Author's Note: Anddd I'm back from Japan, at long last. Hooray. I got a new figurine of Lelouch, and two new Shirley figs. Feels a little odd having three figures of the same character (Shirley), but oh well. Can't complain. I should stop before I start rambling about my trip, at least not here in my author's note.
Anyway, I have to say that I have no idea how schools work in Japan or the United Kingdom/United States. I pretty much made up the first bit of this chapter based on my experiences and… nothing. This chapter is a little short, unfortunately. But I'm quite satisfied with most of it. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass in any way.
Chapter 10
The Revelation of a Lifetime
Finally, the day for the graduating students of Ashford academy to collect their results slip has arrived. Summer was soon approaching and spring was in its last dying moments. Groups of students trooped to the school hall to receive their report cards. They were wearing the Ashford academy uniforms for the last time, and graduating students staying at the academy were given a few days to clear the dormitories.
Multiple snaking queues of students, segregated based on their class, were waiting patientlyin the hall, patiently waiting for their names to be called in alphabetical order before they could receive their results. Some of them were talking animatedly and nervously among themselves, while others were either comparing their report cards and grades or quietly waiting for their turn.
"Rivalz Cardemonde!" wheezed the aging Mr. Jones, the history professor of class 3-D. The blue-haired adolescent in question bounded forward keenly and took his seat. The balding man passed the student his report card casually. "Satisfied?"
Rivalz's eyes were downcast as he stared at his grades. They weren't that bad – a mix of B's and C's, without a single A in sight. "I'm a tad disappointed, but this will do," Rivalz managed as he thanked Mr. Jones. Rivalz rose from his seat and walked away.
"Next… Shirley Fenette!" Mr. Jones cleared his throat, coughing a little. Shirley, who was chatting with Sophie and shooting covert looks at Lelouch, jumped up enthusiastically and jogged to the front of the hall. The longtime history professor stretched his arms upwards lazily as he handed the report card to Shirley. "Are you pleased?"
"Yes, Mr. Jones. Thanks!" Shirley scanned her results carefully before her face broke in a smile and she ran towards Lelouch. She had scored a few A's and the rest of her grades were B pluses. She had studied hard for the examinations after all. "Lulu!" she sang cheerfully. Shirley almost collided with her startled boyfriend, who was on the verge of tripping and dropping his report card before he managed to balance his lanky frame at the last moment.
"Judging from your reaction, you must have done quite well, Shirley," Lelouch chuckled. Shirley nodded and enveloped him in a tight hug, leaving him breathless for a moment or two. "Watch the ribs," Lelouch gasped breathlessly as he picked Shirley's report card from her loose grip and studied it. "Hmm, your grades are not bad. Not bad at all."
"How about you, Lulu? How did you do?" Shirley asked eagerly, trying to peer at Lelouch's report card. Much to her annoyance, he kept it out of reach easily with his longer limbs and taller height. "Come on," she pouted and tugged on his arm.
"I did fine," Lelouch replied and he tossed his report card in a lazy arc towards Shirley, who caught it effortlessly. Shirley frowned for a moment as she briefly scrutinized it, then her eyes enlarged in amazement.
"All distinctions! And you called it fine?" Shirley spluttered indignantly. While she knew that Lelouch was quite smart despite his only decent grades in class, which were caused by his uncaring attitude, scoring all distinctions for the examinations was rather extraordinary. Her eyes roamed the rest of his report card, and there was something that caught her eye which nearly made her burst out laughing. It read, "Additional comment: I would give this student a 'F' for physical education – Villetta Nu, Gym Teacher of Ashford Academy."
Lelouch shrugged nonchalantly. He never cared for his grades in the first place, as he was already well-aware of the most of the things the professors teach in Ashford since young. "Well, I expected the results," Lelouch admitted, with a hint of haughtiness in his tone. "Even that little smart comment by Villetta", he added, and they shared a brief laugh. If Shirley and Villetta could agree on anything, it was that Lelouch was simply abysmal in physical activity. He glanced around the crowd of students buzzing among themselves. "Shirley, do you mind if we go somewhere else more quiet? There's something I want to talk to you about in private."
