Prodigious Son

There has been a one-year time skip since the last chapter.

Milly - 13

Lelouch - 12

Kaguya - 10

Nunnally - 9

—

The Ashford Manor(Manor at Holmbly Hills)

—

Lelouch waited patiently for his betrothed as she got ready for the new. Today was Lelouch's birthday, but not only that but this will be his last day to spend time with anyone he knew, for tomorrow he will be moving to the west coast to start his academy training.

Shaking his head to leave those thoughts alone, the Prince went back to looking at Ashford's family tree. The family was long and ancient, which he knew, but what he didn't know was that it was as old as the fall of England. However, not only that but the family didn't have any inbred, making the family pure and beautiful through the centuries of its service.

The family also wasn't sexist naming both ladies and lords as head of the family. Currently, he was looking at the portrait of the 27th family head. 'Lady Millicent Ashford.' And even if it is a painting of the woman, Lelouch could all heartedly say the woman was beautiful.

"It seems you have taken an interest in the Ashford's family tree, my boy." The old voice of Lord Reuben took the prince from his staring. "Is Milly still getting ready?"

Lelouch nodded with a smile. "Yes, it seems so, Lord Ashford. Even for all my smarts, I will never understand women." They both chuckled at his comment. The two then went back to the family tree. "Was Milly named after Lady Millicent?" The prince asked out loud.

The older man nodded. "My daughter-in-law, Emma Ashford, was always a fan of Lady Millicent and decided that she would name her child after her," Reuben answered, looking to his soon-to-be son-in-law. "Throughout her life, Lady Millicent was known for being a cold and ruthless person. But that was because of how the previous Head of the Family left things."

Lelouch listened to the lord as he told him the history of the Ashford family and Milly's namesake. He was going to need to know this if he is to marry the current Heiress. Always having an ear to listen, Lelouch went back to looking over the family tree once more.

"Lord Robert Ashford was known for using the family money on whores to use, and parties to feast for the smallest of reasons. But not only that but he used his power to threaten those that disagreed with him and harmed those below him, even going as far as publicly killing them." The lord stopped to take a break to breathe.

With that, the old man finally got Lelouch's full attention. The prince looked to him waiting for more on the history of his betrothed's family, and he might as well, for said betrothed was still getting ready.

"But one day the lord went too far and threatened the Emperor." Lelouch's eyes widened at that, already knowing what would happen. "As you might know it didn't go that well. Lord Robert was executed, and once the emperor found out that his heir and wife brought the idea to mind and convinced my ancestor to usurp him, they soon followed, and the only reason why we kept our lands and title was because of the branch being one of the most loyal."

Once again the lord stopped and this time he made for the chairs and table close by. Lelouch followed the man and once they were at the chairs he offered to help, which the older man accepted.

"That branch family then took over, and Millicent was named Lady of the Family. From there she slowly started bringing the family back into the Empire's favour. It wasn't until my namesake came around, the 30th Head of the Family, Ruben Ashford. But she was the one that started it and now we are here." He finished once again cursing his old age, normally he wouldn't be affected like this, but because of recent days, Reuben hasn't gotten any sleep.

The two then sat there patiently waiting for the heiress of the family to come downstairs, and thankfully they didn't have to wait long. "Lelouch, Grandfather." The sound of Milly brought them from their peace.

Together the two got to their feet with Lelouch helping Lord Ashford. The prince then made his way to the bottom of the stairs, so he could get a look at his betrothed, and once he laid eyes on her, Lelouch was forever grateful that his father picked Milly.

Milly could feel a blush growing as she felt her betrothed's eyes on her. She wasn't wearing anything that special, just a plain blue summer dress that revealed her shoulders and went down to her knees. But what took a lot of her time was her hair. Usually, her blonde hair was wavy and loose, but today she went with a different style, for it was in a braided ponytail.

The Ashford Heiress then slowly made her way down the stairs, where her grandfather and betrothed were waiting for her. "Milly Dear, you look beautiful today." Her grandfather spoke with a smile. The named girl nodded, appreciating the old man's words. However, what had Milly's focus was her betrothed's reaction.

Lelouch blinked, regaining control of himself and with a small smile he took a step forward the stairs, and brought his arm up, offering his hand as Milly reached the last step. "You look absolutely delightful, Milly."

