2010-5-12 Japan
At the seaside mansion.
Although the dense pine trees around the villa looked like they were naturally wild, they were not. They were specially planted around the villa after careful planning. On the bluish-white beams were very thick cypress pillars. At first glance, one would think that it was a high-class hotel. On the north side of the villa was a cliff, and below the cliff was a vast white sand beach. There was a dense pine forest on the south side of the villa, and the sparsely populated houses were further away from the pine forest.
It would be inappropriate to say that this place was far from the village.
This place was quite close to the village.
However, there was indeed no one here.
The quiet atmosphere and leisurely feeling around them were very compatible with the life of seclusion. At the same time, in a sense, this place had simply surpassed the realm of human life.
This mansion belonged to the Shumu family.
He wanted to go to the beach to take a look.
His sister, Na Nali, rarely made such a request.
"There's a beautiful beach right next to this, isn't it?」
[Well, that's true.]
"Hey, Lelouch, let's bring Nunnally over. After all, it's not good for the body to stay at home all the time.」A young girl with long black hair and emerald green pupils spoke to Lelouch. Her name was Huang Shenle. She was the heir to the Japanese royal family and the cousin of the Pinnacle Vermilion Bird. For some reason, he was deeply attracted to Lelouch the moment he saw him. Lelouch had always been troubled by this, but Na Nali had always treated Kagura with a calm attitude.
After lunch, Lelouch, who was cleaning up the tableware at the sink, stopped what he was doing and turned around.
His straight black hair was neatly arranged around his face.
His pupils flickered with a deep light like an adult's.
An adult expression appeared on his face.
"But it's still early to swim, Na Nali. In Japan, it would take a month before they could go into the sea.」
[I know.]
Nunnally took the dishes that Lelouch had just washed from his wheelchair.
Her eyes were closed the whole time.
Na Nali was already blind.
Na Nali's small hand held a rag and began to wipe the washed dishes.
Although he couldn't see, he could still do this kind of work.
Although Lelouch could do this kind of work by himself, in order to make Na Nali happy, he let her do it. To Na Nali, helping her brother do something within her power was something she had always hoped for. Every time she saw Kagura helping her brother with his work and washing the dishes with her brother in the kitchen, her heart felt empty. She was clearly her brother's biological sister, but now she was like an outsider. She was the only one who understood why he would do this.
Na Nali wiped the cutlery clean and carefully placed them on the dining table.
Then, Na Nali turned to Lelouch and smiled.
[Brother, I don't know how to swim.」
[Ah, yes. I'm sorry."
"However, I really like the sound and taste of the sea. If big brother has time, can you bring me around here?」
[Yeah]
Lelouch thought for a moment.
Frankly speaking.
Lelouch didn't want to take Na Nali out.
The Lelouch of the past was not like this.
When they were in Britain, both of them were children who liked to play outside. Perhaps it was because of his mother's cheerful personality. Na Nali had been an obedient child since she was young, and Lelouch was definitely not a naughty child, so their mother would always take them outside the palace to play. Moreover, both of them liked to go out very much. Compared to the boring palace, the outside world was much more interesting. Nothing was happier than going out to play with a gentle mother.
However, there was no sign of their mother beside them.
Moreover, this was not his motherland, but a foreign country. Moreover, Lelouch knew what kind of feelings the people here had for their motherland. He also knew what the people here would say to him.
The children of the invaders!
Hostage.
However…
This was a seaside villa that was different from the one that the siblings used to live in.
There were few people around here, and they usually wouldn't meet anyone outside. Moreover, from here to the beach below the cliff, they could just go through the private path in the courtyard. In that case, the possibility of meeting other people living in this villa was very small.
Forget it, there shouldn't be any problems. Lelouch thought.
Moreover, Na Nali rarely asked him for anything. It was rare for her to ask, so he agreed.
" Alright, I understand. Na Nali, we'll go right away."
[Thank you, brother.]
