Euphy breathed in the air of Area 11 with a broad smile on her lips. This country always had a bit of life in it. Perhaps it was because it was different from Pendragon. She did not travel much but she quite honestly liked this country. Most of all, her dear younger sister was living in this land. Nunnally had always been closer. Then again, she couldn't exactly call her other siblings 'family.' As much as she had tried to ignore and deny it, they were only family in name. The treatment of her beloved brother showed her that much and since she was closer to him, some people were even looking at her oddly. Of course, no one would day anything to her.
Cornelia would devour them.
The Third Princess turned to face Lelouch. They had just landed on a private airstrip. He hadn't explained why and it didn't seem like the pilot had brought them here by mistake. The black limousine waiting for them made it apparent that this had been arranged.
"Why did we not land at the Viceroy's palace?" Euphy asked curiously.
The Princess noticed that Villetta cast a glance towards Lelouch. Perhaps interested in how he would answer the question. Jeremiah, though looking at her, didn't seem interested in it – his mind seemed rather occupied with some deep thoughts.
"I'm avoiding Clovis."
"Why?"
"He bothers me." Lelouch said in a flat tone. He motioned for both Jeremiah and Villetta to go ahead to the Limousine, just to check it out. You could never be sure with anything in this life.
Euphy laughed.
"I'm sure that's not true, brother. You have always been closer to Clovis. Although he always lost to you in a game of chess, he never grew angry or stopped playing with you."
Lelouch sighed.
"Clovis loves drama too much and I want to keep a low profile. If we had told him we were coming, he would have organized a welcome party for us and would have had journalist asking us questions while he parades me around," the 11th Prince said in a flat tone.
Euphy smiled fondly. "That sounds like something our brother would do," she said. "With me around, it would not have been good. Still, is it right to come here without telling him? He is the Viceroy…"
Lelouch waved his right hand. "It is fine. It's not like we will not go to see him." He said. "I just want my privacy."
Euphy shook her head and grabbed him by his right arm, dragging him towards the limousine.
"You always keep your thoughts to yourself brother." She then smiled. "But I know you well enough. You have changed but you are still Lelouch."
Lelouch shared the smile.
"You haven't changed, Euphy. I thought your energy levels would drop slightly. But you have grown to become a beautiful woman." She was still naïve. Admittedly, she did show signs of improving. Of course, Cornelia would rather she remain sheltered.
"I have been taking care of myself." Euphy said with her a slight blush. They entered the Limousine but she still did not let go of Lelouch. "It was never easy, Lulu. Without you and Nunnally, I was only left with Cornelia but she had her duties. There was a huge hole left when you and Nunnally disappeared from my world. When I think about you going to war, I fear that you'll disappear from me again. I don't know if I could handle that. Nunnally has always had you, I'm not sure she'd survive either."
Lelouch had almost died. Death was a possibility in war. For many, it was certainty. There was no guarantee of return. But Lelouch would not die before he fulfils his dreams. He would not leave his sister at the mercy of the Emperor.
"Nothing will happen to me, Euphy." Lelouch said with confidence. "I have the best guards with me, after all."
"I'm sure Cornelia will disagree with that. Sir Guilford is the best," Euphy said with a soft giggle at the thought of her elder sister and her loyal knight.
Lelouch put on an amused look. "Nobody can match their bond. But perhaps there is more than that…" he suggested.
"I wouldn't be surprised…" Euphy answered. "Are we going straight to the academy?"
"Yes."
"I should have brought something for Nunnally from homeland. I'll blame you for not telling me in time."
"I wasn't even planning on coming with you."
"You want to tell Nunnally that you wanted to keep her sister away from her?"
"Cornelia is still going to kill me for bringing you here without telling her."
"I'll talk to her."
Lelouch shook his head and faced Villetta – who was looking at him oddly. "What is on your mind, Villetta?"
She shook her head. "I just got lost in thought," she answered.
Lelouch raised an eye brow but did not press on the matter. He turned to Jeremiah. "Are you thinking about your former subordinates? They haven't been doing well since you departed. Considering your often head first approach, I find it surprising that you managed to hold it well."
"I'm only like that in battle. But that is because I enjoy a good battle," Jeremiah said, grinning at the thought of a good battle. "Villetta can vouch for my leadership skills."
"I never underestimated them." Lelouch said. "Don't let it bother you too much. We have our business to handle before returning home. We don't even know when High Command will call us or when the Prime Minister will decide to summon us to play politics with the EU."
"I wouldn't complain for another round of battle." Jeremiah responded with a grin.
"I would…" Euphy said.
"You have never experienced the joy of piloting a knightmare frame, your Highness. There is no better thrilling feeling."
"You are a soldier, you'd say that. But I worry about the safety of my siblings."
"You need not worry too much, Your Highness. We will protect him," Villetta said to ease Euphemia's worries.
"That makes me feel a little better."
Ashford Academy
Lelouch had been walking a bit further from the others with Princess Euphemia doing her best to keep up with him. There were no people around and this was still the same route they'd used last time. Had it been known publicly that Lelouch was in the area, the students would have no doubt camped out to try to see him – he was their former student council Vice-president after all. Still, it was still a bit amusing for Villetta. No; she shook her head. Amusing was the wrong expression. It still made her smile nevertheless – to see the 11th Prince a little relentless in the march to see his beloved sister. Perhaps there was no one the Prince loved better than Nunnally.
It was still remarkable how he could be so loving and kind to his sister when he could be so cold and ruthless in battle. Being here, it just made her think that there was an adorable side of Lelouch. Naturally, it was kept in secret. He would never want the public to see how he was when with his sisters – the same could be said about Euphemia.
