Trap and frame
Joseph Fennet was already given the OK that tomorrow morning he could leave the hospital and finally meet his family again. After what happened at Narita and how he managed to survive, he wanted to spend more quality time with his family before deciding what to do. Knowing that Prince Clovis was dead and Bradley was missing, he needed to stay low for a while.
"It seems you have a connection with code R." A voice was heard.
"Who's there is that you, Zero? I told you everything I knew!"
In the dark, a boy with brown hair and purple eyes says, "Which is why you must die?"
"Wait, I have-" A geass was activated as the assassins stabbed Joseph in the heart, killing him instantly, but the knife was a kodachi, something that belonged to an eleven. "That's what they always say. The assassin already knew what they were going to say and didn't care, as it was always the same excuse.
"The first phase is done, sir," as the assassins made a call to their superior.
"Good return to base; I already sent the exterminator to clean up the rats."
"Understood," he said, looking around the room, making sure that it was an outside job, and disappearing.
The next morning, a nurse entered the room and screamed in terror as she saw a patient's dead corpse stabbed and sheets bleeding.
Lelouch was waking up in the morning feeling refreshing, as there wasn't any trouble today as it's been two days since Mao was at peace. C.C. changed as she was more open and started talking with Nunnally more. He even heard about Rai teaching their amnesiac resident to become a demon slayer so that she would know between right and wrong when her memories returned.
"Such a peaceful morning." As he took a cup of tea, drinking gracefully, for him, tea would be the only thing he found pleasure in. Today was Saturday, which means no school or classes, and he can relax just like a normal person would, not worried about being Zero and other things.
"Yes, big brother," Nunnally said, also sipping her tea.
"I agree. Would you like more tea, Mistress Nunnally?" the maid offered.
"Thank you, Sayoko," as the tea was poured into the cup and Nunnally picked it up. Even though she's blind, she could tell from both smell and hearing.
As both siblings were drinking tea and enjoying a quiet morning, Milly suddenly barged in. Unannounced, "Lelouch, something terrible happened!" She shouted like there was a fire.
"What is it? The way you shouted like someone had died."
"Yes, Shirley's father was murdered!" Milly shouted.
"What!"
XXX
Everyone was at the funeral for Shirley's father. It was a depressing atmosphere, and nobody said anything until it was over.
The police told the family that his death was caused by a knife pierced into his heart, and there was little sign of a struggle—no witnesses and no clues what so ever. And they speculated that the Demon Slayer Corps was the one behind the murder.
The evidence was that the weapon was an eleven, and the suspect was the Corps. Since Zero was using eleven weapons, it means Zero and the Corps are the ones that killed Joseph Fenette, probably to shut him up as he could have known Zero's secrets. That was what the cops theorized.
Lelouch heard that it sounded ludicrous. Just because it was a Japanese weapon doesn't mean it belongs to the corps. It was like someone wanted to frame the Demon Slayer Corps for the murder. And killing Shirley's father was a bonus, and whoever did this had a well-thought-out plan.
It wasn't just that Suzaku preached his called blind justice that Zero did something unforgivable that he would attack an innocent man.
Shirley would want to defend Zero, but Lelouch shook his head and said that it's better that Suzaku was in the dark, knowing he accepted that Zero must be stopped by his own hands.
For Shirley, she felt like it was unfair, but she knew how the world is. All she could do was comfort her mother, who was crying over the deaths of her husband and father.
Lelouch, Nunnally, Sayoko, Milly, Rai, Kallen, and Shirley discuss what happened to Joseph. Shirley was surprised that Milly and Kallen were part of Lelouch's inner circle. Including Kallen, who was surprised that Milly and Shirley knew about Lelouch's double life. All of that can wait, as they have something important to discuss.
"Tell me, Lulu, why did my father have to die?" Shirley felt Lelouch might know something.
Lelouch was already getting tired of spilling the beans in front of Shirley. "Whatever I'm about to tell you, you must promise me never to dwell on or investigate what happened to him."
"Why?" she asked, confused.
"Promise me," Lelouch demanded, knowing whatever happened to Joseph would put her in danger.
"I promise." She reluctantly accepted.
Lelouch just sighs, "Your father, Joseph, was conducting a human experiment under direct orders from Prince Clovis himself."
