AN: I do not own Code Geass

DarkDremora: Thank you for your feedback regarding Kallen's breakdown, I really appreciate it as it'll help when I have to write these kinds of scenes in the future. Also, the reason Kallen's mind didn't acknowledge the kiss, is simply because her mind's currently turning on herself, which is another loint in her character that will be addressed later. As for the interaction between Lelouch and Kallen, it'll be more touched upon in the next chapter, as it'll be more light-hearted than the previous chapters.

meinsylaks: I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Batazr: Suzaku knows a lot thanks to the memories of Karma Suzaku, but the only reason he won't act on them, is because then he'll be forced to accept that Lelouch is Zero, which is something Suzaku actively doesn't want to confront, even if it's true.

Chapter 46: Euphemia's Arrival

January 25th 9:00AM

Suzaku and Rai were in parade dress as they watched Princess Euphemia's plane land at the reconstructed Yokota Airbase. As its massive propellers came to a stop, the duo walked onto the airstrip with a group of Royal Guards following close behind, each checking the surrounding area for any abstractions, "Welcome to Area 11, Princess," the boys bowed upon seeing the pink-haired girl exit the plane.

"Thank you for such a warm welcome." Euphemia responded with a radiant smile, "I assume you'll be my escort for today?"

A convoy of black SUV's appeared behind her guards, before a man in a tuxedo came out and whispered in Suzaku's ear, "We've got suspicious activity reported at the terminal. I advise we load the Princess into the cars here, and take route C.

The White Knight nodded, "Please, Princess Euphemia, I apologize for my rudeness, but I need you to head inside." He opened one of the SUV's doors, "We can continue the pleasantries soon after."

Lloyd and Cecile facepalmed upon hearing how he handled the situation over his earpiece, "That's it, Suzaku. Get the Princess scared, that'll definitely help calm her nerves after entering a foreign land." the latter muttered sarcastically as the convoy started driving away.

Suzaku and Rai took a seat on either side of the royal family member, making sure to sit as close to the doors as per protocol demanded. Sure, they were in charge of defending Euphemia, but they were instructed to maintain a fair distance away from her figure at all times. This rift between them didn't go unnoticed, "Um… are you sure you're comfortable sitting like that?" she asked while looking at the two boys.

"We're fine, Princess." Suzaku said, "How was your flight? I hope it wasn't problematic."

"Oh… it was fine." she then moved closer to the boy, "Anyway, what about you? Lila's told me a lot about you."

"R-really? Like what?"

"Like your piloting skills. She says it's impressive how you're able to maneuver the Lancelot so well, especially when we compare your performance charts to the Margrave." Euphemia inched closer to the White Knight, nearly touching his arm, "She also admires your sense of justice, and believes that you're the embodiment of everything she believes in."

As Suzaku felt the Princess' breath on his cheek, he was struck with memories of the past, specifically, ones that involved her. The moments he shared, accepting the offer to become her Knight, and the first time they met, "I'm flattered by those words, my lady." he awkwardly replied, shaking away those thoughts. They weren't real. Not to him, anyway. Because, if he accepted those memories, then that would mean Lelouch is…

"Honestly, with how much she was talking about you, I wouldn't be surprised if Lila secretly developed a crush on you." This made the White Knight yelp, causing Euphemia to let out a hearty laugh, "I'm just kidding. Lila's much too young for love. Heck, she's way too young to be a Viceroy. I mean, sure, Brother Schneizel did it at a younger age, but still, that's Schneizel. That's why I'm here. Lila told me about the problems she's been having running Japan, and from what I hear, Carine's not much help."

"Well, I think Lila's been doing a phenomenal job. She's improved the lives of all Eleven's as well as the economy. Area 11 has never been better."

"Hmm, is that what you think?" Euphemia asked while leaning back in her seat. "From your facial expression, I can see something is bothering you."

Was it that obvious? "It's nothing." the White Knight lied.

"Aww, don't say that. Is it that you're tired of referring to your own people as Elevens? It bugs me too. That's why Lila and I try to call Area 11 Japan whenever we're behind closed doors."

"But… why?"

"Because, the Japanese, or rather, no one in general deserves to be treated like a number. That's what my sister and I believe."

"So… you don't agree with the oppression that's going on?" Rai finally spoke up.

"Well… obviously not."

"Then… what do you think of Zero?"

