Chapter 60

The Hammer Falls

"The self-made man," Mr. DuBois declared, "is perhaps the most dangerous of myths that Britannia's education system tries to dissuade its graduates from. It inspires an unfounded confidence, even arrogance, in those that believe in it, and if spread widely, has a corrosive effect on the cohesion of society by convincing people they have no need of society's support and thus are not obliged to do their part in maintaining it."

The teacher picked up an apple, a traditional snack of his, and one often used as a demonstrative prop during his lectures.

"Consider this fruit. While it is certainly my own labor that earned me the wages to buy it, for it to be available at all is the, well, fruits, of the labors of countless others. The farmer that planted the original apple tree and then harvested the ripe fruits, the drivers that took the harvest from the farm to the markets, or in this case, the Ashford Academy kitchens, and this is only scratching the surface. The farmer, who is reliant on fertilizer made by others to make the fields productive. The truck itself, built with the labor of yet others, using components that have further dependencies. Even the roads over which those parts, and this very apple itself, traveled over. A long supply chain made up of other people, stretching all across society, all coming together so that I, a humble teacher," no everyone was quick able to suppress their snickers at that one, "can enjoy this simple apple at my discretion despite being klicks away from the closest apple orchards."

The students were used enough to DuBois slipping into military jargon to know that their teacher was referring to kilometers, not some metaphor about social media clicks. It still didn't stop a few more snickers leaking out.

"Make no mistake. While the heights that one might achieve is heavily dependent on one's efforts," Mr. DuBois continued, "one should never forget that it is the society that one is part of that provides a minimum floor upon which one starts from, or in times of dire need, might land upon. How high that floor itself might be is contingent on the collective effort of everyone within that society to do their part and maintain that society. The moment the misconceived and self-centered notion that one should only need to pay for those services that one uses spreads through the collective mentality, the road to decay has begun."

The teacher was not holding back, with even a hint of contempt leaking through. More likely than not he had personal experience with such persons, or at least the outcomes of such persons' actions.

"The reason that the civics course so heavily emphasizes this is because upon graduation, many of you will rise to positions of significant prestige and authority," DuBois declared with utmost certainty. "With that authority comes not only the power to effect things for the better, but also for the worse. And to rectify such errors comes at great cost, not just in treasure, but also blood."

A price the teacher himself had paid for, as attested by the stump of his arm.

"It is often easy to forget or lose sight of the fact that at the end of the day, all of us are merely part of a greater whole. To, out of frustration or petulance, wonder, 'Why should I give of myself when I receive so little in return?' It is in times like this that one should recall just how much one already has, and how much more one might stand to lose if one doesn't give of oneself what society asks."

Easily said, but were it so easily done much of society's ills would not be so persistent. But it was because Britannia recognized the inherent difficulty that it made such efforts like this one to try and remind its subjects of what should be such self-evident facts.

"There is another reason that the Empire seeks to disabuse all of you of the notion of the self-made man," Mr. DuBois said, this time sounding more gentle, "something that many of you even now would be well-served to be told. As I mentioned before, many of you are on a path that will see you take up offices and titles of considerable substance." The teacher's eyes settled upon one student in particular. "The road to that title is often a solitary one, setting you against persons who would otherwise be your anchors, your pillars of support in times of tribulation. Your brothers, sisters, even cousins and other relatives, in this one task they cannot help you, for they themselves are in contention with you for that very title."

A sobering thought, that, not even being able to rely on one's family for arguably the most difficult task of one's life up to this point. Even if those family members declined to resort to less civil means of contesting the succession, simply knowing that they could not be there for you like in everything else was more than a little disconcerting.

"And yet, are any of you truly alone?"

The solemn demeanor amongst the students, both nobles and commoners alike, gave way to a mild bafflement.

"How sad would it be," DuBois said, sweeping his gaze across the entire room, "to look behind and see no one else chasing after you?" The teacher gave a slight smile. "The path you tread, it is both your own, but one blazed by countless before you, and will be followed by countless after. At the same time, there are those that walk alongside you. For because you are the future of the Empire, you are not alone, for we await all of you."

The bell rang, as if on cue, marking the end of the final civics class of this academic year. The students did not rise though, not yet at least.

"Millicent Ashford."

Not until the final roll call was completed. Milly rose and walked over to her teacher and honorary uncle.

"A most willful young lady," DuBois said. "That was my first thought when Ruben so proudly showed you off." The teacher held out his hand. "I am glad to see I was not wrong."

