Stage 4: A Paradigm Shift
A year had now passed since the day of Lelouch and Nunnally's departure from Britannia, a year since Sena had found himself taking the first step to his larger goals. It had been a year that passed quietly. The most exciting thing he could say about it was the doctors' constant surprise at his continually improving health and physical state. Within a mere year of taking up basic fitness routines, the once frail boy had become an entirely different person from the frail child he was.
Perhaps best shown how, during the current time with the hot August sun high in the sky, Sena was being schooled in swordsmanship by his first and currently sole Knight, Jeremiah. Of the many things Sena had taken to learning in the past year since making his ambitions clear to the man, swordsmanship was the one that the Knight took to personally mentoring the boy in.
Sena had plenty of tutors to teach him in the compulsory education required of a Royal, and the boy had himself taken to reading books on military history and stratagems recommended by his Knight to prepare himself for the future.
But it was in the simple practice of the old ways of the sword that Jeremiah took joy in mentoring his young liege. Watching Sena improve from barely even being able to lift the heavy wooden sword used for practice to swinging it one-handed with ease had been quite the sight. His mother had wept in delight at seeing her son grow stronger.
Reina was currently watching the Knight and Prince spar from a nearby gazebo, a warm look on her face.
"Watch your footwork my lord!" Jeremiah chuckled as he stepped past Sena, lightly tapping the boy's shoulder with his own practice weapon. "Getting overeager when you see what looks to be an opening is an excellent way to fall into a trap. A smart foe will use a feint to catch you."
"Got it," Sena took in a deep breath as he stood straight, turning back to Jeremiah and resetting his stance. "Let's hope when I get taller, sparring with you will change."
"By then perhaps we'll be sparring with Knightmares instead of wooden swords," Jeremiah lifted his blade as Sena struck, the wood loudly clacking with each blow as he parried Sena's still rough, wide swings. "You've been quite interested in them for some time. Have you heard of the intent to begin deploying them soon?"
"The new Glasgow model, right?" Sena inquired, gritting his teeth when his sword got locked to Jeremiah's. "The one based… on the Ganymede that Lady Marianne used."
"To be precise the Glasgow improves on the Ganymede's basic design," Jeremiah broke the lock with a swift swing, catching the neck of Sena's protective gear when the boy stumbled forward. "They are somewhat smaller but vastly more mobile. People say they're bound to replace tanks as the backbone of modern warfare if they prove successful."
"I've seen some of the initial trials," Sena sat down on the grass, letting the breeze blow across his face. "They seem promising. Cornelia's handled one and says they work excellently, and that they're ready for practical use."
"Then perhaps we may witness that change in warfare soon," Jeremiah set his own practice weapon over his shoulder, sitting down next to the boy. "Have you heard the other news? His Majesty has sent the Knights of the Round to Africa and India, along with the royal flagship. Why do you think that would be?"
"Hmm… perhaps father's intent is to blindside the other powers?" Sena stated, a hand on his chin as he thought it over. "Ever since the Korean Peninsula became a new Area, the EU and Chinese Federation have been pushing to try and restrain Britannia now that the Empire is so close to Japan. Prime Minister Kururugi's statement to opposing the bioelectric industry reforms was likely part of what led to this."
"As it stands, Japan holds ownership over much of the world's Sakuradite resources. It gives the nation a strong place in global politics," Reina approached the two, adjusting her dress to also seat herself. "Genbu is a proud man. Defending Japan is first and foremost in his mind. By holding Britannia, the EU, and the Chinese Federation in a stalemate with Sakuradite distribution, Japan was able to grow significantly while powers much greater than it were halted."
"Yet now that the EU and Federation are blockading Britannian trade routes, it's clear the Prime Minster has chosen Japan's side in a conflict," Jeremiah added. "Excuse me Lady Reina, but from a certain perspective, Japan being invaded for its vast Sakuradite reserves by a larger power feels near inevitable at this point."