"Thinking about something good?" Jeremiah asked Villetta after seeing her smile fondly.
Villetta blinked, having realized she had been caught daydreaming. She quickly gathered her thoughts and responded. "Maybe," she said with a bit of nonchalance – just to get Jeremiah off her back.
"Don't be like that, Villetta. We are friends… you can share anything with me…" Jeremiah said with a suggestive look on his eyes, a small smile on his lips.
Villetta narrowed her eyes. "What are suggesting I share with you, Lord Jeremiah?" She asked.
Jeremiah laughed off Villetta's seriousness. "I have noticed that you have become rather close with his Highness. You are not thinking anything strange, are you? He is still a teenager but he hardly acts his age…"
"I'm offended, Lord Jeremiah," Villetta said sharply. "Should you even be walking behind them? If something happens to two royals, while we are gossiping, you do know what will happen, right?"
Jeremiah didn't even spare Villetta a glance once he digested those words and the consequences should he fail – he just took off to walk ahead of the royals.
Sayoko was standing by the entrance, waiting for them.
"Master Lelouch…"
Lelouch greeted her with a small smile. There was no else much more trusted to protect his sister other than Sayoko. There were even contingency plans just in case something unexpected happened. He could sleep peacefully in Pendragon because he had every confidence in his sister being protected. Of course, the fact that Charles had known everything had certainly shook him but the man was not God. There were things he did not know. If he knew everything, what would be the point of even struggling? He would always be a step ahead with his knowledge.
He stepped inside the house he once called home when living here. And there she was, cuddled in her wheelchair, eye brow raised in anticipation. He could almost imagine her brown eyes. Her ears registered his footsteps and she lit up with a warm smile. Lelouch almost felt like running towards her – he had truly missed his beloved sister.
"Brother…" Nunnally called happily. She seemed confident that it was indeed her beloved brother walking toward her.
Lelouch arrived and knelt in front of her wheelchair. He had gambled his way to get the best care for her. She had everything not because the Ashford provided but because he had made the means to care for her.
He took her right hand, held it gently, and spoke in a whisper. "Nunnally," he said with a smile. "I have truly missed your smile, Nunnally."
Nunnally smiled.
She lifted her free hand. Lelouch leaned closer as she waved it, searching for his face. She touched his forehead and ran her hand down his face, feeling him. Her smiled seemed to brighten further– if that was any possible.
"I've missed you too brother…" she admitted a bit sadly. "You wouldn't miss me much if you would allow me to come to you." She had never needed anything else aside from her brother. What was life without him? Nunnally could never imagine it. Since she came here, it has always been her and her beloved brother.
"Maybe somewhere in the future… I am hardly even at Aries Villa."
"Fighting wars?" Nunnally asked with a frown
"Yes."
"Are you really going to be fine brother? Euphy and I had more physical strength than you. According to Milly, you never even took your physicals seriously. I worry that military will be too much for you, brother. You have always been a little fragile physically."
There were muffed laughter from behind. Nunnally peeked, trying to discern the voices. Lelouch glared, seeing both Jeremiah and Euphy trying their best not to laugh hysterically. Villetta was just smiling – she dared not laugh.
"Jeremiah?"
"Yes…" Lelouch responded in a flat tone. "Apparently he finds this situation very amusing." He then smiled. "I brought you someone else who was eager to see you again."
Nunnally's brows twitched slightly as she absorbed the words. "Euphy?" She asked with barely hidden excitement.
Euphemia stood beside Lelouch with a smile. "Hi, Nunnally."
"Euphy!"
"You sound a little more excited to talk to Euphy than me, Nunnally," Lelouch couldn't help but comment. He then stood up and motioned for his guards to follow.
"Don't be jealous, Lulu… Nunnally and I share a special bond that can never be broken," Euphy said before pushing Nunnally towards the lounge.
Once settled, Lelouch turned to Jeremiah with s stare. "I hope you found that amusing…"
Jeremiah smiled. "You have to admit that at a young age the princesses could manhandle you. You were never known for being physically fit as you preferred reading and playing chess over anything."
Lelouch was not going to make an argument over that. He has tried to pick up some muscles but he would need some consistency in doing it. Things were going to get dangerous and that last incident did teach him that he needed to be ready for anything. If he had to flee on foot, he would need to be ready for it.
"Villetta, call Earl Lloyd and tell him we will come to visit and expect to see results."
"Tomorrow?"
"Yes, tomorrow. We had a long journey. We should rest for a bit and then go to see Clovis a little later before he makes a fuss over our unannounced presence."
"You think he has known already?"
"We just avoided telling him. The public might not know but Clovis will know." Lelouch said. No doubt, it was going to be an interrogation on why he hadn't said anything about his presence. His brother would be suspicious and possibly act on reflex thinking he was up to something. But that was a risk he was willing to take. Besides, if there was something Clovis was hiding, he could find out about it by how he reacts to this.
"How long are we really going to stay here?" Villetta asked.
"It will depend. We can leave any time we want."
Villetta nodded. She wanted to ask if she could go see her former colleagues. Jeremiah could not go. Not when someone still had to guard Lelouch. Things looked peaceful around here – but that was only because it was a Britannia settlement. Yet, with terrorists, anything could happen. Someone always had to be around the Prince.
"Villetta wants to ask permission to see Kewell." Jeremiah ended up saying in Villetta's silence. "It would be fine if you could invite him but I doubt he will agree. He is good at holding grudges and with how we left, he surely hates us…"
"He hates you," Villetta corrected Jeremiah. "You are the one who convinced me to come to this side. I'd noticed the Faction was sinking without you but he would not see it. In any case, he blames you for everything."
"I expected as much," Jeremiah said sadly.
