The Familiar of Zero was written by Noboru Yamaguchi and published by Media Factory.

Code Geass was directed by Gorō Taniguchi and created by Sunrise.

I own neither, will not profit by these works, and will abide by the rules set before me, copyright held by them. I own only the creative bending of these worlds into a new project in an exercise of the imagination.

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Zero Over Zero

Stage Four

Her Name is Siesta

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"It looks like they treated you rather roughly. Now you know what they're really like, Private Kururugi. Britannia is rotten. If you truly wish to bring change to this world, then join me!"

-Zero

"Orange? That's an old question, but if you must know, Orange was a gift from my Lord that everyone misunderstands. Orange was and is no conspiracy. It was a part of his grand scheme that was bestowed upon me on that day and I regret nothing of it and, in all honesty, Your Highness, I would take nothing back."

-Jeremiah Gottwald, Orange Farmer

"It was a simple assignment at first. I was to watch over the two young Lamperouges, as they were called at the time, the same as I had for the Ashfords. After so long though, I began to understand that Lelouch was no ordinary young man, even with the fact that he was a royal son of Britannia. When I learned of his 'extracurricular' activities, it somehow seemed natural to listen to him. To serve such a person felt like something an honor.

-Shinozaki Sayoko

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Lelouch pursed his lips at the sound of his old nickname. It shouldn't have bothered him as much as it did, but he supposed that no one else should have been calling him that name by now. He thought he would have been more indifferent — it was but a name, after all — but perhaps it was because he now had the time to be pickier with the personal details of his life, Rebellion and Requiem now long behind him. Nobody had dared to call him by that affectionate title for ages and now it nipped at him because of the coincidental ramblings of a damn sword.

There was no use in asking her to think otherwise. Louise held a triumphant smirk on her face as if she had held the Sword of Damocles. A shame she was overestimating her hold over him, but he'd humor her, for now, to keep her satisfied at the least. He had given up worse before, no thanks to old friends and enemies alike.

He shifted to rest himself against the wall over his hay bedding and said, "So then, what do you wish to ask me?"

Her eyebrows flicked up at first, but then her lips grew thin and wide. "Finally given in, Lulu?"

"Enough with the name. Tell me what you want to know. Now." Right, it did bother him more than he thought.

She didn't look offended with his stern command, instead amused and reveling in the newfound power she lorded over him. She then put a hand on her chin, the other tossed over the elbow, and looked to the floor in thought. He waited.

Eventually, she settled herself on the edge of her bed. Her boisterous mood seemed to have evaporated as she viewed him with what could be called a nervous yet determined energy. "What's your family like?" she asked with some concern in her voice.

The Black Prince leaned his head to one side donning a questioning face. "My family?"

She gave him a few hard nods and he motioned for her to calm down. He saw that she was staring at him with an intensity greater than any attention she had given him before. Her mouth was curved down and he realized that she was asking not just because he had asked her the same earlier.

Hah, she acts like a child when she lets her guard down, but there's something else in there as well. He let a rare smile slip out. "Are you worried that I miss my family?"

She averted her staring and half-muttered, half-stuttered a small "No."

The smile grew wider. "Well, if you must know, I do not."

Puzzled at his blunt tone, she asked, "You don't? And why would that be?"

Lelouch thought a moment about his next words.

"My father was a leader, my mother a great warrior, and my sisters and brothers took up much governing in the land we lived in." The girl in front of him scrunched up her eyebrows. "My family was a political one," he said, "steeped in the ways of the military and the court."

"Political?" Louise made a squeak and jumped in her seat. "Does that mean you're a noble?"

He quickly answered. "Not by your world's standards." He then made a stern face. "You may not believe it, but my world has none of the magic that is present here."

She shook her head and said, "A world with no magic cannot possibly exist. That's unbelievable!"

"Like when you summoned me?" He shrugged, unphased by her skepticism. "I had quite a time adjusting to the rules that govern this world of yours. You remember my odd questions, don't you? I believe I come from a place far away from here, Louise."