"I don't disagree with you, Sir Gottwald," Reina nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "The neutrality Japan holds can only be maintained for so long. Sena, is that why you saw the strategy of heading for Africa and India as a distraction?"
"Jeremiah just showed me feints," Sena glanced to the knight, the man nodding. "It may be different from swordplay, but since Japan can be taken as the cause for it, wouldn't it make sense to cause a distraction and strike where you really aim to? Even the Britannian news is talking about the move, and nothing else. Nobody is looking at Japan right now."
"Though I think we can also assume Prime Minister Kururugi believes he has a favorable position against Britannia," Jeremiah stated. "What with Prince Lelouch and Princess Nunnally having been residing there for a year now, he and the other Japanese leaders likely believe we won't dare attack them while two members of the royal family are in their land."
For some time now the scheme of global politics had suddenly become precarious.
Japan enforcing its neutrality by deadlocking Britannia, the EU, and Federation via Sakuradite distribution only for it to turn into a full-on trade embargo with Britannia's claiming of the Korean Peninsula had only driven the tensions further. Sena's newly developed tendency to keep his attention on world news kept him well informed of the rising political tensions in this precarious situation.
And Jeremiah had a point to be made from inferring the inevitability of Japan being invaded by a larger power. For what the small island nation could put onto the world, that leverage would only go so far before a nation with far more force behind it would break down that gate.
It really was just a matter of who. And clearly, the rest of the world's powers did not want that to be Britannia. The boy's following assumption people felt safe believing Britannia wouldn't dare attack a nation housing two of their royals for "foreign studies" no doubt contributed to the feeling they could get away with such harsh actions on the Empire.
Of course, that was simply people taking the assumption the Empire would allow them to continue doing so.
"I remember from my history studies about the Britannian response to the loss of Hong Kong…" Sena began tapping a finger on his arm as he spoke. "the Emperor of the time was criticized as feckless for allowing the Federation to claim a prosperous territory, and it gave birth to the current doctrine of no quarter. That Britannia would never again give up territory controlled by it."
"How do you believe that applies to this, my lord?" Jeremiah inquired. The man was regularly impressed with the boy's growing acumen for political maneuvers and tactics. His mind absorbed information so readily it was in some ways frightening.
"The blockading has cut off several ports of trade between the Homeland and the Areas across the Pacific Ocean," said the boy. "By doing so, there's probably some who think they can weaken the hold on the Areas themselves. They're definitely hoping to make sure Britannia can't make Japan their next conquest now that we possess a foothold into Asia."
"Someone's been paying attention to his military history, hasn't he?" Reina mused, ruffling Sena's hair, to the boy's small annoyance.
"It's logical, nothing more," Sena countered. "If the Empire takes Japan, then it follows the control over those Sakuradite resources would give Britannia far more leverage on the other nations than it already does. Obviously, that's bad for the EU and Federation."
"Quite so, young master," Jeremiah mused. "We'll have to see if the Emperor's supposed feint truly is just that."
"M-My lords and lady!" As if on a cue, one of the estates servants hurried over to the three. The middle-aged man looked quite winded as he came to a stop, Jeremiah rising to meet him. "Th-There is news… from the Capital!"
"Slow down man, catch your breath for a moment," Jeremiah cautioned, helping the man stand fully. "What news could be so dire you'd wear yourself out like this?"
"News of war, sir knight!" The servant said, Jeremiah recoiling. "Just an hour earlier, an official declaration of war against Japan was announced across the nation! The invasion will begin within hours, once day breaks in Japan!"
"So, the move into African territory really was a feint," Jeremiah gasped. Reina rose as her eyes widened, while Sena felt a sudden dread creep up through him.
Perhaps ironically, a part of Sena really had hoped Britannia would not dare attack Japan. He knew well enough from his studies how brutal the Empire's tactics in combat were, how relentless the military was in using the technological and physical might they bore to overwhelm the enemy. It meant that were Japan to be invaded, that might would be brought down on them like an executioner's axe. Lelouch, Nunnally… the boy silently prayed. Please be safe…
It only took a month.