The prince watched as the named girl smiled and took his hand. "Thank you, Lelouch, you don't know how much that means to me," Milly said, and he watched as the small blush grew when she felt him squeeze her hand. "I'm sorry for making you wait, Lelouch."

The named boy shook his head. "It fines Milly. I wasn't waiting that long. I was also able to learn a bit more about your family's history." He said with a smile, Lelouch then turned around keeping his eyes on his betrothed. "Now what says we take a stroll."

Milly didn't show it but on the inside, she flinched at the offer. However, on the outside, she nodded. "That sounds like a lovely idea." She then took the last step down the stairs. "Lelouch if it's okay for me to ask, what is the plan for today."

The heiress watched as her betrothed smiled, and followed him as he started moving to the exit. "Nothing much, just a stroll around the city." Milly watched as he looked back at her grandfather. "Thank you, Lord Ashford, for the little history lesson. I promise I won't keep her for long."

The older man smiled. "You're welcome, my boy." Reuben then watched as the two left the manor, all the while he smiled at the sight. He always knew the two would get along and now that they are betrothed, Reuben could wholeheartedly say this was probably the best outcome for both of them.

Once both of them were out, Reuben finally allowed his body to relax, and the tiredness to take over. Releasing a yawn the older man made for his room. Six days without sleep and already into his seventies, Reuben needed this.

"The Callisto can wait until later." He said to himself as he made his way upstairs. Reuben then made his way to his office, which was thankfully attached to his room. Opening the okay door, the Head of the Ashford Family entered to find a hologram in the centre. "Callisto J-1610 the first 7th Gen Knightmare Frame, and the focus of the Ashford Foundation," Reuben said to himself as he acknowledged the Knightmare Frame, as it was what has been keeping him up for days.

Walking past the hologram Lord Ashford made for his favourite chair, to where he will sleep for however long he needs. Reuben sat down and looked at the KMF, his gift to Lelouch. 'Four years. That is how long it will take to finish.' Closing his eyes the old man released a tired sigh. 'Just the right amount of time.' And with that sleep took over the scientist and head of the family.

—

Pendragon

—

Milly released a satisfied sigh as she finished her lunch with her betrothed. She knew that Lelouch hated using his power but even he couldn't disagree that they were useless.

The two were enjoying a peaceful lunch out together… well not entirely alone together. They knew that the two had guards on standby if they ever got into a situation where they were threatened or in harm's way. But such things were unlikely for both Lelouch vi Britannia and Milly Ashford were loved by the people of Britannia.

Even now as they sat enjoying their food, Milly could feel eyes on them, and hear whispers going up around them. However, that wasn't what had her focus, what did have her attention was Lelouch.

Her betrothed was wearing casual clothes consistent of black pants, and a purple button shirt with his sleeves rolled up. However what stood out was the shoulder cape, showing that he was of royalty and one from the Britannian Family. She knew why he wore it and Milly knew that Lelouch would rather not but because it was his family rule he had to.

Blinking, Milly grabbed her coffee cup and took a sip, enjoying the warmth of the caffeinated drink. She also knew that her prince isn't all skin and bones underneath the clothes he wore. Milly knew that for the past three years that Lelouch has been working out every day, under the watchful eyes of one residential orange lover, Jeremiah Gottwald.

The Heiress was taken from her thoughts by Lelouch clearing his throat. "Milly." He said, gaining her attention at last. She immediately noticed the seriousness around him and sat up straight. "You know why I'm doing this right?"

Milly nodded, 'Straight to the point.' She said to herself with a bit of fondness. "Yes." She placed her hands in front of her and continued. "Today will be your last day until you have to leave for Alexandrine Academy in Oregon."

She watched as her betrothed nodded. "Sadly yes." Milly then watched as he raised a hand. The heiress then watched as a familiar face appeared. That being Jeremiah, who bowed once he was in front of them, and with him was a bag that she recognized as a jewelry store she goes to. "Thank you, Jerry."

Milly was putting so much of her focus in the bag that she didn't notice Jeremiah giving Lelouch a black medium-sized jewelry box. "What's that for?" She asked, her interest peaked. The only answer she got was silence. "Lelouch?"

