Chapter 270: Euphemia's Resolve
"Who is ZERO?"
Cornelia asked with a fierce expression that belied her inner unease.
She no longer cared to investigate why Yotsuba Mahiro had become the leader of a terrorist organization.
Because she had discovered that Yotsuba Mahiro had become just as absurd as her father, Charles!
Engaging in unknown research behind the scenes, even abandoning governance duties to her second brother Schneizel.
Therefore, she needed to confirm that Clovis' death had nothing to do with Yotsuba Mahiro, and now she only wanted to know—who exactly was this ZERO!
"Well now, who could ZERO be?"
To Cornelia's surprise, Yotsuba Mahiro actually started playing dumb.
"What, planning to torture a confession out of me? Draw your favorite gunblade, aim it at me, and force me to reveal ZERO's true identity?"
Mahiro watched Cornelia's hand tightening on the hilt, his face full of amusement.
Yet under his teasing, Cornelia slowly released her grip on the gunblade, closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled.
As if calming her emotions.
Though she very much wanted to do as he suggested, she couldn't bring herself to do it, nor was she capable of it.
Just how powerful Yotsuba Mahiro, her teacher, truly was—she had understood this since she was very young. Even now, no longer the child she once was, she didn't believe she could be a match for this man.
To Cornelia, describing Yotsuba Mahiro's strength as "unfathomable" was perfectly appropriate.
Perhaps the only man in this world capable of facing a Knightmare with bare hands.
Thinking this, she once again began walking, deliberately passing by Yotsuba Mahiro. As she brushed past him, Cornelia paused her steps.
"Lord Mahiro... no, Mahiro-sensei, perhaps this is the last time I'll address you as such. When we meet again, we shall be enemies."
"Oh? I thought you'd arrest me on the spot, Second Princess, Your Highness Cornelia."
"....."
Cornelia didn't respond, instead walking directly toward the rooftop door.
"Alright, I'll give you a hint—ZERO might be some vengeful ghost crawled out from the grave~"
"Absurd!"
She didn't believe his words at all—a vengeful ghost from the grave?
Could it be Clovis or Lelouch who had been missing for years?!
How utterly ridiculous!
"Sigh, still throwing childish tantrums even at your age. Cornelia, your temperament hasn't changed a bit."
Watching Cornelia's retreating back disappear from the rooftop, Yotsuba Mahiro leisurely spread his hands in a helpless gesture.
Cornelia could be said to be the most outstanding disciple he had taught, excelling in both literary and military arts.
It was just unfortunate that her personality was too sister-complexed, too arrogant, and too impulsive.
This was a classic symptom of never having experienced life's harsh lessons.
"So, how much longer do you plan to eavesdrop? My lovely princess."
As soon as he finished speaking, a strand of pink hair that had been peeking from the rooftop corner swiftly withdrew, as if startled and preparing to flee. However, it seemed to realize there was only one door leading off the rooftop.
After confirming there was no second escape route, the pink-haired princess hesitated for a moment before finally emerging—
"...S-sorry, Mahiro-sensei, I eavesdropped on your conversation with my sister."
Euphemia walked out from behind the corner of the rooftop, shrinking her neck with an awkward smile.
Originally, she had been touring the school festival under the guidance of Ashford student council president Milly, but she happened to see Mahiro leading Cornelia into the building ahead, apparently looking for a quiet place.
So she used a little trick to shake off Milly and curiously followed them.
After all, she knew no less than Cornelia did, and feared what kind of conflict or unexpected situation might arise between her sister and the teacher.
Thus, while Cornelia and Mahiro-sensei were arguing, she quietly slipped up to the rooftop and listened to the entire conversation.
The good news was that Sister Cornelia didn't get into any physical altercation with Mahiro-sensei.
The bad news was that after Sister Cornelia left, she had been discovered by Mahiro-sensei.
What should she do now...
"Alright, stop making that troubled face and racking your brain for excuses. If I really didn't want you to hear, you wouldn't have been able to listen at all."
Indeed, his earlier words weren't just answering Cornelia's doubts—they were also meant for Euphemia.
Including the part about ZERO's true identity.
Understanding this, Euphy no longer attempted to make excuses, merely showing a momentarily embarrassed smile before turning slightly serious and cautious as she asked:
"Say, Mahiro-sensei, you mentioned earlier that ZERO might be here for revenge... Could that person be... Lelouch?"