Now called "The Second Pacific War", Britannia's conquest over Japan had been swift and brutal. The reasoning for this was simple: The Knightmare Frame. The conflict had been decided the moment Britannia's new war machine had been deployed to the battlefield.
Many felt the war had been decided within twenty-four hours, the time it took for the initial invasion to lead to actual combat. The time it took for Britannia's Knightmares to demolish Japan's mechanized forces. The rest of the month was just the time it took to force a surrender.
Sena had paid as rapt attention as he could to every moment of the war as it happened. His eyes had remained glued to the screen of his computer watching the news roll in, taking stock of battles and their casualty reports, noting troop movements and clear stratagems on both sides.
The news itself had been alight with praise for the power the Knightmares expressed more than anything. Their sheer speed and firepower had done what the machines were intended to: render the Main Battle Tank of modern combat completely obsolete.
The only time Sena saw even a chance for Japan to fight back had been the sole report of a defeat at the hands of the Japanese army, spearheaded by a man named Kyoshiro Tohdoh. There had been notes of some giving begrudging respect towards the enemy general, but nothing more.
After all, Britannia's doctrine was to win the war. A lost battle did not matter to the Empire so long as the ultimate result was victory.
And so now, Japan was no more.
Now in its place was Area 11, just another vassal state of the Empire. And with it, control of the vast Sakuradite resources the former nation had been so keen to use as a foothold in politics.
But that was not Sena's concern, not for now at least. Instead, the boy was spending time painstakingly overlooking casualty listings for two names alone. Please don't let their names be on here… he desperately prayed he wouldn't find them as he scrolled down the list of Britannian losses. His fingers froze to a halt once he did. Two names, boldly marked to stick out among the list against all others.
17th Prince Lelouch vi Britannia
87th Princess Nunnally vi Britannia
The tablet in Sena's hands dropped to the floor of the study as his jaw tightened in disbelief.
No… it must be some kind of mistake. They were under… Sena's thoughts stopped. Of course this could have happened. The war's end was so swift for one core reason: Right as it was becoming clear Japan might just drag out the conflict to the bitter end, accepting defeat only through total annihilation, Prime Minister Kururugi had committed suicide.
That single action had been what finally broke the will to keep fighting that had pushed Japan's forces forward even against outright impossible odds. Nobody was sure why it had happened. Whether it was out of pride or cowardice, none were sure. If one ascribed to the code of Bushido, Sena could see from that angle it could also be seen as an act of defiance.
Whatever the reason, it brought the war to a resounding halt.
And as he thought it over, it only made sense the home of the prime minister would likely have fallen under attack.
But… no. This report must be mistaken. Could it be some plot by the people who assassinated Marianne? Have her children declared dead regardless of the truth? Or am I just making things up? Sena let out a frustrated groan as he leaned back into his chair, tugging at his bangs as he kept trying to think of a solution. There's a chance they weren't even at the estate. For all we know they could be wandering the country and were only proclaimed dead because bodies weren't found. But how would I know that? How would anyone? The faces of two royal children our age aren't public knowledge. Nobody in Japan would know who they were on sight alone, and I can't expect soldiers too either. It's slim, but just maybe… and besides… Lelouch and I made a promise. No way he would let himself or Nunnally die easily. Even if it takes years… I just have to remember that.
Sena took a deep breath to steady himself. He knew letting himself panic would just make his thoughts a mess. He had to believe the report was a lie. Not just because he didn't want to believe it was, but to also put his faith into his brother.
Lelouch could be smart and resourceful. Of anything, being thought dead would make it easier for him and Nunnally to lie low and take them out of potential political schemes. It's a wild, probably fruitless hope… but better to have hope to begin with than none at all.
The study's door opening drew Sena's attention. One of the maids stepped into the room, bowing to the boy.
"Highness, Princess Cornelia has just arrived. She asked to see you."
She must have gotten the report sooner than I did. He thought.
"I'm not doing anything right now, so let her in."
"Of course."