Viceroy Palace
Clovis stared at a screen on the wall in front of him from his office, unblinking. He had just received a message that Lelouch had landed in Area 11 about five hours ago. He would not have believed it had he seen the picture of Jeremiah and Lelouch's plane. No doubt, his younger brother had gone straight to Ashford Academy. But why had he not said anything about coming? It was so unlike Lelouch. Was he planning something? It would not be surprising. To secure their futures, they had to have their toys. But what would interest Lelouch here?
When Bartley walked into the office, Clovis stared at the man for a long minute before speaking in a quiet tone.
"Lelouch is within the Area but he didn't tell me he was coming. I just found out now."
Bartley raised an eye brow. "That concerns you?"
"Of course it does!" Clovis snapped a bit sharply. "Why would he come here secretly?"
"It could have been that he wanted to avoid public eye and wanted to see his sister in peace."
"Are you suggesting that I would not have given him peace?"
"Of course not, Your Highness."
"If Lelouch wanted to come in and go without alerting people, we could have arranged that. I have my days but I am not insensitive to his desire to protect Nunnally from the media. People back at home simply assume she is alive but there has never been anything about her. If he went straight to Ashford Academy, he could have come with Euphemia and I could just be overthinking things."
"But if he came with Princess Euphemia, wouldn't it have been necessary for you to be alerted to provide security?"
"My brother thinks differently," Clovis said in thought. "Since he is here, make sure that we don't talk about our project and nothing leaks out. We don't want Lelouch finding out about it."
Clovis didn't even want to think what would happen if Lelouch found out about the project. Well, perhaps they could come to an understanding. If not, he would have to play his cards right or it would be the end of him. It was still unlikely that Lelouch would say anything to their father nevertheless. They were not friends and his brother did not need favours from the Emperor.
Ashford Academy
"I felt a chill and immediately, I knew the blonde devil had arrived," Lelouch said, sitting on a sofa, legs folded, staring at Milly who was walking toward him. Villetta was with him while Jeremiah was out with Sayoko, watching the Area.
"I'm offended you'd come here without telling me. I had to find out like I am no one."
"It would have made me happy if I came and disappeared without seeing you."
"Do you hate me that much?"
"Yes."
Milly smiled. "No; you don't," she said, stopping just in front of him. She leaned closer, staring into his eyes. "Military has made you grow up a little. Look at your face…"
"I see you still refuse to grow with your years, Milly."
"That is not a way to speak to your elders, Lulu. I am older than you, show a little bit of respect, will you? And I am also your President."
"Former… I am no longer a student."
"I wasn't aware," Milly said before standing up straight. She smiled brightly. "You are not going to say you miss me?"
Lelouch heaved a heavy sigh. A conversation with Milly was never easy. She did like making things difficult – for him especially. He stood up and held out his hands before embracing her.
"It is good to see you again, Milly." He said with a small smile.
"Likewise. I'm happy you returned in one piece. I was afraid something might happen to you. When we saw that clip, we were truly afraid. I found myself agreeing with Nunnally that we should not let you return to war. You are too precious." She then grinned as they separated. "Of course, Shirley would have flown to Pendragon to throw a fit to the Emperor for sending her dear Lulu to war."
Lelouch just smiled and sat down.
"It is not like I have any other choice…" he said calmly. "But it would be amusing if she went that far…"
"A pity you would have been dead to see it."
Villetta looked between the two. There was certainly something there. Milly didn't appear to see Lelouch as the 17th in line to the throne of Holy Britannia Empire. It seemed like he was just a boy, a childhood friend to her. They had a thing going. Nobody quite spoke to Lelouch in the manner that she did. She seemed to make him dance to her tune. It was a little curious since the Prince pretty much assumed control over every situation.
Still, this was the woman who had kissed him. Villetta couldn't tell the intentions. But they surely knew each other well. Milly was beautiful. Her personality was a little too much – maybe. But she seemed like a fine person. She was no longer a noble. But still an Ashford. Why does Lelouch hesitate? It certainly had nothing to do with Britannia politics. She had come to learn that he didn't care about it. Perhaps it was as Jeremiah had said – Lelouch simply had no interest in relationships.
She blinked when she saw both Lelouch and Milly staring at her.
"Were you saying something, Your Highness?"
Lelouch looked amused. "Yes," he said. "What was it again, Milly?"
The blonde adopted a thoughtful look on her face and stared at Villetta. "It was something along the lines of 'ever since you saved my life from certain death, I have grown to fantasize about you."
Villetta blinked and turned to Lelouch only to be met with an expressionless mask. She turned to Milly once more. The blonde seemed to be enjoying herself. She released a short breath.
"I should have known you'd turn on me, Milly."
"I never promised to have your back."
Lelouch shook his head. "Euphemia is somewhere around with Nunnally. You can join them if you like. I am going to see Ruben."
"I'll join you: I want to talk to you."
"Can't it wait?"
"It can, but you'll probably avoid me," Milly said. "Besides, I must be around to carry you in case something happens as you cannot run that far…" she added with a grin.
Lelouch shook his head before he stood up. He could not avoid Milly while still here. He could order Villetta to hold her down while he goes away, but her revenge would be sweet. He shuddered thinking of just how far she'd go just to make him pay. He stared at her for a moment; she stared at him, as if daring him to disagree with her. If he hadn't been warned already that doing something that would displease her would cause him suffering, he was now warned.
"Follow us, Villetta but do text Jeremiah that we have gone out. He'd most probably call military if he doesn't find us without explanation."
