Recap: Having met the three children under Lelouch's protection, Marianne revealed his identity to them. Kallen accepted a place in Lelouch's royal guard and has proven herself in defending Tokyo.

Chapter 41: Shadows in the Heart

In many ways, Nunnally's real story began on her fourteenth birthday, with the start of the 2017 debutante season. Breaking from the traditional start in Pendragon, Emperor Charles zi Britannia elected to hold the opening night in Area Eleven despite the recent and ongoing turmoil. It was a way of showing Britannian strength and boosting local morale, and arguably, a cover for his agents to arrive in Area Eleven and root out the last of the corruption.

—An Accessible History of Nunnally vi Britannia

712th Division Base, Area Eleven

Shins bruised, Roy smiled gratefully at the far saner child who was restraining Ko. Chino's lips twisted in a grimace as Ko screamed obscenities and pounded his hands and feet against her chest. Clearly, he hadn't taken to learning Lelouch was a prince well. At least, he had waited to throw a temper tantrum until after Empress Marianne left.

Roy despised his job.

"You should've alerted me," Roy growled at Naoto.

"Oh, because that would've gone so well with armed soldiers right in front of us."

"Fuck," Roy mumbled, massaging his temples as the boy became even louder, his screams a scalpel excavating his brains. He was never having a kid.

Across from him, Naoto's expression shifted to one of alarm as Ko shouted in Japanese. Chino meanwhile frantically attempted to hush him.

"Stop!" Roy barked as a familiar word stood out amongst the indecipherable and garbled strings of sound. "What did you say?"

Ko thankfully fell quiet, his eyes hateful as he stubbornly crossed his arms. "Suzaku will save us, and he'll kick your ass, and you'll be sorry!"

Chino slapped a hand over his mouth. At her age, Lelouch would've been inscrutable.

Suzaku. Knowing Lelouch, they weren't a poor soul who had the misfortune to share a name with the so-called Emperor of Japan.

"You will never mention that name again if you value your life," Roy warned, voice dark and serious. Even fresh soldiers, resistant to the chain of command, took heed at that tone.

Ko tore the offending hand away from his mouth. "You're the bad guys! You killed Kaasan and Niisan beats mean people up. He won't lose, not against some stupid Brits!"

"Maybe, that's the point," Roy said coldly, at the end of his patience. "You think Lelouch is an evil prince, and evil prince would advertise that he's holding the little brother of a terrorist hostage."

"He's not a ter-rorist!"

"And then that evil prince would threaten to kill you, and your valiant older brother will of course come to rescue you, walking right into a trap. Or do you think your precious brother is able to fight an entire army on his own?"

If only that was Lelouch's plan instead of whatever was going through his head. The army was no place to raise children, and Lelouch had no idea how to raise them. He would probably teach them the finer points of pyrotechnics. Or the art of subterfuge. Or how to use a knife effectively... Lelouch had no idea what was normal.

Ko sniffled, shaking his head and hugging himself tightly. At his side, Chino trembled, disturbed.

Good. Neither of them understood the threat Britannia posed, and the danger they were in due to their past and being under Lelouch's protection. They needed to learn prudence now. In a better life, Roy could afford to coddle them and let them run their treasonous tongues dripping with treacherous secrets. This life would probably see them all dead.

"He won't," Ko said, voice heavy with tears. "He won't. Oniisan trusts him. He took us to him because I was sick, and he didn't trust the others." He fell to his knees. "Why didn't he come? He could have."

Chino wrapped him in a hug, whispering comforting words in Japanese as she kept an eye on him.

Roy closed his eyes. Lelouch had met with Suzaku and let him go. If people learned, it would call Lelouch's loyalties into doubt. People would suggest they were conspiring together. And maybe they were. Lelouch hoarded secrets like a man in the desert, protecting his last drop of water.

"You will never speak of this again," Roy warned. He had a duty to Lelouch, to the division, and to their future. "You will forget his name. You will not speak to anyone unless ordered to by myself, Lelouch, or Naoto. If pressed, you may say I forbid you. You will not question my orders and follow them to the best of your abilities. Do you understand?"

Chino shuddered and hugged the boy tightly. "And if we don't?"

"Then you are a threat which will be eliminated."

He would not sacrifice everything they had built for two children. He needed them removed. Could he ask Selina to help? There would be questions if she suddenly was taking care of two foreign children. Had Lelouch thought through this foolhardiness at all?

Shutting the door behind him, Roy glared at Naoto. "I presume you can impress upon your brother the importance of being silent."

Naoto nodded. "Would you really..."

"I don't know," Roy admitted, which was worse. Once, he would've done it with no hesitations. They were just Numbers, one related to an enemy of Britannia. Once, he would've done nothing because they were children, innocent of other's sins. Now, it could be necessary to protect them all. Was it right to sacrifice two children's lives on the altar of their ambition? "Make sure it does not come to that."

"They're children," Naoto whispered.

"Their words could have far greater consequences than those of a mere child. If Lelouch falls, then all of us do. There will never be another chance for us to change the Empire."

"Empress Marianne is his mother."

"His parents let him head off to Area Two to fight the Count at the age of twelve. The 712th was a death trap. They do not care." Even if Lelouch had somehow twisted the evidence around in his head because it was easier to see himself as a tool of use than a piece easily discarded.

"The Emperor favors him," Naoto argued.

"Yes. For what he can become. A genius commander entirely loyal to him. A young mind that can be shaped and twisted into what he believes the future of the Empire needs. The Emperor's favor is a sweet poison. It distracts you from the death of your ideals and desires, until you become exactly what the Emperor envisions."

As much as it pained Roy, it was better for Lelouch to view himself as a tool. He wouldn't lose himself as easily. Of course, it brought problems, like Lelouch's inability to value his own life or desires.

"Maybe the children are a good thing," Roy mumbled as he left Naoto behind to stew upon his words. Lelouch had acted not only beyond his role, but against it. If the Emperor learned, the retaliation would be swift and brutal. Lelouch wasn't supposed to consider he could be more than a prince or commander.

The light in his office spilled from beneath the door, and Roy slowed in surprise.

"Roy," Lelouch greeted him with a pleasant smile. His words were weary and pained. "How is everyone?"

"We lost around a thousand men, and another five thousand have injuries which will take time to recover from." Roy paused, dismissing the voice of suspicion in the back of his mind that the battle hadn't been natural. "We're lucky that the JLF assisted us."

"Good job," Lelouch murmured absently, flipping through a folder. "They left Area Eleven?"

"Yes. Empress Marianne caught wind of their movements and set out on her own but was ultimately unsuccessful." She had taken on twenty-eight knightmares and made it look like child's play. If she actually had reinforcements with a fresh energy filler, the JLF would've ended then and there. "She also ordered Lord Ashford's men to bring the two children to her. They and Oscar know who you are."

Grimacing, Lelouch set the folder down. "She shouldn't have said anything. They didn't need to know."

"You're taking care of them. They had to learn the truth eventually." Although, maybe not from the Butcher herself.

Lelouch shook his head. "They're children."

Sighing in frustration, Roy closed the door. "What was your plan then? Tell them nothing? Lie to them for years. Keep them away from every news source because your face will undoubtedly be plastered across every newspaper and screen in the coming years. Or did you have someone lined up to take care of them so they would forget you entirely? Someone who you never mentioned to me?"

"It's not like that," Lelouch said. "I worked it out with my father. They'll take the Lamperouge name. They won't interact with royalty. They would have been better off not knowing my mother slaughtered their people, that my brother annihilated their home, that my father preaches they're subhuman!"

"So you would have built a relationship on lies. How long can that last, Lelouch? People need to know. They will find out."

Lelouch swallowed. His shoulders drooped. "I know."

Roy raised an eyebrow.

"I'm leaving the division. My father wants me to take on more public roles which Zero is not. They'll learn when I leave. They deserve that much, but not before. If one person sees the truth as an opportunity to actually strike a damaging blow against the Empire, then my father will scrap this little experiment. We have over twenty-thousand men. I'm not a fool enough to think each will follow me."

"You're probably right," Roy admitted. There were enough of the officers he spoke to who were leery upon learning the truth. People who knew Lelouch trusted him, but the division was simply too large for that to be practical. At least Lelouch was finally thinking about it. "What happens afterwards then?"

"My father suggested knighting you. I argued against it, but I have no idea what he will decide. I would prefer for you to be in command."

"I'm not you," Roy said tiredly. "They barely accept me. I will be dealing with the fallout of your identity and a knighting or noble rank will only increase the distance between me and the others."

