The Lion of Britannia (A Code Geass SI) Chapter III

2017 A.T.B.

Britannian Army Field Hospital, Cambodia

"Um...er your highness," Dr. Chesterfield said to me, "I'm sorry for disturbing you, but you have an incoming call from your brother his highness, Prince Schniezel."

Oh crap he wants to talk to me now of all times! Will he be able to tell I'm not really his brother? I took a deep breath, and said "put him through."

The Nurse then brought in what looked like giant box with a CRT display attached to it. I assumed it was some sort of field telephone used by the Britannian Army when in remote locations like this. The nurse handed me the handset after which the screen whirred to life giving me a grainy of my brother the Second Prince of the Empire: Schniezel el Britannia. He looked very much like how he appeared in the anime with the same hair style, facial features, and the same neo-18th century style royal tunic with black and gold accents.

"Hello dear brother, I see you are looking well," he said to me.

"Why thank you Schniezel? H..how is mother doing? I hope she isn't worrying over me right now" I said to him.

Schniezel then looked at me and said, "while your little stunt with the Vanguard while commendable, it did cause her to worry over your safety."

Schniezel's expression then somewhat darkened as he said, "Do take better care of yourself next time Maximilian, I already lost two brothers to these wars, and I do not want to lose a third."

Wait did he just express concern over my safety!? Schniezel here seems somewhat softer than how I remember him from the Anime when looking at Maximilian's memories and perceptions of him. My thoughts drifted to how he was kind to both Cornelia and Euphemia while being polite and respectful to his elder brother Prince Odysseus. Then again this was the same man who had Cornelia shot at the snap of his fingers and dropped a Fleia on all his other siblings who were residing in Pendragon after Lelouch took over. He while also appearing kind to Nunnally also lied to her and prepared to leave her alone in the Damocles while he escaped. While I get that his siblings were Geassed, his decision to obliterate most of his family without a second thought unsettled me. Then again he did have Cornelia placed in an infirmary right after she was "incapacitated," so maybe he did have some concern for his siblings. There were some fan theories I read about before I was transplanted here, that postulated that perhaps Schniezel was only really driven insane after the death of Euphie with the SAZ incident. Schniezel also was utterly appalled by the violence, so perhaps big brother dearest might end up as a crucial ally rather than a potential enemy.

"Of course brother," I said to him. "Thank you for expressing concern for my safety, but I must ask how are things over there in Pendragon?"

"Things in Pendragon are the same as they always were. Though there are those among the military who are concerned about the Empire's wars in Cambodia sapping up its resources with Area 12 just being established and the growing unrest and terrorist activity within Area 11," Schniezel said.

"In regards to the Chinese Federation, I am fairly certain that they are the ones providing weapons and supplies to the Cambodian defenders. Before I ejected from my Knightmare I distinctly remember the Cambodians using Chinese Federation made weaponry and Knightmares like the Gun-Ru. Do you know if they are planning a direct military intervention?" I asked him concerned about the concerned about the current military campaign I'm stuck in.

"So its as I suspected," Schniezel said "The Chinese Federation has been growing ever more belligerent after the ascension of the Guagnxu Emperor. His attempts to reform the Empire and resist the Britannia's influence has made him a particular thorn in our side. I will speak with Father and the General staff about issuing more reinforcements towards Cambodia just to be safe. Thought part of the Pacific Fleet is already on its way to deter a direct Chinese Intervention."

"Thank you Schniezel. I will try my best to deliver a victory in this conflict," I said to him.

"I hope so for your sake. You know better than I that Father doesn't respond well to failure, and there's only so much I can do to protect you from the vultures within the Imperial Court looking to kick you when you are down," he said sincerely.

"Yes brother, I understand."

"What is it Kannon?" Schniezel said turning his attention away from the screen.

After some inaudible exchange occurred between them he said, "it appears something has come up. I will speak to you again later, until then stay safe dear brother."

And with that the call ended as the the screen turned grey with static appearing on it.

"It appears the call has ended, Dr. Chesterfield," I called out to him.

"Ah yes Prince Maximilian," he said. It appears you have another visitor: Lieutenant Jason von Eisenwald. Shall I send him in?"

"Yes please do so," I said to him. It was about time I understood how much of a clusterfuck I was in.