Nunnally's heart fluttered almost painfully, but none of it showed on her face. She walked with her back straight, head held high. For all intents and purposes, her gait oozed confidence. She belonged here.

Admittedly, entering the viceroy's palace was simple enough when dressed well. Her skirt flowed around each measured step, silver embroideries catching the light. Sayoko ironed her favourite blouse for today, too. The faint whine of machinery was audible only to Nunnally, who felt it more than she heard. Her skirt hid the braces from view as usual.

She passed by staff and other visitors with polite nods, many of which were returned absently. There was nothing big going on, just business as usual. A lot of business, mind, but that too was normal for the center of Britannian government in the country.

The only thing that stood out was a single island of calm. One single man who was not part of the crowd or the buzz, waiting patiently. He was dressed immaculate and his mere presence commanded responses from most; be it cautious peeking, respectfully kept distance, or curious whispers to one's neighbours.

The whispers only grew in number when Jeremiah Gottwald greeted her with a deep bow on arrival. Then he pressed a faint kiss to her knuckles. Nunnally was not as unfamiliar with the gesture as last time, but having an audience still flustered her a bit. The display earned its fair share of attention after all; a number of people would now try to figure out who she was and what she might want.

"Please lead the way, sir Gottwald," she requested, paying no attention to their surroundings.

"Yes, your highness."

His response was instantaneous and just as impactful. Business slowed to a crawl as people craned their necks to get a look at her. Whispers followed the pair, but the mere prospect of being an imperial princess gave Nunnally a comfortable amount of personal space. Jeremiah's curt expression did its part in that, too.

She swiped a stray strand of hair behind her ear as they went. For today she settled on letting it flow naturally, rather than binding it into a ponytail, or even a more elaborate style. Her pale blonde mane swished after her and Gottwald as he led her through the unfamiliar building.

And somehow, the rumours managed to travel faster than them. At some point people were peeking past doors to get a look at her. Nunnally bore her best fake smile as she ignored them all, indistinguishable from the real deal.

Their way was barred only when they reached the viceroy's office. Men and women with hard expressions stood guard, each clearly competent and none swayed by the presence of a tall Marquess. Each one wore the insignia of Euphemia's royal guard, newly established but no less capable.

The man who stood in their way glowered mainly at Jeremiah. A faint frown was levelled at Nunnally as well, but he rather snapped at the man leading her: "What exactly is the meaning of this? The viceroy is not expecting visitors this time of day."

Jeremiah inclined his head in turn. "Unfortunately, her highness could hardly book an appointment in advance," he demurred. "If you were so kind to announce Princess Nunnally vi Britannia, Captain?"

His words caused a clear stir among the guards, but the captain himself scoffed.

"We all know her highness is long deceased. Whatever you're playing at, Orange, you better stop it before I have you both detained."

Just like that, Jeremiah's polite front collapsed. He scowled back in a way that gave even the captain pause, tensing up already to mete out punishment. Nunnally placed a hand on his shoulder to prevent any violence.

"Please, calm. It is an understandable mistake, though not one I will bother with today. There is much to do after all."

So saying, she stepped forward and met the befuddled guard's gaze. "May I ask you to inform my sister of my presence regardless? I reckon she should be the arbiter of whether I am an impostor."

He sized her up for a preciously long second. Nunnally continued to smile, but her eyes had grown harder; she was ready to activate her Geass at a moment's notice and force her way in. He did not know that, but he could tell her intentions anyway.

"Impersonating a member of the royal family is a capital offence and carries the death sentence," he reminded them both.

Nunnally simply nodded back, Jeremiah did not react at all. The captain heaved a sigh so quiet only Nunnally heard, then knocked on the door and stuck his head inside: "Ashley, we need her highness for a moment. There is someone claiming to be Princess Nunnally waiting for her."

Jeremiah bristled again, but Nunnally kept her hand on his shoulder. It was an odd sensation to interact with anything through long-sleeved gloves; she never wore something like them before. They muted her sense of touch far less than she feared they would.

Thanks to her hearing, she could pick up the secretary's response easily: "Oh my. Of course, I will speak with her highness at once. Just a moment, please."

Quiet steps followed, then the opening of a door. Nunnally waited patiently, now unable to hear anything beyond muted conversation. She paid no mind to the guards watching her warily, though she made sure to stay near Jeremiah just in case.

The captain frowned in the meantime, looking between the two. Then he took a step forward.

"For safety's sake, may I hold onto your sidearm until the young lady's identity is confirmed? I do not trust you at this juncture, and I believe we would all prefer to avoid an unfortunate accident."

