Code Geass: Absolute Obediance

by Abhinav11119

Lelouch had lost everything—the Black Rebellion had failed, Nunally was taken, and he knelt in chains before the Emperor, betrayed by his former best friend. Stripped of hope, his identity about to be erased, despair turned to rage. In his darkest moment, Lelouch performed a miracle, rising from insignificance to become the most powerful man in the world.

2. Chapter 2: Fallout

Code Geass: Absolute Obedience
Chapter 2: Fallout

Throne Room, Imperial Palace – Pendragon

Lelouch sat on the throne of the Holy Britannian Empire, the seat of ultimate power. From here, he could destroy lives with a single word, erase entire nations from the map, and manipulate the fates of millions across the globe. For a moment, he savored the weight of his triumph. Then, rising from the imposing throne, he descended its marble steps, his eyes fixed on his father, Charles zi Britannia, who now stood as nothing more than a puppet under his control.

Victory was his, but Lelouch knew it was fragile. He controlled the king, yet the king was surrounded by loyal pieces ready to strike at the first sign of weakness. If anyone close to the Emperor uncovered the truth, his plans would crumble. Lelouch's strategy had to be flawless—not one conceived by Lelouch vi Britannia or Zero, but one that would seem born of the Emperor's mind.

"What was your plan after erasing my memories?" Lelouch asked sharply, his voice steady and calculating.

"To test your tactical abilities in active combat," Charles replied, his voice as cold and emotionless as ever. "If you failed, you would have been used as bait to lure CC out."

"Bait," Lelouch echoed, his tone neutral. "I suppose that's all I was to you."

Once, such a revelation would have enraged him, but not now. Not when he was steps ahead of everyone else in the game. For the first time, Lelouch could see the entire board, and he would plan his moves accordingly.

"Here are your commands," Lelouch said, standing tall and resolute. "You will establish a secure communication link with me. Use it only when you are certain no one else is near. This link will utilize an encrypted language that only the two of us can understand."

He walked over to Suzaku's unconscious form, the ceremonial Royal Knight sword gleaming by the young man's side. Lelouch knelt, his reflection flickering in the pristine blade as he picked it up. "You will ensure Nunally's safety. You will not harm her, nor will you allow anyone else to."

Turning back to his father, Lelouch pointed the blade toward the Emperor's nape, its sharp edge gleaming in the dim light. "Return to your normal self, with the exception of the commands I have given you."

The words that followed were spoken with precision and care. "Finally, you will rewrite your own memories. You will remember that Suzaku was conspiring with me, and together we attacked you. You defeated us both with ease and rewrote Suzaku's memories as punishment. As for me, you erased my memories of being Zero and planned to reinstate Nunally and me as heirs to the throne in order to lure CC out."

"It shall be done," Charles declared, his eyes glowing with the power of Geass.

Satisfied, Lelouch raised the hilt of the sword and brought it down on his own head with calculated force, striking hard enough to knock himself unconscious without causing permanent damage.

Two Days Later
Aries Villa – Pendragon

"The Japanese people were so kind to me and big brother," Nunally said with a bright smile, her hands neatly folding an origami crane. "Without Suzaku, there's no way we would have made it through the war. And Sayako—our maid—she was amazing! She taught me how to make these cranes and always tucked me in when big brother wasn't there."

"I'm glad to hear you were safe while in hiding," Odysseus replied warmly, his gentle smile offering reassurance. "When I heard the news of your deaths during the war, I was heartbroken. Losing both of you so soon after Lady Marianne's passing…" His voice trailed off, heavy with genuine sorrow.

Nunally's smile faltered. "I'm worried about big brother. I haven't seen him in so long. And with the Black Rebellion…"

Odysseus interrupted, his tone steady and comforting. "You don't need to worry about Lelouch. I'm sure he's safe. He'd never leave you alone, would he?" He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Besides, we have plenty of people searching Area 11 for him right now to make sure he's okay."

Nunally nodded, her expression softening. "You're right. Big brother would never leave me." Her smile returned, faint but filled with hope.

