I know I promised quite a few of you that I would be posting a much larger chapter than what I have already done, but in lieu of what I feel was a good cutoff point and the fact that I somehow survived last term of class, I decided why not reward you with some of my due diligence. So, this is the first part of what is going to be a two part chapter. It will establish many of the parties playing in the shadows, but also some of the moves our heroes are beginning to undertake, suffice to say that things are going to start picking up with next chapter and the chapter after that, especially with a certain event at a certain hotel coming up.As a result, I hope you guys like this chapter and I would like for you to answer in your reviews if possible if I should create a tumblr to post up random snippets to tide you guys over until the chapter is done. They could be just a paragraph here or there or it may be a big thing. It is all up to my whimsy and the fact because I just wanted to start a tumblr itself but have no logical reason to do so. If there is any other social media maybe I should throw up, feel free to hit me back.Furthermore, I will admit that once I get the ball rolling, especially with Destiny coming around, I will probably be spending a lot of time on Twitch streaming, you can find me there under my authors name (AlSmash), but there if I'm online, you guys can ask me questions if you and I can have a back and forth between all of us. It's up to you, and you can certainly show your interest in the reviews.
Anyways, long tangent over, on to the story. Let's see if we can break that good ol 950. I'm really aiming for 1000 when the big event comes up and I know you guys have always been a credit in regards to giving me great feedback and would love nothing more than to have that continue.
Chapter 28
Shadow Plays, Part I
What can I say? When I attended the first speech given by the Prince on the subject of governance of Japan, I can almost guarantee none of us were prepared for the tour de force that was given by Prince Lelouch. Of course, many of us were aware of the Prince's predilection for the queer in that he accepted nobles, commoners, and honorary Britannians equally and without distinction, but there surely that was warfare, we knew that, pardon me, Numbers were largely incapable of being rehabilitated into productive members of society. The Honorary Britannian system merely existed to provide some semblance of hope to the masses in order to keep them in line.
What we didn't expect was what the Prince did, and to be honest, I think if any of us had paid attention or even care, we would have seen the warning signs of just how far ahead the Prince planned. The Prince's time on the warfront had obviously provided him with a unique perspective upon life and he intended to executed it.
I think, looking back at it now, we should have expected that no matter what was put before him, he would eventually succeed. He always seemed to have the devil's luck on that.
All I can say is the next few years were quite the ride for many of us.
- Interview with Thaddeus Timmons, Correspondent for the Britannian Sun Times Tokyo Bureau, 2010-2021 a.t.b.
It took a little while, but finally Kallen was able to recover from the knowledge she had been exposed to. The idea that she had been- she cut that thought off with a shudder. That thought had caused her to take another long shower just to wash away that nightmare.
Now wrapped in another fresh towel and her hair wrapped, she stepped out into her bedroom and stopped at the sight of her current source of frustration sitting there. Deciding not to feed the troll she walked over to get dressed in some relaxed wear so she could rest awhile. It was then to her surprise when the green-haired immortal started speaking.
"I met Marianne when she was twelve, " she spoke, "it was after both of her parents were killed in an assassination attempt gone wrong upon a member of the Imperial family. Back then it was pretty much open warfare between the imperial and noble bloodlines for the throne, a lot of people were caught up in the violence because of it. It wasn't until Charles assumed power that things really changed back to how they are now."
Kallen found herself moving over to sit on the bed as C.C had begun talking, the information being provided what she wanted and to be honest she was surprised that the immortal was talking.
"Back then Marianne was a lot like you, maybe a bit less arrogant but god, the fire in her, that was something else. Even back then you knew she was destined for great things. I took her in and at sixteen I made a contract with her as she entered the Academy thanks to some of the connections I had in the lower levels of nobility. From there, you know pretty much the rest of her story. Well, at least the official one, I guess."
"You said she was like me, yet I haven't heard anything to make me think that, C.C.," the redhead declared.
