Disclaimer: I don't own anything except for O.C's.
AN: The time of this upload is the late tenth anniversary of Shadow of the White Dove. Happy Ten Year Anniversary! I hope you enjoy the cute bits in this chapter!
Madrid Settlement, Area 24 (Spain), Holy Empire of Britannia 8:16 PM
"I Marrybell mel Britannia Viceroy of Area 24, with the valiant efforts of my Knights, have won a decisive victory in the battlefield against the enemy." Viceroy Marrybell mel Britannia's voice boom throughout the bright, busy city center of Madrid. Big screens broadcasted the video feed of the Princess standing in front of the podium with members of her cabinet from behind her right and five knights, Oldrin Zevon, Orhpeus Zevon, Rio Salvo, Gino Windberg and Anya Alstreim.
"The Sinners in Brussels, in pursuit of maintaining their power in Eurasia and the world, have made Russia a battering ram against our sacred holy land in the north Arctic. For eons, they have tried to destroy and tare apart our Homeland, but once more they failed. The will of my sister Euphemia Li Britannia has freed mother Russia from her shackles of lies and deception."
The Citizens of the city center of Madrid have gone about their lives in the busy streets while some paid attention to the large giant screens. Convoys of Marrybell's Knight Police lined up in a Military parade like fashion. Helicopters, Aerial Battleships, and Bumps fly over the night skies of Madrid.
Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia 8:17 PM
Student Counsel Room
"It is clear to me that they seek to bring war onto Britannia, but my father has stopped them in their tracks, and we will take the war to them! The EU's arrogance and disregard for humanity makes us stronger and will be their downfall, no cooked up words from the Roman times will change that. No amount of money nor limited weapons will prevent the sword of Damocles as the whole of Europe once again parish in flames. Wrought once again by the very same leaders who are consumed by greed and hatred of us and our divine right to exist."
Milly, Shirley, Rivals and Alice watch the broadcast on TV. Milly was resting her chin on her right palm as she sates at the large table while Rivals lean back on the chair, hands behind his head and his shoes on the table. Shirley remained postured as she watched the 88th Princess deliver her powerful speech on live television.
"We will fight for everything we have to destroy the enemy of peace."
Alice stood in attention, much like the days in the military academy, as she watched the national broadcast.
"Dang, Princess Marrybell looks so hot," Rivals spoke up as he made a chuckle, "I mean... she's not as comparable to our beautiful Madam President."
Alice darted her eyes at Rivals.
Milly giggled, "Good save," she rolled her eyes as she smiled, "But we know that our 88th Princess is of natural beauty."
Rivals laughed nervously, "Yea... You're right." Me and my big mouth, he thought. Alice turned to face him, "Next time, Rivals, don't let me catch you calling our Monarch 'so hot' ever again."
"Duly noted."
Milly giggled as she faced Shirley, "So, how did it go Shirley?" The redhead blinked at Milly's question as she turned her gaze, "Huh, Oh! It went pretty well. Suzaku and I have worked it out."
"Really? Well, that was quick, huh?" Milly asked with intrigue, "I figured it to take a day or something."
"Madam President," Shirley scolded, "I just want to forget that whole episode, alright. I'm not even sure why I was so angry at him in the first place."
"Because you were acting like Nina for some reason," Rivals said. Shirley narrowed her eyes at him, "I am a devout Christian. I can learn to forgive and forget!" she crossed her arms.
Milly claps her hands together, "Oh that note, Alice and I got a special announcement, which involves Lelouch. But it's something that everyone in this room will have to keep it a secret."
Shirley and Rivals looked at Milly with a surprised look at their friend.
Alice, "Wait a minute Madam President, this is quite tentative-"
"Oh relax," The Blond waved her hand, "Besides, our very own Sub-Viceroy of Area 11 instructed us to reveal their secret to a selected group. Me, you, Shirley and Rivals."
"Us?" Both Shirley and Rivals shouted in unison.