Soon after, Odysseus received a call from the OSI. "Oh yes… that's wonderful… Is he conscious?" he asked, relief evident in his voice.

Ending the call, he quickly made his way to Nunally, eager to share the news. "Nunally, Lelouch has been recovered," he said warmly. "He did suffer some injuries during the Black Rebellion, but he's on the mend and is being escorted here right now."

Nunally's face lit up with joy. "I hope his injuries aren't serious," she said, her tone softening as her expression grew more solemn. "But… I don't know if he'll be happy to be back here again."

Odysseus gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Nunally. Lelouch is strong—he'll adapt," he reassured her with a kind smile.

Two Hours Later

The grand doors to Aries Villa swung open, and Nunally's joyful voice immediately filled the space. "Brother! I was so worried something had happened to you!"

Lelouch let out a soft chuckle as he approached her. "Oh, don't worry about me—it was nothing," he said, his voice warm and reassuring. "I was worried about you too, Nunally. How did you get here, anyway?"

Nunally smiled as she replied, "Well, I don't really remember. I was at Ashford, and the next thing I knew, I was on a plane to Pendragon. But our brother Odysseus has been taking great care of me."

Lelouch's pleasant expression faltered for just a fraction of a second, but he quickly recovered. That bastard probably used his Geass to wipe her memories, he thought, his mind briefly flashing with anger before he pushed it aside.

"Good to see you're well, Lelouch," Odysseus said, stepping toward the entrance with his usual gentle smile. His eyes narrowed slightly in concern. "Though… is there something wrong with your eyes? Why are you wearing those glasses?"

"Oh, these?" Lelouch gestured casually to the glasses. "During the Black Rebellion, I was near an explosion. The Imperial doctors said my eyes would be sensitive for a week or so. They told me to wear these in the meantime."

The explanation was smooth, but Lelouch's mind flickered back to Euphemia. I used my Geass on her by accident once, and even though I have full control over it now, I can never take that risk again—especially not near Nunally.

"I hope it's nothing serious," Odysseus said, his concern genuine. "Anyway, come inside. You must be tired. Nunally has missed you dearly."

As Lelouch entered the villa, a wave of unpleasant memories washed over him. The ornate halls, the familiar decorations—everything reminded him of that night. It was the night their mother was "killed," the night that set their lives on a path of exile and suffering.

But now… now I know the truth, Lelouch thought bitterly. The knowledge made the memory of that night cut even deeper.

His gaze shifted to Nunally, sitting there so full of hope and joy, despite everything. She would never walk again. She would never see again. And it was all because of their parents' plans—plans that had robbed her of her future.

They cared more about their insane plan than they did about us. They left us to die in Japan, just bait for CC, Lelouch thought, his fists clenching by his sides.

Then another image crept into his mind—one that made him falter. Euphemia's smile bloodied and fading. The chaos of the SAZ massacre.

But am I any better? I caused Euphemia's death. I caused the SAZ massacre. All in my desperate, pointless quest for revenge.

For a moment, Lelouch closed his eyes, pushing the thoughts aside. He had come too far to waver now.

Sword of Akasha – C's World

Charles zi Britannia and VV stood before the towering, intricate structure of the Sword of Akasha, a weapon designed to slay God. The colossal apparatus loomed ominously; its construction forged from the suffering of millions. Every conquest, every war helmed by Britannia under Charles's reign, had contributed to its creation. The silent hum of its otherworldly power filled the air, a testament to the Empire's ruthless ambition.

VV turned to his brother, his voice tinged with annoyance. "Are you sure about this plan, Charles? I understand luring out CC, but reinstating that runt as a prince and restoring his claim to the throne? That seems… excessive."

Charles's expression remained as impassive as ever, his deep voice carrying an unshakable confidence. "I am certain, brother. To bait the witch, we need to draw attention. Restoring Lelouch to the throne will accomplish that. Besides, the boy poses no threat to our plans. He and that wretched Eleven, Kururugi, truly believed they could overthrow me in my own throne room. Insolent fools."

