Sorry for the late update. I am on a trip to Dubai with my family and I couldn't find enough time to properly complete this chapter. I really hope you all like it.

His father had released him, just as Lelouch had expected, when he heard about Japan. After all the events that had transpired previously, it was no surprise to Lelouch that his father would be more interested in gaining Japan than the well-being of his own blood. And Japan was the very thing that could turn the tides of the war due to its abundant Sakuradite reserves. Being the primary exporter of Sakuradite, Japan had been using its position as a bargaining chip to get many privileges from many countries and the Britannian Empire was no exception. In the recent days its demands had become intolerable and thus Britannia was planning on capturing it.

"Well Lelouch what is your proposition? I haven't got all day to listen about your petty ideas."

"Father, Japan's demands are increasing uncontrollably and something must be done to stop them."

"Yes Lelouch. I am well aware of that fact. But, what interests me is what would you do about this situation?"

"I think that is the wrong question in the current situation? The correct one would be what have you done till now?" The Emperor's face settled in a scowl at this comment made by Lelouch, but Lelouch paid no heed to it and continued, "Don't get me wrong father, what I meant is that, keeping the Japanese in the dark about our impeding attack by giving them some kind of assurance would throw them off our tracks and give us the upper hand. And what better assurance can you give them other than sending someone of the Royal family to Japan. They would never expect Britannia to attack with someone fro the Royal family present. Wouldn't they father?"

Charles was thoroughly shocked at Lelouch's words. 'A mere 10 year old had correctly guessed his plans when the best strategists and even Schneizel couldn't guess them. This little brat is becoming more and more of a problem every day. I really hope he doesn't cause any problems in the future. But can I risk my goal? No he must be dealt with immediately; I need to get rid of him soon, but how? Sending him to Japan and then attacking would have sufficed but this little brat has revealed my plans in front of the nobles. There are far too many of them present here. I don't think that I can take care of all of them. Also I can't go on with my plan anymore, for if I do so these nobles will lose faith in me and I need their faith for some more time. What should I do? Never in my life have I been outwitted in such a manner...'

"That is where Nunnally and I come into play. We shall be the bargaining chips for Britannia to get Japan. Won't we father? But I think I have a better way to get Japan without Nunnally being hurt."

"Even if what you say is true what can you do? What is this master plan of yours that can be better than the one you have just pointed out?"

"My plan is to take Japan from inside. And I intend to do it with the least amount of bloodshed from both sides. While many among us may think that obliterating Japan may be a better idea I strongly believe that we shouldn't dispose of all the other resources that Japan has. Even their man force though meagre may prove to be useful. What do you think, Father?"

"It's worth a try. But you have only a week to prepare without the help of any of your half-siblings. You can have all the military support you need other than those under Schneizel's commands provided there are enough soldiers in Britannia so that our security isn't compromised. We wouldn't want us to be ambushed when we are attacking others would we now?"

'What a week!? What can be done in a week? I don't have any military support. I need people whom I can trust for my plan to work and a week isn't enough for me to get their trust. Even if father is giving me the military support, how much of the military will be left after taking out Schneizel's troops and the border troops, a regiment or two? How can I take down an entire country with such a meagre force? I need to turn this into something that works in my favour.' While Lelouch was surprised and wanted to do nothing more that shout how this was unfair, he only nodded his head and calmly replied.

"I really do appreciate that a lot father but I have a request to make."

"What is it?" said his father with a frown.

"Father, I would really appreciate if I would be allowed to take all the personnel working in the Aries Palace along with me, I fear that both me and Nunnally have grown much acquainted with their presence. Also I would be very grateful if you would allow me to contact Earl Lloyd Asplund during the preparation time to just check on the equipment."

"Very well but you may not use any of the new knightmare frames, I assume you know about them."

"New Knightmare frames?" "What in the world are those?" "Why weren't we informed about them?" "When was this project started?" and many more questions were heard from those who had gathered but neither did the Emperor nor did Lelouch pay any sort of attention to them. They continued staring at each other as if there were no one in the entire courtroom.

