6 The Citys inner workings beging to take form (2/2)

I mouthed the words 'I. WILL. REMEMBER. THIS!' to them and had a wave of satisfaction by seeing them shiver a bit from this. Haha, if I am going to suffer because of this evil witch then you two also will from me.

I tried my very best, used all stamina I had but within a few minutes I was being held by Cornelia like a sack of potatoes as she brought me back to where we started, I suddenly felt that my decision to give free access to most areas (not the top priority secrecy ones) to my family (those I actually consider such) was not such a genial idea. Cornelia sat me down on the chair I was previously while two of her knights flanked me, I would be intimidated if I didn't know that she is a bleeding heart to those she truly considers family and she'd never hurt me just like I'd never hurt her.

It also helps that there are about two dozen weapons in our surroundings and that if anything happens to me they would fill with holes whoever actually carries the deed and that Maki, the sister-like girl to Kurumi who I rescued long ago is also here using the latest optical camouflage suit to deal with whoever might attack me, she truly is talented as an assassin even if I don't ask her to do that all that much. I ALWAYS have security all around me, my life is just that important to me.

Cornelia ignored this as she knows of my security measures and she herself said it was overblown but she was still impressed enough to leave Euphemia visit here and stay for a while even without Cornelia by her side, it even became something of a costume for her to keep Euphi here when she is to go to some mission.

”So, to what do I owe this pleasure?” I asked giving a very fake smile that looked genuine enough.

”Humph, if it was so much of a pleasure why did you run when you saw me?” She asked with an irritated face.

”And why did you decide it would be a good idea to kick my door open like that?” I asked back, her glare and mine clashed mid-air and if this was an anime sparks would appear between our eyes.

After a while, she relaxed a bit and smiled slightly.

”I see that you didn't go and lose your edge from living with so many non-Britanians.” She said. ”Fine, if you don't know what I am talking about I will explain. I heard rumors of your decision of admitting Numbers and Honorary Britanians into this city as both students and professors, why would you do such a thing?”

”Simple,” I said. ”because it would be a waste otherwise.”

She raised an eyebrow at this and motioned me to continue.

”While growing up in the capital one thing that always seemed oddly wrong to me was how so many of the pilots there were not that good or talented. Yes, some are excellent just like you and yours but the vast majority are not up to my standards. I also noticed that most that could even get the chance to try and be a pilot are those from nobility, that means that from the entire population of the Empire the pool to receive talented individuals is actually not that big at all.

”I want to be able to bring forth as many of the hidden gems out current society is missing and ignoring to the light, to give the chance to all to try and grasp their future and the best of the best to become actual pilots or even one of my 14 knights.” I explained.

Hearing my mention of the 14 knights she was disgruntled again. The fact that I used 13 knights was also known and considered by some as an affront to the Empire as the Emperor only has 13 but I declared I would have 14 my actual reason is that I simply want 14 as it is a way to win out against the Rounds also in numbers if I ever need to fight them.

”... Fine, if you want to try your foolish plan then go ahead. But you must at least be strong enough to resist them if they were to rebel against you.” She said, I could feel a shiver going down my back as I could well imagine her training me into shape. ”Anyway, that is not the main reason for me being here. I want to ask what you intend to do about the Emperor's last decree.”

”Huh?” Was all I and a few of the others could say at this comment, I was way too immersed into building my Calculate Fortress and the program related to it to much care about anything else. Excluding the time last week that I dealt with the traitor, this was likely the first time I actually left my lab. I didn't really hear anything from uncle as I locked myself into my studies, it is likely the same with the others.

”Wait, you don't know it yet?” Milly said while leaning forward from her chair, she always was very much a prankster and love gossip so she knowing whatever it is that Cornelia wants to say is not really a surprise.

Seeing my face filled with doubt I could slowly see the Cheshire smile spreading over her face.

”Now that is interesting, to think that the small genius that is the talk of the Empire doesn't know something that is so well known. That is so rich.” Milly said, this time the others were also looking confusedly at her. She was about to open her mouth when Cornelia intervened.

”The Emperor declared that he is irritated with all the talks sent to him of noble ladies that want to marry you, he might be your legal guardian after aunt's death but he has no desire to deal with this so he decided that you are going to choose one of the current princesses and marry her so as to end all this nuisance as he himself said.”

Okay, that is weird in SO many levels. Needing to marry one of my cousins is weird no matter how I look at it, but I could probably just make this a political move and push it for later until after I end the Emperor and his little group. After that everything would solve itself as I can end the engagement by then and let them be free.

Yeah, that could work well. I know that at least some of those I am close to will be having a tough time due to marriage proposals and would face difficulties due to this. For instance one of the reasons why Lelouch kept hidden even after the invasion was for fear that Nunnally would be used for marriage connections, Euphemia had to go from one battlefield to another with Cornelia to avoid marriage proposals, and Marrybel likely also faced problems due to that as well but likely avoided the worse of the pressure by being in the military and probably beating to the ground whoever came for her hand.

