Recap: United East Africa prepares to officially surrender to Britannia at a formal banquet in Australia. There, Lelouch and Leia mingle, collecting information.
Chapter 9: Now It's Check
...I must admit great surprise upon finally meeting Prince Lelouch tonight. We have both heard the rumors of him being childish and spoiled, yet I found scant evidence to support such a conclusion. The old nobles have been deluded because Prince Lelouch does not conform to their expectations. They mistake his candor for naivety and his jokes as rebellion. Rather, both reveal a keen intellect beneath his facade. He is incredibly polite, and I saw him making multiple rounds throughout the night. He engaged with members from every country, even remaining cordial as a few foolish ones hurled insults to his face. To my shame, I must attest that some of our own nobles were among the number. None would dare to insult any of his siblings as such, but they still see Empress Marianne as an upstart commoner. Truly, they are fortunate that Prince Lelouch is of a much calmer demeanor. Still, I cannot help but worry for their futures. I doubt Empress Marianne will allow such insults to stand unpunished. Whether Prince Lelouch will retaliate at a more appropriate time, I do not know. He strikes me as someone with a long memory.
My dear, I recommend that we approach Prince Lelouch. For now, the majority of the court fails to see his potential. Earning our way into his good graces now can only bring us good fortune. By the time he is finally recognized as someone who can stand on par with his siblings, it will be too late. He has scant few allies from what I can ascertain. I suspect Lord Ashford will continue to support him, if only because of Empress Marianne, but otherwise his only close relationship seems to be with Miss Sumeragi who has a controlling interest in the Kyoto House. A royal consorting with an Honorary Britannian, even if she's foreign nobility, is rather strange. I think I will try to learn more of her. Like His Highness, she has been flying under the radar for years, and the rumor mill seems to have a glaring blind spot for those not conforming to Britannian norms...
-Excerpt from a letter from Lady Heuberger to her husband, postmarked May 11, 2017
Neutral District, Australia
Dinner ended with a delicious serving of ice cream topped with gold flakes. Leila took her time savoring it, knowing she would never dine in such luxury again. Such opulence was reserved for the elite, which she'd never be part of.
Prince Lelouch ignored his meal and cast a glance at the head of the table where his mother sat. He slipped away, Kaguya trailing after.
As Leila stood, Yoan growled and grabbed her wrist. "Stop being so friendly with the prince. Your Britannian roots are showing."
"Unlike you, I serve my country before my pocket book." She tore her hand from his grip and stepped back primly. "While you flirt and line your pockets, Britannia continues to expand and grow more powerful. General Smilas and I are trying to limit their power."
"Yes, being in his favor would be helpful." Noticing her confusion, Yoan smiled and leaned in, his hot breath assaulting her ear. "With the Secretary of Defense's resignation, the President must announce his replacement or else lose to the plebian interloper. Promising the famed war hero the spot will silence his opponents, who like you, grow tired of our inaction against Britannia. So go play nice. Having Smilas in the Malcal family's debt will bring us much fortune."
He shoved her lightly into the crowd and disappeared, leaving her shaking in rage. Relentlessly, he disparaged her and she was supposed to shut up and take it? All because they took her in after her parents' assassination? She brought prestige and wealth to them. Her father's master stroke remained in her possession. She knew the code to open her parents' offshore vaults when she finally came of age. That was her dowry, a parting gift from her father. She didn't need Yoan.
Stopping, she considered the thought once more. She didn't need Yoan. The Malcals had tied her to them out of a sense of obligation. But in the end that meant nothing. They needed her, not the other way around. All this time, they were merely trying to twist the truth to keep her beholden.
"Leila Malcal?" A voice interrupted her musings, and Leila turned, her eyes widening as she recognized Empress Marianne. The woman's gaze left her feeling oddly exposed. "I hope my son behaved himself."
"He did," Leila said hesitantly. She was a nobody. Why was Empress Marianne seeking her out? A shiver ran down Leila's spine, and she searched for General Smilas's familiar form among the crowd. He at least knew how to handle Empress Marianne.
"Not your scene, I take it," Empress Marianne said, wheeling closer. "It takes a while to get used to."
"I fear I will never." Would it be rude if Leila just excused herself? Did it matter? Britannia and the E.U. were by no means allies.
Empress Marianne chuckled. "Perhaps you are right. None of us are ever comfortable."
"You're relaxed," Leila accused, still searching for an escape. It was probably best not to cause offense. Still, she would take Yoan's company over hers. At least with him, she knew what he wanted.
"Am I?" Empress Marianne turned around, scanning the room. "You wouldn't happen to know where my son had wandered off to?"
"He mentioned hunting down someone to interrogate on Arabic pronunciation."
Empress Marianne sighed, shaking her head. "Typical. If you run into him, tell him I wish to speak to him."
"Of course," Leila said.
"You're one of the best in your class. General Smilas chose his adjutant well," Empress Marianne said, and Leila's heart thumped painfully. Of course Britannian intelligence would be tracking her as well. She was too close to their royals to escape attention. Not to mention they would be interested in her because of her Britannian heritage. "Your fiance though leaves much to be desired."
"He has his moments," Leila protested weakly. The hard look from Empress Marianne radiated disbelief. "I've had my time to make peace with it. And at least I can say I know him. Britannian marriages are often arranged exclusively for politics, aren't they?"