Lelouch laughed bitterly. "The other option is the next Fortescue. Would you step aside and let them die?"

"Don't try and guilt trip me. I'm merely saying they will always be your men at heart." Roy sighed. "I'll talk to my grandmother and prepare for the wind, whichever way it will blow."

A slight frown passed over Lelouch's face. "Your grandmother? Not your parents?"

"She's the one pulling the strings and has the connections needed." Yes, something had happened between them at his wedding. "She likes me far more than my cousin. She will continue to support me, and by extension, you."

"You're not my pawn," Lelouch growled.

"I'm more than your pawn, but without you, I will drown in this sea of intrigue you have sailed us through. After all, if the Emperor wishes for you to take on a more active role, the waters will only become more treacherous. I highly doubt you were allowed to return to play Zero."

"No," Lelouch admitted. "I'm taking over Clovis's administrative duties, while he bankrupts himself hosting the beginning of this year's season. I wanted to tell you in person that I won't have time to be here."

"Something else is bothering you," Roy accused. His friend was far more than sullen that he couldn't resume his preferred duties. Most notably, he hadn't spat Clovis's name in disgust.

"My father knew the invasion was coming and deemed the consequences acceptable, including the incredibly likely event that Clovis would die. Worse, Clovis wasn't even surprised when I alluded to our father's attitude. He knows he's done for, but he's still keeping quiet about his project because he has to believe it will protect him somehow."

Lelouch turned away, his rigid posture relaxing into a slouch. "If my father had been less apathetic, would he have been driven to such lengths? I'm furious at Clovis, yet I pity him. He thinks I'm going to help him, soften our father's blatant apathy, but I'm betraying him, finding out his little side project. And I can't help but imagine myself in his shoes, knowing my father wants me dead, and desperate to provide something of value that would make my life worth protecting. I think I would be worse."

Lelouch truly believed the Emperor wanted Clovis dead...

This was beyond Roy. He could barely grasp Lelouch's burden of expectations or the callous relationship between him and his parents. Roy had always been secure in the knowledge that his parents loved him. Even his cousin, manipulative and insufferable, would never go as far as to plot Roy's death. Without him to lord over, his cousin would be quite lost with what to do with himself.

"We found a lead," Roy said, grateful for the topic change. He would let their growing council of officers who knew the truth stew on the revelation that the Emperor schemed his children's death if they failed him. "It sounds bizarre but one of the insurgents said the canister they stole contained a green haired woman. I'd dismiss it, but there have been weird accounts from the border patrol of such a woman. Men leaving their posts, hallucinating what's not there, Japanese men storming the guard and not remembering what caused them to do it."

"Don't be ridiculous." Lelouch scoffed. His eyes were worried, and Roy silently handed over a sketch that a soldier had made.

Really, if Roy hadn't been dealing with the impossibility that was Lelouch for years, he would be more skeptical. But at some point, things simply were no longer plausible and there were many tales of things beyond their understanding. The Britannian stories had fallen into obscurity, but Roy remembered hiding under the blankets as his grandfather read bedside tales which spoke of monsters wearing human skin whose presences infected the air until only misfortune passed.

The Numbers had tales of their own. Of gods and spirits and other strange creatures. Of people with unnatural beauty who feasted upon souls. Of desperate bargains who drove the user mad. Of the blessed who changed the tides of history where they walked.

Was it really so ridiculous to assume the world stretched beyond what they knew? Lelouch might argue to the contrary, but he was cursed with luck. Henry wasn't normal either. Humans didn't move like that.

Eyes serious, Lelouch lowered the picture. "I need to go."

"What do you know?"

"There was..." Lelouch shook his head. "Forget what you know and assemble a list of those who would be the easiest to help disappear if the worst should happen to pass."

Then he was gone. Outside, his footsteps were joined by another, steady and loud—the opposite of Henry's.

Roy picked up the sketch again and shivered. There was something off with the drawing. A sense of foreboding hung to each stroke. He slipped it into his desk drawer and turned the lock.

How did she connect to Clovis and the string of weird incidents?

Once, he could let his curiosity rest. He picked up the telephone and scheduled an appointment with the head of the palace security. Then he changed into his civilian garb to hunt down the men who helped maintain the peace in the greater Tokyo area.

Sanyoonoda, Yamaguchi, Area Eleven

Across the bay, a heavy cloud of smoke and debris rested over Kyushu. The winds fruitlessly tugged and pushed. The smoke continued to rise, slowly expanding. Leila could taste the smog outside.

Colonel Vaughan heels clicked together as he stopped at her side and looked out of the skyscraper's window. "The Blood of the Samurai appears to be having some trouble."

"Yes, sir," Leila agreed. She hated being here, helping Britannia regain the territory it lost, but one didn't turn down a suggestion from Empress Marianne. For her to succeed, she needed to advance in Britannian society. A victory was a defeat. It merely resulted in further work and further horrors to oversee. Like an island burning with resistance.

"Are you sure you trust your new servant?" Colonel Vaughan asked quietly. "He is an Eleven."

"I can at least be fairly certain he isn't in the Purist's employ, sir," she answered, resisting the urge to glance backwards and see what Akito was doing.

"There was another assassin last night in the palace," he whispered. "They made it halfway to the royal chambers before Empress Marianne dispatched them. It's strange. Another five nobles died in the night. Trusting an Eleven is perhaps the wisest thing in these times."

An assassin got that far?

Shaking her head, Leila refocused on the neighboring island. "I don't understand. The Emperor wants us to wait but also expects us to retake it within a month."

"I suspect he has his agents within the region, inciting chaos. Our job is to maintain the siege and blockade the island from any possible supplies."

"What of the Britannians?" she asked. They would suffer as well.

Colonel Vaughan shrugged and accepted the cup of coffee Akito offered. "It is true then that the E.U. citizens are not armed?"

"The majority, no," Leila answered warily. "A man carrying a weapon is more likely to escalate a situation and use deadly force."

"Huh. I always thought that was our propaganda," he said. "Britannians know how to fight, the nobility especially, but the commoners as well. It was necessary in the beginning with tense relations on the frontier and then because of the threat of Napoleon returning. We have a standing army, but every noble has their own security forces which are expected to fight in the event of an invasion. The commoners are used to relying on themselves and have their own informal militias which will be assisting as well. To allow the enemy to become entrenched in your region is shameful. Their best hope of regaining their honor is to expel them."

"The Elevens outnumber them," Leila said.

"The area never recovered from being conquered," Colonel Vaughan agreed. "It's why it was so much easier to push the rebels back elsewhere. If they had dispersed into the countryside instead of trying to hold territory, things would be more difficult. Still, I imagine the nobles there are biting their fingernails because if they don't turn this around, they'll be accused of treason.

"That's insane," Leila mumbled. "What if Britannians rebel? They already have weapons. A protest could easily turn into a dangerous riot."

"Maybe a commoner will conspire to kill his lord, but never to strike against the Empire. We barely have protests, so it isn't much of an issue."

"What of the Count?"

Colonel Vaughan took a slow sip of his coffee. "That was unusual. The Count had a noble title which made it possible, and those born in nobility rarely desire for the system to change, much less tear it down."

Leila raised an eyebrow. "And you?"

"Well, that is a dangerous question." He set the cup down and shook out the morning newspaper. "I love my country much like I love my siblings, Major. I'm also very glad that Prince Clovis is now barred from military affairs and Prince Lelouch will be dealing with the more strenuous aspects of governing."

Essentially, there was no real problem, only a few bad apples that would inevitably be replaced. She had hoped for more, given his receptive nature.

"You trust Prince Lelouch then?" she asked.

"You were the one to speak with his mother." He lowered the newspaper with a smirk. "Rumor has it she asked your opinion on marriage."

Behind him, Akito nearly dropped his tray.

"How do you—"

He flipped to the next page. "It always helps to have a few palace servants in your favor. Some people are so crude to think they should be bribed, or worse, threatened. A charming smile, a helping hand, and an open ear goes far. Now, Pendragon is much harder. The Emperor is far more paranoid and possessive in isolating the servants. Carine was a fool to use them to satisfy her bloodlust."

"Well, your spies were wrong," she said. "Empress Marianne was merely inquiring on the state of my engagement with my fiance, not whatever you are implying."

"Sure." He folded the paper together. "Then she sends you off to fight once more. It's quite foolish to let a former E.U. officer into our higher ranks. Prince Clovis did because he always succumbs to a pretty face."

"Prince Lelouch arranged it," she shot back.

