Early that morning, Leila dressed Ask while reporting the latest news.
"Your Highness, three Knights of the Round have gathered in Area 11: Suzaku Kururugi, Gino Buinberg, and Anya Alstreim."
"Is that so? Then let them stir up whatever trouble they like."
Ask seemed utterly unconcerned, even when he heard the name "Anya."
He had used geass to alter his own understanding of things, forgetting that he possessed geass. That was also why he had been able to speak to the Emperor a few days earlier without the slightest trace of acting.
Because what he had said was the "truth."
He had also "forgotten" several important matters, including the truth behind Marianne's murder and his plans to seize code.
This was a precaution against any geass within the Imperial Palace that might be able to read his thoughts.
Although Leila would react whenever he was affected by geass, and nothing unusual had happened so far, it was better to be safe than sorry.
He had merely forgotten a few things. It would not interfere with the plan.
As for Monica and Leila, the former was in the same situation as him, while the latter was immune to geass.
Leila took a step closer and said firmly:
"You should make time to visit Area 11. Among the Knights of the Round... that Anya Alstreim might be someone you could 'win over.'"
She had phrased it very obliquely.
"Anya? That former trainee palace maid..."
At that moment, Ask did not understand the point of doing so.
Someone capable of joining the Knights of the Round would never be easily won over by a mere prince.
"I don't have much time lately. The Court Conference is about to begin, and unless anything unexpected happens, I'll be heading to the Chinese Federation afterward..."
"The