Infinite: Progressing from Arasaka - Chapter 173

Currently, he is serving as a special envoy to Japan, which has also broken free from US control and regained its sovereignty, to conduct tactical and technical exchanges with its Ministry of Home Affairs and Section 9 Safety Commission.

"Vault-Tec Corporation..."

[Radiation], currently dormant in a cryogenic hibernation pod within a core shelter.

The time is not right.

Finally, Vera stroked her chin, raised an eyebrow, grinned, and said with a hint of teasing, "The name Britannia has a father, a mother, and more than a hundred blood brothers... Uh, why is the name so long?"

[CODE GEASS (Lelouch)], currently residing at the Catherine Palace in Saint Petersburg, serving as Governor-General of the Eastern Europe War, and owning vacation residences in Moscow and other locations, boarded his private plane from Murmansk last night to return to the American mainland— the Imperial Capital Pendragon— due to family matters.

Among the nine "Wei" (薇) at the current stage, the one with the best background is the most privileged.

Abbreviated name: Vera vo Britannia, the third princess of the Holy Britannian Empire, the fifth in line to the throne, and the supreme military and political commander of European Britannia, as well as the governor of Siberia.

"Unfortunately, the world's largest Sakura Dite mine is not under our jurisdiction. Oh well, greed knows no bounds; the resources and industries of Siberia and Eastern Europe are enough for centuries of squandering."

"District 11, tsk, a hotspot for accidents, the Geass ruins on Kamijima, and the missing, disabled half-sister, the half-brother who murdered his parents and brother..."

Vera whispered a message to herself, then went about washing her face and brushing her teeth. After finishing, she left the bathroom.

Although in the Resident Evil world, she is the CEO of Military Science, the big boss, the local tyrant of California, and the supreme ruler of the San Francisco Bay Area, and no one can force her to take attendance, she still has to attend her regular classes.

"Obtaining Geass is one of our priority goals, but we shouldn't be tricked. Based on Sakura's research on antimatter annihilation bombs, 'Elder Sister' should be in dire need of it."

While changing her clothes, she silently exchanged a question, "Is this trip back to the capital for my brother's funeral...?"

"Ah, the funeral of the Imperial Brother."

[CODE GEASS]

Imperial Capital Pendragon.

The Imperial Palace.

Gemini Palace.

Princess Vera of Britannia sat in a low-backed chair in front of a half-length mirror, while court attendants styled her smooth hair, which was styled into a bun.

She was already dressed in a formal gown, a smooth, dark embroidered dress with gleaming gold double-breasted buttons, a high collar, and a pure white floral scarf adorned with a cornflower sapphire brooch. The shoulders were padded, and the trousers were impeccably tailored, making her appear taller and more dignified.

As the waiter gently draped and secured the stand-up collar cloak, adorned with tassels and gold metallic ribbons, Vera glanced at the portable computer on the dressing table before her.

"Cornelia, Euphemia, how does it feel to take up your post in District 11? The rebellion in Area 18 was wiped out so quickly, at least I can see you off one last time."

On the screen, one is a purple-haired mature woman wearing a burgundy dress similar to Vera's, exuding a strong military aura. Her purple lip gloss does not appear gaudy but instead adds to her cold and glamorous look, making her incredibly assertive.

Another pink-haired girl in a warm-colored, gorgeous dress blinked her clear and innocent blue eyes. If she wasn't pretending, she looked like a vase character with no political acumen, very weak, arousing people's protective instincts.

Cornelia, the second princess, fourth in line to the throne.

Euphemia, the fourth princess. Due to Vera's birth, she and subsequent members of the royal family were moved one place down in the line of succession.

"Military issues are the top priority."

Cornelia's sharp purple eyes fixed on Vera. "The best way to appease Clovis is to quell and suppress the rebellion in District 11. Besides, what a mess that idiot left behind..."

When she spoke of her younger brother, a tender, reluctant look appeared in her eyes.

"He's not suited to be a military and political governor. His ideal is to be a painter, and he should have gone to the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts for further studies. He only did it to find Lelouch and Nunnally..."

"Tell me about it."

Vera picked up the conversation naturally, her expression turning cold in an instant, "From the year 2010 to 2017, three of our blood relatives have already fallen in that island nation."

"Because of Clovis, I've been following the news from District 11. Since ZERO, Fukushima, Kochi, Hiroshima... In just a few days, this has been the seventh premeditated terrorist attack."

