An update, finally. Well, let me not say anything – let us get into the chapter.

Chapter Five

Life was truly unfair; It was at times a treacherous survival race that only seemed to favor the few selected. This cursed world of false ideals and an oppressive ideology that has been fostered and preached by the Emperor was the cause of his sufferings. Had things been different, his mother would have still been alive and his sister would be able to see him and walk around. But she could not walk anymore. She was bound to a wheelchair and she was blind because someone had decided to open fire on his mother. Lelouch thought of that day with pure hatred. He would never forgive anyone and he would not rest until he knows what happened to his mother.

Because of that incident, his once happy and energetic sister couldn't see him. If she could walk, she would have been running around and maybe she would have visited already. But looking at her speak to him, eyes closed, her lips move up and down with a smile throughout, Lelouch felt hatred. He felt something building in his chest and it wasn't pleasant. He would strangle whoever did this to his sister with his own damn hands – even if that person was the emperor. One day, Lelouch would get his revenge. Justice would be served.

Lelouch smiled sadly, but his eyes had nothing but burning hatred as his sister was pushed away from the screen he had Sayoko install for him to be able to talk his sister while seeing her. It was doing nothing more than make him seethe in anger.

"Oh my," It was Milly's voice that came from the speakers just when Lelouch was about to cancel the line. The mask on his face disappeared and an expressionless one settled as Milly made her appearance known. "Big bad Lulu appears really angry." She said in an amused tone, but her eyes had a different look about them.

Lelouch stared at Milly for a long minute before laughing. "Big bad Lulu? Couldn't have picked something better?"

Milly cupped her chin for a moment before responding. "Well, you'll always be Lulu and regardless of angry you can be, you always look a bit harmless."

"Are you mocking my physical condition, Milly?"

The President of the Student Council grinned. "Well, you have always been physically weak, Lulu. You don't look really imposing unless one looks into your eyes."

"I have always had enough. You seem to forget that I was the one who used to carry Nunnally to bed."

Milly burst out in laughter for a couple of moments. "Nunnally doesn't weigh much. I also taker her to bed. Besides, you used to push her on her wheelchair and then put her to bed. She told me that even if it was usually for a minute, there would much groaning and grunts."

Lelouch stared; he was indeed physically weak. It was often humiliating how even Euphemia could easily tackle him to the ground. Cornelia wouldn't even need to put much strength into her muscles to even restrain him. His physical strength has always been his one weakness that has often been made fun of… He hadn't thought deeply about it because it hadn't mattered then. But now he was back in the slaughter house. If he could not run, he couldn't chase his enemies, they would easily catch up to him if he ever needed to escape for the safety of his life.

He was even going to military. He needed to at least have adequate strength to function for longer periods without losing stamina in a couple of minutes. He wasn't going to become good commander or even inspire confidence in his men.

The Eleventh prince sighed deeply and folded his hands before responding. "I'm not going to allow you to bait me into this…" he said.

Milly smiled innocently. "I'm not baiting, just being concerned. Didn't you say you'd have to marry? A princess will want her prince to carry her through the stairs to their bedroom."

Lelouch frowned thinking about the marriage thing. He ignored Milly's other words. And decided to change the subject. "I thought I told Sayako that this was to be kept a secret."

Milly put on a hurt look on her face. "I am wounded Lelouch," she said dramatically. "Here I am happy to see your face and you are questioning my presence. Don't you no longer care? Have you already found someone else?"

"Milly…" Lelouch said with a stare.

Milly just smiled. "You are not fun as you used to be," she said with a slight shake of her head. Her expression changed quickly. "Now, what was making you look so foul like you wanted to kill someone?"

Lelouch smiled – it was a cold smile. "I was indeed thinking of killing someone with my own hands," he said darkly.

Milly gave him a concerned look.

"There is nothing for you to worry about, Milly." Lelouch said on a slow tone.

Milly stared at him for a long moment before smiling. "So, when am I going to visit? I haven't seen Aries Villa in a long time… and I must show myself to deter any potential suitors for you."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Milly waved her right hand. "You'll figure it out soon enough…"

Lelouch shook his head. He wasn't even going to bother thinking about it. It was only going to be something troublesome. You never know what is inside of Milly's head. "It's not yet safe. Besides, I have to disappear for a while before I deploy."

"A pity," Milly said. "I had thought we'd have so much fun."

Lelouch snorted. "I'm sure it would have been only you having fun," he said. "But it wouldn't be so bad to have you around. The place can be quite silent at times."

"I'm sure you spend it all brooding," Milly said with a look. "When are you going to get busy? The Emperor certainly didn't call you back just so you can sit around brooding."

"It's not brooding!" Lelouch exclaimed. "I'm supposed to shadow Schneizel a bit to learn about politics. After which, I will be forced to head into war somewhere else…"

Milly smiled sadly. "But at least you still live, Lelouch. But knowing you, I am certain you have already plotted things for your rise. Very soon, we will be reading stories about Britannia's Black Prince."

"Black Prince?"

"Well, Prince Schneizel is already the white prince," Milly said. "You will be fine, right?"

Lelouch didn't mistake the concern in her eyes. He was going to war and people did die there. It did not matter if he was royal or not. Perhaps for him there would be much danger because people would try to sabotage him. "I will be…"

Milly grinned. "I can't have you dying on me before you fulfill your promise to me…" she said.

"What promise, Milly?" Lelouch asked with narrowed eyes.

