After the establishment ceremony of the United States ended, Jiang Lihua, the emperor of the Chinese Federation, returned to the banquet hall and turned her little head around. Her big watery eyes were filled with anticipation as she looked around. However, she could not find what she was looking for in the crowd. She lowered her little head in grievance, and her small hands that were tightly clutching the hem of her dress seemed to have lost all strength.
The banquet hall was almost filled with people. The guests discussed loudly, but none of them had smiles on their faces. The hall was divided into five long tables for banquets, and the white tablecloth was filled with all kinds of food. It could be said that there were all kinds of cuisines from all over the world.
However, these were not attractive to Jiang Lihua at all. The dishes on his table were still in the state where they had just been served. They hadn't been touched at all. Noticing that something was wrong with her, Zhou Xianglin, who had been serving her, asked worriedly," Your Majesty, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell at such an occasion? Why don't we go back to the palace?"
Jiang Lihua gently shook her head to indicate that she was fine. Zhou Xianglin's eyes were still full of worry. Jiang Lihua turned to look at her and asked,"Why isn't husband here?"」Zhou Xianglin finally noticed that ZERO had disappeared after the ceremony. After asking Chiba from the Black Knights, he found out that ZERO had gone back.
"Hey, Xianglin, can I go find my husband?」Jiang Lihua didn't seem to be at ease with ZERO. She was worried that her husband would leave early because he wasn't feeling well. However, since she had not seen him for many days and had not even video called him, Jiang Lihua's longing for Lelouch had long become a knot in her heart. She had been guessing whether her husband had already disliked her. After being separated for a long time, it was inevitable that she would be worried about her gains and losses.
Zhou Xianglin smiled gently and said,"Everything is up to Your Majesty."」
Jiang Lihua was overjoyed. She quickly got up from her seat and ran all the way to ZERO's room. There were naturally members of the Black Knights on guard along the way. However, in front of the Emperor of the Chinese Federation, not to mention ZERO's wife, they did not dare to not let her pass. When they finally arrived at ZERO's room, Jiang Lihua took a deep breath and tidied up her hair and clothes that were messed up from running. The hand that was holding the door handle gently twisted open.
What greeted her was not what she had expected, but an ending that she had never imagined. At this moment, Lelouch was holding another woman in his arms. Although she couldn't see her face, she could see that this woman had a beautiful figure. All of this shocked her as his wife. Although the people around her had always said that men had to be watched over well, otherwise, they would cheat…Such topics. However, she didn't really understand and didn't care much about it. Because she trusted her husband unconditionally. But now, everything in front of her made her feel suffocated. [Pha...] Husband..."
The man who was hugging the woman trembled and turned to look at his so-called wife. C.C., who was in Lelouch's arms, seemed to be shocked as well. She struggled out of Lelouch's arms and looked at Jiang Lihua helplessly, then at her master. Lelouch frowned and asked softly,"Lihua, why are you here?」For some reason, he felt a little guilty. Could it be that his wife caught him cheating after marriage? Thinking of this, Lelouch laughed at himself. It was just a political marriage. Why would he have such thoughts?
At this moment, Jiang Lihua saw the woman in her husband's arms clearly. It was the person who had always been by his side. Her name was C.C. However, he did not have much contact with her. It seemed that the rumor that her husband was close to C.C. was true? Jiang Lihua was frightened, but she pretended to be brave and said,"Because you, hubby…" You haven't come to see Lihua recently, I... I miss you so much..."
" I've been dealing with a lot of things recently, so I've been staying here..."
[Husband, why are you hugging Miss C.C.?」Jiang Lihua timidly shifted her gaze from Lelouch to C.C., who didn't know what to do.
[Lihua, I...]
"I'm my husband's wife, aren't I? Why didn't hubby come back to look for me? Instead..."
What Lelouch didn't expect was that the timid Tian Zi actually had the intention to ask the truth. On second thought, she dared to threaten the eunuchs with a gun at the wedding. She was probably very strong inside. [Lihua…] C.C. is a very important person to me.」[Master?] C.C. did not seem to understand what they were talking about, but when he heard Lelouch say that he was very important to him, he felt so happy?
