Lelouch woke up after being taken to Reinhard's mansion. He was surprised at the size of the mansion, but he assumed Reinhard's family was some nobility within the Kingdom. The world he was in felt much more peaceful than his previous one. He debated whether he needed to do anything in this world as it already seemed balanced.

"Lelouch-sama, are you awake? Breakfast is prepared."

Lelouch exited his bed to see a young maid with long gray-brown hair and green eyes.

Lelouch nodded, "No need for formalities. Just calls me Lelouch. What is your name?"

The maid responded, "My name is Kalifa, and I'm sorry it's only correct I address you formally."

Lelouch smiled, "There's no need for formalities. If you must know, I find it quite offending."

Kalifa's head went down, "My apologies. I will address you as Lelouch."

Lelouch nodded, and Kalifa brought Lelouch to the dining room of the Astrea manner. Reinhard was already awake, waiting to talk to Lelouch about various things uncovered the previous day. A wide variety of food awaited Lelouch, and he noticed Reinhard had a conflicted expression.

Reinhard noticed Lelouch smile, "Lelouch-sama, there are many things we must discuss since you are the fifth candidate. I don't mean to overwhelm you, so please let me know if you need me to elaborate on anything."

Lelouch sighed, "Please do not use formalities. Lelouch is just fine. I honestly find it insulting we are subordinates. Now you can address me as Lelouch."

Reinhard looked at Lelouch, questioning his meaning of insulting, "I'm sorry, but may I ask why it's insulting?"

Lelouch explained, "Formalities can be a way to break down the classes of society. I'm not particularly fond of that concept. In any event, let's continue. As far as I'm aware, the insignia is why I'm a candidate for the thrown of this Kingdom, correct?"

Reinhard nodded, "Yes, it was quite shocking as the Dragon Tablet stated five maidens to become the five candidates for the Royal Selection; however, due to it responding to you, I've already informed the Sage Council that the fifth candidate has been found. We have been searching for some time now as the Royal Selection cannot start until all five candidates are found."

An insignia somehow figures out who is qualified to be the King of this Kingdom. That's quite a strange way to do it; however, at the very least, it seems superior to the way my father did.
Lelouch responded, "That's an interesting process to choose the ruler of a Kingdom. Nonetheless, it seems fairer than the methods I'm familiar with."

Reinhard agreed, "Yes, it's not a usual occurrence. The entire Royal family was killed off due to an illness. Thus the Dragon that protects the Kingdom initiated the Royal Selection."

Lelouch stared at Reinhard in confusion, "An illness that specifically targets only Royal family members? Does that not sound more like assassination than an illness?"

Reinhard nodded, "We only have evidence that an illness was the cause."

So this Kingdom is protected by a dragon. The royal family got killed off, more than likely due to assassination, and then the dragon initiated the Royal Selection to choose the new ruler. A Kingdom without a King is not stable. If this information is common knowledge, I've found it problematic that the citizens would believe such a claim to explain the royal family dying out. There's more to this than meets the eye. The question is whether it's a coverup and the truth is known by the higher-ups controlling the kingdom currently or if another nation was responsible and the kingdom honestly does not know the cause.

Lelouch continued, "This situation seems problematic. How can a nation function without a ruler? Who is in control of the Kingdom currently?"

Reinhard answered, "The Sage Council is currently controlling the Kingdom in the absence of the King. The Royal Selection will begin in two months, and then after two years, a candidate will be chosen to become King."

What an idiotic concept. Not to mention reckless. To have the absence of a clear ruler leads to polarization and confusion among not only the citizens but sections of government as well. To have the King be chosen in such a fashion and waiting two years to choose opens up the possibility for internal and external conflicts.

Lelouch responded, "So the Sage Council thinks it's correct to wait two years before a clear ruler is nominated to rule the Kingdom. In that time frame, do you not find it hard to think that the absence of a King will lead to conflict? Not only are other nations seeing this as an opportunity to invade, but internal conflict due to polarization could occur just as easily."