Milly's smile only widened. "I will remind you in the best way some day," she said waving her right hand. Before Lelouch could say anything, she cut off the line.

The Eleventh prince sighed tiredly. He was certainly not going to have Milly come here when it would be just the two of them. She would make his life miserable.

Days Later

Jeremiah couldn't help but smile as he saw the gates of Aries Villa. He had been gone for a number of days, away from his Lord, his prince – it had been a torture just thinking about how lonely and unguarded Lelouch must have been without him. Perhaps he was being a bit giddy, but ever since his reason to live with pride returned him, Jeremiah had never been happy like this. He also worried. For the safety of his prince. He did not wish for history to repeat itself.

The former Purist leader halted in his movements as he stared at the gates. Some years ago, tragedy had welcomed him upon his return. He had seen a bloody and gruesome scene. Lelouch was back. His Lord was back and he would not allow anything to happen to him again. He would not. Jeremiah Gottwald would die trying if his best was not enough. Nothing would happen to Lelouch as long as he was alive.

"Lord Jeremiah, are you okay?" Villetta asked, seeing the man's jaws clenched, and his posture a bit stiff.

Jeremiah slowly turned towards Villetta. She had been the only one to follow him here, but he would have liked for even Kewell to follow him. The man had not been convinced. He did not care about Lelouch. But Villetta had agreed after hearing him out, after hearing the kind of future that was ahead of them. What had been much attractive had been the idea that Lelouch had deep connections with Schneizel. Although Lelouch wouldn't gloat about his friendship with the Prime Minister, there was no denying it.

"Old memories," Jeremiah finally said in a bitter tone.

"Unpleasant memories," Villetta muttered. She did recall that this place did have a rather dark past and Jeremiah had been a part of it.

Jeremiah nodded before smiling. "Let us not keep Prince Lelouch waiting for us," he said before continuing to walk towards the gate.

Villetta wanted to remind the man that he had been the one who stopped but she said nothing – it was best not to burst his bubble. The gates were heavily guarded. Jeremiah had looked surprised to see the armed guards at the gate. He questioned things a bit before he went through.

"Why is this new?"

"In his immediate return, the palace was being guarded by people who reported straight to the emperor. However, once the cloud over his Highness' future was removed, the guards were also removed. Prince Lelouch must have organized this in my absence," he frowned at the thought.

"Why is this a bad thing?" Villetta asked, seeing the frown on Jeremiah lips.

"It would have made me much more comfortable if I had been here when he selected the guards," the man said in a calm tone, eyes glancing behind him at the guards.

Villetta shook her head. "It sounds like you don't trust your Prince's judgement…"

Jeremiah didn't miss how she referred to Lelouch. Villetta was still Britannia so, Lelouch was still her prince. Perhaps she meant it in the personal terms in serving him. She still wanted to see things on her own before fully committing on anything. The margrave turned his eyes towards the stairs leading towards the entrance of the palace and saw Lelouch sitting there. Those damned stairs that had witnessed the assassination of Empress Marianne. They seemed clean now, but Jeremiah would never forget. The images would always remind him of his failures and what would happen if he failed once more.

He increased his pace without responding to Villetta upon seeing Lelouch. The woman only shook her head seeing this.

With Lelouch

Lelouch had a small book on his left hand – he had been doing some reading. It was fundamental that he know everything that he needed to know and possess some useless knowledge, for now. You never know when it might prove useful. In this world of vultures – this world of survival for the fittest, he could not make do without knowing anything. He could not survive without the needed knowledge and expertise. The imperials would eat him alive, he would face the same end that his mother faced, on these stairs, and like before, there would be nothing done and it would only be his younger sister who has to suffer.

These hawks would devour her. His innocent blind sister would become a tool for the Imperial family. Lelouch seethed at the thought of what might happen to her if something ever happened to him. He would make all plans to ensure he didn't die prematurely. But the emperor's call had made him aware that he didn't know what would happen tomorrow despite his best laid plans. If something does happen to him, there would have to be plans for Nunnally's survival, for her happiness.

He couldn't trust anyone to do anything in the Imperial Family. Perhaps Cornelia would make promises, but if she had to choose between Nunnally and Euphemia, there was no question what she would choose. He couldn't trust Schneizel with anything. His brother would certainly ensure that no one touched his sister and she was alive, but if a chance came for him to use her, he would do it without blinking. In this world, Lelouch had no one. It was just him against this world and he would conquer it.

Still, there was a lot that he needed to achieve. So many things that he needed to do. He had nothing. He was just a prince but with nothing. The nobles wouldn't give him an ear. Lelouch didn't need it though. He felt nothing but contempt for the aristocracy. They were nothing but power hungry savages. If he was the emperor, he would certainly abolish the nobility status. He smiled at the thought. There would be plenty of resistance on that rule, but if they resisted, they could be forced to accept, wasn't it? Britannia rules by power and those with power could do anything they wanted and get away with it.

Lelouch looked from the book he had stopped reading an hour ago and glanced down the stairs; Jeremiah was literally running towards him, leaving the woman he was with behind. He smiled at the scene whilst shaking his head. At least in Jeremiah, he had someone he could trust – someone he could depend on.

"My Lord," Jeremiah kneeled on the stairs and stared down for a moment before looking up to Lelouch. "I was most worried while I was away. I am truly happy to see that you are well."

