A/N: Well, thank you all again for reading and reviewing the chapter, always appreciated.

Thanks again to Jameyofthemegacosmos for his work on the chapter and its touch-ups.

Now let me take care of the reviews to which I could not PM responses to.

Jay: Well, there are some influences, but it draws more from Gun X Sword series as well too. I'll keep you guys posted on the harem as the story progresses, and this story has the first step taken towards that end in this chapter. And yes, the setting of this story does make it much easier to do harems when compared to DxD, and I speak of my attempts to get one going that I can feel confident with.

Blackving: True, and Sayoko has likely undergone the machine at this point anyway, too.

Now that those are taken care of, as the name of this chapter implies, bonds will be made while others shall deepen.

This can be another way for me to say in the words of a certain Major from a famous mecha anime, expect fanservice ahead.

One challenge this chapter gave me was keeping the upcoming scene with Milly as tasteful as possible, but that is always difficult with Milly Ashford.

Chapter 18

Kinship

Later that evening, Lelouch was in his room sitting at a computer, trying to browse whatever information he could find. The party was regrettably canceled. The news killed whatever partying mode anyone had. As a compromise, however, Milly offered a late-night gathering between the girls in the bathhouse.

Lelouch tried to caution the girls against going. As Shirley once said, this was especially considering that Milly Ashford has the mind of a dirty old man.

I just hope Milly doesn't go too far.

As Lelouch began scheming to free Suzaku and clear his name, he found one other person skipping out on the get together to visit him. A knock at his door drew his attention.

"Lelouch, it's me," Wilmarina called from the other side of the door.

The former prince rose from his seat to open the door. On the other side was Wilmarina, whom Lelouch couldn't help but flash an amused Milly.

"I supposed you heeded my warning?"

"I hardly needed it; I think she just wants to see us naked," Wilmarina answered with a mix of annoyance and embarrassment.

"I am all but certain of that," Lelouch replied.

"Anyway, mind if I come in?"

"Of course," Lelouch allowed Wilmarina to enter.

Once she was inside, Lelouch closed and locked the door. Then as a further step to ensure they could speak, Lelouch raised a magical barrier that wouldn't only prevent the door from opening to stop any eavesdroppers.

"That should ensure we can speak privately and without any sudden interruptions."

"That's fine by me," Wilmarina remarked as she sat on Lelouch's bed.

Lelouch returned to his desk as Wilmarina asked.

"So, what's the plan?"

"You sound like I always have a plan," Lelouch asked, clearly amused.

"Don't you?" Wilmarina confidently smirked. "You were the chief strategist of the Order of the Ice Flower."

"I do have a plan in mind," Lelouch smiled back. "To make it work, we need a few things. For one thing, we need to know when and what highway they'll use."

"Highway?" Wilmarina asked.

"In his last bid to cover up the monster attack in Shinjuku, Bartley intends to make a media spectacle out of Suzaku's trial," Lelouch explained. "It may only delay the inevitable before the Zenkor's appearance becomes common knowledge. However, Bartley can use it to cover up Code-R and explain Clovis's demise despite having no corpse."

"I see, so you plan on releasing Clovis then?"

"Yes, because that will instantly clear Suzaku of all charges while utterly embarrassing Bartley before all of Area 11. The courts will have no choice but recognize Suzaku as an innocent man."

Wilmarina noticed the smile on Lelouch's face didn't diminish, which she took as a sign; there was more to his plan.

"What else is likely to happen?"

"Depending on how they respond during the transfer, we may have to fight our way out. But rest assured, I'll have an insurance policy set. As long as we do this before the crowds and cameras, I am sure the aftermath will see chaos spread across Area 11 like wildfire."

Realization dawned on Wilmarina's face.

"You have been planning for something like this to happen!"

"Of course," Lelouch admitted. "I just didn't expect they would use Suzaku as a scapegoat. Once the dust settles, Clovis will be stuck on damage control. With distrust from their little stunt, it will take them weeks to get this all under control."

"Giving you more time to build up your group."

"Exactly," Lelouch said with a grin.

After a brief pause, the former heroine asked another question.

"Lelouch, about Suzaku," Wilmarina got his attention before she stuttered for a moment. "Was he the childhood friend you spoke about during our campaign at Moonin Valley?"

Lelouch was silent as the grin vanished from his face.

"Yes," Lelouch replied with a regretful expression. "I already failed to save your childhood friend from becoming an Incubus. Don't expect me to beg you in saving mine."

"Lelouch," Wilmarina said, standing up. "I want you to face me."

Taking a deep breath while preparing himself, Lelouch got up from his desk chair to face Wilmarina.

He was prepared for a slap or a verbal reprimand, but Lelouch got none. Instead, much to his surprise, Wilmarina tenderly embraced him.

"While I wish things could've ended differently, I don't blame you for what happened," Wilmarina assured. "The others told me how hard you tried to save Elt and anyone else you came across. In the end, I saw two more friends, Eva and Vermut especially lost to me. If I blame anyone for what happened, it's Druella and the Cardinal of Eden Vital."

"Thank you, but I still regret what happened."

"There wasn't much you could do. You were being hunted by a seemingly invincible Lilim that earlier, none of us could harm," Wilmarina acknowledged. "So you can count on me to save your friend."

"I greatly appreciate that, so I'll try not to disappoint your expectations."

Wilmarina nodded in agreement but noticed that a feeling of unease was coming from Lelouch. She wasn't sure how she could tell, but something about her embrace made the young man uncomfortable.

"Is something wrong, Lelouch, you lightly shivering a little?"

"That, sorry but," Lelouch said, having been unaware of it. "I think after what happened on the island of Sadia, I have been on edge when a woman embraces me."

"Why?"

"Well," Lelouch was reluctant to admit it, but he relented. Because he had shared much with Wilmarina before, and she had shared even more with him, he decided to let him in on the secret. It was only fair he shared in return.

"Long story short, a Nereid tried to rape me."

"WHAT!?"

Lelouch nodded in response before explaining.

"Thankfully, my armor kept her from getting to me. Another friend helped me, and I escaped, and that was when I was done dealing with monsters."

"Then that was around the time you came to Lescatie," Wilmarina said with stunned horror. "Wait, does that mean you were fourteen or fifteen when that happened."

"I was close to fifteen, but yes, that is accurate."

"Now that I think about it, you were fifteen when you got sent on that suicide mission to deal with those Matango?"

The moment the former prince nodded, Wilmarina felt sick to her stomach. It was bad enough they had sent someone on a suicide mission, but it was even worse when she realized that someone was a young boy, barely fifteen at the time. If anything, she had another reason to despise her father utterly.