"Among the nobility at least. Many of Charles's other wives didn't meet him until the night of." She smirked. "Not that they have any real reason to complain. They and their family gained power."
"Power before love, right?"
Empress Marianne laughed. "I am not the right person to ask that, my dear. But in Britannia, your fiance would be much more wary. Both sides should benefit in a marriage, and I fail to see what he brings."
Hadn't she just come to the same conclusion herself? But hearing it from a Britannian Empress made her reluctant to agree.
"Perhaps because it isn't your business," Leila snapped. "Why should I care how Britannia runs things? I'm French and proud of it."
"But not everyone sees it that way," Empress Marianne said softly, and Leila bristled at the pity in her voice. "You can climb to the greatest heights, but you will never sway everyone. The shackles of our personal histories are impossible to shake off." More quietly, she added, "No matter how hard you wish."
"In Britannia," Leila said, crossing her arms. The E.U. was different. Everyone had a chance.
"You hope to claim a victory and put to rest concerns over your loyalty." She shook her head, and gestured to a Frenchwoman who turned away upon realizing she had been noticed. "Merely me seeking you out for a discussion already makes them question your loyalty. If you win a major battle against Britannia, they will say we granted you the victory to gain a spy in your ranks."
"You are telling me to give up?" Leila asked through gritted teeth.
"I wouldn't ask of you the impossible. I simply suggest you understand the cards you've been dealt, and then decide where to focus your energy. Perhaps you'll prove to be an exception, but understand that it'll be a lifelong struggle. We're mere mortals, capable of only so much in our finite lives. Some may say it makes living worth living." A whimsical smile crossed her face, quickly replaced with a somber frown. "It's a lesson my son had a painful time learning and struggles to apply."
With those parting words, Empress Marianne finally left.
The room felt oppressive, every person's gaze judging her. They had seen Empress Marianne approach her and were now wondering why. A question Leila had no answer for as well. Nothing had prepared her for meeting Empress Marianne. Not the news and rumors from back home which painted her in a bloodthirsty, greedy light. Not General Smilas's personal accounts which suggested a woman unhinged and capable of the greatest atrocities. Not even Prince Lelouch, who in hindsight, barely mentioned her when not making a joke.
Ducking into the chattering crowd, Leila drifted aimlessly, searching for a secluded corner. She knew she should meet with General Smilas and discuss the encounter while the words were still fresh in his mind. But she didn't need his heavy frown of disapproval. He didn't see her as a potential traitor, just frustratingly naive. Was it naive to strive for a better future? To see the good in others?
Worse, she could meet Yoan, while Empress Marianne's words echoed in her mind and mirrored her own thoughts. What did it say about Leila that she had come to the same conclusion? That she didn't need Yoan. To disregard how the Malcals sheltered her was a Britannian mindset. She owed them.
A large potted tree loomed over the crowd, and she walked to it. There, hopefully, she could find some respite from the crowd and endless eyes. Like always, she would linger in the corner, all alone.
To her surprise, the nook behind the tree wasn't abandoned. Two startled pairs of eyes stared at her. Prince Lelouch was the first one to recover and abruptly pulled her down besides them. "Get down," he hissed. "They'll find us."
"You've stumbled upon the social recluse corner," Kaguya greeted. "Please leave your shoes and personal baggage by the door."
"Your mother is looking for you," Leila said dumbly, unsure how to respond to the sheer ridiculousness of both of them hunched behind a potted tree.
Prince Lelouch shook his head and leaned against the wall. "She does that; I avoid her. It's a familiar game." He scanned her, eyes narrowed. "Did she threaten you?"
What had happened to make that the first conclusion he would draw?
"No," Leila said, sitting down on the cold stone floor. "Just asked me where you were. What are you two doing?"
Kaguya grinned and pointed at a passing lord. "That's Lord Wittleton. He's had five glasses so far and is slightly drunk. Obviously, he's trying to gather the courage to propose to his sweetheart. How romantic, isn't that right, Vi?"
"No. He's only asking now because his latest gamble was a catastrophic failure," Prince Lelouch said and nodded to an approaching lady. "Unfortunately for him, she already knows. She's about to tell him that she's breaking up with him."
"Love conquers all," Kaguya said with a sing-song voice. "What will you bet on, blondie?"
Leila stared at the couple, biting her lip. Compared to earlier, this felt incredibly childish. "He won't have the courage, but she'll stay with him?"
Kaguya groaned as her prediction came to pass. "I thought he had it in him."
"He's near destitute. She should've left him," Prince Lelouch grumbled, pulling out a box filled with rice balls, partially wrapped in seaweed and offering it to Leila. "The ones one the right are mild." He paused as an overweight eunuch stumbled past. "He's going to insult Empress Tianzi, and Xingke will pretend to be unaffected but will order the guards to remove him."
"Xingke will first reach for his sword, forgetting that he doesn't have it on him." Sighing, Kaguya whined, "I already know you got that one. It's not fun if you pick the sure bets."
"Hmm? It's called winning, Hime. Give me my wasabi."
Leila cleared her throat, holding the strange lump of rice in her hands. "Why are you doing this, Ka-"
"No names," Kaguya hissed. "Or do you want all the fishes in the treacherous sea to come?"
"Social events of all kinds are terribly boring," Prince Lelouch answered. "We have about half an hour before people realize we're missing and have to mingle again."
