Throne of Glass
Just keep writing…
Hey as long as I keep going it won't stop right? Kinda feels like it gets harder to come back the longer I take a break from it so, here we are.
Chapter 31: The Calm Before
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Cornelia's march through New Delhi was the most anticlimactic victory the princess had ever experienced. Her real foes had fled the city, escaping in cargo planes that Nonette was unable to chase down. So, as she stormed her way into the heart of India, only a paltry rabble of Indian forces attempted to stop her. They had been routed, and the day was hers.
"We've secured the perimeter of the city, and only a handful of enemies remain holed up in military installations across the city." Guilford explained to her. "Since Megumi appears to have been controlling the Indian government for some time now, no one has issued a formal surrender. This has presented some problems with the remaining resistance, but many of their forces are standing down when confronted."
"How irritating. That will make it troublesome to properly secure our borders as well." Cornelia said. "Still, I suppose that won't be my problem this time around."
"Have we been ordered to head to Area Eleven, your highness?" Darlton asked.
She shook her head "Not yet, but I imagine the order will come soon enough. The issue has not been resolved, so we still have business there."
"Of course. We will follow you without question." The man replied.
"I apologize we've been worked so hard recently. This will be the third campaign without rest for us." She continued.
"I'm sure the men will have no objections. They are all willing to go as far as needed for the empire."
"I want to hope that our time in Area Eleven will be swift, but after the challenge they gave us here, I'm not so confident in that." The princess said. "That being said, we have no choice but to root out Zero and be rid of him before he brings Britannia to its knees. I have a terrible feeling he would do just that if left unchecked."
"As do I." Allen spoke up. "I will commit everything Ashford possesses to ensuring he is stopped. He's been left alone long enough."
"I'll be speaking with my brother Schneizel here shortly. We'll see what he says on the matter, and go from there."
"I shall speak with Clovis about the current condition in Area Eleven, and fill you in when you're done." Allen told her.
"Very well, I'll speak with you again soon then."
The young lord soon left, and Cornelia then turned to her communications officer. "Has the Prime Minister contacted us yet?"
"No, your highness. Shall I make an inquiry?" The officer replied.
"Please do. Every second we waste makes me all the more anxious."
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Tokyo Settlement, Area Eleven; 2017 ATB
Kaguya disembarked the plane with the same fury she felt when she first entered it. She spent the entire flight replaying those moments again and again, absolutely furious at the damned knight for forcing her to run away like a fool. Her Megumi had been badly damaged, and already it was being unloaded to be assessed by Ashford's engineers. She would be heartbroken if they were unable to repair it before the true battle began.
"Kaguya, you're finally back." Greeting her was the redhead girl Lelouch had picked up from the academy, Kallen Kozuki.
"I see you managed to keep things together here. Barely." She commented. She really didn't understand why Lelouch put so much faith into this girl. Honestly, what had done prior to this to justify giving her such a position? She could understand why he trusted Clovis to the extent he did. And in the least could comprehend the level of loyalty Gottwald showed as the man's true liege lord. But she had no experience in leadership like those two did. Even if she had abnormal results as a devicer, that had nothing to do with this. And wasn't she supposed to have kept the knight of five out of trouble? The whole reason they lost Narita in the first place?
"I did a perfectly good job, thank you." Kallen replied with a frown.
She rolled her eyes as she glanced at the Templars being unloaded from the planes. She better have made sure this runway was secure. "Right."
"You gotta problem or something?" The redhead accused.
Kaguya turned a sharp gaze to the other girl. "Whatever made you think that?"
"The hotel incident had nothing to do with me." Kallen defended herself. "And I still had to clean it up."
"And you did a wonderful job of that." She smiled viciously. "No, you're right, I should be thanking you. Because of all that Lelouch finally decided to be rid of the other members of Kyoto. Those old fools had been nothing but thorns in my side all my life."
"Wait, what are you talking about?" Kallen demanded.
"Lelouch had General Katase removed when Narita was destroyed. Kyoto soon followed." She explained. "You didn't know all that? Just forget all about it then, it's not important."
"But, Lelouch didn't say anything about that…" The redhead muttered before scowling. "And just what is your problem?!"
She leveled a piercing glare toward Kallen. "You had better watch yourself, Kallen Stadtfeld. I don't know why Lelouch has so much faith in you. You have done nothing to prove yourself, and I won't have you ruin everything he has worked so hard to build." She then began marching away from the runway, forcing Kallen to follow her.