[An important person? What about me?" Jiang Lihua clenched her fists in front of her chest. Her watery eyes were filled with tears. As if she couldn't stand steadily, she took a step back. After being hit like this, she said," To my husband, actually..." I'm definitely not important, right?" After saying this, Jiang Lihua ran away without waiting for Lulu Xiu to speak.
「......」
[Your Majesty? What's wrong with you?" Zhou Xianglin, who had been waiting outside the door, saw Tian Zi, who had been looking forward to entering the room, open the door and run away with tears all over his face. She turned around and saw the masked Lelouch and C.C., who was rumored to have a close relationship with ZERO. She seemed to understand something. He glared at ZERO before chasing after Tian Zi.
In the end, he didn't make her stay. Lelouch sat on the sofa with no expression on his face. [Master? Are you alright?" C.C. was kneeling at Lelouch's feet, his innocent eyes filled with worry. " Ah, I'm fine. Sorry for making you worry…" Lelouch gently stroked C. C's head as if he was comforting her. His eyes were filled with unconcealable love.
********************************************
The curtains in the office were drawn tightly, completely blocking the sunlight that entered the room. At the same time, there was no one in the office. This was the result of deliberately pushing away others. In the dark room, only the ticking of the wall clock could be heard.
This was the office of District 11 Governor Nunnally V. Britania. At this moment, she was sitting in a wheelchair. He stared blankly at the communication screen that was reflecting a blue-white light. Her pale, thin face was clouded with sorrow. The exhaustion in his heart was also revealed.
After a long silence, Na Nali spoke slowly to the monitor in front of her.
"Your daughter is extremely happy for your safety, Father.」
The monitor showed the figure of a white-haired man. He was Nunnally's father, who had disappeared from Britania for nearly a month. He was the only emperor of the Holy Britania Empire, Charles J. Britania. However, contrary to Na Nali's words, there was no joy on her face. Charles only nodded at his daughter's congratulatory speech, and Na Nali said again,
"But…at the same time, I would like to ask you as the 11th District Governor. No matter what, please reconsider, Father.」
[Reconsider?]
Whether it was Charles 'tone or the expression reflected on the screen, it was different from a few days ago when he forcefully interrupted the broadcast signal to the world and inserted his speech at the United Nations Constitution approval ceremony. There was no expression at all. Even the way he looked at Na Nali through the communicator was the same. There was no trace of the love that a father should have for his daughter.
[Reconsider what? Na Nali."
[Yes…]
[Na Nali, did you misunderstand something? At this moment, it is the other party who is trying to wage war on the 11th District under your jurisdiction. It is the United States, not me invading their territory.」
Na Nali was also very clear about this, but even if she knew it in her heart, she still made a request to contact her father through secret communication. She still wanted to avoid war as much as possible and try her best to find another solution…
[I]
After a moment of silence, Na Nali sorted out her thoughts and spoke.
"I still think that not all residents of District 11 are willing to use war to solve their problems, Father.」
"War is like this. It never happened out of personal will.」
"However, I don't think that's true. If there was a way to solve the problem other than war, shouldn't he choose that method first?」
[That's right.]
Charles suddenly changed his indifferent tone and replied with a hint of mockery. Na Nali raised her head and couldn't help but let out an " ah ".
[Na Nali, as you said, only fools would start wars.」
[Father?]
"And now, the first to bear the brunt is ZERO. How stupid. After obtaining the powerful power of the United States, he had more options for the future. Originally, he could have sat at the negotiating table with Britania as equals and used negotiations to fulfill his wish.」
But-Charles continued sarcastically.
"But that guy made the most arbitrary and useless choice... he attempted to obtain the world through force. The so-called hopeless was referring to him.」
As soon as Charles finished speaking, the dark office fell silent again.
Actually, Na Nali did not understand what her father was talking about. No, perhaps it should be said that she did not understand her father's intentions.
First of all, these words should have completely overturned what his father had done. All this while, hadn't his father relied on his " despicable " military power to expand his territory and build his own country? And who was the one who carried out this policy that could be called "iron and blood" until now?
Na Nali was silent. At this moment, Charles in the picture once again returned to his original indifference. he said.