For just a moment, it seemed like Jeremiah wanted to explode. Nunnally could tell from how much he tensed up. But then he caught himself, smoothed out his expression, and handed over his gun. The captain received it with a grateful nod and the other guards relaxed notably; none of them considered that Nunnally might also carry a weapon.

"I will accept your apology at a later time," Jeremiah joked with a little smirk, clasping his hands behind his back. The other man huffed at that.

"For your sake, I hope I will have to apologise."

And as if on cue, Euphemia herself appeared in the doorframe. The royal guard stood at attention. Jeremiah bowed. And Nunnally met her sister's surprised gaze with a faint smile. Euphie's secretary peeked over her shoulder, only to startle at the sight of Nunnally and vanish into her office space.

"My, what a pleasant surprise."

Euphie quickly put on a delighted smile and stepped closer to look her over. "I did not expect you today, Nunnally."

Just like that, all wariness among the guards was replaced with utter befuddlement. They did not believe she was a princess until this moment. Nunnally smiled at Euphie, then motioned for them.

"It may not be necessary, but could you confirm once more that I am indeed me? Your guards were understandably wary, considering I died eight years ago."

A trace of mirth found its way onto Euphie's expression in response, but she suppressed it while turning. The royal guard took her confirmation with grace.

"Now, I believe you wanted to see me about something? Please come inside, I will have tea brought in a moment."

Euphie beckoned her at once. Nunnally nodded back, but turned to Jeremiah first: "Please wait here, sir Gottwald. I do not wish to be interrupted."

Then she approached the captain of the guard, who now seemed rather more nervous. As Euphie's retainer, Nunnally had no direct sway over him; he had, however, just offered enough misconduct to take insult over. She quickly disabused him of that notion with a reassuring smile.

"If at all possible, I would appreciate if word of my identity remain as closely guarded a secret as you can make it."

"Of course, your highness. I am grateful for your understanding of my position."

"You are simply doing your due diligence, Captain. I have no complaints about your conduct."

He only sagged in relief when the two princesses vanished into the office. The secretary was left behind as well, almost hiding behind her desk.

With a second door between them and any prying eyes, Euphie finally wrapped Nunnally in a big hug.

"Truly, how unexpected!" she cried. "What are you doing here?"

"In a moment," Nunnally stalled. "Let me enjoy this first."

She hugged back just as tightly, glad to get this opportunity. But at the same time, she could not help but look around her sister's office. It was spacious and clean, with only a single magnificent desk at the far end. Light flooded in through a window right behind that desk, meant to illuminate the viceroy as they entertained visitors. The glass was definitely bulletproof.

There were no personal effects she could spot, just a few tasteful paintings of landscapes from across the world.

Once Euphie finally let go, Nunnally could not help but approach a rendition of Mt. Fuji from before the extensive mines were built. That one was a bit of a statement, which gave her hope for what was to come.

"I didn't know you collected art," Nunnally commented while Euphie floated to her side, steps light as a feather.

"Only on occasion, though it makes for good conversation. There is a certain allure to nature and its untamed wilds."

"How bold for a purebred princess to yearn for the wilderness."

"Says you, sister dear," Euphie quipped back with with a soft, playful huff while stepping next to her. "Which one of us was the tomboy again?"

Nunnally put a gloved hand to her cheek and smiled back at her sister, the picture of innocence. "You say that like it were something bad. Next you will claim that you enjoy tea parties of late."

Her retort coaxed a proper laugh from Euphemia, who slung an arm over her shoulder for a sidehug. "Not at all," she denied with genuine joy. "I am so glad to see you once more, Nunnally. I just did not expect you so soon."

"I feel the same."

Nunnally kissed Euphie's cheek in response, then hugged her back properly. It was curious how she was actually a little taller than her half-sister, if far less curvy on the top.

"Even if this is no mere courtesy visit," Euphie prodded coyly once the silence began to linger. Nunnally nodded against her, then pulled back to meet her inquisitive gaze.

"I wish it could be, but alas. There is much to do and I need your help."

"You have it. What do you need?"

Her immediate agreement took Nunnally aback for a moment. She expected having to convince Euphie first, or perhaps negotiate favours to trade.

In the end, she could only smile in gratitude.

"I need you to stop being so sweet, or I might start swooning."

Euphie chuckled in response and clasped Nunnally's hands tighter. "Is that such a bad thing?" she chirped, batting her lashes at the younger princess. Nunnally giggled as well and squeezed back.

"I really missed you so much. If all goes well, we may get to stay in contact properly this time."

It was sad that she had to cut things short like this, but she had to get to the point. Euphemia caught thist first hint in an instant and drew the right conclusion: "Does this mean you plan to return after all?"