Milly smiled brightly, gladly accepting it. "Thank you for everything, Mr. DuBois. I can only hope you're still around to run my own children through the ringer."

The man chuckled. "We'll see if I haven't succumbed to the temptations of retirement." Then more solemnly. "Take care, of both of you."

One by one, the students were called up, accepting a handshake from a teacher that now acknowledged them not just as students, but the young men and women that would shoulder the future of the Empire.

"Cole Kraft."

The blond-haired young man offered a soft smile as he accepted the proffered hand.

"It's been a pleasure, Cole," Mr. DuBois said. "You are in no way short of your family, and your sister."

"All thanks to you, Mr. DuBois," Cole said. "Be sure to enjoy the festival dinner, I tried to make it extra special, seeing as it's my last."

"That I will, my boy. That I will."

And then one particular name was called.

"Naomi Takahashi."

The Japanese girl rose and approached her teacher with all the grace and dignity as might be expected of an Ashford student. For once, her determined expression was softened, revealing a hint of genuine uncertainty. Unlike the others however, Mr. DuBois did not extend a hand.

"An innate curiosity is no bad thing," Mr. DuBois said, "along with the skepticism that drives it. But in your search for answers, don't take it as some personal failing if you don't always find one."

Naomi took a deep breath. "I will take your words to heart, Mr. DuBois."

The teacher smiled, and then bowed. The girl's eyes went wide, not just at the motion, but at the deepness. She was still gaping when Mr. DuBois straightened.

"The better Japan, the better world, that I often see glimpses of in your questions, go out there and make it happen."

To that Naomi finally gave a wide smile. This time it was her own form that dipped down.

"Thank you for everything, DuBois-sensei."

"So you really were planning on studying business administration back during national service?" Coburg asked.

His partner-in-crime, metaphorically speaking of course, gave a shrug. "The plan was to use my national service credits to help pay for a baccalaureate in finance or something, then make a lot of dough before retiring to a life of high living."

That earned the other man a roll of Coburg's eyes. "Sure you were. So how'd you end up with the rest of us lowly plebs?"

"They stuck a gun in my hands during cross-training, and I decided I liked the idea of being paid to shoot things up."

Not the most high-minded of reasons to join the Empire's military police force, but a fairly common one for its ranks.

"Cross-training? Oh, right, you were fire and rescue originally."

"Yep," Amir responded, "so we were lugging around axes and hoses instead of guns and ammo belts."

Coburg gave a snort. "Still seems nuts you gave up a slot in fire and rescue for the Gendarmerie."

The reason for the older man's tone was actually well justified. National service in Britannia had a range of service branches that those drafted would be parceled out into, with the bulk going into the armed forces while the rest were sent into others like the Gendarmerie or, like Amir, fire and rescue. Of the branches, fire and rescue was the most sought-after posting, as while it was far from being danger-free, the nature of the work was still more appealing on an emotional level. That and fire and rescue tended to provide a greater degree of technical training, and better stipends, than any of the others.

"Well, I didn't actually transfer until after my first term of service was up," Amir said. "The two years in fire and rescue would have only been enough for two years of uni, so I decided to do another stint in the Gendarmerie."

In addition to the vocational training one received in national service, for every year of service, the Empire would cover the full tuition of whatever school a discharged servicemember succeeded in enrolling into. Living costs were still left to the person in question to handle themselves, but seeing as most of one's living expenses were also subsidized during national service, those discharged from it tended to also have a decent amount of savings left over, assuming they had been financially prudent during said service. While for some those savings were enough to cover any additional years of schooling necessary to complete their desired degree, others would take on additional tours of duty to build up more credit, and savings, so that their out-of-pocket costs for higher education would be even lower. Of course, there were those that never did stop taking tours of duty until their outright retirement, at which point the banked credit would be transferred into their pension.

"What about you?" Amir asked. "What dreams did you have as a draftee that got derailed once you found out how fun the pew pew was?"

While national service was officially a draft, the targeted numbers included those that voluntarily enlisted. Indeed, during peacetime, the Empire was generally able to meet its manpower quotas without forcibly drafting too many people.

"Well, I was the oldest brother in the family," Coburg said, "so there was always the expectation that I'd help support the family. Even if my family didn't need to pay anything for my tuition, it was still better for them to save money for my bothers than to try and support me while I was studying after my enlistment ended."

