Chapter 289: The Second Coming of the God of War
"Pfft-cough-cough-cough... cough-cough-cough!"
The sudden blunt statement made him spit out the entire mouthful of soda he had just drunk, even choking himself severely.
"Teacher, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, cough-cough... Wait, what did you just say? You want me to be your knight?"
Perhaps because the liquid had entered his windpipe, his voice seemed to rise by an octave.
"...Um, teacher... i-is that not allowed?"
Mahiro: "..."
This isn't a matter of allowed or not allowed.
Having him become someone's knight—if it were just symbolic, that would be one thing, but substantive...
"That Euphy, before we continue, let me ask you first: you should know that Cornelia made the same request to you before, right?"
"Yes, I know...
That was a very, very long time ago, about a year before Mahiro was going to leave Britannia.
At that time, he was still serving as a royal tutor, and his student Cornelia had said the same words to him in the Aries Palace, asking him to become her knight.
She even said she would agree to any conditions.
But Mahiro refused at the time, and after Alpha found out about this, whether out of jealousy or not, during a sparring session with Cornelia, she gave her a severe beating.
Her little bottom was beaten bright red, and she had to lie on her stomach for over a week before recovering.
Euphemia remembered this incident vividly.
"But teacher, my thinking is different from my elder sister's. I hope to use my own strength to protect you, to shelter you...
"That's a nice thought, but you need to understand, Euphy. Rather than protecting me, I would prefer you to live well, away from this place of trouble, and have a good life."
"Hehe, teacher, your way of speaking is just like my elder brother's."
Euphy's charming laughter came through the phone, like a young girl secretly calling her distant boyfriend. Even through the computer, one could imagine her covering her mouth while giggling adorably.
But soon, that cheerful laughter disappeared, replaced by a somewhat somber tone.
"Elder brother Schneizel said the same thing as you, teacher. He also said I'm not suitable for the position of Vice-Governor in Area Eleven and that I should return to the homeland as soon as possible... But I don't want to go back. I want to help my elder sister, help you, teacher, and contribute together.
Elder brother Schneizel couldn't persuade me otherwise and agreed to let me stay, but he advised me that I'd be better off choosing Suzaku Kururugi, because you, teacher... don't need Euphy's help."
Euphemia's voice was soft and low, as if confiding endless troubles to him.
"Hmm...
"Did Schneizel really say that?"
"Yes."
"Haha, that guy, he really hasn't changed at all, just like always..."
Mahiro chuckled, imagining Euphy's confused expression on the other end of the phone, and explained:
"You must be wondering why I say that, right? Actually, the reason is simple—because Suzaku Kururugi's identity is quite special. He's not just an Eleven and an Honorary Britannian, but also the only son of the late Prime Minister Genbu Kururugi."
"If he were to become the knight of a vase princess like you, although your reputation would suffer, Suzaku Kururugi could proudly become a banner for the Eleven Compliance Faction." This would make colonial rule proceed more smoothly and could also be seen as indirect suppression of the Black Knights, who need public support."
"Is... is that so?"
Euphemia slightly widened her eyes, as if realizing belatedly that there were so many intricacies involved. When it came to political tactics, she truly wasn't very skilled—so much so that even if Schneizel were to sell her out, she'd probably help him count the money.
"Exactly. So, Euphy, if you really need a knight and don't have a suitable candidate, how about letting your teacher recommend someone?"
"R-really? Is that possible?"
"Of course. I can't guarantee anything else, but in terms of strength, they're absolutely unquestionable."
He planned to directly select someone from Shadow Garden—even a numbered agent would be more than sufficient to serve as Euphemia's knight.
"Thank you so much, teacher!"
Euphemia's voice was visibly cheerful. Compared to her elder sister Cornelia, she preferred to trust the candidate her teacher would choose for her—someone completely without ulterior motives.
"Of course it's true," Mahiro replied with an indulgent smile.
But that Schneizel fellow was truly as cunning as an old fox!
Noticing his childlike complaining expression, C.C., who was sitting on the bed, burst out with a "pfft" of laughter.
"Huh? Teacher, what was that sound just now?"
"Oh, that's just my cat."
"Teacher Mahiro keeps a cat? I'd love to see it if I get the chance!"
"I think it's better if you don't. It's just a little stray cat, and quite fierce too—the kind with green fur all over. Really unattractive."
"Is... that so?"
"Mhm, trust me."
Mahiro's words provoked C.C.'s anger. The Witch grabbed a pillow from the bed and threw it at Mahiro.
Mahiro slowly stood up, neatly dodging the pillow attack. Ignoring C.C., he walked to the windowsill and looked down at Kaguya pushing Nunnally around the garden, then continued his casual phone conversation with Euphemia.
However, after just a few more exchanges, Euphemia suddenly fell silent.
"What's wrong?"
"Teacher, I actually have another idea..."
Euphemia's tone became very serious.