[Now, The Fool is armed and wants to invade Britania. Na Nali, are you going to lower your head to that fool in front of me, your father?」
[But, but…]
Na Nali was still unwilling to give up.
[Isn't it Britania who forced ZERO into this situation? If there is a need to make concessions, I think the one who should make concessions is Britania, who first used force to occupy District 11. If we can do that, then ZERO and the Black Knights might…"
[Oh?]
At this point, Charles 'usually expressionless face finally showed an obvious smile. An arrogant smile.
"Are you criticizing me, Na Nali?」
[Uh…]
Na Nali was stunned.
[No, no, this…]
[Oh right--]
Charles did not seem to be interested in Na Nali's explanation.
"Nunnally, I heard that you often say something like 'I want to change Britania'. Of course, you didn't say that in public.」
[Father, I…]
"The so-called desire to change Britania means that you believe that the current Britania does not represent justice and has made a mistake.」
Looking at Na Nali, the pressure in Charles 'eyes increased.
"In other words, you are dissatisfied with me, your father, and the only emperor of Britania who is sacred and inviolable. You think that you have been treated unfairly.」
[No, no. That's not what I meant, but I think Britania can go in a better direction…"
[This is a rebellion, Nunnally.]
Interrupting Na Nali's speech, Charles made a decision in a cold tone.
"Very well. District 11 Governor Nunnally V. Britania, I hereby announce that from this moment on, you will cease all administrative power in District 11.」
Na Nali's face instantly turned pale.
" Father, Father, this..."
"In addition, the Knights of the Round Table who assisted you in government affairs, the Third Knight, the Sixth Knight, and the Seventh Knight, will also be relieved of their duties from now on. The command of the Knights of the Round Table and the ruling army of District 11 was handed over to the Prime Minister of the Empire, Shunijie. If the Black Knights launched an attack, they would send troops to suppress it.」
After hearing this, Na Nali's tender face instantly tensed up. This time, her limbs were truly taken away, and she fell into a situation where she could not move. The title of governor was no longer in name. She was going to become that crippled and weak girl again.
[Also.]
Facing Na Nali, who did not know what to say, Charles continued to speak coldly.
"In view of your achievements in the position of governor, you are now handed over to Shunijie and ordered to return to the country at an appropriate time. As for the return of the Viceroy's position, which will not damage your reputation, it will be formally carried out in a ceremony to be held in this country the day after tomorrow.」
[Please…please wait! Father! I still-"
[This is the imperial order, Na Nali.]
Just like that, the monitor screen dimmed without any warning. At this moment, Na Nali could not help but reach out her hand to the screen. It seemed that the other party had cut off the communication. The silence was so heavy. Nunnally's hands were stretched out in a daze, but she could not grab anything…There was nothing left in her hands.
Finally, Na Nali's hand slid down like a broken doll and she leaned against the armrest of the wheelchair again. Then, she clenched her fists tightly as if she wanted to bleed.
in this way
Everything is over
But thinking about it carefully, Na Nali had long known that this day would come. Her thoughts were the exact opposite of her father's insistence. If Nunnally wanted to realize her dream, there was only one way for her to do so. She had to stand on a position where she was not restricted by her father. This meant that she had to stand above her father and take the only and inviolable throne of the Holy Britania Empire from her father. If he really wanted to change the country…That was the only way.
However, could he do it?
Brother, Vermillion Bird…
In the dark governor's office that no longer belonged to her, Na Nali lowered her head and bit her lip as if she wanted to bite it through. At the same time, she called out in her heart.
I…did I come to Japan just to get this result?
In fact, this is all I can do. My ability is limited to this. Is this really the truth that I have to accept?
********************************************************
The courtyard was filled with the warm spring sun.
This was a courtyard built on the roof of the government hall. It was once the place where the 11th district governor, Cornelia, and the deputy governor, the sisters, often used to rest. On the other hand, this was also the place where ZERO and Cornelia, who had their revenge ignited during the Black Rebellion, clashed. After the Black Rebellion and the reconstruction of the government hall, the courtyard was reborn. The greenery had returned.
