Recap: Lelouch finished the negotiations in Australia and arranged Leila's coming to Britannia.
Chapter 11: A Victory or a Loss
Lelouch vi Britannia has garnered much criticism over the years for his role in the Treaty of Djibouti. At the time, the treaty was lauded for stabilizing trade within the Red Sea and was incredibly popular throughout the world. Some saw it as a sign of peace. As agreed upon in the treaty, Britannia leased the port city, Djibouti, to the Middle Eastern Federation and allowed them to maintain the status quo with the stipulation that Britannian ships could not be barred from entry. Lacking a strong military, the MEF contracted the EU to run security and ensure Britannia abided by the negotiated terms. Unfortunately, this arrangement angered the Chinese Federation, who was now entirely dependent on the MEF's goodwill without any leverage. Britannia's sudden shift from an oil exporter to importer also caused oil prices to soar and put additional strain on the Chinese economy. Meanwhile, the EU had similar difficulties as Russian oligarchs were caught in existing contracts with Britannian and Australian companies.
Whether the treaty is responsible for the Great War is a matter of historical debate, but it accelerated developing tensions. Money flowed from both countries to the MEF, and then to Britannia, slowly starving them. Without the treaty, Britannia would probably have continued to slowly expand until both the EU and the CF allied to oppose the encroaching empire. Coupled with soaring oil prices, the treaty pitted what should have been allies against each other. At least indirectly, Lelouch vi Britannia created the necessary conditions for a three way war. Whether he knew what the consequences would be is up to debate.
-On the Great War
Royal Palace, New Pendragon, Area Three
Lelouch sank to his knees, his left arm crossing his chest. "Your Majesty. I have concluded the negotiations with the E.U."
His words echoed through the vast chamber, but he didn't dare to look away from the soft red velvet carpet. In front of him were the worn imprints where others had knelt before the Emperor as well. The carpet would soon have to be replaced as the discoloration became more obvious.
The last time he had knelt, his father had called his performance satisfactory before asking about Nunnally and leaving him stranded in Australia, his expectations unclear. Now, Lelouch would once again be judged, and he could only hope Nunnally would be left out of it.
"You concluded the negotiations quickly," his father said. The air felt tense. "There were no complications?"
"No, Your Majesty," Lelouch said. Everything had gone according to plan, for once, except for Henry's strange inability to recall Edgar. It wasn't something his father would concern himself with.
"You took an unnecessary gamble bluffing with the servant girl. Breisgau could have called your bluff, and Britannia would have been forced to follow through, discarding valuable assets for no benefit."
Lelouch bristled at the hint of censure. "It would have been a minor complication. The former Lord Breisgau had an affair. Had Jeanne returned to Britannia instead, we could have recognized her as a legitimate child. Since she's the eldest, her claim would be undisputable, and the Australian Banks would bar Malcal from accessing her father's vault."
A servant girl uprooting her life to follow her lord out of a sense of duty had felt strange, especially when the others hadn't followed. Jeanne had been born a scant few months after his defection. To confirm, he had sent a loose strand of hair from both Jeanne and Leila to Kaguya to run a genetic test.
"I don't gamble, Your Majesty," Lelouch said. He didn't have the luxury to play dice when lives hung on the outcome.
His father snorted. "But you toyed with the Breisgau girl's heart."
"She was my enemy," Lelouch said dully.
"So you had no problems manipulating her as such?"
"General Smilas revealed his hand by approaching Frederick. Her involvement was a near guarantee once I appeared to lower my guard around her."
"She regarded you as more than a cordial negotiator."
Lelouch frowned. "Your Majesty?"
He had approached her like any other spy. The first step was to establish a rapport in a neutral setting. Their various run-ins on the street and in the gentleman club had been carefully designed to do that. She had learned of his carefully manufactured routine and disregarded it, allowing him to engage in secondary objectives without incurring suspicion. His thrown chess games kept Schneizel off his back, but more importantly allowed him to assess how she would react in a situation. The waiters had been easily bribed to craft each scenario.
She never made a rash move, instead choosing to wait until forced otherwise. Her sense of duty and morals meant that bribes were useless. She also always saw the good in others first and continued to believe so until presented evidence to the contrary.
After rapport, history and leverage always came next. Everyone had elements of their life carefully kept hidden. Not only did they reveal personal information, but when brought to light, they left the target unbalanced. It was easy enough to cherry-pick the necessary evidence to craft a damaging narrative. The OSI files on her father had been of immense help.
Once the target was vulnerable, lost and confused, he threw out a life line. Their desperate hands always blindly grabbed it. With it, he could buy one action. Eventually, the target recovered, but by then, it was too late.
"Your mother was right," his father said. "You are rather dense."
"Have I missed anything, Your Majesty?" Lelouch asked hesitantly. His plan had been executed flawlessly.
"Nothing of great importance. Your conduct though has drawn the ire of your numerous siblings. Being flippant is a luxury afforded only to your alter ego. You have an image to uphold."
"And how should I conduct myself?"
"Careful, Lelouch," his father warned, and Lelouch bared his neck further. "You left a favorable impression among the locals and foreign dignitaries, who in turn, have been talking to reporters. Do not let pleasantries be mistaken for weakness. A royal is first and foremost ruthless, then dignified, which your childish games are certainly not."
His mother had definitely complained about his conduct with Kaguya. Or perhaps it had been Schneizel remarking on his sleep deprived act.
"Understood, Your Majesty," Lelouch said.
"Still, your plan has helped ease the tensions with the MEF, and once the news breaks to the Chinese, their ire will focus on the E.U. While Schneizel and Guinevere may have played their part to perfection, their performance failed to benefit Britannia, only themselves. Rise, Lelouch. You did well."
Lelouch followed the order robotically, the praise reverberating in his ears and drowning out the painful pounding of his heart. Acceptable or decent meant his father wasn't displeased. Satisfactorily suggested he wished for more, but the objectives had been met. What the hell did "well" mean?
Was this the new standard that Lelouch had set for himself? Every future plan and success would be measured against this one. His father had said satisfactorily before. He wouldn't be allowed to return to his manageable pace.
Or was he lying? Being sarcastic?
"A reward is customary in these instances," his father said, his heavy hand dropping on his shoulder. Lelouch's heart rate spiked. He had zoned out, before his father, while he was speaking of all things. Worst was the hand. It just rested there, not biting his skin or pushing him somewhere or pinning him in place. It merely lay there... doing nothing. "Your stipend will be adjusted to adequately reflect your performance."
