AN: The credit for the idea goes to Raxius.


Chapter I

Government Administration, Tokyo Settlement

Schneizel sat in his chair, looking at his desk in thought, with Kanon at his side.

Just a day ago, control over Kyushu was regained with the help of Cornelia, Suzaku and Zero. It wasn`t unexpected for Prime-Minister to learn about the latter`s intervention – fighting a war against only one superpower is much easier than fight a guerilla warfare against two at the same time. Zero had proven himself to be an exceptional commander, close to his level. If only he wasn`t an enemy – Schneizel could have a powerful ally for himself against Charles.

That leaves the question – how should Britannia deal with Zero? He gained a lot of trust because of Britannian policies that were humiliating Elevens to no end. At the same time, Numbers can and some do become an Honorary Britannians. In a way, this was an escape from poverty and ghettos, getting a lot of benefits that a Britannian can have. But because of the same policies, there aren`t many recognizable faces that used this opportunity and could be used as propaganda tools. Many were viewed as traitors, who seemingly tried to distance themselves as much as possible from the common man, who is still rotting in the ghettos.

Those, who worked in a Settlement, were carrying too much disdain for Britannia. This was also true in how Britannia viewed them as well, so they couldn`t be used for that matter.

As for those, who were in the military… They usually didn`t live for long because of prejudice of their overlords and non-existent value to the Britannia.

Schneizel glanced at the report from the Kyushu. There was a man, whom he could use! Suzaku Kururugi was an exception of exceptions – the only Number ever to become a Knight for the Imperial Princess. Even before that, he was the only Number to pilot a Knightmare or to become a Warrant Officer. Together with Euphemia, they present a perfect opportunity to peacefully crush a growing rebellion in the Area.

But how to exploit it?

Kanon looked at his liege, who didn`t move for the last 10 minutes. "Is something troubling you?"

He glanced at his aide-de-camp, sighing. "Just thinking about insurgency in Area 11. Kururugi presents a perfect opportunity for us to pacify Elevens without unnecessary bloodshed."

Kanon looked at him surprised. His Highness clearly meant he wanted to use Suzaku without using his piloting skills. "You think we can use him as a PR stunt? He is a Her Highnesses Knight, and his appointment to this position did cause some positive changes in the Eleven populace. Do you think we can use him even further? If we place him in a dangerous situation, Princess Euphemia will be enraged."

Schneizel looked at the proposal Euphie left on the table.

"Perhaps, there is a use for both of them. One, which I doubt they won`t agree with."


"Your Majesty, Schneizel is on the line with his proposal. We`ve already got a copy of the documents for you." Monika Khruschevsky spoke, gaining his attention. After getting a nod from the emperor, she placed the papers on his desk before leaving.

Charles looked at the documents. This was clearly a gauntlet thrown. Directly confronting the main imperial policy of discrimination of the Numbers, but also going against most of the traditions of the Royal Family altogether!

Schneizel certainly has a lot to explain. He should`ve known that, as he timed arrival of those papers with his call, not to get an immediate rejection.

The monitor flickered, showing a kneeling Prime-Minister.

"Schneizel," Charles spoke, in an inquiring tone, "What is it that you wish to discuss?"

"Your Majesty, I hope you read through the proposal I`ve sent you." He spoke, looking up from the ground.

"Yes, I did. Now please do tell me, why should I even consider this idea? Euphemia is useful, as is her sister. How should I interpret this political marriage proposal, which goes against everything Royal Family stands for?" Charles pressed, not even once moving from his chair.

"As you may know, Majesty, the Area 11 is the most volatile Area in the empire. Given the amount of sakuradite it has, it`s also the most important one. Sir Suzaku Kururugi is a known descendant of the Kururugi family, which has links to the former Imperial Family, which Elevens highly valued before our army swiftly dealt with them. His recent promotions, military prowess and extreme loyalty to the Empire make him a suitable candidate for it."

'What in the lines "His bloodline immortal and pure" he doesn`t understand? Or he is willing to get this much ahead of himself?' Charles thought, looking at the prince. "And what of Cornelia and Euphemia? Will they agree to it?"

"With all respect, Majesty, Third Princess is doubtfully against it, and Cornelia loves her sister too much to fight her sister over it." He responded, without breaking a hitch.

'So, this is it, then. But you`re mistaken if I don`t find my own way to use this idea against you, Schneizel, no matter how brilliant you think of it now for yourself.'

"I`m placing you in charge for this matter, Schneizel. You have my approval, but do not think it will be as easy as you wish it to be, Prime-Minister."

He grinned, "I won`t, Your Majesty"

The call ended, leaving Charles alone again.

"We`ll see, Schneizel, we`ll see."


Cornelia was checking on her Gloucester, stationed in the Government Administration, mentally prepared to go into the battle any moment.

The day couldn`t`ve been any worse for her. Well, that could be easily applied to every day before it as well.

Ever since Clovis became the Viceroy, the situation only continued to worsen. But with his death and Zero`s rise, every day became worser and worser. First Narita, then Yokosuka, and now Shikine Island!

Worse of all, Euphemia begun to stray away more and more from her, due to the whatever influence that pathetic Eleven had on her. What her sister found in him – she had no idea. Euphie wasn`t a fan of war, so not his military actions. It certainly wasn`t his intellect, because she`d then cling to either Lelouch or Schneizel all the time. Maybe his physical conditions? No, no, she won`t even try to go there, not wishing to imply anything.

This forsaken land already took three of her siblings, and now her closest sister may be lost to the Eleven!

Guilford entered the warehouse, quickly pacing closer to her, seemingly worried. He had something to say, and she already prepared herself to hear another report on Zero commencing some kind of another painful attack.

"Your Highness, it`s Euphemia!"

She sighed. Because of that damned Eleven, she was perceiving her younger sister with much more annoyance each day. "What had she done now?"

"Prime-Minister had already confirmed himself. She will be married in the next month! The emperor already approved of it!"

Cornelia gasped. Surely, the emperor wasn`t willing to punish her after everything she had done for the Empire!... or he could, actually, as she remembered the fate of her idol, Lady Marianne, her murderers not receiving any kind of revenge or justice, and the investigation ending on the emperor`s orders.

She stood for a minute silent. In her slightly trembling voice, she decided to finally ask her knight. "Who`s she marrying?"

Guilford gulped, somewhat shaken after receiving the news himself.

"She…she…" he begun, slightly stumbling in his lines fearing of her ire.

She became angrier and angrier, "Spit it out already!"

"She will marry Sir Kururugi, Your Highness!"