"She was like you in the way that underneath all of the facades she put up, the smiles and such, she was someone who loathed the world where she lived and wished to change it. Regardless of the blood price she would have to pay in order to achieve it. That is, until she met Charles," she shook her head.
"Charles zi Britannia."
"The one and only. Marianne fell under his spell, serving under him as he overthrew the previous Emperor and personally bathed the streets in their blood alongside him. Back then, we all had a dream and well, I guess parenthood changed them in a way. Make no mistake, out of all of the consorts Charles had, none were as special to him as Marianne."
"But that doesn't answer what you were in all of this. You were her contractor yes, but what is your involvement in all of this. Why would Lelouch be so interested in you?"
"I'm getting to that, Kallen. The relationship between Marianne and I allowed insight into many of the inner workings of the Empire, including access to Charles inner council, including working for the Emperor for a time. But," she stated, as Kallen's lips began to curl up in a sneer, "that ended when Marianne was assassinated."
"Do you know who assassinated her?"
"...Yes."
"Who did it," Kallen demanded, leaning forward, eyes lighting up eagerly, "was it the Emperor? Was it another noble faction? Who was it? If it was anyone Britannian we can use-"
"No, Kallen. I won't tell you."
"C.C.-"
"Kallen, no. I'm saying this for your protection. I am not one to easily scare, but the person responsible for all of this is someone who legitimately terrifies me at how far he will go if he feels you are a hindrance to him. He made that evidently clear when he had Marianne killed."
"Who," Kallen demanded, "The Emperor? Please, C.C."
"I won't Kallen. If I told you, not only would you be in danger, but so would Lelouch."
Kallen sighed and ran her hand through her hair in frustration. Just when she had something that could be used, it would have to be denied. But, then again, if C.C., an immortal, was legitimately afraid of this person, then shouldn't she be wary of the truth?
"And what is stopping whoever it is from coming after you now?"
"Because he has other fish to fry at the moment," she admitted, "Kallen, just drop it for now. If something changes I promise to tell you."
"Fine, not like I can torture the information from you either. But I want you to train me in whatever that style was."
This caused C.C. to break out in laughter, surprising and confusing Kallen all at the same.
"What's so funny?"
"Just your question. Everyone has always assumed that Marianne's combat style was some complex and secret thing and when all that it is is a standard sabre fencing style, all we did was add a second blade to the mix and that was that. There is nothing special about other than the reliance on reflex and reaction speed."
"Really?"
"It was always a laugh for Marianne and I when people made such a big issue of it."
"I see, but can you teach it?"
"Oh I can do that," the green-haired immortal said with a smirk, "the question will be how much you'll hate me when I'm done."
"Probably no more than I already do."
"Oh you will be surprised," she said as she got to her feet, "sleep well Empress, cuz you're going to need it by the time I'm through with you."
And with that, she was gone, leaving Kallen to think about the words that were exchanged before she realized exactly what she had heard.
"Did she call me Empress?"
InF
Caedron fought the frown that was marring his face as he stood out watching at the oncoming traffic to the front of the mansion. He had only a few minutes of warning that the Prince would be visiting him unannounced with his private guard. Of course, he had predicted this as a possible scenario, but he honestly had not expected it to not be so soon. It seemed he was losing his touch.
Kallen was still asleep, the night's activity obviously a drain on her, which only served to reinforce the frown at the idea of what had happened last night. He was sure they had not done anything, but that still didn't abate the worry he had for Kallen in regard to getting too close too fast to the Prince. And C.C. was safely ensconced back in the bunker of the mansion, so he did not have to worry about her making an appearance since he was sure the Prince would take keen interest in her and the truth behind Empress Marianne's death.
That was when Lelouch's car came to a stop in front of him, the doors opening and the Viceroy of Area 11 stepping out. He looked just as worn as he was, the lack of sleep evident in his eyes as they met him
"Welcome, Viceroy," he greeted, "What can I do for you?"
"Where's Kallen?"
"She's resting, Your Highness. The events of last night have left her exhausted. Shall I wake her?"