His father was pleased... He was never pleased with anyone but his mother. Lelouch had no idea what to expect from a happy Emperor.
"You honor me, Your Majesty," Lelouch said distantly.
"Is there a favor you wish to ask for?"
This wasn't pleased... but something more. The Emperor rendered rewards with the same stroke he delivered justice: unilaterally. At best, he would offer an option, like he had given Lelouch in becoming Zero. But as Lelouch had since realized, the choice had been a mere illusion. His father had already known what he would decide.
"May I have some time to consider?" Lelouch asked. There had to be a trap he wasn't seeing.
The Emperor paused. "Very well, I will deliberate upon your request when you have come to a decision." He squeezed his shoulder before stepping back and turning around. "Your other guard is noticeably absent."
"His presence isn't necessary within the palace walls," Lelouch answered. He had encouraged Frederick to visit his family. Still angry with him for his manipulations, Frederick had agreed. He needed his space, and Lelouch would rather have him far away once Henry began sharing his version of events.
"Yet you intend to visit your friend before the Empire Day Gala in Philadelphia."
"Henry is adequate, and Frederick will be rejoining me in a few days." In time for the wedding. "Lamperouge has no enemies of note, and no one is aware yet that I've left Australia. The risk is minimal, and I'm perfectly capable of handling a random mugger." And Roy would be there, but he wasn't going to direct further attention to his friend if he could help it.
His father frowned. "Henry will be staying here for a few days. He is in need of additional training."
"I am pleased with his current performance," Lelouch said desperately. This wasn't the quick meeting which resulted in a stranger returning to his side, but something worse.
"Henry will stay," his father said sternly, "and some additional guards will accompany you."
More unspeakables. A shiver ran down Lelouch's spin. "I already made arrangements to stay with my friend. Having guards accompany me would be incredibly suspicious, nor can I cancel. The Homeland is not a terrorist hotbed; I will be fine."
"Keep your phone on," his father acquiesced. "You're dismissed."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Lelouch said, throat tight, and rushed out of the throne room as fast as he dared.
The doors swung shut. He gulped for air. Henry took a comforting step closer, but one of the guards relayed that the Emperor wished him to report for training. Then he was gone, disappearing into one of the numerous secret passageways, and leaving Lelouch alone to the mercy of his thoughts. He could feel the guards' gazes burning into his back.
He took a quick right, his hand running along the wall. At a small indent, he paused, glancing over his shoulder, and pushed open the door to reveal a spacious broom closet. He sank to the floor, an electric blinking on. The room smelled clean, not like the grungy interior of the Count's basement. It lacked the comforting smell of the kitchen, but by now, everyone knew to find him there.
A broom pressed into his back. He took another shuddering breath. All... alone.
Ashford Labs, Tokyo, Area Eleven
Visiting Area Eleven always left a bitter taste in Marianne's mouth. She had carved a bloody warpath through Tokyo to ensure the quick subjugation of the Elevens and return to her children, but they had already moved on, shunning her for her actions.
"Lord Ashford," she said coldly as Reuben finally approached. Their appointment wasn't officially for a few more hours, but he had already given her the slip yesterday, and she was so done with his foolish games and abusing her trust. "Would you like to explain yourself?"
Reuben sighed and surveyed the empty labs. The Horus sat undisturbed in the corner. "Marianne. It's five in the morning. The only reason I'm here is because you deliberately set off my security alarm. Why? You despise mornings."
"I'm not a teenager anymore, and you've been avoiding me. I'm sure I don't have to spell out what a public schism between us would do. I appreciate your efforts in keeping Nunnally safe, but that does not afford you such freedom." Marianne crossed her arms. "We could've solved this yesterday, yet your staff claimed you were unreachable. You would never risk your research in such a manner."
"I was inspecting the hospital. They've been filing complaints because of the Knight Police harassing their patients, a situation which requires my attention." He pulled out a chair and wearily sat down. "Afterwards, I had to run damage control because of the school's little impromptu march."
"I noticed," she said dryly. The entire affair had turned into a spectacle as hundreds of students, many from notable families, demanded an investigation. "Charles did like his movies. Whatever happened to him?"
"He made a little too much noise and was found dead in the bathtub after the neighbors couldn't bear the smell any longer."
"Suicide?"
"Supposedly. My students clearly disagreed." He rolled his eyes and turned on the computer. "He helped with some film project a while back and left a remarkable impression. It doesn't help that the Knight Police haven't exactly gained the most favorable reputation."
"Purists..." Marianne scrunched her nose. "If they traded their sense of self-importance for some common sense, they would actually be a foe. A bunch of grand posturing fools."
"Lord Gottwald is their nominal leader. He accepted the position more out of a sense of duty to his deceased father than actual belief. Unfortunately, his beliefs haven't gained in many supporters within the party. I suspect we will see a schism soon."
"He is breaking with his family?" she asked, trying to place the name. The Gottwalds were old money, but not on the list of families Charles kept a careful eye on.
"You left quite an impression on him." Reuben looked at her expectantly. "A former member of your royal guard, before you dismissed them all."
A hazy memory of an over enthusiastic guard emerged, but she dismissed it. People changed. His attitudes and beliefs back then didn't necessarily reflect his current values. Aligning himself with the Purists meant he at least somewhat prescribed to the notion of superiority of blood. While he may have respected her then, she was also no longer capable of fighting outside of her knightmare. Her legs were useless, and Britannia didn't accept such weakness easily.
"Keep the Purists away from my children, especially Nunnally," she ordered.
"Tell your son to stop goading the Knight Police every time he visits. I've had to intervene twice to stop him from being arrested for being a public nuisance or whatever bogues charges they construed. I even asked an employee of mine to keep him out of trouble, but there is only so much he can do."
Marianne cringed. Henry had also complained in great length in his reports. Goading the Knight Police was nothing in comparison to the time he apparently decided to track down Refrain dealers. It was almost... safe.
"Charles and Lelouch can deal with the fallout, but keep Nunnally safe. She isn't ready," Marianne said.
"Ready?" Reuben faced her squarely. "I've already made my opinions quite clear, but what brings about your sudden change of heart?"
