Throne of Glass
Chapter 4: A New Horizon
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EU Government building, Paris; 2013 ATB
It had taken the European Union a considerable amount of time to finally come to the decision to reach out to the Ashford Enterprises for any sort of deal to be made. It was more than clear to foreign nations that the rising Britannian producer would be more than willing to sell to any and all that were willing to buy. Over and under the table. If it wasn't for the slow nature of the EU's democracy, it was their hesitance to make deals with a Britannain business all together that kept them from reaching out for as long as it had been. But now in a few short minutes, they would be meeting with Lord Ashford himself to discuss the purchase of their own Ganymede Knightmares.
The tension and anxiety in the room full of the EU's most important people quickly turned to surprise when instead of an aged Ruben Ashford, a young boy followed by a Japanese maid entered the meeting room. Nobody said anything as the boy made his way to where Mr. Ashford was to be seated, and sat himself down in the oversized chair at the end of the table.
"Good morning gentleman, my name is Allen Ashford."
With the boy's identity now revealed, his purpose here almost became clear to the ones who had previously believed he somehow wondered in. "My apologies...Lord Ashford," one of the two European Union presidents present began. "We were under the impression that Ruben Ashford would be coming here today."
Allen gave a smirk that spoke he took delight in their confusion. "Britannia doesn't like our dealings with foreign nations. In an interest to keep my father clean of these sort of prospects I am the one to make deals with partners outside of Britannia." He told the group of men watching him with a sense of awe that they were hearing this from a small boy. "Rest assured I am more than capable of handling this meeting president Hamilton."
"Very well." Hamilton responded, making it clear he would be the one to represent the EU here; as well as doing a good job of masking his surprise that the boy knew who he was speaking to. It was unlike any Britannian to concern themselves with the names of important people outside their own culture. "We have already come to the decision that we will be purchasing Ganymede frames from you, now it merely a discussion of how much for how much."
"I'll be honest with you, President Hamilton." Allen spoke. "Your European Union is rather late to the game."
He seemed to evoke a pretty contentious response among the members at the table. Ones who were readily eager to buy casting glares at the stingy ones who were still barely outvoted for it.
"Right now, my own empire holds the record for sales, but it doesn't end there. The Chinese Federation, and the MEF have made substantial deals with us, and even Australia beat you to the punch in the interest of self defense." He scoffed, almost a sign of mocking. "And you're the ones who went to war with Britannia."
"We don't expect you to understand our circumstances." Hamilton replied, avoiding what he thought was an awkward way to formally address a thirteen year old. "But we-"
"Oh, I understand perfectly well." Allen interrupted, dropping the man's title as well. Something that was not missed by the other members present. "But that doesn't change the fact that we only have so many frames available. Sakuradite is hard to come by, even for us. Climbing the list of clients will cost you, and we add shipping fees as well."
The older man sat in silence a while, clearly frustrated this was not going the way they had anticipated. "How much?" He finally asked.
"I estimate we can get you frames for thirty four a piece. Demand has gone up, president." Allen responded, letting the price sink in as the officials gaped at the reality that they were not as cheap as first thought. "Consider yourself lucky I'm even allowing you to enter the clientele now, we have more than enough orders to fill. But for the right price we can see to it you get what you want."
Inwardly, president Hamilton was seething. He had first hoped to have a diplomatic conversation with Ruben Ashford. Seeing a boy had changed that to believing he could manipulate a more inexperienced partner. But it was very clear that this brat was the only one who would be manipulating anyone here. Yes, he certainly could handle himself in this deal. It was quite clear, the reason his father trusted the young boy to such delicate foreign affairs.
"Thirty four million Britannian pounds for each knightmare?" Hamilton stated, sounding frustrated. It costed them eight million a piece for their Panzer tanks. And though he did not doubt the effectiveness of the upgrade, it was a steep bill.
"That's my estimation for on demand frames. Though, if you are willing to wait a few months, we might be looking at a lower price. Perhaps...thirty two?" Allen offered, hanging the carrot in front of them.
