Chapter 5: Massacre
Death is both an agent of comfort and distress. It all rests on where you lie.
-Lelouch vi Britannia
Part 10: Independence or Mayhem
One week later
Lelouch entered the dorm and threw his notes aside on a stool by the dinner table. He sat on a chair and lifted his hair with his right hand in response to exam stress.
"I hate exams; whoever first conceived of such treacherous methods of testing was cruel and selfish. Exams are a bane to individual freedom, removing the 'self' away from the self. It is both superfluous and downright stressful. Seldom do we ever exercise such banalities, but it is the tradition of a flawed education system," he cursed to himself.
"What is this?" he looked surprised at a pink envelope, lying flat on the table.
It read To: Lelouch and Nunnally on the back.
"It is rather informal to send a letter without address or surnames," Lelouch remarked.
He tore open the perfumed envelope as if it was from somebody unimportant.
Dear Lelouch,
Remember that day on Kamine Island? Remember how you wanted to liberate the spirits of the Japanese people from our beloved empire, from our forefather's glories? I am inviting you and Nunnally to a provincial session of celebration and recognition of the Japanese in Area 11. It will be called the Specially Administered Zone of Japan. I want to show the world how much the Japanese have contributed to developing Holy Britannia by hosting a fair in the Tokyo Settlement on May 15th. I know you are a person who speaks of nothing but purpose and teleology; therefore the fair will also be a session to discuss Japan's future, both as a colony and autonomous region. I recommend you coming to celebrate your dream. P.S. I have your cellphone number, and we can communicate directly.
From your sister,
Euphemia Li Britannia
"Fool!" Lelouch cried, "This is not the correct way for Japan or any colony to be realized. It will only tarnish your reputation as a member of the royal family, further adding controversy."
Lelouch tore the letter and threw it into the trash. He walked straight into his room and shut the door.
"What is it?" C.C. asked. She was reading a magazine on his bed.
"It is none of your business," Lelouch retorted.
"I am just asking. You look tense," C.C. added.
"IT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS," he raged. Lelouch got to his desk and sat down on a chair, covering his eyes with his hands.
"Is something wrong? Perhaps I can help," C.C. was trying to be generous.
"Fine, I will tell you but never tell anyone I said this to you," he returned.
"My sister Euphemia is setting up a "Specially Administered Zone of Japan." It is a fair to recognize Area 11 as an autonomous region. She probably decided without consulting with higher authorities, abusing her royal immunity as sub-viceroy of Area 11 as a mean to bypass regulations."
"That sounds rather abrupt. What motivated her?"
"I don't know! Perhaps it was me for telling her about my dream of freeing Japan from Holy Britannia's iron curtain back on Kamine Island. Now I regret spilling too much of my rebellious plans in overthrowing the empire."
"Perhaps you should go and make sure nothing goes awry," C.C. advised with her womanly intuition.
"I think I will, but if anything dangerous happens, make sure Nunnally is safe. This event will probably be broadcasted, exciting the younger generation to participate. I do not want my sister to get into any of this mess."
"That sounded just like you. I promise Nunnally will be safe under Miss Sayoko's hands," C.C. assured.
The Next Day
It was a bright spring morning. Lelouch walked out of his dorm to listen to the beautiful lyrics of songbirds and to see the blooming of vegetation. He walked for about fifty paces and met Suzaku about midway.
"Morning Lelouch, what wonderful weather today," Suzaku began with a friendly salutation.
"Mighty fine weather it is," Lelouch returned with a friendly wave.
"Did you receive an invitational letter to the Special Zone," Suzaku asked.
"No. But how did you get it?" Lelouch answered.
"As a military personnel stationed here in Area 11, we have to report to any administered event imposed by the viceroy or sub-viceroy of this district," Suzaku explained.
"I see," Lelouch could extrapolate what level of political intervention from this point.
"The broadcast should appear throughout next week. Perhaps you should go," Suzaku promoted the event.