"The governor is dead, and terrorist attacks are rampant. This is no ordinary rebellion. It indicates that there are serious internal problems. The old guard has not been completely eliminated. We must take strong measures. Cornelia, conduct a large-scale sweep and internal purge. My Siberian Governor-Generalship District 11. Do you need me to Dispatch troops to support you?"

He paused for a moment, then said, "I'll follow your instructions."

Vera then added to indicate that this wasn't that kind of competition.

"No, thank you."

Cornelia refused outright.

She first gave Vera a sharp look, then smiled sweetly.

"Vera, you should focus on the war against the EU. Since the Empire has put me in charge of District 11, I must purge it, partly to appease Clovis. As for those cowardly traitors hiding in the shadows..."

"We're not worthy of joining forces."

Cornelia gave a disdainful smile.

"Um... Imperial Sister Cornelia, Imperial Sister Vera, not all Japanese are traitors and terrorists. We can also use a policy of appeasement..."

Listening to Cornelia and Vera's equally cold tone regarding the handling of District 11, Euphemia, finally getting a chance to interject, couldn't help but defend the tragic plight of the Japanese: "I've been to the slums of Shinjuku; they're a devastated wasteland. They had no choice..."

"Euphemia is from District 11."

Cornelia looked helpless and gently tapped her younger sister's head. "Don't openly contradict the Empire's current policies."

Sigh, her younger sister's political awareness is too low.

Knock knock.

Vera tapped her fingers lightly on the dressing table, her gaze lingering on Euphemia. She shook her head slightly. "Kindness needs the protection of powerful violence. Gentle words on the lips, but a big stick in the hand, are what last. Euphemia, you're too hasty."

"A policy of appeasement is not appropriate for two years after Clovis's death. We should be giving alms to the people of District 11, not acting as if we are afraid and forced to concede benefits just because the governor is dead."

"Cornelia, Euphemia."

After saying that, she excused herself and stood up, saying, "Let's talk again next time."

Goodbye, my Imperial Sister.

Although disappointed by Vera's lack of approval, Euphemia still politely performed a curtsy.

Tap, tap.

Vera left the Gemini Palace and took a car to the Royal Palace Grand Hall.

The mourning ceremony for Clovis La Britannia, the third prince and her half-brother, is about to begin.

Soon, the ceremonial music of "All Hail Britannia" began to play.

Vera walked into the hall.

Another thing is the usage of the middle names of the royal family. I don't understand it at all, even from the perspective of the order of succession, or from which prince. That's normal. The Netherlands uses 'van', Germany uses 'von', and France uses 'de'.

169

Chapter 169: The So-Called Most Prestigious and the Most Prosperous.

[CODE GEASS]

The imperial palace hall in the Imperial Capital Pendragon is enormous.

It has both an inner and outer aspect. The outer part is less a place for mourning and more a parade ground for showing off national power.

The decorations were extremely ornate. The spacious hall, capable of holding 200,000 people, was entirely paved with marble. Square stone pillars engraved with golden irises stood on both sides. The walls on both sides were painted and gilded into a dazzling purplish-red, inlaid with carvings of agate, amber, crystal, and gemstones, shimmering with every color in the yellow hue imaginable, from lemon yellow to golden red, so magnificent it was breathtaking.

At the end of the avenue for audiences was a polygonal, semi-circular viewing platform, adorned with purple and white flags, curtains hanging from above, and at the center of the vaulted ceiling was the Britannian Griffin, the national emblem of the country with a snake and a crown—the main figure of the memorial service—

A large portrait of the deceased third prince Clovis is displayed in the center, holding a red rose, smiling, and looking like a handsome, blond young man. Below the portrait are fresh flowers in yellow, purple and white.

"Your Royal Highness!"

As Vera entered, the guards saluted respectfully.

Vera returned the greeting as she walked toward the royal waiting room.

The waiting room wasn't very large. In the center were several sofas and coffee tables, and all four sides were lined with elegant floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and Anteiku decorations. When Vera arrived, many powerful and high-ranking royals and Knights of the Round were already there.

"Imperial Sister."

"Your Highness."

"Awei".

With a rhythmic gait, Vera nodded in return to each greeting with a friendly demeanor.

Inside, apart from her three elder brothers and sisters who were in the order of succession and remained seated, all the other attendants and adjutants bowed respectfully.