Villetta smiled; she could see the Margrave going that far. When it came to the safety of his Prince, Jeremiah was willing to try to walk on water if possible. She took out her phone texted the man of their departure. Lelouch was already moving ahead with Milly. She followed them silently from behind but kept a good distance figuring that they would need some privacy. Curiously, she would not mind if she overheard what they were going to be talking about, especially given that conversation she had with Lelouch.
Milly glanced at Lelouch through the corner of her eyes; his eyes were focused on the way ahead. She didn't expect him to be stealing glances – he was Lelouch after all. He hardly wore his emotions when Nunnally wasn't involved. Still, was she having a difficult time trying to speak to him? She had the courage to kiss him just to make her intentions clear. The wheels were moving slowly. It didn't look like Lelouch was going to say anything unless she started it. Did she really have to take the lead in everything?
"You are rising in the ranks of Britannian politics," Milly ended up saying.
"Ah, that visit to the EU with Schneizel. People are making some noise about it. But it is really nothing. Then again, this is perhaps the desired effect Schneizel wanted."
"You playing under his rules now?"
"Of course not. But there are just certain things you are forced to agreeing to do because those with power urge you to do so. This isn't necessarily bad for my image."
"It's bad for me."
Lelouch raised an eye brow. "How is that bad for you? Shouldn't you at least he happy that I becoming something other than just another number?"
"Well, if your status becomes a little higher, what is going to happen to me? You will not be allowed to associate with someone like me who is no longer a noble. They'll force you to marry nobles and others in your league."
Lelouch chuckled lightly.
"That is unlike you, Milly."
"Be serious here."
"I am being serious."
"Then you know of the possibility. Royals hardly have a say in who they marry. The case will be a little difficult for you since you have never been liked. If the Emperor wants to keep things difficult for you, he will force you into a political marriage."
"That concerns you if had made a promise to marry you," Lelouch said, watching Milly carefully. She didn't give anything away.
He was having this conversation and he had been thinking that maybe she would leave it for a little while longer. Lelouch hadn't really considered things. Of course, marrying her was an option. It was just not a favourable one at the moment and he didn't think he could be all loving to her. It would certainly he hard to adapt things if he went that far with her. But if he was going to make a move, he could move now but still keep things secret. With the rumours already flying out there after his last visit, it would not be so much of a shock to people.
"Yes, if only you made that promise."
"We will talk about this some time, Milly. I really want to focus on business at this moment."
"Are you really afraid to make this? We made intentions clear last time out."
"But nothing was said. And you know I have never been the one to show interest in relationships."
"You have to change that. You promised me you would rescue me and I would only get into a marriage I don't want."
"Forcing things won't help it."
"You've always needed a little bit of push to do anything that didn't include Nunnally." Milly said with nonchalance. "I'm planning a party, you must come. You know, I am going to graduate soon."
"I forgot about that." Lelouch said. "Once you graduate you'll have to figure out what you'll be doing with your life… But a party, you're not thinking anything sinister, are you?"
Milly smiled innocently. "What do you make of me, Lelouch?"
"A devious woman."
"As if you are an angel."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
Milly pointed at his head with her index finger. "What goes in that head of yours?"
"If I'm not being haunted by memories of you, I am trying to run away from the whims of the Emperor." Lelouch said in a flat tone.
Upon arriving at Ruben's office, Milly gave Lelouch a hardened look. "You have been working him hard. Try to lighten up the burden a little bit. I guess his hard work is perhaps the reason he is no longer trying to fix me up with some people. I am happy it is no longer happening but I don't want him dying because of exhaustion."
"Your grandfather is working hard for his health, not mine." Lelouch said in a hardened tone. He then entered the office without waiting for a response from Milly.
Milly glanced at the silent Villetta with a smile. "So, how's it like working for Lelouch?"
Villetta wondered if she should entertain the thought but she realized that if Milly got her way, she was likely going to end up getting married to Lelouch and if that happened, it would not be good for her if she did not indulge the woman.
"I have no complaints."
"Just that only? He isn't making moves on you?"
Villetta blinked at the sudden question.
"I think you would know that His Highness has other things keeping him busy than the thought of woman." Villetta gave the best answer she could think.
"Prince Lelouch," Ruben smiled as Lelouch entered the office. He had a tired look on his face as he motioned for the prince to sit. "I was expecting you a bit earlier."
"We had to settle for a bit to rest. The Journey from Pendragon was a long one."
Ruben nodded.
"Have you spoken to Milly yet?"
"Yes; she is outside waiting for me," Lelouch said. "How is everything going? The Sakuradite did arrive as planned, yes?"
"Yes… how did you manage to get your hands on it anyway? Military almost has monopoly over its usage. It is difficult to get it without any military connections and I'm certain that you don't have any connections within Britannia military unless you spoke to Prince Clovis."
"I wouldn't have Clovis on this project. This is my one project nobody is to know about until it is completed. Who do you think funds the JLF? Britannia did take over Area 11 for its resources but it still left the Japanese in charge of the precious resource. Who would have the resources to fund the JLF?"
"What is a curious thought but since you have brought it up, I assume you have the answer."
"I have a simple thought but not concrete proof. Though, since I was able to meet the person at the helm, I think I was right. We received this sakuradite because I gambled. You should not worry about that nevertheless."
"I should worry if it is something that would lead the Ashford Foundation in trouble."
"Everything is above board. You should know that I would not make a reckless transaction that would leave us exposed," Lelouch answered. "If the Sakuradite arrived, then I assume the work with the Liberator is moving ahead."
"Yes, Earl Lloyd has been helping. But we will run out of funds soon. I didn't want to use my family's funds, but I may have to do so."