At this moment, the Emperor's direct knight, the Seventh Knight, the Pedestal Vermilion Bird, was sitting alone on the stone steps of the pavilion. His chestnut-colored hair and white knight's uniform fluttered in the wind. His face wasn't that angular, and there was still a certain gentleness that was unique to a teenager, but there wasn't any emotion on it.
The Vermilion Bird sat on the stone steps with its head lowered, staring at something. It was a portable communicator. At this moment, it was flashing in his hand, prompting him to call the other party. The name of the other party was reflected on the small screen.
--
The bell continued to ring. Vermilion Bird stared at him silently for a moment. Finally, the other party pressed the answer button and placed the communicator beside his ear. Just as he was still having a headache over what to do with Tian Zi and Jiang Lihua, his phone suddenly rang. When Lelouch saw the caller ID, he paused for a moment before answering the call.
[... Hello]
「！」
He was obviously calling the other party, but the other party immediately gasped in shock from the other end of the communicator.
[Lelouch, huh...?]
[Yes.]
The other party replied calmly.
[Is it the Vermilion Bird?]
[Yes, yes…that…]
The Vermilion Bird paused on the other end of the communicator.
[Did you see the news?]
[Yes.]
Lelouch's tone was still calm, but his mind was trying to figure out the purpose of the other party's call.
"This way, District 11 will become a battlefield.」
[The Tokyo concession will also be in danger, right?」
The voice and tone that entered his ears were no different from the normal person who studied at Ashford Academy, Lelouch Le-Peruj. The Lelouch who had lost his memories of being ZERO and was set as a commoner.
But…
[Is the decision not in your hands, Lelouch?」
[Uh…]
The Vermilion Bird's reply left Lelouch speechless, but the Vermilion Bird simply waited silently for his reply.
[This--]
Lelouch had just opened his mouth when he fell silent again.
[Vermilion Bird, could it be that you…]
[I'm sorry, actually...]
The Vermilion Bird interrupted him mercilessly.
"In addition to the defense mission of District 11, I'm going to transfer my position this time to repair Prime Minister Nigel's subordinates.」
" Your Highness... Shunigel? But, but you're not the Governor's-"
" The governor will resign soon."
」......」
"It's an order from His Majesty the Emperor. I heard that we still have to return to our country. I don't know what happened either.」
[Is that so…]
[However, this is not something that people like me can manage. I was originally His Majesty's knight, not the governor's knight. If His Majesty wants to recall the governor to his side, then I have no right to stop him.」
[Alright, have you said everything you wanted to say? Vermillion Bird, I'm hanging up now."
「……」
[Goodbye.]
Just as Lelouch was about to press the hang up button…
[Wait!]
A scream came from the communicator.
"Wait, wait a minute... Lelouch.」
The Vermilion Bird's voice was like a whisper.
Lelouch fell silent again, but finally, he lowered his voice and asked.
[Wait, what do you mean? Vermilion Bird."
「……」
[What's wrong? Why are you so impatient?"
That was all Lelouch had to say. However, both the person who asked and the person who was asked knew the hidden meaning of this sentence. The memories and experiences they shared were enough to build such a tacit understanding between them, whether it was the memories of the happy times or the memories of the times when they were in tragedy.
Somewhere, birds began to sing.
Just as Lelouch raised his head to look at the blue sky outside the window, Vermilion Bird's slightly hoarse voice came through the receiver again.
[... I know.]
Lelouch retracted his gaze and tightened his grip on the communicator.
[Know what?]
[You…]
The Vermilion Bird's voice became softer and softer.
[You are ZERO.]
[Yes. I…am ZERO, Vermillion Bird.」The other party admitted it openly!
The Vermilion Bird's eyes suddenly widened before slowly closing them. "Is that so... So you've recovered your memory.」The Vermilion Bird said in a low voice. He resisted the urge to sigh and his gaze suddenly became sharp. Even though the other party had admitted it, the Vermilion Bird still found it extremely ear-piercing.
[Then, what business do you, a Britania knight, have with me, the enemy?」
「! What did the word enemy mean? The Vermilion Bird on the other end of the phone seemed to gasp again, but even so, he still opened his mouth.
[Please, Lelouch.]
「……」
[Nunnally…Save Nunnally.]」
Lelouch narrowed his eyes.
[Save Na Nali?]