"No. That's fine," he offered with a reassuring smile, "I actually came here to talk to you. May I come in?"
"Of course, this way," he turned and led Lelouch inside.
"I apologize for the scene, but both the Captain of my guard and my Knight both insisted in lieu of the recent excitement that I keep a protective Knightmare detail with me."
"You can never be too secure nowadays. Please, take a seat, I hope you don't mind, but the only refreshments I can offer is some hour-old coffee."
"Is it black?"
"Military."
"Then some coffee would be heaven-sent."
Walking away, Caedron came back with a pot of coffee and two mugs. Handing one to Lelouch, he took his own and sat down as Lelouch took a deep sip of the bitter liquid.
"Thank you. You have no idea how much I needed that."
"I can bet I do," the older officer said with a smirk, "so, what brings you to our humble abode? Especially to speak with an oddity such as myself."
"You're too harsh on yourself, Sir Harrington. If you were such an oddity, I doubt the Stadtfeld Consortium would not be enjoying such success and I would have never found myself enamored with your goddaughter."
The resultant stilling of Caedron as he was about to sip his coffee confirmed his theory to be spot on. He watched as the former Knight placed down his coffee, his face now a mask of cool indifference.
"I see you've done your research on me," he said softly, "OSI files, I presume. "
"Euphie is good on her background checks, but she doesn't have the clearance that I do. It also doesn't help that she can be too trusting of people, Aldus."
Caedron sighed, closing his eyes.
"I hated that name. Aldus Howe IV. The very name of my bastard great-grandfather that indebted us to the Stadtfeld's because of his gambling habits. They always wanted for us to remember that."
"And yet you here you are now."
There was a wan smile in response, happier moments for Caedron as he remembered those better days.
"Elend was different. He didn't care I was the son of a cook and a maid, he looked to me as a brother, despite all of his family's protests. He made my dreams of being something more a reality when he sponsored my application to the academy. I, in turn, introduced him to Sachiko," he trailed off.
"Kallen doesn't know this, does she?"
This earned an angry and wry snort, "Of course not, how do you think she would react to the fact that it was because of her Godfather that her family was dead? Elend contacted me and begged me to rendezvous with him and get him to safety. I was on my way to him when we got a flash priority mission from the Emperor himself that could not be ignored. It's because of me that Elend chose to try and get to the Tokyo Embassy without me. Their deaths are my fault."
"I see," Lelouch said upon hearing the guilt and shame in the voice of the older man, "but why Caedron Harrington?"
Caedron chuckled softly in response, shaking his head at the question.
"Harrington was the last name of my mother's favorite novel heroine and Caedron is a modernization of Caderyn which means 'battle ruler', but I doubt that's what you wish to discuss with me, Your Highness."
"You're right, of course. My sister has already talked to you about being an advisor to her, correct?"
"She mentioned it. I offered my assistance, but I am not sure her mind was in the right place when offering me such an appointment, considering my history and who I am has created many enemies over the years."
"Do you have any scandals or hidden secrets I should be aware of?"
"None that I'm aware of," Caedron admitted, but the speed of it set off alarms in Lelouch's head, but he then dismissed it. If the OSI hadn't discovered it, it was likely tied to his military history, which was surprisingly redacted, even to his clearance.
"Then there isn't any problem. I don't necessarily care for your history unless it diminishes your work and efficiency."
"Admirable, but I don't see what I would do in all of this. I'm just a consultant right now."
"And your consulting has been quite handy already. That's why I want to offer you the position of Chief Advisor to the Viceroy."
"You're joking," he honestly thought that. Chief Advisor to the Viceroy was a lot more than he ever expected. It was a risky endeavor by the Prince considering his checkered past, but it seemed that risk-taking seemed to run in the family.