"Prince Clovis, but why did it have to do with Daddy?" Shirley was told by her father that he was a scientist researching engineering and the human body.
"Clovis was funding a human experiment called Code R; your father Joseph and his colleagues were involved with the project. I can't say more, but whatever he did, it made Clovis fearful and desperate; if the Emperor knew what he was doing, he would disinherit and be exiled."
"That doesn't sound so bad," Shirley said.
Nunnally explained, "For royalty exiled, it is equal to a death sentence. You can imagine they are those who despised Britannia, especially the royal family. If they knew that the royalties were exiled and disinherited, a lot of angry people would kill or torture them for being the spawn of the Emperor out of spite." Which is why, in desperation, Clovis ordered the Ghetto to be destroyed, as innocent people were massacred to hide his secret. As much as she loves Clovis, Nunnally cannot avert the truth. She was saddened by his change.
Kallen gripped her hand tightly, knowing that what occurred in Shinjuku was their fault. How did their acts lead to the Ghetto massacre? He was simply stealing something so vital to the prince that he ordered the slaughter of the Japanese to conceal his secret.
"I think whoever they are wanted to both frame the Demon Slayer Corps and silence those who are connected to the Code R project, which is why Joseph was murdered," Rai deduced.
"Daddy, why?" Shirley was shocked; she didn't want to believe her father was doing something heinous behind her back. It's the reason why Lelouch didn't want to bring C.C. into the discussion about her involvement with Code R.
"I'm sorry, Shirley. Those who know too much tend to be silent or disappear—that's how Britannia works." Milly knew the Ashford fall from grace was a plot to hide what happened to Lady Marriene. Even if they aren't involved.
"So what do we do? We can't just announce that we didn't do it; nobody would believe us," Rai said.
"I agree, those Britannia wouldn't believe it wasn't us." Kallen already knew so much as the frail girl, hearing all sorts of gossip from the pompous girls and teachers.
"But I have a plan. All we need is to spread rumors that the corps is innocent and the victim was silenced by the British government for knowing too much, but we won't say that he was involved with some shady thing," as Lelouch wanted to preserve the man's good name for Shirley's sake.
"What about the weapon, Brother?" Nunnally asked.
"The weapon doesn't have our symbol as it doesn't belong to us, as there is no proof that it belongs to us."
"Still, no one would believe us even if we had proof," Rai said.
"We don't have to; we just spread rumors; making them doubtful is enough." Lelouch expressed it positively.
"Lulu, what's going to happen now?" Shirley asked, worried.
"What we need right now is to stay low for a while, go with our normal lives, and don't attract attention," Lelouch warned the others.
"Understood, we get it, yes."
Everyone disperses, but Shirley takes the news harder, but she still remains strong for her mother's sake, as Shirley doesn't want her mother to know about her husband's dark side.
Lelouch also said the same things about the Demon Slayers Corps: that he wasn't involved and that someone tried to frame the corps so that we would target civilians. And of course, Tamaki the loudmouth would try to argue that the corps should tell the world that they are innocent, but Ohgi doubts anyone would believe them.
'Spreading misinformation was enough to silence the masses who believed in us, and our purpose remains unchanged,' Lelouch stated. So everyone kept quiet for a time, but this was the beginning of something major. That would enrage the Britannia royal family even again.
The next day
Guilford read in the newspaper about a murder happening in the hospital, and it was said the corps was involved. But the spear of the empire doubts it; he has faced Zero and demon slayers in battle many times and knows their MO, and killing a civilian was not one of them.
"Are you reading a newspaper?"
"Yes, Lord Darlton, call me old-fashioned, but I prefer physical reading."
"So what do you think?" He asked a rhetorical question.
The spectacle knight didn't need explanations and knew what he meant: "It's a hoax; we all knew they weren't the ones who did this despicable thing."
"Good, it's good that you keep your emotions in check and think straight about the situation"
Guilford felt insulted. "Who do you think I am?"
"Still, why right now if someone wanted to frame the corps for killing a man in the hospital? It doesn't make sense as they could just pick anyone up on the street. Why go to all the trouble of infiltrating the hospital?"
"I agree, why go to all the trouble unless you are either a traitor or you know something you shouldn't know?" Guilford felt like a conspiracy.