"Eh?" Shirley blinked at the prince, her curiosity piqued. Lelouch returned the gaze, sincerity plain in his amethyst eyes. "Sure thing, Lulu," she said, before Lelouch grasped her slender hand and gently pulled her away to the rooftop garden.
The moment the couple reached the rooftop garden, Lelouch gently released Shirley's hand and walked over to the light blue-painted railings. Shirley titled her head, studying Lelouch as he stared calmly at the school which they had attended for three years. The cherry blossom trees, planted by the over-enthusiastic gardening club, were still blooming during the last moments of spring, its light pink petals gently falling around them. That, combined with the fresh scent of flowers and the light breeze, created a sense of tranquility which helped both of them to relax. How long they spent time like that – gazing at the academy serenely, Shirley did not know and might not have minded, if Lelouch did not tell her that he had something to discuss with her privately. It had to be something of great importance if they had to be out of earshot from the other students, and even she found her patience wearing thin as time passed.
"Lulu," Shirley finally broke the silence. Lelouch did not look back at her, but she knew he was listening nonetheless. "Is something bothering you?"
"Not quite," Lelouch answered. He turned himself around so that he was facing her. "I just wanted to ask you a question, Shirley." Lelouch paused for a moment, noting Shirley's growing puzzlement. "Shirley… what do you see in me?"
"Huh?" Shirley gaped at Lelouch. She did not expect this question to be raised after they had spent close to three months dating each other. A sense of foreboding started rising within her. "Why do you-" Shirley was cut off as Lelouch gently placed a finger on her lips.
"Just tell me, Shirley. I want to know," Lelouch requested. His voice was tender and Shirley could see the desire in his eyes. Shirley slowly nodded as she thought of how to give her answer, and she decided just to speak her mind. She believed that honesty was a key part of a stable and loving relationship.
"To be honest, Lulu, I don't know," Shirley admitted. She reached up to his face, caressing one of his raven locks. His breathing quickened slightly. "It started off with curiosity… after seeing what you did during that traffic accident with the old couple and that arrogant man two years ago. I wanted to know you better then…" her voice trailed off. Lelouch did not blink – his attention solely fixed on the orange-haired adolescent before him. "I guess I grew to appreciate you despite your edges. Perhaps it was my keenness to understand you evolved to fondness. Nonetheless, I fell in love with you, Lulu. I love you as a whole. Although you can be quite frustrating at times, with your bad habits like gambling" Shirley added the last sentence, and Lelouch chuckled, shaking his head. "How about you, Lulu?"
"What?"
"It's only fair that I get to ask the same thing!"
"Oh, right," Lelouch muttered. He drew in his breath and Shirley waited expectantly for his answer. "I guess I don't really know either." Lelouch winced and smirked at the same time as she gave him a playful pinch on his arm. "When I first saw you, I didn't think much of you. However, over the years, as we spent time together… I found that you slowly crept into my life, despite all the silly stuff that you do."
"Such as?"
"Remember the cooking fiasco when you were inducted in the council?
"You're digging up ancient history, Lulu," Shirley laughed, the memory returning to her. A cherry blossom petal fell squarely on her head, and she lightly brushed it aside.
"Of course, there were some events which were a lot more serious," Lelouch continued. "Like the concert in NHK hall. Your words back then probably changed my life forever."
"It did? I can't remember what exactly I said back then…." Shirley scratched her head ruefully.
"Are you serious? It was sound advice." Lelouch shot her a look of exasperation. "You should put the past behind you and let go. Only then you can look to the future and move on, right?" The prince recited in his mind.
"My memory's not too good," Shirley said defensively. "But I'm still glad that it helped you a lot. Wait, how did it-?"
"You'll know soon enough," Lelouch replied, shrugging. If all goes according to his plan, she would know everything about his past soon. "As I was saying… you became a part of me, as much as Nunnally. I couldn't imagine it if you were gone," Lelouch finished softly. He watched as Shirley once again started to have tears of emotion pooling at the edges of her eyes. "Crying again? I can't understand why your eyes are so leaky," Lelouch jested and Shirley punched him on his shoulder.