"Excuse me? Why the hell are you blaming me for everything? Kusakabe was the one that attacked the hotel, and the goddamn Knight of Five invaded Narita!" Kallen argued.
"And who was supposed to be watching Emilia Strauss? Was that someone else's job?" Kaguya accused.
The other girl stopped, a heavy frown on her face. "Fine, whatever. If Lelouch finds it fitting to punish me then that's fine. But I won't take it from you."
She glanced behind her. "Oh? We'll see about that."
"Lady Sumeragi, welcome back." Sayoko greeted her as she approached their car.
"Sayoko. It's been a while, are you well?" She returned the ninja's greeting.
The older woman nodded. "Very, milady. Master Lelouch has yet to begin his return. Until then we are to wait for orders on our preparation."
"Most everything has been well handled. Most of it." She stole another hostile glance at the other girl still there. "I don't believe we have anything pressing to complete before his return. But please inform Asplund to look at the Megumi immediately, I want her restored as soon as possible."
"Of course, milady."
Kaguya rubbed her face as she entered the car, an irritable redhead opposite of her. "I need a little break."
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New Dehli, Area Nineteen; 2017 ATB
"I see, so despite its overwhelming tactical prowess, that knightmare was easily defeated by Lady Enneagram. That's valuable information." Schneizel reacted to what Cornelia had just told him.
"It shouldn't be discounted how much trouble she caused me though." The princess reminded him. "We've allowed ourselves to grow complacent, and our foes surpassed us without us realizing it. We cannot let that stand."
"I completely agree. And I hear you've made good friends with Lord Ashford as well."
"I suppose so." Cornelia replied. "He has proven invaluable both to Britannia and to myself personally."
"Perhaps he might be the answer to that quandary then. The Ashfords have done much for Britannia even after they nearly collapsed. With you in their corner I'm sure they could achieve even greater things." Schneizel told her.
"That may be so. Maybe when we get Area Eleven under control I will look into that." She replied.
"Ah, yes. As I'm sure you expected, His Majesty has ordered that you exterminate the Black Knights once and for all." The prime minister revealed. "You have three days to depart, and I'll be sending additional reserves to help secure Nineteen in the meantime. I must apologize for such a short notice."
"No, I agree wholeheartedly. Urgency is absolutely necessary here. That won't be an issue."
"Still, take the time to rest, and gather your strength. Perhaps a celebration is in order, I'm sure your men would appreciate it." Schneizel continued.
"Schneizel we're soldiers, not nobles. That's hardly appropriate here." She argued.
"I have to disagree. Besides I've already sent food and drink along with the reinforcements. It'd be a shame if it went to waste." Schneizel replied with a smile.
Cornelia sighed. "I suppose it couldn't hurt. Either way, we'll be leaving on schedule. I won't let this distract me."
"Of course. I would expect nothing less from you. Safe travels dear sister, and best of luck." Her brother said.
"Right, you as well, Schneizel."
The call ended and Cornelia shook her head.
"A celebration huh?" Guilford laughed.
"It'll do some good I admit." She said. "Let's go and receive Schneizel's little gift then."
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"I'm glad to see you returned safely."
Finally getting to see Lelouch again had done wonders to lift her spirit. Kaguya offered him a genuine smile. "Yes. That knight was a surprise to be sure, but knowing about that now was the purpose after all."
"Right, I've already begun looking into it, but I don't know if I'll have the time to find out exactly what Camelot has in store." Lelouch told her. "Cornelia is to leave in three days. I'll be going ahead of her myself, and when I arrive we'll need to ensure everything is ready before she gets here. Since when she does…we will be at war before she sets foot in Area Eleven."
He appeared lost in thought for a moment before continuing. "Finally, after so long this day has actually come."
"We will win, Lelouch. After everything you've done, no one could hope to beat you." She assured him.
"Yes. I have to believe that. No other outcome can even be considered. No room for contingencies…only victory."
"I'll wait patiently for you here then. Another day or two won't hurt." She said.
"Alright. Everything is ready, we've made absolutely certain of that." The exiled prince said. "Oh, before I forget. What exactly did you say to Kallen earlier?"
Kaguya huffed with a look of incredible annoyance. "Did she seriously go and tell on me?"
"No, Sayoko told me about it." He revealed. "You can't go threatening my subordinates."
"It's not like there wasn't a justification for it." She muttered.
"Whether or not it's justified, it doesn't help to go sowing animosity where it isn't needed. Especially now. Leave the disciplining to me from now on alright?"