He saw her confusion and continued along. "Regardless of that, I may have been a member of the nobility, but that is no longer the case. I renounced any claim I had when I was a little boy."

"Huh?" She took a moment to process the new information. "I don't believe that. Why would any noble renounce their inheritance?"

"Because I was betrayed." Leftover resentment welled up for but a moment. "There was an assassination attempt on my mother. My little sister was with her. She tried protecting her until the guards arrived, but she died doing so."

"And your sister? Was she alright?" Louise was eating it all up, enraptured by the mix of truth and omission.

"If only. She was crippled from the knees down." The girl's breath hitched for a moment. "My father cared little for the whole affair and brushed it off as soon as he had heard it. Without any investigation on his part, it wasn't long before I declared my renouncement."

"Did you live on the streets then? That's cruel." Louise hung her head, troubled.

"It's all in the past now. No need to dwell on it too much. He never recognized it anyway." He stared at the hay beneath his legs. His face felt stiff again and he pursed his lips. "The only one who I would want to see again is my little sister. Her name is Nunnally. You could say that she was my reason for living after all that had happened."

"Your sister?" she said as she perked up again, "What happened to the both of you anyway?"

Lelouch placed his arms in front of him and tightly laced his hands together. "I'm sure you know what it means to be sent to a country on the verge of war."

The look on her face told him that she did. "We were bargaining tools and then we were thrown away, presumed dead after it was all over. Even then, despite what we went through, I wanted my sister to smile for as long as I could allow it. I left her with a friend I trust very much before I was brought here, so I'm quite certain that she's doing well enough without me."

"I see."

A quietness settled over the small noble for a moment. "What about you. What did you do for a living?"

"Me? Well let's see," said the Black Prince, "You could say that I was a commander of a group of knights. We fought for justice, and in the end, I think it was achieved. I have many memories of grand battles and perilous times. It brings me back, really, and I almost miss it too."

Louise casually crossed her arms. "You don't seem very commanderly to me. I'd think that you'd be stronger than you are now."

"We tended to rely more on firearms due to the lack of magic." He contemplated a moment. "We did have golem-like constructions as mounts, so there's that too."

She let out her trademark huff. "I thought something was weird about you. Even so after all this, how can I trust that what you've said is true?"

Another shrug. "You don't have to, but I assure you that I've told my story as it is. If you doubt me there's nothing I can do about it."

Silently judging him, "I'll trust you this time," she said, "but if I find out that your lying to me somehow, you're going to put for it, you got that?"

"Thank you, Louise." She squirmed somewhat under his sudden kind tone. He caught sight of the candle that lit the room and motioned for her to rest. "You should lie down now, at least, seeing how late it is. I can tell you some more exciting stories if you'd like as well."

The girl tucked herself into bed with the help of her familiar and nodded in silent agreement, her head poking out of the soft bundle of down.

"As you wish then." He seated himself at the edge of her bed and began, "Let's see now. There was one time, in a far off land, where there was a little princess who was to be married off to the crown prince of their enemy…"

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Siesta was finishing up her work for the day. Normally she would have been looking forward to another good night's rest, but she couldn't keep her mind off of the troubles that she would carry by tomorrow. She had to sleep, but she didn't think it would be easy, worried for her future and wishing the next day would never have to come.

"Ah, perfect timing. How are you tonight, Siesta?"

"Oh, it's you, Lelouch." She stepped back once but eased herself when she saw him. "I'm well, but what are you doing out here so late?"

"I felt the need to speak to you about something rather important. Is there somewhere more private we can speak? Outside, perhaps."

He spoke as he usually did, but a light pink dusted her cheeks. "But of course. Please lead the way, Mr. Lamperouge."

"As I said before, Lelouch is fine." There it was again. The young man in front of her had such a disarming voice that it was almost too kind to believe. Being a servant, she was unused to anything like that from someone who seemed so unlike a commoner.

