Chapter 14: Scuffle in the Throne Room
The Saderan senators and generals are yelling at each other for minutes now, divided into two factions. The half led by Casel are called the pro-peace or "doves as they're called; they're pushing to accept the peace term of the Britannians, the other half are made up of violent war-mongering senators, generals and nobles, pro-war or "Hawks".
It was a shouting match as the Hawks are labeling the Doves as cowards, traitors and weak; while the pro-peace faction are calling the other half fools for failing to see reasons.
"For the last time, a prolonged war with Britannia will result in utter destruction for our Empire!"
"Our glorious nation has faced such strong adversaries before, from the barbarians of the cold North to the Kushan kingdom from the Far East. These Britannians are just another obstacle in achieving our goal of greatness."
"The empire from beyond Gate is nothing like the enemies we've fought in the past," Casel stated. "They're not barbaric like the berserkers or Bunny Women from the North, their weapons and tactics are far superior to our own, we've even learn that their numbers surpass that of all of our legions, they've outnumber us by a dozen to one."
"He's right!" Marguis Palesti said and adds further. "No more than a month into the war with the Britannians we've sent the best of commanders, our bravest of men, our fastest of cavalry, and the fiercest ogres our great Empire has to offer and in a short time most have ended up dead!"
Arcturius Maximus scoffed at this, he agreed with everything he said except for "best commanders", Cadmus and Godasen's commanding skills were average at best, relying heavily on numbers rather than strategy and tactics. "I concur, our military prestige is damaged, morale in the army is at an all-time low, and to make it even more difficult on us the Britannians are employing many beast-men and demihuman. If we fight another battle with them it will end in a massacre."
"We can easily gather more able bodied men from our domain and train them just as quick, all it needs is our Emperor's orders and I would personally see to it that we can create an army as many times as we need." General Podawan said.
"And then what? Send them against the Iron Giants, hoping for the best? Despite their flying ships showing images of our men being decimated you still believe in our invincibility. You weren't there when Metal Birds soar above and send fiery destruction on the encampment, you weren't there when my men tried to fight off the enemy, you weren't there when they're being slaughtered by Iron Giants and their demihuman allies." He recounts the encounter with the Giant Gold Centaur, how it gallops through the field with one Warrior Bunny on its side, killing every Saderan in sight.
"You're a coward then if you let one defeat effect you like that," Arcturius glared at one man he hated the most: Zorzal El Caesar. "Did I consider surrender when many cohorts perish during war with the Warior Bunnies, did I raised the white flag of surrender when many of my warriors died?"
Molt glared at his son for such stupid words, Arcturius Decimus Maximus is a brilliant commander, something that Zorzal is not. One glaring example of Zorzal's lack of intelligence is the Empire-Bunny War, the crown prince led the Northern Legions against the savage demihumans with little care to his underlings, his second in command at the time Valentin gave plenty of good advices, plans and how to fight the superior fighters but he refuse them all going for a frontal assault and let their vast numbers decide.
Sure, the result of that war ended in victory, slight boost in economy due to Warrior Bunnies being highly valued as slaves, and pacify the threat in the north, but this campaign came at a great cost, Legion Eleven and Twelve lost half of its soldiers while Thirteen lost three-fourth of its size, the Northern Legions is effectively incapacitated due to Zorzal's poor leadership skills. Because of this the war with the Kushan empire lasted much longer than intended, but thanks to Arcturius they won the war with little casualties.
Overall, Zorzal is envious of Arcturius for the army, people and the senate revered him as a military genius and named him Hero of the East while he the crown prince is seen as a fool with uncontrollable carnal desires.
"You think the people will be fine with us forcing every able-bodied men to conscription? Fathers, brothers, husbands, sons, and lovers sent to fight and die?" Casel said, many knew he meant that many will resort to desertion and fleeing their country if it meant saving themselves from a hopeless situation.