At the same time, Wilmarina realized Lelouch was unconsciously uncomfortable. Knowing this, she wished to help him, but she contemplated how, as she didn't know where to begin.

"You know, you're not the only one who had to do things that grotesque or horrible in your life."

"I'm aware of that," Lelouch replied. "There were times where I had to execute civilians just because they were friendly towards monsters. Monsters as harmless as Mizuko even."

Wilmarina looked at the ground with guilt upon her face.

"It's unfortunate that you didn't have anything that could save them," Lelouch admitted. "Even when I was given orders, I had ways to help them escape while making it look like I did the deed."

"So you did find a way to spare as many as you could, didn't you?"

"Yes, but it wasn't always easy," Lelouch admitted. "Thanks to some being very gullible or never properly checking, I was able to help as many as I could escape."

"Using your sword to give them an escape route. Then you left behind fake corpses like the ones you had used for Paula and Alameria?"

"Exactly," Lelouch answered. "I had known to expect some of that, but I never imagined they were bloodthirsty and zealous towards killing monsters, even when some poised no real threat to them."

"You must've wanted to overthrow Lescatie that much, didn't you?" Wilmarina commented.

"Very much so," Lelouch acknowledged. "You know, I could've done the easy thing and did what it took to allow Lescatie to fall to the monsters. But I didn't, and you might have an idea why."

"Because of Druella?"

"No," Lelouch turned away. "It's because of pride. I wanted to show that I could take down Lescatie myself and have the realm fix its problems than rely on some outside force."

"But Druella was one of the reasons, wasn't it?"

"It was, or rather the Demon Lord."

"The Demon Lord?"

"As I said, I made friends with many monsters myself. Never mind Earth, they're much more impressive than the Order states. However, nothing denies that they're not half-human but half-succubus. Monsters being able to force themselves on any male of their fancy is more than inhumane, not to mention how unethical it is for them to have no limits on age and consent."

"But that's not the case with all of them from what I read in those encyclopedias you have?"

"How did you," Lelouch sidetracked himself to notice.

"I'm not with the Order anymore," Wilmarina admitted. "And after losing Elt, I wanted to know more about how you managed to survive our world."

"And understand the truth of the world and the Order's incompetence."

Lelouch inferred how the Wandering Scholar's books were forbidden under the Order's eyes despite being secretly kept even in the most extreme states. Wilmarina knew how he was one of the most wanted men for writing those books about the monsters and the world's truth. One reason was the Order's extreme devotion to chastity that required the repression of emotions and sexual desires. The other reason was the Chief God being extremely anti-monster to the point where everything slightly affiliated with the monsters were destroyed, let alone villages and monster-friendly states.

Of course, that would prove to be a weakness for the Order, minus the higher-ups who were probably the only ones who knew everything. If they could navigate the raunchy desires encouraged by the book, they would find some useful information about the creatures. Furthermore, people from Earth did not have the same sexual impulses as those on Midgard. Lelouch was sure that the books would only solidify their hatred against the Demon Lord rather than support coexistence.

"Forget about the Order's stupidity for barring such information from us. If it wasn't for you, I really might have joined Druella like that Succubus."

"And would spend all your days in bed with your childhood friend," Lelouch smirked to her agitation. "Ambition is only natural within humanity. I would not want to live in a world where everyone discards that so easily."

"But you don't want to let the Chief God have her way either," Wilmarina reminded her. "I haven't forgotten what you said about befriending other monsters who weren't as bad as the Order would claim."

"Right, I might've been too harsh," Lelouch admitted. "I've also seen some monster-human couples form through more traditional means. It is worth noting any inherently cruel and sadistic man doesn't strike their fancy at all. But it's not enough to address the overall problem."

"And that's why you went to Lescatie," Wilmarina concluded. "You wanted to change the system and the ways of the monsters."

"The Order and their Chief God may be scum, but that doesn't mean the monsters are on the right either. Some of their cultures will not fit on Earth, and if people know a world that tolerates such things exists, they'll go all the way to erase it. How I hope to handle the issue after Lilith's done with, I do not know. But all I do know is this, as long as they see nothing wrong with the system they have in place, there has to be a change."

"Easier said than done," Wilmarina laid down on the bed. She gestured for Lelouch to join her, and he complied by sitting next to her on her left.

"I know, but a world controlled by love is no different from one controlled by fear. Both of them are immutable, not subject to any change. Without change, your life is nothing but a lie."

Wilmarina contemplated Lelouch's words and looking back at what she saw happen to Elt and the others left behind. As unpleasant as it was and combined with everything that she had learned about the monsters through the encyclopedias Lelouch possessed, she had to agree.

"Even if it's better off than the kind of world the Chief God wants," Wilmarina admitted before adding. "It's still not a world I would want. I don't think a Succubus truly understands love, especially when what we feel for one person can always change."

"I bet you saw a glimpse of it the other day with those admirers," Lelouch smirked on the side.

"Don't remind me!" Wilmarina pouted.

Lelouch softly laughed in response, but Wilmarina wasn't going to let him have the last laugh.

Wilmarina took hold of Lelouch's right arm. Using it, she drew the former prince closer until she could rest her head on his shoulder.

"Wilmarina!?"

"You feel it, don't you?"

"I do," Lelouch replied. "It's your new mana, similar to demonic mana."

"Yet, it doesn't feel like demonic mana," Wilmarina touched her chest. "It's something similar to spirit mana except much purer...divine."

"I think it's more of your inner feelings," Lelouch corrected. "Compared to the usual demonic mana, there's nothing lustful behind them."

"No lustful feelings?"

"None."

Wilmarina smiled before asking.

"Tell me, does this feel like lust in any way? The fact I'm holding you like this even now?"

"Of course not," Lelouch sighed. "I understand that you have no ill intention towards me. Your mind is as clear as day."

"Good to know," Wilmarina replied with an amused grin. "I want to help you, Lelouch. You have done a lot for me, and I am not just counting the things you have done for me and others here."

"You're welcome, but..."

Wilmarina used her right index finger in a gesture to silence Lelouch.

"But nothing. I don't know if this is the best way, but I would like to see you find love for yourself. I want to help you."

"Even if I did, I am more dedicated to my goals."

"But you've acknowledged they would take a long time to fulfill. Then consider everything that has happened. Would it really hurt to consider it? It could all end suddenly tomorrow."

Lelouch considered that, and Wilmarina wasn't wrong. He did want to focus on his goals leaving everything else as secondary. Still, he had to admit he has had more close calls than he was comfortable acknowledging.

"You have a point," Lelouch loosened Wilmarina's hold on him for the moment. "But trauma like that doesn't just go away."