And Leila had thought standing next to the wall was being anti-social.
"Your turn," Prince Lelouch said.
She looked into the crowd, searching for someone she recognized. A dark man looked between General Smilas and Prince Schenizel. Giggling, she pointed at him and said, "He's going to ask General Smilas if the rumors about him and Prince Schneizel are true. General Smilas will glower at him until he flees."
"Ooh, any salacious tidbits for us? You have to know something." Kaguya said, invading her personal space. Next to her Prince Lelouch was strangely still. "What do you think, Vi?"
"I'm very glad that I'll be on the east coast for the Empire Day festivities."
Kaguya gasped. "You didn't?"
"I may have underestimated Guinevere's proclivity to gossip," Prince Lelouch mumbled and rubbed the back of his head. "It was supposed to be a minor rumor, not an international one."
"Oh, like the conspiracy theory that Odysseus died twenty years ago and that has been a body double this entire time?"
"That was a joke," he protested weakly. "Why anyone believed it is beyond me."
"Or the one that Carine funded the Count and resulted in a six-month long investigation to confirm neither her nor her mother had anything to do with it?"
Every French news outlet had reported on that one, eager to see a schism in the royal family.
Prince Lelouch's shoulders hunched. "She insulted Nunnally."
"What about your father being a clone of an advanced alien species tasked with conquering the Earth and preparing it before the main fleet arrives?"
"A little louder, please?" he asked sarcastically. "I'd like to delay the inevitable as long as possible."
Leila's brow furrowed, remembering her friend's deep dive into the bizarre corners of the internet. "You spread a rumor that the Emperor is enslaving humanity to power an alien supercomputer?"
"No, I'm not suicidal." He crossed his arms. "I merely stated on multiple occasions that anyone who saw him handle a toddler would think him to be an alien. Perfectly true, mind you. The palace staff did most of the work, warping it beyond recognition. Then my mother heard it, thought it was hilarious, and posted it online as a prank with a few additional liberties."
"Once again spiraling far beyond your control," Kaguya tutted. "Remember to invite me to your funeral when your father finally figures out who started it."
"I'm going to be stuck doing audits to last a life-time," he moaned. "At least my mother promised to warn me if he came close. She's endlessly amused by him pretending that it doesn't bother him and unable to do much without revealing how much it bothers him."
If Leila shared this conversation with General Smilas, he wouldn't believe her. Or worse, if he did, he would try to kill Prince Lelouch for suggesting that he had seduced Prince Schneizel. She took solace in the fact that Prince Lelouch had to deal with his brother who had to be equally unamused. Although, to be fair, the two of them did argue like a married couple at times. They had sat across each other in the negotiation room for too long, making them hyper aware of each other's body language. An onlooker could mistake that familiarity for attraction.
Kaguya groaned. "Vi, your shadow approaches. Fun time has come to an end."
"Well, Hime, should a demon capture you for his diabolical plan?" Prince Lelouch smirked.
"Fleeing hardly counts as diabolical." She sniffed. "Unlike you, I have standards. "
A glowering Henry stopped by their nook and interrupted, "Your mother grows impatient."
"And I'm avoiding her," Prince Lelouch said, not moving a centimeter. "It's for the best, really. We'd simply get into an argument, and my father was quite clear that I shouldn't cause a scene."
Leila met Henry's gaze confidently as he narrowed his eyes at her, promising retribution if she dared to do anything. Unlike Frederick, he was almost constantly at Prince Lelouch's side. It hadn't stopped him from abandoning his charge to Fredercick the one time he caught sight of Jeanne to threaten her. According to Frederick, he was always naturally paranoid and never fully trusted him in the first place due to his family's treasonous history. General Smilas was waiting for the perfect opportunity to bait him.
To the side, Kaguya ate a rice ball indifferently. From Henry's exasperation and Prince's Lelouch's resigned expression this was a normal occurrence. Every intelligence report indicated he was close to his mother and on good terms with her. Yet the evidence before her was contrary. Was this a recent development?
"Why would you argue?" Leila asked.
"She's been trying to steal a friend of mine." Prince Lelouch turned to her, a predatory smile playing on his lips. "I hear we royals are very protective of what is ours. So naturally, I object. Unfortunately,"-his expression turned bitter-"I can only yell at her."
"What friends?" Kaguya asked. "I'm your only friend."
"Frederick is my friend," he said earnestly.
Leila resisted the urge to smile victoriously. A prince would never consider a commoner a friend, according to General Smilas. Yet Lelouch had. He had said it openly without a hint of hesitation. A frown tugged at her lips. Lelouch and Frederick were friends. Just like she would never betray Jeanne, Frederick would never turn against his prince. All that time trying to build a relationship was pointless. Jeanne would always be the distant relative, while Lelouch the close friend because he had arrived there first.
Rolling her eyes, Kaguya said, "He's your guard. That doesn't count."
His eyebrows drew together, affronted. "Does too."
"Not when he has to follow your every order without question."
"Fine." Lelouch looked away, his eyes locking onto Leila's. Dropping his gaze slightly, he twisted his hands, and continued quietly, "Edgar, a doctor."
Was he one of the other boys in the photo? The name felt like a dangerous secret. And perhaps it was. A royal's friend was a potential weakness.
"Does he call you an idiot?" Kaguya asked.