Britannian universities were, while of high quality, comparatively expensive, with financial aid only available for those who went through national service or demonstrated themselves to be of truly exceptional scholastic ability. As a consequence the proportion of Britannians that completed even a baccalaureate was lower than that of the European nations. The numbers that completed technical degrees on the other end was substantially higher, with the Empire turning out trained technicians and tradesmen in far higher proportion than any other nation. And of those Britannians that did complete their baccalaureate studies, a greater proportion of them went on to undertake graduate level studies. Of course, the Empire made up for this relatively higher threshold of formal university education by offering several alternate avenues to obtain a similar caliber of education.

"Surely you've got a degree by now though, considering how long you've been in the service?" Amir remarked.

As the other sergeant alluded to, a substantial number of degree holders were actually servicemembers in some branch of the Britannian uniformed services. Not only did many of the services provide training courses that fed into meeting qualifications for various technical degrees, those that climbed the ranks, whether as enlisted or as commissioned officers, were required to take additional courses that would eventually grant them a baccalaureate, or even graduate degree, in a relevant field. For most gendarmes, that was usually a degree in law. That did not mean senior Gendarmerie officers were qualified to be outright lawyers, but most of them were well versed in the legal minutiae that underpinned the Britannian system of governance, both the obligations of its citizens but also their own responsibilities to those citizens. The Empire wanted people fully aware of what duties they were supposed to discharge manning its various services, not would-be thugs and glory-hounds.

"Yeah, just finished everything needed for my master's in law," Coburg said. "Still need to file the rest of the paperwork to get the certificate itself, but once I do, I'll be looking at a nice bump to my paygrade."

The Empire was also very pragmatic about what means were needed to motivate such people, alongside whatever sense of duty they possessed.

"That's what I like to hear," Amir said, then excitedly. "Oh, would you look at that! That's a good twenty over the speed limit!"

The two gendarmes were standing atop an overhang bridge, pointing radar guns down on the incoming traffic. Issuing speeding tickets was not usually the purview of the Gendarmerie, but on account of today's ceremonies, teams had been deployed around the ceremony site to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. And if a few careless drivers got nailed by a big fine, well, that would just help pad a certain officer's bonus at the end of the current pay period.

"Why is it that you're having all the luck catching the speeders?" Coburg said with a petulance rather unbecoming of his age and supposed maturity.

"Because I am actually good at this job, whereas you're just lucky."

"Yeah but being good requires effort," was Coburg's retort, "whereas with luck I can rely on other people to do all the hard work."

That actually saw Amir turn away from eyeing the road below to regard his colleague.

"I want to say that's an attitude unbecoming of an officer, but honestly I already knew all you were good for was getting carried."

"It's called leadership, Amir. Maybe one of these days you'll master it as well as I have."

Before the other sergeant could come up with a retort, the radio clicked.

"Coburg, status?"

"Fireteams Zulu and Foxtrot are in position," Coburg responded. "We have eyes on the entire western approach, so far no suspicious activity."

"Acknowledged. VIPs will be inbound in ten minutes, so stay sharp."

"Wilco," Coburg said before glancing over at his fellow sergeant. "Here's hoping everything stays quiet."

"Oh god, why would you say that?" Amir groused. "Now you've jinxed us!"

"What? How did I do that?"

"You wished for things to stay quiet! Of course that means it isn't going to!"

Coburg let out an equally exasperated sigh. "This is the real world, it's not some fictional story where tropes and foreshadowing mean something bad is going to happen."

"No, this is the real world, where taunting Murphy is still a stupid idea. You think the government has the entire Tokyo branch of the Gendarmerie turned out in force for no reason?"

"We're out here for the same reason the army is," Coburg retorted. "The ceremony is going to have the most important dignitaries in the entire Area in one place. Even assuming the government had every reason to believe everything will go fine, they'd still take precautions just to be safe. Besides, we'll on the outer periphery. Even if something does happen, we're far away from where ground zero would be."

"Unless to get to ground zero, whatever terrorists or insurgents show up need to take the most direct route, which would be through us," Amir pointed out.

"Alright, now who's jinxing us? See, I only made a generic wish, you're the one actually imagining doomsday scenarios."

"Me!? You're the one-"

"Gentlemen," a feminine voice cut in over the radio, causing both gendarmes to start. "Perhaps instead of imagining worst case scenarios, you both focus your attentions on averting such an outcome."

"Umm, yes, of course ma'am!" Coburg reflexively said. "Umm, wait, who is this?"

