, it looked like things might go out of hand: many overly-excited students had caused enough of a ruckus that the twins had to absent themselves until the situation was remedied. That didn't take long. Both Milly and her grandfather made it very clear that any shenanigans that indisposed the Student Council members and/or the Prince and Princess would result with those responsible being expelled. Permanently!

The Student Council Members had gotten their bodyguards the day before school began. Currently, they were in a room adjacent to the Student Council's, so as to not distract their charges from their work. Shirley's was a young woman of 22 named Dawn Rattray, who had Emerald Green eyes and jet black long hair. Milly's and Nina's Bodyguards were two twin sisters of 20, named respectively Nathalie and Stephanie Longfellow, both with light brown hair, thought Stephanie's was quite a bit longer than her sister's, which was shoulder length. Kallen's bodyguard was a woman of 33, named Alexandra, who had long dark purple hair. Lastly, Rivalz's… far from a sexy young woman, his bodyguard was a 28 year old man named Julius Marras. He was short, very broad shouldered, had small dark eyes, and one hell of a uni-brow. He was also strong as an ox: Earlier today, Rivalz had P.E. Class, and he had lost his key to his locker. Since he was already late, Julius did the sensible thing; He ripped out the locker's door!

"And the Janitor was after me all morning because of that!" Rivalz said, as he finished explaining his little misadventure to the others.

"Ha, yes." Milly said offhandedly. "I heard about that."

"Yeah, I bet." Rivalz said. "When I was in middle school back in the homeland, I dreamed about having a guy like that to take care of bullies. But now, I think people are scared to even be around me. I asked a guy in English earlier if I could cross check my notes with his'. One look at Julius, and he scampered off!"

"Hm, if you want, I could let you check mine." Nina said.

"Really? Thanks Nina! You just made my day a whole better! Speaking of which: How are you guys holding up?"

"Me, I'm just fine, as you might expect. " Milly said with a smile. "Just one more minion, that's how I see it."

"It's kinds hard to get used sharing a dorm with somebody other than Sophie." Shirley said. Their bodyguards also roomed with them. "Although Dawn was a great in helping me organize my stuff!"

"I'm not finding it too difficult myself. Miss Stephanie mostly keeps to herself," Nina said.

"Cool." Rivalz nodded. "And what about you, Kallen?"

"Humpffff." Was all he got as a response from the red-head.

"Wow. Talk about grumpy." Rivalz said, "What's eating ya?"

Kallen didn't answer right way.

"What's eating me?" She sheeted inside. "Lelouch and his damn henchmen are what's eating me! They're eating away at my sanity! And what really irks me, is if my damn mother-in-law hadn't put her nose into this, I might have gotten out of it! "

Flashback, Stadfelt Manor, three days ago.

Kallen was in her father's office, and was trying to convince him to refuse the "offer" of a bodyguard made by the vi Britannia.

"I really don't believe I need any bodyguards." Kallen explained to her father, "Lel- Prince Lelouch is only overreacting because he's afraid for his sister's and brother's safety. And if they insist, at least we can have one of our own guards escort me around. I'd feel much more comfortable that way."

She looked at her father. Rendall Stadfelt stayed silent for a few moments, then he sighed and passed a hand through his short red-hair.

"I believe I understand how you feel, Kallen. However…"

"However, it could cause problems with His Highness Prince Lelouch, and his brother, if you refused their protection." Came her step-mother's voice from behind her. Kallen wiped herself around to face her.

"How long have you been there?" She asked her.

"Since a moment ago. Now, Kallen, I believe you're seeing this the wrong way. Just because it's "inconvenient" for you doesn't mean you should spit on an offer made by Royalty. There could be ways our household could beneficiate form this."

Kallen frowned. She hated to be in the room when her Step-mom was into scheming mode. It made her want to rip the woman's hair out.

"What kind of benefits are we talking about here?"

"Well, higher favor in the court, for one thing. We haven't exactly been in the spotlight these past few I hear he's got connections with a Duke and a Margrave back in the homeland. Also, it might help you to find a good match."

"Huh!" Kallen said, "Wait, you're not suggesting me and Lelouch-"

"Who knows? But even if you can't get the prince, the fact that he went out of his way to give you a bodyguard could cause other suitors to appear, to see what the "fuss is about", as they say. "

"Actually, Kallen," her father spoke up, "I believe she is right. It could be a good thing for you: You're going to have to marry one day, and the more suitors you have, the greater the chances are that you can find the best person for yourself."

End of Flashback

And thus, all appeals were doomed, and her father gave his consent for her to receive a bodyguard.

"I'm having serious problems adapting to somebody shadowing me everywhere." Was what she finally said.

"I admit it feels weird." Shirley said. "But hey, isn't it a good thing? With your health being what it is?"

"Humpff. Yes, I suppose."

The door to the council room opened.

"I'm sorry if we're causing you discomfort, Kallen." Said Nunnally, in her middle school uniform, who was wheeled into the room by Camille.

"Nunnally!" All of the student council exclaimed in unison.

"Hello everyone!" The little princess said as they gathered around her.

"My, they seem to be as enthusiastic as you described, Nunnally!" Euphemia said as she entered the room, closely followed by Lilicia.

"And looks like you brought my two new troupers with you, Nanna." Milly said with a smile.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, everyone."

"Same here, hem, Euphie right?"

"Yes." The pinkette said.

"We've come pick up some things we need for when we start school tomorrow." Lilicia said.

"So you think it's alright for you guys to come back now?" Shirley asked.

"Yes!" Nunnally said. "I'm sorry that we had to miss the opening festival."