"True, but you aren't shivering right now?" Wilmarina pointed out before adding. "Maybe you needed someone to open up about it?"

Lelouch took a deep breath.

"Maybe you're right."

"And I'll be here for you just as you were for me."

"I appreciate it," Lelouch replied but noticed Wilmarina wasn't releasing her hold on Lelouch's right arm.

"Sorry, Lelouch, but there is something I am curious about…Maybe, I am testing the waters, I think that they call it," Wilmarina anticipated what Lelouch was thinking even as her hold tightened around Lelouch's arm.

Lelouch was about to say something when realization dawned on him.

Feelings change...

The former prince realized those words held a double meaning.

"Wilmarina," Lelouch said as she looked at him with clear and calm eyes. "But I thought..."

"I did, but he's gone to me. Yet, I need to know what I am feeling is genuine is something else. I don't need you to do anything," Wilmarina said before she said softly. "All I want right now is to stay like this. Just embracing me would be enough for right now."

Lelouch didn't know how to respond but unconsciously drew Wilmarina closer, allowing them to share a tender embrace.

Unfortunately, before their embrace could continue, a knock on the door interrupted them. It wasn't hard, indicating it was someone younger than then knocking on the door.

"I'm in here," Lelouch responded. "Is there something wrong?"

"Uh, Lelouch," Mimil's voice came from the other side of the door. "I have something to ask if you."

"What is it?" The prince signed with relief; it was someone other than Milly.

"Do you know where I'll be sleeping? Your younger sister invited me to her room, and I...uh, kind of got lost."

Mimil's chuckled over her clumsiness prompted a smile from the duo. Wilmarina stayed quiet, and Lelouch got up from the bed.

"I'll be right there," he cracked the door open to see the girl in her school uniform. "I'll be more than happy to help you."

Wilmarina lightly smiled as she saw Lelouch leave.

Maybe I have fallen in love with him after all. However, I'll make sure I won't lose him like I lost Elt.

Around the same time, in another corner of the academy, Milly, Luciana, Olivie, Paula, Alameria, Kallen, and two others had gathered inside the bath. The room was fashioned after a public bath. The bathhouse was solely for women, and it was large enough to accommodate up to thirty people at once.

Its architecture was based on Ancient Greek indoor baths. It had fire-colored stone pillars and honey-colored walls with a water fountain from an angelic statue at the far end. The water itself was comfortably warm up with a swallow depth of forty inches. Special Heaters assisted in keeping the bath comfortable, warm temperature.

"Sorry about earlier, girls," Milly apologized. "I wanted to throw a great welcome party for you all, but it never went anywhere."

"No one could've expected that," Olivie offered reassuringly.

"Too true," Milly said in agreement. "No one should feel too bad. When I saw that Prince Clovis had died, even I wasn't in the mood for partying."

"So, why are we all meeting in the bath like this?" Kallen asked as she looked around at the other girls.

"Well, I thought we could have a private gathering between us girls," Milly answered jokingly. "In the flesh, so to speak?"

Kallen wasn't convinced, but she kept quiet. However, it was reassuring when she noticed others shared her suspicions judging by their expressions.

"I can understand the need for privacy, but why exactly?" Alameria inquired.

"Well, I know some of you here have had quite the following," Milly replied shyly. "I am sure all of you wanted a break from that?"

"Please don't remind us?" Alameria begged as she sighed in exhaustion. "I know we're new, but the attention we have been getting can't be normal."

"Well, you all got some interesting personalities, which make you stand out in your own way." Milly acknowledged before a mischievous grin appeared on her face. "Not to mention all of you are real bombshells, too."

Luciana grew annoyed, but the worst part was that Milly was also correct.

I should've seen that one coming, but if that's true, how swallow are people here?

When Olivie, Paula, and Alameria reunited with Luciana, they could tell how relieving they were to be together again. Paula might've had better luck since her social skills meant she'd chase away people in time. Olivie and Alameria, on the other hand, weren't as lucky. She could only wonder what the reaction would be if everyone found out that they all had eyes on Lelouch.

"No need to look at me like that," Milly admitted while rising from the bath, flaunting her sex appeal. "I don't have to say what is an obvious truth as annoying as it is, and trust me, I know."

"I suppose you have a point," Luciana replied.

"Indeed, and I think Olivie has me pretty much beat," Milly commented while pointing to Olivie, who merely blushed bright red. "We're the same age, but you got bigger breasts, wider hips, and a perfect hourglass figure that beats mine. Heck, you had the biggest crowd out of everyone here hounding you; Olivie is the most beautiful woman in this room."

"I think that's a nice compliment," Paula offered innocently.

"Well, don't sell yourself too short, Paula," Milly cast an appraising glance at Paula. "If I were to grade the highest breasts of them all, there's no doubt it's going to Miss Tronmail. In terms of breast size, I think Paula beats Olivie in having bigger breasts. You said you were born with poor farmlands. I assume that you've been working with cows because that explains why you have the chest of one. Not to mention all of that work probably gave you such a tone and nicely shaped body."

"Yes, I enjoyed doing farm work; I had done it for a very long time," Paula replied, innocently unaware of the nature of Milly's questions.

"Paula!" Alameria yelled at her friend, causing her to panic. "Don't you realize what she's saying to you!"

"Oh, you don't have to be coy about it, Miss Alameria," Milly turned to her. "If anything, I bet you're more of a vamp than me. Chances are you're out at night luring boys so you can get your teeth sucked into them."

"WHAT!?" Alameria cried out in panic, mostly since Milly was half right, just not that kind of vamp. "I-I-I am nothing like that, I swear!"

"Really now?" Milly said, raising an eyebrow. "Granted, you aren't as busty as Paula or Olivie, but you still got quite the figure yourself, not to mention that tomboy appeal you got going on for you."

Luciana tried to distance herself from the conversation by remaining quiet. She thought about moving, but that would draw Milly's attention. Sadly, Milly had not forgotten her.

"But if anyone should be most fortunate, it should be Luciana here."

"Huh?" Luciana said with a mix of surprise and dread.

"From what I understand, you were merely a rabbit farmer who always wanted to best Lady Noscrim. You two were always competing against one another."

"W-who told you that?"

"Lelouch did. He said you were initially a commoner from a rabbit farm and sought to surpass Lady Noscrim during classes," Milly remarked with a smirk. "He said you were always second best, but with the attention and body you're given, I can see who the real winner is. In terms of sex appeal, you got Wilmarina beat. It's thanks to having more enticing and wide hips and bigger breasts than her that are equal to mines almost."

"There's no way Lelouch would tell you that!" Luciana snapped. Her face turned red as she covered up her breasts.

