Chapter 9: Newfound Relationships

Alternate Chapter Title: 101 Followers on FFN Update!

January 12, 1990

Guinevere is being annoying as usual. She constantly whines when things don't go her way. I do not understand how she can be so pompous. Maybe it's because she's three?

Julianne and Victoria are both busy and the nurses are constantly fussing over them. They say the baby is going to come today. Father, of course, is on the battlefield.

Schneizel was born a little before midnight. He's... not cute. I thought babies were supposed to be cute. He's a little creature with red skin. Cornelia is being stubborn according to Victoria. She doesn't want to see the world just yet. I hope father is going to come back soon from the war. I miss him.

January 13, 1990

Cornelia was born in the middle of the night, waking the entire household. She is loud! I've never heard a baby scream so loud before. Father apparently isn't coming back. He did call to tell us we'll be moving again soon. I'm going to be joining him on the battlefield after I turn six. I'm excited to see him then, even if I have to wait until August.

January 28, 1990

Julianne is leaving with Schneizel again. I'm not going to miss her. She's always so cold. I think I'll miss Schneizel, he's a much calmer baby than Cornelia. If it was up to her, she'd never let anyone sleep. Victoria is going to stay here, so that means Cornelia will stay here as well. The house is too small to escape her crying.

Guinevere wants to play dress up. She orders the maid constantly. I'm currently hiding from her in the tree. We're moving next month to another safe location.

—Excerpts from Odysseus's Journal

Ricardo Hill, Ashford Estate, Pennsylvania

Lelouch looked up at the sweltering sun as it beat down on the festivities. July was officially the worst month. Milly's twelfth birthday party was both extravagant and simple. The Ashford family was traditional and as Milly hadn't had her debut yet, she mingled with the commoners on holidays. Farmers and lumberjacks trickled in as they brought small portions of food and the buffet table slowly began to fill. Reuben walked through the crowd himself and stopped to chat with those that lived on his lands and listen to their concerns. On the hill's peak, craftsmen struggled to set up the tarp where the evening's festivity would occur.

Running his hand along the white ash wood bench, he wandered over to his sister who was eagerly attempting to weave a basket and failing. Lelouch smiled and sat down beside her. "Enjoying yourself Nunnally?"

"Yes brother," she said and then pointed to a young boy sitting across from her. "Tom is teaching me how to make a basket. Isn't that nice?"

Tom flushed and his red curls bounced on his head. He was half a head shorter than Nunnally. "Your sister's very nice."

The objective was to blend in. To everyone else, they were the new neighbors who had moved in after their mother had a falling out with their father. Pushing down any unease he felt, Lelouch tried to smile. "Of course she is. Nunnally is the best."

The redhead smiled again and grabbed some reeds to lay them out on the table. "Haven't seen you before. You're new to the area? You could visit. Big brother won't mind."

"Tom," shouted a young girl, also a red head. She waddled over and ignored her brother's disgusted look as she hugged his leg and smeared her chocolate hands all over him. "I'm bored. Play with me."

"Nikki. Get off. I'm busy."

Her brown eyes peered over the table. "That's boring. Play tag with me!"

Laughing, Nunnally finished guiding the reed. "We'll be done soon. Tom just needs to help me finish. And then we can play a ball game together. My ball makes funny sounds."

Nikki's eyes widened and Tom grumbled as he grabbed Nunnally's weave and began to connect the sides of the basket. Nikki bounced over to Nunnally. "I wanna a ball like that. Tom, please. Get big brother to get one for me."

"No Nikki. You can ask Saint Nicholas." He passed the finished and lopsided basket back to Nunnally who accepted it with a large smile. "Let's play ball."

Lelouch watched with concern as Nunnally clung to Tom's arm and they wandered to an open spot. She would be mad if he interfered, but he kept a close watch. The ball whistled as it flew through the air, allowing Nunnally to track it and enjoy the game. He was happy for her. Bored, he looked at the buffet table again and considered if it was rude to grab some food. There was nothing to do.