"Enough of this, the Britannians are coming here to discuss the terms for peace, for now we'll agree with their demands. We've lost many battles because we underestimate our enemy, during peace times we'll use this moment to gather as much information on them and find any weakness, when the time is right we will strike hard and fast." Molt stated which earn applause from war mongering faction with some mixed reception from the pro-peace senators.
Casel seems vexed, Molt didn't realize just how far and hopeless the situation is, Arcturius is simply neutral, and Zorzal is impatient.
With the Britannian Aerial Fleet
Pina is currently lounging in the guest area of the Logres-class Floating Battleship, she is worried but confident, the Britannians have just mobilize half of the Frontier's aerial fleet and is heading to the Capital, she could only imagine what the people down below is thinking when they saw the massive swarm of flying ships, no doubt they're afraid and feeling insignificant.
The representatives from Britannia are two princes, Lelouch and Schneizel, two of the most intelligent and cunning people she has ever known. Thinking of the time when she tried cunning and underhanded tactics in politics and diplomacy in an attempt to curb them but these two just manage bypasses every obstacle she sent.
Knowing that rescuing their people is top priority she reasoned that those captives will be killed by slavers in retaliation, but Schneizel stated: "If one enslaved Britannian died then in response ten captive Saderans will be executed and we'll become less lenient with your nation"; and she states that her father could use them as hostage and Lelouch replied: "If such situation ever happens then we'll use you as hostage, threatening to hang you if they didn't comply, one princess in exchange for one hundred and fifty-seven Britannians, sounds like a good bargain". Man, these two are good.
With those two leading an army and playing politics along with their advanced weapons and its soldier's determination, Britannia is virtually invincible. That is why she prayed to the gods that these talks succeed, yes, the ceasefire must NOT fail it means forming peace and for the survival of her nation.
She's currently in her Saderan royal garb, and sitting right beside her is her page Hamilton who is wearing her noble attire. "Are you alright, your Highness." She asks.
"A little nervous. I'm just hopeful that father removes Zorzal from meeting, we know what he's going to do when he meets the representatives."
Hamilton nodded, the not-so intelligent prince will very likely try to either intimidate or imprison them in an attempt to gain an edge over the Britannians, that would not be a wise move considering that Britannians are bringing hundreds of Flying Ships along with a thousand Knightmares and a hundred thousand soldiers.
If something were to happen to either Lelouch or Schneizel, they would retaliate with full force with no compromise and destroy the Capital to rescue the royal siblings. "I am very certain that everything will go smoothly." She assured her which makes Pina smiles.
The doors opening and the girls watch as Lelouch and his royal guards entered. "We'll be landing soon, are you happy to be home?"
"Yes, the sight of familiar places and faces would be nice."
Villagers and farmers in the surrounding area gape in awe at the sight above them, hundreds of the flying ships are heading towards the Saderan Capital, they thought at first that they're now going to finished this war by attacking and occupying the Capital, until they learn that they're on their way to make negotiations with the Saderan Imperial Court.
To the people of the Capital, this is a terrifying sight, if the scattered broadcasting zeppelins didn't scare them than this did, the captain who's in charge of the entrance were given orders to opened it for the Britannian delegates though they were very reluctant but none the less followed it.
This thought is in the minds of many who saw the ominous swarm: can they win this?
Nonette is in charge of the fleet and escort for the three Britannian royal siblings, she's watching the proceedings as officers and air personnel relay different reports. "Did they send any of those dragon riders?"
"None so far, my Lady. No military activity in the air."
"Reports are coming that their land units are lining up the streets."
"It seems that they're setting up welcoming party for us. What do you think, Princess Cornelia?" The Knight of Nine asks the Second Princess.
"Still, we should be ready for any hostile move against Schneizel and Lelouch, keep your eyes peeled, guns up, and be on guard."
"Yes, your Highness."
A dozen of troop carrier and Knightmare VTOL transports are lowering down and began dropping off units, with the purpose of setting up a perimeter. "This is Alpha Company, securing northern perimeter."
"Beta Company; securing the west perimeter is in progress."
"Charlie Company here, we're moving to our objectives."
"This is Delta Company, we've landed and began securing the south perimeter."