"Do you want to bring anything? Although it was not as far as an outing.」
[That's true.]
For some reason, Na Nali's face lowered.
However, she quickly raised her head and said.
[Brother.] If possible, can you ask Vermilion Bird to go with you?」
[Ahhhh.]
Although Lelouch hesitated for a moment, he could not refuse.
Originally.
Lelouch V. Britain was the kind of person who was indifferent to other people's affairs.
He didn't know if it was because he was born with it, or because he was the prince of the world's number one superpower, or because his biological mother died when he was young, or because his father sent him to another country as a hostage.
Even if someone asked, he would probably say that he didn't know.
It was easy to be misunderstood.
Indeed, Lelouch would not show any concern for others.
However, this did not mean that he did not care about others.
Although he didn't show it. But now, although Lelouch was still a child, he was using his maximum attention to observe the people around him.
Ever since his mother passed away, no, ever since his mother was assassinated by someone, he had always been like this.
If not, they would not be able to survive. It was extremely dangerous.
The royal family of Britain was always in the middle of a battle.
Lelouch realized this when his mother, the Fifth Princess Consort of the Holy British Empire, the Knight Duke Mariana, passed away. No, to be more precise, it was two months after his mother's death when he finally received permission from his father, Shalulu J. Britain of the Holy British Empire.
"The weak have no right to live. This is the royal family.」
In response to Lelouch's question of " why didn't you protect your mother?", the father, no, the man answered calmly.
Other than that, there was no other answer.
That man didn't even come to his mother's funeral.
He also did not visit Na Nali, who was at the scene of the accident. Her legs were severely injured and she was blind.
His answer was only one sentence.
His eyes were bright red.
The magnificent audience hall was decorated in a blood-red color.
Seeing Lelouch's reaction, the man continued.
[Boring, Lelouch.] Are you taking up the precious time of the Emperor of the Holy British Empire for such a thing? As my son, this kind of behavior is really too stupid.」
From the man's reproach, Lelouch suddenly understood everything.
This man was Sharulu J. Britain, the 98th emperor of the Holy British Empire. She, her mother, and her sister were just his chess pieces.
Moreover, it was already broken and not very useful.
If he couldn't even protect himself, he would be a piece of trash.
There was no emotion.
He didn't have any thoughts.
There was nothing much to say. It was not even worth a glance.
What that man needed was an excellent chess piece that could help him and inherit his legacy.
Only chess pieces that won't break
From that day on, the entire world was Lelouch's enemy.
That man was the same, and so were the people around him. Moreover, even his foster mother and foster siblings, who stood on the same side as him but felt disgusted by his existence, were also his enemies.
Fighting, stepping on others, one person, only one person can stand up.
This was the world.
There was no one here.
There was only one person, his sister Na Nali. Other than her, there was no one else in this world.
but
Although it was a villa, it was still the house of one of Japan's few big assets, the Shuki family.
The area inside was very large.
Lelouch had to pass through many rooms to reach his destination.
There was an open corridor in the courtyard.
It was said that this was the back building.
The room of the person who told him this was in the innermost part of the corridor.
There was basically no one walking around the villa.
In fact, there were very few people in this villa, including the servants. It was very suitable for Lelouch.
After passing through the corridor, Lelouch stood at the door of the room.
This door was very difficult to knock on.
Because for Lelouch, it would be more appropriate to call this a screen rather than a door. To open this so-called door, one had to pull it left and right instead of pushing it back and forth. There were papers in the middle of the wooden grid. It was said that this was called a sliding door.
The window was slightly ajar.
He hesitated for a moment. Lelouch looked into the room through the crack in the window.
There wasn't much in the room, just a tatami room.
He was sitting in the middle of the room.
His eyes were tightly shut, and he maintained his upright posture.
She was wearing a white kimono top and a navy blue skirt. It was a typical Japanese style.
Beside him was a wooden stick.
No, that shouldn't be called a wooden stick.