Lelouch shot her a look. "I'll have you know, Frederick calls me that repeatedly as well." He paused and turned to Henry, growling, "Did you have to tell her where I was hiding?"
"I wasn't going to drag you," Henry said and Leila caught sight of Empress Marianne slowly making her way to them.
Groaning, Lelouch stood and gave a short bow to Kaguya, passing her a piece of paper, before extending a hand to Leila. "My apologies, but I doubt either of you wish to be subject to my mother's interrogations once more."
"The shipment-" Kaguya began.
"Taken care of. About-"
"The things I do for you. You could at least try flattery. Why, one would think you only kept me for my money." She waved her hand. "Go distract your mother."
Leila watched him depart, the crowd parting before him as they recognized the prince. He stopped before his mother and offered a bow. Empress Marianne said something before turning around and dragging him along, a respectful distance between them. Was this what people considered close in Britannia? Or was every child destined to grow distant from their parents as they grew older? Leila couldn't know, her father, taken from her so young.
"What did he give you?" Leila asked curiously.
"A cake recipe." Kaguya unfolded the paper and showed it to her, before tucking it away. "You should listen more carefully, blondie."
Leila grit her teeth and stood. "Cake never entered the discussion."
Kaguya sighed, scanning the crowd. "Your first mistake was not knowing who I am. No, your first mistake was not understanding what it means to be part of Britannian court. I didn't either at first. Here, one misstep can mean death. Your second mistake was to trust your senses. To survive means to hide behind a mask. Those who understand you can predict you, making you their pawn. But if you're uncontrollable, you're dead as well. To succeed is to play each mask to perfection, letting others believe they know you, while peeling back their own layers until they're your pawn, and it's much too late for them to realize the trap they sprung."
"So who are you?" Leila hissed. The girl had been so unnerved by Xingke's accusations but, after a moment, had composed herself and acted perfectly subservient. "What engagement did your father arrange?"
"I'm to wed whichever prince asks me," Kaguya answered, flinging her arms wide as if to embrace the opportunity. "My feelings are naturally inconsequential. It's a political arrangement. But should the wrong prince ask me, I will die alongside him when the time comes. And if the Emperor tires of my antics-my political use, too insignificant-he will execute me as well."
Somehow, she smiled through the entire explanation while Leila withdrew in horror. The strange quips about seduction and marriage took on another meaning. Kaguya wished to marry Lelouch, but he was steadfastly refusing. What made him an enticing match? Or was Kaguya simply clinging onto friendship instead of politics?
"Empress Marianne executed my aunt," Kaguya said, her eyes distant. "They broadcasted it across the country. My family had gone to a secret bunker, so I never saw the immediate consequences of the invasion. That was the first time I saw someone die, sitting on a cushion and eating a bowl of fried rice while my father argued with the Prime Minister over the phone in the next room. My aunt kept begging, not for her life, but her son's, my cousin. Lelouch saw his first execution when he was five. Ironically, his mother committed the deed as well then."
"And you're his friend?" Leila asked, not understanding.
Kaguya smiled. "Well, a little over two years later, I attended the execution of my father. Afterwards, Lelouch was honest with me. He and his sister answered my questions about Britannian culture, informed me of the important players, and alerted me regarding risks to my family's business. We have a mutual understanding."
"You know him well," Leila said bitterly.
"We shouldn't talk too long." Kaguya grimaced. "Without Lelouch to vouch for me, they'll accuse me of conspiring with you. What will you do now?"
Leila's stomach squeezed. "General Smilas suggested I talk to Princess Cornelia."
Laughing, Kaguya latched onto her arm and pulled her forward. "We shall commence on a quest to find the most radiant jewel of the night. A true lioness." Resting her head on Leila's shoulder, Kaguya whispered, "She hates me but may talk to you since you're in uniform. I'm too... girly for her taste. Address her as General Cornelia when you meet."
"Why are you helping me?" Leila asked as they finally caught sight of Princess Cornelia, glowering at everyone who approached and lounging against the wall with her knight,
"Don't dance around with your words either. Be blunt," Kaguya whispered. Slowly, she withdrew and turned to the princess, offering a deep bow. "Your Highness, a pleasure as always. Did you do something new to your hair?"
"Go away," Princess Cornelia ordered and her knight took a threatening step forward. Her eyes stopped on Leila, assessing, and Leila instinctively straightened.
"But my new friend is so excited to meet you. I can't make her upset, Your Highness. What would my beloved say?" Kaguya pouted. Were those actual tears in her eye?
Princess Cornelia pressed a finger against her temple. "How Lelouch can bear your company, I'll never know. Go. Just go. She can stay."
An ear-splitting shriek followed, and Kaguya pulled Leila into an overly enthusiastic hug. "Good luck!" Kaguya's lips brushed against her neck. She whispered, "Because he asked. Watch yourself."
Kaguya danced away, her eyes glittering in childish delight.
"Don't you dare to hug me," Princess Cornelia hissed as Kaguya took a half-step to her. "I will gut you where you stand."
"But you don't have a sword," Kaguya said, her lower lip thrust out in confusion. Her eyes widened and a smile crossed her face. "You can gut someone with a sword?"
"Um, Kaguya?" Leila said hesitantly. The sudden personality change baffled her. While Kaguya had offered her assistance, Princess Cornelia was slowly turning red. "Would you mind if I talked to General Cornelia alone?"