After three minutes of the landing the Air Force commodore reports to the Knight of Nine. "My Lady, ground units are done with the perimeter and it's clear to land."
"Good. Proceed with caution."
(Enter "All Hail Britannia")
The people who are going in the Saderan royal court are Lelouch, Schneizel, Pina, Jeremiah, Kanon, Kallen, and Diethard along with a cameraman will go as well to record the whole thing. Four limousines accompanied by a squad of eight Gloucesters, regular and Black Knights.
The convoy reached the gates of the Saderan Capital and the guards seems relunctant to open them but relents. A large crowd gathered, gawking and looking with awe at the magnificent beasts called "Iron Giant", every soldier gazed with worried looks on their faces since they knew all the stories and saw them in combat thanks to the flying ships.
The travel was silent save for the whispering and the Britannian war anthem, they arrived right outside the senate building. The group along with four Black Knight soldiers and two royal guards exited the vehicle and followed Pina to the throne room.
While walking through the halls Lelouch and Schneizel would stop and talk about the interior. "I must say, despite such a primitive society they have a sense of fashion and beauty to their architecture." Schneizel compliments.
"I agree, it gives off this vibes of antiquity and villainy." Lelouch added.
They spend a few minutes admiring the inner structure, talking about the marble floor, purple drapes, stone statues, and fine paintings. Why are they stalling and delaying the meeting? Pina thought, she then thinks that this is an another display of power, to make the her father and the Saderan ruling elites wait, to show them that things must is no longer in their control and must be done in Britannian's time.
Or maybe they've just really admiring the inside of the throne room, she'll never be sure. "Pardon me but- how long will this take?"
"What?" The two Princes look at her and Lelouch said casually. "Oh course, the negotiations- I almost forgot about that."
"Silly us, shall we continue." Schneizel said playfully.
Pina just nodded. "Right this way." She led them to the throne room.
The group continued on and soon arrived at two large doors leading to the Saderan throne room; this is the moment as two Saderan royal guards went to push the doors open.
The two Britannian Palace Guards steps in and stood at each side of the door, the people inside watch and whispered about them until one shouted in the Falmart language. "Announcing the arrival of Schneizel el Britannia, Second of the Britannian Empire! And Lelouch vi Britannia, Eleventh Prince of Britannian Empire!"
Pina watch her father studies the two young men; she glances around and is relieved that Zorzal isn't here to ruin all her hard work. She then saw her father turns to her and gave a warm smile. "Pina, thank the Gods that you're safe, when I heard the news of your capture I was furious as storm. I trust that the Britannians were "gentle" during your captivity."
She saw him glare at Lelouch and Schneizel thinking that they've defiled her. "Thank you for your concerns, father, but I assure you that my stay is surprisingly pleasant." She bows, remembering the hospitality that she's given despite being their prisoners. "Now, let us proceed with the peace talks."
"Very well." Molt nodded and glances at the Britannians. "Let's hear what you have to say, Prince of Britannia."
Lelouch and Schneizel look calm and confident, unfazed by stare of the senators and generals. The second son of Charles is the first to speak. "Good morning, gentlemen, as you already know we are here to discuss one thing: and that is the ceasefire that will lead to peace." Then he began a monologue. "Of course, there those that oppose to this, still believing the invincibility of the army; but wiser men have seen for themselves that such a war will devastate this country, and are determine to stop it before it led to great destruction."
Some of the Pro-War faction growled or glared at him, since he's implying that they're stupid for not accepting peace, Casel and the Pro-Peace faction is glad that things are going to plan. "Prince Schneizel, we would agree with the terms but the Emperor asks for some change with the terms."
They turn to Molt who then answered. "The terms of surrendering land, territories and gold are far too much, if this treaty is to go somewhere it must be fair."
The room became silent after that, the Pro-War faction were hoping that the cost would reduce to nothing. The Black Prince just laugh, gaining the attention and answered Molt. "You just entered this war thinking you'll gain riches beyond your wildest dream, but instead your army is losing, hundreds of thousands of men dead, your popularity is falling, and your country is facing rebellion from vassals and attacks from demihumans, you're in no position to make demands out of us." He then gives off a wicked smirk. "But I'll humor you, what do you want?"
