Lelouch departed from a private plane wearing his nothing but casual black clothes. He had a confident smile as he stepped out of the plane, with nothing but a small bag on his bag. He looked like a man who was coming from a camping trip. Well, he could as well say that he had been camping. The he had spent much time away from other people with nothing but machines before him – the tools he would need for his grand entrance into the military stage and for his victory. He wasn't just going to get into military to make another royalty heading a group of men to their deaths, he was going to win.
For Nunnally's sake, he had to win. He had to become something. His name had to resound as Schneizel's. And Lelouch would get to that point. It would take some time to achieve but he would get it. Still, things had taken a dramatic turn. Some time ago after Britannia had invaded Japan, he had proclaimed to Suzaku that he would destroy it. But now he was forced to slave for it. To take part in its conquest to rule all nations in this planet. Some ironic plot twist. It was like the emperor had been watching him make the claim.
Lelouch shook his head and walked towards the limousine that was waiting for him. Jeremiah was standing by it, hands folded across his chest, eyes darting around the place. When their eyes met, the former Purist Faction leader rushed towards him with a large smile on his lips.
"My Lord," there was just pure happiness and relief in Jeremiah's tone. "I am glad that you have returned in one piece," he said happily.
Lelouch stared at Jeremiah for a moment before shaking his head. He truly had a loyal comrade with the man. But he was truly overzealous. Well, there was nothing wrong with that.
"I believe I did tell you that I would return," Lelouch said handing his bag to Jeremiah, who graciously took it with both hands. "You should have some faith in me, Jeremiah."
"I do trust you my Lord, but I worry," Jeremiah admitted. They had too many enemies and what he has learned was that their only true friend was Princess Cornelia. Prince Schneizel was a friend, but there were issues with him regarding his attempt to manage the life of his Lord.
Lelouch did not respond until he entered the limousine and settled gracefully. This was something new. He didn't have something like this before he left. "Where is this coming from?" He asked.
"A gift," Jeremiah said in quiet tone. "A friend of Prince Schneizel sent it over and said that you would need it to move around."
Lelouch smiled. The vultures were starting to make a move towards him. This was something he had expected to happen after he started his military campaign. He was nothing now, but the nobles were not blind to what was happening around him. It might not be him that they want. Some would give him favours not for his sake but for the sake of getting Schneizel to owe them one. His close relationship with the Second Prince wasn't a secret and many would play around to earn themselves good fortunate. Lelouch had no desire to be friends with these people but he knew the benefits of association. If he was going to grow powerful, he would need some allies. Perhaps, Schneizel parading him to his friends hadn't been such a bad idea after all.
"Did you check it for bugs?" Lelouch suddenly asked. Perhaps it was paranoia but you could never be too sure with gifts you receive from nobles. They were the type to serve you poisoned drinks with a warm happy smile while singing you praises.
"Of course," Jeremiah said with a nod.
Lelouch nodded. "Then we must thank our friend for the gift," he said calmly. "Did I miss anything?"
Jeremiah considered his words for a moment. "There was just a rumour about your sudden disappearance from Aries Villa. But aside from that, nothing much happened. Princess Cornelia did call when she received the news regarding your disappearance."
Jeremiah didn't have a fond memory regarding that day. The woman had screamed and shouted at him. Had she been closer, she would have bit him and order her loyal Knight to round him up. While she knew that Lelouch was going away and had helped with preparations, she hadn't known that he would go alone. According to her, Lelouch had said would take him when he goes away for his protection. Cornelia had reminded him of what happened the last time they had been ordered to stay away and swore that if something happened to her younger brother, she would hang him by her own hands. That day, he had known that the Princess truly does care for his Lord.
"Judging from your look, she wasn't happy," Lelouch said with an amused look on his face. He certainly knew how scary Cornelia could be when she was mad. He was amused just thinking of how Jeremiah must have looked when she was shouting.
"That is an understatement," Jeremiah said absentmindedly. "She was pissed. But as you have returned, I have escaped her wrath."
"We will handle things differently next time around," Lelouch said calmly. "No one did suggest that something had been done to me, right? I have not been appearing in public."
"But they still know you are here and you move around," Jeremiah said with a frown. "The Imperial Family refused to comment on any rumours and Prince Schneizel only smiled when asked. The Crown Prince did come here to ask. He seemed truly worried and as you hadn't said anything, I ended up telling him that you had just gone to prepare for deployment."
Lelouch snorted thinking of his eldest brother, the mediocre prince. Odysseus was an anomaly that made Lelouch wonder why he still continued to live despite his inferiority. The man was timid and had no ambition. Well, he had no malice in him. But Lelouch honestly didn't care if the man lived or died. He was nothing but a nuisance, just another child of the emperor. The only difference was that he was the first in line to inherit the throne. But that would never happen.
"There is no harm there but I assume this was started by someone within the upper class. My presence has been scarce in public spaces," Lelouch said in a calm tone. "Have you heard anything from Villetta?"
Jeremiah smiled. "She sent some good news. It does appear that your sources were right; Prince Schneizel hasn't given Earl Lloyd all the resources he requires. She says the Earl is trying to develop a Seventh Generation Knightmare frame called the Lancelot. There have been some budget issues that have stalled the project. According to Villetta, the Earl shows no loyalty towards Prince Schneizel and would develop the Knightmare frame for you if you provided the funds."
Lelouch wasn't going to take away the project. He wanted the man to build something for him. He could not afford to be looked at with suspicion by Schneizel. He would have to talk to the man about it but it mattered not because his ace would be with the Ashfords. But of course, if things could be hidden, he wouldn't mind gaining the assistance of the man. For now, he needed something he could use when he goes into battle.
"We will arrange that and perhaps he will be useful in the future," Lelouch said with a smile. At least on that area, things looked like they would proceed without trouble. "And Schneizel?"