Euphemia put a hand on her cheek, "I think… I agree with how he stands up for the weak, but when it comes to his methods… they're-"

"Contemptible?" Suzaku finished her sentence.

"Kind of… but he's another reason why I came here. You see, if he's really here to help free the Japanese people of Britannian cruelty, then I should have the chance to speak with him, and determine if he's telling the truth." the pink-haired Princess explained, "After all, if he denies my olive branch, that'll show more about his character than anything else."

As she explained her plan, memories of Lelouch ordering the slaughter of countless Britannian's, including Euphemia, played on repeat in Suzaku's mind. No matter how much he tried to shake it off, those reminders kept coming back stronger and stronger.

"Are you okay, Suzaku?" the Princess asked as she tapped her bodyguard's shoulder, sending a shockwave of new memories to flood his mind.

"I-I'm fine…" he responded while sweat poured down his cheek.

This made the royal family member slightly irritated, "Suzaku, as Princess Euphemia Li Britannia, I order you to tell me what your problem is."

While he could've easily denied this request by giving a false issue, the guilt was racking up his consciousness, making it nearly impossible to see anymore. That's why, against his better judgment, Suzaku willingly told Euphemia what was wrong. Of course, he would leave out a few important details, "Forgive me. But… What's troubling me is something… personal."

"That's alright, we have a long drive anyway."

Rai watched as his partner sighed before beginning, "You see… there's this friend I have, and he's hiding this big secret from me- actually, I don't even know if the secret's real, it's just a rumor I've heard. But if it turns out that it's true… then I'll have to rethink our friendship."

Euphemia nodded in response, "I know you probably don't want to go into detail about this, but why don't you just confront them? If the secret's so bad that it'll ruin your friendship, then you should find out its validity as soon as possible. After all, the sooner you find out, the faster you can move on from this small mishap."

"If only it were that simple…" Suzaku watched as a helicopter surveyed the convoy from above, "Ah, who am I kidding. If I confront Lelouch, then he'll most likely deny it, even so… at least I'll be able to pretend that he's not Zero." Finally, for the first time since they met, the White Knight looked the Princess in the eyes, and said, "Thank you. I'll go see them after this."

"I'm glad I could be of some help!" the innocent Princess replied with a beaming smile.

Tokyo Settlement

"Dude, I'm telling you, water is wet." Tamaki argued with Ohgi as Naoto drove both of them along the highway.

"Water is not wet, you idiot." Ohgi responded from the front seat, "Water is the thing that makes other things wet. Water can't make itself wet."

"But water is a thing!" Tamaki protested while grabbing onto the back of Naoto's seat, "Water is touching itself all the time, meaning, water is wet."

"That's not how it works! Water can't make itself, itself!"

"Oh my god. You're so stupid." the idiot ironically replied, "Why does it have to be touching something else? After all, dirt is dirty even though it's not touching anything other than itself."

"Dude, dirt isn't dirty. Dirt is dirt. When you put dirt on, let's say… a countertop, then the countertop becomes dirty."

Finally, Naoto had enough of the conversation, and interjected, "I sure hope you two don't have such idiotic conversations after we pick up Tohdoh and the four Holy Swords."

"Naoto, you've gotta help me out here." Ohgi pleaded, "This idiot just doesn't seem to understand-"

"Why are you even arguing with him in the first place!? You know he's not going to understand like this. Tamaki's a visual learner, words won't get through that thick skull of his."

"Hey!" the man in question shouted, "I'm not a complete idiot!"

"Oh, so you are an idiot?"

"Sh-shut up!"

Naoto covered his mouth, because if he didn't, he would've screamed at the top of his lungs out of frustration. Luckily, their exit ramp was in sight, so the drive was coming to an end soon. However, just as he entered the ramp, at the bottom, there was a military roadblock preventing them from turning onto the main streets. That's when a soldier stepped out and hailed their car.

Naoto stopped the car at the foot of the exit ramp, and rolled down his window, "Is there a problem?" he asked the approaching soldier.

"Yeah. You can't turn here. There's important royal family business. Please, reenter the highway by taking the entrance ramp over there."

After being redirected, Naoto got back onto the highway, only to hear Tamaki say, "Anyway, water is constantly touching itself, that much I can see. Therefore, water is-"

"Tamaki!" the resistance leader finally snapped, "I'm gonna get back there and touch YOU if you don't shut up!"

