Chapter 7: War Crimes? What War Crimes?
Chapter 07: War Crimes? What War Crimes?
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21st April 2008, 8 P.M., Gemini Imperial Villa,
"I just wanted to fill you in on what happened," I explain to Nonette over the phone, my voice carrying a mix of relief and frustration.
"At least you're safe, B," I hear Nonette let out a sigh of relief from the other end of the line. Her concern washes over me like a reassuring wave.
"But I ended up becoming a member of the Knight of the Round, even though my original plan was to make you one," I vent my frustration, my disappointment still lingering.
"Then I'll just have to work even harder to reach your level, right?" Why do I picture her grinning like a maniac? Have I reignited her competitive spirit again? I can't help but smile at that.
"I'll be waiting for you here, N," I respond warmly. I admit, a smile unconsciously creeping onto my face. "Oh, and I managed to secure a promise from the Emperor to grant you knighthood," I inform her, eager to share some good news.
"Oh~ Thank you, B!" Her voice practically crackles with energy, and I'm relieved to hear her returning to her usual spirited self after our not-so-good experiences in Area 4.
"Anything for you, dear N," I remark, thoroughly enjoying our conversation. I can't help but wonder if this is how everyone feels when talking to their best friends.
"You should get some rest, B," I hear a yawn on her end. "Tomorrow's a big day for you, and you shouldn't stay up late."
"Come on, just admit you're too sleepy to continue talking," I tease her with a playful smirk, seizing the opportunity to indulge in some light-hearted banter after being subjected to the Emperor and Auntie Mari's teasing. It's my turn to playfully poke fun at my best friend.
"Never!" She shouts, a touch of laughter in her voice, before ending our call.
"Don't you ever change, N. Stay like this forever," I mutter quietly, a sentiment of genuine fondness washing over me. Wait... what am I thinking again?
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22nd April 2008, 9:30 A.M, Pendragon, Britannia Imperial Palace,
"His Majesty the Emperor has arrived!"
I can't help but let out a silent sigh as I hear that announcement once again. It's the third time in the past two months, and honestly, it's getting a bit tiresome.
"You may go in now, Your Highness," the guards finally grant me permission to enter. Today, I'm attired in the signature white uniform of the Knights of the Round. Though, I'm starting to question whether white suits me at all. At least I managed to secure the color I prefer for the cape – a flowing, royal blue that drapes elegantly over my shoulders.
As I step into the grand hall, the nobles lining its sides engage in hushed conversations. I catch snippets of their talk, mostly insults and speculation about how my status as a member of the Knights of the Round is merely a result of my princely birthright. To those who harbor such condescending thoughts, I have a succinct message: "Well, fuck you too, you entitled bastards!"
Upon reaching the Emperor, I promptly kneel. The Emperor I face today is notably different from the man I met yesterday. But strangely, I find myself more at ease with this version of the Emperor.
"All hail, Your Majesty," I offer a respectful greeting, my voice carrying the weight of tradition.
"Benedict af Britannia," his voice resonates throughout the ceremonial hall. "I hereby appoint you to the position of Knight of Four." His decree is absolute, and the nobles below can only observe in silence as my father bestows upon me the prestigious title of Knight of Four.
"Yes, Your Majesty," I acknowledge, lowering my head to accept the honor. I'm fully aware that many are dissatisfied with this decision, but what can they realistically do? Expect me to be like Suzaku and challenge anyone who opposes it? Frankly, I don't see the point. If they have grievances, they can take it up with the Emperor themselves.
I rise to my feet and turn around to face the assembled crowd. The silence in the room is deafening, but it doesn't bother me in the slightest. Instead, I decide to respond with the most self-satisfied smirk I can muster. "Heh."
From behind the Emperor, the Knight of One starts to applaud, a gesture that appears to be driven by concern for my feelings. It's a subtle show of support, and I can't help but acknowledge it with a mental note of gratitude. However, I can't help but harbor a lingering bitterness over his lack of assistance during our previous encounter.
With the Knight of One leading the way, the other nobles reluctantly follow suit, joining in the applause. My smug expression remains firmly etched across my face as I observe them, each clap serving as a begrudging acknowledgment of my newly bestowed title.
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26th April 2008, Elball Villa,
I fix my gaze on the figure kneeling before me, my heart heavy with a blend of emotions. Today marks a monumental occasion for the person who is not just my best friend but also my childhood companion and the one to whom I am betrothed. To honor this momentous event, I've gone to great lengths, even securing the Elball Villa from the Emperor himself as the venue for this ceremony.
"Nonette Enneagram," I address her with an unusual sternness, a tone I've rarely used when addressing her.