It seemed to be a Japanese wooden sword.
It looked a little different from the bamboo knife he used to hold.
The brand new wooden saber was placed beside him. He was the eldest son of the Shuki family, the son of the current Japanese Prime Minister, Shuki Xuanwu. The Vermilion Bird's eyes were closed the entire time, maintaining its upright position.
There was no trace of life in the quiet air. Looking at the statue of the Vermilion Bird in front of him, Lelouch felt a suffocating feeling in his chest for some reason.
At this moment.
The statue suddenly turned into a human.
[Who is it!]
A pair of determined eyes looked over.
When he saw Lelouch, his eyes immediately softened.
[What? So it's you.]
The lines were still the same as before.
Nothing had changed.
Only one thing had changed.
[Is His Highness also peeping? What a bad taste, Lelouch.」
[You're the one who opened the window for others to see.]」
Lelouch's attitude did not change.
He snorted and continued.
"Besides, should I take a nap at this time? Rather than being lazy, it was more like being arrogant, Vermilion Bird.」
"This is a form of spiritual cultivation, meditation.」
[Isn't it just a nap?]
"Sometimes, I think you can really find fault.」
Rosefinch stood up from the tatami while laughing heartily.
[Right, what's wrong? Why are you here?"
[Ahhh!]
Lelouch was speechless.
[Na Nali asked if you wanted to go for a walk on the beach.」
[Eh? It's really rare."
[I don't have any special intention of asking you to come.」
[The more you say this, the more it will backfire, Lelouch.]」
[You were willing to do that, right?」
[It's not because of you anyway.]
His broken mouth was still the same as before.
Nothing had changed.
yes
The Vermilion Bird tilted its head slightly as if it was talking to itself.
[Forget it then. I'm bored too."
[Alright. I'll go with you. Quickly thank me, Lelouch!"
[Who wants to thank you?]
The Vermilion Bird reached out and grabbed the wooden saber beside him.
Ever since that day.
Since that night, he had always carried that knife with him.
It was raining.
[Lelouch, I]
It was pitch-black all around, and the heavy rain seemed to have drowned the sky.
[I don't want it.]
The hand that grabbed her chest.
Shaking hands, frozen hands.
cold hands
[I]
He was crying and complaining.
It was as if his heart was about to be torn apart.
It was as if he was desperately asking for help.
[I will never use that power for myself again.]
It was raining.
It was pitch-black all around, and the heavy rain seemed to have drowned the sky.
He…
The heavy rain seemed to drown the sky.
[Absolutely, cannot be used.] Lelouch.
Probably.
He had died once.
The weather outside was as clear as a painting.
Although there was still some time before summer, the sun was already very hot.
The sea breeze blowing from the vast sea made the surrounding air very humid. White seagulls were leisurely flying in the blue sky.
There was only Huang Shenle sitting beside him on the beach. She gently placed her tender little hand on Lelouch's trembling hand. She did not understand why Lelouch was like this. He had too many secrets. No matter what she did, she could not see through him. From the first time she saw him, she was attracted by the mysterious aura he emitted. However, she did not voice her worries. She believed that one day, he would tell her what was on his mind.
Lelouch quickly stopped trembling. He turned to Yaya Kagura and smiled without saying anything. He could see the worry in Kagura's eyes, but he avoided it and quickly turned to look at the sea that was overflowing with light.
However, this was only natural. This beach was the private property of the Pivot Wood family. From Lelouch's impression, this place felt like a private beach.
Pushing Nunnally's wheelchair on the beach was quite laborious work, so the Vermilion Bird simply carried Nunnally from the wheelchair all the way to the beach. Lelouch had already moved a small chair over for Nunnally to sit on. Although this division of labor was purely determined by the strength of the wrist, the two children did not give in to each other until the final decision was made.
However, after carrying Na Nali to the beach, the Vermilion Bird was still busy taking care of her.