"You idiot," Shirley giggled as she regarded Lelouch fondly, ruffling his hair as she settled into an embrace with Lelouch. She then slowly leaned in and Lelouch immediately understood what she wanted, and he lowered his head before kissing her fully on the lips. They would have continued like this perhaps forever, until a loud sound of a camera capturing a picture reached their ears. Immediately, they jumped apart and looked for the culprit, who was none other than Milly. The curvaceous blonde was grinning widely and held a large, sleek camera in her hands.
"Prez!" Shirley protested indignantly, her face turning red as a tomato. "That's a private moment of my life!"
"This will go well on the Ashford Alumni gallery!" Milly cackled diabolically as she sped off with the camera, leaving a flustered Shirley and an exasperated Lelouch behind, who wondered when their friend would grow out of her silly antics.
"Never mind that, Shirley. I doubt Milly was serious about posting it online," Lelouch coughed. He had another matter to bring up to Shirley, and this one was much more important. He had to see Shirley's answer to his previous question first, and he could not find any fault in her response. But first, he had to find an opening. "By the way, what are your plans now after Ashford academy?"
"Hmm? Well… I thought of enrolling into one of the local universities around here," Shirley answered as she thought of the possible tertiary education centers she could enter with her grades. Truthfully, she wasn't sure what she wanted to have a major in, but she did not have any other plans either. "What are your plans, Lulu?"
"Well… do you remember the time when I told you that my father wished to see me and Nunnally again?" This statement caught Shirley's attention and she nodded. "I decided to heed your advice. I'm going to see my father again."
"That's great!" Shirley smiled, glad that Lelouch was able to let go of his resentment and reconcile with his father. Then it hit her – his father was in Britannia and Lelouch was in Area 11. "Wait… does that mean you're going back to the homeland?"
"Yes I am. I'll be going back to Pendragon soon," Lelouch replied slowly. Shirley's green eyes drooped a little. "And I don't think I'll be coming back to Area 11, Shirley. So…" Shirley looked increasingly sadder as she could detect a great deal of hesitation and apprehension in Lelouch's tone.
"Lulu," Shirley spoke, her heart heavy in her chest. She stared at her feet dejectedly. "Are you suggesting that we should break up?"
"Break up?" Lelouch sounded positively aghast at the thought. Shirley looked up in a mixture of surprise and hope. "No, Shirley. I was thinking of asking whether you wanted to go to Pendragon with me."
"With you? Just the two of us alone, in Pendragon?" Shirley questioned disbelievingly. It was almost like a dream come true to her. She had fantasied about the future where she and Lelouch would live together, but she did not expect such an opportunity to come by so soon. "For how many days?"
"Well, Jeremiah will be with us, but more or less, yes," Lelouch affirmed. He shifted from one foot to another tensely. "You can stay with me for as long as you like. Would you like to?"
"Oh, Lulu, this is so unexpected, but I would love to!" Shirley hopped excitedly on the spot, but a sudden thought struck her and made her pause. "Hold on a moment. How about the air tickets?"
"Already have them," Lelouch instantly replied. His right hand shot into his pocket, grabbing three tickets and showing it to Shirley.
"How…?" Air tickets for last-minute flights were rather expensive, and while it was nice that she did not have to pay for her own, it still felt unfair that Lelouch had to bear the costs.
"I have my methods. Don't worry too much about the tickets, Shirley," the prince shrugged casually, knowing what she was thinking.
"Oh… umm… I still have to inform my parents first." Shirley recalled that her parents wanted to bring her to Pendragon for a short vacation for her birthday before she enrolled into a university in Area 11, and wondered whether they would object to this change of plans or the idea of her staying with Lelouch. Although they had expressed interest in meeting him, Shirley never had the time to fix an appointment where both Lelouch and her parents could meet.
"Sure, go ahead. The flight's tomorrow at five-thirty in the evening," Lelouch replied. Shirley smiled at him and she fished in her pockets for her cell phone, stepping several feet away from Lelouch as she dialed her father's number. Hopefully her father would be available to pick up her call, although he should be working by now.