In the back of her mind, the geass connection hummed. Children lay on operating tables, while Katherine sipped her tea and read experimental data, unaware of the passenger in her mind. Charles didn't particularly care. She hadn't either when the reports were distant and trusted V.V. to handle them. Their suffering would benefit Britannia as a whole. Seeing their broken eyes and shattered bodies with her own eyes made her reconsider. If V.V. had his way, her own children would be lying there, victims of his experimentations.
"Odysseus has been very persistent in forwarding articles on child development," she said instead.
"Not happy that Lelouch is a soldier," Reuben accused. "If Charles is prancing him before the people, there is no reason for him to remain one. The anonymity and safety it provides him is now useless."
"Yes, well it's more that Odysseus is mad about Lelouch being Zero and complains that we have placed an undue burden of expectations on him which limits possibilities of self-expression or something."
Reuben froze. Belatedly, Marianne realized she had never told him the truth. Nor had Lelouch or Nunnally ever told him.
"Fourteen," he growled. His outrage was why they had all kept silent. "Fourteen year olds should not be making decisions which cost others their lives. Having him be a soldier was bad enough, but I thought he wouldn't actually see combat. Instead, he was deployed in Area Two. Now, you're saying that he wasn't recovering, but running around for the last three years as Zero. No wonder he is always high strung. He hasn't had a single moment to rest."
"He took vacations."
"When you forced him to attend social events where everyone is dissecting his every move. Very relaxing."
"Australia was safe. He had plenty of downtime," Marianne said.
"Was? What did he do?"
"Finished the negotiations," Marianne grumbled. "It should be in the morning papers."
"Which I will read at a more reasonable hour than five in the morning," Reuben growled. "Marianne... he was hurt, deeply. I don't think he's ever had the time to heal. He hates having nothing to do because then he has the time to think. Do you even know what happened?"
"No," Marianne whispered. Pushing him felt cruel. She had always needed time, but the clock continued to turn, and he kept his silence.
"Does anyone?"
"Yes." Marianne pressed her lips together. The Count's agent who had kidnapped her son and then been saved by him from his well deserved death. Only he knew the full truth, but he hadn't cracked under the OSI's questioning. He would tell her nothing unless he deemed it necessary. "But Lelouch never told anyone. He said he was fine, and we believed him, yet... Lelouch had a panic attack in a cleaning closet, and Charles has no idea why."
"How are the two of you so bad at this?" Reuben groaned, turning away. "I'll see if I can talk to him when he visits Nunnally again. My specialty is in material science though, not the brain. He may be good at being Zero, but you cannot force it on him. He could even enroll here at the academy for a year. Being around others his age would benefit him."
"Forced? He chose to be Zero. I was going to bring him home and keep him safe. He had options; he knew that. But instead, he asked to stay. He's irrationally attached to the friends he made there."
"Considering what happened with his first friend, I wouldn't call it irrational."
"Enough," she barked. They were not retreading this argument. She had come because he dared to hide things from her. He had no room to criticize her. "Go call your pilot, Stadtfeld."
His hand briefly paused over the keyboard. "She's busy."
Why was this random pilot more important than her? Reuben had never denied her anything before, even when she was a teenager.
"So am I. Whatever she is doing is unimportant in comparison. She should feel honored for her presence to be requested. Summon her."
"She's not in Tokyo."
"This ridiculous game over your ace is done. Either she presents herself in the next hour, or I order my guards to drag her here."
"You would find that rather impossible. She's in the Homeland on a business trip with her father. She's merely my test pilot and has a life outside of my labs."
"You knew I was coming and why. I don't appreciate having my time wasted, Lord Ashford. Next time, you will inform me about her whereabouts and ensure she is present. I'm not above having Charles summon her family officially. Your labs are a much lower stake environment without any potential political fallout. The Stadtfelds are under your protection, aren't they?"
She had never needed to leverage her position against him before. Of course an Eleven would once again threaten her precious relationships.
"She's a child. Please, leave her alone," he begged.
Marianne frowned. His actions were becoming increasingly brazen and endangering his own position. Reuben was never one to take risks lightly.
"My spars aren't that scary to go to all this trouble," she said.
"My former test pilots would beg to disagree."
"Their lack of mental fortitude proves that they were inadequate for your purposes," she said. They didn't deserve to replace her, nor did this new pilot.
"She's a student," he stressed.
"And exactly how good is she? Her simulator scores were excellent despite freezing, but not good enough to drive you to such length," she said, thinking. It wasn't like she would kill them. No, he was afraid of the consequences. "You think she's a potential Knights of the Round candidate."
His gaze turned hard. "Which is why you will not spar with her and report her to Charles."
"Aces are already rare. Knights of the Round candidates are irreplaceable. She should be honored to serve her country."
"She's still a child who will have her future stolen from her," he shouted. "What if she wants to be a painter? An engineer? A lawyer? You would deny her that opportunity and make her a killer instead."
"Her skills will serve Britannia's best interests. One individual's desire is immaterial."
"Like your son's?" he asked sadly.
Her retort died on her tongue. The situation was not comparable, but damn him for knowing her so well.
"I won't help make another child a killer, Marianne," he said.
"You haven't even told her," Marianne realized. "How can you claim to be protecting her interests if you haven't even asked her? And she's hardly a child; I was younger than her when I began piloting."
"There is nothing I regret more."
"Excuse me?"
He rose and began searching the cabinets. "I shouldn't have let you pilot the Ganymede."
"Because I was such a burden?" she spat. She had trusted him.
He pulled out a box of crackers and poured them into a bowl, his every move painfully slow. "You were-are a good pilot, but I shouldn't have introduced you to court. We had so many assassins coming after you, and I was terrified to lose you. But worst of all, you caught Charles's attention. I should've protected you more, but I was naive, thinking I could lock us away in a lab and ignore the consequences of our research."
"I'm an Empress now."
"You cried after Charles sent you on your first mission and barely left your room for days. All those years of effort and work to draw you out of your shell, gone in an instance. He saw someone useful and made sure you were bound to his will."
Marianne closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Reuben..."
"I know you love him. I do not understand the relationship between the two of you, but even though you're happy now that doesn't mean Kallen will be. She doesn't even want to be an ace in the first place. The only reason she is working for me is because of the politics. So please, let her be a child for a while longer."