The rest of the drive fell into an awkward silence, with Tamaki and Ohgi sharing occasional glances and giggles regarding the comment from their driver. Of course, this only angered the Kozuki, but he knew there was nothing to be done about it. After a 10-minute detour, the group finally arrived at the alleyway, where Tohdoh, Nagisa, Senba, Asahina, and Urabe were waiting for them in brown cloaks.

"What took you so long?" Senba asked as Tamaki got out of the car, and collapsed his seat, so the new members could get in the back.

"We had some issues with Britannian roadblocks." Naoto explained, "There must be some kind of parade going on."

"Or maybe Carine's going to prance around town about her victory?" Nagisa muttered while filing into the back seats of the SUV. "Regardless, this meeting with Zero irks me."

"How so?" Senba asked as Tohdoh sat next to the woman.

"You're kidding, right? During Narita, he might've helped us fend off Britannia, but in the process, he killed over half our force. That's half of our friends, if you didn't know."

"Sacrifices are to be made in war." the miracle worker interjected, "We've already mourned our comrade's death, that's why we came to the settlement in the first place. Now, it's up to us to carry on their dream of a free Japan, and if Katase says we have to team up with Zero to do so, then I'll gladly fight alongside that masked man."

"You can't be serious! You'll really fight alongside some guy who refuses to show us his face?"

"Hey! Don't diss my man Zero like that!" Tamaki came to the aid of the Black Knight's leader just as Asahina took a seat next to Tohdoh, "The guy's mask might be a bit strange, but his heart's in the right place. Besides, he promised to reveal his face to us after we take back Japan!"

"Oh? And how do you know that's not a lie?"

"Because… Zero hasn't lied to us yet! Sure, he led us into Narita without telling us about Britannia's plan to attack the JLF there, but even still, we managed to get out of there with minimal casualties." The Japanese man explained, "Not only that, but we were also able to significantly cripple Britannia in that battle, so in my book, Zero's more than trustworthy!"

Naoto watched his friend argue with Nagisa through his rearview mirror. A proud smile soon crept onto his face, "I have to give props to Tamaki. After Narita, he was one of the main people who stood up for Zero, explaining to the other Black Knights why we should continue to have faith in him. Without him, I don't know if we would've regained the Black Knight's support in full."

"Whatever you say." Nagisa muttered while looking out the window as the car began moving.

"Aw, don't look so sour." Senba added, "I'm sure the house of Kyoto will be able to get Zero to remove his mask today."

"I hope the house will be able to forgive us for being late." Asahina commented while taking out a book.

Ohgi looked at the once proud Mt. Fuji, which was now enslaved to Britannia, forced to surrender its Sakuradite to the massive war machine. Though, he didn't think of it like that. Instead, it was a wondrous sight, as being able to enter the mountain itself was a privilege not given to many.

However, Naoto's thoughts about it were completely different. He thought about how difficult defeating Britannia would be so long as the mountain was under their rule. It's no secret that Britannia invaded Japan solely for its Sakuradite mines, as the pink substance was essential for powering their future invasions. Of course, the positioning of the once neutral nation was also a plus, as it put them within striking range of the Korean Peninsula. Although, this victory didn't come without a cost, as Britannia lost Cambodia, Indochina, and the Philippines to the Chinese Federation in the month it was conquering Japan.

In the grand scheme of things, those three Area's being taken didn't mean much, as they didn't offer a lot to Britannia's conquest except for prime positioning to strike China. But, with Japan under Britannian rule, those Areas no longer had purpose.

Cambodia

"Prince Schneizel! I'm so glad you could make it!" an ambassador of Cambodia greeted the Prince with a bow just outside a large factory.

"Please, the pleasure is all mine." The charismatic Prince returned the greeting flawlessly, "Now, I hear that you've made some excellent progress regarding that special project of ours?"

"That's correct! I implore you to follow me inside." With that, the group headed inside, keeping a close huddle as they passed large beams that were being welded together, "I must apologize for the Prime Minister's absence today. As you know, the High Eunuch are very stingy when it comes to the annual meetings of the Chinese Federation. Everyone is forced to participate."

"Fear not. I understand. In fact, it's regrettable that we had to relinquish control of such a proud Area like Cambodia to those corrupt leaders." Schneizel responded. The blond Prince was a master of deception, and knew the right words to say to get what he wanted. In this case, he played into the pride of Cambodia, as he knew they didn't like being puppet states of either Britannia or the Chinese Federation. In fact, the whole reason his people were able to sneak into the country in the first place, was because the Prime Minister contacted him a few months prior.