Just then, a firework shot into the sky and exploded, its blast perfectly covering Lelouch's name.
But at this distance, even if one genuinely couldn't hear, the lip movements alone would reveal who Euphy was referring to.
If anything, it was surprising that Euphy could guess this much.
But upon reflection, aside from Lelouch, there really wasn't anyone else who harbored such hatred toward the Britannian royal family.
"So, Sensei, is it really Lelouch?"
Euphy kept pressing like a little girl desperately seeking the truth.
But Mahiro only smiled slightly and replied:
"My dear princess, since you've rarely come to the festival, how about I show you around properly?""
"Eh?"
His sudden topic change caught Euphy completely off guard.
"But Sensei..."
"You can see Lelouch and Nunnally too. Didn't you say last time you wanted to meet them? I'm here to fulfill that promise."
Hearing these words and meeting his sincere gaze, Euphy showed brief surprise before seemingly understanding something. She then softly hummed in agreement,
gladly accepting his invitation.
She extended her fair jade-like hand to rest in Mahiro's outstretched palm.
Mahiro closed his hand, gently pulling the beautiful princess to his side. The princess naturally wrapped her soft jade arm around Mahiro's arm,
lightly linking them together.
Their movements were so fluid it was as if they had rehearsed them countless times.
The way they linked arms was also intimate.
As for that question, Euphy had no intention of pressing further.
Was this princess foolish?
Naturally, the answer was no.
Though she was naive and somewhat idealistic, she was not stupid. Contrary to her innocent appearance, her intelligence might even surpass Cornelia's.
Her intuition was particularly sharp as well.
She was just overly protected by Cornelia, too innocent and kind-hearted.
Therefore, when Mahiro offered to take her to see Lelouch and Nunnally, she had already arrived at an accurate answer.
Arm in arm, the two left the rooftop, descended the stairs, and exited the building.
Though the number of participants in Ashford Academy's festival wasn't overwhelming, it was still considerable. Many had entered the campus through various channels just to catch a glimpse of Euphemia and Cornelia.
Unfortunately, Cornelia had already departed.
As for Euphemia, who had stayed behind, she had taken precautions to disguise herself. Even when brushing past others, no one recognized her.
They merely thought she was a somewhat pretty girl.
"..."
Seeing people scurrying around searching for her, Euphy couldn't help but giggle softly, then tightened her grip on Mahiro's arm with greater force.
She had completely shed the demeanor of a vice-governor, let alone the dignity of an imperial princess. There was no trace of the solemnity she had shown earlier when questioning ZERO's true identity.
She was just like a lively girl next door, surveying the aristocratic academy with intense curiosity. At every location, she would inquire in detail, seemingly wanting to understand the school inside and out.
"Why don't you just enroll at Private Ashford Academy?"
Mahiro patiently explained the purpose of each building, along with every interesting anecdote or embarrassing story he encountered here.
Though most of them came from Milly, of course.
Who could blame the student council president for being the most mischievous?
Even so, Euphy continued to giggle dreamily, gazing at him with gentle eyes as she listened to his voice, unconsciously tightening her hold on his arm.
She asked in return:
"Would that really be possible?!"
"Of course it would. You're the Third Princess—any school would be honored to have you. Besides, at your age, you should be studying anyway."
Mahiro naturally noticed how Euphy was practically clinging to him, especially with the full, soft sensation against his arm that stirred distracting thoughts.
But he didn't say anything about it.
Instead, Euphy suddenly released his arm, skipped cheerfully in front of him, clasped her hands behind her back, and spun around gracefully on the spot.
"In that case, I'd rather not come. Because I don't want my actions to cause any trouble for you, Teacher, or for Lelouch and Nunnally."
As she spoke, Euphy playfully winked at him, radiating cuteness and charm.
Like Clovis, she didn't seem to have emerged from the imperial family—or rather, she wasn't suited for royalty. Perhaps she would have been better off born into a noble family as a treasured daughter, living a carefree life of comfort.
Not long after, they encountered Nunnally and Lelouch.
Lelouch was pushing Nunnally's wheelchair as they visited the festival stalls, with Sayoko following nearby.
Ever vigilant, Sayoko noticed Mahiro's presence but didn't report it to Lelouch, as Mahiro had gestured for her to remain silent.
This was mainly because Euphy hesitated.
"Why the sudden change of heart? Don't you want to meet them? Forget Lelouch—Nunnally misses you too."
"I know..."