"You're right he didn't, or at least not directly," Milly admitted. "Being the granddaughter of the headmaster, I got access to everyone's files, so I pieced everything together combined with what bits I barely got out of Lelouch."

"W-Where is Lady Noscrim anyway?" Paula's sudden interjection paused the conversation. "Wasn't she supposed she supposed to be with us?"

"I think she might've skipped out," Milly said, clearly disappointed.

Probably a smart move on her part, Luciana thought.

"A shame as I was curious to see her under a different light."

"I am sure you were," Luciana shot back.

"She's got an air of elegance and compassion going for her. But as for her body, she got curves in all of the right places. Her breasts aren't quite as big as some of you, but I would say they are on par with Kallen."

"Leave me out of this, please," Kallen sank into the bath in depression.

"You know, last time I saw her, she looked like more than just an average girl," Milly remarked. "If anything, she'd be more of a Knight from a medieval fantasy. Or even a childhood friend from a high school story."

"Please, Madame President, could you stop with the comparisons already! It's depressing some of us, you know!"

The girl who gave that outburst had long orange hair with light green eyes and a fair skin complexion.

"Right, sorry Shirley, this must be hard for you," Milly said teasingly.

"Not me," Shirley Fenette said, pointing to another girl.

The last girl among them was petite with long dark green hair usually tried into braids. She had a fair skin complexion with indigo-colored eyes.

"Oh, I am sorry about that, Nina," Milly apologized. "But you are the cutest among us, and I think you look even better without glasses."

Nina Einstein merely sighed in resignation.

"Don't worry about it," Milly went closer to her. "Sometimes, smaller packages can be attractive by their own right. At least you don't have that much baggage compared to everyone else."

"Y-You don't need to say that, Milly," Nina replied in embarrassment.

"Come on, why do you think I've been trying to get you to wear contacts since forever!"

"Since forever?" Kallen was intrigued by such a statement.

"M-Milly and I grew up together," Nina answered. "My grandfather worked at a company owned by her grandfather."

"You're talking about Knightmares," Olivie assumed. "You're the family that created the first functional machines ever since the concept was introduced."

"Ah, looks like someone knows their history," Milly said, clearly impressed with Olivie's knowledge.

"Lelouch told us that when he gave us a tour around campus. We even saw one of your machines in the basement. Ganymede, I think it's called?"

"Ganymede," the word drew up in Kallen's mind before she jumped. "You mean the Ganymede and Io series? The first third-generation units ever built!?"

"Ah," Milly noticed the girl slip up a bit. "Looks like someone else knows about them, too."

"I am usually home a lot, so I play a lot of games," Kallen hastily put together an excuse. "I was encouraged to play some trivia as a way of helping keep up with my academic scores."

"Lelouch told us the Ashford Foundation couldn't develop any improved models," Paula mentioned while trying to remember the rest. "He said the Ashford Foundation suffered a fall from grace."

"Well, that's part of it," Milly replied. "Initially, they were supposed to be mass-produced. But eventually, the company got shut down. The one we have in the basement is just an antique model now."

"Was it because of Lel-I mean, Marianne's assassination?" Luciana asked, catching herself before realizing that she nearly let out Lelouch's identity. "L-Lelouch told me that your family supported Empress Marianne, which gained them prestige, then lost their status shortly after she died."

"As I said, that's part of it, but the real problem had been brewing for a while," Milly replied in a matter-of-fact tone while raising an index finger.

"Then, what was it?"

"My grandfather was always very extravagant. He used his power to throw wild parties every night, which were eventful and would last for days. Eventually, the costs became too much, combined with rising costs in the R&D development, and the company went bankrupt. Nina always complains about her grandfather having a role in it despite me telling her otherwise."

"I-I am so sorry for what happened," Nina said regretfully.

"I told you it wasn't your fault Nina," Milly offered before explaining further. "Anyway, after our company went bankrupt, the Japan invasion happened. We found out that another competing company tried to create their own Knightmare Frame concepts, and they hired most of our engineers to help them develop the Glasgow."

"That had to hurt," Luciana said, uncertain of what else to say.

"Well, at least those extravagant parties did pay off someday. Thanks to all of my grandfather's connections, he managed to buy land in Area 11 and found his school."

"I guess that explains your infatuation with parties, Ms. Prez," Shirley snarked.

"Who can say? People do say I take after my grandfather more. And with all of the new ladies here, I bet there's a lot of fun stuff we can do together. Besides, none of you seem to have experienced such since your entire life. So why not live it the way it is now?"

"Actually," Olivie had something in mind. "I was thinking of finding groups who would fit for my skills."

"Ah, we have the perfect spots for someone like you," Milly proposed. "There's no doubt we have a drama club somewhere."

"Drama club?" Paula asked, wondering what she meant.

"You know, like theater? Dressing up in costumes and acting out? It's the perfect place for the three of you, my little Three Musketeers."

"Actually," Olivie corrected. "I was thinking more combat-orientated. But I worry if it could work into my schedule."

"Ah, so you're looking for a fencing club, aren't you?" Milly assumed. "I'm sure we have something like that around here. But if not, I can arrange that for you."

"Why do you assume that we're together?" Alameria defended.

"Well, you three seem very close like you are best friends who have been through a lot," Milly winked. "You have such a strong bond that even I can notice."

"I suppose you're not exactly wrong about that."

"Well, we also got an Equestrian Club somewhere. Have you ever been on horseback?"

"Quite often, actually," Paula replied happily. "I love horses!"

"Well, Lelouch seems to ride horses from time to time, so that could be a start for you to get closer to him. And if you want to get even closer, there's always," Milly cleared her throat before announcing. "The Fantasy Seduction Club."

Alameria, Olivie, Paula, and Luciana said nothing to avoid further entertaining Milly's belief they all had an attraction to Lelouch. Luciana wasn't sure if she did or not, but if she did suspect anyone of having it would be Olivie or Alameria. Regardless Luciana said nothing and thought it would be best not to ask what the Fantasy Seduction Club was. Yet, at the back of her mind, she didn't know why, but she suspected one person who would be interested.

That sounds like something even Druella would join!

"Besides, I bet someone else will grow up just as cute, though she needs a few more years first."

"Are you talking about Nunnally?" Olivie inquired, a little concerned about where that conversation was heading.

"I was talking about Mimil," Milly corrected. "Of course, she looks more than adorable when paired up with Nunnally. It's no wonder Lelouch treats her with equal care."

"You know, speaking of Lelouch," Shirley spoke up. "I noticed him acting kind of strange when the news broke about Clovis. His mind seemed to be somewhere else, and he was happy about it...like he saw it as some kind of joke."