It is worth it thinking about it, but that is not my main concern right now.

”However, if you want Euphi you must first beat me in melee combat and piloting as well as ensure me that no one would try anything against her from your side even with all these numbers and Honorary Britanians under you.” She said and my eyebrows twitched. I don't particularly would want to marry Euphemia, she is sweet and kind but she honestly lacks a backbone too much.

In comparison, Marrybel's overall gentle but firm personality or Nunnally who is gentle but knows how to impose herself and has a willpower that is likely even stronger than the Emperor and the rest of the imperial family together are more preferable. Euphemia would likely not want to be with me anyway, she is more into the idealistic types that help others and dream of a bette...

Shit, to those on the outside I just might look like a SUCCESSFUL Suzaku! Fuck! I hate that hypocrite's guts, to think that my city is starting to look just like his ideal in the anime (a place where the weak are protected and even Numbers have opportunities while also stopping terrorists and bettering society as a whole). Fuck!

Taking a deep breath to calm my more than irritated nerves I opened my mouth, but before I could say anything someone else entered in the conversation.

”Hey, hey, at least wait for us to catch a camera before you decide to ask Princess Cornelia's hand.” Milly said with a grin so big it might actually touch ear to ear.

”Don't worry, I have one right here.” Matsu said taking out a portable camera from her purse, making my eye twitch. If she was not a friend I would have had confiscated the camera, now I feel I should have done it.

”I-It is not like that! I do not have any intention of asking Cornelia's hand in marriage!” I almost yelled that, but suddenly I felt a wave of killing intent of both knights of Cornelia by my sides. I didn't know what to say to fix this situation as I could sense how Dylandia brothers got tenser and that Setsuna had a hand behind his back, there are no weapons allowed in this place but I wouldn't doubt him having a pointy rock in his hand already or one of the hand knives used on the table already in hand. Slayne didn't react much, he was already used to this situation after three years seeing it and he knows that nothing would happen. ”Anyway, I and Cornelia would not work out well. She is older than me and our personalities would not work out together.” I said.

”... that is good.” I heard Nina whisper mostly to herself.

I was about to ask Nina what she meant when Nemu spoke up.

”Master Ciel, when can we expect you to have children? My father once told me he would love to teach someone from your descendency about science and make him or her his successor.” Nemu said expressionlessly as everyone sweatdropped at this, or at least the adults did.

I didn't have to say anything to answer that one, Mayuri was nuts and this was unfortunately nothing new to him. Neil decided to intervene.

”Little girl, you should not have to worry about that. When and if the boss decides to have a kid you will know so there is no need to try and get a schedule.” His voice was calm as he put a hand over the girl's head.

”... Then I am to go with plan B, I understand.” Nemu said.

”And what that plan is?” This time it was Slaine who asked, he was obviously curious now.

”If there is no schedule and it seems like it will take too long I am to get a child with him myself for father to teach.” Nemu said simply, and the tea I had just put on my mouth went flying. Normally this would imply I soaked Cornelia but as she did the exact same we canceled each other out.

”I like this girl.” Milly said impishly.

”Me too.” Matsu said by her best friend's side. ”Do you have any reference material to teach you what to do to get a baby? Would you like big sisters to teach you?”

”There will be no need. Father already gave me a biology book and explained all I needed was in there.” she said. The two girls trembled to hear this before each catching Nemu from either side and starting to drag her away.

I guess I would do well to lock my door from now on, just as a precaution.

”Anyway, Cornelia.” I said, bringing her attention back to me for us to continue our conversation properly. ”First, I could only ever even try to challenge you in melee and Knightmare combat years from now as I AM a kid of eight, a sweet and cute child no less.” At my words, everyone gave me a snort like they think I am joking, but I am not! I am cute, and when I am older I will be handsome! ”Also, trust me, the chance of me being caught off-guard by betrayal is almost non-existent. I´m honestly more worried about Schneizel given that he has been stepping up recruitment for his own Science-division. Even his spy-attempts on the City have slowed down recently, I guess that so many vanishing with no further notice.”

Cornelia twitched slightly at my admission. That was one of the things which Cornelia and I were actually in agreement with each other. Schneizel was our least favorite Sibling/Cousin. His detached and at times robotic demeanor creeped out Cornelia who was a very emotional person and I think she internally knew that Schneizel could and would kill her if she ever stood in his way. It is not a possibility, he would kill her and half the world and make the rest ashes if he could dominate the ashes with an iron fist.

”By the way, what are you doing here now Cornelia? I don't think you would come here just for that without Euphy no less. And aren´t you supposed to guard Marianne and her kids right now?”

I watched as Cornelia twitched again but this time she looked a mix between angry and confused.

