After spending several days in the capital, helping Lelouch handle various matters of the European Federation, Xiao Ran went to Lloyd's side to take a look. The former Special Envoy Research Institute had now been comprehensively upgraded, leaping directly from a single research institute into the Empire's largest Mecha Development Department. The new facilities were still under construction, so there had not yet been any meaningful expansion, but it had already received great attention and was responsible for all of the Empire's future new-model mecha development projects.
As for Britannia's governmental affairs, after assisting for several days, Xiao Ran truly realized that Lelouch was lacking in this area. Lelouch had talent, and his Learning Ability was not slow, but he lacked experience and understanding. Fortunately, Schneizel, who had chosen the right side, had been continuously helping Lelouch, preventing the Empire from falling into chaos because of the succession of major events.
Lelouch had likewise come to understand Schneizel's abilities and indispensability to the Empire. After using GEASS on him while Schneizel was unprepared, Lelouch boldly handed even more state affairs over to him. Schneizel, unaware that he had been affected, was very satisfied with Lelouch's trust. What pleased him even more was finally gaining trust and authority, allowing him to develop the country according to his own wishes and lead it step by step toward a better future. Though he had not become Emperor, Lelouch's restrictions on Schneizel were countless times fewer than Charles's had been, leaving Schneizel not only satisfied but feeling like a fish in water.
During his time in the capital, Xiao Ran also made time to keep Euphemia company. The girl had become somewhat depressed because of Xiao Ran's deception, but her condition was now much better than when it had first happened. Still, she had