Yes, Lelouch was Miss Vallière's familiar, but there was something about the way he carried himself that told her he was anything but. There was a confidence that surrounded him that no lowborn should possess and she couldn't recall ever seeing him nervous or panicked, even in the face of his master or at his duel with Sir Gramont.

Following second gave her a clear look at him. His steps were measured and deliberate, his posture never bowing or slouching. He gave her the impression of a prince without his jewels. That, or she'd been reading one-too-many romances.

She almost ran into him when she noticed that he had stopped right outside of the main hall. He glanced around and had her follow him along the wall, close to the place where they had first met.

She waited for him to speak, a little too nervous to start the conversation herself. He must've noticed as he said, "There's no need to be uncomfortable. Unless that is if something is bothering you?"

"Oh, no, not at all. It's just that I can't help but wonder what you needed me for."

"Right. I wanted to ask you if you've seen these before." The young man pulled out a piece of parchment from his pocket, unfolding it and handing it to her.

She took a close look at it. Though they were a little far from the lit halls of the Academy, she could faintly make out the writing on the sheet.

"This is…" It was but a moment before her heart skipped in recognition. She had seen these symbols before, but where had he seen them too?

"The symbols belong to a nation that I had lived in once." She knew her thoughts were written all over her face, but it still felt like he was reading her mind again, a little to her chagrin. "Tell me," he continued, "have you ever heard of a country known as Japan or Nihon?"

Siesta didn't know what to say. She didn't usually talk about her family's history, but there were also things that she had questions about. This could give her a chance to find out more, but she hesitated to take it.

"Siesta, I need to know where you've seen these before." His voice became firm. "Will you help me? Such information could mean life and death for someone like me."

"Oh, that's not fair, Lelouch! Just how can I say no if you say something like that?" She tossed the idea around in her head and gave in when she saw the determination in his eyes. "Oh, all right. I've seen these in a few places around my hometown, Tarbes. I believe they were left behind by an ancestor of mine, though I don't know why or what most of them mean."

"Most of them? Were you taught the language?"

"Well, yes, I suppose." She was wondering if this was all a good idea, as late as it was to back out now. It was a much weightier conversation than she had anticipated. "It's something that was passed down, but there was a lot that was lost along the way. As the oldest of my siblings, I was learning such things before I came to work here."

She could see the gears turn in his head as she explained. He met her eyes and said, "Take me to your hometown when there's a chance. I want to make some confirmations as soon as possible."

She flinched at his request. "I'd be welcome to, but unfortunately, I don't think that will be possible."

"But why not?" Something made her heart clench when she saw how puzzled he was. Funny that the first time she'd see that face would be because of her.

"I didn't want to tell you, mainly because I didn't want to leave on such a sad note." A cold breeze blew by and she could no longer ignore the chill, hugging herself to help stave off the uncomfortableness. "You see, the royal messenger, Count Mott, had come by earlier. I've been asked to enter his service tomorrow morning."

"That wouldn't be for your wonderful service in the kitchens here, would it?" He immediately scoffed, his eyes narrowed, and his smile turned thin. Of all things she was frightened and, knowing him, she knew he'd be up to something again. What troubled her most was that he hadn't bothered to hide it at all.

He then turned around, his head facing the side. "We can't have that now, can we? Wait for me tomorrow morning. I have to get some things prepared, for now, so goodnight Siesta." Before she could say anything more, he began to walk off, making his way into the halls and out of sight.

The maid, on the other hand, could only worry as she returned to her chambers. Oh no, he's planning something, isn't he? It's going to be something dangerous again, isn't it? Ah, Lelouch, why must you give me so many bad feelings about this!? In spite of this, however, she still couldn't help but feel a bit of happiness well up inside of her chest. She had someone who she could rely on and, hopefully, someone who wouldn't stir too much trouble for it.

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Guiche liked Louise's familiar, but to wake him and drag him through the halls when he should be getting his beauty rest was a bit much. "Lelouch, why in Brimir's name should you need me at this hour?"