The ruling elites look at Lelouch with surprise, he shows no respect nor fear to the Emperor of Sadera, even Molt felt irked by his attitude but kept his calm. "First is to reduced relinquishment of our territories to ten percent and the reduction of the gold reparation to five thousand."
Lelouch pretends to think hard then asks his brother. "What did father tell Pina about the cost again?"
"Father said: must pay a heavy price to ensure its survival. The message is loud and clear." Schneizel turns to Molt. "Your proposition for the terms does not match what my father said- so we'll deny it and the term doesn't change."
Molt gritted his teeth, Lelouch was right when he said that he not in the position to demand things from them. Oh well, he tried, but promised that when the time is right he'll take all of it back. Unfortunately, things are about to go down when a certain someone is coming.
There some shouting and struggling behind the two great doors, then it burst open, marching through is the crown prince of the Saderan throne: Zorzal El Caesar. "So these people are the famous Britannians, I thought they'd be coming tomorrow but I guess they're impatient."
The arrogant prince strutted along the halls, showing off his golden armor, accompanied by dozens of his underlings, but what caught the attention of the everyone are the five unlucky women who ended up being Zorzal's play things; naked, battered, and shackles on their neck which dragged them through the floor.
A disgusting display and the Pro-peace faction members began to worry that this might offend the Britannians. But the sight didn't effect them that much as Lelouch said to his group. "Is he showing off his - friends?"
"Asshole." Kallen scoffed.
"What is he trying he pull here?" Jeremiah asks.
"Rick! Point the camera at those slaves, and then to that man." Diethard ordered the cameraman.
"So that's Zorzal El Caesar, the crowned prince and first in line for the throne." Schneizel frowned as he heard a lot from his agents and allies.
"If that is the case then this country's days will be numbered if someone like him sat on that chair." Lelouch comments who like his brother heard a lot about this notorious man.
"Zorzal! What is the meaning of this? I thought I told you to not enter and interfere with this meeting." Molt reprimanded his son who will likely do something very stupid.
"Father, I'm just trying to help, make you see that there is a great opportunity before us." The Saderan prince declared which make everyone wonders what he meants.
"This is not appropriate!" Pina shouted to his brother. "You can't just disobey father's order and barge in here unannounced! Just imagine what other's would think if they see that crown prince is being rebellious."
Her words just fell on deaf ear as Zorzal continued. "The great opportunity I speak of is right there!" He pointed at the Britannian royal brothers. "The princes of our enemy are here! They are vulnerable, no army to protect them! We should seized them now to gain a leverage against our enemy and avenge our loses!"
Upon hearing this Lelouch radioed his sister. "Cornelia, it appears that there might be some trouble, are you and the other's in place."
"Don't worry little brother, we're ready, just waiting for the signal."
While the Saderan royal family are bickering Kallen notices something about those slaves, particularly one with orange hair. She steps closer and upon inspection she's shocked to see that this person is someone she knew, and this slave is Shirley Fenette. Seeing the state she's in made the redhead's blood boil, why is Shirley's covered in cuts and bruises? Why is she here and naked? Then realization came to her mind, her classmate must've been captured during the Battle of Los Angeles, Shirley must've suffered abused and worst raped.
Seeing that bastard prince is when Kallen now knew that he is the one who did this to Shirley, her fist clenched tightly, with temper reaching a critical point she lunges at him. "YOU FUCKING BASTARD!" Zorzal turn around only seeing a fist coming to his face, the punch is fast and hard, knocking three teeth.
Everyone was shocked by Kallen's action to which Lelouch reprimanded. "Kallen! What on earth do you think you're doing?"
The pilot of the Lancelot turns to him then heads towards the shackled slaves. "Just dishing out some punishment on that bastard, he deserve it after what he done to Shirley."