The maid left the room, and before she could even close the door, Cornelia hurried in. She had the expected panicked expression Sena felt she'd come with. Euphie must be devastated by hearing that news… even if it's not true. Sena was well aware Cornelia doted on her younger sister quite a bit. He felt grateful despite their own woes, Cornelia also took the time to worry about his state as well. His mood lifted a bit when Cornelia seemed relieved he wasn't currently a bawling mess either.
"Sena… have you seen the reports from the end of the war yet?"
"I've been going over them since it started," Sena said, picking up the tablet he'd dropped. "So… yes, I saw the latest casualty reports."
"Sena I'm… you were so close with them," Cornelia approached and knelt, placing a hand on Sena's shoulders. "You don't have to act tough about it."
"It's not acting tough," Sena shook his head, his tone remaining steady. "I don't believe the report."
"I asked who I could over the phone. Nobody found any sign of them. So… they presumed the only thing they could."
"But that's just it," Sena turned to Cornelia with a steeled gaze. "They're just assuming. They could still be out there; we just don't know it."
"Sena, I know you want to believe they're alive." Cornelia let out a sigh. "But if they weren't found at the Kururugi residence after the bombing that hit it… we can only assume they were killed during the fighting. I know it's hard, but please don't force yourself to believe something that may not be true."
"It's a chance I would rather take, but…" Sena took a breath. No, keeping on this point won't work at all. I can believe what I want in private… I need to focus. To keep my end of the promise, I need to look ahead. "I understand, sister. But I also think now is a time for me to be strong. Because Lelouch and I made a promise… and I intend to keep my end of it no matter what."
"What kind of promise?"
"The kind that requires power," Sena turned to his sister, and she gasped.
She now had the same reaction to him he had seen Jeremiah give a year ago. She saw eyes filled with conviction and ambition he lacked before that day. The young woman looked concerned, wary almost. What is going through this child's mind? Was no doubt her thought.
"Cornelia, I need to become stronger than I am now. Not just physically. I know my place as a Prince is a formality, that none expect anything of me because of my birth… I want to change that. I want to prove I can be more than what's expected."
"But to do such a thing… Sena, I know that over this past year you've gotten much stronger, but we don't know if your health will fall again." Cornelia shook her head. "What is it you even desire so much that your eyes look so… different?"
"Sister… this Empire is broken," The boy's flat words shocked the young woman. It wasn't a phrase she expected a ten-year-old to utter. But… he's no normal boy. He's a royal of Britannia. That makes him different. Was the young woman's conclusion. "What nation passes off the assassination of its Empress as a mere act of terror, then sends her children off to a nation they declare war on a year later? I've been thinking about it since that day… just how deep does the corruption go? How many people in the noble class play things to their favor? Use their power solely to benefit themselves and cast aside all competition?"
"I must admit, it isn't uncommon for those with power to abuse it to suit their own ends," Cornelia said. Though in some ways it's just the way of the world, as detestable as it can be. Cornelia couldn't deny she didn't have a fondness for it. There was a degree of ambition needed if one were to thrive in the Empire, but when it became outright corruption, it took to crossing lines the young woman wasn't fond of seeing crossed. "And while it certainly is the kind of thing to be rooted out and corrected… what are you trying to get at?"
"Cornelia, I want to change this empire," Sena stated, his words firm. "I decided on it one year ago when Lelouch and Nunnally had to leave. If this empire is the kind that would do such an action, then it needs to be changed. I don't know if it'll be from within or without. But I need to learn everything I can. So please, Cornelia, teach me what you know. Teach me everything Lady Marianne taught you!"
Cornelia stepped over to the boy, gently but firmly placing a hand on his shoulder, her expression almost a glare. Yet the boy didn't budge.
"Sena, you understand that you're asking me to, effectively, help you plan a coup? No, not even that, you're speaking of rebellion! Such ideas are treason!"