"Thirty." Hamilton countered. "We will purchase one hundred frames for thirty each, and we will wait for them."
Allen gave a small chuckle. "Is that the decision of the council?" He nodded his head toward the other people at the table. "I thought you ran a democracy, president."
"I do not doubt my associates with disagree with my offer. We have already spoken on the matter long enough."
Indeed, upon glancing at the faces of the other council members, Lelouch noticed the men's faces looks of approval. Save the few who opposed the idea all together. But to have gotten this far, they would have been outvoted already. If Hamilton could haggle a deal out of him, they would not speak up. He almost wondered if their presence was solely to intimidate him.
"I see. In that case, I believe your deal sounds reasonable enough. One hundred frames is quite the order, president. It will take some time, but we'll expedite just for you. Consider yourself on the list."
He stood, making a flashy bow before turning from the men still seated. "You can make your payment to my assistant here, and we offer a convenient tracking program for your convenience. She will give you the details."
Sayoko produced a clipboard that she handed to President Hamilton, who was soon flanked by the other EU president to sign the stack of papers she gave them. Lelouch's walked away with a smile. Prices were not discussed nor shares between clients. That was part of the deal. The EU wanted knightmares so bad they didn't even bother to find out if thirty million was still two and a half more than any other nation was paying. For such a simple tactic to go so well. He watched them out of the corner of his eye a while longer, before finally leaving the council room.
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The EU government building was a sizable one. It's exterior inspired by ancient Roman architecture with its many pillars on the walls, and a massive domed roof giving the building a circular shape. Lelouch made his way down the steps of the building, to where he had a car waiting for him.
Halfway down them, he stopped when he heard the voice of an unknown woman calling for him. "Lord Ashford!"
He turned behind him to see a young woman in a business suit perhaps Sayoko's age hurriedly rush down to meet him. "My apologies, Lord Ashford. I am the assistant for council member Jonathan Malcal. I was asked to invite you to the Malcal Manor for further discussion on a matter he believes you will be interested in."
Lelouch raised an eyebrow at the woman before him. He knew Malcal as one of the top five most influential members of the EU's Council of Forty, yet the reason the man would want to speak wth him escaped him. "What matter might that be?" He chose to ask.
The assistant shook her head. "I don't know the details. I was simply asked to request your meeting him."
Lelouch frowned. There was a just this was a desperate attempt that was not worth his time, which was a valuable asset to him. But then he remembered his brother Shneizel's strategy to the EU was not to take it as a whole, but to combat each individual that made the collective entity. This could be his start to that war; the EU held some opportunity for him and it was always best to start early.
"Very well, I'll stop by his manor later this evening to speak with him." He decided.
The woman nodded. "Thank you, I will relay your response to him. Please come at your own discretion."
The assistant turned promptly from him and marched back up the stairs, her steps shaking after speaking with such a strangely terrifying child.
"Shall I cancel the flight today master Allen?" Sayoko asked from where she appeared in her now trademark style.
He nodded. "Yes. It appears that I'll be spending a bit more time here in Europe.
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Corporal Ryuga stifled a yawn from inside his knightmare as he watched two other Ganymedes continue to drill side by side into the earth. Behind them was a crew working to lay support beams across the twenty foot square hole they had been digging across area eleven for several months now. Another crew a bit further back was laying down rail tracks for the freight train that would be running through here when they finally completed the tunnel.
Ryuga yawned again, glancing at his instrument panel. It was nearly time for their shift to be over, and he was exhausted. Their progress had been slow recently thanks to some pretty solid stone the last couple of miles. Some inquiries out of curiosity led him to discover that the construction above ground in this area had similar problems digging down too.
An annoying beeping noise suddenly came to his attention, and he soon located it to be a warning light on the Ganymede's control panel. He frowned when he realized it was a radiation warning. Something that he could not fathom under any circumstances being a problem. In fact, the only reason that light was even there was in case the Sakuradite in the Yggdrasil drive was leaking, which could cause a massive implosion to occur during combat. But down here in brand new frames, without combat even being a factor, these Ganymedes wouldn't be leaking Sakuradite. Which left...
