Chapter 253: Mahiro and Euphemia
"Then... then will you take me to see them, Teacher? It's been so many years since I last saw them, I miss them terribly..."
Euphy immediately regretted saying this.
What she regretted wasn't mentioning Lelouch and his sister in front of Suzaku Kururugi.
Because she knew that Soldier Suzaku Kururugi was the son of Prime Minister Genbu Kururugi, meaning Lelouch and his sister must have met Suzaku when they were sent to Japan as political hostages.
What she regretted was proposing to visit Lelouch and Nunnally.
If they were to meet, it would inevitably cause quite a stir.
And once the news that Lelouch and Nunnally were still alive reached their homeland, reached Britannia, it would certainly become major news.
After all, they were the prince and princess of Britannia.
She feared that her selfishness might disrupt Lelouch and Nunnally's peaceful lives, dragging them back into the greater imperial conflicts...
After much deliberation, Euphy spoke anxiously:
"Um... Teacher, if it's not possible, please pretend I never said anything."
"You're overthinking it, Euphy... I know what you're worried about, but as long as I'm here, none of what you fear will ever happen."
Lelouch would be fine—that guy already had the ability to survive on his own, and his ambitions were grand enough.
But anyone trying to take Nunnally away from him, Mahiro?
They'd have to see how many lives they had to spare.
"However, meeting them right now isn't advisable either... How about this—we'll go see them after some time has passed. I'll personally take you to meet Lelouch and Nunnally then."
"Really? That's wonderful! Thank you so much, Teacher!"
Receiving Mahiro's affirmative answer, Euphy couldn't help but gently embrace him, her slender arms wrapping around his neck as they pressed close together.
The delicate fragrance of lilies drifted around them.
And the pure smile that appeared on Euphy's face was like a blooming flower, so innocent it felt sacrilegious to taint it.
After holding each other for a while, Euphy released him.
A charming blush once again appeared on her bright face, but she changed her mind.
"In that case, could you please show me around, Teacher? I'd like to see this place—to see where Lelouch, Nunnally, and you live."
"Of course, my dear princess."
Mahiro smiled faintly.
He agreed to Euphy's simple request without the slightest hesitation.
"What about you? Soldier Suzaku Kururugi, care to join us?"
Having settled Euphy's matter, it was naturally Suzaku's turn.
Though Mahiro's words were phrased as a question, his eyes remained fixed on Suzaku, filled with icy indifference.
Just meeting his gaze for a moment made Suzaku feel as if he'd fallen into an ice cellar.
From the very beginning, this man seemed to hold strong hostility toward him...
While he couldn't be sure at first, now Suzaku could confirm—the other party genuinely disliked him.
Yet they had never met before, leaving him wondering where this animosity came from...
The intention to go out with this princess vanished completely under that single glance.
Suzaku rubbed his head and sighed:
"That... thank you for the invitation, but it's not necessary. I still have matters to attend to..."
The boy is teachable indeed.
Mahiro nodded with satisfaction, the chill in his eyes diminishing slightly as he once again wore that gentle smile and said to Euphy:
"Since Mr. Suzaku Kururugi still has matters to attend to, Euphy, let's not disturb him any further. Let's go."
"Mm."
Though Euphy didn't understand why Suzaku looked so dejected, knowing he had other matters to attend to, she naturally wouldn't force him to accompany her.
After giving Suzaku Kururugi a friendly smile, Euphy took Mahiro's arm and left.
Watching their retreating figures, Suzaku Kururugi brushed the dust off his clothes, stood up from the ground, and sat on the bench where Mahiro had been sitting just moments before.
His fingertips lightly touched the spot where Euphy had been sitting, where a faint warmth still remained.
For some reason, he felt a pain in his heart, as if a drowning person were about to suffocate. Suzaku felt his heart aching as if pierced by needles, and he could only gasp for air.
"What's... wrong with me?"
Completely unable to understand his physical condition, Suzaku could only endure the pain that threatened to bring tears to his eyes, leaning back against the bench and closing his eyes to rest.
"Teacher, do you dislike Suzaku-kun very much?"
As the two walked along the commercial street, Euphy waved her arms excitedly, her face filled with a maiden's exhilaration.
Her large cyan-gold eyes curiously observed the surrounding shops.
Although Euphy had left Britannia's imperial palace before to play in the outside world, every outing had been accompanied by bodyguards. This time, she had run out alone, encountered her teacher whom she hadn't seen for many years, and learned that Lelouch and Nunnally were still alive.
Her inner excitement overflowed uncontrollably onto her face.
"I didn't expect you to notice that, Euphy."