Lelouch frowned. He had hit a wall when it came to funding. Paying for the development of the Lancelot had taken much from him. Clovis had helped a little. Perhaps he would have to ask more from his brother. Gambling was not going to cut it. Such were his limits. Had he had a good start, things would have been different. Perhaps he could request something from military and state it as simply research. Asking Schneizel was not an option. He would end up being owned by the Prime Minister.
"I will try to get some backers living in this area before I leave. My new fame should earn me some interested parties. But if you must, use your resources. I will see how I can repay it. You will gain favourably once the liberator is out to the world anyway."
"Indeed," Ruben said with a smile. "That is why I am working hard to ensure that this succeeds. I cannot afford to see this fail. If I fail, this is the last chance for me to reclaim my family's glory. But with the Liberator, we will have to forget about the Knightmare frames."
"That is fine…" Lelouch said. "We must prioritize. I will check with Nina to see if she is making any inroads with weapons. Last time I checked, she needed testing. I will see if we can soon test what she has developed." He released a long breath. "If we manage this, I should have a good position soon within Military."
"Politics? What is going to be your future role within the government of Britannia?"
"I don't know; I'm not even thinking about it. I generally don't like politics but I may have to play it for my survival. A lot of things appear to happen within politics. I wanted to ignore this, but I simply cannot. Schneizel did make it clear to me that things operate differently than I thought."
When Lelouch stepped out of the office, Villetta seemed a little relieved to see him. He smiled.
"Milly terrorizing you?"
Before Villetta could say anything, Milly grabbed him a bit forcefully. He did resist her pull, causing her to look at him with surprise.
"Oh… you have gained some muscles," she said with a smile. "Can you carry me now?"
Lelouch ignored this and turned to Villetta. "We may have to stay around here for a little while longer. We have to seduce some people to help us before returning to Pendragon."
"Should I arrange for the plane to be flown to the Viceroy Palace for safety?"
"Yes. Remind me to inform Clovis that we will reside with him. We cannot stay here – it will attract too much attention once people know of our presence. We will no longer be able to have some privacy."
"It isn't funny ignoring me like that," Milly cut in between the two. "You are going to see the student council right?"
"Rivalz would call me a traitor if he learns that I came and went without seeing him."
"Well, he was a party to your disappearing acts," Milly grinned. "He is still going to call you a traitor for something worse."
"Rivalz will be fine but I think you will have it worse with Shirley."
"Unlike you, I have my ways of working the issue. I have been thinking about how to handle it since we talked about it."
"It never came to my mind after I left."
"It'd be shocked if it did…"
Student Council Room
"Lulu!" Shirley more or less shouted as Lelouch stepped into the room with both Villetta and Milly. Seeing the woman behind the Prince, she smiled and addressed him properly. "Your Highness, I meant," she quickly corrected herself.
"You can still call me as you wish, Shirley. I am still the same Lelouch."
Shirley smiled. She was just in front of him. She wanted to hug him, to tell him she had missed him. But she didn't know how to say it. Milly said there was nothing between them – so there should be no problem. Yet, she could not express her thoughts to him.
"It looks like someone wants some love from her dear Lulu," Milly said with a teasing smile, staring at Shirley.
The girl flushed.
"It's not that," she said.
"What is it then?"
"Stop teasing Milly," Lelouch said.
"Don't spoil things for me," Milly responded. "You just can't help it when she responds like that. She is Always fun to poke."
"Fun to you."
Lelouch shook his head and turned to face Rivalz who was sitting on his chair, looking a bit awkward. He smiled. "Since when did you become like that Rivalz? You have never been the one to shy away from anything."
Well, unless it had to do with his blatant feelings for Milly. It wasn't like nobody knew. Lelouch had never really paid it much thought but his friend really did look at the mischievous blonde with a certain look.
"Well, you are no longer just that lazy guy who used to sleep in class… recently, you were holding talks with the EU with Britannia's Prime Minister… that is a huge honour …" Rivalz said.
"I was dragged into that meeting," Lelouch said with a wave of his right hand. "Where is Nina?"
"She is hardly around these days. Spends most of her time locked somewhere…"
"You would not have anything to do with it, would you?" Milly asked with a knowing look.
"Must you always suspect me of everything?" Lelouch shook his head and settled on the chair he used to occupy. He twirled around and stared at the new member of the group. "And her?"
"Our newest member, Kallen."
Lelouch nodded and turned around. He opened the laptop close ahead and started typing a few things. "Who is doing budgets now?"
"Rivalz."
"Suitable," Lelouch said. "That does remind me… we must go out tomorrow night, Rivalz. If I go with you, it won't attract much attention. I have missed playing a few games with some nobles."
"Are you sure that is going to be alright?" Rivalz could barely contain his excitement at the thought of going on one of those rounds with Lelouch.
"It should be. I will call you."
Kallen stared. Had he just dismissed her presence just like that? Damn Britannian Prince. Who did he think he was just strolling here and treating her like she did not exist? Had she been outside, she would have lunged at him. It didn't matter his background – the fact was that he was a Britannian Prince and it would do her great service to get rid of him. But then again, with that woman watching like a hawk, she would probably not get any far.
Her body stiffened when a hand was placed on her right shoulder.
"Don't mind him. When absorbed in thoughts, he can be absentminded at times…" Milly said in a measured tone. "He is probably fixing our budgets."
"Is that fine?"
Milly shrugged. "He likes doing it and nobody does it better than him…. No offence to Rivalz."
Kallen stared at the 11th Prince. Sure enough, his attention seemed to be focused on the screen in front of him. Why did he care much about such trivial things? He didn't even seem to mind these people calling him by his name. Perhaps it was because he had always been with them. From what she knew, only Milly knew he had been a Prince before he was revealed.