"Hello, Shirley," her father, Joseph Fenette finally answered the phone. Shirley was surprised to hear her mother's voice in the background. Shouldn't her father be at his work place?
"Hi, Dad," Shirley greeted warmly. "Is that Mom I hear in the background?"
"Hmm? Oh, yes," Joseph answered. "We both decided to take a day off today. Oh, how are your exam results?
"Huh? Oh, right…" Shirley muttered, mentally chiding herself for forgetting to inform her parents about her results. Of course they would want to know about it. "It's pretty good. I got three A's and five B pluses."
"That's excellent!" Joseph exclaimed, pleased to hear that his daughter did well in her examinations. "You don't sound too happy, though. Is something the matter, my dear?" Shirley smiled. Trust her dad to be so perceptive.
"Oh, I'm fine actually. The thing is that… um… I'd like to visit Pendragon with my boyfriend." A long, awkward silence ensued, until Joseph spoke carefully.
"When would that be?"
"I'll be going tomorrow. I'll be staying there until you two arrive at Pendragon too." Shirley could hear some fumbling noises on the line, and she wondered what caused it.
A new voice answered her unvoiced question. "Shirley, it's your mother here," Mary Fenette paused for a while before taking a deep breath. "You do know that we're only going to Pendragon six weeks later, right?"
"I'm aware of that. Why?"
"… I don't think it's a good idea for you to stay alone with a boy for so long. We haven't even met him." Shirley could imagine her mother giving her a look of askance, if she were next to her. "I have to say I'm not comfortable with the idea at all, Shirley."
"I know why you're worried, mom, but Lelouch is trustworthy," Shirley assured her mother. She could understand why Mary was so reluctant to approve of such an idea from her mother's point of view, "He won't do anything to me. We'll be fine and happy just being together. Trust me."
"I don't know-" Mary began, and then there was the sound of the phone being grabbed again, and Joseph's voice came back on the line.
"I'll trust you and your judgment, my dear," Joseph informed Shirley. "Don't be so anxious, Mary. I'm sure Shirley could handle herself." Shirley could hear her mother quieting down. "I guess we'll see you in Pendragon in six weeks' time. And really, do try to arrange a meeting between us and Lelouch when we get to Pendragon. He must be really great if he could fascinate you this much."
"I'll make sure of it this time! Thanks dad!" Shirley beamed, although she knew her father could not see it. Joseph ended the phone call and Shirley hummed a light tune to herself as she slid her phone in her pocket.
"Lulu!" Shirley called out animatedly. She half-jogged to the waiting dark-haired prince. "My parents are agreeable. So what's the plan for tomorrow?"
"We have to be at the Narita International Airport at three in the afternoon. The flight's schedule for a departure at five-thirty, so that means we'll land in Pendragon before when it's two in the afternoon over there. Time zone differences," Lelouch rattled off, having calculated the flight duration and arrival time long ago. "We'll have time to sleep during the flight. And also…" Lelouch watched Shirley's expression cautiously. "We're going to meet my father on the day we land."
"What?" Shirley blinked twice. She did not expect to meet Lelouch's father so quickly. Now she thought of it, it made some sense since he was going back to reunite with his father after all. "That's fast."
"You don't mind, do you?"
"Oh no, not at all! I'm just a little… nervous. How's your father like?"
"Abrasive, bothersome and wretched," Lelouch refrained from saying these words aloud. Lelouch shook his head and smiled at his girlfriend. "Relax, Shirley. Just be yourself, and I'm sure he'll like you." Truth be told, he could hardly care if Charles did not take a liking to Shirley, as long as he does not dislike her or actively try to separate them.
"Alright. I just can't help but feel skittish about meeting your father so soon."
"You'll be fine. Jeremiah will be driving us to the airport tomorrow, just be at the front gates of Ashford at 2 o' clock by then, with your luggage fully packed."
"Hold on a moment. What about Nunna?" Shirley cocked her head to the side, confused. She had assumed that the third ticket was for Nunnally. Why wouldn't she, Lelouch's little sister, be coming along with them? For a fleeting second, Shirley could have sworn that Lelouch looked sorrowful. She blinked and the expression of sadness was gone.