"Sister Lucretia of the Order Militant of Eden Vital," came the response, causing the two to tense up even further. "Please make sure not to disappoint Sister Sancia's recommendations of your two fireteams for this post."

"Of course ma'am!"

"Good. Carry on then."

The channel fell silent, suggesting Lucretia had moved onto other things. Still the two sergeants remained silent for a moment or two longer, as if wanting to make sure the Eden Vital sister was no longer eavesdropping on them.

"How did she do that?" Amir hissed.

"I don't know, man," Coburg said. "Maybe it has something to do with however they handed our asses to us during that training exercise."

"Somehow it's even scarier how much that makes sense," Amir said.

Again an uneasy silence settled upon the two, for all of five seconds.

"So what are you going to spend the bonus we're getting for this on?" Amir asked.

"I don't know," Coburg answered. "Maybe a new fishing rod?"

"You know, if you're going to splurge you should get one of those fancy carbon fiber rods."

"I've got seven."

A bark of laughter escaped Amir. "Okay, I think you might have a problem there, bro."

"I know," Coburg did not even try to deny the charge.

"Seven. Do you even have the chance to use that many of them?"

"Dude, we're in Tokyo. Do you know how many options are available just along the Sumida River?"

"Enough for seven rods?"

"Well you have your sim rig, I have my fishing rods."

"Eh, fair enough. Though which is more expensive, my rig or your rods?"

Before Coburg could respond, another voice cut in on the radio.

"VIPs inbound, checkpoints report."

Setting aside the radar gun and raising his binoculars, Coburg watched as the convoy rolled towards them. The lead vehicle was an armored utility vehicle with an unmanned turret traversing, followed by a wheeled infantry fighting vehicle that Coburg suspected was carrying a rapid response squad. Only then was the armored luxury sedan carrying the actual VIPs, or at least some of them, slotted in. And afterward were more military vehicles, making for a long and imposing train.

"They sure aren't taking any chances," Amir remarked.

"No, no they aren't," Coburg agreed, before the beating sound of helicopter rotors drowned out anything else he might have to say.

Despite the heavy show of force, the authorities were still not satisfied with the security of the VIPs, hence why more than one means of conveyance was bringing them to the ceremony venue. While Princess Euphemia, Princess Cornelia, and Empress Victoria were arriving via the ground convoy, the helicopter roaring overhead was bringing along Lady Kaguya of the Japanese Administration Council and Lady Millicent Ashford, Cardinal Lamperouge's partner. As for the cardinal himself, no one outside of Eden Vital knew exactly by what route he would be arriving. It was, after all, not paranoia if people really were out to get you.

Kallen adjusted the collar of her outfit once more. For the occasion, she was obliged to wear a slightly more ornate version of Eden Vital's standard garb. There had been some discussion as to whether she should wear a more conventional outfit like a formal dress or something, but it had ultimately been decided to emphasize her connection to the Order.

"Nervous?"

Glancing over, Kallen flashed a wry smile at her fellow battle sister. "A little bit. Even after all the public appearances I've put in, you have to agree that this one is on another scale entirely."

Sancia nodded. "That is true enough. Though if it is any comfort, I have no doubt you will comport yourself as well as any of the previous events."

Kallen chuckled. "Thanks." She then caught sight of a few more personages arriving. "If that's all, I'd like to have a quick chat with His Eminence before things kick off."

"By all means," Sancia said, stepping aside.

The redhead favored the other girl with an appreciative smile before walking over to the cardinal. Lelouch noted her approach almost immediately and after exchanging a brief word with Lucretia turned to greet her.

"Kallen."

"Your Eminence," Kallen took a deep breath. "I wanted to say, thank you. For everything that you've done for me, and for my people."

The hint of a smile that touched Lelouch's lips was that of a genuine one, lacking the usual sardonic touch that otherwise seemed to color the cardinal's expressions.

"You are very welcome," he answered with clear sincerity, then a hint of humor once more touched his lips. "I suppose you never expected to be saying such words to someone like me?"

An eyebrow rose. "An Eden Vital cardinal, or a royal?"

"How about a Britannian?" Lelouch offered.

Kallen's mouth closed and remained that way for a few moments before a slight smile crept across her face.

"I always knew that, in the long term, I'd need to get at least some Britannians on my people's side if they were to ever win their freedom. Otherwise, despite my own determination and conviction, against the strength the Empire possessed, I doubt I could have achieved anything more than some glorious last stand. But I never really dared to hope that I'd find such persons, those Britannians. Certainly not one who'd do as much as you have for my people. But in so doing, you saved not only my people, but also me."

