Throne of Glass
Chapter 19: Right and Wrong
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Despite his best efforts Suzaku was already beginning to feel the side effects of all this flying.
As the Ashfords' private plane touched down for the second time in less than twenty-four hours he had to wonder how Lelouch was able to do this as often as he did. The already long flight to Area Eighteen was made all the more worse by the careful aversion of Chinese airspace. Lelouch's plane was probably the only Britannian owned the federation would allow free passage given their relations. But it would not bode well for any sort of knowledge that Allen Ashford was in India before the events that would soon take place.
Even still, he remained vigilant as the small entourage made to exit the plane. Lelouch was just a few steps ahead of him when the blonde was stopped by a tug on his wrist. He turned with a look of surprise shared with Suzaku and the girl who reached out for him. Silence reigned between them as the two watched the troubled face of Kaguya.
"Are you really sure you can go through with this?" she asked quietly. "Can you condemn these people to the same hell Japan has endured, just like that?"
The exiled prince remained quite, his expression unreadable for some time, before speaking softly to her. "To them, it will be nothing more than trading away one tyrant for another. As with the rest of the entire world." Lelouch justified with a hard tone. "Britannia isn't the only place to be intoxicated with the idea that the strong should lord over those beneath them. Everywhere you see the same thing, and no one is trying to change it."
He clenched his fists as Kaguya let go, and started moving forward with a new resolve. "The only way we can make it better for anyone is to cut it off at the source. And whatever price I have to pay to achieve that, is worth it in the end."
Without another word he left to go persuade a handful of men to throw away the lives of thousands, and the freedom of millions more.
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Area Eighteen Temporary Government Center; 2017 ATB
The young man in the monitor before her sat with a look of deep contemplation as he thought over what he was just told.
"I see. You were right to consult me sister, this is a most fortunate chance should we choose to believe it's authenticity." The prime minister of Britannia told her.
"I am fairly certain Lord Ashford knows what he is saying, Schneizel. I at least have no real reason to doubt his claims." Cornelia replied through the TV monitor she was using to communicate halfway across the world.
"Oh I'm not saying he's wrong at all." her brother quickly added. "In fact I can personally attest to what he's saying is going on over there. I wasn't certain myself that they were actually planning to rebel, but I was aware of their stockpiles. I suppose it's nice to know it isn't the Federation themselves who are planning something."
Schneizel frowned, idly tapping his fingers against the ornate chair of his office. "Though I do believe I will have to delay things with the European front for some time. It would be...difficult to wage war with the rest of the world at the same time."
"Do you think you would be able to keep the EU in check during all of this? I was honestly expecting them to try and launch an offensive while we would be occupied." Cornelia asked. It was one of the things that crossed her mind as she played through the entire scenario in her head.
"It's possible, I won't deny that. Which is why I would have liked to have you available to assist with that. But there really isn't anyone else credible enough to attack the Chinese Federation like this. But this may lead to a radical shift in power across the entire world. Should things go as envisioned Britannia will be a great leap forward." He answered with a slightly eager look at the thought. "Still, I know you only just finished your campaign in the Middle East. I apologize you have to be deployed again so soon."
Cornelia waved her hand dismissively. "That's hardly an issue for me. I'd much rather take to a war zone than any ballroom that awaits back home. Though I can't say I'll miss the battlefields here." She suddenly sighed however as she recalled something else. "Euphy won't be too thrilled about this though."
"Then why don't you bring her with you?" Schneizel suggested. "Have her observe from the command center. It would be a good experience for her I believe."
Cornelia raised an eyebrow at him. "You're suggesting I bring Euphy into a battlefield?"
"She would hardly be in any danger." he replied with an amused smile. "Would she?"
The princess frowned, knowing that there wasn't really genuine reason to object to the idea. Other then her own paranoia at least.
"Either way, I suggest you prepare your division to invade as soon as you can. I'll get together the proper replacement for area establishment." The prime minister continued, returning to business. "We will have to wait to declare war until the Indian government actually declares independence. That is the entire point after all. Once that happens it will be imperative to take as much of the area as possible as quickly as you can. We really shouldn't engage the Federation head on at this point. But without India they will be indefinitely crippled for the long run. Even if the Chinese decide to retaliate all we need to do is maintain a defensive until they wear themselves down."
"I was thinking along the same lines." Cornelia agreed. "It would take some time, and a full campaign across the Federation would be an arduous task. I really can't keep Area Eleven waiting that long."
