We retreated to the Britannian military base in the Kanazawa district to counter the terrorists' Refrain-fueled war of attrition. However, a grim piece of news awaited us there.
For me, it was simply a development true to the original story, so it wasn't a problem at all. But for Cornelia, who held strong prejudices against Numbers, it was undoubtedly devastating news. The report stated that Suzaku Kururugi had been chosen as a knight. And considering it was chosen by Euphemia, her beloved sister, one could imagine the intensity of her rage.
Indeed, the staff officer who delivered the news was half-trembling, as Cornelia's mood worsened every few seconds during the report. Yet, the fact that he managed to complete the report to the end was a testament to being a direct staff officer to Cornelia. Though, after the report was finished, he left as if to say, "Let sleeping dogs lie."
"…"
Tap, tap, tap, tap.
Cornelia silently tapped the desk with her index finger. Guilford and I stood nearby, but the tension in the air was incredible.
I urged Guilford with my eyes to do something, but he shook his head and motioned for me to handle it.
Guilford, her direct knight, couldn't handle it, so I should? I wish he wouldn't ask for such impossible things, but perhaps I, with my shorter association, was better suited for this.
"Cornelia."
"…"
"It would help if you could first calm your anger."
"…"
No good. She wasn't listening.
This was probably due to her doting affection for Euphemia, but if this continued, her subordinates would be uncomfortable. And more importantly, if we had to fight terrorists in this state, she could make a fatal judgment error.
Guess I have no choice. I'm not very good at this sort of thing.
I sighed inwardly, then approached Cornelia and placed a hand on her shoulder.
It felt like disarming a ticking time bomb about to explode.
"Euphemia must have her own thoughts on the matter. Rather than just sitting here like this, why don't you try contacting her directly?"
"…"
Cornelia remained silent for a few seconds, then took a deep breath as if expelling the anger within her, and turned her face towards me.
"You're right. I apologize, Axel. I've caused you trouble."
"Don't worry about it."
I removed my hand from her shoulder and returned to Guilford's side. Guilford, who had been looking at me with surprise, quickly reverted to his usual composed expression.
"It's me. Please connect me to Euphemia."
True to Cornelia's nature of immediate decision-making, she had already contacted the Britannian administration and was connecting with Euphemia.
A few seconds later, Euphemia's face appeared on the monitor.
"…"
"…"
They faced each other for a few seconds, both remaining silent. Cornelia likely wanted to revoke Suzaku Kururugi's knighthood, but since the investiture ceremony had been held publicly, she couldn't. No, she probably could if she forced it, but that would bring shame upon Euphemia both internally and externally. That was a course of action Cornelia, who adored her sister, could never take.
"You have nothing to say to me."
"The appointment of a knight is a royal prerogative. Even as Governor, I have no right to interfere."
Cornelia replied to Euphemia's words, but her tone was naturally tinged with displeasure.
However, Euphemia, undeterred, spoke again.
"While Suzaku Kururugi is an Honorary Britannian, his abilities are perfectly adequate for a knight. Sister…"
"Governor."
"The Governor also saw his abilities firsthand in the battles at Narita and the port, didn't you?"
"Discriminating against Numbers is a national policy of Britannia."
"Then I will change it."
"…! Do you understand, Vice-Governor Euphemia? That means becoming Emperor!"
Ultimately, their exchange remained unresolved, and the communication ended. Usually, Cornelia would be in a good mood after speaking with Euphemia, but now it was the complete opposite. However, the only silver lining was that she seemed slightly calmer compared to before the call.
"…Axel, Guilford. I apologize for causing you discomfort with my personal matters."
At least, she was aware enough to realize the atmosphere she had been emitting.
"No, Your Highness. I'm just glad you've calmed down."
"Indeed. …Give it time. Regardless of becoming Emperor or not, nothing in this world is absolutely immutable. The discrimination against Numbers, too, will eventually change."
"Hmph, you truly hold no prejudice against the Numbers."
Cornelia looked at me with a wry smile.
"Have you forgotten? I'm not even Britannian to begin with. Besides, when you're a mercenary, Numbers or not, it makes no difference. On the battlefield, whether you're Britannian, a Number, or an Honorary Britannian, it doesn't matter. There is only strength or weakness. Life or death. That's all."
Bullets flying on the battlefield don't discriminate between Britannians and Numbers. If they hit, you die. Or, if you're lucky, you get injured.
"Indeed, Axel's… Hm?"
A knock interrupted Cornelia, who was about to say something.
"Enter."
The man who entered at Cornelia's word was someone I vaguely recognized.
A thin, nervous-looking middle-aged man. Kino Kreis, who had helped us when we were searching for Mao.
"Excuse me. I have something to report to the Governor."
"What is it?"