Watching the harmonious siblings in the distance, and the gentle girl with closed eyes yet a smiling face in the wheelchair, Euphemia gradually tightened her grip on his arm.
"This is fine. My identity isn't suitable for disturbing their lives anymore. As harsh as it sounds, I can tell Nunnally is already happy. If I were to approach them, I'd only bring them trouble."
"So... I'll just watch them from afar."
The lively bustle of the festival, mingled with the late autumn chill, turned into a gentle breeze that lifted Euphy's long hair.
This girl hasn't changed a bit—her innate thoughtfulness and kindness remain completely unaltered.
"Teacher, why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"
Euphy turned around just as Mahiro was studying her with an undisguised gaze.
"Nothing, really. I was just thinking about how the little Euphy who used to shout with Nunnally about marrying Teacher has grown so considerate—even understanding a rival's feelings."
Mahiro teased the adorable Euphy with memories from their past at Aries Palace.
Euphy flushed bright red at his words.
Like any ordinary girl, she stamped her foot in embarrassment and raised her hand to playfully hit him.
"Enough now. Lelouch and Nunnally are about to leave. Don't you want to follow and see?"
Hearing this, Euphy immediately stopped her playful protests. Watching the two gradually disappear into the distance, she decided to follow them.
The two trailed quietly behind, observing from a distance.
Occasionally, Nunnally would suddenly turn around as if sensing something, but she could neither see nor discover anything.
In contrast, Lelouch was far less alert in this regard.
This guy really needs retraining—zero counter-surveillance awareness, Mahiro thought.
With that in mind, Mahiro led Euphemia to a shaded spot under some trees. Peering through the bushes, they watched Lelouch enter the villa behind the academy.
He stopped Nunnally's wheelchair under the pavilion at the entrance, speaking gently to his sister. Nunnally's silvery laughter drifted through the woods.
They then enjoyed tea and sweets prepared by Sayoko, chatting while Nunnally basked in the sunlight.
"Teacher, do you think there's any hope for Nunnally's legs and eyes... to be healed?"
Watching Nunnally's blissful smile, Euphy felt both satisfaction and a pang of heartache.
"Of course it can be cured."
"Eh? Really?! You're not lying to me, are you, Teacher?"
Euphy's emotions surged intensely.
After Empress Marianne's assassination, the Britannian imperial family had exhausted all medical resources in an attempt to heal Nunnally's legs and eyes, yet they ultimately failed. At best, they managed to preserve her legs, but she remained completely paralyzed.
Now, hearing Mahiro claim it could be cured, how could she not feel excited for Nunnally!
"Sigh, when have I ever lied to you? Nunnally's disabilities are definitely curable. Her legs have already been healed by me—if you don't believe me, look."
Mahiro pointed into the distance, and just then, Euphy saw Nunnally sitting in her wheelchair, happily swinging her slender legs.
"As for her eyes, it's due to psychological trauma. It can't be fixed yet, but I believe it won't be long before that's resolved too."
Just wait a little longer, just a bit more...
"That's really... wonderful..."
Euphy's gaze gradually softened as she quietly watched the scene afar.
But this time, her focus wasn't on Nunnally; instead, it shifted to Lelouch nearby and Suzaku, who had just appeared unexpectedly.
"Teacher, what do you think is the reason the Black Knights' ZERO is fighting against Britannia? Is it due to conflicting ideologies, or because of Britannia's treatment of Japan...
Since the Black Knights claim to be champions of justice, I suppose it must be the latter." Euphy mused to herself.
"That's quite a sudden shift to a heavy topic."
Mahiro plopped down directly onto the grass.
Just then, bursts of firecrackers and announcements from the school festival behind them filled the air.
"I think rather than discussing such a serious matter, we should go check out the event where they're making the world's largest pizza."
Especially since it's being handled by the Knights of Rounds themselves.
After all, the Knights of Rounds are a rather unruly bunch, even someone like Gino, who appears to be a normal, handsome blond guy.
He's cheerful and absolutely loves joining in on the excitement.
A lively, large-scale event like this is practically his favorite.
Just as Mahiro suspected, the person piloting the third-generation Knightmare stored at the academy had indeed been replaced by Gino of the Knights of Rounds, who even demonstrated exceptional piloting skills.
Unfortunately, that commotion didn't capture Euphy's interest; instead, her attention was deeply held by the trio sitting together nearby.
"Teacher, I want this 'potted plant' of a vice-governor to do something."
