Chapter 297: The Arrival of someone Unexpected
Just as Mahiro and Kaguya were discussing the "Japanese Administrative Zone," his phone suddenly rang.
Seeing the caller's name, Mahiro gestured to Kaguya to remain silent.
Then, in a calm and gentle tone, he spoke into the phone:
"Hello, Euphy."
"Teacher, please forgive my abrupt interruption. There's something I'd like to discuss with you."
The voice on the other end hesitated for a moment before her tone grew unprecedentedly resolute.
"It's not abrupt. I already expected you to call me, and what you want to discuss must be about the [Japanese Administrative Zone], right?"
As soon as he finished speaking, a faint gasp could clearly be heard from the other end of the line.
Clearly, Euphemia was quite surprised by all this.
However, her emotions quickly settled.
"As expected... I can't hide anything from you, Teacher..."
Mahiro remained silent, quietly waiting for her to continue.
On the other end of the line, Euphemia had unconsciously moved to the edge of the windowsill. From the position of the Deputy Governor's office, she could take in the Tokyo Settlement, with its towering skyscrapers, in a single glance.
As her gaze drifted into the distance, her resolve gradually solidified.
Taking what seemed like a deep breath, she asked:
"Teacher, you'll support me, right?"
"Of course. Didn't I already say that no matter what decision you make, your teacher will support you?"
As for what Euphemia was about to say, he had already guessed.
It was nothing more than inviting him and Zero to formally attend the [Japanese Administrative Zone] matter.
After all, no matter how you looked at it, his Shadow Garden and his name as Shadow, much like Lelouch's Black Knights, fell under the category of resistance forces—and were "on equal footing" at that.
Establishing the Japanese Administrative Zone simply couldn't proceed without involving the two of them.
Mahiro naturally had no issue with this and agreed directly.
Upon hearing his response, Euphemia cheered with joy, feeling a slight sense of relief.
"I knew you would support me, Teacher. Thank you so much."
Euphemia's voice was filled with clarity, happiness, and a touch of excitement.
"No need for thanks. But let me make this clear in advance: although I've agreed, you'll have to handle the other side yourself. I won't be able to help with that."
"I understand."
Euphemia said softly, "Actually... I've already spoken to Zero. He said he wants to hear your opinion before making a decision."
"Oh? Is that so?"
Mahiro was somewhat surprised, but it was within expectations.
That was indeed Lelouch's way of doing things.
After chatting briefly with Euphemia for a little longer, he ended the call.
"Is this moment finally arriving?"
Mahiro tossed his phone aside, feeling somewhat drowsy. Just as he was about to rub his eyes, a pair of small hands reached over and gently pressed him down.
Resting his head on Kaguya's soft, white-stockinged thighs, he savored their tenderness and fragrance while enjoying a warm and soothing head massage.
"Husband, what did you just say about this moment arriving?"
Kaguya gently massaged his temples while softly asking, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing... it's just that this world has gone mad," Mahiro murmured with a distant sigh.
The establishment of the Japanese Administrative Zone marked the Black Knights' grand debut on the world stage.
Or perhaps, it signaled the beginning of the rift between the two main protagonists—Lelouch and Suzaku Kururugi.
Euphemia's death became the turning point that fundamentally altered the world's landscape and sealed Britannia's eventual downfall.
To be honest, he genuinely wanted to witness this grand transformation firsthand.
He was even curious whether Suzaku, given his current status and position, was qualified to break with Lelouch.
He could also take the opportunity to meet that shorty V.V.
Just as these thoughts crossed his mind, the door suddenly burst open. Lelouch stormed in, looking furious and nearly deranged.
"Mahiro... sensei, do you have a moment?"
Perhaps because he noticed Kaguya's presence as an outsider, Lelouch immediately suppressed his rage and even his heavy breathing. In an instant, his expression softened into gentleness.
The speed of this transformation could rival any Sichuan opera face-changing performance.
The Oscars definitely owed Lelouch a golden statue.
Seeing him enter, Mahiro reluctantly sat up from Kaguya's lap and smiled: "Oh, it's student Lelouch. What brings you here? Don't tell me you're asking for leave again?"
"..."
At the mention of taking leave, Lelouch's expression immediately became strained, appearing somewhat awkward.
After Shirley completely stopped handling Lelouch's miscellaneous affairs, the task of processing his leave requests naturally fell to Mahiro as his teacher.
To make these leave requests appear "authentic," Mahiro always filled out the forms with various bizarre reasons—diarrhea, colds, fevers, sudden eye problems, even appendicitis and other peculiar excuses.
Consequently, Lelouch had earned the nickname "The Sickly Prince" around school.
Although his physically weak character setting did somewhat match this title.
However, Lelouch quickly composed himself and addressed Mahiro respectfully: "Sensei, this isn't about taking leave. I just have a problem I can't solve and would like to ask for your guidance."
"Oh, is that so."
Mahiro replied indifferently: "If you're struggling, maybe you shouldn't take so much leave. Look at you now, falling behind in your studies..."
At this moment, he sounded like a genuine teacher, lecturing Lelouch incessantly about imparting knowledge and resolving doubts.