"Stop mining!" He frantically yelled, rushing to pull back his companion's frames.
"What's wrong?" One of them asked, his frame's warning light not telling him of the danger.
Ryuga ignored him, and continued to delicately brush away the dust settled over the jagged stone attempting to find what had to be visible somewhere. After a short moment of combing over the rock he caught a glimpse of the pink color he was looking for. Relieved that nobody struck it, it was only a second later that the realization of what this was hit him.
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Malcal Manor, Paris; 2013 ATB
"Mr. Malcal will be down to see you shortly." With a prompt curtsy, the maid who had spoken scurried off through one of the various doors in the expansive study he was taken to. The mansion was a maze that took him past eighteen doors on his way to just this one room. Even with a memory like his he didn't believe for a second it wouldn't be difficult to get lost.
He wandered through the bookshelves, browsing the pieces of European literature and noting ones he was familiar with. Turning a corner, he found another small nook in the study, one that was surprisingly occupied. Staring at him was a young girl with shoulder length blonde hair with two pig tails pulled up on top. She continued to stare blankly at him from her seat. "Who are you?" She asked with a slightly demanding tone.
"I'm...Allen Ashford." Lelouch hesitantly replied, strangely finding himself nervous talking to this girl.
"You're here to see my father then aren't you? You seem a bit young to be interested in business and politics." She questioned, remaining unmoved from the plush chair that left a book covered table between them.
"Perhaps." Lelouch answered. "But that's the choice I was given."
She merely blinked in response, her sapphire eyes boring into his. It was then that he noticed the book she as still holding in front of her. One that he recognized, as a collection of stories recounting the second Pacific War.
"Aren't you a bit too young to be studying war?" He countered her prying question with one of his own.
"Perhaps. But that is only because of the choice life has given me, Allen Ashford." The girl responded, using his same answer.
Lelouch smirked, having liked her response. "Aren't we a pair of unfortunate souls."
The girl looked down at the words in hurt book, speaking while continuing to read. "I hope to one day stand on my own, free from the life I was given here. And maybe I can repay my father for everything he has given me by claiming something for myself." She looked back up at Lelouch. "And are you the same way?" She asked. "I know you're like me, adopted by a rich and powerful family. Are the efforts you have made to help your father your way to repay him?"
Lelouch shook his head. "I'm afraid you have me all wrong. I am not looking to repay anyone. What I do is for my own sake, I don't owe anyone anything." No, the Ashfords had him to thank for where they were. And he would never...NEVER acknowledge anything, his 'father' gave to him.
"I see."
The girl resumed her reading and flipped the page. "A few stories recount the Ganymede. They call it the predecessor of the modern knightmare. Camelot is given credit for creating militarized frames."
"When the Ashford family first fell, Camelot tried to steal from them what they built. Of course they would say they revolutionized it." Lelouch rebutted.
"So the knightmare frame belongs to you does it? I suppose that's the reason you have grown so quickly as a company. Everyone wants to get ahold of Britannia's greatest weapon."
"But wouldn't you agree that in war a few prosper?" He asked. "It's only a matter of your chosen profession."
She gave another silent response, turning a page.
"Ah, Lord Ashford."
Lelouch turned to see the man who had called him here approach the den the two were in. He sported a formal suit and neatly trimmed sandy brown hair. His was a face Lelouch knew well. Jonathan Malcal was a reasonably influential figure of the EU. "Leila, I was not aware you were here, sorry to have disturbed you."
His apology was met with silence as she continued to read through her novel. Instead, Malcal turned to Lelouch. "My apologies if she was bad company. Leila doesn't often speak to strangers."
Lelouch nodded, glancing at the preoccupied blonde. "I see."
"Come." Malcal spoke, urging him back into the main portion of the study. "I did call you here for good reason."
"I should hope so." Lelouch replied, following the man to the set of chairs surrounding the constantly stoked fireplace adorning the center section. "I would hate to have wasted my time coming here."
