Recap: In order to gain proof that Mr. Cameron was assassinated, Nunnally agreed to play a chess match as a distraction while Brian does his business. Now married, Roy returns to the division knowing that Lelouch is a prince. Lelouch is stuck in a military meeting.
Chapter 20: Family Resemblance
As Emperor Charles claimed the throne, another figure rose to power in the underworld: the Black King. The position would change hands an undisclosed amount of times in the next ten years, but the Black King's authority remained constant, power coming from his large fortune and noble title. The title of Earl passed from successor to successor, following not the precedence of blood, but survival. This changed on October 29, 2012 as Earl Seymour was executed for crimes against Britannia, and his criminal empire, besieged by investigations, teetered at the edge of annihilation.
Half a year later, a lowly baron who had worked security on a modest casino, Babel Tower (notably the only legal enterprise of the Black King), and who managed to avoid arrest by being too insignificant, stole the remaining funds of his now executed comrades. Their families, destitute, lacked the resources to pursue him. By the end of the year, they would also be dead, and a new Black King ruled the underworld.
Lord Curnow though had learned from his predecessor. The Emperor, secure in his power, was no longer lax when dealing with unscrupulous nobles. What followed was a surprisingly legal, criminal Empire which threaded every legal loophole. Where before the Black Kings' primary revenue source was drugs distribution, Lord Curnow focused on human trafficking, specifically Numbers. His actions, legal under Britannian law, were only denounced internationally.
-Britannian Crime in the 21st Century
Babel Tower, Area Eleven
Glass and metal twisted together to form a sky piercing needle that stood in defiance to the laws of nature. This was the home of the self fashioned Black King, and one of Area Eleven's six legal casinos. Suzaku bit his tongue as Nunnally stepped through the doorway and frigid air blasted them in the face.
"Ms. Lamperouge, Lord Curnow is expecting you," said a lean man with a delicate mustache and beady eyes. Three men-excessive muscles squeezed into a crisp black suit-followed in his footsteps.
Head lowered submissively, Suzaku studied them out of the corner of his eyes. The recognizable outlines of a gun on each of the guards had him reconsidering whether to drag Nunnally back outside to safety. Nobody messed with the Black King... except Nunnally.
"I'm looking forward to our game," Nunnally said, her voice pitched slightly higher than normal. Stumbling slightly, she grasped Allie's sleeves to righten herself. "My friends are allowed to come, right?"
The beady eyed man sneered as his eyes roamed over them. Suzaku swallowed an instinctive reprimand as his gaze lingered slightly too long on Allie and Euphie. With a stern nod, he spun on his heels and guided them to the elevator. Along the way, he explained the various amenities offered. The Japanese working here barely reacted as they passed. Suzaku was never more thankful for Lelouch's jacket as a customer laughed, knocking a young girl to the ground. His companions jeered, but when they saw Suzaku, their eyes slid over him.
For now, he could pass as another Britannian mutt. Nunnally had even provided him with a proper Britannian name to protect his identity.
Curnow didn't bother rising from his leather armchair as they entered. Pale eyes settled on Nunnally's cane as he made a rude gesture to one of the women sitting across from him. Nunnally stopped in the middle of the room and slightly inclined her head, withholding the respect a commoner owed a lord.
"So the rumors are true. You're blind," Curnow said. He set down an ornamental black chess piece-a king-and sighed. "Albert, I thought I told you not to waste my time. Instead, you brought me some schoolchildren."
"She won the contest," the beady eyed man proclaimed, falling to his knees. "My lord, I saw it with my own eyes. She beat the boy you favored."
"She cheated." He waved his hand. "Take them away. Politely. They're Ashford's."
The guards opened the door, but didn't move to touch them. Even at the outer edge of Tokyo, Lord Ashford's influence could be felt. Suzaku wouldn't cross anyone who could call on Empress Marianne; the Black King had the same concerns. Of course Nunnally hadn't walked in without a plan. Still, this was insanely risky.
"I didn't cheat, my lord," Nunnally said. "I can prove it to you? Here? A simple fifteen minute game. Please, my lord."
The ground trembled slightly as Curnow approached. Suzaku's muscles tensed in preparation, but he simply walked around their little group. "And why should I waste my time with some school children?"
"I understand." She turned, hanging her head. "I'm sorry, my lord. It was impudent of me to think I could challenge one such as yourself."
Rough hands grabbed Suzaku's chin. Curnow's lips curled in disgust. "Don't tell me that Lord Ashford allows such mongrels to grace his halls.
"My family hired him. They worry I'll bump into the wrong person. Or get lost."
"He doesn't look like much." He withdrew and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his hands. "You…" He looked at his assembled guards. "And you. Give us a show. Win, and I'll reward your master with a little game."
Suzaku slipped off the jacket and handed it to Euphie as a large burly man approached. Slow, his mind whispered. He should probably avoid permanent damage. Curnow wanted entertainment, not a proof of skills.
He clenched his fists and shifted his weight forward. A fist snapped through the air, and Suaku redirected it harmlessly to the side with open hands. Shoulders tensed. Muscles bulged. Before the man finished winding up his punch, Suzaku had dodged out of the way. His light feet danced across the floor as he nimbly dodged each overpowered, telegraphed attack.
"I want to see some blood," Curnow barked. "Stop dodging boy."
The next time Suzaku parried, he obliged. Carrying the momentum with him, he spun around and rose into the air, slamming his heel into his opponent's temple. The man stumbled back, cradling his head. Suzaku risked a glance at the lord. His fists were clenched in anger.
Suzaku took a deep breath as his dazed opponent wound up a clearly telegraphed punch. It would miss. He stepped in the way.
Pain blossomed across his chest as he exhaled and stumbled back. For show, he wiped his mouth and coughed.
Curnow laughed. "Admittedly, surprisingly decent for a mongrel, but a proper Britannian will always succeed. Finish him."
"No," Nunnally cut in.
"No?" he growled.
"My parents will kill me if they have to hire another again. Please, my lord. You just wanted a demonstration."
He waved his hand. "Fine. A game."
Allie walked to the side of the board, dutifully reciting each move Curnow made. Nunnally announced her moves as steadily as the clock ticking besides them. Her face was terrifyingly neutral without a single hint of victory or worry. Curnow hesitated, eyes flicking to her face before abruptly focusing on the board again. He was nervous.
"Checkmate in three," Nunnally declared.
Lord Curnow scowled and examined the board. The clock ticked steadily onwards. Slowly, he lifted his head. "You cheated. Search her."
Only the sight of her fingers tapping together stopped Suzaku from jumping to interfere as they examined her ears and emptied her pockets.