"Maybe it will be… I don't have control over where my life goes right now. For all I know tomorrow I could be sent off somewhere where I'll be well out of reach of power within the Empire. But, regardless, I want people to stop looking at me as weak! Whether I join the fight to claim the throne or not, I need to prove it! Not just to everyone else but myself! That a prince born with no power, no expectations, can rise above his station and do something more!"
Cornelia failed to respond for a moment. It was those eyes. The way the boy's eyes burned was totally at odds with what she knew about Sena before.
A year prior, his eyes had been dark, resigned. He was painfully aware of his place in the world and what people thought of him, and his eyes reflected that. Yet now they were burning bright, like a flame had been lit inside of him and only blazed hotter with time. Cornelia had to admit she could even feel it through his shoulders.
Sena was no longer the frail child she'd worried about. And as time passed, she was sure he'd only drift further and further from that image.
Cornelia sighed. Whether or not it was of resignation, she wasn't entirely sure.
"You really are a Prince of the Realm after all. Alright. But don't consider this some endorsement, Sena. I'll teach you what I can, and get others to do the same. But whatever this plan of yours is, I can only hope these were the words of a child trying to find his thoughts, and that you'll find a better ideal as you get older."
"We'll see, though I feel rather set in my ideal already. I just need to see what happens next and go from there," Sena said. Cornelia felt a bit unnerved with the lack of hesitance in his voice. "Even if it's a race for the throne against everyone else."
"Which includes me. I just don't want you starting some foolish crusade. You're only ten years old, you have time," Cornelia tightened her grip on the boy's shoulders. She may have agreed to teach him, but a part of her, the part of her that was acting as his older sister and not Princess Cornelia li Britannia, still wanted to dissuade him from potentially throwing his childhood away for his goal. "But… I can tell by your eyes I'm not going to change your mind. I at least hope you can actually handle the kind of training that you'll need in the coming years."
Sena placed a hand to one of her arms, giving his sister a confident grin.
"I've improved a lot this past year with Jeremiah's help. Don't worry Cornelia, I promise I'll be fine."
"Then be sure to keep that promise," Cornelia said, ruffling the boy's hair. "I hope when you're older you can watch out for yourself. But I do promise you this, Sena: I will not allow anyone to bring you harm. If you really are aiming to rise in power, whatever that path takes you within the Empire, your position and birth mean many will be against you. You'll have enemies for no other reason than your blood. I won't lose more siblings than I already have."
"Don't worry Cornelia, I'll do fine," Sena assured. "I've got promises to keep. I'll be sure I don't break them."
Later that same day, with his thoughts in order and knowing he at least in part had the aid of his elder sister, Sena took to gathering some materials from the library. A few books came to mind for what he could gather and learn from. The Art of War, The Prince, and works of philosophers like Cicero and Voltaire, or some more obscure works relating to Washington's Rebellion.
If the boy was aiming to change Britannia from within, then it would demand he understand perhaps better than any other how it works and the nature of its systems. And then, understanding that, how best to act contrary to them, to prove what other methods can work beyond the Darwinist ideas it follows.
There was also one more thing. A book he'd brought with him from the Aries Villa on the last day of Lelouch's residence there. A copy of Faust. Sena opened the book to it's back, pulling out a slip of paper nestled into a cutout made in the rear cover. On that paper was a list of names. Dukes, Barons, Earls, even members of the royal family filled the paper's sides to the brim. It was a list he and Lelouch had constructed, a list that would take years to parse through and even more to actually act on if he found anything.
Sena rolled through the list and stopped when he found Cornelia's name. Sena had never once suspected her, but Lelouch didn't want to rule out the possibility since they were unsure about the guards' potential involvement in the event. Sena crossed her name out thoroughly, leaving a dark line where it had been, and followed it by removing Jeremiah's name and those of several other royal guards Jeremiah had informed him couldn't have possibly been involved.
The boy then looked to the incomplete chess set he still had. It was a good reminder of his promise. That one day, the White King of that set would be returned when he and Lelouch met again. If it were still at all possible. So… I'll be sure to keep my end of the promise. In the hope that we can meet again. Good luck, Lelouch, Nunnally.