"I'm afraid that His Majesty the Emperor will use Na Nali as a hostage in order to control you.」
[Hehe, this is inevitable, right? Since you already know my identity."
[Yes, I am.]
[I see...]
Lelouch muttered to himself and finally frowned as he fell into deep thought. The Emperor already knows? Then how should he carry out that order? The Emperor had instructed the Vermilion Bird that once Lelouch regained his memories, he would be ordered to kill Na Nali with his own hands. But now, since the Emperor had personally removed Na Nali from her position and wanted to bring her back to her own country, would that order be considered invalid? Or was it…
"Please! Lulu Xiu."
The Vermilion Bird pleaded again.
[Could it be that you can even abandon Na Nali now?!]」
[Vermilion Bird, do you really think that I will agree to your request? Perhaps back then, I was even willing to give up my life for Na Nali. However, ever since she chose to return to Britania and become the princess, she has become my enemy.」
「!……Of course not. But even so, I have no choice but to beg you. Nunnally, she did it for the same reason you did for her in the first place."
[You're very selfish, Vermillion Bird…Don't you hate me for what happened to Yuffie?」
[I understand. However…I can only rely on you…only you…"
the Vermilion Bird repeated. Lelouch closed his eyes again.
[Please, Lulu, save Na Nali!] Save Na Nali..."
The Vermilion Bird's voice suddenly stopped for a short moment.
[…Please protect Na Nali…]
There was a loud explosion in his ears. It was the sound of the engines of the bomber formation passing through the sky above the government hall. The air shook. At this moment, the communication line connecting the Vermilion Bird and Lelouch, who was most likely in the Black Knights 'base camp, Penglai Island, was filled with silence that was deeper than the ocean.
Lelouch did not say a word, and the Vermilion Bird waited silently for his reply.
Finally.
[…Understood.]
[Lelouch...]
The Vermilion Bird let out a cry of joy. However, Lelouch continued to speak coldly as if he wanted to suppress this joy.
[But I have a condition.]
「？」
[I don't see you now. I don't even know what kind of expression you're using and what kind of words you're talking to God with right now. Perhaps, all of this is one of your and Na Nali's schemes to trick me into going there.」
「! I, I didn't…"
"How many times have you done the same thing before?」
The Vermilion Bird fell silent.
" So, if you really want to protect Na Nali, then stand in front of me, Vermillion Bird. I'll go see you alone. Oh right, the location is chosen-"
****************************************
The meeting place was there.
The shrine in the forest. In front of the historical Torii, there was a stone staircase lying quietly.
This place was still the same.
He slowly walked up the stairs. The Vermilion Bird thought as he looked at the lush greenery around him. He walked up the stone steps to the shrine. The scenes from that time still appeared clearly in front of his eyes. That year, the young siblings came to this country that was still called Japan. It was a little princess who was blind and unable to move, trembling in fear. And the little prince who protected her wholeheartedly. Of course, at that time, he was extremely disgusted with Britania, so he naturally did not have a good impression of those two. Especially as an older brother. The first time the two met, they fought. However, that younger sister gave off a feeling that he had to protect her, so he had never bullied her.
In that case…
Suddenly. Rosefinch looked up at the shrine above and remembered. The older brother had been bullied by the children nearby. They had trampled on the pears he had bought for his sister. Then, the Vermilion Bird stopped them. It seemed like this was the opportunity that made the siblings willing to communicate with him. Although it took a lot of time for the three of them to truly become harmonious, perhaps it was his help that broke the barrier between the two sides.
The Vermilion Bird thought as if it had nothing to do with him. Now that he recalled it, it was really unbelievable. Among the three of them, the son of the Japanese Prime Minister, who hated Britania the most, had now become the knight of the Emperor of Britania. The prince of Britania had become Britania's greatest enemy. His sister became the governor of Japan, the 11th district. Who could have predicted such a future?
[Vermilion Bird said that he wants to be a hairdresser in the future, Na Nali.]」
"Wow, Vermillion Bird, are you willing to cut my hair?」
[This won't do. It's better to let me cut it than to let the Vermilion Bird cut it for you.」
"Brother…you're probably not suited to be a hairdresser.」
[Hey, why do you think so? Na Nali."