Lelouch's expression was barely contained, even showing signs of darkening.
Kaguya, who was watching the drama unfold, wore an expression of desperately suppressed laughter, even turning her head away to avoid Lelouch noticing.
On the bed, C.C. hugged her knees, resting her head sideways, watching the two performance artists with an amused expression.
Fortunately, just as Lelouch was about to lose his composure, Mahiro finally stopped his nagging.
"Sigh, never mind. This time, your teacher will reluctantly give you some extra help, but there won't be a next time."
"Th... thank you, sensei."
The two of them left the room one after the other.
The moment the door closed, Kaguya could no longer hold back and let out a soft, coquettish laugh.
Of course, Lelouch couldn't hear this laughter. He walked ahead with a gloomy expression, arriving at a secluded room in the villa.
As soon as he entered, Lelouch got straight to the point:
"Teacher, you already know about Euphemia's plan to establish the Japanese Administrative Zone, right?"
"Oh, it seems Euphy has contacted you."
"..."
Hearing Lelouch's muffled and displeased grunt, along with the way he addressed Euphemia, Mahiro felt somewhat emotional inside.
It seemed Lelouch had completely developed a grudge against Euphy...
And rightly so. Unlike Euphemia, Lelouch immediately understood the predicament the Black Knights would face upon hearing this news.
It could be said this was the greatest crisis the organization had faced since its establishment, even posing a far greater threat than Cornelia ever had.
After all, direct attacks could be countered, but this kind of subtle, insidious strike was truly difficult to defend against.
It meant all their efforts from Shinjuku until now would come to nothing.
What Mahiro was more curious about was: in what capacity and tone had Euphy discussed this matter with Lelouch?
Just as he was pondering this, Lelouch suddenly spoke:
"Euphemia... she knows my identity."
As he spoke, Lelouch raised his head and gazed at him with profound eyes, as if trying to find something extraordinary in his expression.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Noticing the other's gaze, Mahiro slowly narrowed his eyes into slits, a faint but dangerous aura gradually permeating the air.
"You think I told Euphemia?"
He let out a disdainful chuckle. "If I really were to tell someone, it shouldn't be Euphemia—wouldn't telling Cornelia be better? Don't forget, Cornelia is even more attached to me than Euphy is."
The imposing aura instantly sent a shock through Lelouch's mind.
In that moment, his thoughts cleared.
That was true. During their days at the Aries Imperial Villa, although Nunnally, Euphemia, and Cornelia were all quite attached to Mahiro, it was Cornelia who harbored the deepest feelings and most complex thoughts toward him.
If Mahiro hadn't left Britannia back then, he would likely have become Cornelia's knight and husband by now.
Realizing this, Lelouch understood he had spoken wrongly and immediately lowered his head in apology: "I'm sorry, Teacher. I shouldn't have doubted you."
"Forget it, forget it."
Mahiro waved his hand dismissively, the intimidating aura around him receding as he asked:
"Now, tell me what you came to me for."
"I wanted to ask if you plan to attend the establishment ceremony for the Japanese Administrative Zone," Lelouch asked earnestly.
He didn't directly inquire about Mahiro's thoughts or opinions, but instead tentatively asked whether he would attend.
Based on the answer, Lelouch would be able to deduce which side Mahiro supported, and only then could he formulate his subsequent plans.
However, Mahiro was well aware of Lelouch's calculations. He just hadn't expected this guy to start suspecting even those close to him, showing shades of a certain Cao Cao's temperament.
However, even so, Mahiro remained expressionless as he spread his hands and said:
"Of course I'm going. After all, this is the first time Euphy has done something this significant. Both emotionally and logically, as her teacher, I need to attend. I can't possibly focus all my attention solely on you, can I?"
Mahiro smiled faintly:
"More importantly, this incident presents a major test for your Black Knights. What do you plan to do?"
Without their first meeting during the hotel hostage crisis, without their reunion on the isolated island, and without their time together during the school festival...
He was genuinely curious about what choice Lelouch would make.
Faced with his question, Lelouch didn't respond immediately. Instead, he stared at Mahiro for a long time.
His pupils flickered with a hint of struggle, but it was quickly replaced by a flash of ruthlessness.
Seeing this, even if Lelouch said nothing, Mahiro could understand that Lelouch had clearly developed killing intent.
Was Lelouch's bloodlust really this strong?
Mahiro wasn't quite sure. He had thought this guy would choose compromise and surrender.
Perhaps it was because C.C. was no longer by his side, or perhaps because Euphy's affection had shifted to him...
At this moment, Lelouch faced the existing Britannian royal family members like a blood-stained sword, wanting to slaughter them all.
At the same time, in the Governor's Palace of Area Eleven, Euphemia was enduring Cornelia's fury through the screen.
"...Euphy, do you realize what you're doing? You're disregarding Britannian law! Establishing the 'Japanese Special Administrative Zone'—I can't interfere since you discussed it with our elder brother Schneizel. But why pardon that Zero and Shadow?!"
Thinking of Shadow's true identity and everything he had done before, Cornelia's eyes burned with rage.