[Yes, yes, Na Nali. I'll help you hold the fishing rod. You just need to slowly reel in the line.」
[Is it like this?]
[Yes.] Not bad, not bad! But you can't roll the thread all at once. The front of the hook was very sharp, and it was very dangerous to be scratched. He felt that it was about time to stop. Then, I'll throw it into the distance."
[This is my first time fishing.]
"Is that so? But Na Nali learns very quickly!"
[Really?]
" Yes, that's right. The movements of the fishing rod are very standard. How's it going over there?" Oh, I don't have to say it."
Following the Vermilion Bird's helpless voice, Lelouch fell heavily onto the beach.
It didn't look like he did it on purpose.
When the hook scratched his clothes, it was just when he started to throw the rod. Therefore, the line wrapped around his body and the sand under his feet was too soft. In the end, he fell down in an instant. As the mastermind of this incident, Vermilion Bird stood beside Na Nali and calmly expressed his thoughts.
Because of the fishing line on his body, the more he struggled, the more he could not move. Lelouch looked like a dried squid from a fishing village lying on the beach. Kagura's heart ached as he helped Lelouch remove the thread from his body. She angrily and sternly said to the Vermilion Bird,"Cousin, please don't cause trouble for no reason!」
"No, Leye, he's the one who accidentally blamed me.」The Vermilion Bird spoke with a slightly aggrieved tone. However, Yaya Kagura completely ignored him and continued to help Lelouch remove all the fishing lines from his body. On the other hand, Na Nali lowered her head and said nothing. Although there was a faint smile on her face, her small hand was already gripping the fishing rod tightly. Brother, he was clearly her brother…
[Lelouch, you better not drift to an uninhabited island.] If it was you, you definitely wouldn't have a chance to survive there.」The Vermilion Bird ignored Yaya Kagura's stern words and continued to mock him.
[How could such a thing happen!」
Lelouch fought back as he struggled to remove the fishing line tied to his body.
[Damn it! What's wrong with this fishing rod? Why isn't the hook flying forward properly?"
"That's because you didn't cast the hook properly.」
"There's a problem with the quality of this thing. He quickly contacted the guy who sold this, Vermilion Bird. I asked him to compensate me for my mental and economic losses.」
" This, I'll tell you."
[Forget it, forget it. Using such a thin line to capture prey was not my style. It was more reasonable to cast a net at this time!」
[You're going against all the fishing enthusiasts in the world now!」The Vermilion Bird replied helplessly. Looking at Lelouch's red face, Kagura called out to the Vermilion Bird even more sternly. [Cousin!]
[Yes, yes, yes...] She was really a married cousin who had poured water on her. She hadn't even married yet, and she was already siding with an outsider! The Vermilion Bird muttered. Na Nali was right beside the Vermilion Bird. Naturally, his muttering was heard by Na Nali. Na Nali felt her heart being hollowed out and then conflicted. At this moment, she actually wanted to cry out loud. Yaya Kagura heard it as well. However, his face turned red as he turned his head away and ignored the Vermilion Bird.
At this moment, Na Nali's voice came from the side.
[Eh? Vermilion Bird, what's so heavy on the fish?」
[Yeah!] The fish had taken the bait. Nunnally, just continue like this!」
"No problem, slowly.」
[Yeah, yeah]
[Yes, yes, that's it. Just a little bit more. Great!]」
[Did you catch it?]
[Yes.] Nunnally, you caught well!"
[Wow! What kind of fish did you catch?"
"Palla fish. It's good to roast it or boil it in soup.」
"Ah, that, is it going to be eaten?」
[It's a little small. What should I do? Should I let it go?"
[Ah, okay. Then, please let it go."
[Understood.]
The Vermilion Bird took the fishing line and nimbly plucked the small red fish from the hook. Then, she threw the small fish back into the sea.
With a splash, the fish disappeared into the sea.
Then, the Vermilion Bird took the fishing rod from Na Nali and said.