To the public, their first meeting seemed like a friendly chat between Prime Ministers, but behind closed doors, an important deal was being made, one that could change the fate of the world forever. Ever since then, Schneizel was free to sneak in and out of Cambodia without issue from the public, or his family.

"As you can see, the Damocles' construction is moving along nicely. The actual frame of the fortress should be completed by next year. However, the real issue lies in the… special attachments you've got lined up for us."

"I can assure you, in a year's time, we should have the float system figured out, maybe even earlier if we're lucky."

"Fear not, for we are willing to wait. As long as we get the same kind of independence as Euro Britannia, we'll happily serve."

Schneizel's eyes narrowed at that wording, but only for a second, before returning to normal, "So, how's the wiring for the Blaze Luminous System going?"

The group entered a command room, where it had a large glass wall that overlooked the Damocles as it was under construction, "Well, the main issue is powering the system itself. We've opted for Solar Panels, but…" the ambassador pulled up a diagram, "We won't be able to mount them until after we've fully constructed the protruding beams, and even then-"

"It'll take months to test." Kanon Maldini, Schneizel's right-hand man, spoke up, "What about the VARIS?"

"Same problem as the solar panels, we won't be able to mount the main turret until after we've finished construction of the entire structure. Though, we should be able to attach smaller versions throughout with little difficulty."

Schneizel watched as the speedy Cambodian workers attached a metal beam to the fortress, welding it in place with a 3rd Generation Knightmare, provided by Camelot for the construction of this project. "The sheer size of this is becoming an issue. Though, I suppose expecting something so tremendous to be finished in two years is already a big ask. So, I'll give the Cambodian people credit where it's due." he smiled while turning to the ambassador, "I'm very impressed by your progress. I trust you will keep up the good work."

After leaving the factory, Schneizel's group boarded his personal plane, and they set off for Area 6, South America. "Kanon, what's the status of the Gawain?"

"There are troubles with the float system, however, thanks to the accelerated progress of the Blaze Luminous, courtesy of Lloyd Asplund, it should be complete by July."

"Just the float system, or the entire Knightmare?"

Kanon struggled to answer as he scrolled through a tablet, but after a minute, finally said, "The Hadron Cannons are a different story. The Zevon family is struggling with the technology to perfect the beam."

"I see." the blond Prince put a hand on his chin, "Well, it's not like we're in a rush to get it out. So, we'll allow them to take as much time as needed."

"I shall report the news to them." Kanon bowed in his seat as their plane passed over the Philippines.

Mt. Fuji 12:00PM

Naoto eyed Zero's figure as he sat across from him in the limousine provided by the Kyoto group. Their group consisting of Ohgi, Tamaki, Kallen, Tohdoh, and the four Holy Swords watched as the car entered a large tunnel, before being engulfed by the darkness of the underpass. "Hey, why don't you speak?" Nagisa asked in a hostile tone while pointing at Zero.

"Hey! Don't point at my bro like that!" Tamaki instantly came to Zero's defense.

Despite the shouting match between Nagisa and Tamaki going on in the background, Naoto's eyes were locked onto Zero's body, "There's something off here…" he began rubbing his temple in frustration, "I swear to god… what are you planning, Lelouch?"

Suddenly, the limo came to a stop, and the group felt themselves being lifted. After a minute, they came to a stop, before being instructed to exit the vehicle by the driver. Once they did, the group was greeted by a sight of the Fuji mines through a large window, "Woah! Look at that!" Tamaki put his face against the glass, "We're above the Fuji mines! Do you know what they do to trespassers here?"

"It's impressive…" Ohgi muttered at the sight.

"It's repulsive." a voice from behind boomed. The group turned around, only to be greeted by two guards who stood before a veil, "Mt. Fuji, a sacred mountain once known for its clear water and quiet beauty. Now it is bent to the empire's will. A place of hideous violation. A reflection of what Japan has become. It pains me so." a stick then protrudes from the veil, still not revealing the source of the voice, "Zero, I apologize for my rudeness, but I cannot show my face to someone who refuses to show me theirs." four Burais emerged from the shadows with their rifles pointed at the group, "I hope you understand."

"Whoa, wait a minute! Why are we being threatened!?" Nagisa shouted as the rest of the Holy Swords and Tohdoh stayed calm, "Wait… did you guys know about this?"