"Hello," another redhead stretched out his hand before his face. Lelouch shook the rough hand uncertainly. Shaking hands felt weird. "You're the new kid ain't you? I see you met my two younger siblings. We live a few houses down the road from you next to the large farm field."

Lelouch smiled politely and half rose as he saw Nunnally stumble. She stood up swiftly and threw the ball back. Turning to the stranger, he said, "Yes. Your siblings seem nice."

Small red fuzz adorned the older boy's cheeks and Lelouch could make out strong muscles underneath the thin shirt. "Everyone calls me Rick around here. Come one. Let me introduce you to some other folk."

As Rick dragged him away, Lelouch threw a worried glance at Nunnally. Rick continued, "Also, whatever ya do, stay away from Mrs. Richardson's fruit punch. Tastes something awful and she brings it every time. Best to avoid her. She is the one always wearing fancy hats."

Rick stopped before another group of teenagers and threw his arm on Lelouch's shoulder. Lelouch could smell the redhead. Shrugging off the offending arm, Lelouch gave a polite bow. "Nice to meet you. I'm Lelouch."

Rick laughed. "No need to be so formal kiddo. It's a party have fun."

A petite brunette chuckled and offered her hand. "I'm Gwen. You've obviously met this big oaf Rick. And that," she pointed to the tall blue haired girl behind her, "is Oona. Her family has the best strawberries and her mom makes a wicked strawberry-blackberry pie." Gesturing to the aloof boy on her right, she said, "That's Louis. He's training to be a blacksmith under his father. Only one in the area, so don't piss him off. His sister is also the only locksmith we've got, so don't hit on her, or she'll change your locks out of spite."

All too aware of their eyes observing his every room, Lelouch smiled and resisted the urge to bow. He had to fit in, otherwise his entire plan, would fall apart before it even started. His success depended on his acting abilities. "It is a pleasure to meet all of you."

Rick laughed again and his heavy arm settled on his shoulder. "So stiff! You look a little too young for alcohol, but we can definitely sneak you some."

"I'm thirteen and no thank you."

Gwen shook her head. "Your quest for drinking buddies must continue Rick, but thirteen. That's an important age. Almost fourteen. Whatcha planning to do?"

Oona rolled her eyes and before Lelouch could talk, shoved Gwen back. "Oh lay off. You're scaring him. And I don't need another drinking buddy. So you," her eyes narrowed as she looked at him, "better not show up in the bar. That's my and Rick's time. Just the two of us."

Lelouch nodded vigorously. How was he supposed to act? He could lie, fake a smile, and insult people through various degrees of formality. Gwen's hand settled on his head and she ruffled his combed hair. But touching was not something he understood.

"So is that your sister over there playing with Tom and Nikki?" Gwen asked. "Must say, you don't look very much alike. Her basket weaving skills leave much to desire."

"Don't insult Nunnally. She's trying her best."

"But..."

Rick shook his head. "Gwen. She's blind. Say Lelouch, haven't seen your folks. What do they do?"

Lelouch edged away from Rick as he shoved himself into his personal space. "Mother is deployed and my father isn't in the picture anymore."

Rick backed off and looked towards his two younger siblings. "It's tough to care for your siblings by yourself. Pa is down in Area Six with the army. It's just me watching Tom and Nikki with mum too sick. If you ever need any help, feel free to stop by."

It felt strange to be given a genuinely kind offer and Lelouch didn't shy away as Rick patted him on the back. Lelouch whispered, "Thank you."

Oona shook her head and sauntered to Rick. "Come on Ricky. Let's have some fun. Just you and me."

Waggling his eyebrows, Rick drew Oona into an embrace and they walked away, whispering to each other and giggling. Oona tilted her face up and Lelouch watched in horror as Rick leaned down to give her a kiss. His face hot, Lelouch turned away. The two other teens stared at him in amusement.

"Ah, to be young and in love," teased Gwen and he shivered as she directed a strange smile at him. "Got your own sweetheart yet?"