"No, I am not. I will be honest with you, Sir Harrington. The next six months to a year will be the most critical in the administration of Japan," this piqued the elder's interest in the usage of the term 'Japan', "While I am the Viceroy, many of the administrative functions will be done by my sister. The military state of the country because of my late brother's incompetence has left my hands full with trying to quickly fix the internal issues. While all policies will come through my office for final approval, Euphemia will be the prime driving factor of all social and administrative policies, and while she has some experience, I would prefer if she had the guiding hand of someone experienced in the state of Japan and military issues in order to avoid any conflicts. That is where you come in. You would officially be my Chief Advisor, but for the most part, you would be Euphemia's advisor."
"I see," Caedron replied, taking a sip of his coffee that was fast approaching cold, "unfortunately I must respectfully decline, Your Highness."
It was Lelouch's turn to be taken aback. He hadn't expected to be turned down. Everything pointed towards him accepting the job.
"May I inquire why?"
He hesitated. Was it safe to tell Lelouch this? Would he tell Kallen as a result of what he would be revealing? He could not risk for Kallen to know his affliction, especially at this juncture.
Sighing, he realized he would not be able to get out of this without giving the Prince the exact reason he would turn it down.
"Because I am dying."
Lelouch blinked at Caedron owlishly for a minute, before Caedron decided to explain knowing that the Prince would require more information.
"Rare form of cancer" he started, "inoperable because it's in multiple nodes. I have maybe year if I am lucky left and the pill regimen I am on holds out, though it's more than likely I will not live long enough to see Christmas."
Lelouch was stuck not knowing what to say. Death was not unfamiliar to him due to his profession, but there was a stark contrast between death via warfare and a death brought on by one's own body wasting away. He couldn't even begin to grasp what it would be like for your own body being the enemy.
"I'm sorry. I take it that you don't want Kallen to know?"
"She has enough to deal with at the moment, Your Highness, the idea of my imminent mortality would be to too much of a distraction for her."
"I understand where you're coming from, Sir Harrington, but don't you think you're being selfish? You've been a father figure to her for the last eight years, so much so that I know that your death would have a dramatic impact upon her. Shouldn't you at least warn her, so the two of you can cherish what is left? I think she would appreciate that immensely instead of you hiding the truth from her until it's too late to say goodbye. I ask of you to think of her."
Caedron couldn't help but be impressed at the impassioned plea from Lelouch. Though, he had to wonder if that passion would last when Lelouch discovered the truth to Kallen and himself. Still, the fact that Lelouch was doing this only added to the confirmation in his mind that even when he passed, Kallen would not be alone.
". . .It's precisely because I care for her that i ask you to NOT tell anything. You do not realize this but Kallen's grasp on the Stadtfeld name is tenuous at best, the only thing that has kept the rest of her family at bay has been my continued existence. If there slips even the slightest rumor that I'm dying, the horde of jackals that consist of the rest of the Stadtfeld family won't stop to anything, and I mean ANYTHING, to use far more heavy handed methods to stall for time, then contest the rights of Kallen. Especially right now as Kallen hasn't proven herself as the CEO of the Consortium."
"And you think she'll be able to prove herself before you keel over," Lelouch demanded in askance, his voice rising as he showed irritation at the man before him, "I doubt that. If there's one thing I'm an expert on, it's the greed of nobility. There is no way Kallen ever be safe from her family."
"Then why don't you help her? I obviously can't be her shield forever, Your Highness. You've done a lot for her in these last two months than I've done in the last two years. If you were to impose yourself in this matter, it would stymie their efforts. It's one thing to challenge a half-blooded girl, quite another to challenge a member of the Imperial family."
Lelouch was quiet at this. It was true that he could intervene on Kallen's behalf, but it ran in the face of what he generally preferred to do. Family matters in his opinion were just that, family matters. Though, it would be hypocritical now considering he was involving himself in the matter of the Kewells, but that was because of Marika's connection to him. But it was two different things between intervening in the case of a disgraced family and another with a family of nobles that had a long and rich history that dated back over a millennia that, while they were never going to reach the pinnacle of nobility, had been involved in many of the critical events of the Empire.