"If it succeeds, you and Lelouch wouldn't have to live this kind of life anymore. What you and Lelouch are doing now is quite dangerous, right?"
Mahiro understood clearly that Euphemia was referring to the matters of the Black Knights and Shadow Garden. And most likely, she meant the establishment of the Japanese Special Zone.
It had to be said, this princess could be quite self-centered at times. She had no idea what Lelouch's true intentions were, yet she insisted on imposing her own goodwill onto others.
Even so, the young girl's actions—defying universal opposition—were deeply moving. Even as her teacher, he couldn't find any fault in her intentions.
However—
"Euphy, I understand your good intentions and can guess what you're planning to do, but be careful not to be used by others."
He advised using the most neutral and non-suggestive language possible.
"You mean... Prince Schneizel?"
"I didn't specify anyone. I'm just reminding you to be cautious because what you're doing is dangerous. Though well-intentioned, if exploited by others, it could become the deepest malice."
Simply put, this would completely cut off the retreat route for the Japanese resistance forces. One could even consider this a new management method for the colony—it wouldn't be excessive to call it an experimental zone.
Superficially implementing benevolent policies through favors, but actually confining these people like livestock.
Slowly but gently eradicating the soil of resistance while occupying the moral high ground.
But in reality, haven't these people considered that a mere special zone can only accommodate a few million people? What about those outside these few million?
To compete for special zone quotas, ordinary people would fight among themselves, creating severe internal consumption.
Under such internal and external pressures, once exploited by others, what retreat would remain for the resistance forces?
None at all.
Either submit or be destroyed—there was no third path.
"I... understand. I'll seriously consider this."
Euphemia on the other end of the phone remained silent for a long time before responding, but then added: "Sensei, you'll definitely support me, right?"
"Yes, of course."
Mahiro's firm words put Euphemia at ease.
"As long as I have Mahiro-sensei's support, no matter how difficult this matter is, I will definitely strive to accomplish it."
Euphemia's tone was resolute, carrying the determination to succeed or die trying.
"Ah, my elder sister is coming. I have to hang up now, Mahiro-sensei... I'll call you again when I have the chance."
Euphemia's voice suddenly became flustered. After hurriedly saying these words, the phone receiver transmitted a series of busy tones.
Mahiro looked at the already disconnected phone, tucked it back into his pocket, then leaned his hands against the windowsill, gazing at the cheerful girls in the garden below, and couldn't help but sigh.
"You've reached the age of rebellion too, Euphy..."
But since he had promised Euphemia to select a knight for her, Mahiro didn't intend to delay. He immediately dialed another number.
Who should serve as Euphemia's knight—he already had a suitable candidate in mind...
One could say that besides her, no one else could be more suitable.
"This is the Holy Britannian Imperial Television, I'm field reporter Joseph. Currently, at the Holy Britannian Governor's Palace in Area Eleven, the knighthood conferment ceremony for Her Highness Euphemia li Britannia, the Third Princess of the Empire, is underway."
As the television reporter's voice sounded, almost all Britannians focused their attention on their televisions or computers, intently witnessing this moment's arrival.
To be precise, it wasn't just Britannians—many others were also paying attention to this conferment ceremony.
Such as the members of the Black Knights.
They were variously speculating about who Euphemia's knight might be.
But in reality, even the many nobles present had no idea how this had come to be. Just days ago, news had circulated that Princess Euphemia hadn't chosen a knight, yet now the selection was already complete.
"Who could it possibly be?"
"I'm not sure either, but there were rumors earlier that Princess Euphemia wanted to choose an Honorary Britannian as her knight."
"Really? If that's true, wouldn't it tarnish Her Highness's reputation..."
"Tch, just a mere Eleven..."
While the nobles below whispered and exchanged opinions among themselves, and as Euphemia sat gracefully on the throne above, the banquet hall doors suddenly swung open. A figure cloaked in black robes entered from outside.
Under countless astonished and shocked gazes, they strode across the red carpet with absolute confidence and steady steps.
"Who... is that person?"
"I don't know, but they appear to be a woman."
"A woman? Could it be one of the Knights of Rounds?"
"Don't be ridiculous. Those esteemed individuals are the Emperor's direct subordinates—how could they possibly stoop to becoming Princess Euphemia's knight..."
Amid the widespread speculation, the black-cloaked figure had already ascended the steps, approached the throne, and knelt on one knee.
"By Shadow's command, I have come to serve as Your Highness's knight."
"Thank you for your efforts. But could you remove your hood and let me see your face?"
Hearing the feminine voice, Euphemia was momentarily taken aback, then spoke in a gentle tone.
In truth, Euphemia was intensely curious about the person who would become her knight.
Although it was on Mahiro-sensei's recommendation, she had never met this person—not even once—and until today, she had no idea who it might be.
"Very well."
The figure nodded and then lifted her hood.
A cascade of light golden hair immediately spilled down, spreading across the floor.
At the same time, she raised her head, revealing a pair of sharp indigo eyes.