"Whatever it is, it is probably related to Britannia's dark secret." Darlton knew every part of Britannia's dark secret as he was there during the Emblem of Blood, as royal siblings killed each other in a battle royal through scheming, backstabbing, accidents, and assassinations to determine who was strong and cunning to take the throne. 'When you play the game of Thrones, you win or you die,' he 'whispered.
"What was that?" Guilford didn't hear what Darlton mumbled.
"Nothing, just an old man talking nonsense."
Then a phone was ringing as he looked; it had an unknown number. Guilford answered, "Who is this?" How did you get this number?"
"Guilford, it's me."
"Princess Cornelia" Guilford was surprised, either by hearing his princess' voice or that she was using an unknown phone number.
"Yes, it's me. I don't have much time to meet me at Port Yokosuka, and I don't trust anyone; it's important," Cornelia explained.
"My lady, what's wrong?" It was the first time hearing the princess's voice quiet and trembling.
"I can't talk more; I fear someone will hear this." Then the line went dead.
"Princess! Princess! Princess Cornelia!"
"What happened?" Darlton asked and was confused.
"Princess Cornelia told me that she wanted to meet her in secret at the port of Yokosuka and bring anyone you trust," Guilford informed Darlton.
"It is suspicious for our lady that she would call us using another phone and meet in secret." Darlton found it to be illogical.
"It must be important that she didn't want anyone to know, including Princess Euphemia, so who can we trust?"
"I sent in Alfred and Bart to assist you in making sure the princess is safe." Darlton trusted his sons, as they would never betray him.
"I swear in my honor, I will keep her safe," he said.
"That's all I asked," Darlton won't say out loud, but for Princess Cornelia, she's more like a daughter to him.
At night, Guilford arrived in port Yokosuka, or what was left of it following their raid; everything remained untouched during the aftermath battle since the construction focused on Narita first. Alfred and Bart were instructed to accompany Guilford and protect the princess' safety.
"It's almost midnight," Alfred says, looking at his watch.
"Are you sure it is not a hoax?" Bart said.
"I'm positive, Bart." Guilford was looking at the watch as it struck midnight. A few seconds later, he saw something in the dark alley: flashes of light. "Morse code." Knowing what it meant, he and the other two followed the light entering the warehouse. "Bart, Alfred, stay here and guard."
"Understood," they shout in unison.
Gulford rappelled down from his knightmare frame and finally saw her. "Princess Cornelia, is that you?"
"Yes, it's me, Guilford."
Guilford was overjoyed. "Thank goodness you are safe. Things have been hectic without your presence, my lady."
She felt guilty about leaving everything to Darlton and Guilford. "That I know, but what about saying might make me a traitor to the crown as I uncover a secret?" Whatever she knew was a well-kept secret, but she's gambling on her status.
Guilford was shocked that whatever his princess was searching for could accuse her of treason for uncovering a secret. "What secret is your highness?"
"The secret is that the Emperor is planning something, and it involves..."
"Hold it right, there your highness!" The entire warehouse was lit up by lights.
"Whose there show yourself!" Guilford shouted.
"A man approaches wearing a purple royal uniform with shades covering his face. You don't know who we are, but we know you."
"What's the meaning of these atrocities?" Cornelia shouted in demand.
"Princess Cornelia, we Pluton, hereby decree you are traitors to the crown; as such, you must be eliminated in the name of his Majesty."
"What are you saying?" Cornelia wanted to hear it right.
"You are an expendable princess."
"How does a group like you exist?" I thought you were just a rumor, a ghost in the palace." Guilford heard rumors of such groups.
"We just changed the name of our organization to O.S.I. Office of Secret Intelligence; in truth, we have been hiding in plain sight." The pluton leader explained.
"How about this in the tabloid? Princess Cornelia battled against the eleven Zero and died with honor, but her body was lost in the sea, but her spirit to fight for the sake of the Emperor's greatness still lives on. How does that sound like a perfect way to make the goddess victory as a martyr? "He dramatically explained the plan.
"Does this mean the Emperor wanted me dead since I knew too much?"