Lelouch raised an eye brow and glanced at the woman he recognized as Villetta Nu from the files Jeremiah had given him. The Eleventh Prince didn't speak to her though, he glanced back Jeremiah and responded in an amused tone. "What did you think was going to happen in your absence, Jeremiah."

Jeremiah didn't need to think about the answer – he spoke almost immediately. "Your Highness, I know very well that a high number of the upper class would rather have you dead than breathing. The Vi Britannia line has never been liked by the nobility. I wouldn't put it past them to plot something."

"They are probably plotting something even now," Lelouch said those words very slowly to drive the message through. He was not ignorant of his predicament. The fact that he seemed to have the Prime Minister's favor wouldn't deter anyone from acting against him. It was a risky business, but nothing was ever risk free. "But what would you have done, Jeremiah?"

"If they had sent people to invade this palace, I would have shot everyone to death!"

Lelouch shook his head. he had no doubt that if given the weapon, Jeremiah would go that path and even if he did not have it, he would wrestle one from the enemy. Well, it terms of weaponry, it wasn't something that he needed to worry about. Lelouch had stocked on weapons. He was going to be in Military, he would need to get a better handle on weapons.

The Eleventh Prince turned towards Villetta Nu and then addressed her. "Villetta Nu, welcome to Aries Villa. Vi Britannia may not be well liked amongst the upper class, but we do have one of the best homes within the empire. I hope you'll enjoy your stay here."

Villetta managed a small smile; Lelouch was smiling, but those eyes that stared at her were scrutinizing her in a way that made her feel uncomfortable. He was indeed a member of the imperial family alright. It wasn't just his look but the atmosphere around him – it smelled royalty and superiority.

"Thank you, your Highness," Villetta said. "Lord Jeremiah did say the place also have quite some lovely gardens."

"Indeed," Lelouch said. there was silence that lasted for about a minute – it felt much longer than that though. "Is this it, Jeremiah?"

Jeremiah frowned slightly. he would have liked to have gained many friends upon his return, but there had been nothing. People were not really willing to risk anything, not with Lelouch. Blind bastards. They simply could not see the brilliance that was his prince. they would regret their choices and one day, Jeremiah would spit on them. "Yes," he responded in a low tone.

Lelouch still smiled though. "Good enough," he said.

"My Lord?" Jeremiah had expected Lelouch to be disappointed. He was both confused and surprised by that response.

"This is enough," Lelouch said but did not explain in detail. "Villetta, what do you think of Prince Lelouch vi Britannia…" when she hesitated to speak, he smiled. "Speak your mind, Villetta. I asked for your opinion, there won't be any consequences."

Villetta considered it for a moment. It was still dangerous. What if she said something he didn't like and then he orders his guards to shoot her? But Jeremiah had said Lelouch wasn't like that. Even so, those men at the gates had been heavily armed and for him to sit here like this meant that he was highly comfortable. "I think that His Highness is at a disadvantage compared to other princes and the fact that he isn't well liked by the aristocracy makes his position very difficult."

"Well liked?" Lelouch laughed. "Those cowards resent my very existence. I am nothing more than a stain to the upper class," he said in a stern tone. "If those are your thoughts, then why did you come here?"

"Lord Jeremiah convinced me to come and having worked under him for some time, I trust his judgement."

"What was his Judgement?"

"That His Highness will achieve many great things."

Lelouch glanced at Jeremiah who only grinned; the Eleventh Prince shared the grin. "We will indeed achieve many great things. But for now, we have many enemies that can rid of us. Britannia's entire aristocracy is the enemy, and wherever we stand, there will be people with guns pointing at us."

Villetta didn't think it was likely unless it was the emperor who was doing the deed himself. So far, it didn't look like there was anyone who could do anything to Lelouch because of what people think of how the emperor perceives him. She had also done her homework; Lelouch may not be the most liked or with anything one can note, but he had just returned to the fold, and he was close to the two imperials who demanded respect – Schneizel and Cornelia. With those two around him, there was no way Lelouch could turn out to be a failure. Besides, Jeremiah has said that he was truly a capable person.

She would need to see that but she knew that they would be going to war. If he was truly going to go into military, he wasn't just going to be a common soldier. Regardless of what many may think, the Emperor would not allow one of his children to be just a common solider. He would be given an army of his own to lead, and if she was going to follow him, she would be working under him.

Villetta frowned; perhaps there was truth in his words. She shook her head – there was truth. If he was going into battle, she would not be surprised to see sabotage attempts. The nobles could and would do that. It was nothing but a game they played. They would not allow the son of a mere commoner to become something great within the empire. They would not allow it and they would do it in a very subtle or perhaps bold way regardless of what the emperor was thinking. Given the man's attitude, one would even be inclined to think if someone shot Lelouch in the back, the man wouldn't even blink. She wasn't a noble, but she knew that the emperor wasn't known for his kindness.

"Tell me, Villetta, do you believe that I can achieve many great things. Are you willing to even risk anything for glory? In this life, you cannot achieve anything if you are not willing to risk things. Perhaps if you stayed with the Purists, you could achieve something or maybe not. But if you are going to follow me, you are going to follow my commands in battle without hesitation."

He didn't need people who thought they knew better and simply try to ignore his orders because they were older. Age and birth didn't determine intelligence and wisdom. You could be born of royal blood and still be stupid like the Crown Prince. Of course, the emperor would never admit that his first born was a useless man who allowed Schneizel to make all the decisions because he didn't have the spine and courage to make the hard decisions. He didn't even have the intelligence to move as Schneizel would.