"He did not try to contact Aries Villa in your absence," Jeremiah said with a slight shake of his head.
Lelouch merely nodded and turned his gaze to the outside as the limousine made its way towards Aries Villa. He really needed to get his private plane. Perhaps one with Military capabilities would do. But for now, he didn't have the necessary funds because of the many projects he has lined up. Well, things would look up once he begins his military campaign. For now, he would just have to contend with this.
Later that day
Britannia's war with the European Union was something curious. Before, Lelouch had looked at it differently but with how things were, it was truly safe to say that the Empire really didn't feel threatened by the EU. They were indeed a powerful union could do some damage but not enough to threaten Britannia's rule. Perhaps it was Schneizel's long term plans that made things move so slowly but the empire did have ambitions to take over Africa from The EU. The EU did have more people and member states under it than the Holy Britannian Empire, yet this empire had the most advanced technology and superior military strength. The EU wasn't just sitting around nevertheless. It was developing but Schneizel was also gaining by turning member states to his side, thus weakening the union.
Aside from the EU, there was the Chinese Federation. The latter had the most population and soldiers to deploy into war. If the EU joined with the Federation, they would become something dangerous. Britannia would certainly be threatened but that didn't seem like something that would happen. If Lelouch was fighting against Britannia and he was a commander of the EU forces, he would try to gain control over the Chinese Federation or at least form a partnership with them to help form military strength that could match Britannia. Despite fighting many wars in different sides, Britannia's military strength wasn't slowing down. It kept increasing and the Sakuradite in Japan made things easy for them to keep producing Knightmares. Of course, Britannia had other sources but they were fairly hidden.
The Empire was big. Lelouch would admit. Toppling something this big would certainly be a major showdown that would require major forces to join in. But from within, he could still do it. His first thought hadn't been like this, but he was forced to change things because of that damned bastard. Lelouch thought of his father with pure anger.
The Prince looked up when the large screen in front of him started blinking. A royal call. It could only be Schneizel. He didn't expect to hear from Cornelia any time soon. She probably didn't even know he had returned. Lelouch accepted the connection and the smiling face of the Prime Minister appeared.
"Brother, it is good to see you…" Schneizel said with a small smile. "We once thought you were dead but now that you are alive, I do worry when you disappear."
"It was arranged," Lelouch responded in a flat tone.
"Yes," Schneizel said. "But you neglected to tell me where exactly you were going. It doesn't help when the military command asks me about your whereabouts and I can't tell them even though I was the one who requested that you be given some time away before deployment."
Lelouch wasn't concerned by this. Schneizel was no amateur. Surely, something like that wouldn't worry him. "I'm sure you thought of something," he grunted.
"I did but at least do tell me what you are going to do and where. It makes things on my part," Schneizel said. He was silent for a couple of moments before speaking once more. "Lelouch, was there any reason you felt I didn't need to know?"
"Nothing in particular, I just wanted to be away without anyone knowing. I didn't even tell Cornelia of my exact location despite requesting her help with certain arrangements," Lelouch said with a small shrug of his shoulders.
Schneizel nodded. He didn't dwell on the matter for too long. "You have some slight change in your physical appearance. Many people wouldn't be able to tell, but I can tell. I guess you really are going to follow the same path as Cornelia."
Lelouch wasn't going to get into this again with Schneizel. They had already discussed it and he would not be discussing it with the man again. "We have already had this discussion, Schneizel."
The Second Prince merely smiled before switching the subject. "Since you have now returned, I guess we should start our serious talk. But before we get to that, I want to enquire about how father found you. It is my suspicion that he knew you were alive for some time but did nothing."
Lelouch stared at the man for a moment. Last time around, he had managed to steer the conversation away and refused to answer certain questions. But Schneizel wasn't going to be satisfied unless he receives his answers. He sighed deeply and narrowed his eyes before responding. "I'm sure you already know that I intentionally stayed away and played dead."
"Well, you didn't return with mental scars and your return was forced," Schneizel said with a small smile on his lips. There was also something that Clovis had said that made him curious but he would not get into it unless Lelouch brought up the matter. "Father really didn't give an explanation about it and cut off any attempts on my part to probe."
"I don't know what you want to know, Schneizel. You already know I was really just living a normal life in Area 11, away from the Imperial Family. It was fine that way. Well, it only lasted until our dear father decided that I had played around enough and that I needed to return to work like others," Lelouch said in a tired tone. "But what are you really after?"
Schneizel smiled. He could not let Lelouch in on this. But not for a moment did he believe that their father had really gone to Area 11 just to fetch Lelouch. No, there was another reason his father had gone that side and Lelouch was just another excuse. The Emperor has a tendency to disappear without even saying anything. His disinterest in the matters arising within the empire really did bother him. There was something else that occupied their father's mind. Schneizel would eventually find out.
"There is something that is curious but because I don't know the full details I cannot share. It is just speculation. However, I really do need to ensure that we are on the same page, Lelouch. You might think I see you as someone I can control, but I don't see you on that level. You are different from our other siblings. To be honest, there is no one I respect more than you."
Lelouch didn't have trouble believing the last part but he did wonder about the other parts. Schneizel would still want to have many inputs to ensure that he moves in a certain way. Lelouch would not allow his brother to dictate things for him. Not even Cornelia. Charles was enough. He didn't need to play the role of his brother's henchmen and stay within his shadow. "Then what do you propose, Schneizel?"
"A partnership," Schneizel said. "Politically, I have my way and because of Odysseus' respect of my input, he generally allows me to do most things he would ordinarily do as the Crown Prince."
Lelouch laughed. Odysseus' respect? That was a lovely way of putting it. The man just could not make the hard decisions. "I hear that because of father's often disappearances, you basically run the Empire."
"Oh?" Schneizel raised an eye grow. "You know about that."
"I'm not stupid, Schneizel," Lelouch said in a flat tone.