The Pluton leader quickly cut her off. "There's an old saying: curiosity killed the cat, and you princess Cornelia got too close, which is why we are cleaning up the mess; nothing personal is just business," Gloucester and Pluton soldiers pointed their weapons and were ready to execute the traitors.
"No!" Cornelia's life flashed before her eyes, knowing she was going to die and leaving Euphemia all alone.
"Ready"
"Aim"
"No, as Bart Dash forward acting himself as a shield, but it was useless when being shot by an anti-Knightmare rifle.
"Fire!"
Bart Knightmares was lingering with bullets as it exploded, but not before he threw a chaos mine at the Pluton group as they quickly dispersed while some were caught by the crossfire.
"Lord Guilford, protect princess Cornelia!" as Alfred charged, using himself as a distraction, while Guilford quickly sorted his knightmare and scooped his princess and quickly tried to escape.
"Forgive me, Bart, Alfred," as he pushed his frame as fast as possible, but they were expecting Guilford to escape as the Gloucester fired their rifle. Guilford quickly turns left as they are followed from behind. The chase was on Pluton fired while Guildford dodged while at the same time protecting his princes.
"Guildford, let me down. I can fight!"
"No princess, you must survive!"
"Guilford"
Guildford saw an opening and quickly hid. They stood still, waiting, and the enemy passed them, but it didn't belong.
Guilford put the princess down. "Princess Cornelia, you must run and hide."
"You want me to run like a coward?"
"No, I want you to live."
"I won't let my knight die killed by his own countrymen!" Cornelia cannot fathom such things.
"For princess Euphemia's sake, you must live!"
Hearing that Cornelia couldn't rebuff "You are so unfair using my sister against me"
"I know, forgive me."
She knew what she had to do in a coward's retreat: "Thank you, my knight, and goodbye," as the former princess, now a fugitive, ran.
The knight whispered, "Goodbye, princess Cornelia, I will always love you." Guilford put his speaker loud and called out, "This is Gilbert G.P. Guilford, known as the spear of the Empire. I am Princess Cornelia Knight and will die protecting her so!" The enemy heard him and got him surrounded. Guilford twirled and brandished his lancer. "Face me!"
Lelouch didn't know why he wanted to walk to the port in the middle of the night, as his intuition was telling him to come, or probably to a place to remind himself that every battle has consequences. Or that the evil part of him would put bombs on the tanker to kill the remaining JLF to both capture Cornelia and gain Todoh's loyalty.
'What am I doing here to remind Shirley's father was a murderer? I didn't want to say anything bad about her father. For Shirley, he was still the kindest father she knew. "No matter how terrible the parents' actions, they are still someone the children love.' Kinda makes me jealous, well, almost'.
Then he heard an explosion around the docks. As the proverb says, 'a battle never ends,' he quickly geared up.
XXX
Zero arrived at the scene and saw carnage as Britannia and Britannia were fighting each other. He could tell from the wreckage of Sutherland, "What happened here?" A dispute between the nobility," as it wasn't the first time shit like this had happened.
As he walked, scouring the area, he saw a familiar knightmare frame; it was embedded in a wall with multiple slash-harkens, and seeing the carnage around it, the pilot took all his enemies down with him. With his sensitive hearing, Zero heard someone was alive barely and quickly came to help, using his sword to cut the cockpit open, and saw Guilford wounded and bleeding.
"Zero, among all the people that came to save me, it had to be you," Guilford felt like a bad joke.
Zero's eyes narrowed behind his mask, but his voice remained calm and composed. "Fate has a twisted sense of humor, it seems," he replied, extending a hand to help Guilford out of the wreckage. "But right now, we need to get you to safety."
"It's too late for me." His injuries proved lethal. Guilford could feel his ribs and stomach penetrate, knowing he didn't have much time left.
"What happened?"
"We were attacked by our own countrymen; I never thought I would die at their hands." He believed he would die in battle one day, but not like this.
"That is the irony."
Guildford wanted to laugh, but his time was running out. "Listen here, Zero. I don't like you. I know the princess was close to you and you were flirting with her highness, but you're the only person I can trust, so please, I beg you to save Princess Cornelia."
"You don't need to beg; I will save her, I promise."
"Thank you," as the spear of the Empire drew his last breath. Zero covered his eyes and prayed, "I will protect her. You have my word. It's been a fun ride, Lord Guilford. And may you find peace."