"Yup, it's significant, and we can't let Lelouch and Nannally know that we know... not yet anyway," Milly Ashford exclaimed.
"Y-You know Madam President I would be telling you that you be pulling my leg but if this has something to do with Princess Euphmeima then—wait don't tell me- whoa!" Rivals fell backward from his chair.
"Okay, I won't tell you," Milly said cheeky. "H-Hey, I was just kidding," Rivals instantly got back up.
Shirley, "M-Madam President, this isn't funny!" she said as she stood up, "Oh no," her face lost color, "You are not convinced that Princess Euphemia and Lelouch are..."
"Engaged? Because that's precisely what Her Highness told me on the phone on her way back to Area 11."
Alice huffed, "Great... just great."
"Hey, you're on this too, you know," Milly smiled at the younger girl, "Ease dropper."
"I was just curious, okay?" Alice pouted, "How often a Royal speaks to a student body President and talk about their betroths. Let alone someone as a member of the Student counsel."
"Holy crap, I knew it!" Rivals exclaimed, "I was like; 'man Lelouch gambles like a pro, at any rate he would end up getting hitch'! But ending up with the most beautiful girl in the Empire? That was not in my bingo card."
Alice rolled her eyes, "You have a bingo card?"
"Every smart person has a bingo card." he exclaimed. As Alice and Rivals talked about 'bingo cards' Milly noticed Shirley in a state of shock as if she just lost in the Prize Powerball sweepstakes.
"Lelouch... Engaged... To Princess Euphemia...?" Shirley whispered, "And I didn't even know about it."
"Are you okay, Shirley?" Milly asked. "Probably not because now she has computation," Rivals snickered.
"W-What!? I'm not jealous," Shirley glared at Rivals, "If anything I should be happy for both of them, since I'm also patriotic," she sticks out her tough as she state back down.
"Should?" Rivals asked.
"Shut up!"
Alice shushed the banter between Shirley and Rivals, "Madame President, could you turn it up? Her Highness has something important to say."
"Oh, right," Milly said as she used the remote.
"In this momentous day of the establishment of Area 24 I will dedicate to the path of Peace and Security with the addition of creating a task force in dealing with terrorists and those who sponsor them. I will be making a personal visit to Area 11 for a two-day visit, meeting with my sister Cornelia in studying the Black Knights."
"So our fair Nobel Lady is coming to visit, huh? Well, this is big news," Milly remarked. "Seems like they need all the help they can get. Especially with Lelouch's wedding involved." Rivals wonder aloud.
"That's definitely not the case, and It's a Royal wedding, not just 'your friend's wedding'." Alice hissed as they listened to Princess Marrybell's broadcast. Marrybell mel Britannia speech about the local economic plan and her consultation with her Brother Prince Schneizel foreign & Military policy.
"Yea, I can image they can manage a State wedding with no problems."
"Exactly!" Alice nodded in agreement.
"Wow, that was a first," Milly remarked. Alice and Rivals looked at the Student Body President. "You two agreeing on something for once. Now that progress," Milly exclaimed.
Alice rolled her eyes, "I never recalled you being my therapist, Madam President. But I think Rivals needs help," the blond girl glared at him, to which he raised his hands in defense. Milly laughed in response, followed by Alice and then Rivals.
Shirley, on the other hand, was deep in thought. She couldn't help but feel like she was being cheated over Lelouch's secret. And here in her mine thought that he was engaged in something terrible—she promised herself not to think about it. And then there is Suzaku her frustrations manifest by her lashing out on him, making a fool of herself in the process... her Patriotic and Christian values being largely the culprits.
She wishes she wasn't so irrational during that time.
Kyushu Fort Complex, Kyushu, Area 11(Japan), Holy Empire of Britannia
"8... 9... 10! Ready or not, here I come," Exclaimed Sam. The adorable thirteen-year-old girl wore, a sleeveless purple dress with a hexagon patterns design and a classic neck collar with a red tie. Her waist length hair is raven colored with strands of red-pink highlights.