"Well you don't need to be present to keep the Chinese forces at bay. Just to make this opening move." Schneizel said. "You'll have plenty of opportunity in the meantime to root out that Zero. I just hope Lord Ashford will be capable of keeping order until then."
"For whatever it would imply, the Ashfords probably have the largest private army in the empire. He even mentioned a few prototypes that fat outclass anything available to that military. One of which he offered to lend toward the campaign." Cornelia revealed.
"Is that so?" Schneizel replied with a curious look. Cornelia could only imagine what he thought of that. "Well then there's nothing to worry about. Oh-" her brother suddenly turned to address another person unseen to Cornelia before nodding and returning his attention to her. "It seems I've exhausted all the time I have for the moment. Take care dear sister, don't overdo yourself out there."
She returned the goodbye with a smile. "You as well brother. I'll speak with you later."
And with that the screen blacked out, as the prime minister went to go attend to whatever matter required his attention.
She sat in though for a moment thinking over the conversation, before turning to where her knight stood beside her. "Guilford, get a hold of Euphemia for me would you?"
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Narita Mountains; 2017 ATB
By the time Todoh arrived in the meeting room an argument was already in full swing. Hardly anyone noticed his entrance as heated voices tossed angry remarks back and forth. Among these were the more obvious Kusakabe and the few junior officers he had under his thumb. It was concerning how much influence the man was able to gather with his unsensible babbling. Not that it was surprising to find people with fantasies of what once was among the remnants of Japan's old army; rather that there were those willing to publicly voice their disapproval of a better alternative. After all this time, a great number of soldiers still distrusted Lelouch and his plan. One that was very close to coming to fruition. On the cusp of forming a new free nation, there were still those demanding it be thrown away in an effort to remove one who had proved his loyalty and commitment a hundred times over. Equally more than the ones seeking to betray him. Todoh occasionally wondered if he at a time might have thought along the same lines. He knew all about the ex-prince's past-even more than they did. But Lelouch was a man of logic and reason. Battles of emotion were rarely battles won, passion was easily matched. However, it's difficult for one who follows reason to remain committed to an unreasonable truth. It was passion that drove these men to demand a forgotten past. And it was with a cold logic that Lelouch abandoned what once was to seek out a new future. That, and an unbridled desire for vengeance. It was only in that aspect that the boy gave in to the emotions that govern human thought.
"This only proves that he can't be trusted!" Kusakabe shouted, backed by a group nodding in agreement. "For all we know he could have been conspiring with Clovis for years now, plotting to betray us at the most opportune time!"
"Lelouch was fully prepared to eliminate the Viceroy upon confronting him in Shinjuku." Todoh spoke up, announcing his presence. "The fact that we can now consider prince Clovis an ally should be considered a boon in our favor. Thanks to the Viceroy we are able to accomplish what the attack on the OSI building prevented. Rest assured that he is under careful examination at all times, but it is practically unthinkable that Clovis would work to betray us."
He eyed Kusakabe with a sharp glare, watching the man squirm, yet still stand his ground with his support behind him. "Is that supposed to reassure us? He might not betray his own brother but that means nothing if they both side against us."
Running an examination of the room's occupants, Todoh was able to discern just where most everyone stood. For the most part, those who agreed with Kusakabe were physically behind him, grouped together in some kind of effort to look imposing. Thankfully, their group was small in comparison with those present, but there was no telling how many others in the Narita base were suspicious of the prince. His actions while on the base certainly didn't help to inspire personal loyalty, and those suspicions ran deep over the years. However, there was one other aspect that ran even deeper. "If you have issues with Lelouch, then perhaps you should take them up with him yourself."
The other man instantly clammed up. Because more deep seeded than his mistrust of Lelouch, was his fear. An undisputed fact for anyone who had met him. The boy had always possessed an aura far larger than himself. And it was a smothering presence that effectively instilled that fear far more than any hulking figure possibly could. "You should be grateful you are able to call Lelouch an ally, Kusakabe. And stop trying to make an enemy out of him."
Defeated, the Lieutenant Colonel broke eye contact, looking away with an angered expression. The rest of his support seemed effectively quelled as well, far less willing to contest Todoh than Kusakabe was.
"Now, if we are finished bickering over pointless distractions, I have instructions for those who wish to actually build our new Japan."
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Militarized Zone of India; 2017 ATB
"It's been a long time Lord Ashford, you've grown well." Maharaja greeted Lelouch with a sturdy shake of the hand. Though they had been in business for six years now, they had only met in person a handful of times. None of which in the past several years.