The aloof blacksmith boy, Louis, shook his head again and turned away. "I'm going to the buffet."

Louis left without looking back. Gwen muttered something and turned her predatory smile on Lelouch again. He straightened automatically and the smile vanished. "You've got too much of a stick up your ass to be any fun."

"I'm sorry?"

"I guess in a few years perhaps if you loosen up a little. Your accent is just gorgeous."

Lelouch blinked. "Excuse me?"

"Oh disregard that. Besides, I need you to introduce your sister to my younger sister, Allie. I'll leave you alone then."

Introductions were common among nobility, but here at this gathering of commoners who brazenly barged into conversations and dismissed themselves, it felt out of place. "Why?"

"Allie always has her nose in a book. She's never going to meet anybody. And I happen to know your sister is joining the test students at Ashford Academy."

It would be good for Nunnally to know someone else as well, but, "That list isn't public yet."

Gwen laughed. "Benefits of working at a news agency. Lord Ashford always sends important documents ahead so he can approve our articles. So you agree?"

Shinjuku, Tokyo, Area 11

Suzaku wobbled as he carried the laundry up the stairs to Chiba's flat. With the water and electricity finally back on, they could finally clean their laundry. As he ascended the stairs, he could hear Kudo crying through the walls and Chiba singing softly. Resting the basket against the wall, Suzaku took a moment to catch his breath. His shirt clung to him in the hot humid air.

The door across from him opened and the elderly Yamamoto peered through. Catching sight of Suzaku, he asked, "The washing machine is working again Suzaku-kun?"

"The washing machine is in the corner is working Yamamoto-sama."

He beamed. "Guess it is time to finally wash these clothes. Thank you Suzaku-kun. And how is your brother? Ko wasn't it?"

Ko's wailing increased and Suzaku grimaced. Lately Ko was never quiet and Chiba was at her wit's end, trying to placate her son. "He is teething."

Yamamoto-sama frowned and stared at the ceiling. "Wait here Suzaku-kun."

The door closed and Suzaku shifted the basket again. He really should get going. After lunch, he had to go job hunting again. Chiba had already sold off most of her jewelry and finer clothes to afford diapers and food.

The door opened. "Ah. I knew I had it here." Yamamoto-sama held out a small teething ring. "My granddaughter left it here last time. Take it."

Knowing better than to refuse, Suzaku accepted the gift and bowed deeply. "Thank you very much Yamamoto-sama."

Picking up the basket, he ascended the last flight of stairs. Chiba hushed the baby in the corner of the room while the Saito family worked on preparing dinner. A small breeze passed over Suzaku's damp forehead and he set the laundry basket on the ground. Pulling out the teething ring, Suzaku walked over to Chiba.

"Yamamoto-sama gifted this for Ko."

She accepted it gratefully and Ko's chubby little hands snatched the ring in curiosity and his sobs ceased. Relief flooded the room and Suzaku turned back to the laundry so he could hang it up to dry.

Chiba set Ko down and walked over to him and pressed an apple into his hand as well a Britannian pound note.. "Let me, Suzaku. Ko is still too fussy to leave alone and we're running low on food."

Suzaku nodded. "I'll see you later Oba-san."

Juice dribbled down his chin as he bit into the apple and stepped outside onto the street. People passed by him, heads bowed and trying to not attract attention. He let himself enter the stream of people as they passed through military checkpoints where the Britannian soldiers harsh gaze stared down at them.

A few Britannian vendors lined the street as he approached the edge of Shinjuku where Britannia had begun to rebuild by tearing down the traditional Japanese buildings. He scanned the prices, once again, more than the previous week. The pound note would not be enough to feed everyone in the apartment. And while Chiba may have tried to hide it, the pound note was their last.

His stomach grumbled and he eyed the soldier unwrapping a sandwich with jealousy. How could a Number survive when there were no jobs? He was too young for the mines and those like Yamamoto-sama were too feeble for such hard work. Were they all condemned to starve to death?

Things would get better. He would survive.