"I will consider it," he finally said after careful deliberation, "but that is not why I am here. I know you have misgivings for this, and I understand that your affliction would bring scrutiny upon you, I would rather like for you to be there for me, Caedron. You have both the knowledge and capability to ensure that what Princess Euphemia and I are trying to build will succeed."
"And what is that, Your Highness?"
"I plan for Japan to be what I like to think of as the grand experiment in proving the Number system is obsolete and not the future for the Empire."
So, it is true, Caedron thought to himself, Lelouch has aligned himself with the Reformists. Not shocked to say the least. Empress Marianne was much the same way in spite of her involvement with Charles. The apple does not fall far from the tree, so to speak.
"I see," he finally said after a long period of silence, "very well. If you are so entrenched on the idea in spite of the difficulty to come," he got out of his chair and brought himself to a kneel before Lelouch, which surprised the younger royal, " then I, Caedron Rciardo Harrington, do solemnly swear to serve you as your chief advisor until I am no longer physically capable to do so. I place my sword and my honor are at your disposal, Your Highness."
"Please. You do not need to do that," Lelouch stated, giving Caedron the opportunity to rise, "I do not care for oaths of fealty, undying loyalty, or servitude, those are something I wish to do away with, Sir Harrington. All I expect is that you do your best to support my initiatives."
"Of course. My apologies, Your Highness. So what is it now that you wish of me?"
"I plan to hold a press conference in three hours announcing your appointment. Would you be able to attend to answer questions?"
"If you will it-"
"No, I ask of it, and please, it's Lelouch. I have enough issues with Jeremiah referring to me by name, I will be damned if I have another one like that."
This earned a chuckle, "Of course, Lelouch. I can attend it. Is there anything else?"
"Yes, I would just like to see Kallen before I go. Even if she is asleep."
"As long as you promise not to do anything to sully her honor, then I do not see any problems. But, I will accompany you to ensure that."
Gulping down the last of his coffee, he got to his feet, Caedron following suit as he began leading him up the foyer and to the second floor. It took a bit of time, but they eventually came to the door in question. Caedron opened it for him and allowed Lelouch inside, an unspoken exchange taking place between them for Lelouch not to do anything unbecoming to her.
For Lelouch though, it was already odd as he questioned himself why he was even here. It could be certainly construed as creepy what he was doing, going into the room in which a woman was sleeping. But the illogical side of him saw a sense of possessiveness to her already because of their relationship. Honestly, he just wanted to check in on her. He felt guilty leaving her in the hospital like that, but he had needed to clear his head after everything that had taken place.
Stepping further into the room, he took in the rather plain surroundings. Then again, what did he really expect from someone like Kallen? She wasn't one to flaunt her wealth outside of what was expected of her station. Yet, he had expected there to be more than what he saw.
But he wasn't here to judge what she put in her room. He was here for her and his gaze shifted accordingly to the form sleeping on her side under a light comforter. If she looked beautiful before, she was even more so asleep as he silently moved a bit closer to admire her.
However, that admiration became somewhat subdued as Kallen rolled away from him in a soft groan. At first, he took it as nothing and a sign he needed to take his leave considering his violation of her privacy. But then she rolled back over again in a fit, mesmerizing him once again.
That ended with an abrupt crash as Kallen once again moaned, but this time he could distinctly hear his name on her lips.
He froze immediately, his mind grappling with what just happened and what he should do. The moan was what caused his conflict, because he recognized that moan all too well. It was the very same breathless moaning of his name when he and Mi-
"Lelouch," the name came again, this time a whimper, "harder Lelouch."
All doubt in his mind vanished in an instant as it confirmed what he had theorized and he suddenly felt like a fly on the wall on what was obviously Kallen having a dream about him. At the same time he felt proud that It was his name on her lips and extremely uncomfortable because he was becoming ar-
A hand landing on his shoulder caused him to almost jump out of his skin. Whirling around, he found himself face-to-face with Caedron who had an impassive look upon his face, though he swore that there was a twinkle of amusement in his eyes at the situation.