Reinhard thought about the point Lelouch made. He knew that the demi-human war still lingered as a possible start of a conflict with the Kingdom. However, he also knew there was no point in questioning the dragon and the Sage Council's decisions. He nor Lelouch was in any position to argue against the rules of the Royal Selection.

Reinhard responded, "That is the decision of the dragon and the Sage Council. While your point may hold validity, it is not our role nor our position to challenge the integrity of the Royal Selection process."

Lelouch rested his fingers around his eye, "Tell me, Reinhard, what type of knight are you?"

Reinhard thought about the question. He served to protect the Kingdom, but his self-hatred ruled his emotions. The only thing he had to look forward to now was the Royal Selection and being the knight for Lelouch. However, he wasn't sure how to answer such a question as he surmised that his duty was to serve the Kingdom.

Reinhard states, "My duty as a knight is both now to protect and serve you along with protecting the Kingdom."

Lelouch continued, "And if said Kingdom ordered you to do something you felt was unjust or immoral, would you comply?"

Reinhard's face turned to a frown for a moment before he continued with his smile, "I am here to protect the Kingdom. That's all I know how to do. If the Kingdom ordered me to do something, I would comply without question."

Lelouch frowned, "Incorrect response. I've seen with my own eyes how that logic can result in self-proclaimed knights being sent to kill the innocent. Murder millions of innocent people with the same response you gave me." Lelouch continued, "The concept of following orders being an excuse or justification for acting on what you know is immoral is pathetic. And those knights that continue eventually lose the morality they had and become slaves ruled by their own racist, egotistical, or flawed ideology. Reinhard, are you a slave for this Kingdom? Do you think that if such a scenario transpired, you would fall victim to what I just explained?"

Lelouch watched the silent Reinhard in thought and saw that the question had some sort of merit or pre-existing conflict. Lelouch debated whether Reinhard had already become a slave for this Kingdom or was in denial or self-deprecation.

Reinhard admitted, "Lelouch, I am the Sword Saint. I am the Kingdom's protection, and if I were ordered to do something, I would. I am not the correct person to even question the morality of the order I am given."

I see. In other words, the sword saint is a reference to some sort of power he is bestowed. If I were to act as my father, I would brainwash this individual with such power or potential into being an obedient weapon to use as I see fit. His implication that he is not the one to question morality shows a form of self-depreciation or hatred that I considered earlier. In short, Reinhard was brainwashed by conventional or perhaps some other method into thinking he is a monster or a demon incapable of knowing right or wrong. The perfect way to create a weapon out of a person. It seems this Kingdom may be similar to that of Britannia. Who was responsible for manipulating Reinhard to become like this?

Lelouch declared, "I see. In other words, you cannot make moral assessments due to your belief that you are incapable. Similar to that of one who believes their a monster or a demon. However, I will not stand by in the future if I see this Kingdom become that of what I've seen. I won't let the innocent die or allow tyranny to rule this Kingdom. Reinhard Van Astrea, do you swear loyalty to the Kingdom or me?"

Reinhard begins to question Lelouch's potential. He wondered what he saw or what he witnessed to allow him to make such comparisons or declarations. He pondered the question that Lelouch gave him, a resolution to his conflict, as Lelouch would be the voice of morality. He understood what Lelouch meant by the question. He asks if he would swear loyalty to the Kingdom of the Kingdom and order him to kill Lelouch or to protect him against the Kingdom's orders. He could assume that the event would never transpire.

Reinhard bowed, "I, Reinhard Van Astrea, will remain loyal to you, Lelouch-sama."

Interestingly, he chose me over the Kingdom or justified his reasoning by assuming the event would never occur. All I can tell is that his loyalty is unwavering, so whoever brainwashed him to become a weapon for the Kingdom failed in considering the possibility that another person could use that to their benefit. This Kingdom is indebted to me for preventing a future disaster.