His eyes scanned the vendors and the prices. One of them hadn't changed. Still too expensive for him. He watched the dark skinned woman as she sold her goods to a passing soldier. When a young child tried to swipe a sandwich, she stopped him, but let him go. It would have been easy for her to drag the boy before the soldiers and insure that he would never bother her again.

Suzaku stopped before her stand and bowed, waiting to be acknowledged.

"I'm not running a charity here boy. Scram."

Still, he did not straighten. Suzaku glanced up between his bangs and spoke in fluent English. "I apologize for disturbing you ma'am."

Yellow eyes stared at him and she set aside the calculator in her hand. "You've got my attention boy. What do you want?"

"A job." His shoulders tensed as he waited for her to yell and berate him.

Instead, "You're the first one to ask. You look strong enough. I'll give you five pounds a day and lunch."

Everything would work out. "Yes ma'am. Thank you ma'am."

"You can start with unboxing the crates in the back kiddo."

As the sun began to set, he returned to Chiba with a small loaf of bread and two apples he bought with the additional five pounds. He could see the suspicion in her eyes as she accepted the food, but hunger stayed her questions. Everything would be alright. Ko gigled.

Cornwallis County, Ashford Estate, Pennsylvania

Lelouch looked up from the paperwork to observe Nunnally and Allie sitting in the corner and whispering stories to another. They both loved to read and Allie eagerly embraced the idea of learning braille. Together they would bake and do crafts. It was adorable and just like his sister to fit in seamlessly.

The small lightbulb flickered and Lelouch grimaced. The house had three rooms, a bedroom he shared with Nunnally, a kitchen/dining room, and a work room. He hadn't expected it to feel so stifling to live in a small space, but it was. Fortunately, Rick would come over on Sundays to help repair the house's constant issues. The single lightbulb flickered again and Lelouch looked at it warily. He was too short, even with the aid of a chair, to replace it. Hopefully, it would last until the weekend so Lelouch could finish the paperwork.

A polite knock on the door.

Allie rushed to the door, shouting, "I got it! I got it!"

Lelouch set the plastic fountain pen to the side and shifted Reuben's paperwork to the side, where no curious eyes could snoop. It was mostly tax returns, but a few of them were encoded messages concerning Reuben's research and it would be detrimental for the papers to fall in competitor's hands.

"Gwen!" Allie shouted and hugged her sister tightly. "Can Nunnally and I have a sleepover, please, itsy bitsy please?"

A sleepover? They hadn't discussed that with him. Sleepovers were a terrible idea. Sleeping in the same room with a stranger, would leave him defenceless. He barely knew Allie and while she seemed innocent enough, she could try to murder him. Cornelia had plenty of horror stories where children charmed their way into a household, only to poison their host. Practically speaking, Allie was a threat to their secret identity. What if they talked in their sleep? There were too many risks.

Nunnally walked over to him, stopping just short of the table. "Please Lulu. Please."

"Of course Nunnally," Lelouch replied automatically.

Gwen chuckled. "Well if Lelouch agrees, you can stay the night. But you need to come home early, Ma and Pa are throwing a little family party. After all, you're going to school." Gwen hugged her little sister again. "I'm so proud of you! You're going to be amazing."

"Gwen, it isn't that big of a deal," Allie said as she escaped her sister's clutches and hid behind Nunnally.

Lelouch closed his eyes. What had he just agreed to?

"So Lelouch," Gwen said as she sauntered over and tried to snatch a budget report, "the Lord has still got you doing all this busy work? Never thought being good at math would lead to such a punishment? At least tell me the pay is good."

He was getting paid twenty pounds a day after Reuben insisted and set Milly to harry him into submission. "The pay is fine."

"Well with Lord Ashford heading to Tokyo tomorrow night, you are going to need a new job?" She leaned in closer and ruffled his hair. "And guess who just got you a job at the newspaper! It's time to put your ridiculous vocabulary to work."

She wouldn't have gotten him a job if she suspected him, right? Or was this a ploy to gain his allegiance? While Reuben would probably still send excess paperwork his way until Lelouch officially enlisted, a job would help him blend in. Nobody would believe a prince wrote in the gossip rag. "Thank you Gwen. You didn't have to."