Still leading the noble, he said, "There's a fair maiden that needs rescuing and I'll need your help."

A fair maiden he says? He hasn't yet shown any interest in women until now. Perhaps this will be worth the inquiry. With these thoughts in mind, Guiche blinked out his sleepiness and continued. "Where are we going anyway. Isn't your room over there?"

"That's because there's another person whom I'd like to invite." Stopping short of the Vallière's door, he came upon the next one and knocked.

A faint, singsong "Who is it?" came from the other side of the door. Guiche recognized where they were now, having heard about the ruckus that the tiny noble and her neighbor caused on a regular basis. "Kirche von Zerbst? Really?"

"Is there a problem with that? Of all people I thought you two would understand each other with your 'passions' and whatnot."

Guiche cleared his throat. "Well, I wouldn't say it's as simple as that. She and I have differing ideas of love. I take it that she enjoys the physical conquest whereas I seek the affection and admiration of many."

The door opened briefly after Guiche had finished. Kirche was surprisingly in more moderate bedclothes than he thought she would. He recalled a more see-through piece being mentioned by one of his other acquaintances. Not that he was interested. Mostly.

"Now Guiche, if you put it that way, then I have the moral high ground. You seek those shallow charms whereas I seek the greatest pleasures from the hottest of flames." That smirk of hers made him feel somewhat miffed. They never really spoke to each other, much less understood. "And Lelouch, how good it is to see you. I was about to invite you to my bedchambers again tonight. What brings you and this fop here?"

Before Guiche could retort, Lelouch said, "I come here asking for a favor as I will of Sir Gramont here. I'd like to speak inside your room, that is, if you don't mind."

"Certainly. After all, it's not the first time I've invited two boys at once. Come inside, you two."

The three of them settled themselves inside Kirche's room. The boy and his friend stood to one side while the girl rested on her bed.

"I'm sure you know that I'm not here to woo you and I apologize for that, but there is a more urgent matter that currently requires my attention. I'd like to ask for your assistance because I believe you would be well suited to the task and will find much to gain from it."

"Hmm, that's quite interesting, as is the usual with you, my love."

The usual indeed. This conversation made Guiche think of the time Louise's familiar had plotted against him. It also made him wonder if the commoner had thought of something equally as outrageous.

"I can see that you're amused," the young man continued, "If you've enjoyed my behavior so far, then I'm sure you'll find what I have planned quite entertaining."

The Gramont couldn't help himself and said, "Do tell us what exactly what it is that we're doing. There can't be much of an agreement if we don't know at least that. And also, how do we know this isn't going to get us into any trouble?"

Lelouch glanced back at his companion. "This will come at no risk to either of you. That I guarantee. For this, I only ask for your patronage. And now that I have your interest, allow me to explain."

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Guiche felt troubled even as he was wearing some of his better garbs. As the trip was after classes, he had to postpone a date with his dear Monmon. Second thoughts had risen gradually ever since the night before. "I still feel like this is going to get us into trouble."

"Oh hush, Guiche. It's far too late for you to back out now anyway." Kirche had donned a flattering dress, fitting of her passionate form. "And place that crate in the back with those valkyries of yours, would you?"

"And why my valkyries? Can't we have someone else do it?"

"And why should we? We had them carry it down here and, unfortunately, I don't see either of you capable of performing the same feat on your lonesome, or together for that matter. Besides, it's the least you could do."

Guiche was about to retort when Lelouch called out to them. "Let's wrap things up you two. We will be departing shortly." He had approached them wearing dark a cape over the clothes he usually wore. Something odd to the noble boy was the commoner's need to wear a mask. At Kirche's insistence, Guiche let him borrow one. It was the kind meant for a masquerade at a ball, purple, feathered, and flamboyant.

The girl gave a pleased huff. "Shall we be off then? It's no good to keep others waiting now, Sir Gramont."