"Nunnally will be joining us later. She won't be coming with us now," Lelouch replied softly. "She will return once I made sure that the Emperor hands over the signed written documents with my conditions." Lelouch switched the topic to a less sensitive one. "Speaking of packing the luggage, I need to pack it now. See you." Lelouch hesitated for a moment, then gave Shirley a swift kiss on her cheek.
"Farewell, Lulu!" Shirley gushed. Even after dating him for nearly three months, Shirley can't help but blush after the kiss. The two parted ways. Lelouch congratulated himself for his success, although there was a growing sense of trepidation within him. The prince was puzzled. He was going back to his homeland, the Sword of Akasha was gone, Nunnally was safe, would not be used as a tool by his father and would eventually join him, and Shirley would be by his side.
So why did he still feel so uneasy?
The next day, The Holy Britannian Empire, Pendragon International Airport
Lelouch sat glumly on the padded bench along the pristine airport's shopping area as he watched Shirley fret over which dress to purchase in the department store. Their small pile of baggage rested on the marble floor next to his feet. He tapped his foot impatiently. Initially, he wanted to accompany her on her 'short' shopping trip, which she insisted on after he mentioned that they would be attending a premier ball this evening. He even proposed that she might want to purchase some new clothing. He added that they would be meeting his father there as well. After being bombarded with questions about how she looked in a particular dress and visiting nearly twelve different stores all over the airport, Lelouch had submitted to his flagging stamina and aching legs altogether and elected to rest instead.
Lelouch glanced at his watch and he realized that nearly an hour has passed when Shirley's shopping had started. Jeremiah strolled towards the young prince leisurely after he had scouted the area for possible dangers and sat next to his liege. "I suggest that you should get used to it, Your Highness," Jeremiah resisted the urge to laugh after spotting the almost sullen expression on Lelouch's face. "That's not uncommon of women, especially those around her age." Lelouch merely sighed, not bothering to reply the Margrave, who then tried to coax the prince to talk to him through another question. "By the way, when are you planning to reveal to her that you're the eleventh prince?"
A devious smirk started growing on Lelouch's face. "I'll keep it as a surprise until the ball starts this evening," Lelouch declared, careful to keep his volume down. His mind started to scheme about how he should do it.
"You're going to give her the shock of her life, Your Highness," Jeremiah remarked. He could not decide whether to feel amused or sympathetic towards Shirley. It was going to be quite a bombshell for the ordinary girl, after all. "Would that be wise? I doubt it will be an entirely pleasant revelation for her after all."
"I know that," Lelouch replied, his smug smile fading. "But the imperial palace and meeting my father would be the greatest proof that I am a member of the royalty. Even if she does get displeased, she won't stay that way for long. I know her well enough."
"Already thought it all out, Your Highness?"
"Of course I did. By the way, I assume you'll be chauffeuring us to the imperial palace?"
"Yes, Your Highness. I'll be attending the ball as well to keep an eye on you."
Before Lelouch could reply, an instantly recognizable voice reached his ears. "Lulu, I'm done!" Shirley called out, a white paper bag dangling on her right wrist. She paused for a while when she noticed Jeremiah sitting next to Lelouch, and then she nodded respectfully towards him. Shirley tried not to feel disquieted as she recalled Jeremiah's superhuman capabilities during the hostage incident a year ago. "At least he's the one protecting us," Shirley reassured herself.
"Ah, Shirley," The prince rose to his feet, smiling amiably. "What did you buy?"
"This," Shirley hopped forward and displayed the bag's contents to Lelouch. Although the clothing was folded neatly, he could discern that it was a flowing, strapless white dress with a dark navy blue ribbon around the midriff area. He supposed that it would fit the formal dance later on.
"Very nice," Lelouch remarked. His eyes flickered to his watch again. They might not be punctual if they did not hurry up. "Shirley, there has been a change of plans." Shirley titled her head. "We're going to the ball straight, so you should change into the dress here and now."