"Work starts the day after tomorrow at eight. I put my reputation on the line," she glowered at him, "so don't you dare to be late. And if anything happens to my sister, anything untoward, nobody will find your body."

Lelouch leaned back and swallowed. "I won't. I mean I'll be on time and your sister will be fine. I promise."

Gwen beamed and walked to the door. "Good luck Allie. I'll get you at seven tomorrow. Bye everyone."

The door slammed shut and Lelouch turned to Allie slowly. "Your sister absolutely terrifies me."

Allie beamed and Nunnally, the traitor, laughed at him.

Blue Rose Villa, Outer Pendragon

Arthur Greenford spotted Oberstein talking to Prince Clovis, the new Viceroy of Area Eleven, and snagged a glass of champagne. Around the ballroom, viscounts, earls, margraves, and royalty mingled and danced. In the center of the room, Empress Gabrielle la Britannia laughed and kept a watchful eye on her son. She spoiled him.

Prince Clovis laughed loudly and Arthur's lip curled. The boy always drank too much. Even Prince Odysseus, despite his dismal state of mediocrity, had a wonderful sense of responsibility. Prince Odysseus would never become inebriated in public. It was foolish to pass the viceroyship to someone so sheltered and weak. Watching Oberstein easily charm the young prince, reminded Arthur, that despite his personal beliefs, Prince Clovis would have substantial power. While some dared to go against a viceroy, few would dare to challenge royalty if they valued their health.

Walking over, Arthur bowed flamboyantly. "Hell your highness, congratulations on the viceroyship." He gave a shorter bow, one between equals to Oberstein.

Prince Clovis waved his hands. "None of that now. We are all friends here, aren't we Margrave Greenford?"

"Arthur, please, your highness."

Clovis smiled politely and gestured to Oberstein. "I was just discussing with Fredrick here, Reuben's new school. Ashford Academy. I'm sponsoring the art department. Isn't it amazing?"

Ashford was finding support for his inane idea. "Is it true, that the commoners may attend? Nobles and commoners mixing, it just isn't right."

"But artistic talent must be nurtured Arthur and it may be found anywhere. Some of the most renowned artist had barely a penny to their name. It sickens me to think that such talent could languish because no one wishes to support them."

Oberstein took a small sip from his crystal glass and said, "Prince Clovis fashions himself as sort of a patron of the arts. It is an admirable goal."

Of course the prince was too stupid to realize that Ashford wished to pool labor. If those commoners attended his school, they would feel indebted and gladly work in research. He turned to Oberstein. Surely, he wouldn't let this stand. "I imagine Lord Ashford will have great difficulties keeping the institute profitable. Tokyo will also be running a deficit for many upcoming years. Can Lord Ashford afford such an expenditure?"

Would Oberstein help Arthur, drive Ashford to bankruptcy?

Clovis laughed a little too loudly again. "Not to worry. My dear brother has also taken quite an interest."

Arthur took another sip to cover the grimace. Prince Schneizel had a tendency to run circles around everyone. If he was involved, Arthur would have to back off. No need to get the Prime Minister mad. His face impassive, he said, "Oh?"

"Odysseus has been complaining about the shortage of doctors for years. Not enough nobles want to be doctors and there are only so many students that can pass through an apprenticeship. It's a big problem."

Arthur pondered Prince Odysseus's involvement. Had the prince finally decided to try to play the game? If Prince Odysseus wished to against Prince Schneizel and keep the throne, Arthur would have to adjust his plans. Against Prince Schneizel, the child prodigy, he never had a chance, but against the foolish Prince Odysseus, he could work this to his advantage.

"I believe the statistics were such: Ten percent from nobility, thirty percent through apprenticeships, another fifteen percent are foreigners, and fifty-five through the military. Giving commoners a medical education close to that of a noble, would mean we can reduce the number of foreign agents," mused Oberstein. "I imagine Prince Odysseus is setting up a contract for those who wish to pursue medicine."