The Second Prince merely nodded with a smile. "It isn't by design. There are times we need a decision to be taken by the Emperor but he won't be anywhere we can find him. The decision then calls on us to take," he said. "Due to my many roles, I have my way politically. But the Empire still lacks a competent military general."
Lelouch smiled. "I'm certain Cornelia will not be happy to hear that brother," he said.
"Well, this conversation is private," Schneizel said with a smile. "Despite her many achievements our dear sister lacks finesse. She uses force in every situation. That does make her dangerous but still not quite effective if she were you."
"The things that Cornelia can do, I cannot," Lelouch said. "I thought you wanted me to work with you in politics."
"That was my plan. I wouldn't have minded making you my deputy and assign some responsibilities to you. But father had other ideas. So I was forced into this situation."
Lelouch was silent for a couple of moments. "You want me to rise high enough to sit at the very top of Britannia's military. If that happens, both of us would control every part of the Empire. You have the nobles in your pockets and if Military follows me, it's a check situation," Lelouch said with narrowed eyes.
Schneizel would not say it but now Lelouch knew that his brother had ambitions. He wasn't going to even admit anything but would play along. Still, the situation was a bit laughable though. Who would have thought that the unspoken message would be like this?
"You can do it, right?"
"Of course," Lelouch said. "Then I will need to be deployed as soon as possible. I think my preparations are enough and while I am sitting here, my stock isn't rising."
"I will try to get in the word for you." Schneizel said.
"I need you to speak to father about his decision to stop me from going to Area 11. I have some interests there that I cannot ignore. Before I'm deployed, I would like to visit the area," Lelouch said. He wondered if his father would permit it. He couldn't ask himself. Schneizel was the one who frequently visited their father's presence.
"Interests?" Schneizel smiled but didn't ask anything further about it. "I'm sure father won't disagree to anything. I also have reasons you should go to the area. But we will discuss it once I have spoken to him."
Lelouch nodded. "Then I will wait on you, Schneizel…" he said before disconnecting video call.
He released a long breath and leaned back to his seat with his eyes closed. Schneizel had made his silent move. Nothing was uttered but the intentions were clear. Lelouch wondered how long his partnership with his brother would last. For now though, he would keep it. He would play safe. It was fine being around Schneizel, for now at least. At the very least, his brother was right to say he did see him as a partner but they would eventually clash. They both were not after the same end goal. For now, their paths coincided and Lelouch would ride this wave with caution.
They hadn't played a game of chess, Lelouch realized. They would play next time. In a couple of days Schneizel would call and they would play. Their last game had ended up in a draw. He had yet to win, but at least he had arrested the losing streak. Well, Schneizel was a person with a superior mind – Lelouch would give him that.
A knock on the door caused his eyes to open. "Come in," he said.
The house keeper stepped into the private room slowly before standing by the door. "Your Highness, dinner is ready."
Lelouch raised an eye brow. He didn't know dinner was being prepared. He usually cooked his own food. He was used to it anyway. And he didn't usually have dinner. And this person would not prepare anything unless told.
The Eleventh Prince didn't want to frighten the woman by demanding to know who ordered her to make the dinner. He just nodded and told her he would follow her shortly. She nodded her head and slowly walked away.
Lelouch stared into the ceiling for a minute before finally standing up. He stretched himself for a bit before walking towards the door. He had been sitting there for hours working on the expenses he had. It worked wonders when you had an estate and an heir to a family business but Lelouch had none of that. He was a prince yes, but his mother had been a commoner – a mere Knight of Round before Charles caught her in his web and made her his consort.
When Lelouch arrived at the dining room, he found Euphie sitting there with a large a smile on her lips. He shook his head. He should have known. For some reason, he was glad it wasn't Milly. She would have made things difficult for him.
He smiled warmly towards his younger sister. The smile almost vanished when he thought of Nunnally. He had missed dining with her, feeding her. His beloved little sister. She was probably already in bed now. He needed to go back to Area 11 and see her. He hoped that Schneizel would manage something with the Emperor.
"Welcome back, Lelouch!" Princess Euphemia said with a happy smile on her lips.
Lelouch settled gracefully and looked at the food around the table before looking at Euphie. "I was sure that my return was a secret…"
"Well, I have my ways of finding out," Euphie said.
"You likely pestered Jeremiah about it until he told you," Lelouch said. It wouldn't be surprise. The man wouldn't have felt the need to keep it from her knowing how close they were.
"I'm not going to confirm that," Euphie said mysteriously. "I just thought we could sit and just enjoy dinner together. It would be better if Nunnally and Cornelia were here but they are both far away…" she said with a hint of sadness.
Cornelia was always at war. But of course she did make time to come back for her younger sister. Perhaps he could make a competition with her on who loved their younger sibling better. "One day, we will have that moment, Euphie."
Her smile brightened at that.
Lelouch was most grateful that although Euphie was naïve, she knew what Britannia was capable of doing. She knew of his contempt for their father. She knew and understood that their other siblings did not like them. She would never bring them up in hoping they could get along.
"I was speaking to Marrybel, she sent her love," Euphie said.
Another sister of his who didn't resent him. Perhaps with Mary things were better because she had a similar experience as him. She had no one. He still had his sister but they both resented their father with everything. "I see," Lelouch said. "I'm really not famous with our other siblings, am I?" He managed a smile despite those words.
It didn't please Euphie that they couldn't all get along but she had given up on the thought. Some of her siblings had expressed disappointment over the fact that Lelouch was alive. She knew that his closeness to Schneizel was also attracting some envy. They said he was just the son of a commoner, why did Schneizel have to like him? Why did have to receive some sort of special treatment? They were jealous and they would do something. Her sister had said she would keep an eye on things.