"I WILL NOT ATTEND!" he roared.
"Whoa! What has gotten into you? Didn't you vow to free our home from that stupid Britannian Empire?" Suzaku questioned.
"I have personal issues on the safety of this registered event," Lelouch stated as he covered his right eye.
"What could go wrong? The military will be there to stop any terrorists," Suzaku countered.
"The military is what endangers the event! Don't you see? This event should be civic. I object to attending this celebration," Lelouch stubbornly reminded with his viewpoints.
"You are just being paranoid. You have changed a lot you know," Suzaku stated.
"How so," Lelouch inquired.
"You conceal yourself like there is no tomorrow. Your friend Rivel told me that you never mentioned me or other friends before attending this school," Suzaku recalled from past conversations.
"My choices are personal; you have no right questioning my privacy," Lelouch lectured with a deathly stare.
"Alright but ever since my arrival, I noticed you were more 'closed'," Suzaku pointed out.
"That is how I am," Lelouch answered.
"No you weren't. I remember you were a kind and civilized person, much more civilized than I. Now I feel you are more hostile and secretive," Suzaku said.
"I learnt not to trust anyone, for my sister's safety," Lelouch said.
"Is that right?" Suzaku was not satisfied with that remark.
"Yes, and that is why I will not be attending the Specially Administered Zone of Japan," Lelouch fortified his arguments.
"Wait, how did you know the full name?" Suzaku asked.
"It was posted on an obscure Britannian website last night," Lelouch lied.
"Well, suit yourself," Suzaku said and left.
Lelouch looked irate; the early May flowers could no longer quell his uneasy heart as his agitations worsen by the second.
"I can only trust myself and my sister," he said, "Nobody's words are of equal importance or believable."
The Next Week
May 15th
"Going somewhere," C.C. asked.
"I am attending that Specially Administered Zone of Death," Lelouch replied.
"Are you going to take Nunnally with you?" C.C. asked.
"HELL NO!"
"I ordered Miss Sayoko to stay at home and take care of her," Lelouch answered.
"Then should I follow," C.C. said.
"Sure, get the Gawain and when I call a signal, find me," Lelouch ordered.
"I will never leave you to die out there," C.C. promised.
Lelouch made his way into the Specially Administered Zone of Japan, unseen by public eyes. He walked onstage via a back tunnel, in front of many cameras and other stereo equipment. His eyes followed every piece of equipment and infrastructure until a man approached him.
"Hold it young man, why are you backstage," the man asked. He looked like the manager.
"I am looking for Euphemia Li Britannia," Lelouch said honestly.
"No no no no no! Fan boys are not allowed here! Get off!" the manager yelled.
Lelouch's phone rang.
"Hello, I am here but where are you? The fifth portable? Okay, just let me in."
"Wait that is where Princess Euphemia is! Who are you?" The manager questioned. He looked dazed from this commoner boy's words.
"Of course, I am a childhood friend of hers," Lelouch replied.
"Well I am honoured to guide you to her place," the manager said deferentially.
"Thank you."
Lelouch followed the manager to the fifth portable. Euphemia opened the door and said, "Lelouch! Am I glad to see you! How long has it been? Six months?"
"Yeah," Lelouch faked.
"May we speak in private?" Euphemia requested.
"Yes sub-viceroy Euphemia," the manager said, giving a soldier's salute although he wasn't a soldier.
She let Lelouch in and shut the portable door.
"My you have grown up to be very handsome Lelouch," Euphemia complemented. She was acting as a Princess who hasn't seen her friend since her departure from Pendragon.
"Stop flattering me," Lelouch said, blushing slightly.
"Aren't you excited for this event," Euphemia exclaimed high-spirited.
"I am here to warn you about potential danger," Lelouch said directly.
"Potential danger? I am doing this from my heart and your dream," Euphemia stated innocently.
"I know this sound odd but the military should not be involved in this," Lelouch advised.
"My sister was surprised at my proposal and advised the military to keep everything under control," she said.