"Lelouch never cared for politics that much," Milly shrugged her shoulders. "He views most of them as corrupt, so he probably suspects something else is afoot."

I doubt he is wrong on that one, Kallen remarked internally.

"But on a positive note, I think all of you being part of the Student Council is going to make things more interesting," Milly replied with a sly grin, much to the others' anxiety.

Meanwhile, hidden deep inside an underground base somewhere in the Narita Mountains was the headquarters of Japan's largest resistance group. A man sat in mediation with his eyes closed. His sheathed katana laid before him, but ahead of him, a group of his compatriots was having a heated discussion.

"He killed a Prince of Britannia! Suzaku Kururugi should be treated like a hero!"

"But he's an Honorary Britannian!"

"Prime Minister Kururugi was his father!"

"So what!? The bastard gave up Japan! Our people don't know that about him!"

The commotion occurred in a wooden dojo established miles away from the Tokyo Settlement. On the back of the wall was Japan's old flag by a stage that's as footstep above the ground.

The dojo was the gathering place for the Japan Liberation Front. The main anti-Britannian resistance force existed since the nation's fall. Its members consisted of military personnel who still wanted to fight. Before exhausting its military strength, Japan's early surrender meant that they still had a decent arsenal before acquiring Knightmares themselves. It was also due to some talented personnel they retained, including one famous commander who routed their enemy in their only victory during the invasion.

Several dozen military officers, all of whom wore dark green military uniforms and caps. Some of the top-ranked commanders had ranks atop their shoulders. In contrast, the top commander had ribbons representing his status as a General.

"The whole Shinjuku business was the work of Kozuki's group, wasn't it?"

Asking the question was the highest-ranked member of the JLF, Tatewaki Katase. The General was sitting on one of the Tatami Mats with other high-ranking members of the organization. General Katase is an imposingly tall and well-built man with short gray hair, brown eyes, and a slightly tanned complexion despite his advanced age.

"Yes, sir. They're being led by a man named Ohgi at present."

The man addressing the General was younger, being in his late forties with Lieutenant Colonel's rank. He had brown hair and matching eyes with a beard and mustache. His name was Josui Kusakabe, one of the JLF's more aggressive members.

"Has Kururugi's family said anything?" Katase asked, but Kusakabe already had an answer ready.

"No, sir. They broke contact with him once he joined the military."

Katase considered this for a moment before turning to the man meditating on the stage.

"Tohdoh, what are your thoughts?"

Kyoshiro Tohdoh, famously known by his title as Tohdoh of Miracles, for being the only Japanese Military Officer to defeat the Britannian Army during the invasion in an event known as the Miracle of Itsukushima. As he sat quietly, opening his grey eyes. Despite being in his late thirties, he held the same rank as Kusakabe. He was quite tall, possessing brown hair.

"We should not become involved in this public execution," Tohdoh replied calmly.

Everyone was surprised, especially Katase, who knew that Tohdoh was the boy's martial arts instructor before the invasion.

"That's cowardly!" Kusakabe remarked with obvious distaste. "You are Tohdoh, the miracle worker, right?"

"There is a difference between miracles and foolhardiness," Tohdoh replied sharply.

"I see," Katase said calmly, moving the meeting along. "So what of this creature we have heard about?"

"The rumors were all over the place," Kusakabe admitted before adding. "However, we were fortunate that someone had managed to record the battle as it attacked."

Gesturing to a soldier standing by a wall, the man wordless did as instructed. Within moments, a large video screen built into the wall was revealed on the wall opposite of where Tohdoh sat.

Recorded footage of the Zenkor rampaging through Shinjuku Ghetto began playing.

Despite having heard the rumors and speaking to over a dozen witnesses, seeing the creature itself was its own experience. Seeing was believing as they said, but if there was one thing that frustrated them. The cameraman's distance and the camera being old with a limited zoom prevented them from seeing those who directly attacked the creature. It happened after it made short work of the Britannians opposing it. Still, many among those watching were horrified when it began moving towards fleeing Japanese civilians until a group of three leaped onto the beast.

Even the newest Knightmare Frame made by the Britannians had to join in to stop the monster's rampage before it could attack the fleeing Japanese people.

"If that thing hadn't been going after our people, I would've cheered for it to keep going," one soldier commented.

"What a beast," Katase admitted, startled by the revelation. "I never believed it was real until now despite all of the eye witness reports. Have we learned anything new since?"

"It's nothing, sir, except for speculation on that monster's possible origins," Kusakabe answered. "The most popular of which is that it was a new bio-weapon made by Britannia that they had lost control over."

"Do we have anything else that proves it?"

"According to our intelligence, the Britannians were informed that they were in search of a poison gas capsule. We believe the theft was a cover-up for releasing the bioweapon, or a more popular theory, the gas capsule itself was the cover for containing the weapon."

"It would explain why the Britannians were involved with such a show of force, probably why they tried to keep anyone from leaving," Katase remarked, believing that was entirely possible given the evidence. "And what of this Zero who led Kozuki's group to victory against the Britannians? I heard he was the one who even killed the beast."

"We have confirmed that much as well. Zero's companions whose names are unknown possess what witnesses describe as superhuman capabilities," Kusakabe answered, adding with slight reluctance. "Four of them took down a squad of Knightmare Frames on their own."

"Impossible!"

"It's true, as that might be hard to believe. Even our agents confirm this to be true."

"What of Zero?"

"So far, he hasn't contacted Kozuki's Group since the incident, but they still possess most of the Sutherlands Zero had obtained for them," Kusakabe replied. "However, Kyoto is considering reaching out to them, creating an opportunity to have a line should Zero speak to them."

"We should not get too close to Zero," Tohdoh recommended, with Kusakabe being further resentful of him. "If we pay too much attention to Zero, we'll lose focus of everything else. Worse yet, we might end up going down with him."

"Good thinking, Tohdoh," Katase accepted his reasoning. "For now, we'll see if we can maintain contact with Kozuki's group in the event Zero contacts them. Get representatives ready send them on their way."

As his superiors acknowledged their General's orders, Tohdoh quietly meditated on the matter, keeping his thoughts to himself. As the other two commanders discussed the JLF's next move, he stayed on the sideline, waiting for events to unfold.

The following morning Lelouch awoke in his bed but was reminded of someone with him. Aware of someone weighing down his right arm Lelouch discovered Wilmarina's right arm was draped over his chest and shoulder. Most of Wilmarina's body had seemingly rolled over last night. Parts of it covering Lelouch's right arm and part of his leg and sides as her right leg also partly overlapped Lelouch's right leg.

Compared to where he felt uneasy when Wilmarina embraced him last night, Lelouch was surprised by how comfortable he was with her.