"No, you should stop meddling in affairs above your head, Reuben. Your duty is to serve the Empire well, and that's done by ensuring our military strength. Do you think the E.U. will twiddle their thumbs forever? Or that the Chinese will refrain from attacking the areas? Waiting and doing nothing because of some silly notion about protecting innocence is the height of foolishness. Your power and influence exists because of me, and perhaps you should remember that I'm not some simpering child anymore!"
"Oh, please. My power and influence? I never said anything about your benevolent helping. I was perfectly happy doing research, but you didn't even think to ask. You never ask. Now, I have to deal with a bunch of idiot nobles, and the Purists have their sticky fingers everywhere, thinking I don't notice. Not to mention Clovis is being played as a fool by literally everyone, including me. Give him a compliment, and he waves every permit. We have permits for a reason! So perhaps you should cease your meddling in my affairs."
"And the Ashfords are better off than ever. You're repaying my generosity with subterfuge."
"I don't want your generosity." He pushed away the bowl and began pacing the room. "I keep watching and waiting, desperately hoping you will turn things around. That the girl I knew is still somewhere in you. Kindness? Respect? Mercy? These aren't weaknesses, yet you insist on abandoning them."
"They get you killed," she hissed.
"Because of that, Lelouch is now Zero!"
"Well, if you had talked him out of enlisting in the first place-"
"He was this close to marching up to the Emperor and disinheriting himself!" He inhaled shakily and stumbled backwards to lean on the counter.
"What?"
"We both know Charles wouldn't have reacted well," Reuben whispered. "If Lelouch wasn't afraid of the consequences, he still would. I sent you into the lion's den. Couldn't stop Lelouch from running into danger in his haste to get away from you. I don't want to fail again."
Fail? He hadn't. Without him, she would never have achieved such heights. He had made her life worth living, yet he saw none of that. The man before her was old and incredibly tired. A buzzer echoed and she frowned.
"That would be Nunnally. I asked Thomas to fetch her when you visited, although I didn't think you'd arrive this damn early."
"Reuben, you've accomplished so much. I am grateful, also perhaps frustrated, but without you Britannia would've never established herself on the world stage. We'd be overrun by the French and Chinese. Your legacy-"
"-is one of death. My knightmare was supposed to protect lives, but all it leaves is a field of corpses. You do as well, and now, Lelouch." He nodded to the window, and she looked outside to see Nunnally navigating with her cane as Thomas respectfully followed. "You complained about a lack of time, didn't you?"
Marianne glanced away, but his stare was unrelenting, asking her to choose. Would she spend time with her daughter? Or continue to pursue a potential pilot?
He was either using her daughter as a shield or looking out for her, and Marianne couldn't tell which it was.
"Eighteen," she said. "I can wait that long, but you will inform her exactly how good she is and of my invitation to spar with her. She has until her birthday to choose before I make it an order. And Reuben? Do not think to oppose me when that time comes."
He nodded, lips pursed, and opened the door. "Hello, Nunnally. I'm sorry for rousing you so early, but your mother decided to drop by early."
"Because of Kallen?" Nunnally asked, tilting her head and revealing a bruise beneath her left eye. "She's out of town, Mother."
Years ago, Nunnally would enthusiastically shout Mommy. That had changed to a Mom. Then she had begun copying Lelouch, referring to her exclusively as Mother. At least both her children still acknowledged their relationship instead of referring to her by name like some of the princes and princesses.
"Yes," Marianne said softly, "but it's good to see you as well. Come here."
Reuben nodded at her and slipped out of the room. The door clicked shut behind him. Nunnally's head turned, tracking the noise, and then she leaned against the wall, crossing her arms. Normally, Nunnally tried to face whoever she was talking to, but now she didn't bother.
Marianne stifled a sigh and rolled forward to brush her daughter's hair out of her face. "What happened to your eye, sweetie?"
Stiffening beneath her touch, Nunnally withdrew, and Marianne swallowed at the rejection. Lelouch in many ways was easier. While it was not acceptance, she could still draw out an amused laugh or reaction from him. He was willing to engage on certain safe subjects and with enough coaxing, even argue them. But Nunnally? She swung between aggressive and indifference. Only the presence of others would have her pretend to be cordial.
"Do you know Lady Stadtfeld?" Marianne tried again.
Nunnally's shoulders dropped. "She's a potential friend. You should let her be."
Or maybe Reuben was preventing her from further estranging her daughter. If only she knew how to bridge the gap.
"It's not that simple... Reuben and I have an agreement. But her simulator scores were impressive despite freezing. Others will inevitably discover that tidbit as well. In some capacity, she will be required to serve Britannia in the future."
"She doesn't want to be a pilot," Nunnally said, directing her ear towards her.
"Knightmare pilots are well respected, especially one of her skill level. Others would kill for such an opportunity."
"Well, people kill for a lot of things, don't they? But you're not going to listen. You never do. I bet you have no idea why she froze or threw up afterwards. Just like you see nothing wrong with Britannia."
"Why?" Marianne asked, reaching out for her daughter again.
"Because the simulation was the conquest of Japan! A fictionalized version even. She knows well enough that the Japanese never fought back. You'd force her to be a killer and a tool for Britannia, just like Lelouch."
She changed course. "I saw your brother at the banquet. He seems to be doing well."
"No, he isn't," Nunnally said. "You threatened one of his friends."
And once again, Marianne found herself in a new minefield. Sometimes, there was no winning. "Yes, he yelled at me and went to ridiculous lengths as always to try and avoid me. But he's fine."
"Not like he would tell you if he wasn't," Nunnally said bitterly and fumbled for the chair. Finding it, she sat down and absently fiddled with her phone. "Why did you never tell us about your siblings?"
The world froze.
Her oldest sister, Lula, laughed and whispered to Marianne naughty things when their parents weren't around. She had taken to sneaking out in the night to meet with a boy from the next town and skimming from the pharmacy. Elaine always scolded her when she looked up from her book. She was the quietest of her five siblings, but when she deigned to spend time with Marianne, she filled the world with endless colors. She had died first, her steadfast calm broken by frantic screams and the first sign that everything had gone horribly wrong. Aimee, a mere year and a half older than her, had burst into tears at the sound, alerting the men to her hiding spot under the bed.
They hadn't killed her; when Marianne finally found her voice, she said they did. It was better than acknowledging that her beloved sister could still be alive out there while she lived in safety. They had done everything together, babbling in their own secret language and running through the fields to unearth every little secret. Paralyzed by fear, she had betrayed Aimee and done nothing as they dragged her out.