Lelouch nodded, "Reinhard, you are now my subordinate. I will value your input and information, so don't ever believe that anything you need to speak of is not legitimate due to your view on your morality. I will be the judge if you believe you cannot choose right or wrong."

Reinhard felt almost as if a burden was lifted off his shoulder. The idea that Lelouch proposed was something he couldn't explain but only felt was correct. He then remembered he forgot to mention a few details he was planning to inform Lelouch of.

Reinhard stood back up, "Lelouch, I forgot to tell you a few problems occurred the day you helped Emilia-sama. You are a candidate now, so holding Emilia's insignia would normally disqualify her. However, I did not mention that detail to the Sage Council as I wanted to inform you before I did so." Reinhard continued, "Secondly, the person who assassinated the thief that stole Emilia-sama's insignia was found dead. After investigation, it appeared to be suicide. Still, they are unsure of the details as the assassin is known among the knights as she was a notorious assassin with the skill to kill most of the imperial knights within the Kingdom."

That girl I met, Emilia. Now that I reflect, I was cruel in my actions towards her. She seemed to look as if she felt hated and lacked the social behavior she should've had given her age. I can only wonder what her past must've been. The command I told Puck to do was to die the next time he needed to defend himself. That was a very vague use of my power. I can only wonder when that'll go off or the repercussions.

Lelouch states, "Prepare a dragon carriage to let's speak with Emilia. Reinhard, I advise you to be on guard and ready for conflict."

Reinhard questioned, "What do you mean by that?"

Lelouch continued, "The spirit that Emilia-sama had. Reinhard, do you know how powerful the spirit is?"

Reinhard nodded, "The spirit is one of the four great spirits being the spirit of fire. In other words, one of the most powerful spirits in the world."

This is bad. I have no idea how a spirit dies. Can a spirit end its own life?

Lelouch questioned, "Reinhard, how do spirits function? For example, how can a spirit die?"

Reinhard tilted his head, "I do not know much about spirit arts or magic, but they both consume mana. Spirits are made up of large amounts of mana, so for a spirit to die, I'd assume all the mana contained within would have been released."

This is not good. How do I even handle a situation like this? Judging on the power, Reinhard stated this spirit has… essentially, I created a ticking time bomb. The best option would be to set the bomb off in an area that wouldn't be affected severely and then kill Puck. How strong is Reinhard compared to these spirits?

Lelouch asked, "Reinhard, you stated you were the Sword Saint, so I assumed you have significant power. I want you to not humble nor exaggerate your power and tell me the absolute truth on how powerful you are, and then would you be strong enough to kill a great spirit?"

Reinhard looked at Lelouch with concern about the question he asked. He only could wonder what he was thinking.

Reinhard replied, "I'm not sure how to quantify my power, but I can easily kill any great spirit. What is your concern?"

Lelouch sighed, "Where exactly does Emilia stay?"

Reinhard thought for a moment before replying, "Emilia-sama's sponsor is Roswaal L Mathers. I believe Emilia-sama stays within a mansion in the Mather's domain."

"How far is that?"

"Around a day by dragon carriage."

Even if Reinhard is strong enough, I wonder if the collateral damage could kill me. Not to mention an explanation of the situation… I suppose I can simply state that Puck hates me, assuming the ticking time bomb I left hasn't been activated yet.
I feel guilty… not towards that annoying flying cat but Emilia. I shouldn't have acted recklessly when I came into this world. Not to mention my power feels different, almost the same, but there may be some limitations I'm not aware of yet. In either event, I risked Emilia's claim to the throne and would've never learned I was a candidate without her help. I need to mitigate this situation.

Lelouch commanded, "Reinhard, get a dragon carriage prepared. Use whatever power is at your disposal to shorten the trip toward Emilia's mansion. There is a strong possibility that Puck or the spirit of fire will attack me, so be prepared for that scenario to occur."

