Lelouch returned to the Ashford Academy dormitory long after midnight.
The celebration at the palace still lingered in his mind—the kneeling nobles, the absolute obedience, the intoxicating ease with which an entire ruling class had bent to his will. Power, once tasted, left an afterimage.
When he opened the door, he immediately sensed something was wrong.
The lights were on.
Nunnally sat at the small table, smiling brightly as she spoke to someone across from her. Sayoko stood nearby, hands folded, posture alert.
And leaning casually against the window—
C.C.
"…Brother!" Nunnally said happily. "You're back late! We had a guest."
Lelouch forced his expression into mild surprise. "I see that."
C.C. waved lazily. "Good evening, Lelouch."
Sayoko's eyes flicked between them, sharp and suspicious.
Lelouch stepped inside, setting the tray he carried onto the table. "Did you enjoy your visit?" he asked neutrally.
"Yes!" Nunnally replied. "She was very nice. She said she was an old friend."
C.C.'s smile widened just enough to be irritating.
An old friend, Lelouch thought. How convenient.
He turned to Sayoko.
"Sayoko, could you please make me a cup of tea?"
"Yes, Master Lelouch."
As soon as she left the room, Lelouch picked up C.C.'s teacup, deliberately misjudged the edge of the table—
—and let it fall.
The porcelain shattered loudly against the floor.
"Oh," Lelouch said calmly. "That's unfortunate."
He glanced at C.C. "You should be careful. Your dress is ruined now. Come on—I'll get you something else to wear."
Before Nunnally could fully process what was happening, Lelouch took C.C. by the arm and guided her into his room.
The door slid shut.
C.C. leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
"You didn't need an excuse," she said. "You could have just ordered them out."
Lelouch turned to face her.
"I prefer subtlety," he replied.
She studied him closely now, all humor gone from her eyes.
"You're not the same," C.C. said quietly. "Not anymore."
He didn't deny it.
"You behave the same way," she continued. "But your soul is different. It's as if you're someone else entirely."
Her gaze sharpened.
"So tell me," she asked softly, "who are you now, Lelouch?"
He answered without hesitation.
"I am the ruler of Area Eleven."
Silence fell.
C.C.'s expression didn't change—but something behind her eyes did.
"…Already?" she murmured.
"The government," Lelouch continued evenly. "The military command. Key economic actors. Scientific development."
He stepped closer.
"Clovis reigns," he said. "I rule."
C.C. let out a slow breath.
"To be honest," she said quietly, "I never imagined you would move this fast."
"I have no interest in catharsis," Lelouch replied.
"You're not even enjoying it," she realized.
"I am," he said calmly. "But I want more."
She laughed softly. "You're terrifying."
"I'm honest."
C.C. straightened, studying him anew.
"You do realize," she said, "that most people collapse under that kind of power."
"They lack discipline," Lelouch replied.
A faint smile crossed her lips. "You don't."
They stood facing one another, like two predators weighing cooperation against annihilation.
"I hope," C.C. said at last, "you haven't forgotten our pact."
"I haven't," Lelouch replied. "But in return, I need you to help me reach my goal—to the fullest extent of your abilities."
C.C. frowned.
"I already gave you the Geass," she said. "Isn't that enough?"
Lelouch's expression didn't change.
"So," C.C. said slowly, "what do you want from me?"
Lelouch met her gaze.
"An alliance," he said. "No secrets. No riddles."
"Equality," she echoed softly.
"As much as possible," Lelouch replied. "Given the circumstances."
She chuckled quietly.
"Very well, King of Area Eleven."
Then her expression turned serious.
"Tell me what you want."
Lelouch didn't hesitate.
"How many Geass can you grant?" he asked. "At most."
C.C.'s eyes widened slightly.
"…That's not a question beginners ask."
"I'm not a beginner," Lelouch replied. "Not anymore."
She considered him for a long moment.
"More than one," she said finally. "But every contract has consequences. Every bearer changes."
"That's acceptable," Lelouch said.
C.C. frowned. "You intend to distribute it."
"Yes," Lelouch confirmed. "To my servants. Those already loyal."
He folded his arms.
"One Geass is powerful. An army of them can change the world forever."
C.C. stared at him.
"You're planning to industrialize miracles," she said.
"I'm planning to rule the world," Lelouch replied calmly.
Another silence followed.
Then C.C. smiled—wide, sharp, dangerous.
"You really are different," she said. "Very well."
She extended her hand.
"Let's see how far your ambition takes you."
Lelouch took it.
Their contract was sealed—not by desperation—
—but by mutual intent.