"Alright, I'll do it then." He motioned for his constructs to load the rest of their things as the others boarded the carriage, following soon after dismissing them back to the earth.

He seated himself next to Lelouch and was opposite to Kirche who was the first to break into a conversation.

"So, who might this damsel be, sir? You've explained very little and we've been very good listeners so far. At least tell us who exactly we're rescuing now."

"I agree." Guiche turned to the masked man. "Tell us, who is it that needs our help?"

With a candid flatness, "A maid by the name of Siesta," said he.

"What? Do you mean one from the Academy? I understand if you took a fancy to her, but to go so far for but a servant girl?" The noble turned thoughts over in his head and concluded that she must be a great beauty, though if that were true he would've noticed sooner.

"And I am a mere familiar, am I not?" With legs crossed over, he set both of his hands on his knee. "I, like Germanians, do not believe that birth determines one's worth, commoner or noble. Even you, Sir Gramont, fall under this idea. By that, I mean that I'm certain that you'll be more capable than your brothers with time, amongst other things."

Guiche felt flattered, even if he had doubts with his hopes. Few truly believed that he would become great, fewer voiced it unless they were friends of his. He would take it anyway. More praise never hurt.

"Quite the smooth talker, aren't you, my dear?" said Kirche. She giggled and leaned forward, giving the noble boy an admittedly difficult time averting his gaze. He managed to pull his eyes away to see how his companion was faring.

The mask, however, made him unreadable. "I merely speak the truth here, Miss Zerbst. And the truth, if Siesta wishes to tell it, may matter to me very much."

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The guards had led Lelouch and his friends into the estate of Count Mott once they relayed his message to them. Though there was a party currently underway, they were still let in, much to Guiche's discomfort.

"I hope you know what you're doing Lelouch. Any trouble will only be magnified by who knows who's in there."

"Worry not my friend. All will go according to plan." Lelouch remained unconcerned. If even some of the rumors about the Count held true, then Lelouch had a good idea of the person he was to deal with.

After they advanced to the second floor, they entered a library. As soon as the doors opened there were as many words in the air as there were on the shelves.

"So, what children have decided to grace us with their presence?" The slight didn't go unnoticed and a chuckle came out at the new group's expense.

"Allow me to make the introduction." He brought one arm out at full length. "To my right is Guiche de Gramont, fourth son of Marshall Gramont." Then, his other. "And to my left is Kirche Von Anhalt-Zerbst of Germania."

Kirche smiled. "Aww, you remembered my full name, dear. How sweet."

"But of course. It would be rude of me not to." The masked man lowered his arms and paused.

"Gramont and Zerbst? Interesting, very interesting." Then Mott scoffed. "And who are you? What is your name? I don't ever recall making this a bal masquè, so why hide your face?"

Lelouch was waiting for this moment. Though his audience was small, he still felt the need to re-establish himself anew. "An old habit," he thought.

"Who I am is not important, but if you must call me something, then call me," he said as he swung his arms out wide and flung his cape wide, "the Familiar of Zero!"

Immediately Guiche protested, albeit in a whisper, "Hey, wait, are you certain you want to be calling yourself that?"

The masked man's display was met with laughter, the loudest of them being Count Mott. "Is this a joke? Who claims to be a familiar with such gusto?"

"That would be the familiar of Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière, third daughter to Duke Vallière. I've come to introduce myself and inform you of my intentions." He lifted his hand palm-up to the crowd in from of him. "Care to take a chance, Count Mott?"

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Kirche and Guiche stood off to one side of the table as the chessboard was being set. Kirche watched with anticipation, but she couldn't say the same for Guiche.

"Are you sure about letting him gamble your things away? And still all for some maid?" whispered Guiche.

"Once again, it's much too late to be asking now." She shrugged. "And besides, those things are simply gifts for suitors, from my family, that I have no use for. Passion must be made with action, not gestures."

"Remind me of their difference again?"

"Never mind that. Look."

