Chapter 41: Tensions at the table.
Chiburijima Island, 7.45pm
The main exponents of the British army and the Black Knights were gathered in Zero's tent and were having dinner.
"Aren't you hungry, Todoh? You're not touching food…" Nagisa said.
"With that face in front of me, it would go wrong!" He replied, referring to Cornelia.
"To what do I owe so much hostility?" Asked the woman.
"You know very well ... Too many of our people died because of you, both unarmed civilians and fighters."
"Oh yes? What about my brother Clovis' death? What about civilians killed at Kawaguchi Lake? "
"Clovis was killed by Zero, and Kusakabe acted on his own initiative!"
"Nice excuse ... Typical of you coward Eleven!"
In response, Nagisa threw a glass of water in her face.
"Repeat it, if you have the courage!"
"How dare you attack Princess Cornelia!" Darlton exclaimed furiously, standing up.
"Now calm down!" Dietard intervened.
"Insolent bitch ... Do you think you can insult me and get away with it?" Cornelia asked, getting up in turn and putting her hand in the hilt.
"You are strong with Gloucester, but without what are you?" Rakshata asked.
"A princess, general, imperial army commander and trained fighter!"
"Easy to call yourself a fighter and then rage against defenseless people!"
The woman assumed an expression of fake amazement.
"But you look ... The man of miracles spoke! I have seen your resume: you have lost all the battles you have fought, except for Itsukushima, but being a pyrrhic victory it does not count. You are a nullity, Todoh, and your fame is undeserved!"
"Do you think you are better than me?"
"I have collected a long series of victories: in Europe, the Middle East, Africa ... And of course in Area 11, where I crushed the Liberation Front!" She stated, not hiding her satisfaction.
"You enjoy it, don't you bitch?"
"These outrages should not be endured any longer!" Bartley said indignantly.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Thundered Zero, authoritarian.
Silence fell in the room, and all those present turned to him intimidated.
"I want to remind you that we must fight against the reptilians! This is not the time to fight! " He stated.
"Tell at your man, he started!" Cornelia exclaimed.
"I do not care! These stupid quarrels only serve to undermine our cohesion, which is unacceptable!"
"Zero is right ... If we slaughter each other I could never defeat the invaders." Kirihara gave him support, so far remained silent.
"What's the situation, Constance?"
"All quiet, General Smilas ... Although this archipelago is located in alien territory, the invaders do not attack it, at least not yet."
"Better. I am leaving Paris for a secret location. "
"I thought you wanted to participate in military operations firsthand."
"I will do it. But Paris is exposed to alien raids, if I were to lose my life Europia would find herself without a leader."
"Right ... The members of the old government?"
"Still under house arrest, and they will stay there for a long time ... very long."
"Aren't you worried that they may implement a counter-coup?"
"Impossible ... The army is on my side and the people too, thanks to Leila's speech."
"All the better ..."
"Now I have to say goodbye, see you later."
"See you later."
Communication ended.
"Lord Villon, I understand your fervor, but ..."
"Grand Duke, here I feel useless! Everyone does nothing but argue, that's all! I'd rather fight on the front line on the south front than waste my time on this spit of land!" Gaudefroy stated.
"At this moment the situation is stalled ... There are small isolated clashes, it is not yet the time for big offensives."
"It won't be like this forever."
"No. Sooner or later we will have to move on to the counter-offensive. "
"I hope I don't have to wait too long."
"The time needed."
I don't understand why I must represent Britannia ... In short, Cornelia was already there, she could have done it very well.
Guinevere wondered.
At that moment some rumors caught her attention.
Looking out of the tent he saw Euphemia in the company of Suzaku.
"Wonderful evening, isn't Suzaku?"
"When you are by my side, the evenings are always splendid."
The girl smiled at that statement.
"Oh, Suzaku ..."
She kissed him gently on the lips. After a few seconds he responded to the kiss. At that moment someone cleared his throat. Caught in the act, they separated and turned, noting Guinevere staring at them sternly.
"Now are you in love with an Eleven, Euphy? I did not know."
"Japanese, not Eleven! Our father abolished the numbers system. "
"And in doing so the aristocracy was hated, which could play him some bad shots."
"Try it! My father will crush them!"
"I hope so for him ..."
"Let me introduce myself, my name is ..."
Suzaku Kururugi, son of Genbu, Japan's last prime minister. I know exactly who you are."
"He's my knight too."
"I know, Euphy ... But take away my curiosity, couldn't Cornelia be the one to represent Britannia in this place?"
"She already have another task."
"Which?"
"Pilot at the Black Knights."
Guinevere stared at her, amazed.
"What?"
"Zero enrolled her as a pilot."
"Because?"
"His top driver, Kallen Kozuki, was killed. So he needed a replacement." Suzaku explained.
"The question wasn't addressed to you. Anyway ... I'll ask Cornelia for more details later."
Having said that, she left, leaving the two lovers alone.
