Methratton

Schneizel was the one who discovered the site. What did it have to do with me, Ask? I merely went up for a look, indulging my curiosity.

Any traces of human activity up there could be attributed to the emperor. Nothing would lead anyone to suspect Ask.

Schneizel discovering Kamine Island at this point did Ask far more good than harm.

Three days were enough for his people to finish most of their research into the ruins. He could leave the scraps for his imperial elder brother to pick through.

Without dwelling on it, Ask asked:

"What was the other matter?"

"The seventh-generation flight-capable Knightmare prototype, Methratton, has passed its tests. It has already been dispatched from EU headquarters to the Tokyo Settlement and is expected to arrive the day after tomorrow."

"Oh?"

A smile appeared on Ask's expressionless face, and even some of his drowsiness faded.

Methratton not only possessed seventh-generation features and specifications, but also carried a unique specialized weapon that combined offense and defense: the Wings of Light.

Six Wings of Light were mounted behind it, each capable of operating independently. Retracted, they served as weapons; spread open, they served as shields.

They were not simply fashioned from metal. They incorporated an "energy shield" system that allowed them to change shape freely in the form of energy.

The Wings of Light also incorporated Cecile's Energy Wing theory. Using the Float System as a foundation, special devices kept the Wings of Light suspended behind the machine rather than physically attached to it.

This also allowed the entire machine to hover.

It was not a perfect realization of Energy Wing theory, but an experimental version, still a considerable distance from true "free flight."

At the current rate of development, they would probably have to wait until the eighth generation, when the energy shield system was perfected, before Energy Wing could be put to proper use.

Still, Methratton's performance ranked among the best of the seventh generation.

Although it lacked ranged options, it offered excellent maneuverability in close combat, broad applicability, and a comprehensive range of functions.

"How is the eighth-generation research coming along?"

Ask could not wait to ask.

"We already have a prototype, but it only improves performance based on the seventh generation. The benefits in actual combat would be limited. Producing a proper model will require the Float System, energy shield system, and Energy Wing system to be fully perfected. We estimate... that truly integrating all three will have to wait until at least the ninth generation."

"I see..."

That answer was within Ask's expectations.

Ordinary soldiers all used the mass-produced fifth-generation Knightmare, Sutherland, while some officers had theirs modified to the sixth generation. Those were merely quantitative improvements in performance and refinements to their functions.

The seventh generation, however, represented a qualitative leap. On the battlefield, nothing could stop one except a machine and a pilot of the same caliber.

Besides, even when machines of the same generation differed somewhat in performance, a pilot's ability could fully compensate for that shortcoming.

Without a fully developed theoretical foundation, there was little point in developing the eighth generation.

Money had to be spent where it mattered.

The arrival of the ninth generation would mark the next qualitative leap.

Ask nodded, then called to the white-haired girl sitting obediently beside him:

"Origami."

"Yes, Lord Ask."

Origami immediately crouched in front of Ask like a puppy begging for affection.

If she had a tail, he would have seen it wagging.

As soon as Ask extended his hand, she moved her head beneath it.

"Your custom machine will be here soon. It's your graduation present."

"I'm very happy, Lord Ask. But I would be even happier if you took everything I have."

Origami squirmed, looking somewhat strange, and continued:

"You can use me however you like. Even if you want to experience cuckolding someone, taking what belongs to another man, I can play the part perfectly. Didn't you say before that other people's things are always the best?"

"?"

Ask blinked in confusion.

Did I ever say that?

Oh, right.

He remembered.

Back in the EU, to save time and effort, he had made a habit of seizing the enemy's armor and weapons for his own side to use, reducing losses.

But that was war. There was nothing underhanded about it.

He had said those words on an EU battlefield, too.

And another thing.

Cuckolding?

He did not mind taking someone else's woman, but that sort of thing would damage his image and reputation. He absolutely could not do it before he had complete control of Britannia.

After that?

We'll see.

He turned to Monica and asked:

"When does the banquet begin?"

"It is currently scheduled for seven, in just under two hours. The press conference begins at eight thirty, and Kyoshiro Tohdoh's execution will take place at nine."

Monica gave him all the information at once. She knew Ask wanted more than the banquet's starting time; he wanted the entire evening's schedule.

"Just under two hours..."

Ask murmured.

That was enough time. He could hardly turn down his subordinate's requests every single time.

Meeting the needs of an outstanding subordinate was necessary. That was what made a competent leader.

He patted Origami's head and gave her permission.

"Very well. I'll grant your request, provided you can please me."

"Rest assured, Lord Ask!"

Origami immediately answered with conviction, hearts practically sparkling in her eyes:

"I've spent a long time studying the culinary arts. All you need to do is enjoy yourself. Leave the rest to me!"

Introduction: she began her culinary preparations.

Prologue: the first appetizer was ham steamed with white ice cream.

Chapter one: superb culinary skill melted the ice cream into liquid.

Chapter two: the chef personally sampled the first dish.

Chapter three: the pinnacle of the entire cooking process, as Origami thoroughly enjoyed losing her virginity.

Chapter four.

Chapter five.

Chapter six.

Chapters seven through nine: a change of scenery.

Chapter ten: the finale, the final main course!

Before long, it was seven.

After a full imperial banquet, Ask was thoroughly satisfied. He felt that his thinking capacity had increased severalfold, if not more.

Origami, on the other hand...

She had eaten too much. Her legs trembled, and she could no longer walk.

Leila approached and helped Ask change clothes as she spoke:

"Your Highness, Duke Nicholas has invited you to dine with him. Will you accept?"

"Heh. Inviting me when it's about to begin? Not very sincere."

Ask sneered:

"He's approaching me now because he wants sakuradite resources, isn't he?"

As one of the leading figures in Schneizel's faction, Duke Nicholas did not want to invite gossip by getting too close to Ask, but neither could he slight a member of the imperial family. That left him no choice but to extend his invitation at this particular moment. His message was, "I respect you and would like to do some business with you, but I don't want anyone thinking I've joined your faction and become a traitor."

Ask, however, had no intention of doing him that courtesy.

"I doubt Schneizel instructed him to do this. He's acting on his own."

Ask understood Schneizel's personality.

If Schneizel wanted sakuradite resources, he would come to see Ask in person.

Divisions between factions did not mean their leaders were enemies.

After all, whether it was Ask, Schneizel, or Odysseus, they were all members of Britannia's imperial family. They were all princes.

Their subordinates could oppose one another, but they could not fight among themselves.

For the sake of Britannia's peace and rule, they had to maintain cordial relations on the surface.

"Let him wait. He isn't qualified to see me, and I don't need to use him to make a show of strength or undermine Schneizel's position. He isn't worth that much."

P.S. I suddenly noticed that the generous reader "Then It's Ai" had sent over twenty yuan in gifts. Amazing! Time to get lewd, immediately.

Methratton was designed as a counterpart to Gawain, and it happens to suit Origami perfectly.