"Art thou willing to stand by the knight's covenant and fight as a Britannian Knight?" I inquire, my words laced with the weight authority.
"Yes, Your Highness," Nonette responds with a solemnity that matches the significance of the moment.
"Art thou willing to forsake thy desires and act as our sword and shield for the sake of greater justice?" I continue, my voice unwavering and resolute.
"Yes, Your Highness," Nonette answers with unwavering determination. She unsheathes the sword she carries and places it in my waiting hands. With that same blade, I proceed to dub both of her shoulders, sealing her knighthood with a profound and time-honored ceremony.
"I, Benedict af Britannia, acknowledge thee, Nonette Enneagram, as a knight," I declare solemnly, returning her sword to her. If she were to look up, she'd undoubtedly see the broad smile that has naturally formed on my face.
Nonette rises to her feet, turning gracefully to face the assembled crowd. Unlike me, she has earned the respect and acknowledgment of nearly all the nobles gathered in this grand hall.
Even though I may have pulled some strings to secure her knighthood, I can't help but swell with pride in this moment. Truly, Nonette, you are my pride and joy.
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29th March 2009, Euro Britannia,
It's been almost a year since I took on the role of Knight of Four, and my days are mostly spent on the front lines in Euro Britannia.
"Team A, fall back to the 7 o'clock position and take a fifteen-minute break! I'll contact you again then," I issue crisp orders through the G-1 base's communication channels. "Team E, your twenty-minute break is over! Advance five miles towards the 11 o'clock position! Maintain strict silence and prepare to ambush the E.U.'s Knightmares!"
My life is a relentless cycle of commanding troops as we continue our march toward the United Republic of Europia. Damn it, Dad! Is this your petty revenge for my suspicions about your supposed Sakuradite use? All I've wanted is a well-deserved break! I've been asking one for over a year now.
"What do you mean, there are still civilians inside the town?!" Frustration bubbles within me, and I'm on the verge of tearing out my hair. "I don't care if they're from the E.U. side. Get them to safety," I practically shout into the communication device. "I won't tolerate any harm coming to those innocents, or I'll make sure your entire family pays the price!"
This is a far cry from committing war crimes; my duty is to prevent these bastards from unleashing mass genocide. Yet, it's happened not once but twice under my command! Man, how much I wish this were the era of Augusta Henry Highland.
"What?!" I bark in response to a call from the other end.
"Sir, we've spotted enemy Knightmares in the forest!"
"Then burn down the damn forest!"
"Sir, no!"
"Fuck, yes! I can't bear this any longer." And so, my troops proceed to set fire to the forest—well, a small portion of it.
"Ground Squad Alpha, approach the forest discreetly to assess the situation! This is not a suicide mission! I repeat, DO! NOT! DIE!" Ground Squad Alpha comprises entirely of Numbers, and while many tend to view them as expendable, I don't share that sentiment. They are valuable assets, but they are not meant only for suicide missions.
"What?!" I challenge anyone who takes issue with my command, scanning my surroundings to emphasize my point.
"Nothing, Your Highness!"
[You are my friend]
A distinctive ringtone grabs my attention; it's likely Nonette.
"Hey, N. Is something amiss?" I answer with concern in my voice. Her tone hints at distress. What's happening?
"B, please calm down and listen carefully," Her voice trembles, sparking my concern further.
"What's wrong, N?" I ask earnestly, mirroring the gravity of her tone. Has someone hurt her? Is she okay?
"Lady Marianne vi Britannia was assassinated last night," Her words strike me like a sledgehammer, and I struggle to process the news. Oh... OH! Has it already come to this?
"I... I see," I manage to respond, my voice catching in my throat. "I'll return tomorrow," I add before ending the call. My hand instinctively lands on my chest, and it aches more than I anticipated. Have I grown too attached to Auntie Mari?
I only knew she was meant to die in 2009, but I didn't have a specific date. It's regrettable that I couldn't save Nunna.
This little uncle of mine, couldn't he have settled for sending assassins from the Geass Order after me? Why did he take it upon himself to target Auntie Mari? In any case, at least she hasn't truly dead yet. I can still communicate with her.
"Now, soldiers," I hiss, regaining my composure, "it's time to end this operation." I need to return. If this little gremlin had the audacity to kill Auntie Mari, he might set his sights on Nonette next.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Now, it appears it's time for me to commit war crimes again.
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Author's Note;
So… Marianne died while Ben is away from Pendragon. And V.V. has been sending assassins to Ben's ass since Charles had gotten interested in him.
But hey! Ben can still meet Marianne in C's World, right? Or maybe like when Marianne pulls out C.C's memories.
By the way, have you ever considered what might happen if Nonette were to die?
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