"I came here prepared for anything," Villetta said in a firm tone. She still wasn't sure – she was walking blind. But she did trust Jeremiah. Even so, it was apparent that Lelouch wasn't going to explain or do anything to convince her to follow him. It was either she wanted to follow or not. This just smelled of Britannian arrogance, but she would not voice her thoughts.

"Good," Lelouch said. "Jeremiah, lead her in so that she came be comfortable. In a good day, I will arrange for knightmare frames to be brought so that I can see what you really are capable of…"

"Will you be piloting a knightmare frame as Well?" Jeremiah asked.

"Naturally, I know my way around a knightmare but I have not piloted one for battle," Lelouch said. "I have to get in some minutes before heading out. It would be a disappointment if I end up failing because of inexperience. And failure isn't really welcomed in the empire."

That was a pleasant way of saying things. Lelouch knew though. The Emperor would not tolerate failure from him. He has already been warned already. If he failed, there would be consequences. He could not afford to fail. He could not afford it. Nunnally would be used if he failed and he would be reduced to a tool for political hostage once more; this could be allowed to happen. Not to him. Not now. Not ever.

The Following Day

Schneizel was already on-board his private plane. It was that much apparent from what Lelouch could see. But he was not that surprised. The Prime Minister was a busy man and there was no one who handled diplomatic issues better than him. If their eldest brother had been a little useful, the second prince would have someone to share his duties with. But he had to deal with their father and lead the empire in war against the EU. The Crown Prince was truly a useless pawn in the chessboard. His only use would be getting married off to someone in high places to ward of needless battles. Lelouch could see Schneizel making such a move in the near future.

The Eleventh prince leaned back to his comfortable chair and stared at the screen in front of him. "Going somewhere?"

Schneizel nodded and put on an apologetic look on his face. "I know I wanted to show you some of my projects but the war with the EU has taken a different turn. Without my presence there, the military generals have started to move on their own." It was hard to tell if he was angry because he did not display such emotion.

Lelouch had never seen Schneizel angry. The man was calm and ruthlessly cold in manipulating things. He must have known they would make a move but yet let it happen because he wanted to open another door for himself. This cold person was like that. The generals were nothing but pieces of chess that were only supposed to move under his instruction. Schneizel didn't need to grace the battlefield, he could sit on his throne like chair and issue his orders as he would when playing a game.

"Unsurprisingly, there is some assumption that Britannia isn't taking the EU seriously because we have superior knightmare frames than them and yet we have been on a deadlock…" Lelouch said calmly.

"You have been studying," Schneizel said with a small smile. Then what did he expect, Lelouch was truly his younger brother.

"I am going to war myself, it would be foolish to ignore the state of affairs," Lelouch said with indifference.

Schneizel nodded. "The assumption is perhaps true. The military heads have been pressing to push in invasion in the EU. But that will have consequences so I have been stalling while ensuring that the EU makes no progress."

"But of course every now and then they have to be shown that they can be annihilated," Lelouch said. The second prince has already done this before. His strategy was simply for the long term benefit rather than looking at the immediate future.

"Of course," Schneizel said with a nod. "I don't control the military but I have enough influence within the EU war to stall for things. In terms of economics, we cannot afford to have the EU collapse or it will affect Britannia badly."

"Is this why even though there is war the nations still continue to have undisturbed trade?"

Schneizel nodded. "I don't know when I will return and I won't be the one to place you in battlefield. The order will come from high command."

"What have you heard?"

"Nothing as yet, they are still discussing," he said.

Lelouch was silent for a couple of moments before asking. "Will you be able to stall for my deployment for about two to three months?"

"I can try," Schneizel said. "Why?"

"I need to make some preparations myself. If I am going to war, I am going to pilot a knightmare."

"I don't think there is a need for you to enter the battlefield yourself. You are quite capable of controlling the flow of things while watching from afar…"

Moving pieces around… Lelouch wondered if Schneizel felt like a god at times. Either way, that wasn't his style. "We do not think the same way, Schneizel. When the king moves, the pieces have to follow him. His movements must inspire those around him to move. If I am going to be successful, I need to have soldiers who are willing to follow me with their hearts."

"While I cannot agree with that thinking, not to mention the risks involved, I still think that you will become a successful military general."

"The difference in thought is simply because of our difference in values brother," Lelouch said calmly. He did not explain. Schneizel would not ask either. "If you can stall my deployment, I would be most grateful."

"We are brothers, Lelouch." Schneizel said calmly. "Besides, if you have better preparations, I won't have to focus on military actions but on politics. Had things been different, you would have been the one deploying to the EU while I handle internal issues with other areas…"

Lelouch smiled. "You could always leave our eldest brother in charge of your duties when you are otherwise occupied."

Schneizel shared Lelouch's smile. "Although father views those duties as mundane affairs, I'm certain even he would step away from his throne and handle them himself if such an opportunity presented itself…"

Lelouch laughed. That would never happen. From what he has learned, the Emperor has been detached from affairs of the empire, pushing them to his children. But he knew, it was simply humor. "That gives me motivation to give my best in my preparations."

"What kind of preparations are we talking about, Lelouch? His Majesty had said there would be no time for you to go to military academy."

"Wasn't that because I would need at least a year there to complete training?"

"There is that," Schneizel didn't need to explain the other reasons. Lelouch knew them. If there was someone else aside from him who understood their father's nature, it was Lelouch.