"I just believe this day of celebration should be a joyous event without all that political action," Lelouch said.
"We must let the world know of Japan and what it has to offer. You said that yourself," Euphemia reminded him.
"I am flattered you have taken my words to heart but all of this might end in chaos," Lelouch warned again.
"Cornelia has it under control," Euphemia asserted.
"That is more dangerous! She will endanger your reputation with her military intervention!" Lelouch retorted.
"Don't' be silly. You should not be thinking about it too much. The Specially Administered Zone of Japan should be like a party," her light heart sounded so angelical, like that of a childish pacifist.
"I am sorry Euphemia but I have to do this," Lelouch declared.
Lelouch walked up to her and looked deep into her blue eyes, which complemented her pink hair and gown.
"I Lelouch vi Britannia command you, not to …"
Suddenly the portable shook and they lost eye contact.
"Kill the Japanese at all cost!"
The latter half of the spell entered her brain and rerouted every pattern of symmetry.
"Kill… the Japanese? Kill the Japanese! KILL THE JAPANESE!" she yelled maniacally.
"NOOOOOOOOO!" Lelouch yelled.
"I have to kill the Japanese! I have to end their culture for Britannia's sake!" Euphemia said hysterically.
"Shit! She added another element to this mistake! What should I do?" Lelouch panicked.
Euphemia unlocked the portable door and rushed out.
"Princess Euphemia, you have to get on stage," a stage producer announced.
"No! Don't let her go. She has to stay here!" Lelouch begged of her not to go onstage.
"No you don't lover-boy. You have to see her as an audience," said the manager.
"Why?" Lelouch asked in panic.
"She is the princess and you are a commoner, that is why," the manager included social class into the discussion.
Lelouch's heart palpitated with paramount anxiety; he stared at Euphemia, walking towards the stage. He ran towards the stage and shouted, "NOOOOOOOOO!"
The ushers stopped him and wouldn't let him free. All he heard after that was, "KILL THE JAPANESE! LET NONE SURVIVE IN THIS STADIUM!"
Lelouch's heart skipped a beat and he trembled, burying his face into his hands.
"This is a grave mistake; she must stop this at once!" Lelouch cried.
"Sorry, this was all part of her plan, quite advantageous and convenient for the Britannians, rounding up the Japanese citizens to their grave!" a soldier sneered.
Lelouch panicked and said, "What have I done? WAIT? WHAT? She planned this? Impossible!"
"Yep, listen to her orders. Nobody could have talked her into this!" said another soldier.
"No! It is my fault. I am the one to blame," he thought, guilty of such horrendous crime.
Lelouch fled form the grounds to find C.C., he beckoned, "C.C., pick me up, this special zone was a trap to massacre the Japanese."
"Oh my, I have to protect you from harm," C.C. reacted.
"Get my cloak ready," he added.
"At once my love," C.C. said.
Lelouch reappeared at the stadium with his cloak and mask on. He walked down the aisle of seats, staring at the inhuman atrocity before him.
"Hello Zero, care to join me?" Euphemia asked if he would join with a bullpup rifle armed in her hands.
"No. I am here to stop this at once," Lelouch declared behind his iconic image.
"Sorry. Imperial orders, I have a mission to kill the Japanese," she replied with an innocent voice.
Suzaku entered the scene in his vehicle, the Lancelot. He got off and asked, "Why are you doing this Princess Euphemia?"
"I was once told the Japanese are nothing but worthless rebels," she said.
"I thought you loved the Japanese?" Suzaku questioned.
"You are Japanese right? Kururugi is it?" Euphemia still remembered his face, the day they met when she was in her disguise.
She fired three rounds, targeting around his arms and legs.
"You have done too much Princess Euphemia. I will end all this madness!" Lelouch announced behind his mask.
Lelouch grabbed a pistol from his coat and fired a round into Princess Euphemia's heart. His marksman accuracy was beyond comparison.