I couldn't have gotten it over that quickly.

Lelouch stared at the ceiling while not moving to avoid waking Wilmarina. However, his thoughts were wandering, which wasn't help by the pleasant warmth upon his body. What was the most maddening was the fact that Lelouch could feel Wilmarina's bosom against his arm, causing his thoughts to wander into places that intensely irritated him.

Boy, he hated being a teenage boy with hormones at that moment. And yet, he couldn't deny how comfortable and at ease he felt with Wilmarina.

I guess this is natural for any guy...No, this something far beyond that.

While he's aware of how couples sleeping together was natural, his time with Wilmarina was more than just the fact they've been physical with each other. If that were true, it would be almost no different from the monsters' way of love.

Wilmarina is only half right; it's more than just physical attraction and shared essence. In time, she could be an opponent who can best me.

Wilmarina's role as an equal was more than a hero. She was intelligent and strong in her own right, and her power was incredible. But that could be said for himself; what made her valuable to him was something else.

Her power and intelligence will eventually come to rival mine, but her strength is her personality, Lelouch commented. The girl has been through a lot in her life. All she wanted was to be with Elt, but she was used as a pawn of the Order to kill other humans and innocent monsters in her name. And now, she's lost the boy she had fought for this entire time. I can't blame her for everything she's been through, but it's because of that she reminds me of Nunnally.

Nunnally endured a lot in her own right as well. Being crippled and left blind by trauma meant that Nunnally would be dependent on others for the rest of her life. She had considerable difficulty accepting her new state, throwing tantrums whenever Lelouch was away to keep him close. But thanks to Suzaku's unexpected involvement, Nunnally recovered and became strong enough to endure it with a smile.

Wilmarina demonstrated a similar ability to endure as Nunnally.

Lelouch was aware that his lack of innocence is something he lacked. He had to lie about himself, his sister, and his past to protect himself. In Shinjuku, Lelouch was less concerned about safeguarding people despite being a good move and reveled more in killing Britannian soldiers who carried out the massacre. That went the same way when he killed monsters like back in Moonin Valley, which had no qualms in forcing themselves on the nearest man. He had blood on his hands, of which he'll never wash away since he did it all with intent and on his own accord.

The former prince never forgot about Nunnally's smile. Even in a cruel and unforgiving, she prayed for the idea that the world will become a gentler place, and he never gave up on that dream. The people he met in life more than proved that.

I guess that purity, no matter how rare it is, makes life and the world valuable.

Lelouch thought the same about other girls, even some of the monsters he befriended before Lescatie and even Sadia.

It's all the reason why it's worth protecting them, especially against those who don't understand its real importance.

"Lelouch, I know you are awake," Wilmarina said, surprising Lelouch. "Don't think I am ignorant."

"Of course not," Lelouch replied with a grin. "I just barely noticed."

"After all, I knew back then you were trying to build up a friendship and gain my trust with ulterior motives in mind." Wilmarina acknowledged before adding. "Just not what I had expected, and that had also changed, didn't it?"

Lelouch closed his eyes before offering a nod in agreement.

"I always had a feeling you were aware of what I was doing, had to be on my toes around you," Lelouch recalled the early days of their friendship that formed after that first meeting.

"It's been quite the unexpected two years for the both of us," Wilmarina admitted before deciding to address the figurative elephant in the room. "Lelouch, we shared a lot, and I don't mean things like the same bed. We shared so many secrets, so many things we bottled up that could've exploded at any moment. If it weren't for you, I don't know where I'd be. Or rather, I'd end up in a place I now don't want to be."

"I can imagine," Lelouch acknowledged. "Still, I never expected I share so much with you."

"Maybe this is what people call us being kindred spirits in more ways we could've realized."

"I think you're right."

"I am not sure what else to do," her right hand gently gripped Lelouch's shoulder.

"Well, I am not exactly the best person to ask either, but I don't want this relationship to be based upon physical attraction to one another."

"I am glad we agree."

Wilmarina and Lelouch decided to get up and exit their bed, although both were still clothed. The only exception was that they took off their respective uniform coats, shoes, and socks. Lelouch began straightening himself out, as did Wilmarina, before sitting on the bed to put on her shoes and socks. Lelouch did the same, but as the two finished putting on their footwear, the conversation continued.

"If that were true, it would be no different from how most monsters see relationships. I don't want you to change just because you're attracted to me."

"I would say," Wilmarina chuckled at the idea as she held her pillows. "Just when I came to decide how love can change in one's life."

"The world will always change, or rather it must change," Lelouch assured before bringing a counterpoint. "But at the same time, in the midst of it, there are some things that must never change. And you, like the other girls, are one of them."

"You almost sound possessive, but I know you better than that."

"Sorry," Lelouch said, recognizing what he wanted to say didn't come out as he wanted. "My point is I like you for who you are. Or maybe I should say I don't want to see the core parts that make you who you are changed."

"Simply put, you like me as I am," Wilmarina replied. "Likewise, I don't want you to change who you are either. Not for me or anyone else."

"I am glad you understand," Lelouch said, feeling relieved. Just as he got his uniform, he turned to find Wilmarina suddenly grabs his hand. "Wilmarina?"

"Sorry," Wilmarina went back a step. "I just want to make sure that whatever happened to the people we know and us doesn't happen to anyone else again."

"I cannot guarantee that," Lelouch stated the truth. "However, what we can do is make the world, both of our worlds, a gentler place. One where more people can talk to and receive a stranger without fear, no matter what the race or species."

"Just like what your littler sister wanted," Wilmarina recalled similar words. "It's interesting how you followed that; even before that, she was satisfied was just living with you."

"Nunnally's dream now fits for everyone, and she knows that," Lelouch observed a picture of himself with Nunnally and Suzaku together as kids. "And now, it has become your dream as well."

"Very well," Wilmarina accepted. "Let's do it then. I'll follow you to the bitter end. Until we defeat the darkness, the true darkness that reigns on every living being in this entire universe."

The pair spent more time together enjoying each other's company. Where and how their relationship would grow was anyone's guess.

On a corner of Diana, Asura spoke to a couple or, more explicitly, questioned them about one of Lelouch's companions. Asura knew Lelouch wouldn't be the one to mend relations with as the others could complicate things. Beatrix and Eristia were on their way, but it would be some days before they would arrive. In the meantime, Asura had found others who were connected to one of Lelouch's closest companions.

Instead of meeting them in her mansion at Queen Diana, Asura had her latest guests meet her in her house on the island itself. It wasn't as glamorous as her mansion below the waves, and her beach house as she considered it had a large greenhouse attached to it. The greenhouse grew everything Asura needed for potion brewing she couldn't produce underwater. Naturally, it had a room for greeting guests for those who sought her help. The room was for those who couldn't travel underwater or was a monster girl who couldn't move well around in the water.