"I think we should give her so privacy, don't you agree?"
Lelouch nodded numbly, not trusting his voice in these circumstances and grateful he was still wearing his black uniform. As he was led out, Caedron closed the door behind him.
"I'll see you at the press conference, Lelouch. I trust you can show yourself out."
"Of course."
InF
Caedron checked himself one more time in the mirror, making sure he was ready. It wasn't that he was nervous, it was just the idea of appearing slovenly in any way disgusted him. He was dressed in his usual business suit that gave him the aura of authority that he always enjoyed as the steward of the Stadtfeld Consortium. Satisfied everything was in place, he stepped out of the restroom and started walking to where he needed to go.
"Sir Harrington," came the voice of Euphemia as she came chasing after him in a decidedly unlady-like fashion. He came to a stop to allow her to catch up along with her knight.
"Princess Euphemia, it's good to see you once again," he greeted.
"It's good to see you as well. I'm glad to see that you accepted my brother's invitation."
"He is a dedicated negotiator, Your Highness. He would not leave me alone until I submitted."
"He's always been like that. Never one to take a 'no' if it's beneficial to everyone."
"It's what makes him a great leader," he agreed, "so what is it you need of me?"
"What makes you think I need something?"
"The fact that you were chasing after me, for one."
This earned a slight pout in response from the teenager.
"What if I was just wishing to talk to you before your reveal?"
"That only adds more to the preponderance of evidence that you need something of me. Over the years I've learned is that there is no such thing as coincidence, everything happens for a reason."
"That's a rather cynical approach to life, if I do say. Very well, I wanted your opinion on the idea I have had on hosting a summit for the major economic and social figures in Japan."
"It seems reasonable," he gave, "it'd probably be the most efficient in order to lay down your plans and also allow for ideas to be exchanged to achieve it. Say a weekend retreat?"
"That's what I was thinking. I even have a place in mind to host it. How does Lake Kawaguchi sound?"
He stewed for a moment before nodding, "It'd probably attract enough for this summit to work."
And it likely to make a target that some idiot could not resist.
"That's good," she stated, flourishing a smile, "well we better not keep Lelouch waiting. I doubt he'd be happy if I kept you from the big unveil."
"And what big unveil is that," he asked.
"It's a surprise, even I'm not really supposed to know."
He filed that away in order to prepare himself for whatever it was that was going to be announced as they came to the main audience chamber entryway, already lined up at the door was Lelouch and several technical personnel for the broadcast performing final adjustments with him.
He immediately stopped listening to what was being said when he saw Caedron and Euphie with Suzaku.
"Caedron, Euphemia, glad you both could make it."
"Four minutes, Your Highness," the producer stated, giving the four space after Lelouch gave his acknowledgement.
"Never was a huge fan of the camera," he muttered jokingly to the three of them, before offering his trademark smirk.
"I find that unlikely, Lelouch," Euphemia snarked back, "considering all of the news and gossip channels you always seem to be on."
"Not my fault the camera is my biggest stalker," earning a laugh from everyone.
"So what does Kallen think of all of this," Euphie asked.
Lelouch fell silent, suddenly finding himself uncomfortable considering what had happened earlier. It seemed, once again, that Caedron picked up on it, clearing his throat.
"Frankly, Your Highness, she's unaware of any of this. When I left her she was asleep and when Lelouch visited she was asleep as well."
Euphie cast a glance at Lelouch, knowing she was missing something here judging by Lelouch's sudden lack of speaking. Though, she wasn't sure what it was other than he obviously felt some sort of embarrassment.
"One minute, Your Highness."
Lelouch silently thanked God above for the escape from the embarrassing situation. The last thing he wanted was for Euphie to know anything that had taken place between himself and Kallen today.
"I just need the two of you with me when I make my statements. Caedron, while I'd normally have you take the podium and have you take some questions, what I'm planning to announce will far overshadow you. So all I will need of you is your presence behind me."