Kirche pointed her chin to the match in front of them. Every clack of crystal between Count Mott and his youthful opponent signaled another step towards the end of their game, the sound of the pieces barely registering above the bubbling drink and chatter of the nobleman's party. A few others watched on with curiosity and the middle-aged noble leaned back after another move, appearing satisfied with his play so far.

"Had enough yet? You carried such confidence that I had almost thought you would be more of a challenge. Tell me, familiar, what made you think you could test me?"

Kirche watched Lelouch's next words. "I came here because you have something that I need."

"What, more coin? You're not going to win any at this rate, boy, and there are certainly better ways to get it."

"That is correct, Count Mott. I am here for something more… interesting." He crossed his legs, his posture at ease. "How about we raise the stakes beyond mere gold?"

This is what she had come for. An opportunity to see one of her dear's fascinating schemes up close. He had scarcely told them a thing before coming here and they had little reason to put such faith in him, but her curiosity was greater. She pushed Guiche to come along too, despite his misgivings, just so that he'd have all that he needed to proceed. It's was something about the way he carried himself. He'd definitely done this before and, while his pretty-boy looks weren't exactly her type, he was so much manliest than anyone she'd seen. It was confidence backed by something mysteriously powerful.

"I am aware that I agreed to your little wager but this is no Romalin casino. I'm not about to gamble the things away in my own house."

"I wonder if you'll change your mind once I show you the gifts I've brought." At that, Lelouch signaled to Guiche to have the chest opened. Inside were pieces of fine jewelry, a rare heirloom book of the Zerbst family, and a Germainian sword that he insisted he should use to get her goods higher than its value, all neatly folded and tucked away. How he would obtain more than 3000 new gold for a showpiece — though it was bought at a generous discount — was beyond her. A shame he wouldn't keep it, but daring nonetheless.

He continued. "The wager is simple. If you win I will give you all the contents of this victory chest, no strings attached. However, if I win then a trade of fair value is to be made. I've been notified of a few things in your possession that have caught my interest and I hope you will be inclined to accept."

The count crossed his hands together, leaning forward. "Hmph, I've little to lose so I'll accept your offer."

Kirche crossed her arms. The count could have insisted that the chest was for him without the wager, they being sudden guests of his. Of course, Lelouch hadn't said so much. There had to be something the count wanted in there. What exactly it was she didn't know, at least not for certain.

The mask advanced his queen piece. "Your move then, Count Mott."

And so the clash of their miniature armies continued rather quietly. She was unfamiliar with how chess worked — not exactly the most stimulating of hobbies — so her prior excitement was left to only smolder. Presuming it would take a while, she decided to wander around the room.

As she paced herself around the edges, she noticed the vast quantity of books that Mott had. He seemed well-read for someone so distasteful, that is until she saw his erotica selection. Boring and gross. Guiche turned up as well, probably to complain of something again.

"Kirche, you must come and see what is happening." He had a stern look on his face for once. It didn't fit him. "It's Lelouch. He's winning."

Already coming to a head? Her interest was immediately renewed. "Is that so? But why do you look so vexed then?"

"I played against him once some time ago. He must've held back because I'm certain I couldn't win if I were in the position he was in before you had left. But nevermind that, as of right now he's insanely capable."

She almost wished she understood a bit more, but too little too late. They advanced to a spot in the circle of people spectating the game only to see that it was over.

"This is checkmate, My Lord, and I must say that this was a wonderful exercise."

The nobleman looked disgruntled, perhaps even angry, but he didn't express it very much. "Fine familiar. I have been bested and a deal is a deal. What might you want to trade for then?"

"We can settle the terms of our match after the party is over if you will. There may be some things that we'd like to discuss with the advantage of privacy."

As the two men got up to shake hands, the Zerbst's ears caught wind of the new rumors that surrounded her masked man. There was intrigue, mystery, questions that roused only more questions, and no doubt that he'd be the talk of the nobility once things were over. She realized that this was a part of his goal all along, making her even more curious about him. And of course, she would like to make her own rumors too.