"We have successfully identified the individual believed to be issuing orders to the terrorists in this Ishikawa district."
"Really!?"
"Yes. According to the intelligence department's investigation, he appears to be hiding in Kanazawa."
…What?
"Under our very noses?"
"Yes. Apparently, he is a subordinate of the Chinese Federation, specifically one of the Great Eunuchs."
"Great Eunuchs… I see, a strategy using Refrain is exactly the kind of thing those vulgar individuals would come up with."
The Great Eunuchs. They were the ones who controlled the Emperor as a puppet and did as they pleased. Just as in the original story, they seemed to have rotten personalities.
"You have his exact location, right?"
"Yes. The details are here."
Kino handed over a report he was holding. It likely contained the whereabouts of the person behind this whole affair.
Reading the report, Cornelia spoke with an impressed tone.
"I see. It certainly seems authentic. To intentionally avoid preparing forces and instead infiltrate our territory to avoid suspicion… for a subordinate of those Great Eunuchs, he's quite capable."
From then on, things progressed quickly. The mastermind was secured, primarily by the intelligence department. After that, false information was spread to gather the terrorists in one location, where they were surrounded and annihilated. The survivors were taken prisoner, but most were Refrain addicts, which became a headache for Cornelia.
Ultimately, we returned to the Tokyo Settlement a few days later.
During this period in the original story, Euphemia, Suzaku, Lelouch, and Kallen had been blown from Shikine Island to Kamine Island and gone missing, but there was no contact about that whatsoever. Perhaps knowing Cornelia's intense affection for her sister, they decided to keep it hidden. Or perhaps there was contact via Schneizel that I wasn't aware of.
"It took longer than I expected."
In the audience chamber of the government building, I was engaged in conversation with Cornelia. Guilford, along with Dalton, was apparently organizing information from our absence, so he wasn't present.
"Refrain… we need to do something about this first."
"Yes. But this kind of thing is very difficult to eradicate. It's also affecting Area 11's overall production."
"Governor!"
A man approached, interrupting Cornelia's words. He was one of Cornelia's staff officers, but sweat beaded on his face.
"What is it?"
"We received a report from Shikine Island. Details are unclear, but Major Kururugi has been apprehended for insubordination."
"Kururugi!? Good grief… just when I thought the Ishikawa subjugation was over."
And then Guilford appeared. A rare look of urgency was on his face. This… it's here.
"Princess!"
"What now?"
Cornelia replied to Guilford with an annoyed tone, but her expression changed to shock at Guilford's next words.
"The Kanmon Bridge in the Kyushu block has been destroyed!"
"What!?"
"In addition, four other land routes have been cut. Furthermore, numerous assault landing craft have infiltrated the Genkai Sea!"
"The Chinese Federation!? But, a declaration of war…"
"No, those vessels bear the Japanese flag!"
Yes, just as in the original story, the Chinese Federation—ostensibly the exiled Japanese government—had invaded Kyushu.
"In that case, the series of operations using Refrain might have been a diversion to draw our attention away from this surprise attack."
"So we've been played, then."
Cornelia gritted her teeth. Using Refrain wasn't like her, but perhaps it was a strategy conceived by Li Xingke.
Li Xingke. While his influence wasn't significant in the Chinese Federation, which was dominated by incompetent Great Eunuchs, his abilities were formidable. He possessed physical prowess on par with Suzaku and an intellect as sharp as Lelouch's. His sole and greatest weakness was his body, ravaged by illness.
"In any case, we cannot leave Kyushu like this. We're leaving immediately. Prepare for deployment. Guilford, inform Dalton at once. Axel. I'll need you to come as well, is that alright?"
I silently nodded at Cornelia's voice. If it was like the original story, the weather should be rough. In that case, deployment by sea would be impossible. That naturally meant by air…
Suddenly, the battle at Narita came to mind. At that time, Lloyd had been too focused on analyzing the Landlion, and the Sandboard hadn't been completed. Would the float unit be alright this time?
Name: Axel Almar
LV: 34
PP: 180
Melee: 242
Ranged: 260
Skill: 252
Defense: 249
Evasion: 277
Accuracy: 299
SP: 414
Ace Bonus: SP Boost (Increases Slime's performance by consuming SP)
Growth Type: All-Rounder, Special
Air: S
Land: S
Sea: B
Space: S
Spirit Commands:
Accelerate: SP 4
Effort: SP 8
Concentration: SP 16
Direct Hit: SP 30
Awaken: SP 32
Love: SP 48
Skills:
EXP Up
SP Boost (SP Up Lv.9 & SP Recovery & Concentration)
Psychokinesis Lv.10
Attacker
Gunfight Lv.9
Infight Lv.9
Morale Limit Break
Geass (Gray)
???
???
???
???
???
Kills: 195
-----------------------------
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