VV crossed his arms, frowning. "I'll admit I miscalculated Kururugi. I thought he would be more useful. Who would have guessed he'd ally with the man who killed his beloved princess?" His voice grew colder. "Speaking of princesses, why bother keeping the weakling? I understand using Lelouch as bait, but Nunally is useless. You should get rid of her."

Faint red rings appeared in Charles's eyes as his Geass command activated. "STOP," he commanded sharply, the power in his voice echoing through the space. As the rings faded, he continued, his tone deliberate and heavy. "Do you intend to question my plans, brother? I thought our trust in each other was absolute."

VV faltered briefly but quickly recovered. "Of course, Charles. I didn't mean to doubt you. I just fail to see her value."

Charles's gaze remained fixed and unwavering. "If Lelouch were to return without Nunally, it would raise far too many questions—especially from Schneizel and Cornelia. We cannot afford their suspicion. They must be kept in the dark."

VV sighed but nodded. "Fine. I understand." Shifting topics, he added, "On another note, the progress on the Geass Canceler is going well, and the new hideout in the Chinese Federation has been successfully established."

Charles nodded in approval as VV continued, "All that remains is securing the second Code, CC, to activate the Ragnarök Connection."

"Good," Charles replied with finality. "Let me know if anything new develops."

With that, VV began to depart from C's World, the swirling energies of the Sword of Akasha dimming slightly in his absence.

As VV's presence faded, a tall woman with raven-black hair stepped from the shadows, her graceful movements accompanied by an air of mischief.

"My, my, I thought I'd never see the day," she said with a sly smile, her voice carrying a teasing lilt.

Charles turned to face her, his tone gruff. "What are you talking about, Marianne?"

"Oh, my dear Charles has grown so much," she replied with mock sweetness, moving closer. "I never thought I'd see the day when you'd lie to your big brother."

Charles frowned. "I didn't lie to him, besides I've kept things from him before—like you."

Marianne stepped even closer, her arms wrapping around him with a playful familiarity. "True, but withholding information isn't quite the same as lying, now is it?" Her tone turned sing-song. "Besides, I'm glad you've finally realized what a little weasel VV is."

Charles pulled away from her embrace, his expression unreadable. "And what exactly is the lie you believe I told him?"

Marianne giggled softly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Restoring Lelouch and Nunally as heirs to the throne has nothing to do with baiting CC. She's far too clever to fall for that. No, the only reason you did it is because you love Lulu and Nunna, don't you?"

Charles's brows furrowed slightly. "Don't stretch the truth, Marianne. They may be my favorites, but this is more of a… test."

Marianne tilted her head. "A test?"

"Yes," Charles said, his tone steady. "Lelouch's rebellion in Area 11 was amusing. I want to see how he performs in the imperial court. I plan to make him Emperor after the Ragnarök Connection is complete."

Marianne's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Hmm… Lulu as Emperor. I can't say I dislike the idea. He would be excellent for the new world we're creating. By the way, you did seal his Geass, didn't you? He's still in his rebellious phase, and he could cause us a lot of trouble if you didn't."

"Of course," Charles replied with confidence.

Marianne's expression turned playful once more. "If you make my son Emperor… I wonder who his Empress would be. Should I start searching for suitable girls? Someone truly deserving of him?"

Charles let out an exasperated sigh. "I hardly see how that matters now, Marianne."

Abandoned Apartment – Shinjuku Ghetto

The Black Rebellion had failed, and with it, the hopes of millions of Japanese people. Most of the Black Knights and their collaborators were either killed or captured. Those who managed to escape faced shattered lives—no homes to return to, no jobs to sustain them, and no purpose but to endure the rest of their miserable existence under Britannia's iron boot.

Kallen Kozuki was one of them. Ever since the death of her brother, Naoto, she had sworn to liberate Japan from Britannia and fulfil his dream. For a time, she believed Zero was the answer. Under his leadership, with his bold victories over Britannia, he had given Japan a hope it hadn't felt since Itsukushima.

But now, that hope was gone. The rebellion lay in ruins, and Kallen was left adrift. The worst part was that she didn't know who to blame or where to direct her anger.