He stood at the entrance of a dress shop, watching Euphy stand before the display window, using her hands to compare herself to the dress inside, and couldn't help but laugh.
"Of course, Teacher. You can't always treat me like a little girl. I've grown up now."
Not apparent at all.
Though she claimed to have grown up, her behavior was no different from a child's. That innocence and purity had been perfectly preserved by Cornelia.
If forced to identify growth, it would be her figure and bust.
Well, they have indeed grown quite large.
But then, Euphemia asked curiously:
"Speaking of which, Mahiro-sensei, you're also from Area 11, right? Why do you dislike Suzaku Kururugi?"
"Not at all."
Mahiro immediately denied Euphy's assumption.
"I am Yotsuba Mahiro, and only Yotsuba Mahiro. I don't belong to any country, so naturally I'm not from Area 11."
"..."
Euphy made a troubled face, completely failing to understand his meaning.
"You'll understand in time. As for why I dislike Suzaku Kururugi, it's simply because that fellow's behavior is nauseating."
"When Britannia's army was preparing to attack Japan during his childhood, Suzaku Kururugi not only killed his own father Genbu Kururugi, but after growing up, he even found ways to join Britannia's military, becoming that so-called Honorary Britannian.
Despite having both national and personal grievances, he chose to serve his enemies like a dog.
Don't you think someone like that deserves to be hated?"
Not to mention, Suzaku Kururugi would later betray his closest friend just to climb higher in ranks.
But there was no need to mention that, because the points he had listed were already shocking enough for Euphemia, who instinctively covered her startled mouth with both hands.
Something as horrifying as personally killing one's own father—this was the first time she had ever heard of such a thing in her life.
However, Euphy wasn't just emotional; she was also rational.
She couldn't help but ask:
"Perhaps Mr. Suzaku Kururugi had his own unspeakable difficulties for doing such things...?"
"Hmph, maybe that's true, but that doesn't stop me from hating him. In fact, there are many times when I can't help but want to kill him."
Facing Euphy, he made no attempt to hide his emotions.
His tone was calm, but carried a chilling murderous intent.
He was serious.
Euphy could sense it too, her cherry lips pressing together slightly as she didn't know what to say.
"Anyway, whether I hate him or not is my own business. It shouldn't be your concern to begin with. Besides, aren't I supposed to be accompanying you to have fun now? Don't let such trivial matters ruin your mood."
Mahiro chuckled lightly, pinched Euphy's nose, and immediately cut off her train of thought.
"Teacher, I've grown up now. I'm not that little child anymore."
Euphy pouted slightly, stamping her foot gently and puffing her cheeks, looking like an inflated pufferfish—quite adorable.
Passersby nearby, seeing this extraordinary young couple playfully bickering, showed knowing smiles.
Both Mahiro and Euphy exuded a noble temperament different from ordinary people, naturally drawing attention from those around them.
"Speaking of which, Teacher, you haven't changed at all."
After playing around with Mahiro for a while, Euphy said softly.
Both his personality and appearance remained exactly as she remembered from when they met at Empress Marianne's detached palace years ago.
Young and handsome, as if time couldn't leave any traces on him.
Even C.C. had been somewhat surprised when she first saw him. If she didn't know he couldn't awaken Geass, she might have mistaken him for having CODE too.
"Well, of course. No matter when, where, or what year it is, I will never change."
"Yes, I understand... Just like my feelings for you, Teacher—no matter how much time passes, they will never change..."
Euphy unconsciously placed her hand over her chest, but her soft murmur was quiet enough to be carried away by the wind, unheard by anyone.
However, she quickly suppressed these feelings, once again clinging to Mahiro's arm with a sweet smile as they continued strolling around.
"How about this dress?"
Euphy and Mahiro were wandering through the shopping district.
Every time they passed a shop, Euphy would go inside to browse, just like an ordinary girl. After looking through everything in the store, she wouldn't buy anything—perhaps this truly was an innate female trait, and even the Third Princess of the Britannian Empire was no exception.
Whether it was a clothing store or a shoe store, Euphy would always ask for his opinion.
"It looks lovely on you."
Mahiro would reply with a smile.
This had become his standard response—no matter what clothes Euphy tried on, his answer remained the same.
It wasn't insincere flattery or an attempt to please the girl.
It genuinely suited her.
Even though these clothes couldn't compare to those hand-stitched by royal designers and were just ordinary, inexpensive items, when worn by Euphy, they carried no hint of cheapness.
Even the shop owners would stare in stunned silence upon seeing her.
She was simply a natural-born clothes hanger.
If Mahiro hadn't been present, the shop owners might have asked Euphy if she'd like to work as a model for their store.