The named boy was looking at the box his mother's guard gave him. Lelouch knew what the box held, and the contents inside of it. He was the one who ordered the jewelry to be made. But he didn't know how to give it to his betrothed.

His attention was broken by Milly calling his name. With that, he decided to hand it to her. Releasing a sigh Lelouch held the box out to her. "This is for you." He watched as she took the jewelry box. "I had it personally made for you."

The prince watched as his betrothed opened the box, and immediately her eyes sparkled at the contents inside of it. Lelouch then watched as Milly grabbed one of the three pieces of jewelry inside of the black box. She brought it out and Lelouch laid his eyes on a necklace that had a silver chain, with one pendant that had a quarter-sized sapphire in the centre, and around the blue gem were smaller diamonds.

"Lelouch…." Milly stopped as she looked at the necklace, not being able to explain her thoughts on the jewelry. It was beautiful, the diamonds sparkling every time the necklace moved. "It's… it's… beautiful." She looked up to her betrothed's face, and Milly watched as the tension left his body at that. Smiling, she continued. "Can you put it on for me?"

Lelouch smiled as he stood up and went to her side of the table. Carefully taking the necklace from Milly, the prince then went to unlatched the bayonet tip clasp, knowing from experience, Lelouch watched as his betrothed lifted her ponytail, revealing more of her neck and allowing him to put on the necklace without pulling on any of her hair.

Walking to stand behind Milly, Lelouch brought the two sides of the necklace together and within seconds, the jewelry was on, and unintentionally the prince was able to get a smell of his betrothed's hair. 'Vanilla and lavender.' He said to himself as he went to stand in front of Milly to get a view of the necklace.

Milly dropped her hair, and placed a hand on the pendant of the necklace, running her fingers over the gem there. She smiled as she felt the curves of the sapphire and diamonds. However, the necklace wasn't the only thing in the jewelry box.

Looking back to the box the beautiful blonde saw a pair of earrings, and similar to the necklace, had small sapphire surrounded by even smaller diamonds. But what had her attention was the third piece of jewelry in the black box. There in the centre was a ring. One that had a silver band connecting to a sapphire from six points, and along with those six points, they all had five small diamonds embedded into them.

Milly went to grab the ring, but as she reached for it a hand stopped her. "Let me." The heiress looked towards her betrothed and saw a small smile on his face. Nodding Milly watched as Lelouch grabbed the ring, and going to a knee, he gently took one of her hands and slowly slid the jewelry onto her ring finger.

She expected him to let go but as it never happened, she saw the sad look on Lelouch's face. Raising her free hand, Milly placed it on his cheek and spoke gently. "Lelouch, what's wrong?"

Milly watched as he looked up to her, keeping his hand on hers, running a hand over the gem. "When I return from the academy, and once we are married… I will most likely be shipped off to another part of the world where I will lead and command my own men." She watched as he released a breath, and continued. "And with it, I might lose my life." Milly felt him squeezing the hand he placed the on and as he ran a finger over the jewelry. "This is my promise that you will always be on my mind and that I'll always come back to you alive… no matter what it takes."

The Heiress felt her heart being squeezed and breaking their hand contact, she then embraced her future husband. "Don't say such things as losing your life, Lelouch. I know you will come back to me, and everyone else who cares for you here… your home." She placed her head on his shoulder, feeling him return the warming embrace. "So don't say such things."

Jeremiah was watching the two as they hugged, and it warmed his heart to see the two. He also knew that what his prince said was true. He might lose his life in his command. But if the Margrave had any say in that matter, he wouldn't let it happen. He will go through hell to save the boy, soon-to-be teen, even if it costs him his own life.

Sir Jeremiah Gottwald swore this on his name. He will protect his prince Lelouch vi Britannia, and no matter what it costs, he will bring the boy back to his Lady Marianne, Princess Nunnally, and in a few years, Princess Milly.

So as the two slowly broke their embrace, and as Milly closed the jewelry box holding her new earrings, she placed it into her purse. Once they paid the three left to return to the Ashford Manor, where they will drop off Milly.

—

Aries Villa

—

Lelouch smiled as he watched his little sister move her rook to threaten his king. Nunnally was improving, and it brought a smile to his face as he moved a knight to protect his black king.