"Darling," she said, hugging his arm into her assets, "I knew I could trust you to bring home victory. Now, I should reward you somehow, shouldn't I?"

She gave him a yearning look. He cleared his throat. "I'll have to pass. For the moment, it seems that I have much small talk to fulfill. If you'll excuse me kindly."

She let him go without a fuss and watched him chat up the crowd. She knew there was more to him than he let on, but what he was already attempting told her that he was special. The next thing to do was to make her special to him.

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When Siesta had arrived in the morning, she was already resigned to her new fate. A life with the Count would have been unpleasant, but she could still provide for her family at the least. Getting dressed, she expected something a bit more risqué, but perhaps he had wanted her for the appearance she held at the Academy.

There was a knock on the door. "You may come now, maid," said the Count. Stepping out, she was stopped in the doorway by the sight before her.

"Her name is Siesta, Count Mott, and I'd like to request it to stay that way."

"And the book?"

"It is yours to do with as you please."

Looking around, the girl spotted Sir Gramont and Lady Zerbst by his side. She was confused, but only one idea came to mind. Thank Brimir, he's come to save me, hasn't he? Oh, I hope there isn't too much trouble brewing. Goodness, what am I supposed to say?

Lelouch seemed to recoil somewhat and she rushed over to help him stay up. He may have been wearing a mask, but it couldn't have been anyone but him.

"Are you okay Lel-? Ah, no, sir?"

"I'm fine. It's nothing really."

"Is it about that book you just gave away?" said Kirche. "You don't read that drivel darling, do you? And instead of reading of such events, wouldn't you say participating in them is far more exciting?"

That made her puzzled. She only noticed how uninvolved Count Mott was just then and her eyes caught sight of what he was holding in his hands.

She averted her eyes and blushed. It was more erotic than the fantasies she read.

"No. No, that's not what this is about. For all I care, he can keep it. I'm simply surprised that this kind of book was the so-called 'rare tome' that was in your possession." His shoulders rose and fell with a deep breath. "Tell me, how did your family obtain such a thing?"

"My grandfather summoned it some decades ago. Apparently, he couldn't reproduce the effect again, so this is all he got out of that experiment of his."

"Ah, I see."

Though everything seemed rather dreamlike overall, she could swear she didn't imagine him heave a sigh again. Hoping it wouldn't become a habit, she assumed it was about the book. Did he like voluptuous women? Siesta blushed once more at the thought.

He shook himself. "Well, we should be taking our leave then. A pleasure doing business with you, Count Mott."

"Yes, yes, I'd like to enjoy this alone now. Do leave."

"Without question."

With that, the guards guided them to the front gate. Siesta, filled to the brim with questions, didn't know where to start. All she knew was that she'd be forever grateful that she could go back to the Academy.

"So, now that it's all clear, what did you all think of our little mission?"

The fire mage was the first to speak up. "I think it was fascinating. The way you played that crowd was so charming I've fallen in love with you all over again."

"Well, I think it was quite the risk." The blonde crossed his arms. "We're lucky we got out of there without causing an uproar. I'm surprised he tolerated you as much as he did."

"I've dealt with his kind before. He wouldn't do anything too rash with the both of you there. The other nobles who attended only further assured that. I must thank you for assisting me with what I was able to obtain, save for a few things I required."

Kirche smiled wide and Guiche shook his head in resignation.

Reaching the carriage, the two students boarded before the familiar and the maid. He waited until she walked up to his side and said, "It won't be as fabulous a pay as what the Count could give you, but I don't suppose you'll mind very much."

"It's quite alright, Mr. Lamperouge. The Academy's always paid me well enough, so I'll be okay."

"Hmph, hardly what I meant. And didn't I tell you that just Lelouch is fine?"

"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I don't understand. What did you mean by that then?" Another moment of silence from him. "Lelouch?"