”Yes, I normally would do that but Lady Marianne sent me and the Guards on the inside of the Aries Palace away. She said with the other Guards patrolling the perimeter we would not be needed as much anymore and should take the night off for once. I tried to convince her otherwise but she just called Nonette and I needed to flee before that woman arrived. Last we were together she tried to sexually abuse me under the guise of training, I had to wash five times and I still felt dirty.”

I watched with slight amusement as Cornelia shivered before my mind drifted off. So THAT day had finally arrived, well he wouldn´t miss that bitch Marianne but he felt sad for Nunnally and Lelouch. Hmm, perhaps he could at least make sure that Nunnally would not lose her legs in addition to her eyes by making sure his doctors would take care of her. It might make Charles a bit reluctant to act overtly and the man might be satisfied with just making her blind and paralyzed as he never much cared for her, but my medicinal treatments are more than enough to make anyone that still have an operational brain live on, just not being able to move his legs and her not being able to see. Heck, if needed I can just replace the parts that might be damaged anyway.

It was worth a try and I'd never let them be hurt if I can help them. I at least have shown V.V. multiple times that I care for them and wouldn't want either hurt or I'd hate the assailant, he already don't see the two as targets anyway so not hurting Lelouch and Nunnally is for the best and without Marianne it would only be for the better, hate that bitch.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

3° Person P.O.V.

”Another Failure it seems!”

Prince Schneizel looked at the report of his new spies demise with a small twitch in his face which for other people would have been a scream of rage. Schneizel had been sending spies into Ciels Organization since he first started up recruitment on a larger level a year ago.

Unfortunately, none of his spies managed to last more than a month or two in the City and the few results which they gave him were mostly discarded ideas and inventions which were deemed not important enough to properly guard or not needed to be kept as a secret for one reason or another.

Much of that was useless though Schneizels scientists had made some stuff work. Like that one project about Metallurgy which while useless for the more mobile Knightmares would work perfectly for his Flying Ship Avalon. (In his room Ciel looked at a plan to re-create Adamantium or Vibranium before sneezing suddenly, the previous plans that were simply impractical that he put on paper he used as paper plains and threw them a bit and one ended up outside due to that)

Honestly, Schneizel almost wanted to scold his Cousin about his carelessness with his discarded projects. But he also could well imagine that if that sort of thing was discarded what he actually focused on would be something he could only imagine.

”Prince Schneizel. Your guests have arrived!”

Schneizel sighed as he heard his assistant Kanon´s voice. Giving permission for entry he watched as his own Inner Circle started entering the room.

The first was, of course, Earl Kanon Maldini his most trusted Ally.

The Second was Admiral Wilhuff Tarkin. An Extremist of the Military who shared Schneizels vision of a super-weapon capable of forcing the other countries into submission.

The Third was Count Dooku. A man who was an outspoken proponent to the Numbers-system and who was trying to remove the Corrupt Nobility from the Empire as much as possible. He was the Man in charge of Area 2 (Canada), the most peaceful and law-abiding Area of the entire Empire. Corruption there was so low that the country had not a single Terrorist Group since he first took up his position 50 years ago.

The next person was Schneizels first Wife Katarea Leviathan. A typical Britannian Noble with a superiorty complex who's family owned the largest Knightmare Company of the Empire and had created the Glasgow and the initial Sutherland design. Katarea and her family had lost some power recently due to his cousin Ciel though and the boy was number one on their list of people to dispose of.

The fourth person to enter was Schneizels Head-scientist and member of his own personal Elite Knights the Espada: Szayelapporo Grantz. While a true madman Szayel was still a very intelligent man who had made large strides in building the Technology Schneizel needed for his plans. Already the plans for Avalon were looking rather promising and were perhaps even better than what Lloyd would have created. He still was miffed about how Ciel had snapped the Earl of Pudding from under his nose but what was done couldn´t be changed.

The fifth and final person was Schneizels most dangerous Ally. Aizen was Schneizels personal Knight and a man who was emotionally unstable even in the best of times. His Death God Order is a terrifying force to be reckoned with, especially the new second and third in command by the names Gin and Tosen, those two were terrifying alright.

Schneizel sighed for a moment.

”Welcome my friends. As you know, the Empire has recently gotten the upper hand in the conquest of Indochina. Despite the loss of two Knights of Round and my younger Brother Prince Endymion the Conquest will be finished in no more than two months.

From there I suspect the Emperor will be declaring which Country will be the next for conquering. Whichever it is I have no doubt that the next target is the reason for the Mass-producing of Glasgows which he ordered from your family Katarea. We will need to discuss how such a large change in warfare will change the way Wars are conducted.”

Schneizel watched as his Allies nodded in Agreement and began to add their thoughts. Now if only he could have that much success in infiltrating Ciel's domain then he would be actually happy for once, if he were to obtain all his cousin was building and all the potential being accumulated in that city he just might become the emperor earlier than planned.