"Another game?" Nunnally offered, her tone mocking. "Just to prove this wasn't a fluke."
"A proper game," he answered. "None of this commoner bullshit. I'll take black."
He was handing her an advantage. Lelouch had always played black against Nunnally during their time at the Kururugi shrine. At least until he shifted his attention to shogi and go. Suzaku had always wished for one rainy day game where he wasn't guaranteed to lose against both siblings.
"And Albert will be calling out the moves," Curnow said, replacing the black king on the board with his own ornamental version. Allie grudgingly stepped back, stopping by Suzaku's side. "What about a wager, girl?"
Nunnally tilted her head. "And what would you desire from me?"
"The boy. I have use for him."
Suzaku stiffened.
"You must think very little of me, Lord Curnow. I can only offer my own services, not those of my companions."
"No." Suzaku took a half-step forward. The risk was too great.
Lord Curnow's eyes narrowed. "Don't talk back, boy. Have some respect for your mistress."
"My apologies, my lord," Suzaku whispered, bowing his head. If he moved quickly enough, he could disable the three guards. The problem would be escaping the building intact and hiding from his men. The Black King was a dangerous opponent who hated to be denied what was his.
"If I win," Nunnally said, cutting through his thoughts. "I will take twenty grand."
"You're hardly worth that, girl."
"I have to make an income somehow, my lord. Now, e-4, please. Unless you think the risk is too high?"
Lord Curnow shifted the pawn before his knight forward. "I find commoners are very uppity. There is nothing to catch you if you fall."
Nunnally responded by ordering her other center pawn forward. "And who will catch you, Lord Curnow? Your enemies are bountiful."
The bishop slammed down on the board; the servant timidly said, "Bishop, g-7."
"Knight, c-3," Nunnally answered cheerfully. "Well, I guess a powerful man such as yourself has a great many allies."
Frowning, Lord Curnow considered the board for a moment, then moved the mirroring pawn forward which left his queen a possible escape. "My reach extends further than you can imagine."
"I don't need to imagine. From what I hear, the new peace treaty has caused some issues with your network." Nunnally leaned back, smiling brightly. "Bishop, c-4."
He pushed the pawn before his queen forward. "International trade is always fickle, but even your own headmaster has such problems."
"Queen, f-3." Nunnally ordered her queen into the open to control the center. "The Baiser de Veuve and Yibai Geren are both customers of yours, aren't they? The Diligent Hound as well, although they're within Britannia."
The guards and various spectators in the room shifted. Albert looked to his master nervously. The names meant nothing to Suzaku; they did to the Black King. But blackmailing a crime lord? This was going to blow up in their faces.
Lord Curnow pushed his pawn forward without a word.
Nunnally responded by ordering her other knight in front of the king. "Your reach does extend quite far. You're a man of many talents who is always happy to use them to make a profit."
"My business remains legal." At last, he began his counter attack, pushing a pawn two spaces forward, poised to take the bishop. "I learnt that from my predecessor. Your moral scruples mean little in the court of law, but I wonder if your family and friends can deal with the wrath of my perfectly legal displeasure."
She retreated with her bishop.
He pushed the far left pawn two spaces forward, fashioning an ominous line of pawns. "Children should not meddle in the realm of adults."
"I'm almost fourteen," she answered. "A-3."
His bishop on the white tiles shot forward to defend the line of pawns.
Nunnally sighed. "D-5." Her pawn crept past the center line to where it could be attacked. "It all comes down to allies. Should I fall, will mine risk their neck to save me? Perhaps they lack the power, but they will try. Could you say the same for yours?"
Capturing the pawn with one of his own, he said, "I have the wealth necessary to ensure they do."
She captured the pawn that took its brother. "Yet weakness is always punished. It's a festering sore, which once seen, begs others to take their shot."
"It's not weakness." He passed the pawn instead of capturing it. "My mind and influence remains the same."
"But a devastating wound can be acquired at any time," she said. "Knight, e-4."
He moved his queen one diagonal spot to the left where it stared down her non-existent defensive line. "You will always be weak, girl. I could be playing an entirely different game, yet you wouldn't even know."
"But you're not. C-4." The pawn waited to be captured.
He captured the pawn. "You're entirely dependent on everyone around you." His attention drifted to Allie. "Girl, how much do you want?"
Allie swallowed, eyes darting around the room. "I'm not-"
"Please, everyone has a price."
"Bishop, a-4. Check," Nunnally interrupted.
He blocked with the knight.
"Knight on two to c-3," Nunnally replied. "What's your price, Lord Curnow?"
Instead of answering, he nudged his king one space forward and tapped his fingers on the edge of the table. Nunnally didn't give him a moment to recover, aggressively pushing her knight forward. He captured it with his queen and leaned back, his attention drifting to them. There was a new found wariness in his eyes. Even if Nunnally lost-Suzaku had no idea who was winning-she had at least earned his respect.
"Knight e-4," Nunnally said calmly, attacking his queen. "You have built yourself a massive fortune, yet you mostly deal with favors."
"You can't afford me, girl." He moved his queen forward, capturing a pawn and attacking her knight.
"Bishop, g-5." The bishop, having not budged since the beginning of the game, shot forward. "Check."
"Knight from d to f-6," he finally said. "I admit you play well, but I am much more than a chess player."
She leaned forward. "Rook, d-1. Your mistake Lord Curnow was to assume I was just a blind school girl. Not even a chess player."
The queen fled from the rook's onslaught after a solid minute of deliberation. The servant next to him hesitated before saying the move aloud. Suzaku discreetly rolled his shoulders as tension in the room mounted. The Black King was one of the best chess players; he was losing.
"Rook, d-7, check," she said.
"Queen, d7," he said, capturing the piece.
"Bishop, d7." She captured his queen. "Like yourself, I am much more than a chess player, Lord Curnow."
He stared at the board, folded his hands together, and unfolded them again. The clock beside him ticked steadily on. "Pawn, h-6."
"Queen, d-1," Nunnally said.
Massaging his nose, he leaned back. "I owe you twenty thousand. Checkmate in one."
"If you would wire it to my account," Nunnally said, gesturing vaguely. Allie set a small card on the table.
"Albert, if you will." Lord Curnow said. His lips thinned as he studied her intently. "What is your price? You went to a lot of effort to catch my attention."
"Like I said, what is your price?"
"You misunderstand. I would prefer to employ a skilled player under amenable terms, but you will not leave until we have come to an agreement."
Armed men rushed into the room. Each took a stand along the wall, their faces hidden beneath a visor, and the threat of violence eminently clear.