"Uh, well…because my brother is too patient.」
[Wouldn't this make your hair look prettier?」
" B-But I can't move for two hours even when I'm cutting my hair. I'm very tired..."
"Hmm…I, I know. Be careful next time."」
Why did the Vermilion Bird recall such a plain conversation?
Perhaps this was all the fault of the shrine, because this was a place filled with memories. At that time, the three of them were so innocent. They sat in a small well and observed the world. Although he was not completely unsettled and disgusted. However, he could happily talk about today and tomorrow, thinking that that was enough, and he did not want anything else. The light was right beside them. Although there was darkness, at least it did not envelop the three of them. No matter how dark and dirty the world outside the well was, it didn't matter.
But…
The Vermilion Bird finally stood at the highest point of the stone steps. He could feel the thick sand under his feet. The surroundings were silent. There was not a single person. The air seemed to have frozen.
Pfft, it's all in the past.
Whether it was himself, Lelouch, or Na Nali, it was impossible for them to return to that small world. He couldn't go back even if he wanted to.
Standing in front of the ancient money box, the Vermilion Bird turned around.
Lelouch…was not here yet.
Finally, the Vermilion Bird heard the sound of footsteps gradually becoming clearer.
Step by step, the sound of footsteps coming from the stone steps was neither fast nor slow. The Vermilion Bird closed his eyes and listened for a while before finally opening them.
「……」
His enemy was standing right in front of him.
He had dazzling black hair and eyes that were the color of amethyst. He wasn't wearing ZERO's uniform, but Ashford Academy's uniform.
(In other words, it wasn't ZERO who came here.) Is it Lelouch…?
However, Lelouch's performance had touched the Vermilion Bird's reverse scale. Yes, he was always like this. Of course, he was not referring to the past. He had been wearing a mask ever since he reunited with this man in Shinjuku. He changed his expression according to the environment and situation, using his mask to control others. Deceiving. Trample. Yes, it was just like when they had pointed guns at each other on the island. He even used his sister, Na Nali, as bait. His despicable nature had never changed. He always thought that the world revolved around him.
As for that young girl…Yuffie, who was blinded by the Vermilion Bird like the brightest light, was actually dragged into a meaningless egoistic dispute by such a man and killed just like that!
He was the one who poisoned Yuffie's mind and instilled her with such despicable and naive thoughts. Restraining the dark impulse in his heart, V. Britain quietly faced the man in front of him, the Pinnacle Vermilion Bird, and spoke.
[Did you really come alone?]
[We made an appointment.]
The other party replied. Lelouch continued.
[I didn't expect you to really come.]
The Vermilion Bird seemed to have misunderstood Lelouch's words.
" I've set up thirty-one routes in advance for emergencies. With the current situation, the entry checks in District 11 are indeed much tighter, but even so, the routes related to the Britani royal family are still relatively loose…"
"That's not what I meant, Lelouch.」
Lelouch interrupted him."I said, I didn't expect you to dare to come and see me."」
The Vermilion Bird's expression stiffened and he lowered his head slightly.
[But this is not you…]
[Are you saying that we have an appointment?]
Lelouch ignored Vermilion Bird's words."At this point, do you think I'll still believe your promise?」
[If so, why are you standing here? Aren't you also--"
[Are you trying to say that I actually believed it? Because we are friends?"
「！」
" We... are not friends."
Lelouch said disdainfully.
[Haven't you been betraying me all along?!]……Not only me, but also the members of the student council, Na Nali, and even you, Yuffie!」
Lelouch's face was twisted in pain, and then he returned to his cold and arrogant expression."Could it be that you asked me to come here for this?」
The Vermilion Bird's pair of legs that were burning with dark flames looked disdainfully at the person in front of it. He reached into his pocket and took out a knight badge that looked like a white bird spreading its wings. This was given to him by Eufemia herself. She was the only girl who accepted everything about him and was willing to walk down the path with him. This badge contained all the thoughts he had for this unique girl. The Vermilion Bird raised the badge in front of Lelouch and said in a low voice.
"Before that, I want to confirm one thing.」
「……」
[Did you use Geass on Yuffie?」
After a moment of silence, Lelouch answered.