The prince's smile faltered, knowing that this will be the last game the two will be able to play for a long time. However, not wanting his feelings to get the better of him, Lelouch smiled as he finally called checkmate with his Queen.

"You are getting better, Nunna." He said watching at the nine-year-old pout. "I'd say in a few months' time, you would be able to beat Clovis." Feeling his sister kick him at that, Lelouch laughed. "Okay… I'm sorry. But I'm being honest, Nunna. You are getting better, and I can promise you that in maybe a few years' time you will be where I am currently."

The prince watched as his beloved sister smiled. "Thank you, Lelouch." She said sweetly. However that smile quickly left, and in its place was a sad and hurt look. "Do you have to go?"

Already knowing what Nunnally was talking about, Lelouch got out of his chair and made to kneel in front of her. Taking one of his sister's hands, he spoke. "Nunna. You know why I must do this. You also know that if I didn't I'd have to go into politics, and you know how I am with that." He watched as she nodded and as she went to speak. Lelouch, not wanting to hear her hurt and saddened voice continued. "How about this?" She looked at him. "When I return, I promise I will take you to all of your dessert places."

Lelouch watched as her eyes sparkled. He knew that Nunna had quite a sweet tooth, so playing that card the prince knew he'd be able to buy some time. However, that all ended when the hurt look came back. "But what must you be away for four years, Brother? Can't you return over the summer break? I bet Alexandrine Academy has those? Don't they?"

The older brother and prince squeezed her hands, already feeling the swell of his heart having to leave his favourite sibling. "Sadly Alexandrine Academy doesn't. We get the holidays off but that is for only eleven, and they don't last that long." He saw a tear already growing in his sister's eye. Not being able to hold it back anymore, Lelouch brought his sister into an embrace. "I'm sorry Nunna. Maybe something might come up where I might need to return. But with that not being a certainty, I don't know."

Nunnally hugged her only blood brother, crying into his shirt. She didn't know what could do without him. Years ago she had a nightmare of her mother being killed, and Lelouch was the only family she had left. Since then Nunnally was always protective of the two, not wanting anyone to take her brother away, and not wanting anything bad to happen to her mother.

The vi Britannian Princess didn't know what she would do without her loving brother, and mother. She wholeheartedly agreed that she would be lost without them.

Nunnally wanted to blame their father for taking Lelouch away from his home, but she knew that her brother agreed with him. So it wasn't his fault, and if she was being honest, Nunnally had the Emperor of the Holy Britannian Empire around her pinky. Her father would spoil her every time he came over.

Feeling Lelouch run his hand over her hair and back, Nunnally slowly started to regain control of her emotions. Slowly breaking the hug, the nine-year-old princess rubbed her eyes free of tears. "Just promise you will come back. I know you won't be in any real harm, but I still want you to return home." She said with a bit of a raspy voice.

Smiling, Lelouch brought a hand up, and brought it to his little sister's cheek, running a finger along her cheek, finding a stray tear. "I promise Nunna." He brought his hand back to him and rubbed the tear on his clothes. Smile growing Lelouch reached into his pocket. "Oh, I almost forgot Nunna. Well, I was out with Milly, I brought this for you."

He slowly took out a small square sized jewelry box. This one he didn't order but found when the prince and his betrothed were making their way back to the Ashford Manor. Milly agreed that it would fit Nunnally and together they entered the jewelry store and brought it alongside other gifts.

Lelouch slowly opens the box to show a necklace. It was plain and simple with a silver chain and a pendant. But what stood out was the pendant itself. It being clear quartz in the shape of a heart, however in the centre was a Siberian amethyst, proven by it being a deeper purple with red and blue flashes.

Once she laid eyes on the necklace, Nunnally temporarily forgot what they were talking about, and grabbed the box. It was beautiful…. Well, any present her brother gave her was beautiful, but this was absolutely beautiful.

Nunnally gently took the gift out of the box and examined it. Allowing her eyes to remember everything about the necklace. After a few minutes of looking at it and running a finger over the gem. The princess looked up to her brother with a big smile. "Thank you, Brother. It's very beautiful and I love it very much."

Lelouch chuckled at his sister's change of personality, going from sad that he was leaving, and changing to a happy cute mess when she saw the present he got her. The prince found it cute and just amazing how she could so easily change how she was feeling. However, he knew it won't be like that soon.