"You appear to be handling the challenges of your station equally well, governor." Lelouch returned the greeting with a keen smile.
"Ah, well I'm sure you understand the current state of things. Challenges indeed, these are pressing times."
Another point in his favor, as Lelouch understood. India was receiving increasing pressure from the Chinese Federation ever since the Marianne was introduced. As the international market for knightmares grew ever hotter as Ashford stoked the flames so did nation's demands steadily increase. Rather than purchase directly from Ashford, the Federation more often chose to continue milking India for cheaper frames, only turning to Lelouch when demands exceeded what India could actually produce. Between the three superpowers, China was certainly the least frequent customer.
"So, what brings you all the way out here?" The governor asked him, sitting at the very same conference table, surrounded by the very same officials he once convinced to kick start his miniature empire.
"I'm sure you've heard even some of the more recent events going on in area eleven. As of late the situation is...volatile at best." Lelouch sat at the other side of the table, Suzaku and Kaguya silently supporting him. "The Viceroy attempted to confront the Black Knights and ended up in total failure. As of right now, my own personal militia is all that's keeping the area together. That being said, the Britannian homeland has chosen to remedy the situation as soon as possible."
He leaned forward, adopting a serious expression. "In three weeks, Cornelia will be arriving in Area Eleven with one directive: to Eliminate Zero and his Black Knights."
"I see, so the chief general will be leaving the Middle East war front." Marahaja spoke thoughtfully. Lelouch could easily imagine what he was thinking, and moved to stoke that line of thought.
"whatever she may think, the task Cornelia has been given will be far from easy. It could be months before she is successful, if she even is at all. What's more, she won't be able to leave. Doing so very well may cause the collapse of Britannian hold over the island, and with it, Britannia's primary source of Sakuradite. That is an outcome they cannot afford. In other words, Cornelia will have no other choice but to remain until the task is done. For you however, this means only one thing: that Britannia will be unable to conduct any sort of large scale invasion for the foreseeable future." Taking a pause, he came to his punchline. "There will be no better time for you to declare your independence from the Chinese Federation."
The aged governor for his part, looked expectantly surprised. "I beg your pardon. You suggest we what?" He asked incredulously.
With a knowing smirk, Lelouch continued. "It's one of the reasons I came to you so long ago. I understand your situation very well, and I understand why you were willing to accept producing my weapons. More to the point, I also know just how many of those weapons never actually made it to the federation."
The room fell into an uneasy silence, the Indian leader watching him with a conflicted gaze. "Yes, it is true that we have plotted our independence, for a long time now. We have stockpiled weapons and supplies for close to a decade, waiting for the right time to strike. Your service to us has proved to be invaluable in our plans." Maharaja explained. "However, we were not planning to rebel for years now. We want to be absolutely sure we have enough power to not only overthrow the Federation, but keep them out afterward. The Marianne is just the weapon we need to accomplish that."
With a shake of his head, Lelouch gave a dramatic sigh. "You know better than anyone that the Glasgow became as irrelevant as the panzer tank the moment the Marianne was introduced. And that will happen again in the near future. So long as man wages war, they will always strive to possess the bigger stick. Soon enough, you'll find you've been collecting twigs."
"So you think we should act now then." He surmised with a frown. "Perhaps you are correct, but even then there is another more important question. Just why are you suggesting this? What do you stand to gain from essentially betraying your own country?"
Allen smirked at his question, offering a shrug. "I thought it was quite obvious, I'm not exactly the most loyal son of Britannia, if my business model is anything to go by. But truthfully it's far more than simple money before country. Being completely honest, I despise Britannia."
He let that sit in the air a moment, earning its proper reaction. "It might seem hypocritical, or in the least nonsensical that someone like me would hate Britannia for its nature when I am one of the few who benefit from it; but I truly hate everything it stands for. Social Darwinism it's called. In reality it's nothing more than primitive barbarism. Utter proof that humanity is no better than the animals they claim to have evolved beyond. A complete contradiction of its own nature, and it isn't just Britannia. Monarchy, socialism, democracy; whatever the name the results are the same. The select few who stand above the rest below. Your people have suffered from this archaic way of life for far too long, and so has the rest of the world. There isn't a place on this earth where people can live and truly be called equal. Not equal in their birth, but equal in their standing. That has to change. And that is why I created the Black Knights to do it."
The reveal evoked a satisfactory reaction for Lelouch, as the governor looked at him with a stupified stare. "You...you created the Black Knights? That's impossible."