Nunnally nodded.

"Our plans have changed," she explained. "Lelouch and I will make our return. We will also have to step on your toes, for which I want to apologise in advance."

That announcement coaxed a little sigh out of the pinkette, more fond than anything else. "When has my adorable little sister not made trouble for me? The most surprising part here is that Lelouch is in on your mischief."

"Hey now, if anything it's I who joined in his mischief!"

She allowed herself one final laugh before fully turning serious. "But enough of that. I need to speak with his majesty. There are certain concessions we need from him."

Even now it left a bitter taste in her mouth to say it, but Nunnally bore the feeling stoically. Some things could not be changed, so she had to take them as they came. Euphie nodded her understanding, though Nunnally doubted that her sister truly did understand.

"May I ask what it is you need to ask Father about?"

"I believe it's easier for you to just listen in. I would rather not explain twice."

Euphie nodded, though she had a bit of an odd expression to her.

Nothing was said as they trundled over to the viceroy's desk, she only spoke up after starting her computer up from sleep mode.

"I have to say, your conduct is exemplary for one who lived among commoners for so long."

There was an obvious question implied in her praise. Nunnally well remembered the many reminders not to reveal an effort undertaken, to make it all seem natural as best as she could; but Euphemia was not just a dear sister, she showed herself willing to keep their secrets thus far. So Nunnally allowed herself a soft sigh and leaned on her shoulder.

"Remedial lessons, Euphie," she admitted. "Lots and lots of them. Mr. Ashford is onto us already, Milly probably figured out something's up, too. And there are so many more of them yet to come."

A dainty hand landed on Nunnally's own, squeezing gently in shared commiseration. "I understand that well," her sister agreed, still curious. "Why did you go through all that trouble, then? I did not expect either of you to change your mind. Much less for you to arrive on your own two feet."

The additional query coaxed a mischievous grin from Nunnally. She pulled back and twirled onto the desks other side, now having her sister's full attention.

"Well, our plans changed. As much as we would have preferred an alternative, this is what we must do. So we shall. But as for my feet, well. How about you see for yourself?"

She cheekily lifted her skirt while saying so, high enough to barely cover her undergarments. Euphie played along and covered her eyes in mock scandal, only to peek through her fingers. Those fingers fell away a moment later, though; she could clearly see the metal braces holding Nunnally's legs, their function obvious.

It felt kind of odd to have her sister stare so intensely, but Nunnally still let Euphie get her fill. Once she deemed it enough, she lowered her skirt and smoothed it out.

"Sumeragi Zaibatsu is still improving on the concept, but this is already vastly superior to the first version. Perhaps I will have the next one made ornamental, so I can show off my legs?" she mused, mostly to herself. The cheerful response wiped Euphie's complicated expression away and replaced it with another fond smile.

"They are nice legs, I will not deny that. But more than that, I am glad to see you walking again. Although we should probably stop horsing around now. Join me, please."

Nunnally did as told, just when Euphie set up the video call. She braced herself, but did not have time to truly calm her racing heart because the call connected rather quickly.

They did not get to see Emperor Charles, though. It was not that surprising in hindsight; even the royal family had no direct line to him, excepting Schneizel, the current prime minister, and maybe Cornelia.

No, the face greeting greeting them was blank, devoid of any emotion. Pale red eyes flicked from one princess to the other, only a shade darker than the pink hair framing her soft features. Nunnally recognised her from the list of important people to know, someone who sat right at the top.

"Greetings, Dame Alstreim," Euphemia began pleasantly. "Is my father available?"

Duchess Anya Alstreim, known prodigy and newly appointed Knight of Six, blinked back at her.

"Princess Euphemia. Is the matter urgent?" she inquired. Her voice was so close to monotone that Nunnally wondered where her emotions were. Although they were the same age, it would take someone that unusual to join the Knights Of The Round Table so young.

"I would say so," Euphie confirmed. "Perchance you remember my half-sister Nunnally?"

She motioned to Nunnally while introducing her, who inclined her head in greeting. Anya's eyes flickered back over, then remained on her with a surprising intensity.

Seconds passed in silence that quickly grew uncomfortable. Nunnally made for a smile that was not returned.

"It is an honour to make your acquaintance, Dame Alstreim."

"Likewise," Anya answered with a faint nod of acknowledgement. "But I wonder how I speak with Princess Nunnally vi Britannia, when she died eight years ago?"

In some form, Nunnally appreciated the bluntness; there did not seem to be any games being played, as the nobility was wont to do. So she reciprocated: "Reports of our demise were incorrect, which is precisely why I had sister Euphemia place this call. I wish to announce my and my brother's return to his majesty."

