Around noon the following day, after returning to the White Star, I met with Cornelia in the medical facility located within the residential district. As for yesterday's incident with Lemon, I decided to seal that memory in the furthest recesses of my mind. Let's just say, for the record, that she acknowledged Cornelia's presence.
"You seem to be recovering well."
Cornelia was lying in bed, but there were no longer any visible traces of her injuries on her body. The fact that wounds of that magnitude could be completely healed in a single night was a testament to the terrifying capabilities of Aerogator technology. …To be precise, the technical staff who analyzed and adapted that technology were just as impressive.
"Yes. I was told to stay in bed for the rest of the day just as a precaution, but I should be free to walk around by tomorrow. You people truly possess incredible technology."
Cornelia spoke while staring intently at her own hand, which wasn't even bandaged anymore.
"I suppose. The technical team in this unit, led by Lemon, possesses technical skills that stand out even compared to the standards of our original world. …Though, they are a bit eccentric in various ways."
"Lemon Browning, was it? She came here this morning."
"…Is that so? And did she say anything?"
"She said that since she loves you, Axel, she would accept me as a mistress. However, she made it clear that the position of 'primary wife' belongs solely to her."
…I honestly don't know what the correct response is in a situation like this.
"I-I see."
"Naturally, I told her this: 'Being number one isn't about who arrived first; it is about who is loved the most by Axel.'"
…No, seriously, what is the correct response here?
"Are you really okay with this?"
"What are you saying at this late stage? You were the one who told me to dedicate my body and soul to you."
"I don't recall saying anything of the sort."
"You told me to become yours. It is only natural to interpret it that way, is it not? At the very least, that is how I perceived it. …Besides."
Cornelia suddenly hesitated, her words trailing off.
"Besides?"
"It is an undeniable fact that I love you. That remains true whether that contract exists or not."
"…"
I found myself falling silent at Cornelia's sudden confession.
"Say something, you fool."
Urged on by Cornelia, whose face had turned red, I finally spoke.
"Right. I'm happy… yes, there is no doubt that I am happy. But I…"
"You also love Lemon Browning, correct?"
"Yeah."
"And how do you feel about me?"
"…I love you."
"I have conveyed my feelings several times since yesterday, but this is the first time I have heard a confession from you, Axel. …Is it not fine?"
"What is?"
"Even if you fall for or love multiple women."
The words coming from Cornelia were unexpected. But, thinking about it, it wasn't that strange. After all, Cornelia is royalty. Her father, Emperor Charles, has multiple consorts, so she is likely tolerant regarding such matters.
"You will likely get used to having multiple women attending to you in time. More importantly… regarding the cause of Euphy's condition. Will you share the information you claimed to possess?"
With that one sentence, her demeanor shifted. Cornelia's expression transformed into one of serious intent.
"Right… Where should I begin? First, regarding my abilities. I possess several innate special abilities. You saw the Dimensional Storage?"
"The one where you produced that massive machine from thin air?"
"Yeah. I have a few others, and one of them allows me to perceive the general flow of history."
"The flow of history?"
"Exactly. In other words, thanks to that ability, I have information I can offer you."
I obviously couldn't say "I have knowledge of the original story," so I decided to push through with this explanation. Apologies, Cornelia.
"Hmm, and?"
"In Cornelia's world, there are individuals who possess a special ability called 'Geass.' Furthermore, if certain conditions are met, one can grant Geass to others."
"Geass?"
"Yes. However, even under the umbrella of 'Geass,' the powers obtained vary wildly. Basically, the ability often manifests based on the aptitude or deepest desires of the person receiving it. From what I know, there is a Geass that allows one to hear the inner thoughts of others, a Geass that stops a person's perception of time, a Geass that rewrites memories, a Geass that makes others love you, a Geass that allows one to transfer their consciousness into others, and so on."
"…"
"And then, there is the Geass of Absolute Obedience, which compels others to follow one's commands. …That is the Geass held by Zero. No—by Lelouch vi Britannia."
"…!?"
"And the group researching this power is the Geass Order. Its founder is…"
I hesitated for a moment on whether I should say this name. But with someone of Cornelia's capability, she would eventually arrive at the truth on her own.
"Charles zi Britannia. In other words, your father."
"Father is!?"
"Why do you think Britannia repeats these wars of aggression so frequently?"
"Are you saying that is also related to Geass?"
"Yeah. He targets and occupies locations that contain ruins related to Geass. He likely has an objective that cannot be made public."
"Father…"
Was it sorrow, or was it regret? Cornelia gripped her blanket tightly.
"…Let's leave it at that for today. I'll put the data regarding Geass onto a disk and bring it tomorrow, so you should rest for now."
"Understood. …Axel, would you stay by my side? Just until I fall asleep."
I nodded at her request and sat in the chair next to the bed as Cornelia lay down and closed her eyes.