"Logistics, Knightmare frames… understanding what needs to be understood about Britannia's position in all nations. I want to be able to know what happens if Britannia invades a certain nation and I need to have tools of support. I don't have anything as things stand."

Schneizel understood that. He had many connections. There were many people who were loyal to him. So many who did things for him. You needed to have that to survive in this world. "I introduced you to some of my friends for this reason. Has someone contacted you?"

Lelouch was certain that Schneizel already had an answer to this. "Yes but it's not quite enough. I need more…" he said. Before the second prince could offer his response, Lelouch spoke once more. "I'll wait on your response, brother."

"You will have it within two days."

When the communication line ended, Schneizel adopted a thoughtful look on his face. His brother has certainly been busy over the past days. He hadn't thought of it as much when Lelouch suddenly started moving pieces. Truly, information was power. And Lelouch had lacked that. But he was moving around and gaining. It was nothing troublesome. Lelouch had to grow. He needed him to be able stand on his own.

But of course, he would not be allowed to stray too far away from him.

Later

It was truly rare to find friends in this damned world. But Lelouch was at least grateful than he had people who liked him. Cornelia may not be a favorite to the nobles because of her military attitude but she was still the Witch of Britannia. There were very few who could act against her. Perhaps her flaw was that she didn't try to play politics. She seemed to hate it with everything she has and instead favors military force over talking. She wasn't stupid nevertheless. She hasn't been as successful as she has been because of luck.

This elder sister of his was someone he had grown around but she was still a suspect. Lelouch sometimes played around the idea of how she seemed to care for him and how she was involved in the guarding of his mother. She had to know something. Clovis had said so.

"Lulu?" Euphie poked Lelouch on his forehead seeing him seemingly lost in thought. She had a curious look on her face, staring at him intently.

Lelouch eyes snapped towards the Third Princess; she was dangerously close to him. Her innocent blinking eyes were staring back him. Lelouch could feel her warm breath, the intoxicating scent she produced. This was his half-sister. He loved her. Nunnally came first, but aside from his sister, no one came close to Euphie.

The Eleventh prince unconsciously lifted his right hand and cupped Euphie's chin. He tilted his head to the side as she stared into her eyes deeply. Euphemia cheeks reddened a bit before Lelouch put on an amused look on his face. This caused Euphie to hit him on his shoulder.

She folded her hands across her chest and glared at him.

Lelouch continued smiling before speaking. "The man who will marry you will be lucky to have you, Euphie…" he said.

Euphemia stared at Lelouch for a couple of moments before speaking. "He'd have to be… Cornelia isn't going to allow any boy to come closer to me."

Lelouch laughed. Cornelia could be like a smothering mother at times. "Even if he does get close, he will have gone through interrogation. Well, I would also do the same."

"Why?"

"You are my precious sister whom I love dearly," Lelouch said in a serious tone.

Euphie smiled warmly. She too loved him but she could not say it. Her smile widened as she thought of the younger days she'd enjoyed with Lelouch and Nunnally. "Why another man? Didn't I make a promise that we'd get married one day?"

Before Lelouch could respond, Cornelia stepped into the room and spoke. "You two are a bit older to be talking about such things," she said sternly.

"Lelouch and I can talk about whatever we want, sister," Euphie said; she almost felt like sticking her tongue out at her little show of defiance.

Cornelia glared at Euphie for a second. She shook her head and then turned towards Lelouch – who was wearing an amused look on his face. She sighed and then glanced at her younger sister. "Give me some time along with Lelouch, Euphie."

Euphie looked between her siblings for a moment before nodding her head. She smiled towards Lelouch and then walked away from the room without saying a word.

Once she was gone, Cornelia turned to Lelouch and walked over to him. She pulled him closer to a tight hug. She almost crushed him but she didn't seem to care that he was warning her about it. Cornelia just wanted to hold her dear brother. She didn't want to let him go. She hadn't known that things were truly difficult for him, but after going to Area 11, she had seen it.

After a few moments, Cornelia let go of Lelouch and the prince slumped down to a single sofa behind him. He glanced up at Cornelia who also decided to settle down but she had a sad look on her face.

"It must have been rough on you, Lelouch. When I heard that you were alive, I was simply happy but I did not consider the hardships that you had to face in a war torn area with Nunnally beside you," the second princess said through gritted teeth.

Lelouch knew there was anger but he couldn't tell what it was for and to whom it was directed. He did get the feeling that she was mad at the emperor for allowing things to happen in the way they did and for exiling him in the first place. It was even convenient that people seem to forget that he had been stripped of his status and then exiled to Japan to be used as a political hostage. The Japanese were to think that Britannia would never invade a nation where its leaders housed the children of the emperor.

Thinking about it, the life hadn't been easy; it had been difficult. But he had made it. He had survived and he would survive even this challenge. "It was indeed difficult, sister. But I made it."

Cornelia nodded but she didn't say anything for a couple of moments. "I can't believe that you were forced to raise Nunnally on your own Lelouch. In her state, the needs you had to cater for her…" Cornelia shook her head. "I spoke to her; she has everything she ever wanted and she looked healthy. You did well Lelouch."

"Wouldn't you have done the same for Euphie?" Perhaps in some ways, he and Cornelia were very much alike. Their big weaknesses were their younger siblings and the one big problem they had was that the emperor could use their love for their younger sisters to manipulate them.

"Of course," Cornelia's response came almost too quickly. "About the Ashfords… What are you planning to do about them?"