This was why one didn't mess around with the Black King. If only Suzaku had been able to stop her from this foolish endeavor. Winning had never been the problem; the fallout had. Had she lost after gaining his respect, he maybe would have allowed them to leave unharmed.
Now, they were hostages.
Lord Curnow lips peeled back in a mockery of a smile. "Now, shall we negotiate?"
"Judging from the sound of boots that rushed in, your men have us surrounded? Good. An audience is always nice." Nunnally folded her hands together. "Now... Albert, right? How is that transfer going?"
"My lord... there's an error."
Lord Curnow stormed over and snatched the laptop. "How?"
The door burst open again as a harried man rushed inside. "My lord! I'm so sorry for the intrusion. Please forgive me- But... There is a break-in. The vault... It's empty!"
"You!" Lord Curnow growled. "Do you think you can just attack me?"
Gun fire echoed from down the hallway.
Nunnally stood up. "Of course I can. Your vault is empty, and I bet they took those illicit goods as well. A fortuitous favor for our partnership as Britannian Courts would not look lightly on those."
"Our partnership?"
"The briefcase, please?"
Euphie moved aside the bottles of liquor on the table and opened it. Inside was a stack of papers. Lord Curnow frantically grabbed them as his guards shifted in unease.
"These are my accounts."
"My accounts. You should be surprised by how many of your victims have such vivid memories of their time with you. You like them broken, or you think they are, but they're resourceful and filled with anger for the families you broke apart and the dignity you stole. They made answering your security questions a breeze."
"Kill them," Lord Curnow barked.
"He can't pay you," Nunnally interrupted. The men paused but didn't lower their guns. "Not to mention, my mother would torture you and your families to death."
His eyes flicked to Suzaku. "The Hoolong?"
"Oh, right. You never gave me the chance to introduce myself," she mocked. "Nunnally vi Britannia."
The guns around the room lowered. Lord Curnow paled.
"You're bankrupt. No court is ever going to open charges against me, if they even believe such a poor, fragile thing such as myself could rob you blind. The only thing you have are connections. While I want them, I am sure that someone else here will be much more cost effective. The question is whether I should kill you or let you walk through that door straight into the arms of my reporter who will eagerly rip you apart in the court of public opinions... Your family name, tarnished forever."
Lord Curnow bowed deeply. "Your Highness, please... Not that. Have mercy and allow me to die an honorable death."
"No. Your crimes are unforgivable, besides you still owe me twenty grand. Swear yourself to me."
After only a moment of hesitation, he ducked his head and dedicated his life to her. Britannians were a strange bunch; he sounded almost excited instead of terrified. The other guards in the room glanced at each other before falling to their knees. Nunnally accepted oaths from each and every single one of them.
The door banged open as men dressed in non-descript clothes aimed their guns threateningly at the armed guards kneeling on the floor. Slowly, the guns lowered in apparent confusion.
How the hell had Nunnally managed to coordinate with them?
"Tell your boss I handled things on my end," Nunnally ordered. "I wasn't going to leave my exit plan in someone else's hands. Although, to be fair, our game ended much quicker than expected.
The leader hesitated, transmitting Nunnally's message on his radio. Only after once again confirming she was fine, did he and his men leave.
"Zachary, will you escort my friend outside through the backdoors?" Nunnally asked.
One of the men leapt to his feet. "Your Highness, allow me to be their guide."
Hesitant to leave her in such danger, Suzaku met Allie's eyes. She nodded; he could go. Staying meant risking exposure. If Nunnally wanted him gone, she had the newly sworn in Britannians to call upon. This wasn't something he had ever imagined her capable of.
A simple chess game? When would he learn to not trust the words out of her mouth?
Euphie's hand slipped into his, and Allie smiled. They would be fine.
"Tomorrow, same time?" Nunnally asked, a slight edge of worry to her voice.
"Of course," Suzaku said. Next time though, he wouldn't fall to her pleading eyes and assist her in such a suicidal scheme.
Outside, Euphie looked up at the sky, still not letting go of his arm. "I never thought she would-"
"Me too," Suzaku whispered. He had been terribly wrong. Like her brother, Nunnally had changed. "Why?"
Euphie sighed. "Clovis assassinated a... friend. She wants to make a change... For that, you need power. I'm so- I can't compare. Lelouch... at least he's older, you know? But Nunnally? What am I even doing?"
"I know. It's hard. Both of them were always... better. She's not going to listen to me, but she needs to slow down... Be more cautious."
"She is"-her voice cracked-"but I wasn't. It's my fault he's dead, and now she's doing everything, and I'm just watching because I'll mess it up again. I want to help, but she's so angry all the time, and I don't even know why!"
"Why don't we go to the park? Get some snow cones, I'll tell you about the time Nunnally and I put frogs in Lelouch's bed. You'll tell me about your friend. And Euphie? You didn't pull the trigger or give the order. It's not your fault."
She sniffed and threw her arms around his neck. "Thank you."
Zeroth Division, Area Six
"Come in," Roy answered the polite knock on the door. He pushed aside the pile of paperwork and bit his lip. Lelouch wanted him to keep his status as royalty a secret, but that was a disaster waiting to happen. After the wedding, Roy had dug through countless of old photos with Selena, searching for images of the Emperor in his youth. There were barely any.
Lelouch was rather lucky. Because from the few grainy images he found, the resemblance to his father was uncanny. The Emperor looked so different out of the formal robes and wig.
As Lelouch stepped further into his role as a prince, he would draw more attention, and someone would finally make the connection that Lelouch Lamperouge was Lelouch vi Britannia. Especially if Lelouch continued growing like an annoying bean sprout. Roy missed towering over him.
"Brigadier Fadiman," York said, stopping in front of his desk with a crisp salute.
Roy checked the time. Wrong person. "What do you want?"
York dropped a stapled stack of papers on his desk. "OSI file on Kallen Stadtfeld."
Not caring for etiquette, Roy groaned. One issue at a time. What a spoiled noble brat was doing in their division was a job for a future him. Gino, unfortunately, was over the moon to have a sparring partner and insisted that he couldn't transfer her elsewhere. She was going to find out about his and Lelouch's role eventually. From there, it took barely any effort to realize they were the Zeroth Division.
"Please say it has something incriminating?" Roy asked. Then Gino wouldn't be able to complain. He just needed an excuse. Damn her for actually being polite to the technicians. Gino wouldn't be so enamored if she had that particular poisonous attitude.
Surprisingly, York scowled. Normally, sadistic glee was the only thing to slip through his mask. "Interesting, yes. Incriminating, no. She has unfortunate connections that put Lelouch at risk."
"Lamperouge," Roy corrected. Connections? Right, Lord Ashford. And with it, an avenue that could possibly compromise Lelouch's identity as a prince. "You know, don't you?"