"This time, let's catch a bigger one, Nunnally.」
[Okay, okay.]
[By the way, I haven't told Na Nali yet.] We're fishing for tonight's dinner.」
[Eh? Is that really the case?"
[Yes, really.]
Although the Vermilion Bird said this in a serious manner, a smile was plastered all over his face. Then, the Vermilion Bird skillfully swung the fishing rod again, and the hook accurately landed in the distant sea.
"Alright, Nunnally, let's do it again.」
[Ah, okay. I will definitely work hard."
"Yes, very good. You have ideals. Then, the next one would be to catch a high-level fish!」
[Is it a fish?]
[Haha, no. What a joke. That's impossible."
[Eh?]
Looking at Na Nali's adorable dazed expression, the young man opposite her smiled gently.
Lelouch, who had finally struggled free from the fishing line and stood up, looked at the two of them speechlessly.
The scene and the people in front of him felt unbelievable.
If it was the old Lelouch, he would never let his sister Na Nali come into contact with outsiders like this.
However, things were different now.
Or rather, he was the only one who was different.
The young man was alone. Even if he was by Na Nali's side, Lelouch would not have any objections. That young man would not touch the dark place in the depths of Lelouch's heart.
As long as he saw this scene, his mood would relax.
Such a relaxed mood.
However, this feeling…
It was such a blissful thing to be able to create such a truly relaxed mood.
Whether it was for himself, Na Nali, or anyone else, he was very happy.
In the end, the four of them played on the beach until evening.
As a result, Rosefinch and Nunnally's group caught eight fish. As expected, Lelouch did not catch anything, while Kagura caught three fish.
Although it was already the season where the days were long and the nights were short, the weather still became a little cold in the evening.
Lelouch covered Na Nali in the wheelchair with the jacket he had prepared beforehand. The Vermilion Bird exclaimed emotionally.
[They are so well prepared.]
[Na Nali rarely goes out, so of course she has to be fully prepared.」
[You can probably become a very qualified maid.]」
[I don't even know if you're praising me or insulting me.]」
The mountain road back to the villa was winding in the pine forest.
The road was covered with gravel. Although it was not as soft as the beach, it still required a considerable amount of strength to push the wheelchair on it.
The Vermilion Bird walked in front, picking up branches that might block the wheelchair and throwing them into the woods beside the road. Lu Lu, who was pushing a wheelchair, followed behind.
The sky was getting dark, and the pine forest was getting darker.
"In short, after a day of fishing practice, I have come up with a set of theories and experiences. Vermillion Bird, I will definitely surpass you the next time I come."」
[You're still as stubborn as ever.]」
"Hehe, this is my brother's personality.」
[Lelouch, I believe you can do it. This was the kind of personality a boy should have. He should never be like a certain someone who was well-developed and simple-minded.」
[But, Na Nali. This guy is a fishing noob. Isn't this your first time fishing?」
[What is a fishing noob?]
"He's a super stupid person who can't even catch a small fish.」
[Oh]
[Can you do it?] Don't teach Na Nali such nonsense.」
The four of them passed through the forest path while chatting and laughing.
The road ahead became flat.
They soon arrived at the back door of the villa.
Just as they were about to leave the forest.
The Vermilion Bird suddenly stopped.
He stood in the middle of the road.
[Vermilion Bird?]
[Vermilion Bird, what's wrong?]
[Sorry, Lelouch.]
The Vermilion Bird said as he turned around and walked towards the pine forest.
[You guys go back first. I forgot something.]」
Lelouch sighed.
[You're still talking about me. Aren't you still the same?]」
[Hahaha, that's true.]
The Vermilion Bird laughed as it ran.
He ran past Lelouch, Na Nali, and Kagura.
The figure that had grown a little taller when they first met disappeared into the forest in the blink of an eye.
[That guy really hasn't changed at all.」
Looking at the Vermilion Bird's back, Lelouch muttered.