After a couple of minutes, Lelouch stood up. "Done," he said. "I'll be around for a couple of days. If Milly has her way, I'm sure I'll be dragged into something mischievous…"
"You agreed to come to my party."
"I don't remember giving you response."
"Silence isn't no."
"It isn't yes, either."
"Yes, no…. difference in words. It doesn't really matter. We are having a party, and you are coming."
Lelouch shook his head. He did not offer Milly a response but turned to Kallen. "It was nice meeting you, Kallen. And do watch out for Milly, she comes up with crazy ideas."
"I will…" Kallen forced herself to say.
"Ummm… Lulu…" Shirley forced herself to say as the Prince walked towards the door. She stared at the floor for a moment before facing him. "Milly said it was not true, but I wanted to hear from you… are you really…"
Milly stopped the question from being asked by moving closer to the Eleventh Prince. She grabbed his hand and grinned. "Don't we look good as a couple, Shirley? Of course, Lelouch would have to stay and do the household duties."
"Why do I have to play the woman in your fantasy?"
"Aren't those the duties you used to do? Then there should be no shame in continuing with it."
Lelouch pulled away from Milly. Villetta followed him as he walked out. Milly stayed behind for a moment to face Shirley who was still waiting for an answer.
"You stopped him from answering me, Madame President."
"I did?" Milly asked innocently. "But I think I had already given you an answer. In any case, that is not important. We must focus on the party we are going to host."
"What party?"
"The one we are going to host before Lelouch returns to Pendragon. Rivalz, sort out the budget and when I return, we will discuss the finer details. For now, think about ideas on what we will be doing."
After saying those words, Milly walked out of the room.
"They seem close…" Kallen commented.
"Childhood friends." Rivalz responded with wave of his right hand.
Lelouch looked through the window as the limousine drove through Tokyo, heading towards the Viceroy's Palace. Everything looked perfect. The place was developed to meet the standards of Britannian people. But the Japanese, at least many of them who refused to accept the Honorary Status were suffering from discrimination and poor service from the government. This was what happened when Britannia invaded other lands. They robbed you of your riches and took it for themselves. Enriching their lives while those who hounded the land rejoiced in the riches.
"The country certainly has the riches," Lelouch said. "A pity it is only spread through those in higher social status." And they were the worst kind of people.
Villetta would never disagree that there was poverty but she'd never cared about it. She was employed by a military faction that fought against even the little status the numbers were given by the government for a chance to be recognized as people. Lelouch certainly looked at the bigger picture in life. The Britannian arrogance and superiority complex was there, but he was not like everyone. He was different in the sense that he did not discriminate. Perhaps it was because he appreciated life in general after having been forced to live like a commoner when the Emperor exiled him to this land.
Kewell would be shocked and probably think she was brainwashed if she started preaching a different method.
"Something amusing you, Villetta?"
"I was just think that when I was still with the Purist Faction, I never cared about such concepts of discrimination, poverty…. Perhaps I still don't. But now I think about it."
"You are not alone," Jeremiah admitted. "I zealously pursued the ideals of the faction without mercy. Nothing really mattered. But knowing that His Highness is alive did give me that sense of being alive once more."
"Don't subordinates usually inherit the will of their superiors?" Villetta asked.
"Not really. It is students who usually inherit the will and ideals of their masters. But unless you have seen it in both sides, you cannot tell what life is like being a commoner. You cannot understand why they fight losing battles. We became enslaved to the ideals of the Empire that we do not develop our moral values. A nation is only as corrupt as its citizen. Britannia is what it is because of those who rule it. Of course, we cannot mention such things in public."
"There would be a massive outcry."
"Not only that but one would get hauled before the imperial court to face the Emperor. To reject his ideals in our position is to reject him. It would be seen as nothing less than treason."
"That is a fine line to walk," Villetta said. "Essentially, even those who personally disagree with the Empire's ideals are still forced to bow in line because to oppose them means ruin and death."
"Indeed."
Villetta wanted to ask but she held back. Lelouch did not seem to the kind of person who'd just sit back and watch things unfold when he did not agree with it. There was something he was probably going to do about it. But then again, the Prime Minister could not be called an advocate of the Empire's ideals – he just knew how to play politics.
Their limousine drove to the Viceroy's Palace without any problems. Upon arriving, the armed guards escorted them to where the Viceroy was – he was at the gardens, sitting alone. Villetta and Jeremiah stayed a bit back to give the Princes some privacy.
Lelouch settled on the neatly cut lawn beside Clovis. This place was indeed designed after Aries Villa. Clovis did have some fond memories there and you hardly found better gardens than what you found in his palace.
"You could have told me you were going to come." Clovis complained in a quiet tone.
"And have you greet me with reporters? No chance. Besides, I was coming with Euphy. Cornelia would murder me if she turned to the news and saw her younger sister walking behind me."
"I can hold secrets, you know."
Lelouch smiled. "Everyone can keep secrets, Clovis. I just don't want to meet the media after that EU stint. People are asking questions, of which I cannot answer."
Clovis was a little envious. Schneizel would have never trusted him to take him to the meeting. If he doubted Lelouch's intellect, he'd think their brother had only taken him for the pictures and gossip. No doubt, Lelouch was talking there. There was no other sibling the Prime Minister respected more than Lelouch.
"If father had accepted my request, your new found fame would have served me well," Clovis admitted.
"I did tell you he would not permit it. Not that I had any interest in working for you," Lelouch said before lying on his back. "What troubles you, Clovis?"
"I was hoping you'd just forget and leave me alone," Lelouch said, standing outside the house he once called home when living at the Academy. It was around 8pm, everyone else was inside.
Milly did not take offence in those words; she just smiled. "And give you a get out of free card?"