On Kamine Island, when Suzaku revealed Zero's identity—her lazy, carefree Britannian classmate, Lelouch Lamperouge—she had frozen. Her mind refused to process the truth. The man she had followed, fought for, and believed in was the same person she had dismissed as a spoiled, indifferent Britanian. In her moment of doubt, Suzaku had struck. Zero—no, Lelouch—was captured, and with him, the rebellion crumbled.

Who was she supposed to hate? Suzaku, for capturing their leader and ending the rebellion? Lelouch, for lying to her, for deceiving them all, and for abandoning the Black Knights in their hour of need? Or herself, for hesitating, for letting doubt paralyze her when her leader needed her the most?

After returning the Guren-MKII to Rakshata and the remnants of the Black Knights, Kallen found herself utterly lost. She couldn't go back to Ashford Academy—her friends there knew who she really was. The Black Knights were all but destroyed, their members either imprisoned or dead. With nothing left to fight for, she felt hollow, stripped of the resolve that had once driven her.

Now, she sat in her brother's old apartment, surrounded by the silence of a life long past. The air was stale, the furniture coated in dust, but this place still held the memories of the person she had once been—the person she had fought for all this time. Her gaze fell on a worn photo of her and Naoto, the two of them smiling brightly in happier days.

Tears blurred her vision as she clutched the photo to her chest. Her voice trembled as she whispered, "I… I'm sorry, Naoto. I failed you."

The apartment felt colder than ever, her words swallowed by the oppressive silence.

Dining Room – Aries Villa
Pendragon

Lelouch and Nunnally sat at the grand dining table with their half-brother, Odysseus. The room was lavishly decorated, its walls adorned with intricate golden patterns and portraits of Britannian royalty. The opulence was unmistakable, but to Lelouch, it only highlighted the disparity between Britannian luxury and the suffering outside its gilded walls.

For Lelouch, this conversation required careful navigation. Odysseus was unlike their other half-siblings—neither cruel nor particularly cunning—but Lelouch knew better than to let his guard down. Even the most benign members of the royal family could pose a threat in the intricate web of court politics.

Odysseus, however, appeared genuinely interested in their stories. His warm smile never wavered as he listened to Nunnally describe her time in Area 11. Her anecdotes brimmed with hope and light, yet Lelouch remained guarded, carefully avoiding sensitive topics. Still, his thoughts wandered. If anything, I am far more cruel than Odysseus. I even enjoyed making Suzaku suffer.

The conversation soon shifted to Euphemia and the Special Administrative Zone (SAZ), an unavoidable and painful subject.

"Euphie wouldn't do that, right, Big Brother?" Nunnally asked softly, her voice trembling with sadness. "She wouldn't harm anyone."

Lelouch stiffened. The guilt surged, weighing him down like chains. For a brief moment, he faltered, but then he gently squeezed Nunnally's hand and forced a reassuring smile. "Of course not, Nunnally. You know how kind Euphie was. If anything, it's far more likely that soldiers or nobles who opposed her vision orchestrated that tragedy."

"That's possible," Odysseus chimed in thoughtfully. "It could also have been Zero and the Black Knights. After all, they used the SAZ incident as the spark for their rebellion."

Lelouch felt the words pierce him like a dagger. He kept his face neutral, but the memory of Euphemia's death haunted him—the moment his uncontrollable Geass turned her into a killer. With great effort, he spoke calmly. "Yes… that too. Far too many people were opposed to her idea of coexistence."

Nunnally's expression grew even more sorrowful, her small hand trembling in his. Lelouch instinctively squeezed it again, leaning closer. "Whoever was responsible," he said firmly, his voice soft but resolute, "I promise you this: they'll be punished, and Euphie's name will be cleared."

Odysseus, sensing the heavy mood, interjected cheerfully. "Let's not dwell on such dark topics for too long. I'm sure Cornelia and Schneizel will handle the investigation. Besides, you two should cheer up—your ceremony is coming soon!"

"Ceremony?" Nunnally asked, tilting her head in confusion.