"Neither of them are fools, so they want something out of you." He looked at her meaningfully.

"I did not defect because I was in love with Prince Lelouch!"

"Maybe Prince Lelouch arranged it because of his desires," he said. "I do not know them well enough to say, but Empress Marianne has never been subtle. If she's asking you about marriage, then the reason is marriage."

Her mouth soured. Empress Marianne had made her disdain for Yoan quite clear. Sure, Prince Lelouch wasn't the devil incarnate, but she had no desire to marry the one responsible for her captivity. It was far safer and more prudent to keep her distance.

Colonel Vaughan laughed. "I think you must be the only lady in all of Britannia who would react with such a face. It is to your credit. Too many think marrying royalty will allow them to control them, but the royal family is nothing but stubborn. It is a shame you didn't return sooner to Britannia. It is much more difficult to find marriage prospects when you did not debut during the season. It marks you as low class."

"I have a fiance," she grumbled. "I would have to annul our arrangement before proceeding with anything. It wouldn't be right otherwise. I won't cheat."

He looked at her blankly. "You haven't even married, and with no parents, you don't need to seek out their permission either..."

"It's not proper."

"Proper? Do you mean those ridiculous antics in your soap dramas have a kernel of truth to them?"

Leila groaned. "Why is that the only thing of ours you people watch!"

"For some reason, they're routinely approved by the censors." His brow drew together. "You really hold to all that? What do you do when your family wants you to marry someone you don't find attractive at all? Or when the flames of youth recede? I can't imagine marrying someone without having been together first. No wonder your people are so easily distracted. They're all repressed."

Leila gaped. Repressed? Britannians spent all their time worrying someone overheard some treasonous sentiment. "The E.U. believes in commitment, and if a couple is unable to hold to their vows, then they can divorce."

Colonel Vaughan's nose wrinkled. "Divorce? That is far too much effort. Just take a mistress if you don't want to deal with the taxes of marrying again."

Britannians were insane.

Sighing, she took out her notebook. "Tomorrow, I'll take a company to cut the power lines. You will be coordinating an attack on the west end to bait them in using up their ammunition. I'm worried that they will retaliate against the hostages. We should aim to free them."

"It's not our responsibility," he said. "They allowed themselves to be captured."

"There are children."

"And their lord should have fought harder to protect them. The army is concerned with strategic objectives and national issues."

Leila glared at him.

"Fine." He rolled his eyes and stood up. Expectantly, he held out his hand until she handed him her notebook. "Every evening, you may scrounge up some volunteers and help secure some hostages. If it begins to interfere with your regular duties, then you will cease."

"Thank you," she ground out.

His face turned solemn as he flipped through the pages. "Focus on the children, Breisgau. Those under the age of fourteen. Some lord will be trying to cover his or his ally's ass and try to charge them with aiding and abetting. It's better for them to die as a hostage—the story being they resisted, than to be hanged for treason."

She felt sick as he returned the notebook. Empress Marianne's words floated in the back of her mind. She had been the one to suggest Leila could assist with retrieving the hostages. She would have known the consequences.

"Why do you have the twenty-fifth marked with 'have a dress'? Surely, Clovis provided some for you." And Leila was never going to touch any of them. "If you really need one, you should wait for the week after. The dressmakers will be overrun then."

"It's Princess Nunnally's birthday, and Empress Marianne invited me." She frowned. "I guess I will have to find someone here who can do a fitting."

"That's her birthday? I didn't realize," he murmured. "It seems you've managed to acquire an invite for the season after all. Empress Marianne must like you considerably."

Viceroy Palace, Area Eleven

Lelouch stepped aside as the guards rushed forward to detain the assassin, the fifth of the week. She had been a mere child, tasked with a crime far beyond her capabilities. He would've preferred to save her; his instincts, high strung, had disagreed. It was simply another death at his hand. He had double checked the palace security after each attempt, but he had yet to find the flaw which was allowing so many so close.

His father had responded by sending more of his personal guards, and his mother remained close by.

"I can't imagine Nunnally arriving to this," Lelouch said to Frederick as he left the room.

"They have been a peculiar twist of amateur and incompetence," Frederick answered.

If Lelouch was more like Roy, he would begin blaming spirits. That the invasion had stirred ancient kamis which were driving people to madness. Of course, that was ridiculous. Roy vehemently disagreed. He also thought that Clovis was the true target despite having only dealt with one assassin in the past week. His mother had dealt with two.

Still, he wondered and stopped in Clovis's room of strange grotesque horrors. Before him, the painting loomed over him with a woman writhing in the flames and vivid green hair. If he believed the unreliable source from the ghetto, the woman his father was after had been in the capsule. It made no sense to imprison any person like that. They would suffocate.

There were only two explanations: deception or madness.

Had his brother gone mad from understanding that his father would kill him? Clovis wasn't stupid. Lelouch hadn't seen the truth until it stared at him right in his face, and even now, he kept trying to rationalize that his father did not mean what he said. He refused to be a coward who shirked from the truth.

In Clovis's shoes, well... Lelouch would never have gone so far because he didn't see the point. But if Nunnally were the one his father condemned to death?

Lelouch shuddered. It was best people never learned how far he was willing to go for others. It terrified him to know he stood at the edge of the abyss, a mere step away from losing himself.

The Emperor had no boundaries in his role as the guardian of the nation. It allowed him to condemn his own child to death. What was Lelouch to him? A son, a prince, a general, a tool, a pawn, inconsequential? There were moments when there were hints of something more. His father had offered a vulnerability to him. It should mean something.

But his father was coldhearted and cruel, capable of twisting the most benign gesture. A man who orchestrated the events of his son's demise could not be trusted to be honest. Those token gestures of affection could be nothing more than a way to keep his son in line and of use.

Why was the thought so disappointing? He had always known he could expect nothing from his father. Nothing had changed.

Sighing, Lelouch turned around and prayed that his brother was not involved with that woman. He had no desire to watch a sibling's execution. There had been enough deaths as of late. if there was anyone beyond this foolish mortal realm, they had to be satisfied by now.

Back in his office, freshly cleared of the corpse, he pulled out the files Alex gave him and selected the next victim. He wouldn't reveal his hand yet, but he could decimate the Purist's power base before he finally acted.

Maybe, instead of retiring to an island, he should request a surgeon to rearrange his face before embarking upon being a traveling doctor. Maybe then, he could somehow atone for blood he was spilling and the countless more that would come.

He was finally a proper prince.

Viceroy Palace, Area Eleven

A week before her birthday, Nunnally returned to Japan. The air smelt crisper, and the palace hummed with unsettling tension. The assassination attempts had finally slowed down. Or rather, they were now caught outside of the palace.

"Nunnally!" Allie shouted exuberantly. The guard lunged forward, followed by a heavy thump. "Ouch."

"Let her go," Nunnally ordered. "She is trusted."

Slowly, Nunnally approached her friend's labored breathing and hugged her. The other members of the student council, including Katherine and Warren, conversed in whispers.

"Don't make any sudden moves," Nunnally suggested. "The guards are a little on edge."

"Is everything alright?" Allie asked.

"Nina!" Milly shouted excitedly as Nina entered behind Nunnally, her suitcase clicking against the ground. A stampede of footsteps followed to greet Nina.

It hurt. Nunnally had missed them, worried about them, but none dared to approach her besides Allie.

"I missed you," Nunnally half sobbed and held her friend tighter. "I'm sorry. I should've protected you. You got hurt because of me."

"I should apologize," Allie whispered. "I was so frustrated that I pushed too much and we became sloppy."

Stubbornly, Nunnally shook her head. The dull thud of the heartbeat against her chest was frustrating.

"Our friend... He's fine, but he left."

"That's... good."

Why hadn't he stayed? Did he know that she couldn't protect anyone?

"Your highness," Shirley interrupted with a slight stutter. "I wanted to apologize. What we did was unforgivable and—"

"Shirley, please." Nunnally reached out, grabbing her friend's arm as she brushed against it. "I was the one responsible. Everything you did was because I pushed you. I am the one who should apologize and the one responsible."

"I—" Shirley choked and allowed herself to be pulled in for a hug. "I was so scared, and your brother—"

"He's not normally like that," she assured her. Nunnally could so easily be like that. "If the Emperor had learned... I was foolish. I won't make such a mistake again."

"But you're a princess," Shirley whispered. "I thought Milly was exaggerating."

Nunnally flinched. "How is everyone? And Milly? I haven't heard from anyone yet. The academy is fine, right? I know my mother left to help, but nobody told me anything."