Marianne had searched for her once and found nothing, the trail long cold. She never found the courage again. Aimee's purple eyes haunting her dreams and stepping onto the battlefield to ask her why her beloved sister had killed her.
As for her two younger brothers, the men had no use for them. At least their death was swift.
"How do you know that?" Marianne asked faintly. "It never felt important."
"Is it because you're ashamed? You think you're better than them? All those years, not one word. We could've visited their grave, remembered them, but instead you wiped them out of our lives completely. I didn't even know about your cousin!"
Marianne narrowed her eyes. Why had Reuben told her? He at least understood.
"Nunnally..." she whispered.
"It's always about you, the Emperor, or Britannia," Nunnally spat, stepping forward, her hands clenched. "We're never imp-"
Marianne leaned forward and pulled her into a hug, ignoring her half-hearted struggle. "That's not true, Nunnally. I'm sorry, so sorry. I just-I know I messed up and I'm trying. I love you."
"No, you don't," Nunnally whispered, tremors ransacking her body.
"I do," Marianne assured her. Ignoring the pain from her old wounds, she pulled her daughter closer and waited for the quiet sobs to subside. "What do you need me to do?"
"Why didn't you tell us?" Nunnally begged.
"Because I wasn't ready." Marianne ran a hand through her daughter's hair, untangling the early morning clumps. "I'm not ashamed... I could never- They're... dead."
Nunnally stilled. "That's a lie."
How? Even Charles hadn't noticed the one time he asked her about it. Family history was a difficult subject for both of them-one they preferred to avoid. Yet Nunnally...
"They're dead," Marianne said, her traitorous heart beating rapidly.
"No." Nunnally pushed herself free and stood. "Why are you lying? Why haven't they said anything?"
If Aimee was alive, would she even recognize Marianne holding Charles's hand?
"I was eight, Nunnally. They killed them all except... Aimee. I don't even know where I would begin to look." And it was less painful not to.
"Can we?"
Could she do something with her daughter? Yes. For the first time in years, Nunnally was allowing her to get close. Something for just the two of them which would probably lead to a dead end. But together... Marianne was losing her children, and this was perhaps the only time to rectify it between her busy schedule.
"Yes," she whispered. "We can."
And then she slowly began to tell stories which had long lived under lock and key. Nunnally listened attentively, leaning into her touch. Her soft questions surprisingly didn't hurt. Instead, they brought a fond smile to Marianne's face. For the first time, she wanted to remember. Childhood memories slipped away so easily. She could no longer remember Theo's face or his favorite food. Nor Paul's favorite game. But she did remember they were all scared of thunderstorms, cowering together under the bed. Aimee had always laughed at them. Lula would sit next to their mother, both of them hunched over the table and mending garments. Their father would always fall asleep in his rocking chair, listening to Elaine reading from her book.
She missed them.
"Thank you," Nunnally whispered. "Can I-we pay our respects?"
It had been years since Reuben arrived with her cousin and coaxed her out of her hiding spot. The bodies had already been burned, but they still lay to rest various trinkets in a casket, buried next to the stream. After her cousin died, Marianne had never returned.
"Of course. I'll find some time." She stroked her daughter's hair. Reuben's accusations echoed in her mind. "Is there anything I should know?"
Nunnally shook her head, and Marianne bit back a sigh. Progress would be slow.
"Why don't we have some lunch," she suggested.
One of Reuben's trusted servants brought them a small plate of sandwiches. For a moment, she saw him peeking through the doorway, and he nodded at her encouragingly, but left them to their own devices.
At the end of lunch, Nunnally set aside her napkin. Softly, she whispered, "What will happen when I turn fourteen?"
Marianne set down her silverware. This must have been bothering her daughter for a long time. Of course, it would. Lelouch had become Zero, taking on a heavy burden. And Nunnally lacked a clear path forward. Marianne had tried to shield her from the derisive whispers about her blindness, but to little success. Her daughter would not be accepted easily.
"You could stay here for longer. It's not uncommon, especially for younger siblings, to stay out of the spotlight for longer," Marianne offered.
Had Charles already considered this question? Or like many things involving his children, forgotten?
"No," Nunnally said firmly, resting her head on the back of the chair. "I'm not going to sit on the sidelines."
"It's not the sidelines. I thought you enjoyed school."
"It's fun, but that's meaningless. I'm living a lie, and Lelouch is the one paying for it." She scowled. "I don't know what I should do... and I won't abandon my friend."
Both of her children were so attached.
"I'll see what options there are," Marianne assured, stunned to have a normal conversation. This was what the other Empresses considered with their own children. "Is there anything you're interested in?"
"Media, I guess."
"Perhaps you could talk to Clovis. He has been rather hands-on there and would be delighted to have your interest."
"Won't he tell everyone about me? I don't want everyone to know. They will, but not now."
Marianne pushed herself away from the table and rolled to her daughter's side. "He won't if he knows what's good for him."
Royal Palace, New Pendragon, Area Three
For being a Britannian prisoner, Leila was being treated surprisingly well. Upon landing, Prince Lelouch had handed her off to the guards and left without looking back. He had succeeded in his objective, and she ceased to exist. The guards brought her to a well furnished room, a gilded cage, and left her to her own devices. Not once had they spoken a word, their silence disconcerting. Even the servant-a frail girl with sickly limbs who brought her a steaming meal-had been silent outside of a whispered, "m'lady."
Did no one ever talk in Britannia? Or was this the beginning of the torture to crack open her mind so she would spill the E.U.'s secrets?
Leila paced the room restlessly, steadfastly ignoring the dress lying in the corner. Already, she had desperately searched the room to find something to fashion as a weapon. Her items of luxury had been chosen carefully, either bolted down or made of soft material. Even the bed lacked springs which she could've fashioned into a makeshift knife.
She was in an enemy territory and could not afford to let down her guard... not like she had with Prince Lelouch. Clenching her fists, she took a steadying breath. Righteous anger could only last so long, and the feeling of betrayal was creeping into its place, clogging her chest.
She rubbed her eyes and recalled his callous cruelty. Here in the viper's den, she could not betray a hint of weakness. They would use it against her, twisting the knife even further. Even now, she could be watched. A trapped creature on display to study and dissect.