"Oh, of course! Absolutely!" Kaguya twirled around and stood on her tippy-toes, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Bye!"
Princess Cornelia sighed, running a hand down her face. "I never thought anyone could be so annoying."
"She wasn't as bad during dinner, General," Leila defended. "Prince Lelouch had a... calming effect on her?"
"He used to be just as bad," Princess Cornelia grumbled. "At least one of them is finally growing up. Better late than never, I guess. Has he been behaving himself?"
"He's very polite," Leila offered.
Princess Cornelia snorted. "When he wants something." Her posture relaxed marginally. "Need to work on your scowl. It keeps all the unwanted pests away. And the vultures are always flying at events like there. They're surrendering, and we're throwing them a farewell party. How ridiculous."
An unbidden chuckle escaped Leila. "They need the time to nurse their bruised egos. And the party gives the busy bodies something to do."
"At least you have some common sense. It's on the battlefield where hearts are laid bare. Definitely not here in this honey trap. Have you tasted the thrill of victory yet?" Princess Cornelia's eyes glistened. This was what Leila had imagined Empress Marrianne to be: constantly craving the thrill of the kill.
"Unfortunately not. I'm still too young. General Smilas has me study recent battles though."
"How old are you?"
"Seventeen. For now, my victory must be being at the top of my class," Leila answered.
"You're old enough. I saw my first battle when I was seven. And Lady Marianne was your age when she piloted the Ganymede into battle for the first time." Princess Cornelia shook her head. "I can never understand the French's hesitance to use the resources at your disposal. Instead, you waste away in a classroom or assist some senior officer with paperwork."
Nor could Leila understand Britannia's willingness to deploy children on the battlefield. She had heard the horror stories from the veterans as they described the age before knightmares. They would ambush supply trains and find them guarded by children barely capable of holding a rifle. Or take a unit prisoner, intent on gaining intelligence, only to discover they had to interrogate quivering children. There was an entire guidebook written on how to handle guilt after facing an underaged unit.
But Leila couldn't say that, instead she shrugged.
"Is General Smilas as grumpy as ever?" Princess Cornelia asked.
Leila laughed and saw an opportunity. "Zero at least has him gnashing his teeth."
"So are all of us. Father remains tightlipped as always despite the endless stream of questions." Princess Cornelia pursed her lips. "You would think he could at least trust those among us who've proven themselves on multiple occasions."
The displeasure felt real, and Leila bit her lip. Another dead end. How could no one in Britannia be certain of his identity? Especially if their intelligence suspected Zero of being the Fourth Prince?
"Do his tactics remind you of anyone?" Leila asked.
"Yes, a coward," Princess Cornelia declared.
"Efficient is more like it," Empress Marianne interrupted, stopping her wheelchair next to them. "Tired of the festivities already, Cornelia?"
"Before they even began, my lady," Cornelia answered. "Found your wayward son?"
"I did, but then I took my eyes off him for a second, and he was gone." Empress Marianne chuckled. "I would say he needs a bell, but he'd only take that as a challenge. I also need to find Miss Sumeragi and ask her, once more, to stop supplying him with wasabi."
"Was that the filling in the chocolates?"
"Yes," she said tiredly. "It wouldn't be a problem if Lelouch actually labeled them, but he and Nunnally enjoy the surprise. They call it palette cleansing of all things." Empress Marianne shook her head and turned to Leila. "Taking a reprieve as well, my dear?"
Leila nodded. "It's been a long night."
"Have you watched Un Enfant et Trois Parents?" Empress Marianne asked, referring to a soapy family drama on it's seventh season. Last Leila checked, they had been saved from cancellation by a mysteriously large donation. Behind her, Princess Cornelia fervently shook her head.
"No?"
"A pity. The season finale is tomorrow." Empress Marianne narrowed her eyes, spinning around to witness Princess Cornelia's drawing her finger over her neck. "Really? You're as bad as Charles."
"I think someone is waving to me," Leila said, her mind spinning from the idea that Empress Marianne followed french television, and slowly inched to the side to make an escape. With the Empress there, she had no chance to gather any more information about Zero.
"Stay," Empress Marianne ordered, "You're not dismissed."
Leila's throat tightened. "With all due respect, I'm not one of your subjects."
"Yet Britannian justice still found your parents," she said, her voice deceptively kind. For years, Britannia had denied being behind her parents' assassination despite the clear evidence. And Empress Marrianne had just casually admitted to it like one would remark on the weather. "I met your father once. He had a problem keeping his hands to himself and was ever so vocal in disapproval of me. He had a very narrow opinion of what a woman's role should be and would be furious to know his daughter joined the military."
Leila inhaled slowly. His warm hands gently stroked her hair as he whispered his love. My little snowflake, he had called her. His arms pulled her into a hug, screams echoing through the house, and he pushed her into Jeanne's arms, ordering them to leave and pressing a last kiss to both their foreheads.
Exhaling, Leila clenched her hands together behind her back and stared directly into the woman's eyes. "My father was a good man."
"Depends on your definition. He did betray his country." Empress Marianne rolled closer. "Your father was undoubtedly foolish to think he could escape. It's a miracle you survived. It would be a shame to change that. So show some respect, and tell me about yourself."