"We're fine. Kallen actually held them off. I can't believe the first time she was in a simulator she got motion sick. There's some security footage that some students leaked. She was amazing. And your mother too."

"I'm glad," Nunnally said. "Even after the OSI? Nobody got into trouble?"

"I would've thought Lelouch told you," Allie interrupted. "It's like it never happened. Everyone believes the Blood of the Samurai took us hostage. The media has been hounding us over it, and it got so bad that Lord Ashford had us move into the dorms permanently."

"I haven't talked to Lelouch," Nunnally admitted. She didn't know what to say. "What if he hates me?"

Allie sniffed. "Then he needs his ass kicked."

"Allie!" Nunnally shrieked, Shirley's voice joining in. "You can't say things like that."

"Well, it's true. Not that I have to, because he's your brother. Have you seen how he frets over you?"

"Actually, no," Nunnally said dryly.

Shirley chuckled weakly. "I'm sure he didn't mean us harm. Warren and Milly were quite clear he could've done far worse."

"It doesn't make it right," Nunnally whispered.

Light footsteps drifted closer, and Katherine asked, "Do you hate him for it?"

"Why should she?" Warren interrupted, voice dripping with his usual condescension. "It wasn't our place to seek justice when Prince Clovis already acted. Well, Princess Nunnally—" She groaned. "—can because she's royalty. And he helped us. We would've died! And now he's basically in charge of Area Eleven."

"I'm not mad," Nunnally whispered. She merely wanted her brother. "I'm going to keep being the Black King. The Emperor approved, but we need to keep Area Eleven stable, not attack the Viceroy, whoever they will be."

Warren snorted. "Your brother."

"We know the Viceroy," Katherine whispered in awe. "I knew I was going to be the Viceroy's personal assistant!"

"You're not," Nunnally said dryly. "Lelouch has people he trusts already."

"My charm will win over the Viceroy!"

"Earth to Katherine," Warren teased. "Last time you met you were just shy of being executed for treason."

"It's a classic underdog story."

"You're not marrying my brother." Nunnally sniffed. "None of you are worthy. He deserves someone far prettier."

Allie giggled. "You can't see."

"A far prettier voice. You all sound like dying ravens." She blinked away a sudden tear. He couldn't marry. It would take him further away from her. "He'll be at my birthday party, but you don't have to attend; I'm serious. We can have a small celebration together in the student council room afterwards. I understand if you don't want to be near him."

"Isn't it a noble gathering?" Nina squeaked. "Would it even be okay?"

"They already judge me. I won't be ashamed of who my friends are. I'm not returning to school, but I won't forget you."

Allie released a shaky breath next to her and grabbed her hand tightly with a whispered, "Thank you."

Had it been bothering her that much? But then why turn down being her knight? Nunnally thought she didn't want to be friends anymore.

"I'm going," Katherine declared. "Think of the networking opportunities."

Warren groaned. "I don't want to, but your mother invited my parents as well, and they would never miss the opportunity."

"Will Lord Asplund be there?" Nina asked. "He's quite famous at the Camelot Internship."

"I think so?" Nunnally answered.

Nina hummed in the affirmative, and her warm body pushed against her.

Tilting her head, Nunnally frowned. "Where is Rolando?"

Allie groaned. "He was puking out his guts this morning. I think he caught something nasty."

"If everyone else is going," Shirley said hesitantly. Her voice grew surer. "I'm not going to be afraid."

Nunnally basked in the warmth of her friends standing nearby. They hadn't abandoned her. Let the nobles look down on her. Bringing commoners with her wouldn't change their mind. She was the Black King. They would fear him and dismiss the girl at court.

Milly cleared her throat. "It is dangerous. You and your families will become targets, potential weak points to be leveraged against Princess Nunnally or Empress Marianne. You are acting like fools, like nothing has happened. Do you really think it is that simple?"

"Milly, I'm sorry," Nunnally begged.

"Are you really?" Milly challenged. "I can say my mind, but they can't. Your brother is basically the Viceroy, and it's apparent to anyone with half a brain, that he is behind the recent string of deaths among those who oppose him. Would you risk standing up for any of us? Precedence is not on your side."

Nunnally grit her teeth. "I never meant—"

"Saying my name felt very intentional."

"I didn't think he would hurt you!" Nunnally screamed. "Allie and the others were defenseless. He could have killed them to make his point."

"And you want to bring them into that nest of vipers?" Milly scoffed.

"I won't be ashamed."

"If you were a little less concerned with shame, maybe you would see the rest of us."

Ashford Manor, Area Eleven

Lelouch nodded to the servant as he stepped into the entryway. Carved wood panelings enclosed the room, contrasting the marble floor with gentle pink accents. The estate in the Homeland lacked such grandeur. This was a proper lord's house. Knowing Reuben, the private areas were furnished in a far more practical and industrial style.

"Lelouch," Reuben greeted as he paused halfway down the grand staircase. His voice lacked its customary warmth, yet his hand reached out, as if to grasp something which had been lost. "I am surprised you deigned to drop by. Unfortunately, I was on my way out."

"I wanted to speak to Milly."

Reuben's eyes grew colder; his hand fell. "It is improper for a lady and a man to meet without a chaperone."

No one cared for such formalities, especially not Reuben; he was very pissed.

"I think we should take this someplace private."

"I am preoccupied."

Lelouch inhaled sharply. "I can drive back to the palace and pen a summon. I thought I would do you the courtesy of settling this in private."

Reuben's shoulders sank. Without a word, he spun around. Wearily, Lelouch climbed the stairs after him. They entered an old fashion office, and Reuben gestured to the seat. It was incredibly uncomfortable.

"Your granddaughter committed treason," Lelouch said, without preamble. "I should open an investigation against your school into how it has allowed such dangerous movements and thoughts to develop."

"It is not your place to discipline my granddaughter. If you wish to exchange threats, may I remind you that your star pilot uses my technology. She is also of a vassal family of mine. I could recall her."

"She is a member of my royal guard," Lelouch countered, glad that he filed the appropriate paperwork. "My claim supersedes yours. Thank you for the reminder as we have to establish a contract for her continued work as your test pilot."

The door cracked open. "Grandpa? Oh." Crossing her arms, Milly regarded him with a scowl. "Finally dared to show your face?"

"I never hid it," he answered.

Reuben sighed. "Milly? If you could spare us a moment? His Highness was about to leave."

Enough was enough.

Lelouch stood. "Our business is concluded then. I will be opening an investigation into the academy and returning your prototype to you. I wish you the best of luck in finding a knight capable and willing to pilot it."

Milly gasped, hand covering her mouth. "Lelouch..."

"Actions have consequences," he said coldly. "You may present yourself at the palace before the festivities. I have a task for you."

Her neck tensed in anger. "You—"

"Milly," Reuben interrupted, hand raised in a calming gesture. "Is this really how you want to proceed, Lelouch? I have supported Marianne for decades, and by extension, you and Nunnally. That does not mean we are bound to you."

Lelouch snorted. "It is the debt that I owe you which brings me to extend this courtesy. Your granddaughter's actions were enough to bring charges against you and be judged by the Emperor, who is not fond of you. How much do you want to rely on my mother's words to appease him? Clean up your school before I find anything else."

Reuben scowled, his eyes flicking to his granddaughter. "This is an overreaction."

"Having to fish the student council out of the belly of the OSI leads to rather extreme reactions. Milly was supposed to keep my sister safe, not encourage her recklessness. Then, she revealed my identity to the others. It is fortunate that Nunnally's debut minimizes the security risk they pose."

"You were going to whip me!" Milly screamed.

"You were unharmed. The Emperor had Carine whipped as he watched. The guards didn't miss. The whip tore through her clothes and skin."

Reuben hissed. "I thought those to be rumors..."

"You do not give the Emperor a reason to be displeased with you," Lelouch warned. That had led to Carine's downfall. Clovis was on the same path. Pleasing the Emperor was far harder, but the Emperor was displeased by predictable means. "I will not apologize if it leads to you and your friends having a lick of common sense between you."

"Peace, Lelouch." Reuben rose slowly. "It appears my granddaughter and I must have a more candid conversation. She'll be there before the festivities as you asked. Let us hold off on everything else until afterwards, when tempers have cooled."

Hesitantly, Lelouch nodded. Tremors ran down his arm, and he stuffed his hands in his pockets. To Reuben, he was still an unruly child in need of guidance. Their partnership had to grow beyond that—its ultimate form still unclear. Reuben couldn't stand alone. If he broke with Lelouch, his support would shift to Odysseus, which served Lelouch just fine.