"Oh, right," Odysseus said, as though the detail had slipped his mind. "You haven't been informed yet. Both of you are to be reinstated as heirs to the throne!" His cheerful smile remained, even as silence fell over the table.

Nunnally turned to Lelouch, her concern evident. "Why? Big Brother, are you… okay with this?" she asked tentatively. She knew how much Lelouch despised the throne and everything it represented. "I'll refuse it if you don't want it," she added with quiet determination.

Lelouch hesitated, his gaze softening. Then, he smiled, his tone light. "We don't really have a choice," he said. "But think of it this way, Nunnally: as a prince and princess, we might be able to help a lot of people."

Hearing this, Nunnally's worries eased. She smiled back at him, warmth returning to her voice. "If you're okay with it, then so am I."

"By the way, Brother Odysseus," Lelouch said, shifting his tone, "do you mind if I have a quick word with you?" He gestured toward a corner of the room.

Nunnally frowned, crossing her arms in mock annoyance. "You know, I'm here too! You always do this. I'm not a little girl who can't understand serious things," she said with a pout.

Lelouch chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "My apologies, Madam Princess," he said sarcastically. "We'll be right back."

Odysseus followed Lelouch to the side, a curious expression on his face. "What is it you want, Lelouch?" he asked.

"Oh, nothing much," Lelouch replied casually, adjusting his glasses. Then, in one smooth motion, he lowered them, activating his Geass. The crimson sigils illuminated his eye, and Odysseus froze, trapped in Lelouch's gaze.

When Odysseus regained his senses, he looked momentarily disoriented. "What were you saying again, Lelouch? Sorry, I must have spaced out," he said with an apologetic chuckle.

Lelouch smiled easily, masking his intent. "Oh, it's nothing. I just wanted to thank you for looking after my sister."

"Of course," Odysseus replied warmly. "How could I not? Anyway, now that you're here, I assume everything is under control. I must return to the palace for my duties."

He turned back toward the dining room, pausing briefly to bid farewell. "Take care of yourselves, both of you. Nunnally, I'll see you at the ceremony."

"Goodbye, Brother Odysseus," Nunnally said with a smile, waving gently.

As the doors closed behind him, Lelouch's pleasant demeanor faded, replaced by his calculating expression. Odysseus may be kind-hearted, but even he can't be fully trusted. Now, with the commands I've given, both the Emperor and the Crown Prince are my pawns.

Encrypted Message Log
Channel ID: L 00-01
Security Level: Omega

K1: Are the preparations for the ceremony complete? Have you ensured that neither VV nor Marianne suspect anything?

P0: Yes, the preparations are done as per your instructions. Both remain unaware of your involvement.

K1: Good. Any other significant developments?

P0: The Geass Order has moved their hideout to the Chinese Federation. They're continuing work on the Geass Canceller using Jeremiah Gottwald.

K1: Noted. Have you dealt with the OSI chief as instructed?

P0: Yes, the matter has been handled.

P0: Additionally, Former purist faction member Villetta Nu has contacted the OSI. She claims to know Zero's true identity and has stated you possess the power to control people and erase their memories.

K1: Villetta Nu… I knew she'd be trouble. No matter. Extend an invitation to her for a private meeting at Aries Villa, under a direct imperial edict. Ensure no one else learns of this.

P0: Understood. It will be done.

P0: There's another matter: Marianne has been in contact with CC. I could only hear Marianne's side of the conversation.

K1: How does Marianne even have CC's number? I provided CC with a phone accessible only to me and high-ranking Black Knights.

P0: It's not through conventional means. They share a psychic link—a quirk of Marianne's Geass. They communicated even during CC's time with the Black Knights.

K1: CC has been communicating with my mother all this time?

P0: Yes, but she hasn't shared sensitive information with either side. She remains bound by contracts with both of you.

K1: What was the subject of their discussion?

P0: They spoke at length, mostly about potential suitors for you. It seems you're quite the topic of interest—unsurprising, given your position.

K1: That's irrelevant. Anything else?

P0: Nothing critical at the moment.

K1: Maintain vigilance. Keep me informed of any changes.

P0: Understood.