"They provided us a place to stay but I covered the expenses myself," Lelouch said with a shrug.

"I was told about that," Cornelia said with narrowed eyes. "I could understand why you did the things you were doing in Area 11 but I can't fathom why you are still gambling even in here. Have you become a degenerate gambler, Lelouch?"

"It isn't like that, Cornelia."

"You did that because you didn't have someone to guide you. But I am here now and I will make sure that you behave properly. You seem to have forgotten the proper etiquette and mannerism demanded of us royals. Before I leave tomorrow, I will tomorrow, I will send someone to take you through that process again."

Lelouch stared at Cornelia with a frown. She was dead serious and that bothered him. "There is no need for that, sister."

"That isn't for you to decide. I am your elder sister, I will make the decision," Cornelia said sternly. "Do you perhaps have a problem with me that you wouldn't want me to get closer to you?"

"Why would I have a problem, sister?" Lelouch asked in a dangerously low tone, eyes fixed on his sister.

"I'm not Schneizel but I should know that you still hold some resentment over what happened to your mother." Cornelia said. "Maybe you suspect us for being involved which is why you never did come to me for help when you were in a difficult situation. If you had come to me, I could have protected you, Lelouch. You didn't have to hide away from us."

"That worked well for my mother," Lelouch said unconsciously. "I have not forgotten about what happened and I never will forget. My sister is what she is because of what happened. I will never forget. You were in charge Cornelia; you should have answers."

Cornelia fell silent; a range of emotions washed through her face. "Do you suspect me, Lelouch?" She sounded hurt that he would suspect her.

"You are not that kind of person, Cornelia. If something happened to me, you'd probably be the first to go on a killing spree," Lelouch managed a small smile upon saying those words. "But I want to know what happened."

"I don't know…" Cornelia said in a bitter tone. "On that night, your mother ordered all the guards to leave. After it had happened, our father wouldn't allow me to investigate. He ordered me to stay out of it. Schneizel was ordered to remove the body and clean up everything but even he doesn't know much because our father blocked all attempts."

Lelouch received the news with shock and puzzlement. He did not say a word for a couple of minutes.

"You are not thinking of charging to father again, are you?" Cornelia asked, almost in panic.

Lelouch laughed – it was a bitter laugh. "I have learned my lessons. Thinking of it, I was naïve and arrogant to think that I would amount to anything."

"You still maintain that air of arrogance," Cornelia said. She was relieved that he wasn't going to do anything. Well, Cornelia would have even resorted to shooting him on his knees if it meant stopping him from going to make the same mistake as before.

With Villetta

All things considered, Lelouch really did have some powerful allies. If there was someone who wanted to sabotage him in military, they would have to deal with Princess Cornelia. From what Villetta has seen and heard of the second princess, she was merciless. She had seen how she interacted with Lelouch and it was apparent that she cared deeply for him. She would certainly have his back if someone was trying anything. And then there was the second prince. The future didn't look too bad at all.

Villetta looked away from the cup of tea she held and turned towards Jeremiah who was sitting in front of a computer, wearing a focused look on his face. She settled down across her former boss and faced him. "His Highness shares a close bond with some of his siblings…"

Jeremiah looked up at Villetta for a moment before speaking. "Have you decided to stay?" He asked calmly without responding to the woman.

Villetta stared at the man before offering a response. "There isn't much for me to do. The Purist Faction isn't going to last long. Kewell is a capable soldier but he won't be able to keep things together. It is better to jump the ship than allowing yourself to be dragged down to the bottom of the sea with it."

Jeremiah smiled upon hearing those words. "But what is important isn't just that you don't want to fall from grace, Villetta. There will be times I won't be able to protect His Highness and because of the many duties I will do in the future, I may not be able to serve my duty to protect him. I asked you because I trust you and if you prove yourself to him, you will become his knight."

Villetta stared silently. That hadn't been something that Jeremiah brought up before. But for it to happen, she would have to be follower of prince Lelouch and swear loyalty to him. Villetta could do that. The prince didn't seem like a bad person.

"Do you really think so?"

"Of course," Jeremiah said with a smile. "But don't think deeply about it. For now you have to prove loyal. Because of what happened in the past, his Highness does not easily trust anyone."

Villetta nodded; she could understand that.

"You said that that his Highness is close to Princess Cornelia… that is indeed true. But aside from her and Princess Euphemia, and Prince Schneizel, there is no other one who is close to him. There others don't even hide their hostility towards him."

"Friends are few and the enemy surrounds us, huh?" Villetta said in thought.

Jeremiah nodded. "This is why it is important for you to prove yourself to him. I don't doubt you. You are not a traitor. But because the enemy is large, it is difficult to trust."

"Why doesn't he use his connections with Prince Schneizel and Princess Cornelia to create friends?"

"Nothing in this world is ever free, Villetta"

Villetta frowned. Jeremiah didn't need to explain anything. She got the message. But what did you expect? Britannia preached survival of the fittest. You didn't receive favors. It was always a trade. You put out something for you to get something. In a world of the royals, it was a merciless game. The stakes were higher. There was the throne to consider. The First Prince may be the Crown Prince but everyone knew that he would never ascend to the throne. Even with the royals, privilege before the Emperor had nothing to do with birth right but your achievements.

If you have achieved nothing but cling to your birth rights and past glories, you would certainly not amount to anything in the race to the throne.