"Know what, sir?"
Roy sighed. "Lelouch and I had a long talk about his family." Still, no answer from York, but he was an OSI agent. If anyone else knew, it was definitely him. "I've met Lelouch's mother three times now. Apparently, my grandmother met her too."
York's shoulders sank. A crack in his mask. "You mean Lelouch's last name confusion?"
"Yes, that. There's a reason Empress Marianne talked to you before the General back then."
With a wince, York shed his mask, and drew out a chair. He waited for a moment, but when no objection came, sat down. "He finally told you then? About his royal problem?"
Ignoring the question, Roy asked, "How long have you known that Lelouch is a prince?"
"Right before you shipped out."
"You hurt him," Roy growled. "You hurt him despite knowing the truth.'
York's mouth twisted in a cruel mockery of a smile. "I didn't harm a single hair on his head once I knew."
Implying he had hurt him physically before.
"Harm doesn't have to be physical. You know that," Roy snapped.
"I taught him what he needed to learn," York said. "Why? That's what you really want to know. All of you constantly try to coddle him. That is not what Britannia needs. I already knew that before I learned the truth. He had a strength to him that is rare among adults, let alone children who lied about their age. He would've made an exemplary agent, but once I knew who he was, I had the opportunity to craft the perfect prince."
"That's not what he wants."
"Does it matter what he wants?" York leaned back, smile turning into something horrifyingly fond. "You should've seen him. He tried so hard to escape my control, exploited every loophole. Every time I thought I had him cornered, he would surprise me yet again. Even Alex can't compare although he has similar streaks of brazenness. Lelouch was a mere child, brimming with potential, yet so willing to throw it away for something as mediocre as normality. If I could, I would thank the Count for finally curing him of that stubbornness."
Roy clenched his fists beneath the table, fingernails digging into his skin. He had been far too blind if the monster before him still walked free. "It ends now. Your days in the division are numbered."
York laughed and stood. "My boy, please. Lelouch could've gotten rid of me anytime he wanted. I would just be replaced by another agent who will be less sympathetic to the division's unorthodox ways. And Lelouch? He'll probably be dead or kidnapped within a month. He has enemies hidden in the OSI. Why do you think that the official intelligence reports are often lacking or even outright wrong in essential aspects?"
"I will figure something out." Roy stood, glowering at the man. "For now, you're relieved of your duties."
"Do that, and Alex will be lost forever. Do you think Lelouch would forgive you for that? They were always the closest." A knock interrupted them; York opened the door. "Ah, the Crow. We should start a club."
The door closed and Roy barely restrained himself from shouting. Swamped in work, he hadn't even realized that Alex had been absent since the wedding. "What did you do to Alex?"
Art glared at York and stepped forward. "He sent him on an OSI mission which Lelouch has been rejecting for the last year and a half."
"I think he is going to be rather pissed," York said idly. "But he'll realize its necessity. It wouldn't do for my superiors to think my loyalty is misplaced because I refused to send my wonderful pupil into the real world. Even Alex agreed."
"You don't have an ounce of loyalty," Roy growled. Although, why Alex would agree to this was beyond him. In hindsight, he had tried to warn him. So had Art. But none of them had said enough to stop it from actually happening. "Neither of you do."
York shrugged. "I'll agree that the Crow doesn't, but I will always serve Britannia and her interests. And what she needs is for Lelouch to bring the world to its knees. Lelouch once wrote an essay on how the E.U. could conquer Britannia in a little under a year. As long as other nations oppose us, there will always be a chance of foreign agitation. With minor adjustments, his strategies would work against any other nation. I'm sure he has managed to discover more brilliant solutions in the past three years, even if he has no intention of following through. I will leave that matter of motivation to the Emperor."
Or Empress Marianne. Everyone wanted to use him. To make him a conqueror.
"Art," Roy said. "Detain him."
"Do that," York said coldly, "and I'll finally have the answer to who Lelouch would choose. You or Alex."
"What do you mean?" Roy barked.
"OSI agents are only tracked by number, not name. Without it, you would need to interview every agent to find him. And without the number, Lelouch can't recall him. Now, let me go."
"Get out," Roy snarled. "Out!"
Leaning over his desk, he squeezed his eyes shut. He had thought he had been doing so well in keeping everything together after the initial hiccups. The work was strenuous, but everything was under control. Except it wasn't. Roy had handed the man who hurt Lelouch the leverage necessary to ensure his compliance.
Shit.
Alex didn't deserve this either, despite Roy cursing him for not being more forthcoming. And Lelouch for not having the common sense to warn him, for not saying anything about the viper he kept in their home.
Roy turned to the other man who had harmed Lelouch. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Would you have believed me?" Art's shoulders drooped. "I hadn't realized the full extent of York's plan or I would have taken more extreme measures."
"Damn it." Collapsing in his chair, Roy cradled his head. Art could have laid out everything, but Roy would have dismissed him. Of course the Crow would be working to undermine them. While OSI agents weren't trustworthy, he would never have imagined one to resort to such underhanded tactics. "I'm terribly naive, aren't I? Lelouch would've-"
"Except he bided his time and waited for Lelouch to leave," Art said slowly. "Even if you had listened... He would've found another way to slip Lelouch's leash."
Roy buried his head in his hands. That did not make him feel any better. He had failed his friend.
Pushing himself upright, he focused on Art again and the reason he had ordered him to come here. "Why was Lelouch in Area Eleven during the invasion?"
To his credit, Art remained perfectly still. "Why do you think I would know?"
"Lelouch tells you things."
"Why don't you ask him then?"
"You know why," Roy snapped. With a slow exhale, he forced his heart to calm. "I can't help Lelouch when he shuts me out. I'm constantly swimming blind, and it already bit me in the ass. I don't even know what York did. I can only guess based off of Lelouch's discomfort and his job with the OSI."
"He forced Lelouch to watch," Art answered. "York would torture a prisoner and try to coerce Lelouch into assisting. If Lelouch disobeyed him, then Alex was punished."
The truth from which he had hid for so long hurt, but now it was too late to turn back. The Emperor couldn't be trusted to act in Lelouch's best interest. Empress Marianne was not the noble knight he imagined, having failed in her duties to her son. And one of his friends was a spy for the Emperor...
"It's Henry, isn't it?"
"Excuse me?"
"The spy. He has the access... Well, it could be Frederick, but Lelouch prefers his company in general."
"An Unspeakable," Art confirmed the damning title. An old practice that had fallen out of disfavor, and Henry was definitely too young, but what were idle laws compared to the Emperor's will?