Ram and Sam are playing hide and go seek in the Master bedroom, not their own. They could have stayed in their room and played the pinball arcade kiosk, but where's the fun in that?
The young, adorable twins have just introduced themselves at a conference, meeting with the Black Knights, such as Kallen, Ohgi, Inoue, Sugiyama and Tamaki. And of course, Zero and C.C.
During the conference, they mentioned all sorts of stuff about Britannia's continued occupation of Imperial Japan and how to kick the Brits out. But the big talk is about this giant flying battleship that looks like a manta ray that took out most of the JLF fighter jets in the air during the Empire's counterattack.
Ram and Sam felt the sense of excitement as they recalled watching the rebellion members elaborate on topics surrounding the Bianca Alliance and how to produce more weapons here in Kyushu. The Chinese Federation's support for the JLF & the BA is on course, though the relations with the Black Knights is rather strain due to Zero and his mistress's intervention last time. However, Mr. Ping had pointed out that they, the Chinese Federation, no longer view Japan as a potential Vassal for its interest. And that China will only provide support for Princess Kaguya's army, such as new aircraft, vehicles, and weapons. But it didn't stop there, the Kyoto Houses have made practical proposals about the Mobilization of the Akatsuki Knightmare Frames which was approved by Zero.
Sam looked under the bed and the bookshelf, but then she heard creeping from a large wardrobe. The thirteen-year-old twin walked up to the wardrobe and turned around and hummed.
"I wonder where my sis is gone too?" Sam wondered around. "Defently no in here," said Ram, hiding in the wardrobe.
"Aha!" Sam turned on her heels and opened the door, "I found you~!" her identical twin Ram playfully pouted, "Awe, you found me."
Ram wore a matching sleeveless purple dress with a hexagon patterns design and a classic neck collar with a red tie. Her waist length hair is raven colored with strands of red-pink highlights.
Both little girls giggled. "Okay! Your turn, Sam," Ram exclaimed. Suddenly, they sense someone coming. Without hesitation, they both hid inside the wardrobe.
The automatic doors lied to the side to reveal Zero and C.C as they came into the Master bedroom.
"Seems like everyone is on board with the battle plans," The green-haired immortal said as she walked over to the couch to sit.
Lelouch took off his mask, "Yes, but only one more problem." C.C rolled her eyes, "Princess Euphemia... of course. Your worried that she might spill the beans about your secret, huh?"
The raven haired teen took off his cape, "No. Marryblell and her Knights."
"Princess Marrybell? I hear that she's making a big deal about her victory in Spain and all that nose," C.C remarked.
"I knew her well when we were little, she happens to be a quick learner in chess but not much," Lelouch said, "Its been awhile since I've heard from her, though. She's clearly not the same person I know before."
C.C, "Hm. Everything appears to be hunky-dory with her and her dad, even though she did try to kill him at one point."
Lelouch scoffed, "How did you know about that?"
"Research."
The Raven Hair teen's suspicion rose but then let it slid for now, "For what I read, she wants to build a world without terrorism. She will likely evolve herself with Cornelia when she arrives because why not."
"Another ideologue with a bone to pick with Zero," C.C remarked, "What do you think she here for anyway other than that?"
"To attend Euphie's knighting ceremony, a number from Area 6."
"Ah, never a dull moment with your first girlfriend," C.C shrugged. Lelouch felt a twinge of annoyance at the 'first girlfriend' bit, he felt it's best to turn on the TV before it lingers in his mine.
The Flat screen TV showed the news broadcasted as it pertains to Marrybell mel Britannia and the knee-jerk reaction from the EU officials. Marrybell's press Secretary spoke with the reporter about the various progames for Area 24's economy, such as high pay for steelworkers, healthcare, farming, and renewable energy.
After the interview, the segment switches to a slew of Press footage of the 88th Britannian Princess that is considered the most iconic for a female war hero.