At that last bit Lelouch raised an eyebrow, causing Kallen to snort.

"Didn't I just say that I couldn't envision any end for myself other than some glorious last stand?"

The quizzical look was gone, replaced by a most solemn one.

"You were contemplating suicide."

Kallen nodded. "Not by my own hand, but certainly at the hands of whoever I crossed swords with at the end."

Lelouch continued regarding her, before dipping his own head.

"I too know the feeling, of having lost all hope and seeking only to strive towards an impossible goal, expecting to meet one's own demise short of it. I was fortunate enough to have others take hold of me and keeping me away from the precipice long enough for me to see a new path, a better one, for me to walk. If I have been able to do the same for you, then I can face those who so saved me and let tell them their efforts were not in vain."

"Not in vain," Kallen said, smiling brightly at the cardinal. "For you, me, or everyone else that we will help in the future, together."

"Together then," Lelouch agreed, giving Kallen a solid pat on the shoulder.

At that moment several more persons entered the room, prompting Kallen to step back and click her heels together to excuse herself. Lelouch granted her leave with a nod as he turned to the newest arrivals. Cornelia had a raised eyebrow while Euphemia looked like she wanted to ask him something. Only Victoria retained an otherwise neutral demeanor, though Lelouch caught a hint of something in her eyes. Hopefully it was just his imagination that it had all the hallmarks of amusement. Before anyone could give voice to their thoughts, or speculations, Sancia stepped forward once more.

"Your Eminence, Your Majesty, Your Highnesses," the Eden Vital sister said, her tone professional but also carrying a flatness that immediately put the others on alert. "We just received report of movement of the Chinese and Russian fleets."

Euphemia gasped while Cornelia hissed a curse under her breath. Victoria grimaced while this time it was Lelouch that quirked an eyebrow.

"Rather audacious of them," Lelouch said, then looked over at his elder sister. "I must remain here for the ceremony and ensure its completion."

"Then I better head back to the palace," Cornelia said. "If the Chinese and Russians really are about to kick things off, I want to be plugged into the command net at the start."

The cardinal nodded. "Sancia, Alice, accompany Her Highness." Then to his sister. "I want Dame Monica to remain here to assist with security."

Cornelia too began to nod before frowning. "Are you expecting trouble?"

Lelouch gave a grunt. "I always expect trouble."

That did nothing to reassure the older woman, but after exchanging looks with her mother, she gave a reluctant nod.

"Just make sure nothing happens, to any of you," she said before taking her leave.

Lelouch similarly turned about, speaking into his radio. "Lucretia, I've sent Sancia and Alice back with Princess Cornelia while retaining Monica. Adjust the rotation as you see fit."

"Understood, Your Eminence."

Euphemia watched her brother go with a foreboding sense of unease. While aware of the risk of an actual war breaking out, that prospect had still seemed quite distant, even a bit unreal, up till this point. It still felt less than real with how calmly the rest of her family was handling it. Surely a war would see people at least a bit more worried. A hand came resting on the girl's shoulder, causing her to start slightly.

"Calm yourself, Euphie," Victoria said to her daughter. "Let Lelouch and Cornelia handle the martial matters, that is their specialty. You need only do what you are capable of right now."

The princess took a deep breath and gave an appreciative smile to her mother.

"I'll certainly try."

Victoria nodded. "Why don't you spend some time with your friends before the ceremony? Once it starts, there'll be quite a bit of tedium."

Euphemia nodded and walked over to where Milly and Kaguya were already seated, with Marika trailing after. Monica had already peeled off and was actually standing behind Kaguya, apparently having been slotted in as the younger girl's guard for today's festivities.

"Kaguya, Milly," Euphemia greeted.

"Hey Euphie," Milly said. "Your sister won't be joining us?"

"Something came up," Euphemia said after a beat. "She's returning to the palace."

A slight flicker of worry crossed both other girls' expressions but neither chose to dwell overlong on it.

"So, you ready for your speech?"

That brought Euphemia crashing back down to reality as the girl let out a long sigh.

"I think so," she said. "I mean, I have the entire thing memorized, and this won't be the first public speaking I've had to do. But this will be the first with this many people. I mean, have you seen the crowds out there?"

Milly chuckled. "Yeah, we got a pretty good look while in the chopper. Lelouch actually wondered if it wasn't too late to put up some Blaze Luminous generators, and I don't think he was joking."