[That's right…]
[Ordering her to kill the Japanese?]
[It was my order.]
" Why did you give such an order?"
"To provoke the Japanese and make them rise up. If the Special Administrative Region of Japan had been established, the Black Knights would have been finished.」It was as if Lelouch was talking about something unimportant. Even in the face of so many lives, was he still indifferent?
The Vermilion Bird shook his head. His eyes were already hazy with water. An impulse that was about to burst out from the depths of his eyes arose spontaneously. No matter how hard he tried, he could not restrain it.
" You, are not a human…This is not something a human can do. What crime did Eufemia commit? What crime did the child in her stomach have?! Besides, that's your child! Because the Black Knights may be facing disbandment."
The Vermilion Bird.
Japan... How was it? The girl asked him this question before she died.
Never forgive Eufemia!
- Killing the princess!
Go to hell!
The intertwining curses and endless curses. Just like that, the young girl left this world under the cursing of the Japanese people whom she was extremely concerned about…
Everything was caused by this man. The Vermilion Bird had originally treated him as a friend. In order to save him, the Vermilion Bird had even attacked his own father!
[You are not human…]
The Vermilion Bird repeated in a trembling voice.
"To you…Yuffie is just a tool to fulfill your ambitions?」
Lelouch looked at the Vermilion Bird calmly." Yes…all the sins are on me." But-"
Lelouch suddenly raised his head and stared straight into the Vermilion Bird's eyes.
"However, if you hadn't instilled those so-called naive thoughts into Yuffie, I wouldn't have shot her!」
The Vermilion Bird was stunned. She didn't expect him to still…
[Despicable!] The Vermilion Bird roared,"You're always like this! You think that everyone should think the same as you, and it's best to act according to your ideas! You always…Do you know that His Majesty has given me the death penalty for Na Nali?」
[So? You called me here for such a boring thing?」
Lelouch's speech stopped here.
What the successor heard was the sound of sand rubbing against each other, and what he saw was the Vermilion Bird's shorter figure. He bent his knees and knelt on the ground. He placed his hands on the ground, lowered his head, and arched his back.
"I'm sorry! Lelouch!"
The Vermilion Bird knelt down and apologized to Lelouch.
"This is the first time I've lowered my head to beg for help.」
The Vermilion Bird said as he stared at the sand on the ground. Perhaps this was the truth. Even Lelouch had never seen the Vermilion Bird request in such a pathetic manner.
"I have no shame or face now, and I don't care about these things at all... So, please save Na Nali! Please! You're the only one who can save Na Nali now…Woo!」
The last word was a moan.
[What do you mean by things have come to this!]
Lelouch stomped on the Vermilion Bird's head.
[Do you think I'll forgive you? Just because you're kneeling and apologizing?"
[I…don't think you'll forgive me!] However, the only person I can ask of now is you…the only person who can save Na Nali is you!」
The Vermilion Bird's face was filled with tears.
" Do you think I…I will forgive you? Do you think people will forgive you? The people you bewitched! The people who died because of you! Yu-Yuffie must also…!"
The Vermilion Bird's face also revealed a tearful expression, but Lelouch's stomp became more and more ruthless. The Vermilion Bird's face was left with a mark, and it even sank into the sandy ground.
[What's the use of apologizing now? Return Yuffie!] It was now! Let me see how you use your malice to save this world!」
[Can't... do it...]
"Even if you can't do it, you have to! Aren't you the Seventh Knight who claimed to want to change the world through Britania?」
Lelouch suddenly moved his foot away and reached out to grab the Vermilion Bird's clothes on the ground, pulling him up. The Vermilion Bird didn't resist at all. It just let him play with it and threw him out.
「！」
The Vermilion Bird fell heavily to the ground. Yes, it was exactly the same as when he was being beaten and kicked by the children in this very same place. Lelouch, who had been rescued by Vermilion Bird from the violence, was now standing in front of him.
[Now that things have come to this, the Pinnacle Vermilion Bird.] Do you know what I hate about you the most? Talk to yourself! Stop calling me Yuffie!"
It was her, Yuffie, who moved the hands of her own stagnant clock. Therefore, he would never have the thought of seeking death like before. Definitely not.