"I doubt you will find this time a waste my friend. Sit." Malcal gestured to the chair opposite of the one he took. Lelouch sat down, and quickly noted the nervousness his companion was doing well to hide. He delighted in making others uncomfortable, and knew well that his age was the biggest factor. No one ever dreamed they would be making multi million dollar deals with a thirteen year old child. Yet here they were.
"So, senator Malcal, what is the reason you called for me?"
Malcal cleared his throat, readying himself for his pitch. "We understand that knightmares are in constant demand. For that reason alone the price of your Ganymede has gone up considerably. And of course, your own empire doesn't like you giving away effective countermeasures to their trump card on the battlefield. Getting these frames to the EU will be a problem all on its own."
Lelouch gave him a look that told him to go on. He knew all of that already. Quite obviously.
"Yes well, you see, I am sitting on a sizable portion of land in Germany that has remained without a purpose for quite som time now. It's unfit for agriculture and too barren and isolated for residence. In fact, it's just the place for a large industrial complex if the need ever arose."
"You want Ashford to expand to the EU." Lelouch stated bluntly. There was not reason to smooth talk on the situation, and frankly it was annoying.
"Yes. That's exactly it." Malcal responded. "I would gift to you that land in order to build factories that would produce knightmares exclusively for the European Union. And rest assured, that anything you are capable of producing would be eagerly accepted by our armed forces. With a manufacturer so close to home, you could get around more then a few of Camelot's barricades barring your international trades. Surely, you can see the benefits from this arrangement."
"Yes, certainly I can." Lelouch replied dryly, annoyed Malcal felt the need to explain it as if to a small child. "What you can't see however, is the clear problem that you still can't get around."
Malcal raised an eyebrow. "And what is that?"
"Sakuradite is a rare element that Britannia holds a very solid grip on. I am not Britannia, and Ashford does not have an unlimited supply of the element. Though the prospect of expanding to the EU is an enticing one, it is impossible at the moment. We cannot supply any more factories than ones we already possess. It's only thanks to my personal connections with the Kirihara conglomerate that runs the Fuji mines that I have more than average access to Sakuradite. Perhaps, in the future when we have greater access to Sakuradite, we may revisit this venture. But as it now stands, we will not be expanding to the European Union."
Malcal remained quiet a minute, pondering what he was told and masking any emotion from his face. "I was not aware that Sakuradite was a problem even for you." He finally spoke. "I see that there will be no use in attempting further negotiation. I do hope that you will think of me if you ever are looking to expand your territory. I would be more than happy to accommodate you Lord Ashford."
Lelouch nodded. "Perhaps I will Senator Malcal. It is an interesting offer, but one I cannot accept at this time."
Lelouch accepted the hand offered to him and shook it over the coffee table between them. "You are a well educated young man, Allen. You know your company very well, and I'm sure you will carry it places nobody ever imagined it would go."
Lelouch gave him a cunning smile in response. "I already have."
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Kyoto; 2013 ATB
Kaguya watched with a veiled disinterest as the men once again ignored her in their heated debates. Kirihara occasionally spoke for her, having known before hand what her points of interest were. But most everything she tried to say was drowned out or ignored. These old buffoons never bothered to actually listen to what she said, that was her problem with Kyoto. They allowed her to sit as these meetings, and participate in their discussions; but only because of her name. The didn't respect her, and they made that abundantly clear. The only one who ever took her seriously was Lelouch. Maybe it was because he too was a misunderstood child who was a bit too smart for his own good. The only problem was when Lelouch spoke, people listened. It was like it was impossible to ignore him. Like the emperor of Britannia himself, Lelouch's presence was one people did not ignore. The people around him learned quickly to take Lelouch seriously and she was jealous of that. She wished that more people would listen to her, that she could make a difference like he did. Because Lelouch was quickly becoming more and more important, while she was simply sitting here.
It had been a long time since she played a game of chess against her Britannian friend. And to this day she had yet to finally pull a victory over him. She absently thought that if she ever finally beat him, what she should try to get out of him. Maybe demand to see him more? No one ever actually talked with her like he did. He would listen, and respond to her thoughts. And the things that she knew were of genuine importance to him. She missed that, because it was certainly better than being here. Even if she was obligated, and she knew that persistence was the only to garner their respect. It was frustrating to be ignored.