"I am sorry Euphemia, but I must end this madness and anything dangerous in the future. You were the first woman I ever loved, I am deeply in pain," Lelouch thought.
"What did you just do Zero!" Suzaku cried, struggling to get up.
"I have saved the lives of other Japanese. Now I will get you to a hospital," Lelouch said, concealed behind his mask.
"What about the Princess. She will die and the massacre will not end," Suzaku pointed out.
"I have left a message to Princess Cornelia. If they do not ceasefire, I will detonate in every Imperial facility. I care for the Japanese people, therefore I am Zero," was Lelouch's answer.
Suzaku rested there and couldn't move. He looked at Zero and said, "I had a friend who once said, 'I learnt never to trust anyone'."
"Oh?"
"He was right. For a kind-looking Princess to poisonously kill all these families of mine, I feel a common hatred for Britannians now," he said, "Zero."
"Hmm?" Lelouch responded.
"I will rise up the ranks and destroy Britannia with you one day."
C.C. came by to get Lelouch out of the killing ground. He ordered her to carry Suzaku to a medical facility.
Lelouch couldn't sleep that night. He regret ever meeting up with Euphemia. He felt everything went wrong because of his existence.
"Why did I have to be there?" he said.
"Because you had to show the world how evil this empire is in order to stir hatred against it," C.C. said.
"But all of those deaths were unnecessary," Lelouch pointed out.
"Too late, time has moved and we cannot go back, their deaths now served a purpose; a purpose for you!"
"C.C. you can be cruel at times. You are not human."
"I told you, I am not human, I am a monster, a witch named C.C."
"You are all talk C.C. You do not understand what action is. When you talk, you can pay it back with an apology. When you act, the deed is done and the burning ache of regret will last for eternity. I saw those poor Japanese die out there and my actions are responsible for their misfortunes. I cannot allow this to happen again, nevermore!"
"Although your ambitions force you to be cold, your heart cannot spare another life to end. Such complexity is what makes you an interesting man; that is why I love you," she spoke in a comforting tone.
Lelouch gave a light laugh and said, "You are too; a bipolar loop."
Part 11: New Concerns
A couple of days passed since the disaster of the Specially Administered Zone of Japan. Lelouch tried to forget all the atrocities of innocent deaths he had witnessed but the vivid memories were impossible to suppress. He grabbed his coat, a brown leather jacket of a commoner, and headed for the door.
"Where are you off to?" C.C. asked.
"I am off to the streets," Lelouch said
"Aren't you suppose to attend school on a Friday," C.C. asked again.
"I am too ill to be attending class, my allergies and flu symptoms must be cured by medication. Normally I am supposed to be confined at home but I have to run to the drugstore for cough syrup," he said with a couple of fake coughs in between words.
"You are lying, you are not sick," C.C. responded with a stoic voice.
"I am," he coughed; he thought his art of deception would work on her.
C.C. walked up to his face and kissed him intensely, seeking nothing but pleasure.
"Then I will be sick as well. Now you have to take care of me since I have nowhere else to go," C.C. stated with a surprisingly monotone voice.
"You sly fox!" Lelouch exclaimed in disbelief she took advantage of him.
"Aha! So you are not sick," C.C. deduced.
"I cannot fool you C.C.; you are the most difficult person I have faced in my life," Lelouch admitted his defeat.
"I am C.C.; I am different from everyone you have met. Now tell me, where are you going and why?" she demanded.
Lelouch sighed and said, "I am going to Princess Euphemia's funeral."
"I thought both of you were her siblings, shouldn't Nunnally be off as well?" C.C. asked.
"Since our arrival here in Japan, we have relinquished our authority over the citizens, thus demoting our status. In short, I am a Prince turned commoner," Lelouch explained.
"I see, then why are you going. You probably cannot even enter the ceremony," C.C. pointed out.
"At least I can watch from the outside. The funeral will be grand," Lelouch said without a clue if it were fact.
"Then I can watch it from television," C.C. asked.