The door unlocked and she whirled around, her hands raised. She would not be quiet.
"His Majesty is prepared to see you now," the guard said, voice flat.
She raised her chin. "I'm not leaving."
The guard didn't even blink and two more guards filed into the room. "His Majesty is prepared to see you now."
Exhaling slowly, she relaxed her hands. Fighting now was pointless, they would drag her before the Emperor by force if necessary, and she had no weapon to defend herself.
"Fine," she said and marched past them, still wearing her uniform. They would not take that from her.
They led her through winding passageways and staircases, their journey steadily heading upwards despite the countless turns. Finally, they entered a brightly lit hallway, a portrait closing behind them, and two massive doors ahead slowly opened.
Arguably the most powerful man in the world watched her enter with a bored expression. The guards peeled away from her, snapping to attention at the edge of the red carpet. If she made a single aggressive motion, they would immediately jump into action.
Stopping, Leila crossed her arms and glared defiantly.
"Kneel," the Emperor ordered, his booming voice echoing around her.
Knees weak, she lifted her chin. "No."
"You will kneel."
"I'm not one of your subjects."
He raised a hand, and her heart hammered. "I will not ask again."
The seconds ticked by; she did not kneel. The hand fell.
An electrical current ran through her body, her teeth buzzed, and she fell to the ground, gasping for breath. A knee pressed into her back, keeping her pinned despite her adrenaline fueled struggles.
The Emperor watched her dispassionately. "You can either kneel of your own volition, or I will force you."
The pressure eased, and she spat on the ground. She had already sacrificed her life to save Jeanne, but she wouldn't play a part of his games. Another jolt of electricity left her prone on the floor.
"Kneel," he ordered.
"I won't," she hissed, pushing herself upright, and cried out in pain as she fell once again.
"Do you think because you are here that your friend is safe?" the Emperor asked slowly, his eyes hard. "Your cooperation buys her safety. A word from me and that little quaint house at the edge of Paris will have an unfortunate gas leak. She will escape, but her mother will not. When the next accident strikes, she will not be so lucky."
Tears burning in her eyes, she knelt.
He smirked and leaned forward, his gaze turning from bored to predatory. In kneeling, she had granted him a victory and the keys to her compliance. Her actions hadn't saved Jeanne but left her stranded on the guillotine, unaware of the danger. But if she had done nothing, then Jeanne's death was also assured. Like his son, the Emperor didn't bluff.
"I apologize that such brutality was necessary, but order must be upheld. Of course, we will allow you some latitude to correct any faux pas. After all, Britannia and her customs are foreign to you despite your heritage. Only time will correct this unfortunate oversight in your education," he said.
"Don't pander me. I am your prisoner, regardless of whatever finery you shower me with." She stared into his eyes, unwilling to be cowed. "I'm French, Your Majesty, and I will remain so. This charade is a waste of both of our times."
"An honored guest," the Emperor said. "While a Britannian citizen, you have never once set foot in your home-country before. To punish you for the sins of your father from before you were even born is excessive." But executing Jeanne wasn't. "The E.U. has undoubtedly filled your ears with propaganda to turn you against your nation. Because we are merciful, your sentence is light."
Her lips curled at his dramatic pause. He thought his honeyed words would mask the poison beneath, but she would not be fooled again.
"Two years during which you will act as an upstanding Britannian citizen and explore our culture. Afterwards,"-he smiled-"you may choose whether to return to the E.U. or remain and reclaim your family name. During your visit, you will submit to Britannian laws and consequences. While allowances will be made to accommodate for your ignorance, you will still be held accountable for your actions."
"Like you would allow my return," she spat.
He raised his hand again, and she cursed herself for flinching. "Respect," he said, "is imperative. My patience wanes for your churlish antics."
"My apologies, Your Majesty," she said, fingers gouging into her palm.
"Britannia does not break formal agreements lightly. A copy of the contract you signed has already been filed with the E.U., and you will be allowed monitored video calls with those you wish to assure them of your health and safety. Discussing treason would of course lead to your immediate execution."
Where Jeanne would have been a symbol of the E.U.'s hypocrisy, Leila was a Britannian figurehead. The world would be watching her to see who she would choose: the E.U. or Britannia. The latter would shake the narrative that Britannia was a vile nation. Leila bit down on her smile. Britannia was gambling on her choosing the life of a noblewoman over a humble officer.
That was why Empress Marianne had sought her out and planted the seeds of doubt. They wanted her to believe Britannia was better and thought of her as a foolish, idealistic child because she fell for Prince Lelouch's machinations.
Two years... Two years of this charade, and then she could go home. If she talked to Jeanne, she would be able to warn her. All she had to do was play along. Let them think they had fooled her, while she held onto her beliefs.
"What of my past?' she challenged. "Will I be required to be an honorable Britannian citizen who spills the E.U.'s secrets, Your Majesty?"
"Keep your paltry information; Britannia has no need for it," he dismissed.
Leila took a steadying breath. She could do this. Collect information and win this game. "Fine."
"You should thank me for my generous generosity."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," she hissed, unable to keep the anger out of her voice.
The Emperor rose, robes gently falling to the ground. He approached slowly, and her heart hammered against her ribs, but she remained frozen, not daring to twitch a muscle. Smirking, he studied her, his purple eyes devoid of emotion.
"And how will you conduct yourself at the press conference?" he asked.
Jeanne...
"Respectfully, Your Majesty."
He walked behind her, and she turned to keep him in sight. His hands caught her hair, and he growled, "Eyes forward and down, Lady Breisgau."
"Malcal," she hissed, wincing at the sharp shooting pain.
"Malcal is an enemy soldier with no rights. Only Lady Bresigau is afforded protection. By signing the contract, you agreed to these terms," he said. Perhaps, she should have actually read it. "Regardless, as a Britannian citizen, you are as I will it. If I say your name now is Mildred, you will smile, thank me for the consideration, and accept your new identity. To do otherwise is to oppose the Emperor and commit treason. A fate which will strip you of all rights."
He did not have that right. Only she could decide who she was.
She chuckled. "You're making a very convincing argument for why I should join Britannia."
"Respect, Lady Breisgau." He let go, walked back before her, and watched her impassively as another shock left her gasping on the ground. "Would you rather be sold a lie?"