And every time she received Mahiro's repeated response, Euphy would happily wrap her arms around his.
The softness and warmth of her chest would generously transmit through the fabric, making him acutely aware of it.
"Here, try this, Euphy."
After leaving the shop, Mahiro bought two crepes from a nearby stall and handed them to Euphy.
The princess first examined them curiously, then took a careful bite—her eyes instantly sparkled with delight.
"Teacher, this is delicious!"
"See? I knew you'd like it."
What girl doesn't love sweets?
"But even if you like it, remember your manners. Don't get it all over yourself."
A small dab of cream had smeared at the corner of Euphy's mouth. Mahiro reached out, gently wiped it off, and naturally put his finger to his lips.
Mmm, sweet.
But when Euphy saw his action, her fair cheeks immediately flushed with a shy, cherry-blossom pink.
They continued walking along the street, eating their crepes while sharing stories and anecdotes from their years apart.
However, Euphy's life had always been rather mundane.
She followed her studies dutifully, learned various etiquette rules as scheduled, and her elder sister Cornelia never shared anything with her, keeping her thoroughly protected.
Yet Euphy grew incredibly excited hearing about Mahiro's experiences over the years.
Listening to his tales felt like experiencing them alongside him.
When he shared embarrassing moments, Euphy would cover her mouth with girlish giggles. When he described conflicts or encountered strange situations, she couldn't help but show concern.
She immersed herself completely in his stories.
Kind, pure, ordinary yet extraordinary—this was likely the true Euphemia.
And Mahiro thoroughly enjoyed it too.
But when a special military truck passed by them, it suddenly stopped not far away.
"Oh my, how could this be...?"
"Hm? What is it, Mr. Lloyd... Wait, Mr. Lloyd, is that... Her Highness Euphemia?!"
In the vehicle, Cécile, seated in the driver's seat, noticed Lloyd's stunned expression and turned to look out the window.
There, she saw Princess Euphemia with her long pink hair, appearing on the street.
Although her attire differed from what Cécile had seen before, she could confirm that it was indeed the empire's third princess—Euphemia li Britannia.
But the question was, why was she here?
They had just left the Viceroy's Palace and were preparing to transport the reassembled and upgraded Lancelot Z-01 to the research institute when they noticed chaos erupting in the mansion near the Viceroy's Palace.
Everyone was searching for Princess Euphy's whereabouts.
Yet now, she was here, and together with a young man, chatting and laughing as if on a date...
As a woman, Cécile couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity and couldn't resist asking:
"Mr. Lloyd, do you know who that person next to Princess Euphemia is?"
"..."
"...Mahiro Zi Britannia."
Just as Lloyd was lost in thought, a voice from the back seat suddenly answered Cécile's question.
It was Suzaku Kururugi.
He had been accidentally encountered by Lloyd and Cécile on the way and was dragged along to the research institute for testing.
However...
"...Zi Britannia?"
Cécile widened her eyes slightly and turned back to look at the young man through the window.
He clearly had the appearance of someone from Area 11, yet he bore the imperial surname, and even shared the same "Zi" as the emperor?
Suzaku nodded, responding in a somewhat subdued tone:
"Yes, that's how he introduced himself. He claims to be Princess Euphemia's teacher and is currently employed at Ashford Academy."
"Princess Euphy's teacher? Then that would mean..."
"Exactly, he's the imperial tutor. His original name is Yotsuba Mahiro, but he was later granted the surname by the 98th emperor and renamed Mahiro Zi Britannia. Though it seems he still prefers his former name."
"Mr. Lloyd, how do you know all this?"
Cécile looked at Lloyd in astonishment. Although he was a descendant of the Asplund family, one of the empire's eight great noble houses, Lloyd had no interest in social matters whatsoever.
She never expected someone like Lloyd to recite another person's background in such detail.
However, Lloyd maintained his usual carefree smile and said:
"Well, this person has some connections with the Ashford Family and the late Empress Marianne, so I looked into him a bit. I just never had the chance to meet him. Never thought I'd get to see him in person today—what luck, ahaha ahahaha!"
Lloyd let out his peculiar, signature laugh as if he had thought of something amusing.
As for why Lloyd was so familiar with the Ashford Family, it was mainly because the Ashford Family had developed the third-generation Knightmare Ganymede based on parts of the prototype.
Empress Marianne once galloped across battlefields piloting this Knightmare Frame, earning her the title of Knight.
That's why he had always been curious and wanted to obtain this machine to study it thoroughly.
So, needless to say, he was even more intrigued by the prototype in Mahiro's possession.
Lloyd was especially fascinated by that formidable weapon that once dominated the EU battlefield!