"Long time no see, Brother."
The Avalon stopped at the designated location, and Ask greeted Schneizel as he descended from the battleship.
The latter responded with his usual smile.
"Ask, it's been over a year since we last met in Pendragon."
A year was not long, but they generally met only once a year, occasionally two or three times.
Ask's territory was in the EU. Until the Geass Research Institute and the Military Factory were running smoothly, he could hardly leave.
He could stay in the Island Nation this long only because every aspect of his base in the EU was now fully established.
Unless the emperor came in person, he had no need to return.
His "secrets" would never leak.
"Did you come for these Geass Ruins, Brother?"
Ask asked despite knowing the answer, then continued,
"It looks as though someone beat us to them."
"We've both already investigated the person who beat us here, haven't we?"
Schneizel countered.
He had never underestimated the man before him, who was nearly eight years younger. Anything he knew, Ask would surely know as well.
"Yes."
Ask sighed, putting on a helpless, troubled expression as he said,
"Exploration and research are good things in themselves. But if they interfere with one's actual duties, if someone holds an office without fulfilling its responsibilities, then surely that's putting the cart before the horse."
"Oh? So you feel the same way!"
Schneizel suddenly showed a hint of delight, like a scholar who had finally found a kindred spirit.
Ask chuckled softly and nodded.
"If one wishes to explore and research the unknown, wouldn't it be better to leave governing to someone more reliable?"
"You're overstepping your authority with those words, Ask. I'm not reprimanding you, but you should watch what you say in public."
"I