She coughed and righted herself. Her jaw and muscles ached. "Like the lie your son sold? Had a grand time with that, didn't he? Playing us all for fools and enacting your orders."
"Lelouch didn't receive any instructions from me. The plan was of his own design."
The last remnant of hope that he had been forced to died. The Emperor hadn't played the role of General Smilas in his life. No, Prince Lelouch was simply that ruthless and a frighteningly skilled liar. She had been such a fool, a puppet.
"You should be grateful to him. He put considerable effort in ensuring protections for yourself," the Emperor said. "My other children wouldn't have bothered."
"Grateful?" Because it could be worse? Leila clenched her jaw, but kept her eyes steadily trained on the ground.
"You think your position is difficult now? There is much worse I could do to you. Part of the agreement allows for an E.U. doctor to independently verify your claims of health. Britannia cannot inflict upon you lasting harm. Of course, there are other ways to ensure your compliance without leaving evidence. Lodging, sustenance, and monetary means are all assured for you. None of which were necessary. So show some gratitude."
"He ruined my life," she whispered, but not quiet enough.
"Your life was already ruined when your parents made the foolhardy decision to defect. A dour conclusion was inevitable. Your death would have suited Britannian just as well, but your continued existence has political benefits. Should those cease, then there is no need for you."
She hung her head, having nothing more to say. She had thought Prince Lelouch different. An exception to the royal family. But he was perhaps the only one who truly embodied the Britannian ideal and easily slipped between masks.
Undoubtedly, he would be the greatest threat the E.U. would ever face. Prince Schneizel was a known player on the field, and never participated in military affairs. His mother had died during the Emblem of Blood, limiting his field of influence to only himself. Empress Marianne in contrast was ever-increasingly popular and had the Emperor's ear. By being her son, Prince Lelouch could do nothing and benefit from her massive sphere of influence.
At the banquet, he had crossed cultural boundaries, reinforcing the image of a rebellious prince and building connection. Xingke had been amused by the prince and years from now, when Empress Tianzi became of an age to actually partake in governing, his opinion would sway her in Prince Lelouch's favor. In comparison, whatever plan Prince Schneizel and General Smilas had discussed was short term. General Smilas at least preferred practical gains seen in a span of a few years rather than decades.
Who thought that far ahead?
She had vainly hoped that the next Emperor of Britannia would be cut from a different cloth and allow the world to find peace, or at least give the E.U. a fighting chance. Instead, an even bigger monster lurked in the shadows, poised to earn the throne. Like his father, Prince Lelouch possessed the same absolute conviction of victory which would inspire the masses. The same cold ruthlessness to obliterate their foe without remorse. The same purple eyes. He was his father's son with none of the cautionary history.
"I will express my gratitude the next time we meet." She needed to survive for two years to warn the E.U. and convince them to take preemptive action. For now, her job was to play the meek captive bedazzled by Britannian luxury, while she collected information. Perhaps sow discontent...
"See that you do," the Emperor ordered.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Her mouth tasted of ash. "I was outmaneuvered by my opponent, even I can acknowledge that. I can only assume his skill developed here by spreading rumors and manipulating the court. His efforts to paint Britannia's conquest as part of an alien conspiracy has reached even our ears in the E.U."
The Emperor didn't grow angry like Prince Lelouch had suggested he would. Instead, he sighed. "I see why Marianne likes you."
What?
His footsteps receded. "You are a novice. Perhaps your next attempt won't be as pitiful. A guard will escort you back to your rooms and then the press conference. For your friend, you will be the happy girl excited to sample what Britannia has to offer." He paused. "You may wear your uniform if you wish. It will be burned afterwards. You're dismissed."
Unable to hide her tremors, she unsteadily rose to her feet. Her knees hurt from kneeling. How did Britannias do this constantly?
The guards didn't move and she could feel the expectant silence.
Bowing, she said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Sydney, Australia
Gene Smilas rolled his cigarette between his fingers as he looked down at the bustling city below, the traffic having subsided now that lunch was over. Soon it would restart as businesses closed and the mad dash home began. Wind tugging on his hair, he pulled out his phone again and found, once again, no new messages from Leila. Jeanne was frantic with worry. Something had gone terribly wrong, but he had no evidence to accuse Britannia. Only the suspicion that Prince Lelouch had somehow been part of it.
Him procuring a treaty, pre-approved with the Emperor's signature, had been a surprise. Even Prince Schneizel was not afforded such latitude. Their previous negotiations had stalled because the Emperor refused to compromise on certain matters. Now, he suddenly had, basically offering the E.U. exactly what they wished with only reasonable concessions on their part. Gene smelled a rat.
Unfortunately, Prince Lelouch had invited the ambassadors from the Middle Eastern Federation and Anglo-Egyptian Sudan Democratic Kingdom. Their presence tied Gene's hand. The E.U. needed their cooperation to maintain trade, and an insult to them would've been politically devastating-and career ending.
Measured footsteps approached from behind, and Prince Schneizel stopped at the edge of the railing. "Quaint spot."
"You were the one who suddenly insisted that meeting at the embassy was no longer secure," Gene said and took another drag of his cigarette. Smoking always annoyed the prince. "I'm missing my aide. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that?"
"Hardly. I must congratulate you on ensuring such a beneficial treaty for the E.U. Your position as the Secretary of State is nearly guaranteed now."
"I did nothing. Your brother did all the work." Gene looked down at the city again. "You said he would not interfere with our plans."
"If I dumped any more paperwork on him, I would have roused suspicion. My office has never had more free time. He should not have had the time nor energy to concoct any scheme."
"Well, he gambled extravagantly. He clearly had a plethora of free time."
"Lelouch's unholy aptitude at completing paperwork aside, have your people seen him?"
Gene frowned. Leila gone, now Prince Lelouch. Somehow the trap had been the meeting, but its form remained elusive. "Did anything happen with his guards?"
"Not to my knowledge. His mother's entourage is supplementing his suite's security which is honestly more of a necessity at this point." Prince Schneizel shook his head. "I've already inquired at all the casinos he would normally frequent, but they haven't seen him either."
"We didn't do anything." If someone had, there would be hell to pay.
"A whisper to Marianne's ear, and she will attempt to wipe out the E.U. on her own," Prince Schneizel warned. "We're not ready for such a move."
His phone buzzed, and Gene pulled it out, reading the frantic text from one of his staff. Pulling up the newsfeed, his heart sank. "I found our two wayward youths."