"Clearly, someone skipped the meeting we had before." the voice of Katase responded as he walked out from behind a Burai's leg. "Don't you remember?"

Nagisa looked at Senba, "Oh… so that's what you meant earlier."

"We've been betrayed!" Tamaki whined, "Those bastards… how dare they threaten my man Zero!"

"Relax, Tamaki." the voice commanded, "So long as your leader complies with our demands, no harm will come to your group. Now, which one of you is Naoto?"

"Th-that's me." The Kozuki stepped forward, "Kallen doesn't look too surprised by this…" he noted while asking, "What is it that you need from me?"

"Remove Zero's mask."

Naoto sighed, "Ah… I can't do that…" he stepped forward while answering, "You see, Zero gave us his word that he'd reveal his face after we've taken back Japan. Though, if it makes you feel better, I already know of Zero's identity, and can tell you who he is in a whisper." Of course, that was a lie. The resistance leader mainly said those things to gauge where the Kyoto Group stood in trusting Zero.

"No. I demand his mask be removed now." like clockwork, Naoto found out their intentions with those words, "Which one of you is Ohgi?"

The man in question stepped forward eagerly, a little too eagerly for the resistance leader's liking, "That's me."

"Remove Zero's mask at once."

Without hesitation, Ohgi moved toward Zero, shocking Tamaki, "Hey! Why're you going along with this clown show so willingly!?"

Kaname sighed, "I'm sorry, Zero. But I know you already trust us, so please, give us a reason to trust you."

"Ohgi, don't you dare take a single step forward!" Naoto commanded, much to the guard's dismay.

"Naoto, please. I know he said he'd reveal who he is once we take Japan, but… I've been thinking about Narita… and I have to know, does he see us as just pawns?"
"Then just ask him, you idiot!" Tamaki argued while firmly grasping his friend's hand.

"No… there's no way to tell if he's lying or not that way. At least if I see his face… maybe-"

Before Ohgi could finish his sentence, Zero grasped the sides of his mask, and removed it shortly after, revealing a green-haired girl who smiled smugly at the veiled man, "Wh-what!? Zero's a chick?" Tamaki exclaimed, "My best buddy's a girl!"

"Is that a problem?" Nagisa asked with disdain.

"N-not at all!"

"So… you're really not Japanese." Ohgi muttered, "Though, you don't look Britannian either.

C.C stayed silent with her smug smile as Naoto sighed in frustration, "Oh god. Lelouch… please, save me the embarrassment and just go through with the plan already."

Of course, the Kozuki was already aware of the Prince's plan to corner the Kyoto official that was going to oversee their arrival, but Naoto didn't know how he was going to do it. Instead, he was given the task of trying to talk them down. The reason why Lelouch wanted things to end through peaceful matters, was simply because the hassle of what was going to come next would shock the Holy Swords, which wasn't necessary.

Regardless, the next stage of Lelouch's plan came into action. One of the Burai suddenly knocked the rifle out of its neighbor, before shooting the guns out of the other two, and approaching the veiled figure, "Your methods are horribly outdated, Taizo Kirihara," Zero explained while getting out of his Knightmare with a button, "Taizo Kirihara, founder of Kirihara industries which has a monopoly on sakuradite mining. Formerly a key backer of the Kururugi regime. However, when Japan fell, you dodged the tribunal by collaborating with the colonial rulers. Commonly known as Kirihara the traitor. In reality, you are one of the leaders of the six houses of Kyoto who support resistance groups throughout Japan. A double agent, how cliché"

Taizo clenched the head of his staff tightly as his guards shouted, "Anyone who can identify Taizo deserves to be put down!"

"Wait! He can fire remotely with that button!" the other guard shouted as Zero approached their leader.

"So what now? Are you going to blackmail me into giving you support? If so, then you should've tried your luck with one of the other Kyoto leaders, because I'm not-"

Zero poked his head through the veil and said, "No. I intend to do no such thing." Lelouch then removed his mask, "Because I think you understand more than anyone where my hatred for Britannia stems from."

Taizo's eyes widened in shock, before he grew an amused smile, "So, the seed that was planted 7 years ago has finally started to bloom?"

That's when he let out a hearty laugh as Tamaki, Ohgi, and Nagisa tried to get a better look, "Hey! I can't see from here!" the idiot said, "What's he look like, Naoto?"

The man in question shook his head, "He's not Japanese, that's all I'll say."