COMMUNICATION TERMINATED.

Charles zi Britannia International Airport
Pendragon

Villetta Nu's heart raced with anticipation as she stepped off the transport. She had expected recognition for uncovering the true identity of Zero and the mysterious power he wielded, but never in her wildest dreams did she imagine it would earn her the direct attention of the Emperor himself—or so she assumed.

Now, she had been summoned to meet a member of the royal family, an invitation bearing the imperial seal. The location alone raised her suspicions: Aries Villa. As far as she knew, no member of royalty had resided there since the death of Empress Marianne. The villa's history cast a long shadow, one she knew all too well from Jeremiah Gottwald's drunken ramblings about that fateful night.

Even as the imperial car transported her toward the villa, her mind teetered between fear and excitement. What could they want with me? she wondered. And who could it be? The Emperor himself? Gunivere? Schneizel? The possibilities swirled in her mind.

Her thoughts drifted to fantasies of grandeur, indulging briefly in the possibilities her discovery might unlock. A promotion seemed certain, perhaps even a noble title. A baroness? No… maybe a countess, she thought, the corners of her lips tugging upward. But she quickly tempered her excitement, her disciplined mind snapping back to reality. It won't do to appear overeager or presumptuous. Royals despise sycophants.

Villetta smoothed her uniform and sat straighter, exuding the poise and confidence expected of a Britannian officer. Still, uncertainty lingered. What sort of royal am I about to face? Her past encounters with Britannian royalty had done little to inspire faith in their competence—or consistency.

Clovis was the first she had met, an incompetent, flamboyant fool who preferred painting and parties over governance or military strategy. The idea that such a man had held the position of Viceroy of Area 11 still baffled her. Then there was Cornelia, the polar opposite of her younger brother—ruthless, a warrior to her core, but completely devoid of the grace and refinement one expected of royalty. And finally, Euphemia… a naïve, kind-hearted idealist whose lofty dreams of peace and equality had led her straight into disaster.

None of them fit the mold of the regal, commanding figures Britannia so proudly touted. Perhaps the one I meet today will be different; she mused.

Aries Villa – Pendragon

As Villetta approached the grand doors of the villa, a maid greeted her with a polite bow. "Good to see you, ma'am. The master is waiting for you in the indoor garden," she said, gesturing for Villetta to follow.

Villetta walked through the ornate corridors, taking in the intricate decor. She couldn't help but notice how familiar it all seemed. Clovis modeled the Viceroy's Palace after this villa, she mused, her thoughts wandering to the late prince's penchant for excess.

When they reached the entrance to the garden, the maid stepped aside and withdrew, leaving Villetta to face what awaited her alone. She adjusted her uniform and pushed open the double doors.

Inside, the indoor garden was lush and serene, filled with vibrant greenery and the gentle sound of a trickling fountain. At the center of it all stood a figure she hadn't expected to see in a thousand lifetimes.

"Hello, Miss Nu. I hope your trip was pleasant," he said smoothly, his voice calm and composed.

Her brain froze. She knew that voice. Her eyes locked onto the man before her—raven-black hair, sharp features, and glasses that only partially obscured his striking amethyst eyes. The realization hit her like a thunderbolt.

"You're… you're…" she stammered, her voice trembling.

"Lelouch vi Britannia," he said, a faint, clueless smile playing on his lips. "Son of Emperor Charles zi Britannia and Empress Marianne."

Villetta's gaze darted to the massive Britannian family portrait hanging on the far wall. There, among the imperial figures, was a young boy with the same raven hair and unmistakable amethyst eyes. There was no mistaking it. He was the 11th Prince of Britannia.

"This can't be… you're… what did you do? You're supposed to be…"

"Dead?" Lelouch finished for her, his tone almost amused. "My sister and I were exiled to Japan, where I faked our deaths to protect our identities."

Villetta's shock turned to fury. "No, you're… you're Zero," she accused, her voice shaking.

Lelouch chuckled lightly, his tone unwavering. "And? Does that change anything?"