"Why else does Zero wear a mask? Japanese are proud people, in truth it should be obvious Zero is not actually one of them. Of course that's not really something anyone really thinks of."
"But why? You honestly mean to say you created a terrorist organization to combat Britannia itself? For what purpose would someone like you do that?" He asked disbelievingly.
"To avenge what I have lost. And build a world where they would have lived peacefully." Lelouch explained truthfully. "It Is because of Britannia that my family is gone, because of their ideals they were killed. I want to make sure that never happens again." It was no secret that Allen wasn't Ruben's real son, but nobody has any clue what his life might have been like before then.
"And how would you do that? You must have some kind plan for the future that goes beyond just Area Eleven."
"That's why I've come to you, you play to crucial role in all this." Lelouch explained, offering him a position of power or prestige went a long way. "Cornelia has no idea what she is getting herself into. In only a matter of time I will completely destroy everything she could possibly bring to face me. Which is why you must fight China now, to prevent them from attempting an assault of their own. Between my forces and your own we can easily overtake the Chinese Federation, claiming a third of this world for a free people. But it won't stop there. We will march on into Euro Britannia, during which my allies in the EU will provide support from the other side of the attack. The more we take back the more our allies will grow. All around the globe there are people willing to join our cause to liberate everyone from the tyranny of all nations, not just Britannia. For too long this world has been a pyramid with the emperor at its top. But should you flip it on its head, it gets crushed by its own weight."
Maharaja held a deep frown, appearing in serious thought. To him, this chance would mean both an accomplishment of his own desires and the possibility for something more. "You truly believe you can take on not only Britannia but the rest of the world as well?"
"Britannia proved well enough seven years ago just what the knightmare was capable of. I've spent years perfecting that weapon, building machines the empire couldn't hope to compete with." And that much was completely accurate, he knew there was little Britannia could do against frames such as the Lancelot or Guren. They may be prototypes in need of ace pilots, but their power was impossible to match.
"This is a great deal you're asking of us. To take on the entire Federation alone." The Indian governor said with a thoughtful expression. "Perhaps if you could defeat Cornelia first, both proving your ability and providing support to face China. What you want is hard to accept without proof you can pull it off."
Lelouch shook his head, frowning in response. "As I said before, once their discover Cornelia is not immediately able pacify the area, the federation will attempt to take some of it for themselves. Fighting two superpowers at once is a dangerous way to begin a war."
"I'm afraid the risks are too great without reassurance that we aren't throwing away our only chance at liberty. Though your aspirations are noble, there's far too much at stake."
There was a long silence as Allen held an expressionless face. It was impossible for the seasoned politician to glean even a little of what the young man was thinking. "So then...you won't assist me?" It was asked plainly, almost innocently at face value. But there was a well hidden threatening tone just underneath.
With a hard shake of his head, Maharaja responded. "At this time there is too many risks. We can certainly discuss this should you show you are capable of beating Cornelia. We would gladly contribute at that point, but not before."
"and I won't be able to persuade you otherwise?" The Britannian asked in the same cold tone.
"No, I'm quite certain." He confirmed.
Lelouch narrowed his eyes, giving an irritated sigh. "That's rather unfortunate."
With a simple snap of his fingers the entire situation changed in the blink of an eye. Half a dozen soldiers in black armor swarmed into the room, training weapons on the unarmed men in front of him.
"What's going on here, what is the meaning of this?!" Maharaja demanded of the Britannian.
Without a single change in his expression, he explained. "You see, it is very important that you provide a distraction for Cornelia for me for a few months. And I already went and told her you were willing to play for her."
"You...you did what? Are you telling me all that was a lie?!" the man shouted angrily, despite the many guns pointed at his head.
"Actually, believe it or not most of what I told you was completely true." Lelouch admitted with a casual shrug. "I created the Black Knights for the sole purpose of bringing down Britannia. And creating a new order in place of it's archaic ideology. This much I promise you: I couldn't hate the emperor more than I do, the same goes for the nation he has created. However, as things are now, Cornelia is what stands between me and that goal. I require something to delay her long enough to complete my preparations for her arrival, and I can't have her coming before that. The unfortunate truth is that it will either be my forces to suffer for this upset, or someone else. Clearly you can see the logic I made in my decision."
"Indeed, truly thought out like any Britannian would." The older man sneered.