Prince Schneizel leaned closer, his face eerily blank.
"Your brother played you," Gene said. Somewhere between Leila's text and the meeting, he had ensured Leila would accompany him back to Britannia. She looked well in the image, so it wasn't a physical kidnapping. They were claiming she had come of her own free will, a ridiculous idea. But he wasn't the one the Emperor was trying to convince, rather the general public. "And me, it seems. If you want my assistance, she will stay alive."
Lips quirked, Prince Schneizel turned away from the feed and the barrage of questions from the reporters. "The two years is a lie."
Another text flashed across his screen. One of his assistants had confirmed the correct paperwork had been filed, simply conveniently misplaced for the past day. Everything had been premeditated.
"The Emperor will lose face if he denies her request to return home," Gene said. This was her only hope, but her promising military career was now over. No one would ever trust her again. Hadn't he warned her repeatedly to be careful?
"The Emperor is surprisingly persuasive in such matters. He won't let her return. She's useless to you now. Security around her shouldn't be too stringent. I would suggest you eliminate her. She heard too much of our conversation."
Gene shook his head. "She won't say anything."
"People betray ideals to survive."
"I thought you said the Emperor has no reason to suspect you? He wouldn't even know to ask her."
"Lelouch knew," Prince Schneizel said and slowly tapped his finger on the rail. "I thought the friction between him and the Emperor would be enough to prevent such a collaboration, but the Emperor clearly orchestrated this, and my brother doesn't dare to disobey."
"He follows orders like the good little soldier he is," Gene said. A prince trained in obedience. Who would have imagined?
Prince Schneizel fixed him with a harsh glare. "How do you know that?"
"You neglected to share it as per our agreement," Gene said coldly.
Prince Schneizel frowned briefly. "I considered it unimportant. Agitating him and betraying his trust would've been detrimental to recruiting him. Of course that is moot now. The Emperor holds his loyalty too securely."
"What do you know then? Because if the Emperor sends him after us, I would like to know my enemy instead of flying blind, and you will answer, or I walk away, and you gain nothing from all these months idling away here."
"He enlisted at twelve and insisted on a ridiculous cover story of selling furniture. Generally, he keeps to himself and will do anything for his sister. Otherwise, he has no formal allies, is insistent on his neutrality, and unable to afford any of the expected servants, instead relying on Marianne's generosity." Prince Schneizel raised an eyebrow. "Satisfied?"
Leila had said he was friendly with the Sumeragi girl who was pursuing him romantically. Whether they felt anything for each other was irrelevant. Sumeragi had a controlling interest in Sakuradite mining and was investing heavily to diversify their holdings. The Kyoto House was set to become one of the largest companies in Britannia, undoubtedly helped by the aid of Prince Lelouch.
The Emperor hoarded military and financial power. Him entrusting Empress Marianne with military affairs, and then Princess Cornelia, had been shocking. Both of them were blindly loyal and would never think of staging a coup. More importantly, he oversaw all the finances himself and held the purse string of each of the royals. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury was a similar fanatic but completely devoted to numbers. He was incapable of holding a conversation beyond parroting Britannian propaganda.
Military might helped with coups, which was what Schneizel was settling for. Financial independence was near impossible. The Emperor wanted his children and wives reliant upon him. Their expensive social obligations prevented them from accruing any substantial savings, as suddenly the Emperor would insist on their presence. The only possible escape was through marriage.
Sumeragi was swimming in money with a net worth only expected to grow. She sought power and even sold out her father to elevate herself. She was also pursuing Prince Lelouch... a soldier. The Emperor hadn't stopped either of them. He was risking his power.
Either the Emperor believed his control over his son to be absolute or had chosen his successor. Both seemed laughable, given Prince Lelouch's outspoken statements. While they could've been a lie, Prince Lelouch had actually read the books he debated. There were many other possible masks he could've chosen which were easier to wear and less conspicuous.
While his facade had perhaps been tailored to fool them, it relied on his real personality. For him, it was the easiest mask to wear.
Gene studied Prince Schneizel standing next to him, completely relaxed. The man was a snake, only trustworthy when his goals complemented Gene's. He wished to be the Emperor; he needed an army. But were the winds to change direction, he would abandon the ship and begin anew.
Prince Schneizel hadn't realized the implications, and Gene wouldn't clue him in on the threat his younger brother posed. He needed a significant challenge, otherwise Britannia would finish its succession crisis quickly and return to plundering the world.
"Keep Leila alive," Gene said firmly. "Had I known he enlisted at such a young age, we would have proceeded differently and wouldn't be in such a mess."
"His age is irrelevant. How did you discover his status though? Information parity as we agreed."
"He acts like a soldier, and his guards are military as well."
Gene turned away. As if Prince Lelouch's age of enlistment was irrelevant. Children were more malleable. Naturally, he obeyed his father despite his displeasure. Obedience was instilled in every soldier. If he hadn't spirited Leila away, Gene would almost pity him.
Smushing his cigarette, Gene asked, "Will you be returning to Britannia now that the negotiations have been concluded?"
"No. I will continue to maintain diplomatic relationships. You are the only one going home, General," Prince Schneizel said, a rare trace of irritation to his voice.
Gene had initially accepted the plan because his own career had come to an end. The negotiations were supposed to keep him out of his countrymens' hair and prevent him from accruing a greater following back home. Old wealth did not like having their tender balance of power upset. Now, his victory, delivered to him on a silver platter by Prince Lelouch, guaranteed he would be made Secretary of Defense regardless of who won the election.
"I wish you the best of luck," Gene said, inclining his head and leaving.
Continuing to isolate Prince Schneizel meant the Emperor was suspicious. It was time to cut ties.
Author's Note:
And thus begins a new arc. Hopefully, there'll be some worldbuilding thoughts next chapter, but my well is running dry.
Quick Question: Roy's wedding is coming up. How invested are you guys in reading it? I'm considering posting it as a related one-shot since it's not that plot relevant.
If you haven't already noticed, I published a one-shot Finding Sincerity for Lelouch/Leila although it isn't very romantic. Otherwise, the next update will be in two weeks, same time as always.
Thank you x1tears1X and Spaded Ace18 on FFN and Dark for your help with betaing. Leave a comment on your way out. :)
Chat with me on the discord: discord . gg / uSBegVj