Cornelia was still on the run. She managed to hotwire and steal a car, but quickly abandoned it and went straight towards Shibuya Ghetto. Shibuya Ghetto is also the outcast slum; it's where both Eleven and Britannia are grouped among each other.
It can be said that former military soldiers or eleven washouts, half-bloods, and others gather at this place. Cornelia knew her faces and easily recognized her, as she quickly covered her face with mud, including her hair. She quickly tore her clothes, making them look like rags. She covered herself with a dirty clock, hiding her face as she walked slowly.
She could see the occupants' misery in their eyes, especially the eleven looking at her suspiciously. But ignore her, as she found a place to hide and lay low. Remembering her knight and two of her father's sons are dead because of her. She knew the consequences of uncovering a conspiracy and secret; she just didn't expect the Emperor to truly retaliate.
She thought her achievement in conquering other nations and gaining privilege would gain her immunity, but in the end, it didn't matter for Charles; all of his children were equal to being eliminated if they got too close to his secret.
XXX
The next morning, the entire world learned that Princess Cornelia had been killed in battle at Zero's hand. Everyone was astonished to learn that the fabled witch of Britannia had been killed by Zero, his alleged lover. It was a surprise and indignation, similar to Clovis' death, because some feel Zero tricked Cornelia and killed her, and of course, other hardcore fans disagree.
The entire Pendragon was uproared that one of their greatest princesses died in battle at the hands of the terrorist Zero again. It was like a slap to the face, as for the first time ever, one terrorist killed two royal families.
The news didn't end there, as Gilbert G.P. Guilford and Darlton adopted sons Alfred and Bart, who also died in battle.
Peacemark and other resistance cells celebrated that one of the Britannia's thorn sides was gone and, as such, gained the corps more support. The Middle East and the U.S. used this chance to retaliate against Britain with their morale low.
At the student council, it was shocking to hear the news that princess Cornelia died in battle at Zero's hands, and of course Milly and Shirley didn't believe it. Nunnally remained stoic, knowing the truth along with Rai, as Lelouch explained.
Lyod, Cecile, and the rest of the Camelot division were watching the scene with interest and saddened that Princess Cornelia was dead, killed by Zero. While Suzaku gritted his teeth in anger, knowing Zero murdered another royal, only this time someone related to Princess Euphemia, Zero, you not only killed Shirley's father but Princess Cornelia. How far are you willing to go? Suzaku accused Zero of it being more convenient.
XXX
Lelouch and the inner circle were discussing the situation about Cornelia, whom they presumed was dead. He explained that she was attacked because she knew some kind of secret that the Emperor wanted her dead.
"It's a hoax. Britannia wanted to eliminate Cornelia since she knew something, a secret, that the Emperor would kill anyone, even his own children." Lelouch explained, but not everything, as they didn't need to know about his promise to Guilford.
"Man, I never thought of the day the Emperor would want his children dead for knowing something she should know," Minami said.
'You will be surprised if you learn more about me.' Lelouch thought of the irony.
"Whatever it is, I would rather not find out," Tamaki shuddered at the thought.
"We all agree," Kallen said. Kallen never did like Cornelia, as she was both Britannia and royalty, like Clovis, as both of them massacred and killed a lot of people.
"So what do we do now?" Ohgi asked.
"We will find Cornelia first; we might not be able to use her as a bargain chip, but her attitude will be great," Lelouch wanted to keep his promise.
"If she's alive," Naomi said.
"Yes, I believe her knight Guilford sacrificed himself to help her escape."
"I doubt we could use her; that woman seems like the type," Yoshida said. Even if she's a wanted fugitive, he doubts she would switch sides.
"You leave that to me. I try talking to her; if you find her, call me, and I'll do the rest." Lelouch decided to begin his search. And he knew where to look.
The group disbanded and went on their separate ways.
Kallen was getting more concerned with Lelouch as he was hiding something called women's institution ever since the duel, and how he treated Cornelia is like he knew her more than he said, and she was getting to the bottom of this.
Euphemia was watching the news; she didn't cry because she knew it was all a lie, including Darlton, whom she remembered last night.
Euphemia didn't get much sleep as she was worried that her sister hadn't called her for a week and was up to something and didn't know why until she heard the phone ringing and quickly picked up as she heard a familiar voice.