"Unfortunately no," Euphemia said with a frown on her lips. She then put on a look on her face as she studied Lelouch. "Neh, Lelouch, I know things are not great between you and father and that you hate the imperial family but are you really going to fight for Britannia?"
It was a complex issue but yes, he was going to fight for the very empire he had sworn he would destroy. "I don't hate you, Euphie…" Lelouch stressed those words.
"I know," Euphemia said with a small smile. "But you don't like the others."
Lelouch shrugged with indifference. "They don't like me either," he said. There was no need to like them. They shared the same father but with the Imperial family, it didn't mean anything. "I am going to fight. I don't really have a choice either way."
"Father is really forcing you to fight," Euphemia said before pausing for a moment. "Cornelia does it because she wants to and she does love Britannia. But you don't love Britannia. Will you be okay, Lelouch? I stay away from it but I know what happens when in war."
Lelouch frowned. He would be prepared for this. He would be fine. "As long as you, Nunnally and Cornelia are happy, I will be fine Euphie. You don't need to worry about me," He smiled, putting on an amused look on his face. "You should worry about Cornelia though…"
Euphemia shared his amusement. "I worry about her opponents."
"I have heard that she is merciless," Lelouch said with a shake of his head. Well, they did not call her the witch of Britannia for nothing. She was the goddess of victory. "What do you plan on doing?"
"I don't know…" Euphemia said with a shake of her head. "Cornelia won't let me do anything. She would rather I stay indoors."
Lelouch laughed. "Well, you'll always be her little sister…"
A Week Later
Imperial Court
It wasn't often that the emperor sat at the throne when there wasn't anything happening. Then again, he rarely made public appearances unless there was something that was happening. Perhaps for the Emperor it was always a matter of convenience. But of course he never missed the opportunity to make one of his speeches. It was such speeches that continue this culture of war and Britannia's path of global dominance. He was the Emperor but Schneizel felt that sometimes his father really didn't care about what was happening out there. He never asked too many questions and sometimes told him he was bothering him with mundane affairs when talking about a war. The man was truly disconnected from reality.
Schneizel had only returned from the EU but he would leave soon enough for a meeting with the commanders of the union. For now, he had internal matters to handle.
The second prince kneeled before the Emperor of Britannia.
"Your Majesty…"
There was no response – it was just silence. This forced Schneizel to look up to the emperor. Those cold eyes were staring down at him with indifference. He was being told to say his mind. Those eyes… sometimes he had seen them within Lelouch when he was younger. Odysseus had their father's younger appearance but Lelouch had his eyes. Perhaps he and Lelouch had inherited their father's brilliance. Oh, the man was genius. He hasn't been emperor of this nation by being stupid.
"I have managed to tone down things with the EU but there doesn't seem to be any way to avoid war. They continue their military expansion and refuse to surrender," this has been despite his best efforts to get them to listen. But they did not want to surrender.
"Then I trust you will take necessary measures to make them submit," the emperor stated in a calm tone.
"Of course…" Schneizel said with a nod. He had been making plans and would soon move. Yes, within a week or so, he will be moving. "Within a week, we will move to Northern Africa. But of course only if you approve."
"Do it," the emperor responded without asking questions. "Is that all?"
Schneizel shook his head. "I was hoping that you could give Lelouch the permission to leave and go to Area Eleven. He is going to be deployed soon. And once that happens, he might not have the chance to visit the area."
"Why must I allow it? What good would it do?"
"Motivation," Schneizel said. "I also want to send him out for a task that I want him to do for me."
"Whose idea was this?"
"Lelouch."
"I will not hear any more requests coming from you from Lelouch, Schneizel. I will grant this but the next time Lelouch wants something, he must come to me."
"I understand, your Majesty," Schneizel said his farewell before standing up to leave the hall. The emperor just watched him leave. Once he was out, he sighed deeply and then continued to walk towards his limousine.
He did wonder how things were going to turn out when he does tell Lelouch that their father would not be taking any more messages. Without doubt, his younger brother detested their father with every ounce of his being. It was perhaps due to what happened in the past and the Emperor's views. Schneizel hoped that Lelouch did not allow those emotions to get the better of him as they did in the past. It would be a problem if something like that happened. It would also be the end of him. Well, he was around, he would ensure that nothing of the past happened again. Lelouch had grown but he still maintained some of his naivety and Schneizel wanted to fix that. He would iron it out.
The Second Prince gracefully entered his limousine and settled peacefully before turning towards his loyal assistant, Kanon. "Is my brother home?"
Kanon wondered about how things have changed. The others were referred by their names when they were not around. Clovis occasionally was an exception to the rule but ever since Lelouch returned to the world of the Imperial Family's politics, he has become the only brother Schneizel had. By now he knew, whenever the Second Prince said 'Brother,' he meant the Eleventh Prince.
"He is, he hardly leaves unless he is going out for his other extracurricular activities," Kanon said calmly.
Schneizel merely smiled. "I don't mind it," he said. He didn't mind and would not as long as Lelouch played it smart. Besides, he has never accused his brother of being stupid. He was prone to emotional outbursts, but he was not an idiot. "Let us go to Aries Villa." He said to the driver.
The rest of the journey was in silence. When they did arrive, Schneizel was reminded that his brother had removed all his guards. He hadn't questioned it. He had placed them there to keep an eye on Lelouch and monitor the situation. He would not ask Lelouch about it. As long as the replacements were capable, he would not complain. Besides, if he wants to tap into them, he could always do it. He wasn't a man who lacked the ability to convince people to work for him.
The second prince took out his briefcase and got out of the car. Jeremiah was there to greet him. The man quickly led him towards Lelouch's private room. Schneizel smiled seeing that the room was perfectly made for private conversations. He hadn't taken Kanon with him into the room. He settled gracefully and greeted Lelouch.
"You are here far faster than I anticipated," Lelouch said. The wheels of the empire moved slowly unless it had something to do with war.