"Ohgi!" Taizo boomed, "This man, Zero, is a true enemy of Britannia. If you choose to side with him, then the houses of Kyoto will gladly provide you with equipment and logistics."

Instead of Kaname answering, Naoto stepped forward, and said, "Thank you."

"And Tohdoh, I think you'll be happy to know that Zero is someone from 'that time'."

Despite the vague terminology, the miracle worker seemed to instantly understand what he was saying, "Seriously?" he muttered, "Is Zero really…"

Kallen smiled upon seeing the interaction, "It seems like everything ended up even better than last time. Not only do we have Taizo's support, but we've also made a good impression with Tohdoh."

"Hold on just a moment!" Katase shouted, "I want to see this Zero for myself! If the JLF is going to be working with the Black Knight's, then both leaders must know the other's face."

Just as the General tried to approach Taizo, the guards stopped him, which was soon followed by the Kyoto member saying, "I'm afraid that won't do. Zero's face must be kept hidden at all times. Otherwise, he runs the risk of being targeted by Britannian assassins."

"So… it really is him, isn't it?" Tohdoh added, "Unfortunately, Katase, I have to agree with Taizo. Zero's identity must be kept a secret, even from you."

"What!? You've figured out his identity already!?" Nagisa exclaimed, "And you're even willing to keep it from General Katase…"

Ohgi watched the interaction with wide eyes. All of this wasn't helping to dispel the curiosity he had toward Zero's true identity, in fact, it was only empowering his want further. "Damn it, Tohdoh! You're going to side with Zero in all this?"

"No. I'm not taking sides here. If Taizo says that it's important to keep Zero's identity a secret, then we must listen."

The General clenched his fist in anger, but even he realized there was nothing to be gained if he pressed on, so instead, he said, "Fine. Keep your secrets, Zero. Though, I still need your help. See me in the next room for the details. Come on, Tohdoh."

Just before Katase could leave, Zero pressed the button connected to his Knightmare, shocking everyone except Kallen, Taizo, Naoto, and C.C. "What would you have done if it was someone else who met you?" Kirihara asked as the masked man walked away. "Would you have kidnapped them for blackmail?"

"Fortunately, I don't have to worry about that possibility, as you were the one I met today." Lelouch answered confidently.

"So… are you embarking on the path of blood?" Taizo asked while peeking out of his veil.

"Indeed. If that is my destiny."

Outside the Viceroy Palace

"Euphie!" Lila shouted while practically leaping into her sister's arms, "It's so good to see you!"

"I notice you didn't give me such treatment when we first met," Carine muttered as Dasko stood at her side.

"W-well, it's just that… I knew Euphie before this, and it's been a while since I've seen her… so I-"

"You don't have to explain yourself to her." The pink-haired Princess interrupted the innocent Viceroy as she tried to appease the bully, "I see you're as pleasant as always, Carine."

Despite being so gentle on the outside, even Euphemia knew how to be sarcastic at times. And during those moments, Carine found her to be the most annoying, "A pleasure to meet you too, my dear sister." the red-haired Princess replied with a fake smile.

Suzaku and Rai watched the tense interaction silently, "Was there always such hostility in the royal family?" the White Knight stepped forward, "Forgive me for my rudeness, but I believe we have plans to get to."

Before Carine could reprimand the Knight, Lila shouted, "Oh! You're right! Let's go have tea in the Viceroy palace. Euphie, I'm sure you'll love it, because as it turns out Clovis modeled it after the Aries Villa."

"How do you know about the Aries Villa?" Euphemia asked with a smug smirk as the group headed inside one of the palace's numerous elevators.

"The Margrave told me about it. He said that Clovis enjoyed walking around the garden in the middle of the day, as it brought him peace."

Euphie smiled, "Wow, he really did admire Marianne, didn't he?"

Carine secretly scoffed at the mention of the commoner made wife of the Emperor. Of course, the red-haired Princess did admire Marianne at first, but that was back when she was known as Marianne the flash, a ruthless killer that effortlessly decimated her enemies with the Ganymede. That was Carine's hero. However, by the time she met the black-haired woman, all the ferocity she once heard of, was gone. Instead, it was replaced by a tamed woman who was happy with the peace she fought for.

The only one who understood how the red-haired Princess felt about the topic, was Dasko, who agreed with the sentiment that Marianne had grown soft with age. "You know, I heard about what happened at Narita," Euphemia began as the Princess' sat down under a canopy that was in the middle of the garden, "Zero almost captured you."