Empress Marianne hadn't come here to make small-talk with Princess Cornelia, but to interrogate Leila. Out of the corner of her eyes, she noticed various plainly dressed Britannians observing intently. It was a harrowing display of power. Mingled among the guests, an army waited for orders. If Leila turned around and walked away, would they cause a scene? Nobody would see her or hear her cries for help in the midst of a Britannian swarm. Or Empress Marianne might simply let her leave and order her death, just like her father's.
The ultimatum was clear. She had to give Empress Marrianne a reason why she should allow her to live. Leila could share her achievements in hope that would make her entertaining enough. But if she was seen as a potential threat, Empress Marianne would end her regardless.
Leila had spent the night surprised by how normal Empress Marianne seemed compared to the stories, unaware the Butcher lived beneath the surface, ready to come out at a moment's notice. And this woman before her was undoubtedly the Butcher, who General Smilas rightly feared.
"Ah, there you are," General Smilas interrupted, shoving Leila behind him and glowering at his enemy. "Pardon her. Curious young feet have a tendency to wander."
Empress Marianne's lips curled. "You should keep better track of your bait. Who knows what trouble she might find herself in. Although, I hear you have some of your own. Terrible business with your Secretary of Defense. Your intelligence seems to be woefully lacking."
"I am unfortunately preoccupied with the negotiations. Unlike your family, I do not treat it as a glorified vacation. Your son seems to have made it his mission to visit every casino."
"And what has your protege accomplished?" Empress Marianne bared her teeth. "My son has been negotiating fishing disputes because Schneizel considers it beneath him."
"Do you care for his safety so little?" General Smilas asked. A subtle flinch passed through Empress Marianne. "I prefer nurture over throwing children to the wolves. As I find Leila is perfectly willing to do whatever I ask of her, it's only my prudence which holds her back."
"Yet, while you wait, Zero continues to capture French spies, and our younger royals carve out power for themselves. You deny your youth essential experience due to your pesky moral sensibilities. Does time run backwards in the E.U?"
General Smilas always lambasted the E.U.'s inability to take decisive actions, and Leila knew the remark had landed home. Within a few minutes of meeting each other, both were at each other's throat. Prince Schneizel preferred to attack the E.U. itself, and General Smilas responded in kind. Here, it was personal.
"I forget, which one of us got shot in their home?" General Smilas retorted.
Empress Marianne's eyes darkened, and she leaned forward. "Did you hear your men beg as I cut them down? They call you a hero at home, but you ordered a retreat, leaving your comrades' blood to water the sand."
"Hello, Mother," Lelouch interrupted, positioning himself between the two and looking slightly disheveled. "I'm sure Schneizel would appreciate your presence. They're preparing to sign the treaty."
"You mean choosing the color of pen." Empress Marianne sniffed. "He doesn't need me."
They were drawing a small crowd of curious on-lookers from various nations, and Leila stepped even closer to General Smilas. Undoubtedly, the press would describe the encounter in great detail.
"Flippant as always, Marianne," General Smilas said. "You can't fulfill your duties as a knight, and now you don't fulfill those of an Empress."
Lelouch pinched his nose, and his eyes briefly met hers. "Mother, please?"
Princess Cornelia stepped forward. "This is by far the most exciting thing to happen all evening. Let your mother be, Lelouch."
"Perhaps if you didn't sulk in the corner, you would resolve your boredom instead of relying on others to do it for you," Lelouch shot back. Leila snorted. That was rather hypocritical given where she found him. "Mother, there are better uses of your time."
"Are you volunteering?" Empress Marianne asked, her predatory gaze landing on her son.
Shoulders sagging, Lelouch bitterly said, "Yes."
"Come on then," Empress Marianne ordered, smiling triumphantly. He followed, unusually subdued.
Watching the royals depart for the signing, Leila had the distinct impression that she had been used. Empress Marianne had wanted to find her son. When others avenues failed, she had turned to Leila, attacking her and beginning to cause a scene. After spending the entire evening avoiding his mother, and even escaping her clutches once, Lelouch had willingly approached and fallen into the trap. Leila had been merely a means to an end.
Although how had Empress Marianne known he would be watching her?
General Smilas dropped a hand on her shoulder. "It's time to leave."
"But, Yoan-"
"He didn't have the Butcher seek him out twice. He can figure it out. Relax." He approached the door, his gait beginning to sway, and when he talked to the guards, his words slurred. At last, they stepped outside. The fresh nighttime air enveloped her, and the cold sunk into her bones.
Whispering, he hurried her down the street. "What's his relationship with Miss Sumeragi?"
Leila scowled. "They're close. He made some snacks and sweets for her. I think they were Japanese. She also kept needling him about marriage, despite his displeasure, for some reason."
"Because it makes the other princes wary of proposing to her. If Prince Lelouch asks afterwards, the Emperor will most likely favor him over his siblings because of his mother. They don't want the humiliation of losing, and as long as she can make it seem he's remotely interested, they won't risk it. She is an enticing match as the official head of the Kyoto House with their business investments in Area Eleven. Sumeragi Industries specifically has a controlling interest in sakuradite mining."
Kaguya had been right; Leila misstepped by not knowing who she was.
"Too many underestimate her because of her childish act. They forget that she was ruthless enough to turn her father in for treason and use the situation to her advantage." General Smilas fell quiet as they passed a couple on the street. "How close?"
"They exchanged favors. Something about a shipment? And Kaguya was providing funding for something?"
Disturbed, General Smilas fell into a contemplative silence.