"Thank you Father and I do know about them being a top secret military project started under direct orders from the Emperor. After all Earl Asplund is a dear of mine and his project was funded by my mother at the initial stages. Though I would love to discuss further I think I should take your leave now for I need start with the assignment on hand. And father there is one more thing; I shall only reclaim my right to succeed the throne only if I am successful. "

With that Lelouch bowed and briskly walked away leaving the crowd with their various mutterings of surprise, anger and admiration on his ability to stand up to the Emperor, something that no one had accomplished to do singlehandedly before.

Exiting the courtroom, Lelouch was greeted with the sight of a fuming Lord Daemon, who grabbed Lelouch and dragged him to their waiting car. Only when they were in the safe confines of the car and far away from the Royal Palace did Lord Daemon address Lelouch.

"What was that inside Lelouch? I told you this wasn't a good idea, didn't I? I warned you not to lose your cool, not to make any rash decisions, but did you listen, no! You went in, made rash decisions and put yourself in more trouble than before. Don't just sit there Lelouch explain yourself, now!"

"I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry I should have listened to you. N-now I-I've lost my claim to succeed to the throne a-and so has Nunnally. "

"What? Lelouch, what did you do? Tell me Lelouch. Tell me everything now!"

"You were right Daemon, you were right about every single thing."

"What was I right about? Lelouch, don't test my patience, tell what happened."

But Lelouch sat there unfazed staring into nothingness; his eyes had a glazed look as if he was living in a different time, a time of happiness with no worries. None of Lord Daemon's words seemed to bring him out of his reverie.

After a seemingly long time alone tear slid down his cheek and he said, "You were right Daemon! You were right about every damn thing. My mother was murdered by the very empire she was loyal to. My father is a monster who doesn't care about me and my sister. That monster is sending us as bargaining tools to Japan, using his own children to cause a distraction for a sneak attack. We are mere tools for him, tools for securing his place on the throne. How can he be so heartless? How?"

Saying this Lelouch finally broke down. All the events that had occurred weighed down on him and he broke. A ten year old can stay strong but for how long? Firstly Lelouch stayed strong for the sake of his little sister Nunnally and then to face his father, but now that there was no such reason he finally let his feelings, his despair take over himself. He threw himself at Lord Daemon- the only man left on his side whom he could look up to-and cried his soul out.

Sensing his prince's despair Lord Daemon embraced the broken prince and gave him all the support he could muster. Having worked for Lady Marianne for the past 10 years of his life Lord Daemon had seen Lelouch grow from an infant to the child that he now was with his very own eyes and never once during this time had he seen the prince so wrecked. His heart reached out to the young boy who reminded him so very much about a certain person of his past and that was when he vowed that no matter what happened he would always stay by this young prince's side playing the role of his guiding star.

"Don't you worry Lelouch I have got your back. I won't let anything happen to you or Nunnally. We will get out of this mess no matter what is thrown our way. You have my word on that."

The two sat back silently each with thoughts of their own for the rest of the ride. It was only when they neared the Aries Imperial Palace that Lord Daemon asked Lelouch to compose himself and stay strong for the sake of his young sister. At the mention of his sister Lelouch regained his senses and masked his face into one of indifference-his mask was so perfect that no one would have ever guessed that this very boy had broken down a few moments ago.

"Daemon"

"Yes my prince."

"Nunnally mustn't know anything about this."

"About what Lelouch you haven't told me what happened. All I heard from outside was that there was a lot of commotion and then as if something was being secretly discussed. What happened? My guess it is something that we should be concerned about."

"Yes it is but Nunnally doesn't need to know that. As long as I am alive she doesn't need to worry about a thing. I won't let her be used as a tool. I will get back our rights."

"What are you planning to do Lelouch?"

"It's simple; I'm going to show my father that I am not weak. Daemon I am going to capture Japan and then I shall reclaim my right to succeed the throne."

With that Lelouch exited the car and walked towards the Aries Palace. If only he would have stayed for a moment longer he would have seen the look of utter horror on Lord Daemon's face.

Well that finishes chapter seven. I really hope it was good. Please review and let me know how was it or what changes would you prefer.