"So soon?" Shirley exclaimed. She felt unprepared for such a big event – the school's spring dance was one thing, but a high-class ball was on a totally different league! And she would be meeting her boyfriend's father there too.
"You'll be fine, Shirley," Lelouch assured her, sensing her anxiety. "If we want to make it on time, you have to wear it now." Shirley nodded. Punctuality plays an important role in giving a good first impression, and she would definitely like to leave one on Lelouch's father. Without another word, Shirley turned and left. Lelouch observed her as she walked towards the washroom. He was highly anticipating the look on her face when they entered the imperial palace's ballroom.
"Now, Lulu, is this really necessary?" Shirley pouted. The orange-haired teen was wearing the dress she has just bought, as per Lelouch's request. She had a black blindfold tied around her eyes, completely obscuring her view as she and Lelouch were on their way to the Pendragon Imperial Palace. They were seated comfortably in the leather backseats of a dark red sedan which Jeremiah was driving.
"You won't regret this, Shirley," Lelouch promised, his hand tightly grasped around hers. He was dressed in white formal trousers, jet black dress shirt and a white jacket. Shirley was admiring his outfit when he abruptly wrapped the blindfold over her eyes before marching her over to the car, starting the trip even before she could say a single word of protest. "It's a surprise."
"Aren't we going to the ball?" Shirley questioned. She resisted the impulse to lift the blindfold a little to peek at her surroundings. "Is there another change of plans?"
"Oh, no, we're still going to there. You'll understand once it's over. Trust me, Shirley," Lelouch replied, squeezing her hand. "It will be a night you will never forget." Jeremiah coughed loudly in the driver's seat, but chose not to say anything.
"I-If you say so, Lulu," Shirley quietly compiled, her brows furrowing. She lost track of the time when the car slowed. She frowned as she heard the sedan's windows rolling down and an authoritative voice reached her ears. They had reached the front gates of the imperial palace and the still blindfolded girl was unaware of that, of course.
"Halt! Display your identification papers," an imperial guard demanded, stamping his ceremonial spear on the ground to emphasize his authority. Shirley turned her head curiously at the guard, who started a little when he saw she was blindfolded.
"Here you go," Jeremiah smoothly handed over the required documents, bringing the attention of guard to him. "As for the passengers…" Jeremiah fished in his coat's pockets before passing an envelope to the overzealous guard, who opened it instantly. The man instantly paled once he saw the Emperor's seal and signature on the letter. His eyes swept through the letter's contents.
"Everything seems to be in order. You may pass," the guard saluted sharply and stepped back, gesturing at his fellows. The gates yawned opened. Jeremiah rolled the windows back up as he stepped on the accelerator, the car entering the palace at an almost lazy speed before stopping at the main entrance of the palace.
"I'll join you later, You- Lelouch," Jeremiah hastily amended himself in mid-sentence. Lelouch wordlessly opened the car door, exited the vehicle and gently pulled Shirley along with him. The blindfolded girl nearly stumbled as her white heels met the crimson carpeted ground. Nobles and imperial guards alike shot the pair suspicious looks, some frowning as they spotted Lelouch. Lelouch ignored them as he patiently guided Shirley up the red-and-gold cloth covered stairs. He fervently hoped that none of them would approach him. Luck seemed to be in his favor, as the nobles kept their distance, although they persistently eyed them. Meanwhile, Jeremiah drove around the palace, trying to find an empty parking lot. It was slow progress, as the National Britannia Ball, held on the day when Britannia was founded, was perhaps the largest formal event of the year for aristocrats and royals of Britannia.
Lelouch and Shirley continued through the doors and halls of the imperial palace, eventually reaching a set of mahogany doors with elaborate gold carvings. They had arrived at the entrance of the grand ballroom. A pair of imperial guards flanked the doors, and Lelouch knew that he had to provide his name and Shirley's before they would admit them. He was also perfectly aware that the guards would announce their names when they entered. "An opportune action by them to finally reveal my identity as Lelouch vi Britannia," Lelouch thought as he temporarily released Shirley's hand. He walked over to the attentive guards, and passed them a slip of paper with his name and Shirley's, complete with his title, and the letter Jeremiah previously shown to the guards at the gate. It contained information about his restored status as the seventeenth heir to the throne, as he had abdicated his right previously, confirmed by the seal of the Emperor. One of the younger guards glanced at Lelouch, surprise written all over boyish features, but he quickly resumed his post conscientiously.