"That probably isn't warranted," Kaguya said. "Us Japanese are if nothing else quite orderly, even in crowds."

"Did he ride in with you two?" Euphemia asked.

Milly shook her head. "Nope. He was already here with Kallen when we arrived."

That saw the princess sneak a glance over at the other girl, who was conversing with several others of Japanese ethnicity. She knew from her briefings that several were former resistance fighters that the older girl was personally acquainted with, though this would be the first time she was seeing them in person. In a way it was rather telling how naturally Kallen seemed to be in her element while around them. There was also another group of Japanese congregating separately, wearing ceremonial vestments that Euphemia now recognized to be Shinto in nature, marking them as representatives of Ise. It was certainly a broad range of parties taking center stage for today.

"Well, it can't be as bad as exams," Milly said with a smirk.

Euphemia gave a weak smile to that. Examinations at Ashford had just concluded, and on top of her regular courses the princess also had to take tests on her extracurricular civics instruction. Just because all three of them had roles to play in the upcoming ceremony had not excused them from fulfilling their academic obligations, or meeting the standards expected of them.

"How do you think you two did?" Kaguya inquired.

"Mmm, well enough that I shouldn't get any flak from my family," Milly said with a noncommittal shrug. "I've already gotten admittance into the university I was aiming for, and I trust next year's head boy or head girl will have things well in hand."

"Almost a shame His Eminence is not attending Ashford himself," the Japanese girl said with a giggle of her own. "Otherwise he would certainly be on the shortlist for that position, no?"

"Oh most definitely," Milly agreed with good cheer.

Off to the side, Lelouch cast a stern glance towards them before turning back to his conversation with a few of the other present dignitaries.

"Do you know who they might be?" Euphemia asked.

"Well, Rivalz and Shirley are both on the shortlist after how well they did as prefects," Milly said. "Suzaku might have been too, except he just doesn't have enough experience with all the duties being head boy would entail. That and his responsibilities in the military might make his attendance somewhat irregular, which wouldn't be ideal for a head boy. Kallen and Oldrin are in similar situations, they'd both be good candidates, but with how often Lelouch is liable to want to pull them out for Eden Vital business, it'd probably save everyone trouble just picking someone else."

"What about Euphie?" Kaguya suggested.

"Me? I'll only be a junior next year," the princess said.

"That didn't stop Milly," the youngest girl pointed out.

"A junior can technically become head girl," Milly said, "there's no rules requiring a senior to fill the role. Of course, you can decline it if you don't want it or feel you need a bit more time getting used to the school."

Euphemia's expression turned pensive. By now the girl was well capable of recognizing at least the existence of various interleaved pros and cons to such a decision. As a princess, her high court status brought with it a certain expectation that she could also assume certain high stations in other social hierarchies. It would even be good practice, a role that let her exercise a measure of authority but where any mistakes she made would be of low enough magnitude that the adults could still remedy them. And having worked with this year's junior prefects, Euphemia actually knew that issues of jealousy were unlikely to crop up. Neither Rivalz nor Shirley were people that would resent Euphemia for leapfrogging them for the position.

"If I'm considered for it," Euphemia began slowly, "I don't think I'd object. But perhaps it'd be better if I were deputy head girl instead? To give me a bit more time to learn the ropes."

Milly seemed to think it over before giving another shrug. "If that's what you want, then you can certainly let the teachers know. Though if you do become deputy, I think we might need to conscript Kallen regardless of her attendance availability." The girl cracked another smirk. "Not sure how Rivalz or Shirley would feel trying to give orders to a princess, and we all know Kallen wouldn't have that problem."

"What problem wouldn't I have?" another voice broke into their conversation.

Looking up, the three found Kallen having made her approach without their seeming awareness.

"We were just talking about who'd be head girl next year," Milly said, smirk still plastered over her face.

An eyebrow quirked upward on Kallen's face. "I thought I was already removed from consideration on account of my other duties."

"Well, yes, but if we're to make Euphie the deputy head girl, it'd be better to have someone of at least somewhat closer social rank to her as the actual head girl," Milly said, "for which you fit the bill perfectly, Viscountess Stadtfeld."

Kallen let out an exasperated sigh. "That title is becoming more and more troublesome than it's worth."

That only elicited chuckles from at least some of the others.

"Also, if we have Euphie as deputy, that actually helps you too," Milly continued. "Even if you're absent on assignment or something, no one is going to get too touchy about her stepping in to handle your duties."