Before Sena really knew it, another six months had passed after he'd begun immersing himself in study and expanding his training with Cornelia. While he was still too young to really begin learning how to pilot a Knightmare, his body needed to mature a bit more before it was even remotely safe, alongside other topics he was already becoming familiar with all of the basics and even gotten the chance to take a few simulator runs that were far more amenable to letting a young boy get some practice in.
He was, for now, still quite average but Cornelia assured Sena that as he aged and his body improved, so would his abilities as a pilot.
It wasn't as if Sena was lacking for time after all.
Yet it seemed as if six months was the brief time he'd gotten before things decided to take a turn again. As that morning, barely after Sena and Reina had concluded their breakfast, had a servant come to them stating a visitor was arriving.
It wasn't that unusual, Reina had taken plenty of visitors and business calls at the estate in the year and a half since the death of Marianne, having all but been handed most of the reigns of the departed Empress's estate since.
But the one to greet the consort and her son in the foyer was a rather unexpected visitor.
An absolute tower of a man with a rugged face marked by a goatee and swept back, shoulder length black hair. His left eye was sewn shut by three stitches, the open right a piercing dark blue. He was dressed in a white and black uniform, a grand white and gold cape covering his shoulders.
"Oh my, Sir Waldstein?" Reina gave a surprised hum as she descended the stairs. "What brings the Knight of One to the Libra Villa?"
"As you may have assumed, business, milady," the man, Bismarck Waldstein, took a bow, yet his towering height meant he still stood tall over the far shorter Reina as she approached. Rising, the man looked to the equally surprised Sena atop the stairs, giving the boy a small grin. "Ah, and I see the rumors of Prince Sena's improving health weren't for naught. I am glad to see the boy doing well after his spell last year."
Bismarck Waldstein, otherwise known to Britannians as the Knight of One. The man who held the highest seat of the prestigious Knights of the Round, the strongest Knights of Britannia who answered only to the Emperor in action. The man who was practically the right-hand of Emperor Charles himself.
"A pleasure to meet you, Lord Waldstein," Sena strode down to reach his mother's side, having to crane his neck all too much to properly meet the knight's gaze.
"Yes, Sena's been constantly improving since then. But I imagine your business doesn't have to do with my son."
"Well, it's certainly business involving you both," Bismarck let out a breath. "But your foyer is no place to talk about such things."
"Of course. We'll speak in the parlor. Michel! Please prepare some refreshments for us and our guest!"
The butler was quick to hurry off at Reina's order. The lady took the lead back to the upper floor and to the usually busy parlor room not far from the entrance.
Bismarck politely waited for Reina and Sena to seat themselves at the table before following suit, setting his cape across the back of his chair to free himself of it for the time being.
"While I'm sure we could simply wait, I have the feeling you'd rather get to business already," Reina was answered with a nod from the knight. "Alright then… what does the Emperor want?"
"His Majesty Emperor Charles has tasked me with relaying a request from him: He desire for you to head to Area 11 and assist the new government with setting the groundwork for the Viceroy-to-be," Reina raised a brow to the man, waiting for more than just that. "He requests this because, as a daughter of the Sumeragi house of the Six Houses of Kyoto, who have been allowed to maintain some power within the new government, that you would be the best candidate to ensure a smooth transition between them."
"While I can say the Emperor is not incorrect, why make this request?" Reina folded her hands atop the table, her gaze steady. "Imperial consort I may be, but in the eyes of the general public I am nothing but another Number now. You know well the only reason my presence is tolerated is because my status as Consort overrules that. Sending a Number back to her homeland only to take a position in the new government on behalf of the Empire sounds to me like a punishment."
"I understand why you must feel that way. But I assure you this decision was made with your abilities in mind, Lady Reina. The Emperor, as you know, prefers to not let good talent go to waste. He believes that, rather than languishing here in the Capital as a mere Consort, your talents for politics and business would be better served where they are useful."