"What would be wrong with it?"
"You don't deserve it. You have been a bad person."
"That title belongs you."
"You accuse me," Milly stopped just beside Lelouch and stared into the night. The air was a bit chilly, but refreshing. She smiled with content being at a moment like this. "It does seem that I am pushing you… I'm sorry… You have just been around for longer and I have always known that I need to push you to do something."
Lelouch shook his head. "Don't think as if you're forcing me into anything, Milly. You should know better than anyone that I will not easily be forced into anything."
Milly grinned.
"Are you sure about that?"
"Be serious, Milly."
"A force of habit," Milly waved her right hand.
"You want to know if I would marry you, right? You have admitted that you would not have problems being married to me. Honestly, the thought of marriage is the last thing on my mind. But I did promise you I would do something about your situation. Besides, I would not be miserable being married to you. It would make business sense. If I don't make a marriage of my choice, I am likely going to be forced into another marriage with someone I don't know and will probably not be able to stand. I have considered it and I will speak to the Emperor if he can approve it. If he does, we will work it out."
Milly faced him. "Work it out? You make it sound like a business deal. If so, I am not going to agree to it."
Lelouch stared her in the eye. "What do you want?"
"You will do it properly like any normal person," Milly said before putting on a small smile. "I want to be happy, Lelouch. I don't want to make a choice that I will regret. The same can be said about you. If you are going to make that decision, know that if you marry me, I will demand that you be a husband."
Lelouch frowned deeply. "That is a bit far ahead…"
"But still something you must consider. If you are going to marry me, you must love me," she then leaned closer and whispered. "And fulfil the duties a husband should to a wife…"
Lelouch took a step back, eyes wide slightly, face a little flushed.
Milly burst into a fit of laughter at Lelouch's expense. After calming down, she spoke in an amused tone. "You are still like that. I thought military would have taught you a couple of things. What do you do with Villetta-san, anyway?"
"What are you suggesting?"
"Well, she is a beautiful woman. I would not be surprised if you said you walked into her naked and felt some urges. You are still a teenager… you will react when certain situations present themselves."
Lelouch released a long breath to steady his breathing. "I am not making any promise to you Milly. The Emperor can still reject this. He is the one who escalated your loss of a noble status. Don't get your hopes up."
"I' well aware of how things work."
"Good, then we will not talk about this again until I have spoken to the Emperor. You won't tell anyone either."
Milly smiled. "I kept the fact that you were a Prince for a long time…" She said. "When am I going to visit Aries Villa? If I am going to live there, I must get familiar with it. And ah, I guess I can officially call your sisters my sisters…"
"Weren't you listening to me?" Lelouch asked with a stare. "Just go home, Milly. I'm sure tomorrow will be a long day."
"You're not going to walk me?"
"Why should I?"
"You're failing at being a gentleman, Lulu. I can't be teaching you everything. Doesn't Lord Jeremiah tell you how you must treat women?"
"I'm a Prince, I tell you to go and you go."
"You don't tell that to me."
Lelouch groaned. "Why must you always complicate simple things, Milly?"
Milly ignored him and held out her right hand. "Show me that you have not lost all the lessons you were taught as a child. I can't have you acting with detachment as if we are just strangers."
"Saying that, you do know it will be difficult for me to adjust from seeing you as just a friend…"
"I will show you something you and you won't see me as just your childhood friend anymore," Milly said with a wink.
Lelouch did not try to think about what Milly would actually show him – not when she was looking at him so intently, waiting for his reaction. He was certain she would pounce if he gave her the reaction she wanted. When he did not, she displayed her annoyance but he didn't think deeply about it. There was a journey that he had to think about and it was going to cause trouble. Schneizel would not approve, but it did not matter. He just had to warn the man about it before anything becomes public – at least if their father approves it.
After walking Milly, Lelouch returned and settled a bit before taking Nunnally to bed. She had him stay a bit longer as she wanted to talk to him. He sat at the edge of her bed, facing the floor. When she spoke, her tone was quiet, a bit fearful with a bit of sadness in it.
"I was really scared when Milly told me you could have died, brother. You have always been there for me and there has never been nothing I ever needed if you were around."
Lelouch smiled sadly, at least she could not see it and she was not holding onto his hand. He didn't want to worry her but he was going to return to war once more – she would worry. He could only reassure her that he would be fine.
"I won't leave you alone in this world, Nunnally. I promise you, when I go to battle, I will always return. Just focus on your studies and perhaps when it is safe, we will go to Aries Villa. Maybe one day, I will have found some way for you to open your eyes again…" he said in a gentle tone.
"It would be nice to see home again."
The doctors said there was nothing medically wrong with her eyes but it could just be trauma that was making her 'refuse' to open her eyes. As long as her eyes were fine, there was the chance that they could be fixed. If he was going to create a better world, he would need for her to see it.
"Yes… get some sleep, Nunnally. I will speak to you tomorrow."
"Euphy says she will join me," Nunnally said happily. "It has been long since I shared a bed with someone." She then paused before asking. "Are you happy, brother?" She asked curiously.
Was he happy? He was happy when he was living here, away from the royal family. But Charles would not leave him alone. He had been dragged back into that zoo crowded with venomous snakes and insects.
"I am happy now, Nunnally. It is a little difficult in Pendragon but as long as I know you are safe, I will always be happy."
"I was afraid you'd be sad because there is father…" her brother had never spoke well of their father. It was even a subject they rarely indulged. She never liked the contempt in her brother's tone when she he spoke about the emperor. "About Milly…"
"What of her?"