"Euphy, it's me?"
"Sister, is that you?" Euphemia was relieved and happy to hear her voice.
"I'm glad to hear your voice."
"Me too, where are you? I can call you Darlton."
"No time, listen, Euphy, this is urgent."
"Sister" Euphemia hearing her sister's change of tone made her worry, like her stomach churning.
"I uncovered something dangerous, and the emperor wants me dead. I can't say what it is, but please don't look for me for your safety, and I love you." She hung up and was gone.
"Cornelia!" Euphy tries to call her sister in vain.
Euphy stood quiet, not saying anything, but she told Darlton about last night, and he believed it, knowing princess Euphemia would never lie about princess Cornelia being chased and hidden. He didn't expect whatever secret his princess knew would warrant her death at the Emperor's hands.
He was aware of Pluton, also known as the Emperor Shields, who conduct everything in secret black operations, as they say, and whatever they were doing to gather information and complete any task would make a bogeyman shiver with horror. They are charged with operating in the shadows, particularly dealing with any elements that threaten the Emperor's reign.
It was once said Emperor Charles used Pluton to assassinate his half siblings during the Emblem of Blood, making it look like an accident, as the rumors say.
He heard they were renamed the O.S.I. that conducts information gathering for anything that would threaten the empire. But there were rumors that it was just a cover-up. As they are still doing unsavy things in the name of the Emperor. And now his princess was the target, but she managed to escape, but he lost two of his sons and Lord Guilford, his friend.
"What should we do?" Euphy asked Darlton, the only person she could trust.
"We told them nothing. I'm sorry, Princess Euphemia, for your safety. You must remain ignorant; it's what your sister wants." The old man gritted his teeth so hard that he lost his sons to terrorists but assassins from the Empire he served.
She didn't say anything but knew Darlton was right, as she had no choice but to stay ignorant.
XXX
"I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" The knight of twelve inquired again, wanting to confirm.
"Monica Kruszewski, knight of twelve, you are to be the temporary viceroy of area eleven until a permanent replacement can be found".
"But I'm a knight, not a politician." Monica may be a noble, but she is still green with government affairs.
"This is under the Emperor's orders. With the death of Princess Cornelia, all the areas and the Middle East were already starting an uprising, and as such, many knights and soldiers were sent to quell the insurgents. Also, A knight of round presence would make the populace feel calm and reliable under your rule for the time being," the officer replied.
"I don't like it; it's supposed to be the knight of one who obtained such a position." Monica knew Bismark wasn't just a knight of his majesty; he was also a skilled politician, negotiator, and manager of his own area.
"You don't need to like it, my Lord, just accept what the emperor says".
She reluctantly agreed, "I understand, but that doesn't mean I like it."
"Thank you and good luck, Viceroy Kruszewski," the government officer saluted and left the office.
She slumped down on the viceroy chair, pondering the weight. "Why now is this a headache?" Monica already felt like she was being given special treatment; she didn't want rumors to spread about how she obtained her position because she may be related to the royal family.
"All I wanted was to prove myself that capturing Zero would be my own great accomplishment; things just got more complicated." Her chance to gain the Emperor's eyes upon her was now getting further.
XXX
Somewhere secluded
"Cornelia managed to escape Director"
"It's fine; Cornelia might be able to escape, but we know she can't show herself without endangering the little munchkin. As long as we have her as a hostage, Cornelia can't do anything that would jeopardize her safety. And even if she did, I would put Euphemia's head on a pike to make her despair".
"Understood Director, what should I do?"
"Continue monitoring the Muchikin; we can use her to lure Zero and her when the time is right."
"Yes, my Lord."
Three days later funeral was set again similar to Clovis accept it was much grandeur knowing the infamous goddess of victory that brought victories battle in Britannia name held a hero ceremony.
"In this land, two of my children perished, but it was not in vain; they died for our magnificent Empire! Does this lower my spirits? Would I fall into despair because two of my children died? NAH! It only feeds my ambition knowing that my daughter died fighting for our magnificent empire."
"These brave men and women have shown us these virtues through their own valiant sacrifice. By focusing on our anger and sorrow, we are finally in a position where victory is within our grasp, and once again, our most cherished empire will flourish even more".