Had Henry been a simple paid informant, then Roy would have given him a lecture on loyalty. Arranged things so that Henry would feed the Emperor false information which would give Lelouch finally the room to breathe. Except he was an Unspeakable. Legally, he wasn't even a person. He had no rights. Couldn't marry. Couldn't own property. Couldn't act as a witness. And while his situation was unusual, an Unspeakable's family was always held as a hostage.
Nothing Roy did could even shield Henry against the potential fallout. Even the Emperor's death wouldn't break the bond of servitude.
Despite these various reasons which screamed that Henry had no choice. That Henry had every reason to betray them at every turn to the Emperor. Roy felt betrayed.
"Three daggers to his back," Roy said bitterly. "One if he strays from the path of whatever a perfect prince means, another if he turns from his father, and the last from you. I'd watch yourself, Crow."
Art's lips thinned, gaze flicking around the room. "I should warn you, the office is most likely bugged. Alex was very diligent in his duties, regardless of his feelings." He pulled a small box out of his pocket and gently set it on the table. "You're new to the game, and until you know the lay of the land, I would stick to your strengths."
"I know what is at stake." Yet Roy accepted the buzzing jammer, pocketing the illegal device.
"Do you know why Lelouch is backing Odysseus instead of Schneizel? Or what he's planning by manipulating the market? Or who is behind the debilitating attack on his mother?" Art stood, the silent "no" ringing in the room. "In the game of subterfuge, York has the most experience. He doesn't understand the political angle though, or how to influence a crowd. The loyalty of the division befuddles him. I can balance subterfuge with politics. Lelouch, unfortunately, is too easily blinded by his feelings."
An instinctive retort died on Roy's lips, for as much as he wished to defend Lelouch, the Crow was right. Case-in-point was his intention to keep his identity a secret forever.
"Much of my work is making sure that when the Emperor dies, Odysseus has enough goodwill to be accepted by the general public. While he is a skilled bureaucrat and diplomat, he never bothered to sway public opinion. Fortunately, his projects simply need publicity. Lelouch, while excellent at many things, does not have the time to deal with every aspect. Until you have developed the connections and skills necessary to handle my role, you would cripple Lelouch by killing me. Once you can answer the questions and determine whatever Lelouch's latest scheme is at the time, you're free to do so."
Long after the door closed, Roy unclenched his fists. The answers were still no. He wasn't sure if he would ever know. Politics...
Lelouch was ensnared by the strings of duty, obligation, and expectation. A tangled puppet serving multiple masters with the Emperor holding the most sway. But Lelouch had cast his own web, and Roy could see those strings closing in.
They were all bound to Lelouch in some way, even his enemies. Some, like Frederick, had clear cut roles. But what was Roy intended to be?
He couldn't play the game of politics. Yes, he understood the basics and customs, but he never had the necessary passion. He never found the joy his grandmother did in dropping a few timed words to watch alliances shift. Lelouch had taught him to see the people, not status, but to play the game of politics was to deny individualism.
There were no friends; only pieces.
Viceroy Palace, Tokyo, Area Eleven
Lelouch finished his much abridged explanation-Cornelia didn't need to know about the Count's painful, personal interest or what he had done under Fortescue's incompetent orders-and waited for her to respond. She bit her lip and glanced at his guards and her knight standing just far enough to give them a moment of privacy. Slowly, she uncurled her fists.
"Your aptitude for mischief is limitless, but even I cannot imagine you crafting such an unbelievable lie. Regardless, I hope your guards confirm your tale," she said.
"Of course."
"What were you thinking?" she asked, eyes wide in anguish. "You're a child, but you willingly entered a death field. That's no place for people like us. Tricking your mother-"
"She allowed me to go, fully aware of my plan," Lelouch cut in coldly. "And Cornelia? I know what happens to those at court deemed as a threat. I had nothing to my name. Is it really a surprise that I would downplay myself? I haven't been a child in a long time."
Her face twisted. "You still are."
"Yet the age of enlistment is fourteen. Even you attended the academy and trained for military life at the age of fourteen."
"Training is not combat," she spat. Straightening, she took a shaky breath. "You were twelve... I can't believe that Lady Marianne... or the Emperor would allow this."
In her own way, she cared. Even if it was the overbearing type of care with which she smothered Euphemia. He smiled slightly to ease her worries. "I was always more mature than other children my age."
"You replaced my hair dye ten times," she hissed. "Exchanged my shoes so they were exactly one size smaller. Put a garden snake in my bed." The last one had actually been Euphie and Nunnally. Admittedly, Lelouch hadn't bothered to stop them, too engrossed in his book and relieved that they weren't dragging him outside. "You threw a tantrum that I could hear on the opposite end of the villa when a tutor had the courage to correct you. In no way were you mature. Intelligent, yes; wise, absolutely not."
"I was bored," Lelouch mumbled, face warming. "And... My mother almost died. I wasn't a child by the time I enlisted. It's… No one is at fault."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Cornelia asked. "We've had our differences, but I would've listened. Talked to the Emperor on your behalf. You could've come home."
"Cornelia... The division is my home. My mother hasn't returned to the villa since that night. The palace is more of a temporary accomodation, but the only people there are either servants, nobles who want to exploit me, or siblings who would kill me given the opportunity."
"Who?" Cornelia growled.
Lelouch rolled his eyes. "They're not stupid enough to do anything... most of them. But can you understand why I would prefer to be with my division? You prefer being on the field yourself, don't you? You joined my mother's guard in the first place to avoid your own mother."
"If she tries to arrange another useless suitor-" She grimaced. "I understand. Would you have told me if the Emperor hadn't ordered you to attend?"
"No."
"Why?"
"You've spent years disparaging Zero," Lelouch said flatly. "I barely know you."
"You're my brother," she whispered.
"And how many of them do we have again?" Lelouch asked lightly.
Exasperated, she threw up her hands. "I wouldn't hurt you."
"You're a popular commander. The men are more loyal to you than any other commander here they might serve. You may dismiss politics for drawing out conflicts and changing the rules of engagement for someone else's benefit, yet it is in politics where wars are ultimately lost or won. By shunning the arena, you will always be a pawn in someone else's political ambition. Even if I were to trust your good intentions today, I cannot predict your future master's attitude to myself. So while we're not enemies, and we could possibly be temporary allies, I will never be able to trust you."
She drew back as if seeing him properly for the first time. "Father did this to you," she spat. "You can't even see that it is wrong. Lady Marianne- He must have interfered. None of this makes sense."
Lelouch turned away, lest his face betray him. She looked up to his mother. He couldn't succumb to temptation and rip that away from her. "We should return. Lunch will be ending soon. The longer we abstain, the more questions they will have regarding my presence. I'm surprised that they haven't realized the truth yet."