After half a day of fishing training, Lelouch was already quite tired. Although Lelouch was a little tired, it was nothing compared to the training he had received in the Imperial Guards. The Vermilion Bird's footsteps did not seem tired at all. She was as energetic as if she had just woken up in the morning. Could it be that his physical strength was unlimited? Lelouch had never seen such an energetic person, not even the adults.
[Go back? Na Nali."
Since the Vermilion Bird had already told him to go back first, there was no need to follow him back.
Lelouch turned around and continued to push the wheelchair towards the villa.
At this moment, Lelouch suddenly noticed.
Na Nali's face.
Although his eyes were still closed, there was no change.
However, her face kept turning to the back.
Although she shouldn't have been able to see it, she was still looking in the direction where the Vermilion Bird had left.
[Na Nali?]
[Ah, nothing.]
Hearing Lelouch call her name, Na Nali turned around and sat down.
After answering softly, Na Nali gently stopped in her wheelchair.
Lelouch pushed the wheelchair forward.
After passing through the forest, the road ahead opened up.
Blue roofs and pure Japanese style buildings appeared in front of him, getting closer and closer to him.
Just as they were about to reach the door, Na Nali suddenly said.
[Brother]
[What's wrong? Na Nali."
[Is the Vermilion Bird a little more energetic?]」
Lelouch stopped pushing the cart.
He lowered his gaze. Na Nali's hair color was different from his. It was brown, and her beautiful hair fluttered gently in the breeze.
Na Nali's hair was a little long. It seemed that he needed to tidy up a little more recently.
[Brother?]
[Ah, ah, sorry, Na Nali.]
I know.
Of course I know.
Na Nali was not concerned about the Vermilion Bird's physical condition. His body did not change at all.
It was not a physical condition.
It was the youth's heart.
The current Vermilion Bird gave off a different feeling from the previous Vermilion Bird. Even Na Nali could feel this. First of all, Vermilion Bird didn't even go to school anymore. About a month ago, the Vermilion Bird had suddenly followed him and Na Nali to this seaside villa after they had moved from the main residence of the Shuimu family.
When Lelouch asked why, the Vermilion Bird only replied,"For the time being, I'm here to live for a while."」
Something must have changed.
What was different?
Na Nali was very sensitive to the emotional changes of the people around her. Perhaps it was because she could not see, so she would not be confused by the surface.
Lelouch suddenly asked.
[Na Nali, what do you think?]
[Eh?]
[How do you think that guy has changed?」
Perhaps she didn't expect her brother to suddenly ask such a question.
Na Nali fell into deep thought.
Her head was still lowered, and her slender index finger was placed on her lips as she pondered silently for a while.
After a moment of silence, Na Nali spoke again.
[Yes, I feel that the Vermilion Bird has become more gentle than when we first met.]」
Lelouch nodded.
[Yes. He didn't do anything as rough as before.」
Never again.
"Moreover, he has become more sensitive than before.」
[Yeah. I used to be careless."
He wouldn't use it again.
[I feel much more cheerful than before.」
[Yes.] Lelouch said indifferently.
I will never use my own power for myself again.
[But…]
[Hmm?]
He didn't know how to use it.
[I'm a little scared.]
[Afraid?]
Absolutely, cannot be used.
"I'm afraid that the Vermilion Bird will suddenly leave us one day and go somewhere else.」
[Don't worry, Na Nali. Cousin will be fine, and I will be by your side.」Although Kagura was speaking to Na Nali, her gaze was directed at Lelouch. She had clearly conveyed her thoughts to him, but what about him? Lelouch could only look ahead. He had been dodging. Other than dodging, there was nothing else he could do. To Yuffie, Anya, and Monica…he had already made them keep their promises in vain. He couldn't…
The evening breeze blew.
The surrounding pine forest rustled.
The aura of the tide reached here and rushed straight into his nose.
The sun was about to set, and the surroundings gradually darkened.
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