"The path to this point has been fraught with countless obstacles, from relentless battles and treacherous landscapes to the ever-present threat of internal dissent. Our perseverance has been tested time and time again, yet it is through overcoming these adversities that we have forged a stronger, more united front. The sacrifices made by so many have not been in vain, as they have paved the way for the glorious future that now lies before us."
"Victory is the greatest tribute we can pay to those who sacrificed their lives for us! Rise, my subjects, Rise! Now is the time to act, for hesitation will only lead to our downfall. Let the fire of our resolve burn brighter than ever before. Together, we can secure a future that honors their legacy and ensures our prosperity. Take your sorrow and turn it into anger! Britannia will never stop until we succeed in our endeavors!"
ALL HAIL BRITTANIA!
ALL HAIL BRITTANIA!
ALL HAIL BRITTANIA!
ALL HAIL BRITTANIA!
ALL HAIL BRITTANIA!
Lelouch was watching the speech from the enormous electronic billboard during Clovis' funeral, which was another form of propaganda, and it worked because Cornelia became a martyr for the Emperor to utilize. As much as he wanted to close his eyes and avoid the unpleasant lecture, he had a promise to keep: find Cornelia.
Given the trajectory between the port and the nearest ghetto, he concludes that the ghetto is probably the safest spot to hide.
Cornelia was already watching her grand funeral from a giant billboard screen; it irked her knowing the Emperor was using her as a martyr, similar to how he did with Clovis but much more grand. Knowing her reputation and accomplishments, the Emperor was using them for his own needs.
She was enraged knowing the emperor wanted her dead and Euphemia was a hostage, which means she cannot hold her beloved sister anymore or even talk to her, even though Guilford is dead along with two of the Darlton sons. Because of her.' Is this what Lelouch felt like alone, with no one there to help him? Cornelia couldn't help but empathize with Lelouch's isolation and the burden of being manipulated by those in power. She now understood the weight of betrayal and the loneliness that comes from being used as a pawn in a larger game. Her heart ached, realizing how deeply Lelouch must have suffered, fighting his battles with no one to trust.
There is a difference between hearing and seeing, and she is currently feeling what Lelouch did during his exile: rage, agony, and loneliness. She hopes that if they ever meet again, they might ask for forgiveness and make apologies for their past mistakes.
It's difficult to feel alone in a different nation, especially if your siblings haven't offered any assistance.
The broadcast continues.
XXX
It was now midnight; everyone had gone to sleep except for her, who slept with one eye open. Living in the ghetto exposed her to how the eleven Japanese lived, raising the question of whether numbers deserved such treatment because they had invaded a nation and should submit to their control.
They say seeing and experiencing are two different things, and she now knows what it's like to be at rock bottom. Cornelia realized she'd lost everything and was a nobody. If she sought to announce her survival, her sister, Darlton, and his kids would all be slain, and her men, including their families, would be erased as if they never existed.
Tears well up in her eyes as she realizes she is alone and terrified that if the eleven find out who she is, they will kill her on sight and no one will care. "I apologize, Lelouch. "Nunnally, I should have done more to save both of you."
"To think I found you here, hiding and crying."
She rose and turned to face the familiar, masked figure. "You arrived to complete the task. Then do it. I've got nothing." Cornelia was in despair.
"No, I've come to save you. Guilford promised me that I would keep you safe."
"Why would you care? We were adversaries, and I have nothing to negotiate with; just do the job already".
Zero placed his palm on the mask as he removed it. "I care because it's me, Cornelia." Seeing her in this way reminded him of how much he had lost that day.
Cornelia's eyes widen with astonishment and shock as she recognizes raven hair and amethyst eyes. "Lelouch?"
Cliffhanger Yeah, I know. Just to make it more interesting, Lelouch finally revealed his face to Cornelia willingly with no consequences yet. Cornelia is now presumed dead by the public, and if she tries to announce herself, Euphemia will be assassinated along with Darlton.
Monica would be the new viceroy since she has the highest authority only for the moment. While the world watched another of Charles speeches, only this time much more gandeur, knowing the infamous goddess of victory was well known in the world.
The scene what happen to Guilford is from Armored trooper Votoms alone again.