"I just don't see why you believe in her so much." Kaguya argued. "What has she ever done?"
"She has potential I am trying to work out." He told her. "Same as you did. Much the same, actually."
"You think that's what I want to hear right now?" She bit back.
He shook his head. "You aren't exactly in any position to be worming out of this. Just… leave Kallen alone alright?"
Kaguya sighed loudly before relenting. "Alright, whatever you say. Just hurry up and get back here."
"Thank you, I will be soon." He said with a gentle smile. "Have a good night, Kaguya."
"You too." She replied softly.
The connection ended, leaving Lelouch with a confused expression. Was she acting differently than she used to?
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Vermillion City, Chinese Federation; 2017 ATB
"You are to be commended for your actions in India. Without your efforts, the results would have been catastrophic."
Li Xingke stood surrounded by the entire group of High Eunuchs, each one present without the attendance of Her Majesty. He would have to speak with her on his own later.
"That being said, it is…unfortunate you were unable to reclaim the capitol city New Dehli before the Britannians got their hands on it."
"I agree completely." He told them. "However it was made abundantly clear to me that it was not for me to take."
"Whatever are you talking about Xingke?"
"The one who orchestrated this entire scheme. He made it known I was not to play a part in that finale." Xingke explained.
"Who Are you referring to?"
Inwardly he sighed. These buffoons were hopeless. "Even you cannot deny the involvement of the Black Knights. It become clear to me that Zero was the one who set all this up. And it was he-likely personally-who stopped me from assaulting New Dehli."
"We are aware that you faced against something of the sort. But is that really any reason to turn tail and run?"
He sighed quietly. "Surely you followed Princess Cornelia's battles closely. The seventh generation knightmares they possessed are worth an exorbitant amount on the battlefield. Even more so the flying frame the Black Knights possessed. That knightmare singlehandedly slowed the chief general's advance tenfold at least."
His gaze washed over the frustrated expressions of the pigs before him. "Fukushū. Vengeance. I have no doubt that knightmare Zero confronted me with was more than a match for my army in it's entirety. This is my advice, if you'll listen to it: we are terribly underequipped for a real war with Britannia. Until we are able to produce weapons that can stand on equal footing with monstrosities like that, we cannot take any aggressive actions. Cornelia will be busy for some time with the Black Knights. And she will be utterly spent for some time after. Use that time to build our strength, not overextend ourselves."
An uneasy silence fell as that sank in before they responded. "We will take that into consideration, since you have accomplished a great deal for us. For the time being, ensure that no problems arise as we get the territory you claimed under control. That is all."
Swiftly dismissed, he left to reunite with his colleagues. He would have a word with Tianze later tonight.
Is that what you wanted, Ashford?
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Ashford Academy, Area Eleven; 2017 ATB
"Hey, Madam President!" Shirley burst through the door to the student council as Milly had finished cleaning things up. "What's up with this 'mandatory evacuation'?"
"Yeah I heard about that." Rivalz commented as he put the remainder of their files away. "My parents are totally freaking out."
"It's exactly what it sounds like." The blonde told them with a heavy tone completely unlike her. "Princess Cornelia is going to arrive in the Tokyo Settlement in three days. And Prince Clovis has ordered an emergency measure to clear the city before she does."
"It's not going to be that dangerous is it?" Shirley asked.
"I don't know. It might just be, certainly more than anything else any area has seen." Milly explained. "But Allen has arranged for me to leave the island, and…I'm not going to argue about it."
"Wait, you're leaving Area Eleven?!" Rivalz cried out.
She nodded. "That's right. And I strongly suggest you guys do as well. I have a bad feeling things really will get that out of control."
"You really think so?" Her secretary said. "I guess even Allen's making preparations."
"That's exactly right. So, if any of you need help, we're here for you." Milly offered. "Just promise me you guys will all be safe. Do whatever it takes to convince your parents, just be out of the settlement before it's too late."
"Man, this really is serious." Rivalz breathed out as the gravity of the situation finally sank in.
"Yeah, it is."
Don't do anything foolish Lelouch. After this, there won't be any turning back.
No, for him, he passed the point of no return a long, long time ago.
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"I didn't think you the type to celebrate."
The joking comment came as Allen Ashford looked down at the groups of soldiers that were reveling in their victory in the streets of what was now Area Nineteen, whilst the reserves brought in by Prince Clovis kept a watchful eye on the still hostile locals.