"That, is true," Kallen said more thoughtfully.

"No decision has actually been made yet," Milly said, "so just think about it. But something tells me that the two of you would work really well together."

The two girls of reddish hair exchanged looks and a brief smile. Milly was probably not wrong there, as fiery as Kallen might be, Euphemia also possessed a certain steely resolve, as demonstrated by her continued presence in Japan. Both also were determined to see to the welfare of their people, all their people, and the rapport they had established these past few months was a fairly amicable one. There were worse combinations for a head girl and her deputy.

"I'll think about it," Kallen finally said.

Euphemia likewise gave a nod.

"Great, that's two more things off my todo list," Milly said with a bright smile.

Kallen rolled her eyes but refrained from chiding the older girl any further. Accusing Milly of premature celebrations was certainly not going to damper the girl's cheer anyway.

"Now, onto more important matters," Milly said, the look of glee in her eyes immediately setting more than one other on alert. "Looking forward to the school ball?"

The sigh that sounded was less resignation and much more exasperation.

"It is a shame I am not eligible to attend," Kaguya said, beaming a smile of her own at Euphemia. "I would have loved to see you on my cousin's arms."

The princess colored slightly but her own smile was quite joyous.

"We'll make sure to get lots of photos," she assured the younger girl.

"I'm sure Suzaku and Euphie will be fine," Milly said, her eyes still fixed on the standing redhead. "It's you that warrants concern."

"I have a date," Kallen said very firmly, "one that fulfills all the expectations of the evening."

"But you still won't tell me who this date is," Milly said with a pout.

Kallen rolled her eyes. "And it'll stay that way until the dance itself."

"Hmph. You're no fun."

"Be thankful that Lelouch felt it warranted to drag me to the dance," Kallen said, "otherwise I would have been an outright no-show."

Milly sighed. "I know that with your experiences, it can be a bit hard to empathize with those others of your own age, but don't block out opportunities for a bit of normality, Kallen. They're important opportunities to let you focus on something else aside from your duties and concerns, to let you rest."

"Not sure how restful a formal ball would be," Kallen said with another sigh, "but I take your point."

Milly nodded with a warm smile.

"Still not telling you who my date is though."

That earned Kallen a very loud raspberry.

There was an exuberant sense of anticipation amongst the crowd gathered today. The thousands attending and the millions more watching the streaming broadcast all had hopes and expectations that they hoped would be met today, and more than a little trepidation that something might yet happen to dash those hopes. After all, as the saying went, don't count your chickens before the eggs hatched.

It was in anticipation of these anxieties that the viceroyalty government had orchestrated the ceremony the way it did, or more specifically the particular personages that were now coming into the stage to find their seats. The mixture of Japanese and Britannian faces offered the impression of mutual inclusiveness, while the lofty stations of those present emphasized the surety of today's events.

On the Japanese side, there may still be some lingering mixed feelings about the likes of Taizo Kirihara on account of the perceived ease of his life despite his support for the insurgency, but the others present shared less of this attainting. It went without saying that Kaguya Sumeragi was very widely celebrated for so decisively casting her lot with the one person considered most responsible for advancing Japan's current betterment, while the presence of Colonel Ami Chouno, a bona fide Japanese Liberation Front officer, further emphasized the progress that betterment had achieved. On the other hand Kaname Ohgi looked downright out of place with his visible apprehension, but to many this further helped emphasize the genuineness of his representation of the resistance cells based in and around Tokyo.

For the Britannians, very few people could have brought greater prestige or prominence to the event than Empress Victoria. In fact there were only three people that ranked higher than her in terms of social precedence, two others being the imperial consorts ranked above her and of course her husband the emperor himself. Her presence alone made clear how seriously the Empire took today's proceedings. Then there was her daughter, the Princess Euphemia. Having established her public persona these past few months, Euphemia had gained a large, adoring following here in Japan, amongst both the ethnic Japanese and the Britannian immigrants. That she was blossoming into a beautiful lady in the process certainly did her reputation little harm.

Of course if the response of the audience as the last of the dignitaries entered the stage was any indication, the true source of reassurance for the gathered peoples was the dignified looking young man in the black robes of Eden Vital. Whereas a subdued ripple of anticipation was sweeping through the crowd as the others appeared, that burgeoning silence erupted into cheers and applause as Lelouch stepped forth. The cardinal raised a hand in greeting, and somehow the sound of jubilation grew even louder. Even the others already seated joined in the clapping. If anyone deserved this adulation for his achievements, it was hard to argue that person was not Lelouch.