"I haven't seen my sister in a long time, but I was surprised to hear she had run away, too."

One of Asura's guests was sixteen years old with long hair mixed with orange and white spots, yellow cat-like eyes wearing a pink kimono. Unusually her once human hands and feet had become cat-like paws and feet with fur matching her hair complete with cat ears on her head. Sticking out from her rear was a long cat tail, which also split into two separate tails.

"It was all because of that foolish argument over who would succeed as head of the clan."

Sitting to the left of the catgirl, or more accurately the Nekomata, was eighteen with long orange hair styled into a top knot wearing a dark blue kimono. The style was identical to what Koyoi wore. Still, it was a little more revealing, mostly to accommodate her six orange foxtails. Her eyes were red, and her skin fair, just like the Nekomata girl, is the second most powerful person in the room as an Inari.

"I feel glad I ran away with my wonderful husband," the Nekomata exclaimed.

"Yes, I am happy too dear," a young boy of sixteen, an Incubus, said as he felt nervous under the Inari's gaze.

"Calm down, Bunkichi," The Nekomata said, holding her husband's hand. "I am sure big sis doesn't mean anything by the look she is giving you."

Bunkichi was young with black hair and a fair skin complexion with blue eyes, wearing a black kimono robe for males.

"I know Tasogare, but you have to remember both of your older sisters are very protective of one another. Especially you." Bunkichi said, feeling cautious around the Inari.

Tasogare Amanomiya was the youngest of the head family in the Amanomiya Clan. Bunkichi was her closest attendant, a servant from one of the lowest branch families of the Amanomiya Clan. The young man's sole purpose in life was to attend to Tasogare's needs since she was allowed a little more freedom than her older sisters. Having watched over her, Bunkichi and Tasogare became close friends, and their bond only grew as they got older.

When Tasogare's grandfather died and had grown to dislike the controlling, restrictive lifestyle, Tasogare decided to run away. Bunkichi chose to follow her despite knowing that joining her would shame his family as her actions could bring the leading branch families' wrath down on her.

"You caused quite the uproar when you two ran off," Shinonome Amanomiya, the eldest of the Amanomiya sisters, commented. "I understand why you did, but you two should've planned it out better."

"Yes," Asura remarked, joining the conversation. "Members of your clan relentlessly pursued you two, did they not?"

Tasogare seemed to be saddened while recalling living on the run.

"We were, and we couldn't stay in one place for very long," Bunkichi said. "It was mostly pure luck we managed to avoid them."

"Leading to both of you here, hoping to escape," Asura recalled events leading up to their first meeting. "Then, you sought me out for help to escape so you both could live in peace."

"Yes, and we arrived in Al-Mar," Bunkichi said, remembering their first time arriving here. "But we made the mistake of letting our guard down."

"Indeed, I never thought assassins would attack you in our land. I am even impressed they managed to get to Al-Mar, given their intentions, but attacking you both in your hotel room was a big mistake. Especially given who your neighbor was," Asura said as a smirk appeared on her face.

"I suppose we were fortunate because if not for them, we wouldn't have survived," Tasogare recalled the assassins attacking them.

Bunkichi and Tasogare tried to fight off their assailants as best as possible. Regrettably, their attackers were far more experienced and deadly. Fortunately, their neighbors heard the commotion, and one of them went to investigate. Although he was cut across the cheek by a thrown dagger that missed his cheek, the man effortlessly defeated the assassins with his bare hands.

However, despite the injury being purely an accident and the man caught off guard by what was happening, this angered his wife.

The Demon Lord Lilith.

Much to their shock, their neighbors in their hotel were none other than Lilith and her husband. The pair had been traveling in disguise to avoid being bothered by crowds of admirers. Still, Lilith was furious her husband had been harmed even if the wound was minor. However, Lilith spoke to both Tasogare and Bunkichi, offering her sympathy for their plight. Lilith warned the pair that while they would find safety in Court Alf. The lands were still infused with demonic mana, which would slowly transform Tasogare into a monster girl.

Not wanting to endure any more assassinations or running, Tasogare asked Lilith to make her into a monster girl.

Lilith accepted, and Tasogare chose to become a Nekomata.

As for the rest of the Amanomiya Clan, Lilith offered her assurances they would trouble the pair no more. After the incident, the clan was attacked by Lilith and her forces led by Bapho-chan. Even if he wasn't the intended target, it was well known that Lilith was fiercely protective of her husband and children, so much that any harm upon them would call down her wrath upon them.

Lilith's near genocide of the Tentacle Plants was one such case when they tried to attack her husband after the pair went to investigate the Tentacle Forest. The two had heard reports of them killing humans and monster girls to consume their energy. Under previous demon lords, the Tentacle Plants reproduced by making living flower beds out of women to cultivate new tentacle plants. However, Lilith's changes to the world made it impossible for the Tentacle Plants to reproduce, so they sought alternates, one of which earned them Lilith's ire.

In response, Lilith razed most of the tentacle forest while her armies demolished more of it. In the end, more than eighty percent of the Tentacle Forest's living plants got razed. The surviving twenty percent were tamed. Now they gain the energy they need by assisting monster girls and their husbands. Now they can reproduce by energizing the soil to grow new tentacle plants instead of using live humans.

"I remember that," Shinonome said, recalling the day of Lilith's attack.

It had happened sometime after Koyoi's disappearance, but Lilith's retribution was swift. No one could challenge the Demon Lord, and she had little need for her army.

"No matter what I did, I was just a leaf, helpless before a hurricane. She defeated the entire clan on her own. Her army had only been there to ensure no one escaped her fury."

"I am glad Lilith didn't hurt you, sister," Tasogare commented.

"Despite her fury, she didn't kill a single person, even though she was easily capable of it."

"Well, one must remember Lilith earned the title of Demon Lord by defeating the previous holder and all of her rivals," Asura pointed out. "Not to mention she and her husband together had beaten and driven off the Chief God."

"I suppose," Shinonome said before recalling what happened next.

After Lilith single-handily defeated the entire Amanomiya Clan on her own, those who were naturally cruel and sadistic were carried off to be imprisoned. Monster Girls do not take those who joyfully murder and torment their fellows for the pleasure of it. Some of the unmarried men were taken by some of Lilith's followers, while others became monster girls. Those treated as lowly servants and cannon-fodder by the other branch families were allowed to leave in peace.

Shinonome was left before Lilith at her mercy. Thankfully, Lilith was already aware of her situation and knew she didn't hold much control over the clan due to unending power struggles.