Reinhard and Lelouch begin traveling on a dragon carriage to the Roswaal's mansion within the Mather's domain. Reinhard used multiple Divine Protections to increase the speed the dragon could reach however, when they arrived, they saw nothing but ice and a flying man attacking a giant beast that resembled a lion.

As Lelouch continued to observe the strange new world around him, he noticed a sudden change in the environment. The air grew colder, and he could feel the chill seeping into his bones. He looked around and saw that the entire landscape had transformed into a frozen wasteland.

The trees that had once stood tall and proud were now encased in ice, their branches stretching like frozen fingers toward the sky. The mansion in the distance, which had once been a magnificent structure, was now covered in a layer of frost, its walls and roof glistening in the pale moonlight.

Lelouch stared in regret, "Reinhard, I assume that is the same spirit that was in a cat form when I saw him previously."

Reinhard nodded, "Stay here."

Reinhard swiftly moved toward the ongoing fight consisting of the Beast of the End and Roswaal. The legendary sword Reid unsheathed, and with one devastating strike, the Beast of the End was no longer in the realm of the living. The landscape around the area returned to what it was, and Lelouch watched in surprise and regret at the situation he had created. He could assume that Emilia was now dead.

-

After the chaos ceased and the area returned to its former self, the frozen area reformed into what it was after Reinhard's attack. Lelouch was filled with dread as he and Reinhard approached the mansion. Roswaal greeted Reinhard and thanked him, but he stared at Lelouch with eyes that were filled with resentment. Lelouch noticed but could only surmise that Emilia was dead.

"Wha-t happened?"

Lelouch heard the familiar voice and looked to the corner of his eye to see that Emilia was still alive. She was shedding tears and looked to be in a state of panic and sadness. Lelouch expected that but he noticed something more almost as if Emilia was affected by some other form of grief unrelated to the events that transpired.

Roswaal face frowned as he stared at Lelouch, "You ruined everything."

His eyes are of dread but selfish dread. Dread of the loss of a plan failing not the dread of losing those who are important to him. In other words, I can only imagine what plot he was scheming… nonetheless in this situation using my power would be reckless but might be necessary. How should I phrase this…

Lelouch asked, "Your eyes reflect the dread of one whose plan went to ruin. I must inquire what was your goal?"

Roswaal responded, "I've waited so long… for your arrival, but you ruined everything. I was going to use you to help me both kill the dragon and revive my teacher, Echidna. Ram is now dead making my goal impossible to achieve and you caused it all. I waited four hundred years for this to happen."

Roswaal begins to blink forgetting what Lelouch said. Lelouch stared at Roswaal with eyes that mocked him. Roswaal had nothing now… the one that was to help him achieve his goals destroyed it within days of his arrival. He wanted nothing more than to kill Lelouch and then himself.

Roswaal prepared to strike Lelouch in the heart, but he knew his attack would fail. Reinhard would stop it, and his entire life's ambition would come to an end. He extended his arm to strike Lelouch, but Reinhard caught it.

Reinhard was lost in the confusion of the words that Roswaal said. But the very fact he admitted to wanting to kill the dragon was enough reason to execute him. However, he would normally inquire about the Sage Consil before killing such an influential noble in the Kingdom, but this time, he will inquire about Lelouch.

Reinhard turned his head, asking, "What shall I do with him?"

Lelouch frowned, "Killing the dragon, plotting for four hundred years, I could only assume this person was a threat to the Kingdom…. Execute him."

Reinhard's legendary sword did not see Roswaal as a worthy opponent, so he used his hand to strike Roswaal in the heart ending Roswaal L Mathers's life. Emilia stood in both panic, sadness, regret, and confusion at the site she was witnessing. She was only training with Puck when he broke the contract with her and begin to destroy everything around him. Entering his true form and freezing everything around him.

Emilia watched as her spirit, her only source of both friendship and care was now dead. Her sponsor, her hope for becoming the King and saving the elves was destroyed. She had no purpose remaining as she stared at the body of the now deceased Roswaal and Reinhard and Lelouch standing in silence.