Looking at his watch, Lelouch looked up to his favourite guard. "Jerry, how much longer?" He asked not remembering what time he had to leave.

The knight nodded. "About an hour left, my Prince. But if I'm to believe Samson's personality, I'd say you have around forty-five minutes until he arrives." Jeremiah finished, making Lelouch nod.

Looking back at his beloved sister, and smiled, a small one at that. "Nunna, I need to go see Kaguya. Even though she is allowed to do whatever she wants here in the Villa. She's still my political hostage, and even though I don't see her as such, Kaguya still needs to be watched, and given rules to follow."

Nunnally nodded understanding his meaning. "W… will you come to see me again before you leave?" She asked even though she knew his answer, Nunnally knew she was going to be there to watch him leave, and she knew it was going to hurt a lot. But there is nothing wrong with a little bit of reassurance. Watching Lelouch nod, the princess placed her new necklace on the chessboard and embraced him. "Send letters while you're away, Lelouch. For reassurance on your well-being."

"I will Nunnally. I promise." She heard him respond instantly. The princess didn't break the hug until a few minutes passed and only broke it because of her brother. "Nunna. I must go and see Kaguya." She nodded and broke the embrace, but before her brother left, Nunnally felt him kiss her forehead. "I'll be back, don't you worry."

She shakes her head. "I'll wait," Nunnally said as he left, but she took notice of Jeremiah not following. With a smile, she spoke. "Jerry, are you up to a game of chess?"

The Margrave smiled and took the seat in front of her. "I would love to." The two then went to play a few games as they waited for Lelouch's leaving.

—

Minutes Later

—

Something that has been on Lelouch's mind recently was what was going on with his mother. The prince took notice of his mother's recent tendencies. One being she always had a hand on her belly, and her smile was always brighter then, and with him leaving, Lelouch really wanted to know what was going on. So going towards her mother for a farewell, but to also ask her what was up.

Standing in front of his mother he opened his mouth to ask the question. However before he got to ask, he found his mother on her knees and had him in an embrace. "I'm sad you have to leave, but I know it was what you and your father agreed on." The embrace tightened, and Lelouch felt a little uncomfortable. "Just stay safe my son."

Pushing her away Lelouch said. "Yes yes, I know. I've already heard people tell me that like six times today." Hearing her mother giggle, the prince stopped trying to push her away. "But like all those times, I promise to come back."

Marianne smiled, breaking the hug, and placing her hands on his shoulder. "Well, I expect the best from you, my son. Don't be lazy, continue doing your daily exercises, and eat good food, I don't want to see you coming back fat, got it." She smiled, as she watched her son chuckled with a smile. The empress then felt a twist in her heart.

She's going to miss her prince, and Marianne knew that she couldn't make him change his mind. This plan was agreed by both Lelouch and Charles, and even if she tried they wouldn't budge.

The empress smiled at that thought. 'Like father, like son.' Inwardly Marianne grinned. 'Lelouch is even shown sights of a possible harem.' She thought with a growing smile. "I promise to look after your Little Princess, my Prince." She watched as a small blush grew on Lelouch's face, making her laugh.

"Mother." Marianne was taken from her laughter by her son speaking. She saw the serious look on his face and knew that he meant what he was going to say. "Why do you always have a hand on your belly?"

The Empress blinked not once, not twice, but three times when she heard that question. Slowly she started laughing, gaining everyone's attention. "Mother?" Her sweet angel called out to her. "What's so funny?"

Regaining control of her laughter Marianne brought the two into a hug. "It's nothing, my angel. I'm just surprised that your brother caught that." Kissing both of them on the head she pushed them away and smiled. "Lelouch, Nunnally. You are about to have a new sibling in about 9 months."

Everything went silent at that, not a noise to be heard, not even the kitchen, which was normally loud, was quiet. Not a noise was made as Marianne watched her kids' reaction, and when it came she laughed.

"Whaaaaaa!" They both yelled together, not at all acting like royalty. But before she got to speak one of the guards announced that Lelouch's driver was here.

With one final goodbye, Lelouch left the Aries Villa, and as he left he looked up the stairs to see Kaguya standing there. He couldn't help but flinch when the prince saw the pained look on her face. Raising a hand he waved to her and watched as she did the same.

