Gilford had prepared an enormous execution platform specifically for the Black Knights, with a large force stationed around it.
The platform stood near the Chinese Federation consulate, its gun ports aimed at every surrounding position to prevent the Chinese Federation from intervening.
No one knew what deal the Chinese Federation had struck with Zero and the Black Knights officers it had sheltered, and no one could guarantee that it would not seize this opportunity to get involved.
Yet despite the extensive troop deployments, Zero devised a way to break through in less than a day.
The execution failed.
Gilford was defeated and wounded, more than half of Cornelia's personal guard were killed or injured, and every captured member of the Black Knights was rescued. They used the Chinese Federation consulate's grounds to evade Britannia's pursuing forces.
With the events broadcast worldwide, Britannia first lost a governor, then had its execution thwarted by Zero, suffering utter humiliation.
The Black Knights, by contrast, stole the spotlight. Their resurgence stirred the Elevens of Area 11 into unrest.
Just one day later, riots broke out in numerous regions, including Iwate, Wakayama, and Tokushima.
These were riots instigated by Elevens.
In the Council Hall of the Tokyo Settlement, two members of Cornelia's Order of the Knights watched footage of the riots coming in from various regions and complained in frustration:
"Hmph! Zero has only been back for a day, and things have already gotten this bad!"
"At this rate, our supply of sakuradite is going to be disrupted."
"We just received instructions from above. Apparently, a new commander-in-chief will arrive today to take charge of Area 11."
"Governor Kallare has only just died, and they're already sending someone to take over... So, which big shot is coming?"
Bang!
A loud crash interrupted their conversation, followed