Odysseus would make a far better Emperor than their father. He would never sacrifice countless because it was easy. He would find new solutions. Lelouch would be the sword at his side who would handle the sordid affairs.

"You were a bright child," Reuben whispered as he hesitantly stepped out the front door. "You have not come into adulthood yet."

Lelouch turned away. "The world does not care."

Viceroy Palace, Area Eleven

As the servants dressed him, Lelouch took careful measured breaths. Thin cotton rested against his torso as a protective layer against the fine clothes. In the corner, the tailor muttered a storm to his assistants as they draped shimmering purple silks and replaced it with one that was a shade lighter. His pants were adjusted, taking in the seam slightly. Finally, they settled on a chemise and began busying themselves with the appropriate vest.

His fingertips burned to brush over his gun, or at least, his knife. There were too many close to him, touching him. His own servants at least were beginning to understand he valued his personal space. His father had sent them after him.

Across the room, Frederick glanced up from his book with an amused smirk. His fitting finished hours ago. There was more care taken with royalty for a negligible difference in results. It was a horrific waste of time.

Finally, they retreated and Lelouch sighed in relief.

"Ah, Lelouch," Clovis declared enthusiastically as the tailor ushered him in. "You look fabulous. Didn't I say a proper fitting would bring out your eyes? I can barely believe you walked for so long in that travesty of a wardrobe. Now, we only need to fit you for more informal wear and a proper nightshirt."

"Absolutely, not," Lelouch snapped. "The only reason I'm doing this is so people don't have any more of a reason to whisper about Nunnally. I cannot tell the difference beyond the fabrics."

"You do not even appreciate the difference between a well woven bolt and that garbage the commoners use," Clovis grumbled. "Brother, you really should take more pride in your clothes. They make a man."

Lelouch snorted.

"A nation even. Have you seen the mockery occurring in the E.U.? Their fashion is so mercurial that they discard each outfit after a season. They drench their clothes with chemicals which make your skin break into hives. Their stitches are sloppy and unravel if you even dare to wear it for longer than a season. They may understand the beauty of cooking, but they have lost the art of fittings, corsetry, or refreshing an outfit. Why, they do not even know what insertion lace is! The only ones who understood are the poor, overworked costumers."

"I should move to the E.U.," Lelouch grumbled. "Do you think Father will announce anything tonight?"

"Not to worry, dear brother. I will go peacefully. I know my time has come. Odysseus actually has a tremendous idea of me assisting with one of his art initiatives. I can lead a theater company, perhaps even play on the stage myself and broaden the minds of our citizenry. Everyone will only see the ridiculous fool, while I master how to act like everyone. It gives me a chance."

To survive.

They were all trying to survive.

"I doubt a transition will be that violent for a non-player," Lelouch said.

"I once thought I could play the game. Then, I found myself flanked by the purists and remembering the screams of my childhood. Reuben tried to warn me that this is no game, but I was foolish and failed to listen. How can we strive to do better when we are all so flawed?"

"You could consider others," Lelouch said. Fortunately, his brother failed to detect the bitterness in his voice.

"I do and envision what they could be. If only they did not resist being changed, but maybe perdurable beings are what we should all strive to achieve. It would be a world without strife. If death becomes meaningless, then how can there be war? It's hideous to deny change, but maybe therein lies our salvations."

"Peace doesn't come just because we lay down our arms," Lelouch said, thankfully spotting Milly ahead. "If you will excuse me?"

Death didn't mean the absence of pain. As long as there was pain, people would seek to avoid it, either by appeasement or wielding it. The same was true for loneliness. His brother had no one. His mother hadn't come, not daring to associate herself with a disgraced son. Their father would never offer any companionship. His siblings saw him only as competition or worthless. The nobles used him. The servants served him.

Clovis could be cruel because he was adrift, without connections. The ramifications of his actions existed only intellectually.

The more Lelouch sank into his role as a prince, the further he drifted from his division and friends.

"Lady Milly," he greeted, clearing his head of troublesome thoughts. "Walk with me."

Grudgingly, she followed him.

"I have a favor to ask."

"I am not in a favorable mood as of late."

He stopped abruptly and spun around. Her eyes widened in fear, and he stepped forward. "I have enough on my plate without dealing with your obstinance. You revealed to Kallen who I was, so you are helping me with damage control this evening instead of dealing with accusations of disclosing a state secret"

Milly swallowed. "Yes, Your Highness."

They had been close once. His time in the army had led them to drift apart, held only together by Nunnally. He had destroyed whatever bond of theirs remained.

"My mother invited Kallen to attend unfortunately. I want you to stay by her side and keep her away from Kaguya."

"Why?" Milly asked. "You're always hanging off Sumeragi."

"Because it's Nunnally's birthday, and it's her day. Kallen is unfortunately a terrible liar, and Kaguya is too perceptive for her own good."

"Your life is far too complicated," Milly mumbled but agreed.

Relieved, Lelouch left and hurried to Nunnally's rooms. He had avoided talking to her for far too long. Now, with an hour to spare, he would face her wrath. It was best to get it out the way before they caused a scene at the festivities.

His mother was inside her room, busying herself with her phone. Nunnally immediately stiffened in her seat as he entered. The hairdresser tutted in concern, and finished pinning Nunnally's hair, which had light pink rose petals woven into her top bun. They looked like cherry blossoms.

Nunnally's hand darted up, catching the hairdresser's wrist. "A minute, please?"

Slowly, the servants filed past Lelouch, out of the room. He shifted awkwardly as Nunnally stood, well aware that she could hear his every breath. To be near her was to be seen.

"Nunnally," he choked out, unable to grasp the right words to convey the guilt which tore at him and how relieved he was to see her safe.

She stumbled forward, breaking into a run. A strand slipped out of her hairdo as she collided into him. "Lelouch."

His arms wrapped around her slim back, wondering when she had grown so tall. He could still remember the sister he had left behind, unsure of her place in her world and unable to fend for herself. Nunnally had become the Black King by her own designs, and tonight, she would finally leave the confines of childhood. She would be acknowledged by Britannia, by the world.

The world didn't deserve her. Lelouch didn't deserve her. He would sully her innocence. In trying to protect her, he deliberately hurt her.

"I'm so sorry," he mumbled into her ear. "I wanted you to understand, but I— I was so scared. I'm sorry. I should've been there, then none of this would've happened."

Her fingers dug into his neatly tailored shirt, and her shoulder shook with delicate sobs. "Please, don't hate me. I'm sorry."

He pulled her tighter. "I could never hate you. You're my sister... Do you—"

"No," she declared fiercely, drawing back. Rubbing her face, she leaned against him. "I didn't mean to hinder you. I wanted to help you."

"You don't need to, Nunnally."

"No. You can't do everything alone." She scowled. "I'm not a child anymore. I want to share your burden. Even if—" Her voice broke. "Even if you hate me, I'll keep trying to help. You can't stop me."

If his father hadn't insisted otherwise, maybe Lelouch could. Unfortunately, his father was right. Lelouch had coddled her, ignoring who she had become for his vision of her.

"Just... Stay safe," he begged. "I can't lose you."

"The world will bow before us," she assured. "We're the children of the Flash. Nothing can stop us."

So she would return to being the Black King. The Britannian underworld would slowly fall to the weight of a royal's rule. Another bastion of rebellion, quelled.

"Happy Birthday," he congratulated her quietly.

In the background, their mother sniffed. "I told you that you should just talk to each other."

Despite himself, Lelouch chuckled. His mother smiled patiently across from him. She had come to Area Eleven against his father's wishes. She had come for them. Maybe, she had never been what he imagined. Maybe, she would never be who he wanted. But in her own way, she cared. She kept trying, again and again as Lelouch rebuffed her. Maybe, that counted for something after all.

She rolled forward and offered her hand which he accepted. "You should meet my sister."

"I have an aunt?" he asked blankly.

Viceroy Palace, Area Eleven

Kallen buzzed with nerves as she stepped into the extravagantly decorated ballroom. It reeked of Clovis's handiwork. Around her, nobles quieted as she passed, and she heard the faint whispers of her prowess on the battlefield.

She was no longer some lowly noble daughter. She had become a knight to be admired. Britannia recognized strength.

On the opposite side of the hall, she spotted her father and step-mother, mingling with other low nobles who had somehow managed to snag an invitation. They were the minority. This was the social event of the year. The Emperor's guards lined the walls, proudly displaying Britannian colors. Tokyo, still recovering from the invasion, shone outside. She had heard the festivities on her way here.