"General Vandergelt and I were the only ones who knew Zero was attending today. But a Major General at seventeen? It's simply not done. Even when France broke with tradition and pulled officers from the unknown, they were still in the twenties. You gained your rank at fourteen. The others barely accept me; your victories are ones of trickery."
"They're effective," Lelouch corrected. "Ask whenever you're ready for the storm of questions."
Two hours later, once again seated at the table, Cornelia nodded to him, and he knew the time had come. How long could he enforce their silence? How long until the E.U. finally learned who he was and had a proper name for their assassination orders? How long until the rest of the court realized that his unprecedented rise spelled trouble for their own plans? How long until even his own men knew and turned the other way? He didn't deserve their loyalty; not when his orders stripped their people of the ability to fight.
He stood.
"While it shouldn't need to be said, any leaks will be investigated and punished under the full extent of the law. The Emperor has been meticulous in keeping Zero's identity a secret; your presence here is an extension of trust." Horror, anger, and confusion flashed across various faces. "Since the end of 2013, I have been functioning as Zero. The Emperor promoted me after defeating the Count. I have maintained my position since then by successfully eradicating terrorism in various regions. My knowledge is at your disposal."
Offheimer sneered from across the table. "You expect me to believe a child accomplished such feats? Where is your Darlton?"
Cornelia and Darlton scowled but remained quiet. While Cornelia wouldn't retaliate, Lelouch wasn't sure if Darlton would let the insult stand.
Coldly, Lelouch answered, "My victories are my own." And his men's, but such a statement would only make him look weak. "If I were lying, do you think General Cornelia would allow me to stand here and disparage our military? While you may have your disputes, her commitment cannot be questioned."
Another General, idly cleaning his glasses a few seats down, asked, "So the Emperor has finally decided to elevate one of his sons? His tutelage must be effective given your track record." Even general Vandergelt titled his head in consideration as others nodded. "The question is if it's because you've caught his eye or because he favors your mother."
Lelouch unclenched his jaw. "Do my tactics resemble my father's?"
General Vandergelt shrugged. "He was always unpredictable."
Why did everyone insist on such comparisons? They were nothing alike. The only thing he shared with his father was his eyes. He should never have dyed his hair blond.
"They're not aggressive enough," someone else said.
"But if the Emperor was trying to be subtle?"
"His Majesty is older now. And while they're unorthodox, they have proven effective."
"Despite his personal philosophy, the Emperor always embraced what worked."
"Not my idea."
"While effective, it was rather cost prohibitive."
Clearing his throat, General Vandergelt cut through the din of speculations. "I can confirm that the Emperor was not behind Zero's tactics. I've also had the honor of reading through the original reports myself."
Lelouch refused to believe his father would have approached a battlefield similarly. Unlike him, his father didn't see any inherent value in the life of others. The men would've never listened to him-even if they got over their hatred for the Emperor. And his father's refusal to allow Lelouch to properly promote Pablo showed that he would never have given the men-on the account of being inherently untrustworthy as Numbers-the necessary freedom and flexibility that allowed them to conduct small targeted attacks.
No, they were nothing alike. Now, if only everyone else could get the memo.
"If you are all quite done," Lelouch said, leveling a glare across the room and waiting for them to quiet, "we have actual business to attend to instead of gossiping. Also, a reminder. Any gossip will remain in this room. No one is to know that I am Zero until the Emperor decrees it. Do you understand?"
Somehow, despite being all from well-bred families or whatever bullshit they argued made them superior, they acted more like one of his troublesome platoons in his division filled with those they would barely consider human.
An officer snickered. "I would've thought from your attitude at various parties that you know how to have fun."
"Funny," Lelouch said flatly, "I don't hear the orchestra. Now, if you could please direct your attention to page 219, figure five..."
Agonizingly slowly, Lelouch laid out the important aspects of the treaty. Since Britannia had ceased oil exports from Venezuela under the pretext of terrorists destroying key infrastructure, the shortage had caused oil prices to rise around the world. The EU, preferring to believe that corporate interests aligned with the government's, was feeling the loss keenly as Russian companies maintained existing contracts with Britannian companies instead of diverting resources to their homeland. The Chinese were the worst hit, their coffers dwindling even further as they desperately paid through the nose to the MEF.
"What is the purpose of this?" Offheimer wrinkled his nose. "Oil's up. We're bleeding money to the MEF, enriching our future enemy. Not that I mind, but it is rather wasteful."
General Paddington squinted at the paper. "It's a short term loss which we can handle. In about a year, we can flood the market and drive prices to an all time low. But the general does have a point. The MEF will become a more powerful opponent, even if this will weaken the Chinese."
"The Chinese are already weak. Bleeding them before the battle even begins will make our victory hollow," Offheimer dismissed.
Lelouch bit back a sigh. His father hadn't needed all these explanations. It was so painfully obvious, especially when laid out in graphs, yet they couldn't see what was right in front of them. "The MEF, despite their recent financial windfall, doesn't have the necessary capital. They know they're in a tenuous position and that they will become unimportant once our exports resume. Their priority right now is updating infrastructure and their military; for that, they need loans."
General Vandergelt's eyebrows rose. "Loans which Britannia will leverage. We can use them as a pretext to send our own agents into the country, and once the price drops, the MEF will default... leaving valuable infrastructure under our control. The E.U. will never allow it."
"Which is where our agents come into play. Distributing land in Area Fifteen to various nobles is not a pressing concern and allowing resistance movements to publicly prosper will give our agents the political cover necessary to focus their attacks on the Port of Djibouti which is currently being leased to the M.E.F., whose defense is contracted out to E.U. troops. Should the local fort fall to terrorism, the port reverts back to Britannian control. By the time the E.U. can do anything, they'll already be economically isolated as we control trade by sea and land. They're a democracy; the citizens will vote for whomever can return them their comforts. Their companies will conform to whatever rules we decree to allow them to return to business as usual."
"This seems needlessly complicated," Cornelia grumbled. "We could take them out in a month or two."
"You'll be fighting on sand," Lelouch reminded her. "Inside metal coffins under the scorching sun without any cover. Attacking the M.E.F. directly is what both the E.U. and the C.F. expect. They both have a vested interest in ensuring they remain an independent buffer state. In the worst case, the E.U. and the C.F. will finally ally to repel our invasion and reclaim their former territories. Everyone here knows such a conflict would be needlessly bloody."