Schneizel smiled. "I did say I also wanted you to go to Area 11," the Second Prince said calmly as he prepared the chessboard. He started putting together the pieces along with Lelouch. "You seem to have a dutiful guard next to you."
"Well, Jeremiah is a military person," Lelouch said, he glanced at his brother trying to figure where this was going.
"Have you thought of looking for someone who will be of aide to you in terms of strategy. I have known Jeremiah for a while, but I think he works better as a knightmare pilot and for your protection," Schneizel said.
Now his brother wanted to keep an eye on him like that? Lelouch turned to the chessboard. Sometimes he thought Schneizel said these things just to make him lose his focus on the game. He shouldn't think too deeply about it. "I will consider that," he said. "Is that what Kanon offers to you?"
"Yes," Schneizel said without explanation, his eyes firmly on the game Lelouch was playing. Always starting, the pawns would make way for the King to move. While he moved the king too much, it was never really easy to check the piece. There were always landmines placed around the king.
"Perhaps you could give him to me and I could use his services," Lelouch offered quietly.
Schneizel's eyes snapped towards Lelouch upon hearing those words. He smiled, his brother was joking. "I already have a list that I can give to you."
"Then do so and I will look at it," Lelouch would not make any promises to Schneizel. "Then, how did things go?"
"Surprisingly, father didn't seem to mind. Normally, he is very difficult when you want something from him," it was likely that the only reason he even allowed this was just so Lelouch could see Nunnally. It wouldn't be out of kindness or anything. When he returns he was likely to be summoned and reminded that Nunnally could still be used.
"I wonder," Lelouch grunted. He contained his happiness. He would be able to touch his sister, eat with her. He would finally be in her presence.
"About?"
Lelouch shook his head. "Nothing of consequence," he said with a shrug. "Was there anything else he said?"
"Yes," Schneizel did not say it immediately. They made a play for about a minute before he finally decided the suspense was enough. "I am no longer allowed to be your messenger. If you want something, you go for it."
Lelouch frowned deeply. That bastard. He was never going to be well if he continued to be in the presence of that man. "I see," he said without emotion.
Schneizel smiled, glad that there was no outward sign of pure contempt from his brother. Lelouch normally failed to restrain his anger towards their father. "It won't be so bad. Once you get used to it, it becomes normal."
"I highly doubt that," Lelouch said. There was nothing about the Emperor's presence that would make him comfortable. "Then, why did you want me to visit Area Eleven?"
"When I see someone with expertise, I don't hesitate to make use of them. I have several projects that I run. Some perhaps are just out of curiosity," Schneizel said. "Earl Lloyd Asplund is making a prototype seventh generation knightmare frame. With the way he talks about it, I am not fully convinced but I have given him the adequate funds to make this."
"What do you want me to do?"
"You are going to military and plan to pilot a knightmare. As my brother and partner, I want to offer this knightmare to you for your use. You can see to its completion."
Lelouch looked up for his brother for a moment. He thought of laughing. This was intentional. Schneizel already knew he was making a play on Lloyd. He made this damn move before he could do anything. This cunning genius wanted him to focus on the knightmare instead of building his own project. The man said he could see its completion, this means that he would have to fund it. His finances were already stretched. He wouldn't have the necessary funds to see other projects. A devious move. Lelouch wanted to applaud his brother but be refrained from doing so.
This was an offer he could not refuse. He did need the knightmare frame. He would need it. It was a necessary tool for his victory within the military.
"If Earl Lloyd is true to his word, the knightmare frame should be equal or greater to the frames used by the Knights of Rounds. Of course if successful, I would have to see if I cannot use him for other things," Schneizel continued in Lelouch's silence.
"I humbly accept this offer, Schneizel," Lelouch said after a couple of moments of silence. He was losing. He hoped this was just in the game. But in life, Schneizel had already played a hand. "I'd sent Villetta to see if he Earl was truly capable so that he could build a knightmare frame for my use."
Lelouch was going to admit that much to Schneizel. There was no need to hide since the man already knew. Of course, he didn't expect his brother to say he knew. Sometimes, many things were better left unsaid. Their relationship had become like that. It was truly a complex relationship, and one mistake, it would be check.
"Now you need focus on that… Starting a whole new process will take time and time you don't have. You could be deployed at any moment now," Schneizel said. He said that, but Schneizel knew exactly when Lelouch would be deployed. He was simply waiting for Cornelia to finish her current duties before making his play.
Lelouch nodded. "Are you really fine with this?"
Schneizel shrugged. "Lloyd isn't the only scientist I have… If it can be useful to you, I see no reason to complain," the Second Prince said. "Has father spoken about marriage with you?"
Lelouch nodded. "First order of business. If I prove to be useless, I'll be useful in that way," he said bitterly. "I'm not getting married to one of your friend's daughter, Schneizel."
"Consider it, nevertheless," Schneizel said calmly. "There is still time. When you make a name for yourself, there will be people who will want their daughters to be married to you. The thing about Britannia's nobility is that while they are quick to judge, they also respect power. They hate you now, but that is because they don't see the value. The moment you start showing your value, you'll see many more smiling at you, wanting to reap the benefits of being associated with you."
"Scavengers," Lelouch muttered darkly. "It won't just be allies gained but enemies gained as well. Some will grow jealous and plot my downfall."
"Unfortunately that is the nature of men," Schneizel frowned looking at the board before him. Lelouch was taking his pieces. It wasn't anything that made him fear checkmate, but he was far from comfortable and if he blinked, his brother would step on him. Would that apply in real life as well? Schneizel smiled. He couldn't wait to find out. "There are certain things we cannot escape from. I'm not loved by everyone. Supporters of our elder brother hate my rise and would love to see me fail."
Lelouch snorted. Who in their right mind would support Odysseus. He was legally the one who would claim the throne if the emperor died unexpectedly. But that man was too much of a cowered to lead this empire. "Those people are just stupid with false fantasies."