Wanting to join her sisters and find her new path, Shinonome became an Inari, allowing her to reunite on the island of Mira with Tasogare and her newly married husband.

"We had wondered what became of our sister Koyoi, but to think she was in Lescatie all of this time."

"But now, she is with Zero on Earth, right?" Tasogare asked.

"Yes," Asura nodded. "And she'll be among those following Zero. I believe she even has romantic inclinations for Zero, but she doesn't know how to act upon those feelings."

"Well, we all know to thank our grandfather for that," Tasogare snapped in anger. "I had to take a wife training class before I got married just to learn how to act in a relationship!"

"Besides that, I am worried about how Koyoi could react when she sees us like this," Shinonome pointed out, clearly concerned.

"Yeah, so," Tasogare said before turning to her husband. "Maybe you should stay behind. Koyoi is the most protective of us all, as you said."

"But I," Bunkichi said, wanting to protect.

"We all know how I reacted," Shinonome said with a nod. "It might be for the best."

"Rest assured, we are taking every precaution to avoid a conflict," Asura said assured. "We still have plenty of time to prepare and discuss the plans."

Later that day hiding atop a rooftop within Ashford Academy, Kallen was currently talking on her cell phone.

"So, how is school life treating you?" Ohgi asked on the other line.

"Stifling. I was stuck in history class yesterday, and now I am stuck with this Student Council thing. Not to mention the President is a pervert I am trying to keep at a distance," Kallen said, clearly annoyed. "Look, maybe I should just head back."

"Even if they claim that the man who killed Prince Clovis is in custody, the army is still on high alert," Ohgi warned. "Everyone is still shaken up about what happened, and we have been getting visits from the JLF and Kyoto over it."

Kallen sighed, not sure of the news.

"Do you really think Kururugi killed Prince Clovis?"

"Honestly, I am not sure, but I doubt it," Ohgi answered. "Kururugi's kid seemed to have been picked as a scapegoat because he is the son of Japan's last prime minister."

"And that's why we should've issued a freaking statement sooner!" Tamaki yelled in the background. "We could've taken credit for it!"

"And put a bullseye on all of our backs," Kallen replied, annoyed that Tamaki never thought things through.

"Tamaki has been flipping out like this for the last couple of days. As I said, emotions are high right now."

"Understatement of the century," Kallen leaned against a brick wall. "Anyway, how did things go with Kyoto and the JLF?"

"We answered their questions as best as we could. The JLF representatives seemed satisfied with what we told them. As for Kyoto, we told them what we know, then gave them some of the Sutherlands we had leftover as a good gesture gift to curry some favor with them," Ohgi explained hopefully. "They already offered us some supplies and weapons in exchange."

"Nice to hear, so we got something good out of it. But did you tell Kyoto and the JLF about our meeting with Zero tomorrow?"

"No, I thought we keep that between us for now."

"Do you think it will go well?"

"I am not sure," Ohgi contemplated that before answering. "But seeing what they could do, I think we would be crazy to refuse."

Kallen recalled late yesterday evening when Ohgi called her, telling her that Zero had contacted him directly. How the man had gotten his number was a shock to both of them, but Ohgi revealed that Zero wanted to meet them. He gave them a time and location that would be tomorrow evening.

"He and his friends did save our lives and gave Britannia a real thrashing," Kallen acknowledged. "But what do you make of those powers and weapons they had?"

"Not much, except one thing," Ohgi trailed as he recalled the weapons that the girls wielded. "After giving some thought, I came to realize that some of the weapons they wielded were not normal."

"I can certainly see that. I don't think any of the weapons they possessed were normal," Kallen chuckled as she didn't expect anything either. "But why bring this up?"

"After a quick look, I realized that one of the girls' weapons is of a crimson red metal," Ohgi said as he recalled getting a look at Koyoi's weapon during the battle while helping them.

"You don't really believe any of those superstitions, do you?"

"I'm no believer of that book," Ohgi admitted. "As a teacher, you know that more than ever. But the metal no doubt looks and works exactly like what the text says. Can't deny that after what we just saw."

"But how do we explain it then?"

"I don't know, but forget everything going on and stay there for now. I'm sure Naoto would be fine seeing you at school again," Ohgi said before ending. "I call you can if anything comes up. Otherwise, I'll talk to you tomorrow afternoon."

Kallen hung up and merely leaned back against the wall staring up at the sky.

Just what kind of people have we gotten involved with?

A/N: Well, Lelouch already has a plan to save Suzaku while intending to utterly humiliate Bartley before everyone.

He may not have killed Clovis, but this will send shockwaves through Britannia and Area 11.

And in this chapter, we meet Koyoi's sisters and find out what happened to them. Most importantly, we see that Lelouch and Wilmarina are beginning to move towards a romantic relationship. Granted, there are some bumps in the road ahead, besides Lelouch's unease with intimacy to address.

Of course, we have a bonding moment between all of the girls and Milly.

Kallen understandably is wondering what she has gotten herself into.

And we also get a little more about Lilith and one of her more famous acts after becoming the Demon Lord. The tentacle plants were among those not happy with Lilith's changes. As mentioned above, they killed human men while using women as living flower beds for their young after brainwashing them to serve their purposes. It was every bit as nightmare fuel as you would expect, but once Lilith razed most of their forests, they were quick to change their tune.

As for the poll I decided to swap it out with a new poll.

This new poll on my profile page serves three purposes. One it tells me which candidates on the poll readers would be interested in seeing join Lelouch's harem. Winning the poll means more screen time in the story/opportunities.

Two it also helps me weigh in and gather from readers how would people feel about Baphomets and Umi Oshos joining the harem. True some of them are much older than they appear, but I feel very uneasy including such characters (for Baphomets the answer is obvious despite some known ones being hundreds of years old, their child-like appearance is the issue I am sure you guys understand), so the poll's second purpose is to gauge it such pairings, depending on the character, would be acceptable thereby laying a discussion between me and JameyoftheMegacosmos to rest.

Lastly I added Kallen and C.C. to the poll to see how well they gauge to the other candidates, which could determine when they join the harem.

The poll will stay open until three hundred it more votes have been cast. And this part one focus on narrowing down the candidates.

As for the last poll the results with mentioning has Champion Marietta in first place, Fadia in second, Palatine Mistel Lescatie and Asura Mythra tied for third, and lastly in fourth place is Inryna. There are rest are locked in lies of big ties, so some tie breakers are needed. Part of the reason for my choices is that I am looking to involve more different monster girls into the story.

Anyway, in the next chapter, Suzaku's rescue shall happen along with some other events in mind.

Thank you all for reading, and I thank you in advance for your feedback.