Offheimer snorted. "As if the eunuchs could ever put their personal ambition aside for the greater good. Or the E.U. will ever decide on action that risks the lives of their honorable citizens. For all of Napoleon's faults, he managed to raise an army of disposable commoners. Now? The French are too soft and unable to make the necessary sacrifices. Sheltered in their cities, they know nothing of war or honor."
He only knew war from within a secure G-1 Base.
General Paddington shook his head. "They will conscript more refugees first. I know, I know. They're officially volunteers and can earn French citizenship, but the numbers don't add up. We find too many Elevens on the battlefield."
"The point," Lelouch said, "is that we can achieve our military objectives with minimal casualties. We don't need to conquer the E.U. or C.F. and designate them an Area if they're under our economic control. Both countries are also much more populous than previous targets. The residents are also used to a much higher standard of living than the Number system could ever provide. Conquering them in a traditional manner would cripple Britannia in the long run as we constantly fight ourselves."
"Dead men can't cause trouble," Cornelia said simply.
Revulsion coiled in his stomach. She couldn't truly mean that? Hundreds of millions would die.
Unfortunately, the most important argument, the human one, wouldn't sway anyone in the room. Their heads bobbed in agreement. He could see the glimmer of interest in their eyes as they considered the most effective way of establishing permanent peace. Could he argue that such actions would disturb their own populace? The average citizen didn't understand what entailed making a conquered territory ready for settlement. They understood nothing, yet they had years of conditioning.
Some people would inevitably care... but would it be enough to sway the minds of the people here? Would it be enough that deploying the OSI to make use of targeted assassinations would be cumbersome? Would it be enough to make them even look twice at the number of casualties?
There was only one truly effective argument, the cruelest of them all.
"It's not cost effective." Lelouch pushed down his unease and rolled back his shoulders with false confidence. "Such tactics rely on overwhelming force, and as Britannia's territory expands, we need exponentially more soldiers to maintain the necessary levels of control. This method is cheaper and risks fewer of our soldiers' lives. Additionally, knightmares are becoming increasingly more expensive to repair, and we will need them en-masse if you wish to conquer the MEF and then steamroll through the E.U. Noble lives will be lost. Why take such a risk when simple patience will deliver a victory to us?"
Despite their grumblings, the argument landed home. The Empire's budget was always a cause for concern.
Cornelia hummed absently. "The Chinese navy could also prove troublesome. Overextending in the Middle East would tie up our own navy and leave the Areas vulnerable. They have been testing our territorial waters."
Offheimer snorted. "We have knightmares. It is hardly a matter of concern. Schneizel's new toys should come out of development soon. They would deal with those outdated scrap heaps easily. Do you agree, General Bartley?"
Across the table, General Bartley jumped, almost knocking over his wine glass. "Of course. We have spent the past few years bolstering our artillery on the west side. Our local forces are ready to be called on in a moment's notice."
"Right," General Paddington said slowly. "Yet where were your forces when the Blood of the Samurai attacked? Last week, the military base by Nagoya burned, and you are lucky that the press believed your fabricated excuse. Remind me, how many Britannian soldiers did we lose?"
"That was-"
"Or yesterday, when Kusa-" He waved his hand "-their Eleven leader, took another hotel hostage, this time in Hamamatsu. You claim your defenses are ready, yet the enemy is already within your walls, and you appear to be doing nothing."
General Vandergelt cleared his throat and shot the younger man a silencing glare. "While we are not questioning your competency, I believe I speak for all of us when I say that your lack of progress in dealing with the insurgents is troublesome. If they are a greater threat than previous reports indicate, we need to know and take appropriate actions."
Shit. Lelouch froze as heads turned his way expectantly.
He did not want to bring his division here. Or even be here in any official, advisory capacity. Suzaku was out there. There was no way he would be able to hide forever, especially with both York and Art diligently analyzing intelligence reports. If Lelouch was here, he would finally have to name Tohdoh as the most likely leader behind the JLF. And he would no longer be able to turn a deliberate blind eye to Kaguya's side dealings. If he was lucky, nothing would be found.
Lelouch wasn't lucky.
"What is your biggest problem in detaining these terrorists, General?" Lelouch asked, barely able to maintain his aloof facade.
Bartley glowered. "The terrorists have been escaping through the tunnels, and filling them in is a time intensive endeavor. Unfortunately, our intelligence is lacking specificity necessary to take a targeted approach. We do know that various terrorist cells have generous backers, not just the usual local and foreign support."
"Treason," Cornelia growled. Murmurs of agreement resounded around the table. "Perhaps if Clovis was less easily bedazzled by a pretty face, you would have less rats in your home."
"It's not our fault," Bartley blustered. "The savages are unrepentant and lack all reason. They would rather all die than submit to Britannian rule."
"Clearly," Lelouch cut in and shoved his guilt aside. "Area Eleven is not ready to stand alone against a Chinese invasion without the support of the navy. As the sakuradite mines are too valuable to lose, we should prioritize the protection of this Area over future conquest."
And with that, the M.E.F would live for a while longer. In its place, the E.U. would fall.
Lelouch hadn't chosen this path because it was more cost effective... or because of the devastating human toll that a war with the E.U. would result in. No, his plan was born from a much more selfish wish. To not partake in a War of Conquest.
His specialty was in counter insurgency, but his mind was much too useful for his father to not put him to work eventually. And in urban environments, where the death toll would inevitably be the highest, Lelouch had the most experience. For now, with Cornelia's attention turning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he had bought himself more time.
To avoid being sent to Area Eleven would require some additional work.
That evening, when Henry snapped a pair of handcuffs around their wrists to prevent any other midnight strolls, Lelouch closed his eyes as if to escape the burning guilt. Someone else would be sent to Area Eleven because of Bartley's incompetence. Their tactics would reap countless more lives than Lelouch's ever would. If he truly cared for Japan, he would offer his assistance.
But he didn't. The Japan he remembered was long dead and buried. It was all for Suzaku's sake... no, it was for his sake because Lelouch couldn't strike against their precious bond. Why was he so selfish?
"I'm getting a drink," Frederick announced, having changed into regular civilian clothes. "Do you want me to get you anything, Henry?"
Henry grunted.
"Is this really necessary?" Lelouch grumbled, raising his wrist chained to Henry's.
"Yes," Henry said.
"He's going to cling to you like a monkey," Frederick said. "You'd be more comfortable with that on the bed."
Lelouch didn't cling... He just liked knowing there was someone else.
"The bed won't wake up if he picks the locks," Henry said.
"I'm sorry," Lelouch whispered as the door slammed shut. To whom he was speaking, he didn't know.
To his side, Henry turned over without another word. Shouted insults would have been preferable to the devastating silence.