"It's not like it will be any different for your people this way. Thanks to the treatment of the High Eunuchs it will simply be trading out one tyrant for another. In fact, I believe the economy brought about by a Britannian settlement would actually improve living conditions here; as unappealing as it sounds." He explained. India was a highly populated area, with little wealth preserved in the nation itself. "One day, when I achieve my goals, your nation will be returned to you free of any oppressor. The only question now, is whether it will be given to you, or your successor."
"You can threaten me all you like, the fact remains you can't have your little war without our cooperation." Maharaja countered. "As much as she may wish to, Cornelia wouldn't dare invade us so long as we are part of the Chinese Federation."
"That's true, I admit. However, I don't actually need you. You merely present an easier method. Shall I tell you just how I'll take your country for myself?" Lelouch asked with a smug grin. He was rather enjoying this outcome.
"You won't be able to convince our people to rebel without us leading them. I can't see you having any other option." The other man replied confidently.
"I wonder what the Eunuchs would do if someone told them you were about to cut ties with them. I'd imagine they would attempt to quell the threat as quickly as possible wouldn't they? At which point a full scale war between the federation and the military you will be abandoning will be the perfect excuse for the chief general. By the time the dust settles there wouldn't be anyone left alive who can correct that mistake."
"You son of a bitch." He resorted to insults, knowing he had been beaten.
Lelouch narrowed his eyes into a hateful glare. "I'd advise you to not insult my mother. Do it again, I'll make the choice for you."
The governor allowed himself a victorious smirk, tempting him to just end the man anyway. "So then, should you do as I say, I will ensure you are seen restored to power when the time comes. Otherwise, our long and prosperous relationship will have to come to a regretful close."
"I should have never agreed to help you."
"We're well past that now."
With one last defiant glare, the governor of India stood firmly and replied. "I refuse to allow you to to as you please with my people."
"So be it."
A single bullet felled the man, his body falling to the ground before the rest of his entourage.
"So then," he addressed the rest of the room. "How many of you agree with his sentiment?"
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"So you needed to use force then. I see."
Ruben summarized the report Lelouch gave him on the result of his meeting. "I suppose this means we should begin evacuating our factories over there immediately."
"I can't guarantee anything will be safe without our direct influence over the Indian military. I plan to use Zero to usurp some measure of control out of the chaos that will insue. But I won't be able to protect our assets that way." Lelouch replied, holding the conversation from the office he commandeered from the now retired governor.
"We already began making some preparations for transfer, but time is limited. Realistically, we can only recover half the material over there."
"Prioritize raw Sakuradite and fully outfitted Mariannes, then work your way down from there. I want to leave behind some knightmares in order to prolong the war. As they are now, India stands little chance of surviving two superpowers crushing them from both sides longer than the time it takes to sweep to the capitol. Oh, and isn't the Fukushū located here as well?"
"It is actually, while we were testing miss Einstein's theory in the frame. But now that we have the Viceroy on our side, there won't be any issues in continuing the tests in Area Eleven." Ruben answered.
"That's what I was thinking as well. Have it moved to the primary testing facility in Narita. At least until there isn't any issues with the power source. I'd like to have it complete before Cornelia arrives, you would have about three to four months I would guess."
"That shouldn't be an issue. We'll make sure it's ready." He confirmed.
"Good, that's really all that concerns me at the moment, the rest is rather inconsequential." Lelouch replied. "I believe I'll be heading to China now to see if I can't get them to be more cooperative than our friends here were."
"Right, and...one other thing though." The older man added hesitantly. "What do you want to do with your...other project?"
"We'll have to move that as well." Lelouch answered, understanding his reluctance. "Privately, involve as little personal as possible. Anyone who doesn't already know about it, should be removed."
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Kaguya was beginning to feel like she couldn't understand what was going on in Lelouch's head anymore. Not to say she always knew what he was thinking, but in the least she could usually guess what he was planning. She always knew he was ruthless, that in its own way was one of his admirable traits. He wouldn't let anything stop him, and would do anything he deemed necessary to achieve his goal. But after he chose to spare Clovis, she began to wonder if perhaps he was starting to change. If maybe he was finally letting go of all the hatred he felt. Maybe she was just reading all this wrong, but she couldn't help but feel a strong sense of sadness at realizing he was still eagerly willing to betray a man he worked with for over six years now. More so, millions of innocent people. Even if he could justify it any which way, it didn't change the reality of the decision. She always found herself worrying over him, it scared her to think of what he might decide to do next. That she would be unable to stop him. Already, they were on their way to China to ensure his war began in earnest.
"Is something the matter Kaguya?" Suzaku watched her from his seat next to her. She must have been displaying her worries quite plainly for him to be able to see them.