"You probably will. Seeing a member of the royal family die is something grave to a Britannian," Lelouch said.
"I lived at a time before Britannia became a world superpower but I can understand from every monarchy I have resided in," C.C. said.
"Then you should speak no more," Lelouch turned around and headed for the door.
Lelouch slammed the door shut and made his way out of the dormitory. He walked out into the open and got to the school gates. There, Suzaku followed and called from behind. He carried two crutches and said, "Lelouch! Going somewhere? We have classes soon." He looked happy, despite his temporary immobility.
"Tell them I am sick and will be staying home after I get some medication from a store."
"Okay, I will get the word out."
Lelouch looked forward and thought to himself, "Suzaku, sometimes I think your mind is way too simple. After all the military training, are you faking your innocence or are you really that naïve?"
Lelouch walked down the streets of the Tokyo Settlement with five pounds of change in his pocket. He entered a thrift shop and left purchasing a simple red-lacquer trinket. The trinket bore a swirly Asian design, laced with an intricate knot. He made his way to a large temple-like building, where the funeral was taking place. Many cars were parked around it, as expected from important ceremony that was about to commence. Lelouch noticed many cameras, including an acquaintance of his. That man was Diethard Reid, a previous producer at Hi-TV and now the head of information for the Black Knights.
"He is here," Lelouch asked himself with a confident look.
Lelouch entered the building without verification or a pass by sneaking in at the perfect time. He made his way to the washroom; poised as a member of the audience who needed a washroom break.
Diethard was there.
"The death of Princess Euphemia is a big loss for the empire," Lelouch began.
"I suppose," Diethard responded.
"Are you a member of the royal family?"
"No, I am a reporter."
"So you will be in charge of the parade later on."
"How do you know?"
"I am one of Princess Euphemia's brothers."
"Which one?"
"Constantine xi Britannia," Lelouch replied. He did not make this name up, but it was one of his younger brothers overseas.
"Ah, the younger, you are the fourteen year old prince of the Bavarian province?"
"Yes."
"You look mighty tall for a fourteen year old," he said after zipping his fly.
Lelouch turned on the tap on and said, "I usually get that."
"I am honoured to meet you. For a prince, you look rather like a commoner."
"This is my usual attire. Back in Bavaria, we act like common folk to get prestige."
"Interesting."
Diethard left the restroom and Lelouch stopped for a moment and thought, "If things go well, this will be the turning point of my struggles."
Lelouch turned on his communicator and contacted Diethard.
"Hello, Diethard, do you read?" Lelouch asked.
"Loud and clear master," Diethard responded.
"I see you carry this around with you whenever," Lelouch commented.
Diethard chuckled and said, "Yes I do."
"Now where are you?" Lelouch asked.
"I am at the royal funeral, Princess Euphemia's," Diethard answered.
"Good. For today, be sure to obtain as much intelligence as possible. This is the perfect opportunity to assess the Britannian royal family and undermine them," Lelouch instructed.
"Agreed," Diethard replied.
"Ougi do you read?" Lelouch said.
"Roger," Ougi replied.
"You have every instruction I planned from last night?"
"Yes, we attack the parade after Diethard drive out of there."
"Excellent, now it is time for Britannia to taste retribution!" Lelouch declared and hung up on his communicator. Kaname Ougi was the chief of the Japanese resistance before joining Zero's round of Black Knights. He doesn't pilot a Knightmare but executes commands directed by Lelouch.
"This is the day of wrath!" Lelouch said to himself, "Euphemia did not deserve to die. This is the day Cornelia will fall!" Lelouch developed a deep hatred towards the military Princess as she was the 'Queen' blocking his 'Knights' from advancing.
Back at home, C.C. searched through Lelouch's desk and found some cards with strange glyphs written over it. She was puzzled by the bizarre symbols and decided to investigate them. "I wonder what these are," C.C. inquired, "Could they be his plans for the rebellion."
