Early the next morning, Ask's phone rang.
Lying in bed and enjoying Monica's morning oral service, he opened his bleary eyes, took the phone from Leila, checked the number on the screen, then held it to his ear.
"What is it, Kallen?"
"...You really are taking it easy, Your Highness."
Hearing his languid voice over the phone, Kallen couldn't resist teasing him.
"Our leader has already set out. He told us to gather at a designated location, then head to the Narita Mountains. Supposedly, we're going to discuss cooperation with the Island Nation Resistance Front there, but judging by the preparations Zero's made for this trip, it doesn't look like he's going there to talk."
"Isn't that obvious? Britannian forces and the Island Nation Resistance Front have been facing off in the Narita Mountains for a while now. Zero is probably going after Britannia this time."
"Really... Then what do you want me to do?"
Whenever analyzing someone's objectives came into play, Kallen's brain stopped working.
She didn't care about the tactical games between the two of them. With someone as smart as Ask doing the planning, all she had to do was act.
To each their own role.
"Oh? Have you gotten used to being my masochistic bitch already?"
Ask gave as good as he got when it came to teasing.
"Tch! Stop saying such sleazy things!" Kallen complained, then snapped irritably:
"If you don't have any instructions, I'll follow Zero's orders for now! Don't blame me if I accidentally wipe out every last one of your people!"
"Heh, if you can manage that, go ahead."
Ask chuckled, thought for roughly two seconds, then instructed her:
"Follow Zero's orders for now. But Cornelia will be joining the battle with her personal guard."
"That Britannian witch?!"
"Scared?"
"Of course not! I'm just worried it'd be a problem if I accidentally killed her!"
Even Kallen felt a little unsure as she said that.
Cornelia's name was better known in Area 11 than that of the former viceroy, Clovis, not only because of her terrifying combat record, but also because of the custom machine Britannia had built for her.
Even with her new machine, Kallen wasn't certain she could win. After all, Cornelia was a renowned opponent she had never fought.
"You can't kill her." Ask sounded relaxed, not taking her boast seriously at all, then continued:
"If you run into her, stall for as long as you can. I'll arrange a rescue. Whatever happens, it'll be trouble if Cornelia dies there or Zero captures her."
"Trouble?"
"What, do you want a lengthy analysis?"
"No, no, no. Let's not."
Kallen hastily declined. She had no desire to rack her brains. Just talking with Ask for most of the day last time had felt like using up an entire week's worth of thinking. It was exhausting!
Besides, she was heading to the Narita Mountains now. It wasn't the time for idle chatter.
"Got it. I'll play it by ear and do what I can to let Cornelia escape."
Beep-
The call ended.
At the same time, Ask let out a long breath. While feeding Monica milk, he accidentally squeezed the carton, causing milk to spill from the corners of her mouth and even splash onto her face. It wasn't a pretty sight.
While Monica went to wash up, Ask's phone rang again.
It was C.C.
"Ask, Lelouch has headed to the Narita Mountains. Do you need me to do anything?"
"No. Kallen will play it by ear."
"Kallen?" C.C. asked in confusion:
"Has even she fallen victim to you?"
"No. We've just made a few deals. As it happens, this will also serve as a test for her."
"Really? Then it sounds like you're planning to have plenty of fun toying with her."
"Don't make me out to be so awful."
"Aren't you awful enough already? Don't forget what you did to me back then..."
"Weren't you enjoying yourself in the EU, too? You were always the one initiating it..."
"Yes, and someone always ended up collapsing on the bed in exhaustion, while I was still full of energy."
"Heh, we haven't seen each other for a while, and now you've learned to twist the facts. Looks like I'll have to teach you a proper lesson next time."
"Come on, then. I'm at the house Ashford gave Lelouch. I won't go anywhere. I'll wait right here for you."
C.C.'s provocative tone left Ask somewhat speechless.
Well, well. So that's what she's angling for...
Still...
"That's not out of the question."
"..."
This time, it was C.C.'s turn to be at a loss for words.
"You're not serious, are you?"
"You asked, so why not? Lelouch's out anyway. Nunnally's the only one left at home, and she has to go to school, too..."
"There's also a maid! Apparently, the Ashford family sent her to look after Nunnally."
"Don't worry. She'll go to the academy with Nunnally."
"..."
Now C.C. had no arguments left.
This man had always enjoyed certain "thrilling" things. Though his meticulous nature meant she didn't need to worry about their relationship being exposed or anything like that...
Some things were simply too embarrassing for her to accept!
Even as a witch who had lived for who knew how long, this was her first time encountering anything like this.
In the end, she gave up and tried to change the subject.
"By the way, Lelouch is planning to contact the Kyoto Six Houses. It'll probably happen after this operation in the Narita Mountains. If his 'Black Knights' want to grow, they can't do without the Kyoto Six Houses' technical and financial support."
"I see. Looks like Lelouch is determined to win this one."
This operation wasn't just meant to strengthen the organization's cohesion. It was also a show of strength for the Kyoto Six Houses, laying the groundwork for future negotiations.
The greater the victory, the more bargaining power he would have. Otherwise, given the methods of Taizo Fujiwara, the de facto leader of the Kyoto Six Houses, he would sooner or later bleed the Black Knights dry, strip Zero of his authority, and turn them into a puppet organization that obeyed his commands.
In other words, Cornelia's defeat was essential.
Ask sat at the table, lightly tapping his fingers against its surface. After thinking for a minute, he said:
"Understood. Don't bring up the Kyoto Six Houses again, or you might arouse suspicion. All you need to do now is change into your most delectable outfit and wait for me."
"..."
Her attempt to change the subject had failed.
Listening to the busy tone after he hung up, C.C. decided she would resume her solo practice starting today. Next time, she would make him beg for mercy first!
Before you continue