"Is this anything controversial that I should worry about?"
"Not for you."
"Your Highness."
"Well, here we go," he declared as the door opened and he walked out, Caedron and Euphemia closely following behind him.
Even though he was used to being in front of the camera, there was a stark difference between the small, almost private, press conferences that he had held and what was before him. The room was filled to capacity with all sorts of press and noble types who obviously wanted to hear from their Viceroy on the state of the region. Lelouch, on the other hand, did to show a single shred of emotion as he stepped up to the dais allowing a few moments to gather himself.
"While I know what many of you are here to demand a statement about the events of last night, I will only provide a basic overview of the situation and then proceed to a statement in which I had prepared for today," he declared, keeping his voice level in spite of the few shouts of irritation from the gathering.
"Last night, elements of the Noppera-bō launched a multi-point assault in several sectors of the Tokyo Settlement in order to draw away forces from their target, the Ricardo von Britannia International Airport's military sector. While losses were suffered by the security forces just freshly minted thanks to General Nu and Captain Kururugi's diligent training methods, the Noppera-bō were prevented from achieving their objectives."
"What were their objectives, General," came the cry of a reporter, which earned them a harsh stare from him. It didn't take long under the gaze before the reporter wilted.
"That is classified," he stated, before going back to what he was doing.
"What I am here is not to discuss the events of the previous night, but the broader perspective of everything that has taken place in the last eight years here in Japan," he let that hang in the air, with many quickly picking up that he had referred to the colony by its former national identity, he then reached into his cloak and pulled out a large stack of papers and placed them on the dais with an audible thump that sounded like a gunshot on the microphone.
"This is what eight years of 'progress' has wrought," he said with a sneer, his hand motioning to the offending parchment, "nine million dead. That's not exaggeration, it is FACT!"
It was like the collective energy was lost in the room as it became as silent as a mausoleum, people unable to grasp the stark difference that was right before them. When Clovis had made any type of statement or speech, it was almost laughable. But here, there was none of that, there was only raw fury that seemed to come off of Lelouch in waves.
"When I look at this list, I don't see Britannian or Japanese, Pureblood, Commoner, Honorary Britannian, what I see are people whose lives have been snuffed out by the criminal idiocy of the previous administration."
He again let it hang in the air, knowing that there were those who would dispute him. That it was their destiny to rule over others and it was the fate of those who were not to rule to simply abide or die. He honestly hoped someone would allow him the opportunity to rip them apart, but alas no one was due to the shock that a prince, and one of the more powerful ones, was questioning what was tradition.
Lelouch could feel instead of see the nobles glares bearing down on him.
"Reinforcing this hell on Earth is not only the previous administration, but nobility and powerful who believe they are above the law and expectations of human decency to abuse and treat all beneath them as insects only worthy of being exploited by them."
"That's absurd, we have-"
Just what I needed, a useful, bigoted, idiot, Lelouch thought to himself as he pounced.
"Is that so," he asked cooly, shutting down the noble. If there was one thing that mattered to nobles it was that decorum must be held, something he was not held to, "Then why don't you explain how out of all the colonies Britannia has established, including the recently acquired former Middle Eastern Federation, an Islamic terrorist hotbed mind you, Japan is considered THE WORST in regards to unrest and rebellious activity even though it has been a colony for almost eight years!"
And he wasn't there. With the noble opening the floor to his counterattack, it was now easy to drive home his points.
"And maybe, since many of you seem so hellbent on declaring that I am wrong, that tradition must be maintained, can explain to me how, even with the revenue gained by Sakuradite, this colony is 108 billion pounds sterling in debt!"
Now there was silence in the room, exactly as Lelouch had intended. Even he had been disgusted when he had read that figure. And the sickening part of it all was that not even Schneizel knew the true figures until he had revealed them to him. This lent a large amount of credence to the overall corruption of Japan under Clovis' administration, but also in Britannian. It took a lot of connections to be able to hide the true depth of debt from even the Emperor.