Schneizel smiled. "Perhaps but it doesn't change that they don't like me." He said. "I want to trust you, Lelouch. You are partner and the things you do will also affect me as your partner. Your gain is my gain, and my gain is your gain. I at least expect you to trust me."
"Of course," Lelouch said with a smile. "What would a partnership be without trust?"
About an hour later, Lelouch watched Schneizel leave with an expressionless mask on his face. It had been a defeat but nothing unexpected. Once the Second Prince's limousine started to drive away, he walked back towards the palace.
With Schneizel
"You look very pleased, denka," Kanon said seeing Schneizel's satisfied look. "Did you stop the drawing streak?"
The second prince didn't offer an immediate response but his smile stayed in place. What could be say? He was happy with Lelouch. He had a partner who was capable of moving around things. Perhaps he would really have to start trusting that Lelouch could handle things on his own without making dangerous moves that would cost them both. There was no doubt that Lelouch was his brother. There was no doubt that his mind didn't dull while playing the role of a commoner in Area Eleven. Lelouch had evolved and his time away in the wilderness had truly taught him many things. His brother had grown. He was no longer an immature child who thought he could pull everything because he was a prince.
"Yes, I did but I lost," Schneizel finally said.
"What do you mean?"
"While victory was assured, all things considered, Lelouch had a chance to draw the game. Yet he abandoned this and made a reckless move that make sure that I win. It looked reckless at first, but it was calculated. You can lose a battle and still win a war."
"Couldn't you have avoided it?"
Schneizel shook his head. "He had me in check in a couple of more moves. I had no choice but to check…" at that point, Lelouch had known he could not win the game. But he a made a move, a sacrifice of the game just to see what he would do. The aim was to see his response, to understand him better.
Long ago, Lelouch would have never played that hand. He would have taken his draw. But now he was no longer concerned about small victory, a short term gain. He was willing to lose now to gain something greater in the near future. Short term gains amounted to nothing compared to future gains. Schneizel was at least glad that his brother was able to see things this way.
Aries Villa
Jeremiah found Lelouch sitting in his private room, motionlessly staring at the chess board in front of him. He had gone outside to check the perimeter to ensure that things were safe – as he did every night and every morning. With Lelouch, he was not willing to take any chances. It wasn't that he was afraid of Cornelia. If he failed in his duty, he would deserve to be killed by her.
"Jeremiah," Lelouch started without looking away from the chessboard.
"Yes, my Lord."
"You must fear Schneizel when you see him. My brother has not become a feared man within the upper class for nothing," Lelouch said. "You certainly cannot make a move on his backyard and expect him not to notice."
Jeremiah frowned. "You mean about the Earl?"
"Yes, Schneizel knows. He didn't say anything but he knows…"
Jeremiah was silent for a couple of moments. Had Villetta slipped up? Her reports had been good though and she was moving discreetly. No one within the nobility knew that she worked for Prince Lelouch. "Did the Earl say something to him?"
Lelouch shook his head. Lloyd didn't seem like the person who'd do that. "Schneizel has his ways. But he has given me the project the Earl is building. He says since I am going to battle, I may as well pilot it."
"Isn't that a good thing?"
"Depends," Lelouch said. "The project requires massive funds which I wanted to use for my own devices. Either way, it doesn't matter now, I have accepted it and will have to come up with a way to raise funds."
"My orange farm can also be useful, my Lord."
Lelouch shook his head. "I have other plans in motion." He said. "For now, we have to prepare for a departure to Area 11 tomorrow in the morning."
Area 11? Lelouch was finally going back to that place. Jeremiah would be most confident to say that Lelouch saw the area as his home than this place he currently resided. "Are you going to see Princess Nunnally?"
"Yes and conduct some business…" Lelouch said. "This is also the last time we get free rides. We might even get called on our way to the Area. Schneizel said the military command deploy me at any moment now. I hope they don't call before I reach Area 11."
"I will make the preparations, my Lord."
The following day
It looked like traveling around within the air was going to be a constant thing for him. There was no other way to travel quickly and for royalty, this was needed. Schneizel already had his own private plane, and he needed to get his own. But his would not be comfort but it would be for military purposes. He was going to be a military general; he would need a flagship. But how was he going to fund such a project when he didn't have the resources available to him? In war, you needed to have the funds to fund the weaponry, the production of knightmares. Those machines got destroyed, and you needed replacements. Arms dealers were certainly making money out of the constant wars that Britannia was waging.
Lelouch didn't want to be cold but he too would have to benefit from the wars. There was no other way he could handle things. But for him to be able to do anything, he would need to iron things with Ruben. The head of the Ashford Foundation had yet to come back to him with his business proposal. Lelouch didn't think there would be any trouble because they were not using the technology. But he could use it. He did need it for his own benefit, for his rise to the very top of Britannia. He didn't just want to be at the top of the military, but Britannia itself.
Lelouch glanced towards the window from the imperial plane was flying on; they were already around in Area 11 and would shortly be landing within the Viceroy Palace. He frowned deeply at the thought of meeting with Clovis. He hadn't even told his brother that he was coming because he didn't want the man to have a party prepared for him upon landing. He didn't come here to have fun; he came here to conduct business and see his beloved sister.
The eleventh prince closed his eyes and waited patiently for the message to come. After a couple of minutes, the message came from the pilot, they were going to descend. Jeremiah was already by him, patiently waiting for the plane to land. When it did land, he was the first to stand up and hurry towards the doors.
Lelouch frowned deeply once he touched down the ground; Clovis was waiting patiently along with Villetta and a couple of guards. He should have made other preparations for his landing. But he wanted to land in secret without the whole of Japan knowing that the Eleventh Prince had landed. If possible, Lelouch wanted to come and go without the media knowing that he was here. It was fine if they found out about his appearance once he was gone.