Area 11

Once you tasted the life of a noble, it was truly difficult to live normally as just another person. Ruben had discovered this since he was forced to flee Mainland and come here, disgraced with nothing. The friends that he had once had turned to him once empress Marianne was murdered. Because of his family's support for the empress, they were also ruined. But he had enjoyed too much the comforts of nobility. It was hard to stop thinking about it. He was just Ruben now, no longer Lord Ashford. A treacherous world it was. But he had been thinking about returning to the fold since he established himself here. He had tasted the forbidden fruit and despite how treacherous it was, Ruben still wanted to go back again and have another bite

Maybe this time it would be different. He would choose allies differently. When Lelouch and Nunnally appeared at his doorstep, he had been thrilled. He had considered returning them to the fold, even if Lelouch only wanted to forget about being a prince and live his life normally. But he had been cautious knowing that such a move could spell an end for him. He had ended up abandoning using Lelouch for another plan – a plan to get a taste of being noble once more. To return the family fortunes.

Ruben smiled when Milly walked into his office – he had called for her. His granddaughter had always been at the thick if things when the plans of returning the family to its former glory were drawn. There was the option of her mother remarrying to someone from a noble house, but the woman wanted to hear none of it. She had looked to her daughter when the plots were being drawn; when list of candidates were screened.

"Milly…" he greeted his granddaughter happily.

Milly stared at her grandfather for a long moment before returning the smile. "Grandfather, you seem happy," she said. "Has mother finally decided it would be best if she gets married herself?"

Ruben laughed for a moment. "She still insists that she is way past her age being a wife," he said.

Milly snorted. "When it is convenient," she said. Her mother was still a beautiful woman who treated herself well. She would certainly have suitors if she put herself in the market.

Ruben, "Yes," he said. "But it is highly unlikely she would even inherit anything if she is to get married. For you it was safe because you could produce an heir who would inherit the title of your husband…" he paused for a moment before asking. "We really did put undue pressure on you, didn't we?"

"You did but I got used to it…"

Ruben looked amused. "But you never had any intention of getting married," he said. "Lelouch never wanted to return to being a prince. But we wanted to return to the noble class despite how we were treated, what does that make us, Milly?"

Milly shook her head. "You know the answer, grandfather…" she said. "It doesn't explain why you looked happy…"

"Things look like they will eventually look up," Ruben said. "I am not so much obsessed with returning to the upper class once more. But with Lelouch's return to the Imperial family, things seem like they will work out. Princess Cornelia spoke to me when she had come to see Nunnally."

"I know," Milly said. "What did she say?"

"Just that the Imperial family was grateful to us for looking after Prince Lelouch," Ruben said with a small smile. "I also received a call from Lelouch."

"The suspense," Milly said to her grandfather who had paused instead of just telling her what he wanted to say.

"It's not like you don't do it," Ruben said with a shrug of his shoulders. "I had once thought that we could try to marry you off to Prince Lelouch. But with how he was exiled and his contempt for anything Britannia, I knew nothing was going to come up."

"Did Lelouch call you about that?" Milly was almost certain that person wouldn't do something like that unless she pushed him. He has also seemed to forget that he said he would now be able to do something about her situation.

Ruben shook his head. "No, it is just a thought…" he said. "Lelouch wants our technology. He doesn't want us to continue running it, he wants to buy it."

Milly folded her hands across her chest. Lelouch certainly had the money now with him being a prince and he has millions he managed to 'scam' out of nobles during his gambling days. "What does that have to do with me?"

Ruben didn't offer an immediate response; a couple of seconds went by before he finally responded. "What do you think to the idea of marrying Prince Lelouch, Milly? I didn't agree to selling our technology because I wanted to think about it. Maybe the money will be good but I am thinking about the family's future."

Milly frowned. "Instead of giving you money, you want to offer me to Lelouch?" She managed a glare. When her grandfather nodded, she spoke, "Unbelievable!" She then stormed out of the office.

Ruben was honestly shocked. He had given this some thought and actually thought that Milly wouldn't be against the idea. She knew Lelouch. They have been friends since childhood. He'd thought she'd at least agree to the idea.

After banging the door to her grandfather's office, Milly leaned against it and put on a smile on her lips.

She could not have accepted her grandfather's offer. Not when she knew the type of person, Lelouch was. If she was going to end up with him, Milly did not want it to be part of a business transaction. She didn't want to be thrown towards him and she did not want pity. Not from Lelouch. If she was going to end up with him, it would have to be because of love. She knew though, Lelouch hardly filled his mind with such thoughts. But she would make him think about it.

She had a couple of tricks on her sleeve. Her grandfather could continue thinking she hated the idea. It wasn't like he was going to do anything without talking to her after all.

She would not tell Lelouch about it nevertheless.

Aries Villa

Schneizel truly knew how to get things done but at this stage, he was going to end up owing the second prince a lot of favors. It couldn't be helped nevertheless. There was nothing that he could do on his own in this world. He did need that pick up. Schneizel had provided it and Lelouch was going to run away with it. He would not just sit back and wait for Schneizel to come up to him to push him around. Besides, if he didn't prove useful soon, the emperor would step in and push him around. It would not be pleasant. Lelouch would avoid this at all costs.

He had plans to build himself support base. He needed to have a corner that would sing him praises. Lelouch didn't need the praises. He would not grin madly and arrogantly stand tall when receiving it but he understood that without friends, he would nor survive the Imperial family. Even if he lived, he would only become Schneizel's tool. If he allowed himself to be dragged down like that, he would not achieve anything. He would not achieve his revenge and he would not get his wish – his sister's wish.