Lelouch then left his home and made for the limousine that will take him to the plane and off to Oregan, to where he will spend the next four years in the military academy, Alexandrine Academy.

—

Days Later

—

Lelouch was already awake when his alarm went off, having woken an hour earlier, wanting to keep his body in shape. When he first did the daily exercises, he wished he could die but as days went on to weeks and months, Lelouch noticed the change and he honestly liked the change. So ever since then, he'd wake up around five or six and off he went with his loyal friend Jerry to exercise.

The prince turned the alarm off having already shower to get the sweat off, and already getting dressed, now wearing black uniform pants, with a black belt keeping the pants held up. Lelouch was also wearing a white dress shirt that was buttoned all the up, and in front of him on his bed, was the rest of the academy's uniform.

The contents of his bed consist of a long-sleeved double-breasted black coat with two rows of gold buttons on the front and light gray details including the shoulder epaulettes. Along with it were a sam browne belt, white web belts with a silver waist-plate, black gloves, a shoulder cape, and a kepi-style cap with the same gray and silver details as the rest.

Releasing a sigh Lelouch loosened the cuffs of his button-up shirt and started finishing getting dressed, wanting to get to his homeroom early. Once finished, minus the shoulder cape, and cap, Lelouch found himself oddly comfortable wearing the uniform. 'Well, that's to be expected from one of the best military academies in homeland Britannia.' The prince said to himself in his head.

Looking over to his nightstand he grabbed one of the few pieces of jewelry he had. This one is a necklace he got from the Little Princess before he left. Shaking his head not wanting to remember that conversation. Everyone gave him something like a goodbye gift, but none were wearable, making this the only one he could keep on him.

After a few seconds, Lelouch grabbed the necklace he put it around his neck, hid it under his uniform, and off he went grabbing his shoulder cape, cap and putting on the uniform's black boats. Locking the door behind him, Lelouch placed the cap on his head, hoping he could hide his identity for a bit longer. The prince then followed soon after by putting his shoulder cape on, and when he was done he left the male's dormitory.

As Lelouch went to the gymnasium where a ceremony will be held to welcome all the new candidates. However as he made his way there, he took notice of the different uniforms around him. All being similar, however, the differences were the colours all varying from his light gray, to reds, blues, and some even purple.

'The colour has an important part to play in the ranking system.' He said to himself as he walked. However as he went to the ceremony, he could already hear the whispers of people knowing who he was. 'Well, there goes my peace and quiet.' He groaned as he went a bit faster.

From there it didn't take long for Lelouch to get to his destination, and after about an hour the ceremony was done and once he got his homeroom number, the prince left, not wanting to draw more attention to himself.

However, the greatest surprise came when he entered the classroom. For, standing in the back of the class, waiting for their spots to be named, we're three familiar faces. 'W… why are they here?' He asked himself as he looked at the three standing in the back of the class along with every other candidate.

—

TBC

—

AND we are done! I hoped you enjoyed this chapter, and let me know what you think with a review. Please let me know what you think about the jewelry I had Lelouch give to his loved ones. Also, don't worry about Kaguya, she also got one but I'll bring it up in the next chapter along with the gifts Lelouch received. Now onto more important things.

Okay, let me say a massive thank you to the writer of the Code Geass story called, 'The Leviathan' by ElDrope for allowing me to use the academy from his own story. So a massive thanks to him.

The uniform that I chose for this story is from the anime called, 'Seraph of the End.' If you want an image just look up the Japanese Imperial Demon Army uniform and you get an idea. But for this story just change out the colour to whatever I picked her.

What do the colours mean? Well, that's simple, light gray is for the newcomers, so first years, the red is for second years, blue is for the third years, and the purple is for the fourth and last years. However, a colour I didn't bring up is black, those are for the staff/teachers but that will be for the next chapter. Now onto other less important things.

Harem-wise, well because 'Rabbit-Harem-Lover-24' is the only one guessing, I'll say that he has gotten all but one. Who that is… well that's for me to know.

Academy arc… I honestly don't want to be in this arc for long, but I'll say that I could get everything done by the 15th chapter… hopefully.

Still haven't gotten an editor for fixing the mistakes so please let me know if you are interested.