It took quite a while before the applause died down, but when it did, it was Euphemia that rose to take the podium first.

"Presenting Her Highness, Third Princess of the Realm, Euphemia li Britannia," came the formal pronouncement.

The more work that the princess was rewarded for her previous jobs well done was to open the handover ceremony itself, a great honor that would hopefully further solidify Euphemia's reputation not only in Japan but in the broader Empire. While Milly might have teased about her exams being more difficult, in at least one respect this was an easier endeavor, for it was something Euphemia herself sincerely wished to do. As the audience waited in rapt attention, Euphemia's words began flowing, clear and crisp across the entire forum.

"Fifteen centuries. That is the depth of the recorded cultural wealth upon which this place we call Japan rests upon. What is remarkable about this history is not merely its longevity, for countless other empires and nations have risen, fallen, or been subsumed in the interim, but by the synergy displayed by the Japanese people in adapting unto themselves countless ideas and workings. The Japan of today is the culmination of those centuries of blending, from the characters used in the writing to the doctrines of faith that underpin the people's spirituality. To stand on the shoulder of giants is certainly to owe them a debt of gratitude, but it is on one's own feet that is the standing done, and to greater heights at that."

That Euphemia spoke of Japan instead of her native Britannia was of course a calculated decision, as was how Kaguya would speak of the Empire after the princess. The ordering of people and topics was deliberately set to evoke the sort of complementary synergy Euphemia was already alluding to, to show the potential of what true union between Britannia and Japan might achieve, or more specifically how much better such a future might be compared to Japan continuing to try going it alone. It was an extremely tricky balancing act, but not one so beyond those set to strike it.

"I consider all that which Japan, and its people, have learned to bring themselves to this point. And I wonder, how much further might they go in the future with all that is yet to be learned? How much further might we go, together? For the opportunity, and indeed honor, that lays before us is to partake in this synergy. Not as an outside observer or even a distant contributor, but as a partner, hand-in-hand, for both this journey and the many more that will follow."

Platitudes aplenty, along with a multitude of sentiment. The assembled crowds still seemed by the princess' words however and gave warm applause as her speech came to its conclusion. That applause continued as Kaguya rose and stepped over to the podium. The two women exchanged smiles and then a firm handshake before switching spots. Euphemia turned to return to her seat as Kaguya stood atop the stage, visible far and wide as she waited for the applause to end. Another sound however soon cut through.

"SNIPER!"

Kaguya froze. Intellectually, she knew exactly what that word meant, as well as what she should be doing. The shock and not inconsiderable fear saw her lock up however, for a moment at least. It was a moment too long, or would have been, as the girl felt something ram into her and bring her crashing down onto the ground. Amidst all this she barely even registered the loud boom that sounded, nor the screams of panic. What she did sense through her hazy confusion was a weight pressed upon her, one that remained absolutely still. A stillness, and an uncertain, sickly wetness. The next sound however carried with it absolute certainty.

"EUPHIE!"

End of Chapter 60

Would this be a good time to note that I'm a bit mentally burnt out and intend to take a break from writing for a bit? Ahem.

Regardless, the next few chapters are going to take a bit of time. The relevant scenes are mechanically fairly complicated, as I have to deal with a multi-sequence battle from several perspectives, as well as the personal fallout from what just happened. When I did the Battle of Tokyo in Calculus, the events were ultimately spread across four chapters, which was only eclipsed by the Battle of Pendragon in length and complexity. I don't think Meridian's Battle of Tokyo will stretch quite that long, but if there's one thing I've been consistent on for this story, it's undershooting my estimates for length.

With respect to the chapter itself, I will make one remark about what happened to Euphemia. I am aware of the antipathy towards Euphemia held by certain of my readers. I do not expect to change your opinions about canon Euphemia, I personally didn't really hold that Euphemia in especially high esteem either. I would only ask that you not project your own antipathy upon the in-universe perception of Euphemia of my story. The way people react, which will extend well beyond just Lelouch or Suzaku, do so in the context of Euphemia as she existed in this story. What her canon counterpart did to earn your antipathy is not applicable to the in-universe perception of Euphemia in this story. As such if you approach the coherency of my story's in-universe reactions through the lens of canon Euphemia, you are guaranteed to suffer a significant degree of cognitive dissonance.

Also, in case it wasn't clear, Euphemia wasn't the actual target, Kaguya was.