How much information should I disclose to her? Regarding Geass, she likely believed me because she had the undeniable evidence of Euphemia's sudden change right in front of her. But would she believe me if I told her about the World of C or the Sword of Akasha?
…No, I should wait a while and let her understand Geass a bit more before teaching her about those things. If I dump a massive amount of information on her at the start, she might not be able to process it all. Under normal circumstances, she would probably be fine, but considering this involves her beloved sister Euphemia…
"Euphy…"
Hearing Cornelia happily mutter that name in her sleep—likely dreaming of Euphemia—I quietly left the room.
The next day. Disk containing the compiled Geass data and a PDA in hand, I visited the medical facility where Cornelia was hospitalized once again.
But waiting for me there was…
"Oh my, Axel. You're here for a visit too?"
Lemon, wearing a beautiful, beaming smile.
"Axel, I am glad you came."
And Cornelia, who was radiating a slight tension.
Honestly, I want to assert that no one could blame me for wanting to do an abrupt about-face and go home right then and there.
However, I couldn't actually leave, so I handed the disk and PDA to Cornelia.
"Cornelia. This disk contains the information about Geass I mentioned yesterday."
"…My thanks."
"This disk format is from our world, so please use that PDA when you want to view the contents. …And, this leads into today's main topic, but before that."
I cut my sentence short and glanced toward Lemon.
"Did Echidna return?"
"Yes. She was able to successfully install the Gate with the cooperation of a man named Guilford."
"Guilford did? Axel, what on earth is a Gate?"
"Just wait a moment for that story. Lemon, so it's safe to assume there is no longer a time difference between the White Star and Cornelia's world?"
"Yes. If a day is 24 hours in that world, it is now completely linked with ours."
Hmm, then there's no problem. Judging it safe, I turned back to face Cornelia.
"As you know, Cornelia, the White Star and your world are different worlds. You understand that, right?"
"Yes."
"When transferring from the White Star to a different world, a time lag occurs. Do you remember when Echidna arrived, she said she would take leave for about two days?"
"Ah. But… wait. That means…"
As expected, she's sharp. She seemed to realize what I was trying to say before I even finished explaining.
"Exactly. At that time, I spent one day on the White Star before transferring to your world. By the time I arrived, nearly a month had passed. …As a result, I couldn't stop Euphemia."
"…Wait. Axel, did you know that Geass would be used on Euphy?"
"Yeah. I didn't know for certain, but I knew the probability was high. However, there was a possibility that the incident wouldn't occur because I, a foreign element that didn't exist in the original history, had mixed in."
"I… see."
"Hey, Cornelia. Resenting Axel is misplaced, you know? Precisely because he knew, he was moving to stop it."
Cornelia fell silent at Lemon's words, simply nodding.
"I know. I know well enough that what I feel in my chest right now is just misplaced anger. …But, I am sorry. Could you please leave for today? I want to be alone for a while."
"…I suppose so. Let's go, Axel. As Cornelia says, it's better to give her some time alone to think."
Lemon practically pushed my back as we exited the hospital room. I could do nothing but silently obey.
I wondered if I looked visibly depressed. Lemon spoke to me as we walked down the corridor.
"There's no need to worry so much. It's not that Cornelia doesn't understand you. she's just sorting out her own feelings. So relax. This isn't going to change how she feels about you."
Saying that, she linked her arm with mine, wearing a somewhat mischievous smile.
"Though, as for me, if I could have you all to myself, nothing would be better. …But, Cornelia's feelings for you are genuine. She won't leave you over something like this."
"…You aren't angry?"
Cornelia had the specific example of her own father, so she could tolerate me having relationships with multiple women. But Lemon didn't come from such a special background. …No, if you asked if she was special, she was special above all else, but regarding romantic relationships, she should be no different from a normal person.
"Fufu, well, you are a natural lady-killer, Axel. I anticipated something like this would happen eventually. Besides…"
Laughing meaningfully, she gave the skin on my back a light, sharp pinch.
"I have no intention of handing over the seat of the primary wife, so prepare yourself, alright?"
Name: Axel Almer
LV: 35
PP: 485
Stats:
Melee: 246
Shooting: 264
Skill: 256
Defense: 253
Evasion: 281
Accuracy: 303
SP: 422
Ace Bonus: SP Boost (Consumes SP to upgrade slime performance)
Growth Type: Versatile/Special
Terrain Adaptation:
Air: S
Land: S
Sea: B
Space: S
Spirit Commands:
Accel (SP 4)
Gain (SP 8)
Focus (SP 16)
Direct Attack (SP 30)
Awake (SP 32)
Love (SP 48)
Skills:
EXP Up
SP Boost (SP Up Lv.9 & SP Regen & Concentration)
Telekinesis Lv.10
Attacker
Gunfight Lv.9
In-fight Lv.9
Break Will Limit
Geass (Gray)
???
???
???
???
???
Kill Count: 254
-------------------------------
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