"Actually, with all the ruckus that happened, a lot of events had to be cancelled. " Rivalz said.

"Don't worry!" Milly said. We'll hold another one soon enough! Actually, in my book, officially welcoming a prince and princess is reason enough by itself to hold a festival."

"Actually, for once, that might be a valid reason for you to hold a festival, Ms. President." Rivalz said.

"Quiet you!" Milly said in a mock-offended tone, "If I say a reason is valid, then it is! End of story!"

"Hm, say, where is Rollo?" Nina asked.

"He's at the L.A.I. new headquarters for its inauguration."

"Now that you say that, I remember reading something about it in the newspaper this morning."

"You read newspapers?" Kallen asked, genuinely surprised.

"Yeah, well it's mainly to read the stuff they write about Lelouch. After finding out he's royalty, I figured it'd be better to stay informed."

"Speaking of information and royalty, I have something I feel I should tell you guys." Nunnally said. "It's about Euphie here."

"Wait a moment!" Milly said, knowing what subject Nunnally wanted to bring up. "Preparation must be made first!"

Milly called her bodyguard, and told her to stand outside the Council room's door and to warn them if anybody appeared. She asked Rivalz to help her close the curtains.

"Now, what you're about to hear is to remain a secret to this group until we're told otherwise by Lelouch or Rollo." Milly said, dead serious. "Understood?"

Everyone nodded.

"So, what is the big secret?" Kallen said, "Let me guess: she's a princess too?" she added sarcastically.

"How did you guess?" Euphie asked, thinking Kallen was serious.

"….."

"WHAT!" chorused all the members of the Council except Milly.

"Does that mean she's your…" Rivalz started.

"Yes," Nunnally said, "She's my, Rollo's and Lelouch's sister."

"My real name is Euphemia li Britannia." Euphie said.

"Not another one!" Kallen thought. "I need to get out of here!"

"Ok…" Shirley said, "So, hmmm, I guess you don't want us to call you by that name. Then what should we call you?"

"Well, I'm registered here under Euphie Hatfield. So that should be alright for now."

"Hatfield…" Rivalz mused, "Where have I heard that name before?"

"What about you?" Kallen asked Lilicia. "Anything we should know about?"

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm really just little old Lilicia Gottwald, and my family, disconcertingly, really grows oranges."

"Ha, yes." Milly said. "You two probably want your uniforms for tomorrow. Come with me, we'll go get them." The rest of the student council made to follow, but were stopped by a gesture from their president, "Not so fast! Have you guys forgot?" She said, and pointed to a large stack of paper sitting in the middle of the table, "First semester clubs budget!"

"Hawww!"

September 9th, 2016 A.T.B., Mainland, New-York District, New-York, Britannia Imperial Arsenal HQ.

The head honchos of B.I.A., the company responsible for the manufacturing of Britannia's current lines of Knightmares, we're having a meeting. They were watching a news program about the opening of L.A.I.'s new headquarters. And their boss wasn't in a good mood.

"So," the B.I.A.'s CEO, Gordon Brown said the men gathered around the table, "How exactly did we missed L.A.I.'s owner and CEO being a god-dammed Prince!"

The executives looked at one-another, each waiting for somebody else to speak up. Finally, a brave soul rose up.

"W-well, sir, we ran a thorough background check. Several times! It all checked out!"

"He used his real bloody first name, and all of you know who Marianne Lamperouge was!" Gordon said. "Didn't that, I don't know, alerted you in anyway?"

"We found it peculiar, yes, but he rarely appeared in public. And will Lazlow working for him, there wasn't much chance to confirm his identity first hand!"

Gordon sighed in defeat. "Alright, I get it. However, we're going to have our work cut out for us. You've all seen the data L.A.I. released on their latest model?" Everyone nodded. "Good! Then you'll understand that there's a good chance we might lose contracts to L.A.I if this bloody monster is a effective as they showcase it."

"We've already increased funding to the development of the Gloucester by 35 %, sir."

"Make it 50%!"

"Will be done, sir!"

"We better not half-ass!" Gordon said, "If we lose part of, or god forbid, all of our orders of knightmares to that brat's company, our 'investors' are going to be after our heads!"

October 11th, 2016 A.T.B., West-Point Imperial Military Academy,

Lelouch was doing well. Far too well, by some people. Volver was breathing on the back of his neck, ready to pounce at any weakness he found. It's been over a month, and it seemed the man hadn't had much luck. Although he did have courses with some of the people whom, it was obvious, were in league with him, and did their very best to make things difficult for him.

He had gotten Lazlow's report on Volver a week ago, and it seemed the man was on the payroll of a far right faction headed by Grand Duke Mikhail Dorchester. Luckily for Lelouch, whatever the Grand Duke was cooking up within West-Point seemed to be on the back burner, at least for now.

As Lelouch expected, he wasn't making much friends here. It wasn't surprising: With Britannia being what it is, the competition here was fierce. The unspoken rule here was that any relation that wouldn't help further your career was to be avoided at all cost.

"Say, Jeremiah?" Lelouch asked his knight when they were eating their lunch in the cafeteria, "Is the Colchester Institute just as much cutthroat as here?"

"Huh? Ha, well, not really, at least not when I was there."

"I see." Lelouch said, playing with his food half-heartedly. He checked his watch. "Well, got to go to the next class."

End of chapter 20.

Alright! One more chapter done. Sorry for the long time it took, once again.

Lelouch should graduate from West-Point at the end of the next chapter.

Please leave a review.

See you next time!

-Stan