"Why do you not look happy to see me, brother?" Clovis asked, sounding wounded that his younger brother did not have any desire to see him.
"I was honestly not expecting to see you," Lelouch responded calmly as he walked towards his brother. He glanced at Villetta and acknowledged her presence before turning to face Clovis.
"Is this why you didn't bother telling me you were going to land?" Clovis asked, staring at Lelouch.
Lelouch nodded. "Knowing, you, I didn't want to have reporters waiting for me when I land. I still want to have a private life and don't have time for theatrics and playing with the media," the prince said.
Clovis shook his head with disappointment. "It does look like I need to teach you about the importance of having a good image, brother. When the media is on your side, they write good things about you. You must use them to enhance your reputation. You spent so much time away from the spotlight, you have forgotten about such basic principles," he said before smiling. "But don't worry, I will make sure you are familiar with things once more."
Lelouch shook his head and gave his brother a sharp look. "We will talk later, Clovis. I have to go see my sister," he said.
"If you had told me, I could have made sure that Nunnally was brought here," Clovis said.
"I'm sure you would have loved to have the press snapping pictures as you wheel her into your limousine," Lelouch said in a flat tone. "I still don't want anyone knowing that my sister is in Ashford Academy. She would have people hounding her. And you forget that this area has terrorists. They would no doubt try to do her harm if they learned that a Britannian princess was residing here without the protection of Britannia's army."
"Well, she could always live here with me," Clovis offered with a smile. "I have the best facilities and she could get her education here as well."
"That robs her of the chance to experience the joys of being with others her age," Lelouch said. "And don't think of sending knightmares to Ashford academy," he said with a stare. "That would just turn the academy into a military base or training camp than a school."
Clovis sighed. "You are still difficult to reason with as always," he said. "Wherever you are going, please return before 8pm. I have prepared a banquet for you. You will meet my friends and perhaps make friends of your own," he said grinning wildly.
Lelouch felt like going back on his plane. He didn't tell Clovis about his presence because of this but it does look like the man had found and prepared things for him. He should have chosen to land elsewhere. This was going to be troublesome. Well, he could always tell his brother that he had received a call from military and he was being deployed. That would get him out of the troublesome situation his brother wanted to put him in.
"Fine," he grunted.
"Excellent," Clovis brightened up. "Bring someone with you. And don't be late. I have prepared proper clothes for you to wear. This darkness doesn't do it for me. You should really talk to me about such things, Lelouch." He said with a shake of his head.
Lelouch didn't say anything to Clovis regarding this. "I will see you later, Clovis," he said twisting away from Clovis.
"Remember, don't be late. I won't start without you!"
Lelouch merely shook his head and ignored the annoying voice of his brother. Villetta led him to a small car. Lelouch looked at it for a moment before shaking his head. He said he wanted something that would not attract attention, but this was a bit too much. Perhaps he could take Clovis'. No, this would do. He silently walked into the car that Jeremiah decided to drive while Villetta sat at the backseat with him. "It is good to see you in one piece, Villetta." He said with a smile.
"Likewise, your Highness," Villetta said with smile.
"I read your reports, and I was impressed with it. Once we get deployed and begin our military campaign, perhaps I will give that job to you," Lelouch said.
"Thank you, your Highness," Villetta said. "When do we get deployed?" She asked curiously. She was getting a bit bored sitting here without any action. But she did know that things would become dangerous soon. She had signed up for this job knowing this after all.
"Very soon," Lelouch said. "We are going to see Earl Lloyd, Jeremiah. We will see him before going to Ashford Academy. I want to handle some business with him first before dealing with things on the other side. You do know where the Earl conducts his work, right?"
"Of course, Your Highness," Jeremiah said. "I know most things about Britannia's military occurring within this area. Being leader of the Purist Faction had its privileges."
"Speaking of which," Villetta started in a cautious tone. "We seem to have earned ourselves some enemies, Lord Jeremiah. Perhaps on your side especially since you are a noble and a former leader. The nobles who once supported the faction are not pleased with your actions and will do anything to sabotage you to make sure you are ruined for abandoning them to join His Highness."
"I don't really care for what those people think," Jeremiah said carelessly.
"Be concerned about this, Jeremiah!" Villetta said a bit sternly. "There are powerful people with enough pull in the military to make things work in their favor. You seem to forget that His Highness also has his enemies as well."
"Villetta is indeed correct," Lelouch said. "I want a list of such people. We will look at them and see if there isn't anything I can do. Maybe I have even found myself playing a game with one of them if they frequent this area. That aside, we don't want the whole military trying to stab us in the back. If that happens, we become too dependent on Schneizel having our backs and I can't have that."
Jeremiah agreed to draw a list of the nobles who supported the Purist Faction during his time as its leader and they drive peacefully without any troubles. Despite the are suffering terrorist threats, there wasn't much of what disturbed them as they headed towards where Lloyd was based. When they finally arrived at the place, Villetta took the lead.
"Ah, if it isn't the lost prince himself," Lloyd said as Lelouch walked towards him and his assistant. "You've finally decided to come here yourself."
Cecile hit Lloyd on his ribs before bowing respectfully. "Your Highness," she greeted the Eleventh Prince.
Lelouch smiled towards the woman and then turned towards Lloyd with a smile on his lips. "Did Schneizel give you the message?" he asked calmly.
"What message?" Lloyd asked.
"Your project, the Lancelot," Lelouch said.
Lloyd frowned. "I'm afraid there hasn't been much progress in that regard. Schneizel seems blind to see the true work that I want to build. He hasn't been really forthcoming with funding."
Lelouch was amused to hear someone call Schneizel like that. Blind as well? Well, the Earl really did seem like a person of character. "From what I have seen, you have been given adequate funding… it just balloons every now and then. You also seem to struggle to work within your budget."