"That's right. But, thanks to my Dasko, we were able to escape unscathed." Carine boasted as her brave Knight stood at attention in the background.

Suzaku and Rai did the same, creating a triangle that guarded the Princess' from outside forces, "So… have you thought about getting a Knight?" the pink-haired Princess asked Lila, "After all, it'd be a shame if you got captured while out for a stroll."

"Stop!" the Viceroy whined playfully, "Don't jinx it!"

"I'm serious, what if those terrorists try to sneak attack us? Sure, Carine has her Knight, but what about us? We'll be completely defenseless."

"Ah! If it's a Knight you want, and I can have a list of suitable candidates created in an hour!" the red-haired Princess eagerly jumped at the opportunity.

"Actually, I was thinking of sourcing our Knight's more… locally." Euphemia pointed at Rai and Suzaku, "You see, I can't think of any better candidates than those two boys."

"You're kidding, right!? They're Eleven's!" Carine protested, "You know they can't be trusted!"

"Oh c'mon! If they really were dangerous, then wouldn't they have already taken advantage of the chaos in Narita and captured you two? Clearly, we can trust Suzaku and Rai. I've seen the reports."

"Even so, I advise against such action." The red-haired Princess sternly said while looking at Lila, "Of course, the choice of a Knight is your decision, but I'd advise you to have me give you a list of candidates. And, if you're not satisfied with those I've provided, then you can feel free to choose these… Eleven's."

Lila thought about it for a second, before looking at Suzaku, then at Rai, "I think… I think I'll take a list of candidates."

Carine gave a smug side-eye to Euphemia before saying, "I'll have one ready in an hour." she then turned to the pink-haired Princess, "What about you? Would you also like a list?"

"No, thank you. I've already got a Knight in mind." she eyed Suzaku, who was glancing at Rai with a confused look, "And I must say, if my sister doesn't take him, then I'll gladly have him at my side."

Carine noticed where her sister's eyes wandered to, and asked, "Seriously? Why him? Haven't you two just met?"

"Yeah, we did. But there's something about Suzaku that I just can't seem to put a finger on…" Euphemia continued to eye the White Knight as he squirmed under the pressure of her vision, "I feel like… I've met him before. Like in another life or something."

"Is it possible that she also has memories of the past?" Suzaku wondered while anxiously tapping his foot, "But if that's true… doesn't that mean she hates me? After all… I was the one who killed her."

"Suzaku, calm down," Cecile ordered, "Your heartbeat's all over the place right now."

"I'm trying my best," he whispered, "But… it's not helping that the Princess is staring at me so… intently…"

"Even still, I think you should wait before giving such an important role to a man you've just met, Euphie." Carine suggested.

Normally, the use of her nickname wouldn't irk Euphemia. However, after hearing Carine use it, a strange chill ran down her spine, one that she'd never, in a million years, thought she'd feel, "Is that so? Maybe you're right. I haven't known Suzaku long enough to make him my Knight." She then turned to the White Knight and ordered, "Suzaku, as a Princess of Britannia, I command you to accompany me for a tour of the settlement tomorrow."

"If it's a tour you want, I can have a small escort-"

Before Carine could finish her sentence, the pink-haired Princess said, "No. I want a genuine experience of what Japan is like," the use of Area 11's original name annoyed the red-haired Princess, "And I don't think there's a better choice than Suzaku to help me do that."

"B-but what happens if someone recognizes you?" Lila asked in a worried tone.

"Don't worry, I'll wear a disguise." Euphie responded with a wink, "Hey, why don't you join us tomorrow?"

"That's not an option." Carine interjected just as the Viceroy was about to answer, "Lila, don't tell me you've forgotten about our meeting with the NAC tomorrow. Not only that, but we have to officiate a race, alongside the grand opening of a new metro tunnel. Our schedule is already packed as is. We can't afford sightseeing."

Lila hung her head down in defeat as her delicate sister began gently patting her head, "It's okay, maybe we could hang out some other time." The innocent Princess nodded in response, as Euphemia's eyes darted to Suzaku, "I hope you don't have plans tomorrow."

"If her Highness commands it, then I shall obey," the White Knight happily responded with a bow.

AN: Next chapter will be more light-hearted, as we'll see Suzaku and Euphemia take a tour of the settlement, similar to how they did in R1. Though, they won't be the only ones going on a 'tour'.