Chapter 13.570 Unacceptable

It frustrated him that he wasn't included in the meeting between the senior members of the Black Knights and the Britannian envoy. And wasn't he supposed to be covering every piece of information involving Zero as well as everything concerning his public image?

To think after so long having had to wait for any piece of information that Zero was still already alive, he was excluded from the conference where Zero had finally reappeared? As if the recent events involving a third party 'ally' hadn't sounded so suspicious.

Diethard frowned. This won't do. If he had to wring the information from every single person on this ship to get what he wants, he'll get it. That's for sure.

xxx

He couldn't believe what he just heard. That Zero—that former prince!—had revealed his identity to the senior members as he announced that he'll reclaim his former title and change Britannia!

This... JUST WON'T DO! This was NOT the kind of narrative that he wanted to cover! A story of a miraculous hero that toppled the great tyrannical country—there's still much to do before he would be able to document a perfect story with Zero as the titular character! A story about an ousted prince returning to his country to reform his corrupt kingdom—what's so interesting about that kind of narrative?

To think that they barely dodged the issue when that last princess wanted to establish the Special Zone. Back then he had worried that Zero would decide to side with his half-sibling. But then that massacre princess incident happened and Zero was back to reassume his role as the hero against evil. He couldn't let this happen. There's no way that he'd allow something like this to happen!

If Prince Lelouch thinks he could steer away from the narrative that Diethard Reid had planned for him, that prince would soon learn not to mess with him!

xxx

He had hastily gathered all of the past recordings and reports that he took—every single document regarding Zero and Lelouch —before sneaking out towards the hangar. He'll make his escape using any of the spare Knightmares there—it can't be too hard for him to operate one—and acquire access to any underground broadcast station.

He'll shatter the image Zero had accumulated so far and destroy any chance for Lelouch to gain favour from the Japanese population.

In the end, the greatest scoop of the century will still be written by him!

"Ara... leaving so soon, are we?"

Diethard looked up in horror as C.C. blocked his path. He started to back away quickly but no sooner realized that his other escape route was also blocked.

"What's the rush? Are you being expected somewhere?" asked the green-haired witch again before grabbing a loose document that fell out of the carrier bag Diethard was carrying.

She frowned as she realised that it was a printout of an old newspaper article. Particularly about a specific Britannian prince.

"What're you planning to do with this? Then again, you sneaking around like this can't be anything good—"

"Isn't that obvious already, C.C.? Why're you even asking?"

The second woman who was cornering him finally spoke and Diethard was surprised at how young the voice sounded, yet having a peculiar 'old' feel.

But before he could fully grasp the situation, he felt something rapidly piercing his body. The next moment he realized it, Diethard was lying on the floor in the pool of his own blood.

xxx

C.C. stared at the dying man blankly before turning towards her companion.

"You know, you could have warned me first before doing this. I was planning to deal with him in a less messy way."

'Anya' showed her a cheeky wink. "I doubt your way was any better. This guy looked like he had been planning to betray Lelouch the moment he was of no use to him. This kind of person would be dangerous if left alone. We might as well deal with him swiftly before any harm could be done."

C.C. let out a sigh. "I suppose so. I did think that it was too risky for Lelouch to allow this guy to join the order last time. Diethard might be useful at times but a few times I find his actions a bit questionable."

"That aside, aren't you going to rejoin Lelouch? Why did you stay behind? Why did you insist that I also have to stay behind?"

The 'young lady' just smiled. "Why did you think I decided to stay?"

C.C. frowned as the girl just laughed.

"Don't be so stiff, my old friend. It's because all plans needed a supporting backup in case of emergency. That aside ..."

"...perhaps it was better for you to stay away from Britannia for the time being."

A/N: I was reminded of the fact that Diethard exists. But since I'm not really fond of writing him I might as well arrange his character to a certain fate so that I don't really have to write about him too often.