"Shirley, as in Shirley Fenette." The person he met and befriended during "Meet and Great" when he visits Ashford Academy. Looking at the enslaved girl he quickly points and ordered. "Release that girl, she's a citizen of Britannia!"
"Shirley Fenette?" Schneizel said, then Kanon said to him.
"She's a student at Ashford Academy, she's listed in the missing person lists with a high chance of being captured during the battle."
"I see, I didn't know that there would be any of our countrymen in this palace."
"You dare strike the crowned pri-" The man who hold the chains got hit with a right hook that knocks him out.
Kallen took out a knife cutted the leather straps that wrapped around Shirley's neck. "Shirley, please tell you're okay, can you speak."
Shirley looks up and see that it's her classmate and friend. "K-Kallen? You're here? W-Were you captured as well?"
"No, we came to save you." She hugs her longtime friend, she's been drowning herself in rage and revenge that she didn't realize that Shirley's gone. "It's going to be okay, just relax, alright."
Someone covered the Ashford student with a black cape, Shirley saw that it was Prince Lelouch. "P-P-Prince Lelouch? I- uh."
"Calm yourself, just rest, the worst is over." He said in a soothing voice. "You're free now." Once learning that she's free and can go home, Shirley cried, tears streaming down her face.
After a tearful reunion they heard a laugh, they turn to Zorzal who stood up and wipe the blood from his face. "You're going to pay for what you did to my face, bitch!" As if villain with a master plan he added while pointing at the princes. "And you two, your country is going to fall like all the enemies who made the mistake of challenging Sadera, I don't know where it is but I don't really care as I'm going wipe it out from the map! I'm going to enjoy breaking your mother and sisters while you watch. Men, seize them!"
Seeing that things is about to get ugly, the soldiers and the royal guards take defensive measures. "Protect the Princes!" Yelled one royal guard.
Pina saw Zorzal's soldiers at the door moving to grabbed the Britannians but they form a shield wall when the grey men pointing their weapons at them. "Wait! There will be no fighting in the throne room, everyone, please stand down!" She don't want to end it like this, harming Lelouch and Schneizel could result in retaliation from the Britannian flying fleet that's currently swarming the skies of the Capital.
"I'm afraid it's far too late for that to happen, since they're very determine to take us captives." Schneizel said as he now signals for backup.
A crash is heard, then the ceiling burst and coming down are two Knightmares that are rappelling down from VTOLs, one is the Guren which is piloted by Cornelia while the other is her customized Gloucester piloted by Guilford. "I WILL NOT ALLOW THIS AFFRONT TO MY BROTHERS!" Cornelia glared at Zorzal who just made a threat to rape her and her sisters.
Guilford who saw the immediate threat used two Knightmare assault rifle to annihilate the formation of men. Molt just witness the slaughter at least a thirty heavily armored men within seconds. It is a different sensation when you're seeing it in action and not a recording.
A few of the senators puked at the gruesome sight, and the Saderan royal guards who saw this wisely didn't attack the Britannians. Zorzal nearly pissed himself and wonders if he's next, no, he will not let them, he is the Crowned Prince and he's going to make them beg for mercy.
The Saderan prince would have said something arrogant until Lelouch suddenly said. "Kallen, kindly bring in that prince, I want to have a word with him." That angry redhead made her way to Zorzal until Lelouch added. "But before you do that, teach him how to be a proper prince."
Kallen looks back at Lelouch who nodded, at that moment she knows what he meant and smiled wicked. "With pleasure, your Highness."
Zorzal sees that the woman hit him is coming with sinister smile cracking her knuckles, not wanting to be intimidated especially in front of everyone he draws his sword. "You think I'll let you strike me again? It's too late to beg for forgiveness!"
He swung his sword intending to split open her skull, but Kallen caught his forearm and before he knew it she break it into two, people watching this confrontation cringe at the sickening crack of bones. "AAAARGH! MY ARM! You broke my fucking arm!" Zorzal clutches his forearm as he howls in pain.