Lelouch looked up from the chess board in front of him and faced both Jeremiah and Villetta. "I had requested Schneizel to ask Military Command to delay my deployment so that I can make some final preparations before heading out and he has succeeded in this…"

"What preparations are those my Lord?" Jeremiah asked.

Lelouch looked back on his chess board for a moment before responding. "Preparations, Jeremiah. These preparations will force me to disappear for a while. And you will not with me."

Jeremiah frowned deeply. He did not like the sound of those words. "Where exactly are you going, Your Highness?"

"I'll be within Britannia. But admittedly, enemy territory would be much more safe for me than within home nation. I will nevertheless follow this path. I will keep contact with you in my absence and you'll have to watch this place," Lelouch said. "The guards you see out there were placed by Schneizel. I keep them at the gates for now, but during my time away, I want you to replace them one by one."

Villetta thought of this curiously. She wouldn't dare think that Lelouch suspected that his brother would hire people who would do something to him in Schneizel's orders.

"Are they not to be trusted?"

"They can protect this place and ensure of my safety to the best of their ability," Lelouch said. Schneizel wouldn't have brought them if they couldn't do their jobs.

"Then why remove them?" Villetta asked curiously.

"Because," Lelouch said knocking a pawn down on the chess board, "they also function as eyes and ears to my brother. They report to him whoever comes here. I'm certain he already has people checking your background," he said directly to Villetta.

Villetta was glad that she didn't have any nasty past. Otherwise, the Second Prince would uncover it and he would certainly be against her becoming close to Prince Lelouch. That would crush her dreams. And she certainly couldn't go back to the Purist Faction.

"While Jeremiah is busy on this side, I want you to head to Area 11. You'll go to Ashford Academy and speak to Ruben. You'll also try to understand the kind of developments Earl Lloyd is doing for my brother. I heard that he is building a Knightmare for my brother. But it does appear that my brother isn't convinced about the Earl's work. Try to see if we can offer the budget for the development of advanced knightmares. I want to be in possession of something special when I grace the battlefield."

"Do you think we can get personalized Knightmares?" Jeremiah said with excitement.

"That is what I am trying to sort out," Lelouch said. "When I come back, I will come to fetch you and then we will head to war."

"Where do you think we will be deployed?"

"North Africa or Europe…" Lelouch said. "I am not concerned about this. Wherever we are deployed, we must have the necessary tools to win."

Winning was all that mattered in this world. If Lelouch couldn't win, he wouldn't amount to anything. The emperor would grab him by his throat and put a leash on his neck before making him the guard at the Imperial Hall. It would be at most humiliating. He would not be able to do anything. He would not be able to get his wish. Lelouch could not afford to lose. Loss was death to him – it was the end. He had to be a winner to survive. And Lelouch would become a winner. He would defeat his enemies, he would defeat Britannia.

But defeating Britannia was a long term goal. For now, he had nothing. He didn't have an army. If he tried anything, he would be destroyed and Nunnally would be uprooted from Area 11 and turned into a slave for some noble. He needed to grow. Strong enough to be called a rival of Schneizel. That man who called him 'son' when it was convenient had made him return to the fold because he wanted a match for Schneizel. He could not have one of his children basking in all the glory. There was no competition and he wanted it.

Lelouch would play the game. Not because Charles wants him to play but because it was the only way he could rise to one day face the Emperor.

The Eleventh Prince turned to Villetta once more. "While in Area 11, you can keep yourself busy and occupied by getting in a knightmare. The area has a terrorist problem. I will speak to Clovis to admit you his army to be able to battle." He said. "I have arranged for your plane to leave tonight. You should prepare."

Although caught off-guard by the hasty departure, Villetta merely saluted and departed from Lelouch's side to go prepare.

Lelouch was quite sure that Villetta had enough battle experience from what he has read. But the main reason for sending her there was simply to be able to know how Clovis handles his problems and the military activities within the area. Nunnally was there and he did not want his idiot brother doing anything to elevate the problems there and put his beloved sister at risk. That aside, he could not go to Area 11 now as things stand. The Emperor had forbidden the travel but perhaps when he returns from his trip, things would be alright.

"My Lord, I am still not sure it is safe for you to leave alone. It could be dangerous and I will not forgive myself if something does happen to you," Jeremiah said in a firm tone.

Lelouch had expected objections from the man. But he would not have any of it. "I have made a decision, Jeremiah, and you will follow it. I have not made a mistake and I have considered all possibilities. You will stay here."

"But your Highness…"

"No buts, Jeremiah," Lelouch said sharply.

"At least tell me where you are going…" Jeremiah said after a couple of moments of silence.

"Some place safe…" Lelouch said. "I have spoken to Cornelia about it and she will provide me with the necessities needed for my training and preparations. She was at most happy to give a helping hand."

Lelouch managed a small smile. At least with Cornelia, there were no strings attached. She did what she did because she cared. Of course, there were limits but at least with her, he didn't have to be cautious. He only had to worry about her trying to play the mother role as she does with Euphie.

"When do you depart?"

"Tomorrow morning…" Lelouch said.

End of chapter

There have been moments I thought that I would never be able to continue with this story, but I have been working on things over the past months. I'm currently working on chapter 8. By that, I mean I have drafts for chapter 6 and 7. I should upload chapter 6 next Wednesday.

The Omnipresent Sage