The funeral began with a solemn minute, no speech or sobbing was heard. Lelouch looked up at the priest in front of Euphemia's sarcophagus. It was intricate in style, with gold trims and Britannian emblems. On the top, there was a particular symbol. Lelouch had trouble collecting the reservoir of symbols in his head and eventually concluded it was the same as the marking on C.C.'s forehead when they first met.
"Geass!" Lelouch whispered to himself. Lelouch concealed his observance and like the others, showed signs of grief. Tears flowed out of his eyes as his heart ached from mourning. Lelouch confessed that at one point in his life, before his exile and his hatred for this empire, he had loved this Princess. Euphie, as he would call her was his closest friend, preceding Clovis and sibling, after Nunnally. The four used to frolic under the Britannian sun, visiting each other's villas and gardens with their mothers. Lelouch remembered those warm innocent days, when he would defeat Clovis in every chess game and play hide' n' seek at the Imperial garden of Exelica. He remembered the day Prince Clovis painted a cute portrait of Lelouch kissing Euphemia on the cheek at Exelica, under a warm spring afternoon. "Those were the golden days, lost in time and impossible to regain," Lelouch thought.
A priest raised his voice and announced, "The untimely death of her majesty Princess Euphemia was a terrible lost for the royalty, the people and the empire. It is our duty to pay respect for her outstanding achievements as sub-viceroy of Area 11 by singing our fatherland's great anthem. May I have everyone stand up for "Hail Britannia?" Everybody, including Lelouch in the temple stood with their backs erect as the church organ began. The masses began to chorale to the lyrics:
Truth and hope in our Fatherland and death to every foe! Our soldiers shall not pause to rest, we vow our loyalty. Old traditions they will abide, arise young heroes! Our past inspires noble deeds, All Hail Britannia! Immortal beacon shows thy way, step forth and seek glory! Hoist your swords high into the clouds Hail Britannia! Our Emperor stands astride this world he will vanquish every foe! His truth and justice shine so bright, all hail his brilliant light! Never will he be overthrown, like mountains and sea! His bloodline immortal and pure, all Hail Britannia! So let his wisdom guide our way, go forth and seek glory! Hoist your swords high into the clouds, Hail Britannia!
The funeral ended and they were about to load the coffin onto a ship back to Pendragon, where the entire royal family is buried. "Goodbye Euphemia, you will be waiting for me on the other side with my mother and I will join you alongside Clovis. One day, we will live together, free from suffering, free from stupid prejudices we were brought up with," Lelouch remarked solemnly while wiping his tears.
Lelouch noticed Diethard's personal disappearance and walked out the back door of the building. He activated his communicator and said, "Operation Dragon's Wrath begins… NOW!"
"Yes, master Zero," the rest of the Black Knights replied. Out of the blue, ten Knightmare frames emerged from the ground, tearing the streets apart with many Britannians screaming for their lives. Gunfire could be heard for over a mile.
"Diethard, you have your crew ready?" Lelouch asked.
"I am already recording it," Diethard replied.
"Capital," Lelouch praised on his communicator.
"Make sure, the coffin still makes its way to the ship," Lelouch instructed, "The target is Cornelia and make sure you save yourselves!"
"Understood master Zero," the squad returned.
Lelouch ran as far as possible down the road and hid between narrow alleys. He continued to give instructions and feedback, "How are things going?"
"We have destroyed most of their guards by surprise but Cornelia is nowhere to be found," one of his 'minions' reported.
Lelouch thought for a moment and realized one thing, "I did not see Cornelia at the funeral! Shit! She wasn't there! CORNELIA YOU ARE DISPICABLE, not attending even your dear sister's funeral!"
"Sir, what do we do?" the squad asked.
"Fall back you all have contributed with honour. Cornelia is not at the spot. I repeat Cornelia is not at the spot!" Lelouch commanded.
"Yes master Zero," the squad answered.