Shirley could detect the sounds of light ballroom music being played by a live concert band and the hearty chatter of people behind the doors behind him. Lelouch then decided that now was a good time to finally uncover Shirley's eyes. "I'm taking the blindfold off," Lelouch whispered in Shirley's ear and she almost shivered in pure exhilaration. He lightly unraveled the dark cloth around her eyes. Shirley blinked a few times, adjusting her sight to the sudden, bright yellow illumination.
"Where are we?" Shirley asked, looking around inquisitively at the grand surroundings.
"Pendragon Imperial Palace," Lelouch replied, smirking widely. Shirley immediately turned around to frown at him. "So it begins."
"Very funny, Lulu," Shirley muttered. "The two of us in the Imperial Palace? That must be a joke." She gave Lelouch a light-hearted punch on his right shoulder. "Where are we, really?"
"I've already told you. We're at the Pendragon Imperial Palace," Lelouch informed her with a more serious tone. The prince Shirley stared at Lelouch in disbelief for a moment, then her eyes, wide with consternation, riveted to their surroundings again, this time paying closer attention to it. She noticed the beautiful paintings placed on the walls, the ornate gold-carved mahogany doors, the resplendent diamond chandeliers hanging on the ceiling and the immaculate banisters of the red carpeted stairs behind them, which were made of solid gold and polished to the extreme.
"H-how? I don't get it! What's going on?" Shirley asked, the pitch of her voice higher than usual. She was absolutely flabbergasted. She tried to wrap her mind around the fact that they, a pair of ordinary people, were in the very centre of the Holy Britannian Empire. A part of Shirley wondered if this was some sort of elaborate prank on Lelouch's part, but everything looked so real to her.
"I'm coming clean with you, Shirley. My name isn't Lelouch Lamperouge," Lelouch told his girlfriend grimly. Fully gone was his light-hearted demeanour, and he seemed nothing but utmost serious about it.
"W-what do you mean?" Shirley stammered uncomprehendingly. She was completely stunned by Lelouch's words and his suddenly stern behaviour convinced her that there was something of paramount importance about to be revealed. "What does he mean? Not Lelouch Lamperouge?! What's happening?"
Lelouch signaled towards the imperial guards, who were quietly looking at the scene unfolding before them. They understood the gesture and pushed open the doors, revealing an enormous ballroom, decorated splendidly and at least four times bigger than the function rooms back in Ashford. At the very end of the chamber, Lelouch could spot a large man with white hair and regal clothing resting on a cushioned chair, which was raised on a platform. His lips curled slightly as he instantly recognized the man and his eyes narrowed.
One of the guards announced in a stern and booming voice, which carried easily over the commotion of the room, "Announcing the eleventh prince and the seventeenth heir to the throne, Lelouch vi Britannia, and Miss Shirley Fenette!"
Author's Note: And on that note, I'm ending this chapter. With a cliffhanger. I hope no one's mentally throwing tomatoes at me for this cliffhanger *hides behind my chair*. Anyway, I have to say I wasn't too happy with the interaction between Shirley and Lelouch on the rooftop garden, but honestly that was the best I could come up with… (sadface)
Damn, I just realised I lined up two major dances in the space of three chapters. I admit I lack creativity sometimes :/ How mortifying. Oh well... still, do let me know what you guys think. It's been some time since I've been writing, so I hope there wasn't any drop in quality or change in writing style.
Anyway, I have to regretfully inform you guys that this story may face slower updates starting from this chapter. Emphasis on 'may'. Because I've found a job (hooray...?) while waiting for my military conscription, which is a few months away. Hence, instead of the usual once a week posting, it may be one chapter every 1-2 weeks instead. I hope that I can stick to the one chapter/week schedule, but with lesser time on hand, I rather not suffer a possible drop in quality for quicker updates. Hope you guys understand.