"Miss Alpha???"
Euphemia exclaimed in surprise.
But she quickly realized.
This wasn't Alpha.
Though her appearance was identical to the person in her memories, this individual's aura was more mature and weathered, and her hair color didn't match either.
"No."
The other party denied it.
"Alpha is my niece. I am the War Goddess, Beatrix. Pleased to meet you, Princess Euphemia."
Only then did Euphemia notice the other's attire.
Beneath the dark robe was concealed a slender, sharp blade, and her clothing was surprisingly minimal.
Her upper body was covered by a shirt-like garment that concealed only the essential parts, leaving her flat stomach and slender, pale arms completely exposed.
Below, she wore something resembling denim shorts, and on her feet—a pair of ankle boots.
Her perfectly toned and shapely thighs were fully exposed to the air.
The tear-shaped mark at the corner of her eye, combined with such wild attire, added a touch of savagery to her otherwise calm and elegant demeanor.
Yet her beauty still stunned many; at the very least, all the nobles present were now intensely curious about her origins and background.
Even the students watching from the screens were no exception.
She was as beautiful as an elf from a fairy tale.
Only Nina watched this scene with a sour feeling in her heart. Though it wasn't the rumored Eleven, nor was it a male.
But if possible, how she wished she could be the one kneeling in that position...
Just then, the knighting ceremony officially began.
"War Goddess Beatrix, do you swear to fight for Britannia, as my knight?"
"Yes, Your Highness Princess Euphemia."
"Do you vow to abandon personal desires, become a sword for great justice, transform into a shield, and remain by my side?"
"Yes, Your Highness"
"Then next..."
Euphemia was about to proceed with the final and most crucial step when she noticed the other party didn't seem to be wearing a ceremonial sword...
Swish!
As if reading Euphy's thoughts, Beatrix opened her robe, placed the Katana at her waist aside, and drew another sword from the other side, presenting it to Euphy with both hands.
Her attire was now completely exposed to everyone's view.
"This... what barbaric attire!"
"My, this new knight is quite unique indeed."
Everyone expressed astonishment at Beatrix's clothing.
But Euphy was utterly shocked by the sword Beatrix presented to her.
It resembled a European greatsword, but its tip was broken. Euphy knew very well the origin of this sword.
It was the Holy Sword that had become the core artifact of Britannia's coronation ceremonies since Edward's canonization in 1161, known by the epithet "The Sword That Never Edges"—
"Curtana!"
"This is a replica, and also a gift from Shadow to you."
Beatrix explained calmly.
"Mahiro-sensei... prepared this for me..."
Euphy murmured softly.
She didn't understand Mahiro-sensei's purpose in doing this, but she still accepted the replica Curtana from Beatrix's hands, lightly tapping it on both sides of the other's shoulders.
"I, Euphemia li Britannia, recognize you, Beatrix, as my knight, and hope you will faithfully fulfill this duty."
With this, the ceremony was complete.
Beatrix, though without nobility title, without anything, and with unknown origins, had legitimately become Euphemia's knight.
No one, not even the Emperor himself, could change this outcome now.
Amid the silence, sporadic applause emerged from the nobles below the stage.
Yet this outcome shocked the members of the Black Knights.
"Bearing the title of War Goddess... Beatrix, an unfamiliar name. It seems she's not from Britannia itself either."
Diethard Ried, who oversaw the Black Knights' intelligence agency, continuously speculated while watching the woman on screen.
If even he didn't know, others knew even less.
None had any knowledge of Beatrix's origins.
Only Lelouch, disguised as Zero, watched the figure on screen with gradually furrowing brows.
Though her face resembled Alpha's who had previously appeared at the Aries Imperial Villa, she was definitely a different person.
In other words—
"Professor, are you siding with Euphy this time?"
Just as Lelouch was pondering this, another piece of information presented by Diethard captured his attention.
"However, beyond that, there's another crucial piece of intelligence. According to reliable sources—Schneizel el Britannia, the Second Prince of the Britannian Empire, will be arriving in Area Eleven."
With just that single sentence, the Western chess piece Lelouch had been toying with trembled in his hand and fell to the ground.
"Diethard, is this intelligence reliable?"
"Beyond any doubt."
Diethard responded with a grave expression.
As a former imperial television producer, he naturally had unconventional channels for gathering information, but the intel he obtained was always accurate and trustworthy.
Upon hearing Schneizel's name, Lelouch finally grew restless.
The Second Prince of the Empire—the only one among all his siblings capable of defeating him on the chessboard.
If Lelouch's chess style was characterized by unorthodox strategies and defeating enemies through schemes, then Schneizel was the type who "remains silent until startling the world with a single brilliant move".
Once he set his sights on a goal, regardless of the cost or whom he had to manipulate, he was a ruthless character who would stop at nothing to achieve it!
This was hardly good news for Lelouch or the Black Knights.
Lelouch had even begun contemplating when he should have another thorough discussion with Mahiro.