Babel Tower, Area Eleven
Nunnally finished listening to the interview as Lord Curnow threw his servant, Albert, under the bus for running ethically dubious operations under his nose. His apologies didn't sound particularly sincere, but no one would question it when his victims would receive proper compensation in the coming weeks. Of course, Nunnally wasn't going to return control over his bank accounts to him any time soon.
"Had I known this is what you meant with there being a potential story," Mr. Reid said, his crisp and measured steps stopping beside her, "I would've stopped this foolish endeavor. What are you trying to accomplish here?"
"You've hardly been teaching me anything. I thought I should give you an additional incentive..." She faced his general direction and smiled brightly. "Your fate is tied to Clovis's, but you can already feel the wind changing, otherwise, you wouldn't be looking for side work. While prudent, I wonder what he would think of your lack of loyalty."
"And I wonder what your mother will think of this," he growled.
"I think she would be rather proud. I always had a network of whispers, but now I have the actual funds to achieve my goals." She had achieved power entirely on her own. Not even Lelouch could claim that. "I can at least promise that I will be much more interesting than Clovis should you support me."
"Lord Curnow will stab you in the back."
"No, I don't think so. He believes my mother was involved in this scheme, and she's a foe few would dare to antagonize. He has much more to gain in supporting me than betraying me."
"Your fourteenth birthday..."
"Unlike my brother, I won't be squandering the opportunity to make an impression when I'm formally presented to the court. I do not have the luxury of working from the shadows; I will be forgotten. I need allies on my side to make a strong impression and convince the Emperor that I am of use to him. Will you support me?"
She held out her hand expectantly and listened keenly to the small surprised hitch in his breath. While it wasn't proper for a royal to touch a commoner, she always had better luck guessing other's thoughts if she could feel their pulse. A warm hand settled into hers, and she gripped it tightly.
"You made the right choice, Mr. Reid. Clovis will be ruined within a year." She smothered her smile at his surprise and sudden anticipation. He was an ambitious man, and as long as she helped him to continue to climb higher, he would follow her. None of her half-siblings would give him the freedom he desperately craved-exceptLelouch, but he wouldn't deny her this. "Media Director to a Viceroy and barely thirty. Your coworkers would kill for your spot, yet you're stagnant. There is nowhere else to climb, especially under Clovis."
"You want his spot," he said breathily.
She quieted and took a step closer, still not letting go of his hand. "I think I will need a few more years until anyone would consider me, especially because Clovis made such a mess of things, but yes, eventually."
"And from there?"
Her smile turned honest. Smart was always good. "Britannia will never accept me as an Empress, nor do I feel the need to lock myself in a room with paperwork to uphold the current system for the majority of my life. I was thinking more of a cabinet position. I will need someone to handle public relations, and eventually, if you so wish, Lord Reighton will retire and Britannia will need a new Culture Secretary."
Finally, she let him withdraw his hand, shaking with nervous excitement.
"You dream big, Your Highness," he whispered. "A commoner in a noble's office..."
"A situation easily rectified with royal favor," Nunnally said simply.
"You lack the resources to pull off a task of such magnitude, even with taking over the Black King's business. Your other siblings can rely on their mothers to provide them with resources."
"Lord Ashford basically raised my mother. He took me and my brother in after the failed assassination attempt. His granddaughter is his only heir and one of my closest friends. The vi Britannias are not as dependent on the Emperor's favor as everyone thinks. And unlike every other Empress, my mother does have it."
"Your brother will then pursue the throne himself."
The smile dropped. "My brother currently lacks the necessary ambition. I will always support him, but understand that your alliance would be with me, not him. Before you think you can convince him otherwise, know that he will not spare you a second. Reporters are far beneath him."
"Then what will he do?" Mr. Reid asked, his small step echoing in the room.
Hopefully, nothing at all. She wanted him to shed his burden, but his rambled retirement plans always included her coming along. She never had the opportunity to prove to the world what she could do. If there was a chance to change the world, she had to take it. Lelouch though... He had given so much, and she could barely find her brother buried beneath the responsibilities he accrued.
"Do you accept my deal?" she asked.
A long pause stretched between them. "Yes, Your Highness. I will support you."
She leaned in, felt the subtle heat of his body, and heard the stiff fabrics creak. Reaching up, she pulled him down by the collar and whispered the truth, "My brother is Zero."
He swallowed as his heart rate spiked against the tips of her fingers.
"Should anyone learn that you know," she continued, "the Emperor will have you executed."
Rather, should she ever doubt his loyalty, all she had to do was explain to her mother through frantic sobs that she let it slip to Mr. Reid and was so worried about what he would do with that information. She trusted him to be smart enough to understand the implication.
"I will keep that in mind," he said through a strangled breath. "I've been working on a small news story with housing development... if that is something you would appreciate learning more about."
Finally, they understood each other.
"I will be there," she said cheerfully. "And I need you to spin the protests next Monday in a positive light. I promise it will be an interesting story."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Worldbuilding Thoughts:
- How hot do knightmares get? There is probably some sort of cooling systems, but I'm imagining them sitting under the hot sun. AC becomes more ineffective as temperatures rise, and a metal is probably not that great for insulation.
- Britannia's tactics ironically remind me of the ones popularized during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Of particular note is the War in Vendee (a region within France) where the Republican general Louis Marie Turreau sent thousands of soldiers to march across the French countryside in a grid fashion to systematically destroy everything. In some cities, they only killed suspected rebels; in others, loyal patriots to the revolutions were sentenced to death as well. Over a quarter of the region lost their lives.
- The game Nunnally played used the moves from Judit Polgar vs Alexey Shirov (1995). It earned the nickname Hungarian Rhapsody. In 1994 Shirov was ranked #2 in the world, so his defeat was pretty surprising. (Everyone in this fic might now be too good at chess because I got tired of throwing my abysmal chess skills against the computer to generate moves.)
Author's Note:
Lelouch: How dare you accuse me of being like my parents?
Nunnally: Kneel.
I remember at the end of book 1 where (paraphrased) my beta told me it would've been better for Lelouch to kill York, and I said yes, it is going to bite him in the ass because York will figure out how to slip his leash. It only took 20 chapters for it to finally happen.
Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. It had both Nunnally and Lelouch, and nothing actually bad happened. In exciting news, book 2 has more comments on both sites than book 1. Every other stat is trailing behind, but that's what I get for splitting it into a series. I'm super grateful for everyone's support.
I recently published a one-shot called, When One Swallows a Heart. I thought it was going to be some happy, time travel fic… Nope. It's horror. My first, admittedly accidental, foray into the genre.
Chat with me on the discord: discord . gg / uSBegVj
Thank you x1tears1X on FFN and Dark for your help with betaing.