"Sloppy. Senile. Corrupt," he stated in a low tone as he kept his gaze locked on the room, "not only are you as a whole incapable of preventing rebellion, but you then turn around and raid the treasure of your empire in your own greed thinking you can get away with it. I have never seen such a disgusting display of arrogance in my life."
"That is going to change. I have already been in contact with the homeland and I have commissioned the treasury for a full audit of the entire colony. Every stone that hides corruption and decadence will find itself quickly upturned in my quest to clean up this colony. Any member of the nobility found to be guilty of corruption or aiding and abetting in pursuance of this will find themselves stripped of their title and their possessions confiscated by the colonial treasury under my orders and with the support of the Prime Minister. ENOUGH," he snarled at the rising protests from several of the nobles in the room, he was silently making note on their identities, to steal from the Empire is treason itself. Be grateful I do not enforce that penalty, as I am sorely tempted to do so."
"Furthermore," he continued, "as my first official act as the Viceroy of Japan, I hereby abolish the Number System in this colony, effective immediately. I do this because the system itself is a flawed and effective form of discriminatory practice that only serves to drive up tensions and create the atmosphere that breeds entities such as the Noppera-bō. While the Number System is abolished, the Honorary Britannian System shall be expanded to encompass any of those willing to apply for that distinction. I will not order any type of administrative decrees to force anyone who wishes to not partake in this system, but I urge you to at least consider the programs that will be offered under this system soon. Those who do not wish to become Honorary Britannian shall not be referred to henceforth as Eleven, but as Japanese."
He then turned to Caedron, having set the groundwork for his next declaration, one that would have significant impact because it would send a serious message throughout the colony to both Britannian and Japanese alike that he meant business. But also do something he felt was long overdue.
"In lieu of this, I have offered the position as my Chief Advisor to Lord Caedron Harrington, Baron of Tokyo."
Caedron, who had kept silent the entire time and paid the required amount of attention to the speech suddenly found himself freezing as his mind processed exactly what was said. At first, he wanted to not believe what had just been said, but as he looked to the victorious smirk of Lelouch, he found that he had heard correctly.
Baron, he thought in shock even as he came to grasp that this must have been the surprise that Lelouch had been talking about. Even as he came to grips with it, he could only remember for a moment the road that he had taken to get to the one thing he had wished for more than anything else as a child. He should honestly be happy about this, with this title he could do what he had always wanted in getting his family out from under the heel of the Stadtfelds in the mainland. But it was tempered by the dark road he had taken.
"Thank you, Your Highness," he acknowledged, before Lelouch turned back to the gathering.
"Let this be a warning to all of you out there, both enemy and ally alike, the state of this colony will change. Lord Harrington has led the Stadtfeld Consortium to one of the most powerful companies in the colony at the same time while resisting the racist policies of the previous Viceroy. They have been the leader in philanthropic support of the Japanese through various endeavors ranging from housing and medical care to subsidizing education for Japanese students through Britannian academies and schools. It is because of his actions in the face of the status quo and the knowledge that he has that I intend to radically change the direction of this colony."
He let this hang over the crowd a little longer. He knew by now that almost every single news outlet was likely streaming him, the Demon Prince of Britannia, spitting in the face of the very customs and traditions that had made Britannia into what it was. No doubt that the Emperor was watching with interest considering this was his grand push towards the throne via a method that did not rely upon power and terror in order to achieve it.
"Japan shall serve as a grand experiment for the future, as Britannia continues to conquer the rest of the world it shall soon run out of opportunity for conquest and will have to both its military purposes and administrative goals to maintaining what it already has. From warfare to peacefare, we shall serve as the opening act for the coming new age!"
And there you have it. Lelouch has dropped the philosophical bomb right into the lap of the Empire. Just exactly what is going on and how will the rest of the Empire react in response to his actions? And what is Kallen's reaction going to be as Lelouch has fired his first shots across the Noppera-bō's bow, how are they going to react?
Until next time.