It was a statement. The Empire was strong. They could not be defeated, and the Emperor was not cowed. He felt secure enough to bring his entire court from the well defended fortress of Pendragon to Area Eleven, still recovering.

Her hands drifted to her side before remembering she wasn't armed. No one was. They had all been searched quite thoroughly as they entered the palace. If their enemies had any forces left, they would attempt to strike tonight.

Maybe that was the point. Five Knights of the Round were rumored to be in the Area. They could easily handle an entire army on their own.

"Kallen," Milly interrupted her musings. She wore a dark green dress that accentuated her curves and dark blue highlights brought out her eyes. While elegant, it was strangely simple compared to the extravagance surrounding them.

"Lady Milly," Kallen replied weakly. This was a reunion she would have preferred to avoid. "You appear well. I wanted to say, well, I'm sorry. I wish that I hadn't—"

"Not here," Milly reprimanded. Her eyes softened. "But thank you. I know you had very little choice. You do not have the luxury of disobeying orders. Still, thank you. It means a lot."

Kallen exhaled, a weight lifted from her shoulders. "How is the student council?"

"They recovered well, but I fear the gravitas of the situation failed to hit them. Nunnally is too... persuasive. It's frustrating. Even I want to place my faith in her, but they do not see any of the danger. It's an adventure to them, a fantasy come to life. He could've killed us and no one would have ever known. Being close to royalty doesn't protect you."

"I don't think he would have," Kallen said. "He's hard to read, but he cares quite deeply."

He had taken on two children because he was asked... by Chiba of all people. No, Suzaku Kururugi, who now had a million pound bounty on his head. If people knew, they would say the two of them were conspiring together. Were they? Their goodbye had a final vibe to it.

"He is terrified of the Emperor," Kallen continued. "That he will take the people he cares for. Frederick, Lelouch's guard, warned me that the Emperor would hurt us if we failed."

Milly's face twisted. "They're oblivious." She nodded to a small patch of plants where Kallen was surprised to see the student council gathered. Every single one of them, besides Rolando, had come. "How am I supposed to protect them if they don't listen?"

If Lelouch's little act hadn't scared them off...

"They shouldn't be here," Kallen whispered.

"Nunnally gave them the option. The nobles are already muttering up a storm regarding the commoners' presence."

"They'll live," Kallen said, more to reassure herself. She would stay far away. She needed to earn Prince Lelouch's trust. That would not be done by associating herself with questionable parties. "Can your grandfather help them?"

"Not without drawing more attention to them," Milly answered. "It's already gossip worthy that we are conversing. The Stadtfelds are too minor of a family to be invited to an event with the Emperor in attendance."

Kallen winced. "Empress Marianne insisted."

"Aaah. Don't get drunk. They like to hand out awards at the end of these things."

"You've partaken?" Kallen asked.

Milly gave her a look. "My father is a Margrave. It would be a scandal if I didn't. I was in the middle of the pack, perfectly forgettable. Fortunately, in my parent's absence, I get to sort through all the marriage proposals. Brace yourself, Kallen. While you may not be formally partaking, your presence here makes you more than eligible."

"I think Empress Marianne already has someone in mind," Kallen grumbled.

"Oh dear." Milly laughed. "You can't catch a break, can you? If there are any that piss you off, officially accept an invitation from them. She will destroy their lives."

"It's not that funny." A grin grew on her face. "What if I do like someone?"

"Too late for that." Milly elbowed her teasingly. "You should've read the fine print. Your private life is entirely Lelouch's business."

In the distance, a small, lithe form wound its way through the crowds. Kaguya Sumeragi. Kallen almost didn't recognize her in such a mature dress. Were those boots peeking out from the slit?

Next to her, Milly groaned as it became clear that Kaguya was heading their way. "Come on. I need some coffee. The night is going to be very long."

"I'm surprised Miss Sumeragi is allowed to attend," Kallen said, taking a step towards her. This was a chance to finally settle the doubts in her mind. No one would find a casual conversation between them suspicious here.

"Unfortunately. She's annoying, and I would rather not talk to her." Milly grabbed her arm insistently and pulled her to the refreshment table.

"I think she is heading to the student council," Kallen noted with mild concern.

"You've got to be kidding," Milly groused and rushed to intercept her.

Amused, Kallen trailed afterwards with two cups of coffee. Surprisingly, other nobles were drinking a cup as well. Milly must not have been exaggerating when she said it would take a while.

"Oh, Milly. What an honor to see you again," Kaguya said, her voice rising and falling in mocking tones. Kallen had forgotten how much Kaguya loved to play the fool.

Milly's eyebrow twitched. "Stay away from them."

"Now, you're only making me curious."

"I am sure that by the end all will be elucidated."

"A tall claim. There are quite a few mysteries afoot, like your wonderful companion, Lady Kallen," Kaguya said. "She was so delightful in defending our homeland, but there are such rumors concerning whose command she was under."

Milly scowled "A mystery. Maybe the Emperor will enlighten us."

Please, no.

Grinning, Kaguya darted forward and pulled Kallen between them. "And she was even invited to attend. She must have impressed someone quite important. I was the one who urged her to pilot. I think I deserve some of the credit for Britannia's recent fortune."

Milly raised her eyes. "Kaguya, you literally know everyone. I would strap myself into a giant death machine too if it meant escaping your endless prattle."

"I think someone is jealous," Kaguya teased. "Am I stealing your girlfriend? You had no problem stealing a kiss from someone's fiancee."

"First, that never happened. Second, you are not his fiancee!"

"We remember the night very differently."

"I was drunk."

Kallen slowly looked between the two and decided she did not want to know. Kaguya served Japan, whatever she did in her free time to bear the horrors of juggling the worst of Britannia all day was her own business. Although honestly, Kallen very much doubted Milly was the one to steal a kiss.

"So my dear Stadtfeld, would you care to offer me a dance?" Kaguya asked, her eyes alight with mischief as Kallen took a step forward, desperate to have a chance to talk with her privately.

"Kaguya," Milly hissed. "I thought you and—"

"He was very encouraging about me exploring my prospects. He meant his brothers, but he won't be displeased. Or is your concern due to jealousy? I think red hair is more my style than blonde."

Pained, Milly dragged her hand down her face. "Kallen is my friend and has enough on her plate without you inciting half-a-dozen rumors because you think it is fun."

Kallen winced and tried to pull herself free to no avail. If the wrong rumors reached the wrong ears...

"I find it is best to let the rumors swarm until fact and fiction are one and the same. Maybe my engagement hasn't progressed because it is a sham since I seduced the Emperor."

"How is it that your absurd innocent act is less annoying?" Milly asked. "Smart people know to stay far away from you and your splash zone."

With a harsh tug, Kaguya chatted as she drew them through the crowd. As they exited upon the balcony, the false exuberance slid off her features. "I need a favor."

"Normal people butter up their mark first, not annoy them to frustration." Milly's scowl broke, revealing an amused grin. "But please, do not ever bring that up again. Grandfather is not ready for such a shock."

"He'll learn eventually." Kaguya shrugged absently and pulled out a small slim package from her bag. "Can you pass this to Empress Marianne? I would, but I doubt she would ever even open it."

Milly slowly unwrapped the dull brown paper. "How did you even get this? It hasn't even aired."

"A woman has her ways." Kaguya smiled mysteriously.

"Why? You've spent the past four years annoying her. On purpose. Like you have a death wish."

"It's fun." Kaguya winced. "It was shortsighted of me unfortunately. In an unexpected twist, the Emperor was most supportive."

"I saw the articles," Milly agreed and fixed the wrapping. "I'll give it to her. Now, if that is all—"

"I would like a dance with the woman of the hour."

"No," Milly snapped. "Rumors—"

"It is a night to have fun," Kaguya argued. "Let me at least have one interesting partner tonight before I throw myself at Prince James. He thinks Britannian culture ends in the Homeland. I sometimes doubt he can even read. There will be no rumors if Lady Kallen dances with others. She is already a marvel and with her grace on display..."

Kallen blushed. "I would rather not—"

"Nonsense. You have nothing to be ashamed of." Tilting her head, Kaguya grinned sharply. "Unless, of course, there is another reason why you are hoarding her to yourself."

Milly groaned. "Kallen has taken oaths which will be revealed to the public later. It would reflect badly on her and her liege if she engaged in any uncouth behavior."

"Not a Knight of Honor..." Kaguya's eyes widened. "Lelouch asked you to be part of his royal guard. And for you, Milly, to protect her today."