"Budget is just in the way when building the Lancelot," Lloyd said carelessly.
"From what you have said, there doesn't seem to be much progress. I can't put my trust in something like that. Schneizel has entrusted the Lancelot to me. I will be the one providing the funding but I will not waste my money funding something that is a dream of a scientist who doesn't appreciate that money is an important commodity that isn't fished in the sea." Lelouch said in a stern tone.
"Well, if we could fish for it, I wouldn't have begged Schneizel for funding," Lloyd said. "Follow me, your Highness! I will show you what I am building. You will be impressed. Schneizel will be envious of it once I have finished building it."
Lelouch allowed, Lloyd to lead him towards the hangar where the Lancelot was being built. The first thing Lelouch noticed was that it was white. It was so like Schneizel. But he didn't care about the color. He was most interested in its capabilities. "I'm listening," he said to Lloyd.
Lloyd was more than happy explain in details about his Lancelot. The Earl spoke about the knightmare frame in glowing terms. Lelouch was impressed. After listening the Earl, he demanded the specs. "Cecile," Lloyd said to his assistant. "Give our new sponsor what he needs," he said before turning to Lelouch. "So, when will the funds be available?"
Lelouch smiled. "You are talking a seventh generation knightmare frame, Lloyd. And I struggle to believe some of the things you have just said. But I will make funds available tomorrow. However, I want results within a month. I will come and demand to see this thing in action. If you cannot deliver, I will have it torn into pieces and sold to recover my money. If that isn't enough, we will work out a way to recover the lost funds."
Lloyd appeared not to have heard the other words Lelouch said aside from what he said about the money being available tomorrow. "Well, I have work to do. Cecile will show you the way out."
"Have some respect, Lloyd," Jeremiah warned.
Lelouch merely smiled. "If you build this, Lloyd, there will be other parts of things that I want to build that you will build for me," Lelouch received the specs from Cecile before turning away along with his two guards. "Well, that was interesting…"
"He lacks respect," Jeremiah said in a stern tone.
Lelouch shrugged. "Let us hurry to Ashford Academy. I don't doubt that my brother will not start his little party until I arrive," he said.
Ashford Academy
Lelouch had walked faster than both Jeremiah and Villetta after they secretly went to Ashford Academy. He had already sent Sayako a message to ensure that she was home to welcome them and that Nunnally was around. At least he didn't come across that mischievous devil dressed as a blonde woman going by the name of Milly. She wouldn't have made things easy for him had she been the one welcoming him and she would have made a show out of the situation. Lelouch didn't need it – he just wanted to see his younger sister. He just wanted to see Nunnally. For now, nothing else mattered. Not military, not Charles and his wars. The only thing that was on his mind was Nunnally.
"Master Lelouch," Sayako greeted Lelouch as she opened the door to his former residence.
Lelouch smiled towards the maid and returned the greeting before stepping inside. He rushed towards his sister – she was sitting on her wheelchair, hands held together, head towards the door. She could hear the sounds, but she could not see. It was cruel. It would have been at least something else if she could see, but she could not and Lelouch blamed the emperor for this. He blamed that cold bastard for this that has fallen on his precious sister.
The Eleventh Prince knelt before Nunnally and gently took her hands. She quickly recognized them and smiled brightly. "Brother!"
The smile on her lips – such sweet and innocent. It was beautiful. It always made Lelouch feel like he was living elsewhere. How could anyone not love this smile. "It is me, Nunnally," Lelouch returned his sister's smile.
"I was so happy when Sayako told me you would come to see me," she started. "How is Pendragon? Did you speak to father? How are our other siblings treating you? Milly said you were going to military, is it true? Is it what father decided you should do?"
Lelouch smiled. "One question at a time, Nunnally," he said.
Nunnally smiled a bit bashfully. "Sorry, brother. I have just missed you. You have always been around me since we came here. You were always with me. Milly comes almost everyday, but…" she was not her brother. She was not Lelouch. She could not replace the love and warmth of her brother.
"I miss you too, Nunnally," Lelouch said in a quiet tone. "Tell me about school… you haven't been too sad about my departure that your grades have started to fall, have you?"
Villetta looked at the scene with surprise. She had come to the Academy a couple of times but she'd never met Lelouch's sister. She hadn't been around him for too long but she never thought she'd see him so human. He was a Britannian Prince and yet before his crippled sister, he looked like a normal boy. An older brother who loved his sister dearly.
A cripple… she hadn't been like this always, had she? No, she had been a perfectly healthy girl who could stand but because of the incident that resulted in her mother's death, this was what had become of her and that was how much Lelouch loved her. They seemed to be in a world of their own. It was a precious moment though. Regardless of what happens, Villetta would never forget this day.
"Who could have thought that a Britannian Princess would be guarded by an Eleven," Villetta said. There was no contempt in her tone. She just found it ironic given that it was the Imperial family that came up with the discrimination rule book and the numbering system.
"His Highness trusts her dearly. She has been caring for Her Highness since they started living here," Jeremiah said in a quiet tone. "We should stand outside to give them their moment."
While she wanted to watch, Villetta understood and nodded her head before they stepped outside.
End of chapter
This concludes this chapter. I'll try to post chapter 7 next week.
Milly's thing with Lelouch will take some time to build. I'm still working around how Lelouch gets around the point of asking Milly to marry her. Another thing that complicates things is that Lelouch goes off to fight in chapter 8 and this first war action for him takes a couple of chapters to conclude.
What else is there? Ah, yes, Lelouch will still play politics with Schneizel. He'll be drifting between war and politics.
This is based in an AU, some major characters in canon will not be major characters here. And of course, we can't forget about Geass. He will have it. But That's not happening any time soon. That just means that Lelouch will not be staying in Area 11 any time soon.
If there is anything else, please pm me.
The Omnipresent Sage