Suddenly, Lelouch started hearing loud little girl's voices, at first, he thought he was losing is mine but then-
Five little monkeys jumping on the bed
One fell off and bumped his head
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said
"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"
Four little monkeys jumping on the bed
One fell off and bumped his head
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said
"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"
Three little monkeys jumping on the bed
One fell off and bumped his head-
C.C rolled her eyes, "It's those kids again. Allow me," she said as she rose from the couch, leaving her Chesse-kun behind, and approached the wardrobe in question. Lelouch faces his green-haired companion as she opens the doors.
"Awe, you found us," Ram and Sam said in unison. C.C crossed her arms, "Nice little hiding spot. Mine, telling me what you're doing here?" the thirteen-year-old twins playfully pouted.
"We were just playing," Ram said as she and her sister hoped out of the wardrobe. "Yeah, Richter doesn't know what we are doing," Sam exclaimed.
C.C analyze the little girls before speaking, "Huh, sincerity. Impressive for a rare breed."
Lelouch would have geass those twins, find out what they're up to by sneaking in to this master bedroom, but he cannot do it. Why? He dose not know but seeing the Twins made him think about Euphie.
Wait, Lelouch touch his face, he realized he's not wearing his mask. As if C.C could tell, "Don't worry, those kids knew the man behind the mask."
"Yup!" Sam said excitedly, "We know that you're Princess Euphemia's betroth!"
"Don't worry, we won't tell anybody," said Ram. Lelouch pinched the bridge of his nose, he recalled that the C.C and her sorceress friend have informed him about.
"So you're one of B.B's inner circle that knows about me..." He knows it not true, but C.C had made the fabrication that seems believable to the blond Code bearer. Mainly because the sorceress is fixated on Euphie.
"That right, sir! Lady Bianca, Silvia, and Lord Richter know who you are," Ram exclaimed happily to Lelouch. Lelouch in turn cringed.
"They don't tell anybody either," Sam smiled.
"Well, that's reassuring," The Raven haired tactical genius was contemplating about those two adults. Whether he should Geass them is of unfortunate difficulty, as Sorceress Bianca has provided them her 'contract' to be her faithful subordinates. Not to say that he is seriously considering it, he does need allies, at least those how committed to fulfilling Nannullys dream of a peaceful, gentle world. Bianca is sincere with her motifs of becoming his partner and her unwavering willingness to support him.
How will she react if he Geass her Knight and top Agent in her organization? At the very lest it won't be an inquiry, but for now, he will have to put it on the back burner.
Oh, great, he's thinking about Euphie's pink curls again. He turned away from the twins to the TV to hid his hinted blush. Why all of a sudden? Maybe the cover story of being the groomed to the bride or the imaged of her radiance washing away the darkness in Area 11 in one step.
"Hey, is mister Lulu okay?" Sam asked C.C.
The green-haired immortal, "He's fine. Just thinking about Princess Euphemia, which I am sure you want to meet with her as soon as possible."
Lelouch scoffed.
"I know that Euphemia is the Princess of the Brit Empire but she's very nice for what we here," Ram said. Sam's eyes brightened and jumped up and down, "Yea she's really wonderful! Well, we haven't met her, but we totally want to!"
Ram's eyes started to sparkle, "Mister Lulu do you think we can come with you and meet her?"
"I keep my travel plans to myself. Which means no."
"Awe~" Ram and Sam said in unison.
"Both of you should be back to your room." Ram and Sam ran up in front of Lelouch.
"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" The little girl twins said in unison.
"What?" Lelouch said flatly, "Are you telling me that you both would hurt yourself, if I sent you to bed?"
"Only our hearts," Sam said.
"That was just a wild guess!" Lelouch was starting to get annoyed. "Mister Lulu, can we stay? Please? Pretty please?" Ram's eyes sparked as she asked.
"Might as well let them stay for the night," C.C said, shrugging.
"Fine. One night it is," Lelouch took a couple of steps to the side then turned to face the two children, "But if you two make any noses, then you are out."
"Yay~!" Ram and Sam cheered in unison as they jumped up and down, "Oh, by the way, Lady Kaguya should be spending the night here two!"