Vera's younger siblings should have stood up and greeted her, "Imperial Sister," with various gestures such as touching their chests and lifting their skirts.

Even the Knights of the Round were unruly.

Apart from Lord Bismarck, the First Knights of the Round who guards the Emperor, none of them are worthy of showing off in front of Vera, the Third Princess, who comes from a powerful maternal family, has a strong retinue of retainers, has shown extraordinary talent since childhood, and now holds power in North Asia. She is considered one of the most promising candidates to compete for the next Emperor of Britannia, alongside the Crown Prince and the Second Prince.

Especially Moltke, the Fifth Round Table Knight, and Ron, the Eighth Round Table Knight.

He even knelt on one knee, bowed his head and touched his chest in a knightly salute.

Vera quickly reached out to help the two Knights of the Round.

As expected of the Third Princess, who comes from a powerful maternal family... The princes and princesses present exchanged glances, while the foreign officials and knights looked on with inscrutable expressions.

But whatever their reasons, they all tacitly remained silent, simply watching the scene unfold.

"Elder brother, Schneizel. Imperial Sister."

Vera found a seat and looked at her three older brothers and sisters who were sitting calmly on the sidelines.

The mature-looking, brown-haired, bearded man is the eldest son of the emperor, the crown prince of the empire, Odysseus.

The handsome man with blond hair and purple eyes is the Imperial Chancellor, the Second Prince Schneizel;

With her graceful figure, wearing a low-cut palace dress, deep purple lipstick, and exaggerated hair ornaments, she was the eldest princess Guinevere.

"You're back?"

Odysseus felt Vera's gaze, smiled gently, nodded kindly, and made tea for Vera. Then, he said in a rather forlorn tone, "I never thought Clovis would be assassinated by terrorists while serving as the governor of Japan. I hope Cornelia can successfully quell the unrest in District 11."

"Well, barring any unforeseen circumstances."

Vera shrugged, appearing very relaxed.

In the presence of this gentle and kind-hearted elder brother, who treated everyone equally and cared deeply for national honor and the safety of his family, yet whose abilities were relatively mediocre, the cutthroat competition of the royal family was truly rare. This was also the reason why Vera spent the most time with him and had the best relationship with him.

"They're just old District 11 restorationists. If the Empire could conquer District 11 once, it can conquer it a second time."

Guinevere glanced at Vera, who had picked up her black tea, and then listlessly rested her chin on her hand, looking at the clock.

"Have Cornelia sweep through District 11 again. If the military strength is insufficient, request permission from the Emperor. Avi, isn't your territory close to District 11? The Eastern Europe EU front boasts Britannia's largest army field group..."

"I'm fine with either."

Vera stroked the rim of the glass and said, "As long as Father authorizes it, or Cornelia speaks up..."

"It's best not to provoke the Federation too much."

Schneizel was browsing the latest battle report from District 11, casually reminded, "It's rare for the Federation to have a weak monarch and strong ministers, with rebellious officials filling the court. The corrupt and unambitious eunuch group has taken control of the government. Let them decline and fight amongst themselves for a while longer. Even if this old empire is as old as a venerable old man, the energy it can unleash is still not to be underestimated."

Vera readily agreed.

The reason she spoke to Cornelia the way she did earlier was because she was confident that the strong-willed 'Britannia witch' would refuse.

District 11 is a strategic location connecting the western Pacific Ocean and the world's largest storage and production area of cherry blossoms. Such a vital place should be guarded by at least a dog if not a tiger. It is very problematic that Britannia sent Clovis, a silver-plated spearhead, to the governor to guard it.

For the past seven years, not a single Knights of the Round has been sent there.

This issue is self-evident due to geopolitical considerations, as the federal government takes into account.

The Empire did not want to provoke the Federation too much, causing this ancient nation to launch a movement for national salvation due to its anxieties, which would in turn lead to the downfall of the powerful eunuch group.

Such a formidable adversary, so rare even with a lantern, naturally deserves our protection. Therefore, District 11 cannot afford to amass a large military force; it must not only show goodwill but also bestow favors upon the Federation through the Sakura Stone Export, using every means to lull and corrupt them.

With a powerful eunuch group in place, the effect is even better than Vera's deployment of a million troops in North Asia to annihilate millions of Federal soldiers!

"Oh, right."

As if she had thought of something, Vera's lips curled up slightly, and she naturally changed the subject. "Brother, how are your marriage negotiations with the Federation Celestial Emperor going?"

Guh—