Not protesting, Milly simply glowered.

"I agree then," Kaguya said. "Kallen should appear as devoted as possible to her prince. I would only be a distraction. Your efforts must have been exemplary for him to extend such an offer. Prince Lelouch does not trust easily, and you would be wise to not sacrifice that in vain."

Kallen nodded, not trusting herself to speak as Kaguya disappeared. She was on the right path. Kaguya wanted her to maintain her cover. She wasn't a failure to the JLF despite fighting against the Japanese. She could continue serving Prince Lelouch guilt free until the JLF called upon her for a mission. Absolution.

The clamor from inside drew them back into the room, and they watched as Clovis entered to snide whispers. Surprisingly, Kallen hadn't seen prince Lelouch anywhere yet. He should be here.

Clovis waved despite the hostile atmosphere, acting as if they were all his adoring fans. His self-delusion defied all logic. His eyes swept across the room, surprisingly stopping on her. Then, he began making his way over to them.

"Your Highness," Kallen greeted respectfully with a deep bow of a knight, not a lady.

"The hero of the hour. I must say my brother always gathers the most fascinating of allies." His gaze bore into her, seeing far more than she intended to reveal. "You are quite more than a pilot. No wonder Lady Marianne is so enamored with you—a rose with thorns."

"Thank you?" Kallen said.

He chuckled. His face did not match one of a mass murderer. "May I introduce Leila Breisgau? She is a phenomenal commander."

The young woman smiled at them gently, not reacting as Clovis looped an arm over her shoulders. "It is a pleasure to meet the person who helped defend this wonderful city."

Leila Breisgau. The E.U. defector.

"A pleasure," Kallen lied.

"She helped break the siege in Kyushu. Dropping arms for the remaining civilians to use was inspiring. The savages had no idea how to handle them." Clovis laughed. "To think they saw themselves as an Empire? It fell so easily."

White hot rage slammed into her temple and tore at her eyes. Her people were not savages! He forced them to live in poverty and denied them basic rights. He had slaughtered them for his selfish desires. He had refused to aid them with their rescue of the hostages. Nunnally and the others nearly died because of his apathy. If anyone deserved to die, it was him.

Her hand curled into a disappointed fist. if only she had a knife. Or a gun that would spill his brains across the floor, the same fate as her people.

What of her ideals? She needed to serve Japan. Clovis was leaving already. Removing him would do nothing.

But he deserved to die! They all did.

Behind Clovis, a noble in a garish yellow suit approached with a heavy cake platter. Voices shouted behind the muffled curtain in her ears.

She would do nothing. He might die. Her cover would not be blown.

Yes. That was the answer. Stand by and let the bastard be brained by a cake platter.

Breisgau leaped into action, her shoulder slamming into the noble. He screamed as he fell to the ground. Whirling around, Clovis's voice rising as he noticed the man glaring at him with murderous intent and shouted for the guards.

Kallen inhaled, unsure of what had come over her. Clovis deserved death, but to let it happen in front of her? Of course she would be under suspicion.

She was supposed to be a member of Prince Lelouch's royal guard. Where had that anger come from? She was above that.

Her eyes scanned the nearby servants, spotting a young woman trying to fade into the background. "Stop!" she shouted, bursting into action. "Nobody leaves!"

The woman ran.

The anger within Kallen grew to near crippling extents. Kallen pushed forward, through the pain and old memories awakening and assailing her mind. A noble next to her punched the man beside him. A brawl erupted in her steps.

Hands pressing down on the serving table, Kallen propelled herself over and swiped the woman's legs from beneath her. The anger faded once more.

"That must be his accomplice," Clovis declared as the guards restrained the woman. "Well, it seems we were right. Tonight was too tempting for our mysterious assassin to forgo the opportunity. It is a fool who attempts to strike against the royal family. If you have the strength, then at least be sure to finish them on the first try."

A sliver of respect grew in the observing nobles as they stood slightly taller.

Kallen stared after the woman who had attempted to run away. She should have questioned her.

"Announcing His Majesty, Charles zi Britannia, 98th Emperor of the Realm."

There was no more time to consider the excitement as they turned to the grand doors which had remained shut throughout the night so far. The room fell silent. Someone sneezed, earning disapproving glares.

The doors opened silently as the ground rang with the might of a thousand people taking a knee. His footsteps were slow and heavy as he passed through the center of the room, past Kallen and Clovis, past the Purists gathered in force near the throne.

The trumpets blared as he took a seat. His guards formed an ominous wall behind him.

"Rise, my loyal subjects," he commanded.

Kallen raised her head proudly and glared at the man responsible for untold suffering. He was a far greater monster than Clovis could ever aspire to be.

"Don't be a fool," Kaguya hissed, suddenly at her side. "Keep your head down."

Swallowing, Kallen lowered her eyes with the proper deference as Empress Marianne rolled to a stop next to the podium.

"Britannia is a nation accustomed to suffering," the Emperor began. "We suffered tragedy as Napoleon's forces grew and our so-called European allies ignored our pleas to silence him before he could grow into something more. Our heirs fell in battle or to vice and our king succumbed to the insanity of his mind. The priests claimed God had turned his back on our nation. So Empress Elizabeth, last of her family, claimed the throne. She believed in our nation, when our people lacked the courage to do so. When Napoleon claimed Edinburgh, she retreated across the seas. In defeat, she founded the greatest Empire to have ruled upon this Earth."

The room erupted in cheers, and the Emperor patiently waited for them to quiet, his lips curled.

"Our greatest asset is the strength of our hearts. Given weapons, our people in Kyushu rose against the rabble remains of an upstart nation who thought it could stand as our equal. We have suffered a tragedy here, yes, but it is always in tragedy where our people are forged into greatness. Instead of mourning the dead, let us celebrate the glorious souls who proved themselves in the face of adversity.

"Lady Kallen Stadtfeld, Knight of the Empire. She defeated one-hundred thirty-seven enemy knightmares to defend our glorious city. She valiantly defended Ashford Academy, where those unable to fight had taken shelter. Lady Leila Breisgau raised the alarm and organized the defenses while many of our most honorable nobles lay passed out on the floor. While she was born and raised in the E.U., she saw the greatness of our nation and felt compelled to save it."

Kallen cautiously scanned the crowd for Lady Breisgau. She stood near the wall, her shoulders stiff with anger.

"Lord Patrick Vaughan, the youngest son in his family, but that night he surpassed them. He..."

More explanations, more names followed—notably, including Roy Fadiman—as the room seethed with excitement. They were proud to have survived, to still stand. The deaths weren't a cause for grief, not when they were honorable.

"We shall not be conquered again," the Emperor shouted. "All Hail Britannia!"

"All Hail Britannia! All Hail Britannia," the room chorused, and Kallen found herself mouthing the words alongside them. All Hail Britannia. The division said those words as a mockery. They were something more in this room, greater than all of them.

"As such," the Emperor continued, "it is my profound pleasure to commence this year's season and welcome the young girls, stepping into adulthood, who will be our nation's future. Let them unite us. Let us cheer them forward, for today, they become proper Britannians. With luck, they will usher in the next generation, stronger than the one before. Long Live Britannia!"

Again, the room chorused the reply, even as the trumpets blared and the doors opened once more.

At last, Kallen found Lelouch. He looked more refined and put together than she had ever seen him. His clothes were immaculate. With every step, his light purple cloak floated languidly behind him, drawing attention to the golden accents on his white suit. His hair hung perfectly. If he began to glow, he would pass for an angel—of destruction.

A pace before him, Nunnally walked without her cane. Her steps were strong and confident, not a hint of her blindness to be seen. How often had she practiced for tonight? The white dress of swan feathers was trimmed slightly shorter than customary, revealing her jewel encrusted sandals. Her hair sparkled like fairy dust as she passed, and the flowers weaved in lent her an air of divinity. A thin veil covered her face.

The room whispered, a gentle buzz of flies beneath the somber trumpets and horns. The children of the Flash, surprisingly, were not popular.

Nunnally sunk into a formal curtsy before her father. Kallen's calves burned in sympathy as Nunnally waited for a full thirty seconds before saying, "Your Majesty, I present myself as your humble servant who has grown into adulthood. I swear myself to Britannia and her ideals. I will never cower, I will fight in the face of adversity, I will lay down my life to serve this nation. I am but your humble servant. I swear myself to my family. I will protect their honor. I will uphold their traditions. I will craft their future. I swear myself to you... my father. I swear to uphold your law. I swear to carry out your mandates. I swear to protect your life. I ask that you hear this humble servant's oath and offer her your blessing to pass into adulthood."