"Do what? One misstep could send you tumbling into an abyss, you know~"
"I know."
"Your elder sister Cornelia would be heartbroken~"
"I understand."
"ZERO might not go easy on you either~"
"...But I'm still willing to strive for it."
Euphemia's gaze gradually grew resolute, becoming completely different from the adorable girl-next-door she once was, now carrying the dignity of a princess in her expression.
Her emergence of such thoughts wasn't solely because of Lelouch and Nunnally, but also because she had witnessed the miserable living conditions of the Elevens.
At the same time, she hoped the Black Knights, hoped ZERO would cease their actions and stop harming anyone.
"Is that so? Then I wish you good luck, Euphy. I can't offer you much help right now, but I must advise you to think twice. Even if you discuss your ideas with that guy Schneizel, you should remain cautious, understand?"
"Huh?"
Hearing his words, Euphy stared at him blankly, "How did you know I would discuss this with my brother Schneizel?"
"Nonsense, if you want to do this you'll naturally need supporters. But you can't talk to Cornelia about it, so the only person you can consult with is Schneizel as the prime minister. Don't tell me you were planning to discuss this with that incompetent Odysseus?"
Mahiro immediately rolled his eyes at Euphy, who could only respond with an awkward smile, completely unable to retort.
Although he spoke such indifferent words, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly for this naive and adorable princess.
Too inexperienced.
What Euphy wanted to do was essentially restore Japan's name to them and return the dignity they had lost, just like in the original story.
Honestly, strategically speaking, there was no problem—such conciliatory tactics could easily break apart and dismantle the Black Knights.
But all of this was predicated on ZERO not wanting to abandon this land.
What if he could abandon it?
Japan would be liberated.
Then ZERO could simply move to another place, like Area Ten or Area Nine, where he would receive even more enthusiastic welcome and greater public support.
He could even rally hundreds at his call, quickly forming another Black Knights elsewhere.
And what about Euphy? After liberating Area Eleven, could she liberate other areas?
Absolutely impossible.
In the end, nothing would change—she would just be doing the groundwork for ZERO.
Not to mention, for Nunnally's sake, ZERO had no intention of abandoning this land anyway. And as for what ZERO might do now, how crazy he might become—even Yotsuba Mahiro couldn't predict it.
Most likely, to achieve his goals, he would choose to directly kill Euphemia.
But Euphy didn't care about any of this, already beginning to calculate her plans in her mind.
Mahiro and Euphy, former teacher and student.
Now sitting together at the same table, yet dreaming completely different dreams.
Meanwhile.
"I hope Mahiro-sensei's conversation with Her Highness Cornelia is going well..."
At the pizza-making venue, Milly, who was in charge of the proceedings, watched as the pizza dough tossed into the air gradually expanded, yet she couldn't feel happy at all.
Instead, she wore a deeply worried expression.
She was somewhat concerned about Mahiro.
Although Mahiro-sensei was once Her Highness Cornelia's teacher, it was clear that Her Highness Cornelia was very angry this time, and no one knew what she might do...
As she was thinking this, a frivolous yet uncharacteristically serious voice quietly sounded beside her.
"The third-generation Knightmare Ganymede, the machine once piloted by Marianne the Flash."
Still clad in that perpetually unchanged white lab coat, Lloyd Asplund stood on the slope. Pushing up his glasses not far from Milly, he gazed at the Knightmare on the venue, the lenses glinting with an indecipherable light.
Milly felt no surprise at the sudden appearance of this man who had once stood her up and was regarded by her family as her fiancé. She merely crossed her arms and remarked calmly:
"It's just a basic Frame, a puppet for events."
"An heretical machine that withdrew from the next-generation competition after Lady Marianne's death," Lloyd continued, completely ignoring Milly's statement as if immersed in his own world.
"So that's the reason you agreed to the Ashford family's marriage alliance and decided to marry me."
Milly sighed, her tone carrying inexplicable emotions. She felt she ranked lower than an outdated Knightmare relic fit for a museum...
"Did you know, Miss Ashford?"
Suddenly, Cécile Croomy appeared between them, interrupting their conversation as she addressed Milly:
"This man possesses zero knowledge about the opposite sex, so pay him no mind."
Her words, seemingly meant to console Milly, immediately provoked boisterous laughter from Lloyd.
"What a pity—I do understand the concept theoretically though.Lloyd released his characteristic frivolous chuckle, the kind enough to make anyone keep their distance.