"I think she likes you… maybe has always liked you. I know you said the rumours about you two getting married were false, but if you marry her, you can be happy brother. And I will approve." She then smiled. "Euphy might be a little sad."
Lelouch chuckled lightly. He stood up and kissed her on her forehead. "We will see what happens…" he said. "Good night, Nunnally."
"Good night, brother."
Lelouch went down to the living room and found Jeremiah and Villetta waiting for him. He did not sit down. "Jeremiah, you will stay here for extra protection. If anything happens, you and Sayako should be enough to move to the safe-zones. We will fetch you in the morning before we go to see Lloyd. Villetta, you are with me…"
"Yes, my Lord."
The drive was silent – a bit too silent for Villetta's taste. With all that happened today, she'd thought the Prince would have something to say. When they were alone, he usually had something to say. He just seemed absorbed in his thoughts. She would not be surprised if he was not even conscious of her presence. She did not call out to him – she didn't want to disturb his thoughts. Maybe it was fine that he was thinking about things. She could get lost trying to think about her future and how it would be affected by Lelouch's ideals.
The Following Day
Euphy was trying a little harder to maintain her excitement and yet failing. She had never been so excited in her life. With Cornelia around, she could never do anything fun. Pendragon always had restrictions. But here, nobody knew she was royalty, she was just a normal person. They had made plans – going out with other girls, just for fun. Milly had suggestive ideas that she did not disagree with. Of course, Lelouch could stand in the way. Her dear elder sister had yet to know about her visit here. If she hadn't, she would know soon enough and would be asking questions.
When he finally arrived along with Villetta, Euphy beamed up.
"My beloved brother," Euphy welcomed him as he entered the house.
Lelouch stopped just by the entrance. There was no sign of Nunnally or Sayako. He could see feel that Milly was present. He stared at Euphemia intently and wondered what she wanted from him.
"Whatever you are asking, no."
"Come one, Lulu. You know I came here to be free and enjoy life. You know when I am in Pendragon I can't do anything I like. I am still a girl and I want to enjoy being young with others. Milly has planned something. It will be fun."
Lelouch thought about it for a moment before responding. "You are going to get me in trouble with Cornelia, Euphy. She is going to blame me for dragging you here. Her call will arrive soon, and you didn't tell her anything."
"She was going to make things difficult."
Lelouch sighed and turned to Villetta. "I can at least trust that Milly will keep things safe with you and Nunnally. But you are still going with Sayoko and Villetta."
"Ermm… that is actually what I wanted to discuss with you. I don't want to feel like I am being watched. It will be awkward having them around. We want to blend in the crowd and be normal. The moment we have guards watching over us, people start thinking differently when they see us."
After a minute of silence, Lelouch finally responded.
"Fine, but I need to know where you are going and for how long. You will keep me updated every hour and you will take a tracker with you so that I can know where you are."
"That is a little extreme."
"It is either that or I can call Clovis to give you the required security detail."
"Fine; I will go tell Nunnally and Milly."
Lelouch shook his head and waited for Euphy to disappear. Once she was gone, he turned to Villetta. "You are going to watch them. Sayoko will go with them in open to be with Nunnally."
Villetta was a little dismayed. She wanted to see the Lancelot and other things Lelouch was working on. But this was duty. She was going to be watching over two princesses of the Holy Britannian Empire, what more could she ask for?
Lloyd's Hanger
"Ah, if it isn't our beloved funder, Vi Britannia," Lloyd greeted Lelouch and Jeremiah in his causal self, smiling widely.
Jeremiah shook his head. "Must I use force to make you address his Highness with respect Lloyd?"
"Now, now, we don't want to go that far," Lloyd responded calmly before Lelouch stopped just in front of him. "You are moving in the ranks quite quickly. Your efforts in Portugal were nothing short of outstanding. Word of your intellect has not been exaggerated it seems. I should have known you were wiser when you decided to make funds available for this project."
"Are you suggesting that Schneizel is a fool for giving up on it?"
Lloyd shook his head. "Not at all," he said. "The Prime Minister is still reaps the benefits of this project. We may as well say that he wants is the smarter one by making you pay for everything. He does have many side projects which he uses to gain technology. But you already knew that, didn't you?"
"Maybe," Lelouch said with a shrug.
"Are you going to become the Deputy Prime Minister? If you are walking around with the Prime Minister, it must mean that he is trying to promote your image before placing you in a high position."
"Lloyd! Should you be asking personal things?" Cecile asked in a whisper. She was ignored.
"You're awfully curious about politics for a scientist," Lelouch said with a raised brow. "I did not come here for that however. I want to see your project. I have spent heavily in ensuring that you finish this. I cannot wait any longer."
"My Lancelot is ready for you, your highness. You will be amazed."
"Then take me to it. I want to test it myself."
"I had found the perfect devicer for it. I don't doubt his Highness skills but I think this devicer we have can show you the power of my Lancelot a bit better. He was supposed to be here for a demonstration but he got caught up in something. I will make sure he is available tomorrow."
"Fine… I will see how it performs against a Gloucester. If it performs better, we will have you make ones we can mass produce for the military."
Lloyd grinned. "Ah, thinking about making money off the military. Well, that is one way you can recoup your costs. Will you have the Ashfords mass produce them?"
"If you already have such thoughts, I need not explain things to you, Lloyd. Give it to Jeremiah, I want to see how it moves."
Lloyd stared at Jeremiah. "If you are rough with my Lancelot, I won't let you pilot it ever again."
Jeremiah shrugged. "It is not yours, Lloyd. The Lancelot belongs to his Highness. You just created it but he don't own it."
End of chapter
Once more, thank you for the reviews. And I'll try to add a bit more of politics before we go back to war again.
The Omnipresent Sage