"What!?" The group heard a knock on the door.
"Hey that must be Kaguya-san," Sam skipped as she walked past Lelouch and C.C. Lelouch was about to protest until the door automatically slid to revel the Crown Princess of Japan herself, alone.
"Hey Zero-Sama~!" Kaguya cooed as she ran into the room while the door slid close and hopped and wrap her arms around Lelouch's neck, "Did you miss me?"
Lelouch almost fell backwards from the bombardment, but at lest it's not Euphie, "We've been separated for only about fifteen minutes after the meeting."
"I know, and it's sooo boring. Besides, you said that you're going to meet me in my room."
"I've never said that."
"Oh," Kaguya smiled as she let go of her embrace, "Maybe it just my imagination."
Lelouch sighed, but before he can speak.
"Anyway, since we will be married after we free Japan, I think we must establish trust and that means that we must spend as much time together! Ram and Sam will be enrolled into Ashford, so they'll be like my conduit."
"I am aware about them," Lelouch pointed out, "Also, I much rather you call me."
"I know," Kaguya acted all shyly, "But I would rather not cause you and Nunnally any trouble."
Lelouch sighed, "Fine. They'll be your 'conduit' and... you can stay here for the night." Kaguya, Ram and Sam cheered.
"Lets gets some pizza," C.C spoke up. "Yea, I'm hungry," Kaguya said cheerfully. "We'll order some, you're Majesty," Ram and Sam exclaimed in unison as they called on the phone line.
The Raven Haired Teen rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the flat screen TV as he sat down on the large bed, with Kaguya joining him. C.C sat back down as she held her Cheese-Kun. Ram and Sam completed the order and sat down with the green-haired immortal.
Kaguya and Lelouch talk about what's on the news regarding Marrybell's euphoric victory against the Spanish and about Nunnally. The Japanese Princess has expressed her excitement about meeting her soon-to-be sister-in-law, while Lelouch was just excited to be seeing her again. And Euphie which he made slip. Kaguya was aware of Lelouch's feelings towards the Sub-Viceroy, she didn't mine a threesome, she teased.
Lelouch was thankful for that... not like he wanted to marry Euphie or anything.
Private Bedroom
"I am aggrieved to hear this..." B.B sat at the table as she looked at the laptop screen. Her blue cloak covered her eyes as she talked to the other party on the line. Lord Richter stood beside his mistress as she talked.
"I'm deeply sorry, my lady," Said a Dutch Government agent, "With this 'Euro-Britannia' that is forming in the Baltic States. We have to pull out of the Lithuania."
"I believed that the Lithuanian government wouldn't dare shut down our operation."
"The Lithuanian government as well as the rest of the Baltic governments have all turned against Western Europe and in favor of becoming willing vassals of the Britannian Empire."
Bianca huffed, "Very well, then you and your comrades should return to your homeland and come up with a new plan. Our goals shall not alter, you'll just have to find another source, in France. I will brief your leaders at the in video format if there is no trouble?"
"Not at all, my Lady. The whole of Europe is in an existential crisis regarding its survival. The Dutch People will listen to what you have to say."
"I thank you," B.B bowed her head. The said agent bowed his head back to his mistress and ended the lined.
"This 'Euro-Britannia' could be problematic for our EU friends." Richter, a former EU commando, remarked.
"It's also having an effect on our operations in the Baltics. It is best that they regroup," Bianca said as she rose from her seat.
"At lest we came prepared after what happened in Siberia."
"I never doubted you, my Knight," The Platinum Blond Code Barer smiled, "Plus the Black Knights and The JLF have the support from the Chinese, the Indians, and the Australians. So, things should be okay on our end. So, about this new Brit bloc..." She walked past her Knight and begin to walk back and forth in a thinking pose.
Bianca then paused, "Richter see if you can gather more about this 'Euro-Britannia' from external sources."
"As what you wish, so shall if be done, my Lady," Lord Richter said in a bow.