"Hardly. This was all my brother's idea." Cornelia defended herself. She, along with most of their officers occupied a ballroom within the government sector, overlooking the rest of her company. "Still, I suppose it isn't that bad to cut loose now and then."
From beside Allen, Euphy giggled. "You almost sound like a normal person, sister "
"I am a soldier, Euphy. I have no reason to concern myself over what other people consider 'normal'."
"We each live in different worlds. Some people have starkly vast priorities than others." Allen interjected. "Normal hardly applies to anyone here, wouldn't you agree?"
The older princess snorted. "Even among the nobility, I couldn't agree more. You especially, Allen, are very different from the rest of them."
"I'll take that as a compliment " He replied with a smile.
"It was wholly meant as one. I honestly can't stand being around them. That's why I dont parties or events like this." Cornelia revealed. "But this isn't for me, so I can live with it."
"How benevolent of you. But I agree, I've had little interactions outside of business with the other nobles. I've left all that to my father."
"The two of you are a lot more similar than you think." Euphy remarked. "But you know, you can't avoid them forever."
"Perhaps you can do it for me then?" Allen offered, to which the pink haired princess laughed.
"Shall we get some drinks for the princesses, Lord Ashford?" Guilford spoke up.
"Of course. Lead the way."
The two men broke off and made their way to the table full of refreshments for the officers. "Can I ask you something, Lord Ashford?" The knight spoke up as they weaved through the crowd.
The boy eyed the older man curiously. It appeared he had gotten them alone for this purpose. "Go ahead."
"Forgive me for being direct, but considering my position, I must know." Guilford began. "What exactly are your intentions toward Princess Euphemia?"
"Ah." The young lord simply said as he furrowed his brow. If only it could be so simple.
"Please understand, that courting an imperial princess is not to be taken lightly, though I doubt you haven't given that any thought." The knight went on in his silence. "It's just that princess Euphemia seems to have taken quite a liking to you, and my princess has approved of you as well. That is something you don't see every day you know. Or at all, in fact. Whether you intended to from the start or…I know these things happen and…"
Guilford continued to ramble on, losing focus on his speech. Inwardly, Lelouch was having a hard time deciding what to tell the man. What he truly wanted was his sister's allegiance, not her hand in marriage. Of course what would benefit Allen Ashford wasn't the same thing.
He couldn't help but wonder what kind of life he could have had, had the call of a greater purpose not compelled him inexorably so.
"That's not something I had come here searching for, Guilford." He finally told the man. "I'll admit though, I am fond of her company as well. Perhaps we'll revisit this, when the threat of Zero is finally put to rest."
The server at the table handed them each two drinks, which they took before heading back to the awaiting women. "I understand. Please take the time to think it over carefully. Even the two of you aside, there are a great deal of benefits such an alliance could produce for us. Saying this in confidence, I don't believe Princess Cornelia has any intentions for the throne, but the future is beginning to look turbulent, to say the least."
"Of that I have no doubt. Even from a practical standpoint, perhaps I have no room to reconsider." He mused.
"Well, take it from me: you couldn't have done better." Guilford said with a knowing grin.
Indeed. Euphy really was a national treasure. He always believed that.
"Here you are my princess." The knight said as he offered his glass to the older princess. In turn, Lelouch gifted one to Euphy.
"Allow me to make a toast, to a promising future together." Guilford raised his cup. "May nothing stand in the way of the Goddess of Victory."
They all knew the jab for what it was, prompting a smirk from the princess in question. "To victory."
Lelouch followed suit, raising the glass before taking a drink from it. Wine really wasn't his thing, nor alcohol in general. He hated the feeling of intoxication, and rejected the few opportunities that ever came his way. He seldom had reason to celebrate, or days to waste away in lavish comfort. Even now, he wished he could have left for Area Eleven already. He stayed at Euphy's insistence, opting to depart in the morning. They would have precious little time before Cornelia herself traveled to the colony. Though nothing was left in need of preparation, he still felt like he was out of time. He had waited so long, overcome so many trials. Now, finally that day was here. He would return to Area Eleven, and when he did it would be Area Eleven no longer.
A new nation, a new future…
"Allen?"
He blinked. Had he lost track of the conversation? Surely the wine had affected him that badly already. "Sorry I…"
Lelouch couldn't breathe. This wasn't…
They were calling to him, growing more concerned, but he could hardly hear them. His vision became blurry as he clutched his chest, barely aware of the shattering of glass. The wine staining the carpet filled what little he could see, and he fell to one knee. The sensation of his hands pressing into the glass shards was the last thing he remembered.
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