In that moment, she spotted the first trace of emotion in Anya's expression: curiousity. The pinkette studied Nunnally a moment longer, then glanced back to a pleasantly smiling Euphemia.

"This is above my paygrade," she declared in the same deadpan. "Please hold, I will pass the matter to Lord Waldstein."

The screen switched to a still image of the Britannian flag. Nunnally almost snorted, faintly aware that Euphie's lips twitched in amusement as well. Some tension bled out of Nunnally for the moment, even though this was not over yet.

"I start to understand how she became a Rounds at fourteen," she mused. "Dame Alstreim is certainly a character."

Her sister nodded back thoughtfully. "I still believe this is far too young to become a Knight of the Round Table," she admitted, "but it seems Dame Alstreim carries the burden well."

That was all the time they had to converse, though. The screen shifted once more, now to the image of an imposing man. His graying hair did nothing to disabuse one of the notion of refinement, nor did the scar running down his eye or the corresponding eyepatch. Although Nunnally did hear rumours that the eye underneath worked fine.

His expression was severe, even as he scanned the two young women with clear practice.

"Princess Euphemia and, I hear, Princess Nunnally," Bismarck Waldstein greeted them cordially, but without a trace of warmth. "I hope you are aware that his majesty was about to retire for the night. Dame Alstreim already conveyed the relevant information, so you need not bother repeating it. I will inform his majesty. Do not dare waste his time."

They did not even get a word in edge-wise before the screen went back to the flag. Nunnally blinked at it, wondering whether to be amused or affronted. He certainly did not mince words. Then again, he was the Knight of One. There was only one man more powerful in the empire, perhaps even the world. And his duty was not to appeal to anyone, it was to keep that more powerful man safe.

Seeing that Euphie seemed completely unaffected by his behaviour, Nunnally figured this was a normal occurence and said nothing.

This time they had to wait a full five minutes, which both sisters knew was intentional. Neither spoke, uncertain when they would be interrupted. Nunnally tried to clamp down on the butterflies in her stomach.

No amount of calming exercises prepared her for that screen shifting again, though. It showed a face Nunnally knew well, seeing that it was everywhere. Yet at the same time, she hardly knew the man wearing it at all.

Emperor Charles zi Britannia exuded a sense of pressure even from afar, something that most any likeness of his lacked. His hair was not done up elaborately as in the pictures, rather falling down his shoulders in silvery waves. Although that should have made him appear more personable, it did nothing to soften his features.

Sharp, lilac eyes so much like her brother's pierced through Nunnally's. She froze for just a moment in his presence, but the familiar anger helped thaw her limbs.

Euphie wordlessly slipped from her chair. Nunnally took it just as quietly, their roles now reversed. She held the emperor's gaze all the while, daring him to speak first.

He spent that time studying her with something akin to interest. Whatever thoughts went on behind those piercing eyes was anyone's guess, though.

"Nunnally,", he finally said, his voice a foreboding rumble.

"Your majesty," Nunnally returned tonelessly. Her irreverence in foregoing proper greetings caused no reaction.

"So you were alive after all. I do not see Lelouch with you, even though you alluded to his presence."

Nunnally inclined her head in response. "My brother finalises the preparations for our proper return as we speak. We felt it prudent to inform your majesty first of all."

His lips quirked up the slightest bit, barely visible to them. "And why is it that you return to the fold now of all times?" he questioned pointedly.

"Because we are ready, your majesty."

Her simple retort earned an arched brow and a curious "Oh?"; the prompt to elaborate was clear enough, so Nunnally did.

"When you cast us out, you claimed that we were nothing for having achieved nothing of our own power. Thus we spent the last years preparing to find our worth. We infiltrated the resistance in Area Eleven at every step and will soon flip it all, gifting a pacified Area to the crown."

A surprised inhale from behind her spoke of Euphie's surprise at the news. Their father was harder to gauge, but his brow ticked up a little higher. Nunnally knew that Area Eleven still had the highest concentration of resistance cells, even compared to the newly conquered areas and even after Cornelia's visit. He must know it too, and so he knew how big her claim was.

"While impressive if true, eight years seem a long time for just this," the emperor mused out loud. It could be called innocent if it came from anyone else. He was not so much fishing as giving her a chance to provide more achievements.

Nunnally hated bragging, but she knew what she must do now. "Indeed. We have also established a large-scale business operation and military force, the latter of which was honed against the most formidable army in the world."