Suddenly reinforcements of Imperial Guard appeared at the sight. "Take my sister to the Fatherland! I will deal with these vengeful brutes!" It was Princess Cornelia.
"Sir, we are being overwhelmed by Imperial Guard and cannot esc…"
The transmission broke and the squad was killed.
"NO! I did not factor in this possibility out of all odds, how careless of me!" Lelouch cursed, "Damn! Cornelia you vile woman, you will pay one day for this humiliation
Lelouch hobbled his way to Ashford Academy, tormented my hatred and dread. It started to rain heavily and his hair was soaked. Eventually, he walked to the dorm, slouched and short in spirit. He entered his apartment number with a sneeze.
C.C. came out of his room in response to the sound of the entrance door and asked, "What are these notes?"
"My failures," Lelouch returned without looking.
"So these are your plans?" C.C. asked.
"Yes, and I am a failure," Lelouch said with a sneezed.
"Look at you, you are actually sick now," C.C. commented.
"I have failed my objectives for today," Lelouch replied in a sombre expression.
"Sometimes you win, like Narita, and sometimes you lose. But what matters most is the final strategy and its results, isn't that something you always say?" C.C. tried to comfort him.
"Let's get you dried and rested," C.C. advised. She held onto his hand and tugged him to the laundry room for a towel.
"You have to take care of yourself if you want to achieve your goals," C.C. said, "Lelouch, I don't want to see you die from a cold before fulfilling your promise."
Lelouch looked at her and touched her face with his cold hands.
"C.C. I know this sounds horribly wrong but would you do me a favour…"
"Yes?" she asked after he broke in between words.
"Never mind, I can take care of this myself," Lelouch replied, "Now get out! I will dry myself. You can help by bringing me a dry set of clothes."
C.C. smiled and said, "Anything for you Lelouch."
Lelouch's expression brightened from his depressed state and said, "Take my jacket and thank you." He tried to forget about his miscalculation and looked forward.
C.C. responded with a euphoric exit. She got into his room and threw the jacket onto his bed and out came the trinket he bought from the thrift store. C.C. thought to herself, "Could this be a gift for me?" She wore the trinket on her usual straightjacket outfit and brought Lelouch some clothes.
"Where did you get that? Lelouch asked her. He wrapped his body with the towel.
"From your jacket, it's for me right?" C.C. asked.
"Don't rummage through other people's private possessions."
"It dropped out of your jacket."
"Oh."
"Are you planning on giving it to me as a surprise?"
"Actually…" Lelouch stopped midway. He bought the trinket originally as a gift for Euphemia for the afterlife. Since he did not get the chance to place the token into her coffin, he said, "It is for you. I bought it as a surprise thank you gift."
"How sweet Lelouch, you are the first to give me a token of appreciation. It looks very pretty, like the ones I had when I was in the Chinese Federation," she thanked him.
"You never received a gift before?" Lelouch asked.
"I have, but every present had a rotten meaning behind them. You gave me something to show how much you care and respect me. Others gave me gifts of bribery," C.C. said.
"I never thought you would take it that way; a gift to show I respect you and all that," Lelouch said.
"I say that because I know you love me but you are too embarrassed to admit it," C.C replied with a wink.
Lelouch chuckled and joked, "You are truly amazing C.C., reading me like a book."
Meanwhile in an imperial assembly hall
"Good work troops, we have quelled those rebels from ruining my sister's peaceful afterlife," Princess Cornelia announced, "We cannot let anybody damage the pride of Britannia, especially those colonial racketeers."
Cornelia then later said to herself, "My dear sister, whoever murdered you must be punished. I will avenge you, I cannot let him live!"
"Zero the terrorist must be caught dead or alive, that is our new ultimatum!" Cornelia declared. The troops all cheered, "All hail Princess Cornelia. All hail Holy Britannia!"
She was assumptive that Zero was indeed a man. She assumed Zero was a megalomaniac Japanese rebel, who possessed the wits to strategically take on large armies. Never would she have guessed Zero was her sister's favourite brother.