"Rise, my daughter." The room hissed at the unexpected familiar tone. "I accept your oaths. May you act as my hand in all subjects."

Prince Lelouch bowed to his father and stepped up to his sister, removing the veil. Nunnally spun, the feathers falling in a plume around her and revealing a dark purple dress with black swirls. Enshrined by her shedded feathers, she curtsied again to the Emperor and stepped to the side, joining the crowd to cheer on the following debutantes.

A single pristine feather floated through the air lazily until Empress Marianne plucked it out of the air.

Lelouch cast his sister a look and draped his cloak over her shoulder. She leaned against him, a splash of purple against his comical purity. White was not his color, including his blond hair.

As the next trumpets sounded, the room barely paid attention to the poor girl, too busy deciphering what the Emperor was planning by breaking from the formal script to acknowledge her as his daughter. Others argued that her disability should've kept her out of the season entirely. "Who would marry a cripple?" were words spoken far too often.

Noticeably, the Emperor didn't extend such a courtesy to Euphie.

At long last, hours after midnight with the sun peeking over the horizon and into the large windows, the ceremony came to an end, and the reporters, banished to the far end of the room up until now, rushed forward to interview the debutantes. A few hopeful men jumped into the fray to woo themselves a wife.

"Is that Nao—Nathan?" Kallen asked as a familiar figure crossed the room.

Yes. That was her brother mingling among the nobility with an airy laugh.

Her dad, sporting an uncommon scowl, stopped at her side. "Did you talk him into this?"

"No." But she could not be the family heir. "Prince Lelouch must have."

True to her word, Prince Lelouch detached himself from his sister and greeted her brother with a warm smile. The cameras flashed greedily. Everyone would know that there was a new Stadtfeld heir, a close ally of Prince Lelouch.

In the distance, Nunnally and Euphie finally reached the student council members clustered in a corner.

"The family will be displeased... Even if that man has been ruling Area Eleven for a month now. This is such a risk. They will turn against you too."

"I accepted a place in Prince Lelouch's Royal Guard," Kallen whispered.

Her dad inhaled sharply. "So, it must be one of your brothers or a new branch line. My mother will not stand for this."

"She will," Milly interrupted. "His Highness is doing far more than extending his protection. He wants your son to take the family name."

"It is still an internal matter."

Milly snorted. "Traditionally, perhaps. Prince Lelouch does not restrain himself because you ask nicely. He has multiple avenues of attack, including enlisting my grandfather who is quite fond of Nathan. Your family are our vassals. That affords us certain influence in normal traditional matters."

This time, Kallen's extended family would not bully them into submission. Kallen grinned in anticipation. "Trust me, Dad. Prince Lelouch is very capable of protecting his allies, and I'm developing the influence to protect him as well. There is a bright side to being a prospective Knight of the Round."

"I merely worry," her dad said. "I wish he had spoken to me first. I fear I offended him somehow. He suddenly transferred to another city and ignored my calls. At least you two seem to have reconnected. I am glad. I trust you far more to look over your brother than some royal."

Kallen winced. Prince Lelouch had let her brother live despite knowing of treason. Her treason was far more likely to endanger him.

As the crowd of reporters became too dense, Prince Lelouch stole a hat and tray from a servant and slipped away with hunched shoulders. Immediately afterwards, he straightened and integrated himself among the officers standing proudly in their uniforms. Honestly, Kallen wasn't sure why she had expected anything else.

Halfway through the party, Prince Schneizel entered, expertly staying on the opposite side of the room from the Emperor, which unfortunately brought him close to Clovis. Neither of them seemed happy to be near each other.

"Pardon." Kallen dipped her head and dismissed herself. She needed to congratulate Nunnally at least. They had been friends of a sort, and Kallen owed her an apology as well. Behind her, Milly's shout faded into the din of the celebrating masses.

The Emperor stepped into her path, Empress Marianne rolling at his side with a guard in their shadow. Respectfully, Kallen bowed and tried to contain her fury.

"There was some commotion earlier in which you were involved," the Emperor noted.

"Yes, Your Majesty. An assassin, it seems."

"You sound unsure despite apprehending the servant yourself."

"It was amateurish," Kallen said. Even more so than the attempt on her life. There, they had a semblance of a plan. "People were suddenly angry. I have never seen a noble assault another in such an undignified manner."

"Live long enough and you will surely witness it again," the Emperor said with a strange hint of amusement. "Breisgau responded immediately?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Kallen admitted shamefully. She had been frozen in place, foolishly thinking she would escape unscathed if Prince Clovis died before her. She needed an excuse. The truth slipped from her mouth. "I wanted him to die."

Kallen cringed. "My apologies, Your Majesty. It was a moment of weakness."

"Do you harbor such thoughts to Lelouch?"

"No, Your Majesty," she replied, surprised that it was the truth.

Sliding between them, Prince Lelouch interrupted coldly, "Father."

"Relax," Empress Marianne assured. "Your little knight is fine. We were merely following up on the assailant she apprehended earlier today—well, yesterday."

His arm wrapped around her, clutching her possessively. "Then if that is all, we should enjoy the festivities."

"Lelouch," the Emperor trailed off, puzzled.

"Nunnally would be delighted to meet her again," Prince Lelouch said, dragging her behind him.

"I can manage," Kallen hissed, ignoring his glare. "You're causing a scene."

His eyes narrowed, but whatever retort he was about to say died on his lips as Nunnally's voice carried over through the lull in surrounding conversations.

"The massacre of the Shinjuku Ghetto was a despicable act ordered by Prince Clovis, devoid of any reason or justice. He may be my brother, but he deserves to be recalled for acting so foolishly against Britannian interests—"

Prince Lelouch groaned and buried his head in his hands next to her.

"Oh, calm down dear," Empress Marianne hissed behind them. "You agree with her."

"One does not announce such things publicly without coordinating with a publicist first," the Emperor hissed back.

A clearer voice burst over the sudden din. "Of course it was wrong!" Euphie—Princess Euphemia glared at a noble. "Under no circumstance is the slaughter of the defenseless justified—No! It doesn't matter that they are Numbers. They're people!"

A rather distressed Princess Cornelia rushed forward to silence her sister.

Behind them, the Emperor groaned. "Because, as you can see, such things have a tendency to escalate."

Worldbuilding Thoughts:

The debutante culture first began with Queen Elizabeth I, but only under Queen Victoria did the traditions start which we recognize as the modern debutante. Funny enough, our wonderful King George III, who precedes the first ruler of the newly renamed Britannia, Empress Elizabeth, popularized it to help his failing reputation. They were an exclusive event, with attendees all requiring an invitation from someone who already went through the process. There's actually a male version, the King's Levee, but it has much less an empathic on coming of age.

Due to perceived conflict of interest, members of the royal guard are removed from the line of inheritance. The idea is that they can fully focus on their duty instead of worrying about family politics, or worse, be coerced by the family into assassinating their charge. How effective this is is debatable.

Given how rebellious children can be, the fact that V.V.'s geass order isn't overrun by super powered revolts suggests the possibility of other means of control, perhaps the very nature of the contract itself.

Author's Note:

Summer, family visits, and my writing schedule really do not mix. That and me rewriting this chapter three times. The chapter is much better for it, but that's like 15k words or so down the drain.

A smart reader pointed out that it felt like we are building to a climax. They were 100% correct, and after quite a bit of thought and eyeing my 400k+ words, I decided to follow through on that feeling and write a proper climax so I can split this book into two (which involved some slight reordering that probably contributed to the rewrites). That'll make us a tetralogy (although honestly a pentalogy is quite likely). I'm going to ignore what the suggests for the series' total word count lol.

Anyway, that means there are just a handful of chapters left this book. (Btw, the next chapter should be out next week as an apology for the late updates). Originally, the plan was for a considerable break, but I am quite ready to begin the next book since it's already in my mind as I wasn't planning on it being a new book. Unfortunately, that means Finding Sincerity won't be getting the attention I initially planned, as I intended to get at least get halfway through it during the break between books. Instead, what will happen is that I will be taking a shorter break to draft an update of every fic of mine that is incomplete, as well as continue work on another project.

If you want better fight scenes, feel free to recommend some published books that do it well, preferably not fanfics or videogames or movies. Also if anyone has good nation founding or empire building stories (or history books), please drop some recs. :)

Thank you Dark, Jarod, and Nektry for your beta work.

Chat with me on the discord: discord . gg / uSBegVj