Perhaps it was the words themselves. Perhaps the fact she said them with a straight face. Maybe even the sheer audacity of trying to sell a resistance group that way. Either way, the emperor smiled. It was more of a smirk, clearly telling her that he understood.

Euphemia was just as capable of reading between the lines. Her hand fell on Nunnally's shoulder again, squeezing in search of stability rather than rebuke.

"Then this shall suffice to reinstate you both," he finally decided. "It seems you and Lelouch lived up to your legacy, Nunnally."

A momentary silence followed the mention of her name. Father and daughter stared at each other. Nunnally tried hard not to snarl or rant at him, even though she relaly wanted to. He threw them away like trash and now acted like he 'graciously' took them back; it sickened her so much she might throw up.

Through some miracle, she managed to swallow the bile.

"There is one request I have to make, your majesty."

That tiny moment of annoyance, the twitch of his brow, made her feel a little better.

"And that would be?" he questioned, perhaps even actually curious.

Nunnally braced herself for the last hurdle and began to speak: "We require that a royal pardon be issued to those of our forces charged with felonies. We wish to ensure they can transition into Britannian service without undue hardships, and be their most effective."

Nobody in the room missed what that entailed, nor why they would ask for this. They would have enemies at court, likely far more than even their commoner-born mother. These people would take whatever they could get to bring them down, so they must not have this matter as a lever.

The emperor sized her up a moment longer, then exhaled in a manner that could be called a huff.

"Show me a pacified Area, and you shall have it."

Nunnally inclined her head the faintest bit. She could not bring herself to say thank you, no matter how much it may be expected. But saying nothing at all may cause problems, too.

"We will."

"Good. Euphemia," he demanded, gaze wandering. The older princess stiffened somewhat. "I leave the details to you."

"I understand. Good night, Father."

"And a good day to you. Nunnally."

"Your majesty."

The feed cut off without further ado. Nunnally allowed herself to relax a little, but she only really calmed down when the computer was turned off. She wondered if he was always this intense, but felt the question was not worth asking.

For her part, Euphie frowned down at the keyboard. "I have trouble comprehending this," she admitted softly. "To be honest, I am a little scared. For how long have you been planning this takeover of the Black Knights?"

And once again Nunnally had to decide whether to reveal a weakness. This time she hardly even considered which option was more favourable.

"About four months, since soon after Kyushu."

Euphie nodded slowly. She looked up to meet her sister's gaze, already regaining her composure. "With all due respect, this smells of Lelouch. You are a lot more straightforward, I doubt it would be different if you spun a narrative."

"And you are correct," Nunnally agreed with a wry smile. "Lelouch came up with the idea, I just added a few details to it."

"I can see why Father seemed so proud."

It was an absent response, almost too quiet to hear. Nunnally did hear it though, but felt like she must have misheard. The idea was ludicrous to her; there was no pride to be seen, only condescension.

Before she could bring herself to tell her sister off for being silly, Euphie moved on: "Does this have to do with the memory-altering power Lelouch has?"

Nunnally slowly turned to her sister in full, hoping for just a moment her ears were malfunctioning after all. The hardened look Euphie gave her disabused Nunnally of that notion. Her resemblance to the emperor became fully visible for the first time and it scared her a little. Euphemia really was his daughter, she could have that same intense gaze and bearing.

"Do not bother denying it, please. It missed me during the Kawaguchi incident, hence why I remember it was you who killed the guards in the room."

And that was damning evidence.

Nunnally panicked for a moment, worrying over who else Euphemia told. She had her sidearm, she could do something, but she did not want to draw it. But what else could she do right now?

Her indecision was noticed as a matter of course. Euphie put on another smile to reassure her younger sister. "Nobody knows," she explained gently. "I made sure to point Cornelia in the wrong direction once the discrepancy became known. All I want to know is what this power is, Nunnally. So please tell me."

"Alright," Nunnally agreed, almost unconciously.

Then she paused to a startling realisation: she had been had. Sweet, gentle Euphie just tricked her with information she could just have kept to herself. How did she never notice that shrewdness before?

"And that is really all you want?" she queried, a little wary now. Euphe smiled back nonchalantly.

"Perhaps a bit of support for my pet projects would not be amiss, but I have the feeling you will do that even without prompting."

Nunnally sat back down in response, placing her head in her hands for a minute. She saw no other way to express her feelings about this mess. But she also needed to mull over her options. This particular secret was more than a little volatile.

In the end however, she decided she might as well. Euphie would not be the first person they told; not to mention that she already showed willingness to keep this particular secret.

"Alright. Let me just call Lelouch and then I tell you."

"That is perfectly fine."

It seemed that Nunnally still had much to learn.