"And here I thought my purpose as being the Sumeragi house's exchange for Princess Sherry marrying my uncle was plenty. Seems that purpose has ended," Reina leaned back in her chair, giving the butler a soft smile as he came in with the refreshments. She and Bismarck were silent as the tea was served, Sena looking between the two.
He was almost in awe of his mother. Bismarck was quite a naturally intimidating man, his stature and rumbling voice making his mere presence challenging. It was almost a surprise he spoke with such courtesy even if it was because he was in the presence of an Empress Consort like Reina. Yet even though her status as a Number was perhaps all some would now speak of her, that didn't sway his opinion one bit.
It was quite surprising to the boy.
"Princess Sherry and her husband remain up in Hokkaido as it happens. You will of course be in the Tokyo area, where the new government HQ is being founded," Bismarck restarted the conversation, Reina shutting her eyes with a slight hum. "You are being asked to act in service of Britannia. Area 11 is still within the initial stages of a newly annexed Area, and a year has only seen reconstruction efforts pass the basics. You were considered among the better candidates to aid the transition into the proper Viceroyship. You know the Elevens better than anyone, so you know how to ensure the transition goes smoothly."
"I understand that much. It's not like I can simply reject this request… alright then, who is the Viceroy-to-be? Some noble among the royal branches hoping to curry favor in the line of succession now that a chance has opened?"
"Actually, the one who took the offer was 3rd Prince Clovis."
Reina stood as her eyes widened, Sena audibly making his own surprise known.
"Clovis?! But he's never shown any interest in politics before!" Reina's gaze changed as she realized something, sitting down. "Rather… before, he never had a reason. And now he believes two of his beloved siblings to have perished in Britannia's latest conquest. It makes sense he would be willing to take such a position."
"Had I a say, perhaps I'd have suggested you yourself for the position, Lady Reina," Bismarck chuckled as he sipped his tea, Reina giving a scoff.
"Please, Sir Bismarck. How would the public view it if the Emperor bestowed his Consort, who is but a mere Number, such a lofty position as governor of the newly annexed area? Much less the Area that was her homeland? Haha, rather than a punishment perhaps that would be seen as a gift."
Sena couldn't even find a place to speak here. This was politics, the world of adults he was years off from entering even as he was preparing himself.
Cutting words hidden beneath pleasant attitudes, facades of civility hiding whatever intents were truly at play. A place where a currently ill-equipped child didn't have a chance of belonging to.
This was the kind of thing Sena had to prepare himself for… even if some part of him found it all completely trite in nature.
"Though I'm sure it would actually make for quite the rousing story in the news," Bismarck chuckled, standing and placing his cape back on. "That concludes my business here. I will inform the Emperor of your acceptance."
"Do I at least have time to get my affairs in order before heading to Area 11?"
"Of course. You will have the month to arrange affairs and prepare for your move. You will be arriving alongside Prince Clovis as he begins his tenure as Viceroy. Oh, and Prince Sena," Sena flinched as the Knight turned his attention to him now, "I heard you've begun learning how to pilot a Knightmare from Princess Cornelia."
"Uhm… yes. I'm too young to begin proper practice, but I've begun using the simulator to get a feel for it."
"I see. Then I hope you blossom as an exceptional Knight yourself on day. I'd be pleased for a chance to test myself against another of the royal family."
"Sir Bismarck, please don't go talking as if you plan to drag my son to battle so soon," Reina gave the knight a bemused smirk, Bismarck chuckling. "Thank you for taking time to visit us with this news. I hope the winds fare you well in the future."
"Yes, Your Highness."
As Bismarck finally departed, Reina let out a long breath, visibly deflating her tension as she rolled a shoulder.
"I never can stand the tension such meetings result in," Reina chuckled as Sena gave her a worried look. "Don't worry Sena, I'll be fine. And while I can't say it's the way I hoped to do so… I'm at least happy you'll finally be able to see Japan."
"We'll need to tell Jeremiah too."
"That we will… the future has a lot in store for us, that's for sure."