Kallen didn't let up, punching him in the face, each strike is very hard, after the fifth jab she threw him near Lelouch, she grabs his hair and proceed to hit the floor with his head, blood begin to stain the floor. She flips so he's lying face up and continues with the beating, giving him a black eye, busted lips and a broken nose in the process.
The onlookers just watch the fiery redhead unleashed her rage on Zorzal, Pina looks horrified as this is much more violent than Britannian soldiers brutalizing Saderan legionnaire, Molt still retains his calm demeanor but inwardly felt disturb but was hopeful that this his son some humility, Tyuule on the other hand is satisfied to see her tormentor being beaten like this.
After a full one minute Lelouch raised his hand to stop Kallen as he kneels down and asks Zorzal. "It appears you know more about the Britannian captives, I want to know where they are." While Pina knew about the captives she doesn't know their whereabouts, and Molt seems to by the type to not care about this issue.
"Fuck off! You girly-faced cunt!" Zorzal blurted out, his face is covered in blood and bruises.
The insult didn't bother Lelouch as he motions to Kallen to continue which she complies, she raised Zorzal's leg and with one power stomp break his leg, again Zorzal screamed in agony.
"Now are you willing to talk?" Getting no answers he told Kallen. "Use your knife, maybe we'll get better results."
Seeing the girl pulled out a knife and it appears that she's going for his face again, before the blade could reach his flesh the Saderan prince shouted. "Telta!" Kallen stops as he continues. "The remaining captives are being held at Telta! They came here once to sell them and I bought ten!"
"There, was that difficult?" Lelouch turns to his brother who nods.
"Kanon, I want a battalion to secure the South Palace, find and rescue all of our countrymen along with any slaves there." Kanon then relays the second prince's order through the communicator. "And also, we must capture and secure Telta in order to rescue all of our citizens."
While Molt may not understand what they're saying he asks Pina to translate everything for him, after learning of their intentions he just laugh which caught Pina by surprise, everyone became silent as they turns to him wondering what's funny. "It appears that your nation have great weakness."
Schneizel merely raised an eyebrow and said. "Oh? And what would that be?"
"Britannia cares its people too much, this fact will haunt you in the future. If the enemy is strong then you should fight him, if the blade is strong then strike the weak handle instead." Molt then told them a story of one particular country. "There was once a nation that pride itself of having a rich culture, but they neglected their army and they were destroyed by the barbarians because of that."
The Britannians were quiet after that to which Lelouch walks up to him, Molt could only watch as the Black Prince walk up the steps and in front of him, looking down on him with those smoldering purple eyes. "If that is what you think then let me ask you this, emperor of Sadera, which is more important: The nation? Or the people? Which is first and which is second?"
"Why of course the nation comes first! The nation is upmost important, without a state the people will have no place to called home."
"And there we have is your nation's greatest weakness for you put the interest of the nation first and the people second, if we remove the secondary, what do you have? An empty nation- which is no different to a vacant land." Lelouch smiled as he further added. "Believe me, the people can live without a country."
It is this that Pina knew what he's talking about, Lelouch is talking about Britannia's dark past, how they lost a battle and their original homeland, and an era of blood and conquest that follows.
Giving out his last words to the emperor of Sadera Lelouch turns and leaves, Kallen carried her friend who is wearing the redhead's cape, and Schneizel went to the other enslave women to give them his offer. "Freedom will be yours if you willing to depart with us."
After seeing what the Britannians beating up Zorzal just to free a slave all four battered women agreed were they either hugged the Second Prince or kissed his feet, needless to say that Schneizel's face is flustered. He, Lelouch, Jeremiah, and Diethard gave the women something to cover up by giving them their coat, overcoat, and cape.
What the Britannians didn't know is that they gain another ally, one of the slave girls they've rescued is Tyuule, the former queen of the Warrior Bunnies.
Chapter End
AN: There we go, another chapter done, Shirley is saved, and Zorzal got one hell of a beating from Kallen, hope that was satisfactory for you. Before you guys ask, yes, I borrowed the Kushan empire from Berserk.
So feel free to leave a comment or suggestions.