The day after the banquet, Leila waited in the meeting room, her body thrumming with restless energy. General Smilas's instructions echoed in the back of her head. As had become the norm in the past few weeks, Jeanne was entertaining Frederick in the city. They would stop for lunch near the set-up safehouse, and Leila would find a reason to excuse herself from the negotiations to trail after them. All she had to do was wait for the perfect opportunity and craft a narrative that would leave Frederick no other choice but to turn to the E.U.
He was steadfastly loyal to Lelouch; she knew that now. Her mouth tasted bitter. The operations would undoubtedly rely on blackmail. And if that wasn't enough, he would be surrendered to E.U. intelligence.
General Smilas's paranoia regarding Lelouch had reached new heights following the banquet. Between Empress Marianne and Kaguya, something had spooked him, and he was willing to risk angering Britannia to gain informations.
The door finally opened, and the enigmatic prince in question stumbled inside. Prince Schneizel snapped his pocket watch shut, glaring at his younger sibling. Lelouch ignored him, sunk into the chair, and rested his head against the table.
"Manners," Princess Guinevere hissed.
Blearily, Lelouch raised his head. "Good morning, General Smilas. Good morning, Leila. I apologize for my mother's behavior last night." Then he rested his head once more on the table and closed his eyes.
"Lelouch," Prince Schneizel hissed.
"You owe me," Lelouch mumbled. "Should've kept a better eye on your pet general." General Smilas bristled. "Least you can do is let me sleep."
True to his word, he fell asleep, and Leila watched in astonishment as a pale strand of hair rose and fell gently. His position couldn't be comfortable, but he didn't even react as Prince Schneizel dumped a new packet of papers on the table. He actually was... asleep.
An hour in, Leila finally dared to ask, "What happened?"
Prince Schneizel glanced at his brother. "Empress Marianne stayed in his quarters before departing this morning."
"I had to catch up on half a season, so we could watch the season finale this morning," he mumbled, not moving. "Two love triangles was bad enough. But now Clarise is a vampire? It doesn't make sense."
"Did you even sleep?" Princess Guinevere asked softly with a surprising amount of sympathy.
"No. That's the price for preventing her from making an international incident." He lifted his head, focusing on General Smilas. "Making that drivel is evil. We should hurry up and conquer the E.U. to stop my mother. Father is right, she's been infected. But then we'd lose the books." He frowned seriously, as if that was a serious offense. "It would be faster to buy them out or... we could put that in the treaty? Give them all the spies, and they stop making romantic.. stuff."
"Don't be ridiculous," Prince Schneizel snapped. "Father would never agree-"
"But he would." Prince Lelouch straightened, his right cheek red. "He hasn't caught up yet, so you just need to ask him immediately afterwards and-"
"You're done." Prince Schneizel hauled him out of the chair and pushed him to the door. "Where is your guard?"
"Oh, Henry? I told him to take the day off. Watching me sleep is boring, and Mother took the early flight to ditch all her guards, so now they're in my quarters and making a mess."
The door slammed shut and Prince Schneizel returned to his seat casually. General Smilas shot Leila a look, and she nodded. With Henry roaming free, she had to warn Jeanne. A confrontation with Frederick was inevitable.
"I think that's the first time I've heard him agree with Father," Princess Guinevere said, amused.
"Anyone would after sitting through one of her marathons." Prince Schneizel shuddered. "Fortunately, we don't decide national policy on sleep deprived, post-marathon ideas... most of the time at least. Although Father has no excuse, he married her despite knowing of her habits."
"And subjected the rest of us to his misery."
Leila scooted back her chair, the metal screeching over the floor. "If he's allowed to leave, can I?"
General Smilas waved his hand lazily, making a joke about kids being kids, but she was already out of the door, frantically texting.
After a quick change in the embassy, she slipped out the backdoor, double checking that her wig was secure. A gun, a taser, and a couple zip ties were hidden beneath her baggy sweater. Her heart hammered in her chest, and she stuffed her hands into her pockets as she casually walked down the street. A block away, she burst into a run, pulling out her phone to read Jeanne's message.
They hadn't made contact with Henry yet. How much of a head start did he have on her? Or maybe this was all for naught, and he would enjoy himself.
She shook her head. This was the easiest solution. The other options were more unsavory.
Nearing the street corner, she slowed down and fiddled with her phone, discreetly using it to check no one was following her. Espionage work was definitely not her thing. At least once this was done, she could return to her much simpler life at home. Her success would finally ease some of the suspicion and allow her a moment to relax, to not be the best. Empress Marianne's treacherous voice in her head whispered it would never be enough. They would only ever see a potential traitor.
Gritting her teeth, she stuffed her phone into her pocket and bought a pretzel. At the opposite end of the street, Jeanne clung to Frederick's arm, laughing. They turned into a smaller alleyway, and Leia ducked her head, slowly meandering after.
"You should see Paris. It's really the most beautiful city in the world." Jeanne's laughter echoed through the alleyway and Leila hung back, clicking through random apps on her phone. "Or maybe London would be more appropriate for yourself?"
"Jeanne... You know I can't. Britannia would never approve my visa. The only way is if the E.U. invites His Highness, and with tensions being what they are, that is very unlikely."
"Some are saying we have to go to war because the port belongs to Britannia now. I wish we weren't technically enemies."