He reached for a stack of papers on the nearby tea table and held them out. "Your record is quite impressive, Miss Nu. It's a shame your talents have gone largely unrecognized—but that's a mistake I'm willing to correct. I want you to work for me."

Villetta stepped back, her voice low and venomous. "No. No, I won't. Are you joking? You're a terrorist!"

Lelouch let out a small laugh at her defiance. "I see. Then what do you plan to do? Reveal my identity?"

"That's exactly what I'll do!" she snapped, her confidence returning. "I'll report you. You'll be arrested, and I'll be rewarded."

Lelouch's smile widened, his tone turning icy. "To whom, exactly? The Emperor?" His voice carried a mocking edge. "Need I remind you, only the Emperor has authority over an imperial prince? Besides, you seem to have forgotten the edict instructing you to personally serve the royal to whom you've been assigned—and not to report to anyone else."

Villetta hesitated, her earlier bravado wavering.

"Maybe," Lelouch continued, leaning closer, "the Emperor doesn't know I'm Zero, and after you inform him, I get arrested and you get rewarded. Or…" He paused, letting his words sink in, "…maybe he does know, and this is all part of his plan. Then what happens? You get punished for insubordination."

His smile faded, and his tone became cold and calculating. "Is that a risk you're willing to take, Miss Nu?"

Villetta felt her composure slipping. Her mind raced to comprehend the situation. Zero's rebellion served no purpose for the Empire. Why would the Emperor support it? The pieces didn't add up—until suddenly, they did. Her blood ran cold as the realization struck her.

"You… you used it on him," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Your power. You used it on the Emperor."

Lelouch's expression didn't waver, though his eyes glinted with interest. She's more perceptive than I thought, he mused. All the more reason I should have her on my side.

"Is that so?" Lelouch said with a faint smile. "If that's the case, Miss Nu, then it's even more reason for you to join me, isn't it? After all, I now control the most powerful man on Earth."

Villetta shook her head, her voice faltering. "No… no…" She took a shaky step back as the weight of his words settled over her. The man who led a rebellion against the Empire now controls it…

"Tell me, Miss Nu," Lelouch said, his tone soft but sharp enough to cut through her thoughts. "Why do you serve the Empire?"

She blinked, caught off guard. "I… I don't know," she admitted hesitantly.

"You were born a commoner," Lelouch continued, his voice steady. "Your military record and achievements surpass those of most nobles, yet you were never truly recognized. The only person who valued you was Margrave Gottwald—and he's missing in action."

Villetta's fists clenched. "What are you suggesting?"

"A simple offer," Lelouch said, leaning back slightly. "Join me, and I'll grant you a title befitting your accomplishments."

Villetta glared at him. "And if I refuse? Are you going to kill me or use your power on me?"

Lelouch chuckled. "Why do you hold such a low opinion of me? I wouldn't harm you. But…" His tone darkened. "…I doubt the military would be pleased to learn one of their agents had a relationship with not only an Eleven but a member of the Black Knights."

Her breath caught. He was referring to her time with Kaname Ohgi. She had tried to bury those memories, but now they resurfaced—moments spent with him when she had no memory of her allegiance. Strangely, she didn't feel anger. Those days, though hazy, had been… pleasant.

"I didn't have my memories," she said defensively. "The court would never convict me."

"Would they?" Lelouch asked with an amused laugh. "We both know Britannian courts are fair and unbiased—especially toward Numbers and so-called terrorist sympathizers."

Her heart sank. She knew he was right. Britannian courts wouldn't care about her defense. They would dismiss her reasoning and find her guilty regardless.

"What do you want me to do?" she asked finally, her voice resigned.

Lelouch's grin widened. "You will lead my new personal intelligence agency."

"Lead it?" Villetta asked, incredulous. "What's this agency called?"

Lelouch smirked. "I hadn't thought about it… How about The White Knights?"

Villetta's expression soured, clearly unimpressed.

"Oh, and one more thing," Lelouch added, studying her uniform. "You should consider a new attire. The one you're wearing isn't fitting for the Duchess of Nevada."

Villetta's eyes widened. "Duchess?" she repeated, her voice filled with disbelief.