However, he didn't feel alive at the moment.
He didn't want to die. He wanted to live. However, he was not alive. The only thought in his mind was to take revenge on ZERO for killing Yuffie. Become the First Knight and save Japan? Nunnally, who helped Yuffie inherit her dream? The Vermilion Bird had told itself that this was the purpose of its life countless times, but the path ahead was still illusory, and its heart was empty. No, those ideals and dreams weren't empty words, and it wasn't as if the Vermilion Bird didn't have such ambitions. However, no matter how hard he tried to pursue those ideals and dreams…
On the road ahead. However, there was no longer the person he wanted to protect. The sword's wish was to live for its master. Even if that would dirty his hands, even if he was no longer qualified to say the word " justice," the glory of protecting his master would make the sword forget death. However, the master that the sword wanted to protect was no longer around. Even if the master had left behind aspirations and wishes, it would still be useless. The fact that he had lost his master would eat away at his heart, and his heart would become scarred. Even if he told himself that he had to live on and pursue his dreams, he still did not feel alive.
'Too weak,' the Vermilion Bird suddenly thought.
Why was he so weak? The others…yes, perhaps even Na Nali had never thought of this. She was so determined to follow Yuffie's dream. Even if she used the wrong method, she would still continue to move forward because she believed that her goal was the same as her sister. Perhaps what she did could be called ignorant, stupid, and simple, but even so, she had truly lived out her true self. After being forced to part with her closest brother and losing her gentle and kind sister, she still had a fresh heart. No, perhaps in a sense, this was a matter of course. Overcoming the shadow of someone's death and living with the memories---wasn't that what humans were? It wasn't just Na Nali. Millay and Livare, Lloyd and Cecil, Gino and Ania were there as well. Everyone had lost something or was about to lose something. However, while they engraved these lost things in their hearts, they did not seek death. Instead, they chose to truly experience the taste of " life " and live on.
Everyone was like that, but why was he the only one-perhaps. The Vermilion Bird muttered to himself.
"…The Geass command you imposed on me distorted my beliefs at that time.」
After a long silence. The Vermilion Bird spoke in a calmer tone than before.
[It ends here! ZERO!」
Suddenly, a third person's voice and a few gunshots rang out. The bullet passed between their hands, forcing them to retract their hands.
[Your true identity has long been exposed!」
[What-!]
Vermilion Bird and Lelouch turned around at the same time. With the sound of engines coming from the transport planes in the sky, two Knighthood descended from the sky. The black body appeared extremely solemn. This was a Knight Mare that had been modified from Lancelot's trial production machine Vincent into a general-purpose machine. It was called Gareth.
Gareth wasn't the only one who suddenly appeared. From the dense forest around the shrine, soldiers dressed in military uniforms and holding weapons rushed out from the shade of the trees.
" Are you alright, Minister Shu Shu?"
[Please step back!]
The soldiers rushed between Vermilion Bird and Lelouch with their guns, aiming their guns at Lelouch and protecting Vermilion Bird behind them. Lelouch looked at the Vermilion Bird behind the soldiers in surprise.
[I see, Pinnacle Vermilion Bird!?] You…from the beginning…"
「! Wait, wait a minute!"
The Vermilion Bird, whose mind had gone blank, finally came back to his senses. He hurriedly reached out to push the soldiers away, wanting to stop them, but at this moment, a hand quietly landed on his shoulder.
[Ah--]
[You've done a great job, Shu Muqing.]」
The Vermilion Bird turned around and saw a beautiful and upright face of a man. It was so beautiful that people would mistake it for a woman's. Count Garen Maldini, adjutant of the Prime Minister of the Holy British Empire, Nigel L. Britania. At this moment, there was a hair-raising smile on his face.
"This way, the war will be over.」
The Vermilion Bird was speechless. On the other side, Lelouch's expression gradually changed as countless guns were pointed at him.
[I see...]
Lelouch's voice was filled with hatred and it sounded as if it came from underground. His eyes were burning with anger as he glared at his most trusted friend, the Pinnacle Vermilion Bird.
" You originally planned to betray me by saving Na Nali…You betrayed me again, Vermilion Bird. You betrayed me!"
Lelouch roared in resentment.
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