"Sister, do you truly wish for Shadow to face Britannian legal punishment?"
At this moment, Euphemia looked at her with seemingly all-knowing eyes and gently asked.
"..."
Cornelia's words caught in her throat.
Did she wish for it?
Certainly not. Even now, she still hoped Shadow would change his ways.
But first, they needed to capture Shadow, giving her time to gradually influence him. Even if she couldn't sway him, she could imprison him—she'd be willing to support him herself if necessary!
Come to think of it, judging by Euphy's tone, did she already know Shadow's true identity?!
Cornelia was somewhat surprised inwardly, but there was no time to dwell on that now as she continued:
"...Let's set Shadow aside for now, but that Zero killed Clovis! The crime of killing royalty cannot be forgiven!"
"Yes, I know. That's why I've decided to renounce my succession rights to the Britannian throne and use royal privilege to pardon both Zero and Shadow!"
Euphemia declared firmly.
"..."
Pointing at her younger sister, Cornelia looked as if she was seeing her for the first time. They stood in stalemate for a long moment before Cornelia finally slumped into her chair in defeat.
She knew that although her sister appeared gentle and delicate on the surface, she was incredibly stubborn at heart.
She was determined to go through with this matter.
However, for most princes and princesses, the Britannian succession rights held no real significance. Those who couldn't distinguish themselves among their siblings were simply unqualified to inherit the throne.
Yet this inheritance right could be considered the final privilege of royalty, and Euphemia had abandoned her royal privilege for two "unfamiliar" terrorists!
"I must return!"
After the communication was cut off, Cornelia felt increasingly restless. She suddenly stood up and commanded:
"Guilford, issue the order immediately! All forces advance, resolve the battlefield quickly, and return to the Area Eleven concession at once!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
A month's time wasn't particularly long nor short, but during this period, approximately three hundred thousand Japanese had already declared their intention to join the Special Zone.
As time passed, even some members of the Black Knights had begun leaving the terrorist organization, wanting to lead normal lives.
Most Black Knights members had joined out of necessity. Except for a very small number who genuinely wanted to restore Japan's independence, it was natural that people would leave when given the opportunity to live normally without risking their lives.
If this continued unchecked, the Black Knights would gradually disintegrate, and dissolution would only be a matter of time.
After all, Euphemia's public image had always been that of a Britannian princess who didn't discriminate against the Japanese. Even though this deviated from the original timeline where Suzaku Kururugi wasn't promoted to knighthood, this image remained completely unwavering.
Therefore, many Japanese came to believe this policy was trustworthy and reliable.
Moreover, just as support for the "Special Zone" policy was about to peak, Euphemia announced: "I hope Zero and Shadow will join and assist the Special Zone. I guarantee with my royal succession rights that I will pardon both of their crimes."
This declaration sent shockwaves throughout the world.
If previous statements were just words, now with the official pardon issued, no one could doubt its authenticity.
Countless eyes turned to this previously little-known princess, whom many had considered merely a decorative figure.
Those who knew Euphemia understood this came from her genuine kindness.
Those unfamiliar with her admired the princess's tactics—with just one policy and one statement, she had driven both the Black Knights and Shadow Garden into a corner!
People marveled at how this was truly worthy of a Britannian princess, with capabilities far beyond ordinary imagination.
At this point, everyone knew the Black Knights and Shadow Garden were finished. Zero, who had personally vowed to protect the weak and used this slogan to gather countless supporters, now faced a Britannian princess whose methods ultimately also protected the weak.
Furthermore, everyone understood that Zero had no excuse to refuse or attack this policy. To do so would be digging his own grave, turning himself into public enemy number one in Area Eleven!
Soon, the day of the Japanese Administrative Zone's inauguration ceremony arrived.
The venue was bustling with noise and excitement. Without exception, every seat in the audience was occupied by Elevens, who whispered among themselves, eagerly awaiting the ceremony's commencement.
Many had already begun fantasizing about their own bright futures.
Meanwhile, Ashford Academy remained tranquil, with everyone intently focused on the live broadcast.
As the leader of the Black Knights, Lelouch had departed early in the morning.
At this moment, Mahiro had already transformed into Shadow's appearance and was preparing to leave.
"Are you going now?"
Sitting on the bed with her hair in twin tails and wearing gothic-style clothing, C.C. spoke slowly without looking up from browsing the web.
Beside her, Kaguya watched Mahiro with a concerned gaze.
Though she didn't understand Mahiro's plans or know his purpose this time, she still chose to trust him—to trust her husband.
He would never allow Japan to remain under Britannia's control!
Noticing Kaguya's gaze, Mahiro smiled slightly and said:
"Ah, I'm heading out."
After that, no more words were exchanged.
Only silent stillness remained, accompanied by the gradually fading sound of footsteps.
He wasn't the only one attending this ceremony. Alpha, with her golden hair and dressed in a black formal gown, followed closely beside Mahiro.
Just as they stepped out of the school gate and were about to board their vehicle, an unexpected figure blocked their car's path.
Mahiro looked up slightly surprised and said:
"Oh? It's you?"