"Does this not bother you? What we're doing here?" She asked, gesturing wide to nothing in particular.
"No, not really. Why should it?" He replied.
"I mean, we are throwing away an entire country just for the benefit of a few months. Don't you think there might be something wrong with that?" She expanded, holding a deep frown.
"Only a shortsighted fool worries whether what they're doing is right or wrong. All history cares about is the results you obtain. No one gives a damn how you got them in the end." Suzaku replied, giving a surprisingly eloquent answer.
"Okay, even if that's true, his can you not worry about what this might do to Lelouch?" She tried a different approach instead.
"You think something like that could affect him? He's stronger than that, stronger than anyone. He knows just how much he has to sacrifice to build a new world. How many bodies need to lay the foundation for a better future. I trust him more than anyone, both to do what is necessary, and what is best for our goal. The destruction of Britannia must come first, you know that."
"Of course I do. At least I know Lelouch won't be satisfied with anything else." She agreed.
With a small smirk,the Japanese boy shook his head. "And you know he won't ever change his mind."
She let out a defeated sigh. "Yes, I know that all too well. I just wish he would stop and think this through. I mean, from a different perspective."
"I'm sure he's thought it through quite a bit, wouldn't you think?"
"Yeah, I'd imagine." Thought of just what each body would pay for, right down to the last calculated life. Yes, she always knew he tried to cast aside his humanity. But still she saw it cling to him. And somehow, she knew that if he rejected it for too long, there would be no going back. And she couldn't imagine a world led by a man who no longer had a heart to feel what it meant to be human.
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The Avalon; 2017 ATB
"I see, this is most pleasing news."
Schneizel nodded at the predicted response, watching the man in the monitor before him display an emotion other than annoyance. "Shall I order Cornelia to prepare for a campaign then?" He asked the emperor.
"Yes, you shall. It is necessary that you wait until the proper moment, however, preparations must be made for the invasion immediately." His father answered.
"And what of Area Eleven?"
"If Lord Ashford claims he can protect the settlement, let him. Should it be required, I will send a knight of the round to assist for the time being." The old man replied, waving off the inquiry.
"I see, I'll be sure to relay that as well." The prime minister said. "Also, the matter with Lord Oswald-"
"Do with it as you see fit." The emperor cut in. "I have no patience for such matters."
Yet again, a predictable response. "Very well."
"Is there anything else you wish to report?"
He shook his head. "No, your majesty."
"Then you are dismissed." Without even waiting for a reply, the transmission cut off leaving him in silence.
He narrowed his gaze into a glare. That went exactly as he expected it to. To think the emperor of Britannia would not see to the succession of the oldest supporting family of the royal line. But then again, that was to be expected of his majesty.
The emperor no longer cared about his empire anymore after all.
The only reports he wished to hear of were those of successful or potential invasions. Nothing more. Any and all other matters were of little consequence. He had no idea the empire was beginning to tear apart at its seams. That, or he did not care. It was hard to tell. One thing he did know, was something had to be done, he had to save his country before it fell into ruin.
He looked once more at the entirety of the information on Allen Ashford. It was next to nothing. From what he knew, the boy was adopted, an orphan the old man Ruben picked up out of pity or perhaps guilt. His first appearance was the announcement of the Marianne, and almost nothing since before then. There were rumors though that he had taken part in several of Ashford's foreign deals several years earlier, but nothing concrete. But what Schneizel wanted to know wasn't really where he came from but where he wanted to go. The boy was in an extremely powerful position, and clearly was both eager and willing to demonstrate it. But what exactly was he after? What were Allen Ashford's ambition? He clearly wasn't the most patriotic, his international dealings made that rather obvious. But he wasn't exactly in it for the business either. Naming the Marianne after the commoner empress wasn't the best idea among the company's top buyer.
So then what was it? He had to admit, he was greatly intrigued. He had a few vague ideas, some of which were more preposterous than others. But one thing he did know, was that Allen Ashford wanted to be in a position of power. And to Schneizel, that meant one of two things. He would have to be placed firmly in his own pocket, or he would have to be eliminated.
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And finally, I have returned! I'm not kidding when I say I spent more than a couple months stuck writing the goddamned India scene. I just couldn't get through it. Worse still, is i had been conflicted on what to do there several chapters earlier as well. It just was a huge roadblock that took far too long to get over. But god am i happy to finally be done with it.
I left some juicy foreshadowing all over the place for you. Have fun with that.