"You'll be working for me now, at least partially if you choose to go back to working for the academy as well," he said, still facing the horizon, "I admit that I have things that I need to know from you, other motives so to speak, but I also value our relationship. I believe you are earnest, trustworthy, and good-willed. Do you understand what I'm asking of you?"

She was taken aback. He couldn't be seriously saying what she thought he was saying?

"I am asking you for your service and, if possible, your loyalty as well." Immediately she felt like she was staring at some imposing figure, the kind of person who wielded power as naturally as they breathed. Whether that impression was like a charming prince's or handsome villain's she couldn't quite pin down, though the distinction didn't matter to the heroines of the tales she read. "So, Siesta de Tarbes, will you accept this contract of mine?"

"Hey you two," interrupted the red noble, "I'd rather not have to sleep in the carriage overnight with loverboy here." Siesta could see her leaning out of the side of their ride wearing a few of the new pieces of jewelry from the trade.

"Looks like we've kept them waiting. Let's be on our way then. I won't ask you to answer immediately, so I'll let you consider it for a while until then, Siesta."

Her sight was glued to his back for a minute. She felt her face heat up ever so slightly, magnified by the afternoon's cool breeze. She smiled.

That isn't fair of you at all, Master Lelouch.

·◊◊◊◊◊◊◊O÷O◊◊◊◊◊◊◊·

"You did what!"

As Lelouch was explaining how he got his hands on so many new things without robbing some poor noble, Louise fired off on him more harshly than he'd expected. He expected some upset so he waited until she was finished letting out her steam.

"First, I couldn't find you all day no matter where I looked. Second, when I hear again from you it's this late at night. Third, you tell me that you gambled uninvited to a party of Count Mott's with Guiche and Kirche of all people. And last, you got yourself a maid, you horny dog!"

While she huffed and tried to regain her composure, he intervened. "You're missing the point I'm trying to make here, Louise. Everything went according to a plan and everyone was able to get something out of it."

"And what exactly did I get out of you almost getting into trouble with another noble!?" She puffed her cheeks. Intimidating.

"Well allow me to show you then." He strolled over to the corner of the room by his straw bedding and reached into a bag. Out of it he pulled a silk drawstring satchel and tossed it at her. She caught it in her hands, fidgeting with it before opening it up.

"I heard that you favor pearls. I made sure to pick the best that I could. If Mott had anything going for him, it was his taste in opulence."

He watched her pour the contents into her hand. Pearl necklace and bracelet fell between her fingers. While she was examining them, he continued.

"I was also able to obtain some new gold coin, a few more luxuries, and other tools for our use. I hope you won't be too mindful of a few weapons I was able to procure."

Derflinger popped out of his scabbard. "And whaddya need besides good ol' me, hah?"

"Something to supplement you with is all. It's not another blade if that's what you're worried about. Distance and spacing are great tools in combat and a well-versed sword like you would be rather aware of that, wouldn't you?"

The sword grumbled but didn't say anything more. Lelouch checked back with Louise and saw her in her reflection wearing one of the white strings around her wrist. He picked up the necklace left on the dresser's edge. "May I?"

She lifted her hair up and he fastened the latch around her neck. The small but heavy orbs clacked as they settled on the pink collar of her nightgown and under her hair. She stared without expression. "Lelouch?"

"Yes, Louise?"

"You're stupid."

"Certainly."

·◊◊◊◊◊◊◊O÷O◊◊◊◊◊◊◊·

Hi there, Verrill here~ I hope all of you have been well~

I'm sure many of you have waited a while since I last wrote, if I may be so arrogant as to assume. For that, I must apologize.

My pause has been made to consider what my goal is in writing this story. I had realized that the task was gargantuan in scope and would take a large amount of my time if I was to ever see this to its end, so I had postponed it for other projects.

And yet I now resolve to continue.

I also recently had the chance to watch the Code Geass AU movies and it has compelled me to throw my hand in once more. Though I also wish to write my own stories, this is one I cannot seem to leave behind.

Once again, thank you for your time. Favorite, follow, and whatnot.

Otherwise, take care~