Clovis nodded, although he looked quite befuddled as his eyebrows drew together. "Quite droll if you ask me. While I'm just helping to fund the art department, Odysseus is setting up a sub-department of the Office of Welfare to handle those pursuing medicine. There is some sort of psychological profile and background check. Also he is contacting doctors to arrange mentorships."

Reuben was being too successful, but Arthur ignored his rising ire at plans casually being thrown out of the window by the new revelations and asked, "How does Ashford Academy play into this?"

"I talked to Reuben yesterday about an art appreciation week, when he mentioned that he was finalizing the deal with Odysseus. Reuben gets some start up capital, but Ashford Academy gets paid for every certified doctor they produce."

Oberstein smiled. "I heard about that. The Imperial Academy will have the same conditions. The grant applies to any institution that graduates more than five students a year."

Arthur forced himself to smile and glanced around the room. Princess Guinevere conversed in the corner, surrounded by ladies and gossiping with his nephew. "I wish you the best of luck Prince Clovis. Being the Viceroy of Area Eleven will be no easy task. I haven't had the opportunity to introduce myself to Princess Guinevere yet. She did help plan this party?"

"I will not hold you hostage. And yes. It is a splendid party. Give her my thanks, will you?" Prince Clovis nodded curtly, before turning back to Oberstein.

With his own deep bow to Prince Clovis and nod to Oberstein, Arthur wandered over to Princess Guinevere. She looked absolutely fabulous in a deep purple dress with a plunging neckline. He could easily understand why his nephew, Bedivere, was so enamored by her. She would make a good ally and her beliefs were righteous. She believed in the superiority of the nobility and never wavered, unlike Oberstein who bent the rules if it increased his profits. With Prince Odysseus acting strangely, she would make a fine candidate in the potential fight for succession. There was a chance to oust Prince Schneizel and Arthur would take it.

"Margrave Greenford, what a delightful surprise. Have some hors d'oeuvres. The fish is simply divine," called Princess Guinevere and gestured to the buffet table besides her. His nephew took a few steps back to allow them to speak.

Arthur bowed and dutifully grabbed a plate. "Your highness, I hope that my nephew hasn't been too tiring?"

"Not at all. He has the most amusing stories to tell. How are your two daughters Lord Greenford?"

"Arianell is expecting. She and Michael are over the moon. Rowena just received a courting gift from Margrave Osborne's eldest son, Ewen."

Princess Guinevere spread a fan to cover her mouth as her eyes glistened with amusement. "Are you merging your estates since both your son-in-law have their own inheritance?"

Had one of his daughters not married an heir, he wouldn't have such an issue. But Arthur didn't particularly mind; men were more capable of ruling. "Bedivere will inherit. He is quite capable and my younger brother's lands are inconsequential, but Caroline will inherit them instead."

Princess Guinevere's eyes flashed to Bedivere by his side. Royals, despite all their connections, had very little land to their name. They accrued massive wealth due to their status, but land was everything. Perhaps Bedivere and Guinevere would not marry, but there was a chance and it would tie her closely to his own goals. His nephew, the Emperor Consort. It had a nice ring.

Worldbuilding Thoughts:

- In the anime, we know there are nobles, but not really what they do. Basing this on more medieval history, the nobles are the landowners and "rent" out land to the commoners.

-The Ashford Estate gets its name from the white ash trees which used to be its main export.

-Odysseus is born in 1984, making him 5 1/2 years older than Schneizel.

Author's Note:

Thank you x1tears1X on FFN for your help with this chapter. If anyone else wants to beta, just ask? :)

We actually reached 101 followers this morning, so thank you everyone. :) I'm glad that people are enjoying the story. I'm still updating an extra chapter on Monday, because I missed two updates. Regular updates will continue on Wednesday evenings (my time).

The next special update, will be at 100 kudos/bookmarks/reviews/favorites or 250 follows.

I'm also considering creating a discord server, would anyone be interested?