"We simply cannot condone the actions the Blood of the Samurai have taken."
She tuned back into the conversation to hear Kirihara make the statement.
"Nonesense. Hatake has been the only one to fight the Britannians with unwavering courage. For that reason alone we should be supporting his cause with everything we have!" Osakabe was the most traditional in terms of Japan's old ways. As such he was the one to constantly demand Kyoto support whichever insurrection was causing Britannia the most problems at the time. He also happened to be old friends with the Blood of the Samurai's leader, and even before they became a notable faction, he had been pressing the other members to find the fledgling group. Even still, his opinion on who to support constantly changes due to his beliefs.
"They are fighting with no true cause Osakabe. Kirihara is correct in saying that taking lives of our people along with the enemy is not acceptable." Munakata replied. "I will not condone their methods."
"You're all so hesitant to take action. You're just like General Katase, holed up and complacent with Britannia ruining our country!" Osakabe shouted.
"Katase is following a plan we have set out to put ourselves on par with the empire. You know that we are only biding our time." Kirihara interjected, glaring at the other man.
"You mean that boy's machinations? You mean to tell me you actually believe he plans to free Japan, by fighting his own empire. He is a prince of Britannia, exiled or not. Scheming for his own gain is in his blood." Osakabe accused.
From her little spot at the end of the room Kaguya huffed. "Lelouch is helping Japan more then anyone else is." She spoke up, earning a disapproving look from Kirihara, which she ignored. "I know him more than any of you do, and I know he's in our side."
"Yes, the prince's little fan girl." Osakabe spat. "You're far too young to be capable of discerning his true motives. He's spun lie after lie and your naive little head believes every word. Why, you're absolutely smitten by him."
"Osakabe!" Kirihara barked. "It is unwise to insult the leader of the Sumeragi house. Mind who you are speaking to." He threatened, glaring down the younger man.
Osakabe glanced around the room, meeting the disapproving faces of the other men. "Yes...my apologies." He muttered.
"We already know what Lelouch and his Ashford enterprises are planning." Munakata, a large man with a greying beard spoke up. "Kirihara, you have already made deals with him regarding the Fuji mines, though that is a personal matter. The question is if we choose to support Lelouch vi Britannia wholly as the six houses, or not."
"Then shall we put it to a vote?" Kirihara offered. "We can settle this once and for all, and banish our indecision."
The others members nodded in agreement, while Osakabe was a bit more reluctant to do so.
"Very well." Kirihara decided. "I am of the belief that he is what we are looking for. That he is capable and willing to fight for Japan. And I will support him."
"I will too." Kaguya immediately added. "I am not naive and I understand his motives. I know Lelouch is going to help us."
Osakabe scoffed. "Right, I disagree. That boy's schemes are nothing but trouble. He'll use us until he can't get anything else. Than throw us away."
With the three most vocal members casting their vote, it was down to the more undecided half, who had since contributed to Kyoto's general indecision about lending aid to Ashford, or even Narita by association.
Munakata finally sighed, garnering the other's attention. "I must say that Lelouch makes a powerful ally. He may not be Japanese, and he may be royalty, but he has reason enough to fight Britannia. I would much rather make allies with him then enemies."
"I'm afraid I cannot say the same." Kubouin, the eldest save Kirihara added. "It is far too big a risk to give the boy more power. Revenge is his goal and I'm afraid he will not care about anything, or anyone else."
The houses of Kyoto knew well Lelouch's background. Every one of them had heard when the prince was dropped off at the Kururugi shrine as a glorified hostage. And they all knew the reason why shorty after. They were the nobles of Japan, and word traveled quickly between them.
"Well Yoshino, what do you say?"
The man in question was clearly having a difficult time making a decision. The issue had been up for debate a long time, but they had yet to press anyone for an answer, and it was a difficult one to give.
But before he could make that decision however, another man barged into the council chamber, startling the occupants.
"There's news from the tunnel!"
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