Leila wished so as well. He and Lelouch had done nothing wrong but would suffer regardless. Their Britannian loyalty condemned them. She couldn't even fault them for it; they knew nothing else.
"You could return home with me," Frederick offered. "You'd be safe at least."
"I can't leave, Leila. You know that," Jeanne said softly.
"Just like I can't leave Lelouch." Frederick laughed. "He'd get himself shot within a week."
Footsteps approached, and a low voice growled, "Frederick." Henry had finally arrived. "This has gone on long enough."
Leila sneaked closer, her hand drifting inside her pocket. Peeking around the corner, she saw Frederick raising his arms and backing away slowly.
"Calm down. Nothing is happening. We're just hanging out."
"She's with the Malcal girl and undoubtedly using you. If this is nothing, then say goodbye, and never see her again," Henry said.
"Lelouch knows. I've done nothing wrong." Frederick stepped forward. "You pestering me was fine when it was in private. But doing this here? Trying to threaten me? And now leaving Lelouch alone because I doubt he is hiding behind the corner? You forget your duty. Lelouch can reprimand me himself if he has a problem. Let's go, Jeanne."
Leila bit back a curse, seeing Frederick turn to leave. Henry was volatile, a rabid dog, yet he stood there, frozen. If this was it, the window of opportunity was closing fast.
"You know nothing of duty," Henry spat. "What do you think the Emperor will do when he learns of this? Not to you, but Lelouch because he will beg for your life."
Frederick paused. When he spoke, his voice was pained. "The next time, it'll be another thing. And again, the time after that. There will always be another thing. Lelouch knows the risks, yet he still allowed this. We can't live constantly looking over our shoulders, wondering what His Majesty does and doesn't know."
"You don't understand! Let's go before it's too late." Henry raised his hands. "I'm not letting you walk away."
"You're being ridiculous. We're done." Frederick turned around, extending a hand to Jeanne.
Growling, Henry rushed forward, his arm extended. Frederick ducked at the last second, grabbing his hands and restraining him. "What the hell, Henry!" Two seconds later, Henry had thrown him over his shoulder and slammed him into the ground with a sickening thump. A knee pressed into his stomach, and when Jeanne took a hesitant step forward, Henry pointed his gun at her.
"Back away," he ordered.
"Leave her out of this!" Frederick snapped, twisting his body and dragging Henry to the ground beside him. The gun clattered across the ground, sliding to a stop near Leila's hiding place.
As the two grappled, Leila raised her taser, trying to line up a clear shot. She would have five seconds after firing.
Stumbling backwards, Frederick wiped his bloody nose. He settled into a firm stance and smirked. Henry slowly circled, disheveled, but uninjured. The two waited, their chests heaving in sync. At an unspoken signal, Henry rushed forward, a kick glancing off his torso, and parried the punch to his face. He grabbed the offending limb, and Leila saw the moment Frederick lost, the arm twisting backwards at an unnatural angle.
With a pained cry, Frederick fell to the ground.
"You forgot I always win," Henry said.
The taser flew true. Henry collapsed to the ground, twitching. Three seconds later, he was secured, hands tied behind his back, and they could all breathe once more.
Frederick straightened, his right eye beginning to swell but not hiding his horror. "Why the hell did you do that? They'll think..."
"Traitor," Henry growled. "This is how you repay his kindness? I should've killed you instead of giving you a chance."
"No," Frederick whispered. His breaths quickened and the blood resumed its steady drip from his nose. His eyes darted around the alleyway. But there were no other witnesses. It was his word against Henry's. And Henry didn't have a family history of treason. "This is all a mistake."
"Getting caught?" Henry bared his teeth. "Just you wait. When the Emperor finds out, your family will never see the light of day again."
Shaking his head, Frederick stumbled backwards, putting distance between him and Jeanne. His back pressed against the wall, and he flinched as Jeanne approached.
"We can protect them," Jeanne promised. "We'll get this all sorted out. Nobody has to die. Come on."
Jeanne blotted his bleeding nose and draped her jacket across his shoulder. Slowly, his catatonic form responded to her whispered assurances, blindly trusting her. When the shock wore off, and he finally regained his senses, he would be livid. They had betrayed him, forced him into a corner. The only path forward was to commit the crime he'd been accused of: treason.
Worldbuilding Thoughts:
- There's a programming language known as Chef. Programs written in it look like recipes and create actual food. It seems like something Lelouch would have a blast with. Other esoteric programming languages include the infamous Shakespeare (everything looks like a play and it results in hilarious lines such as: "You are as villainous as the square root of Romeo!"), Whitespace (it's entirely composed of tabs vs spaces…), and Rockstar (everything is hard rock or power ballad lyrics. Most created to mess with recruiters looking for "rockstar" developers). XD
- Tasers don't actually knock people out. People are left unable to move for the 5 seconds the taser is on. After that, they're free to go. Adrenaline can actually make it harder to subdue someone afterwards. Curse you, movie for inaccuracies.
Author's Note:
Innocent whistling.
I feel bad about the cliffhanger, the next chapter is a bit shorter than the norm, and some people voted for an early update… So there'll be an update next week. The fact that I've been dying of anticipation has absolutely nothing to do with the slightly early update and next week's. Absolutely nothing at all. XD
Leave a review on your way out. :)
Chat with me on the discord: discord . gg / uSBegVj
Thank you x1tears1X and Spaded Ace18 on FFN for your help with betaing.