The Kozuki Group appeared to have taken my proposal quite seriously.
I received word from Ohgi that the group's restructuring and recruitment efforts were already underway.
While they had not yet adopted the mantle of the 'Black Knights,' the project to form the order was progressing smoothly. However, that alone was insufficient.
The flow of this world had diverged from the original timeline, and the pace of events was accelerating. If I did not intervene proactively, I risked being swept away and obliterated by this gargantuan tide.
I could not afford to wait for someone to hand me victory on a silver platter.
I had to seize it myself.
Specifically, I needed to extract high-level intelligence from within the Britannian military and secure a reliable shield capable of protecting me in times of crisis.
Jeremiah Gottwald.
An elite from a noble lineage and the leader of the Purebloods. He was a rigid man, utterly lacking in flexibility, but that very trait made him someone who would stake his life on the value of loyalty.
In the original story, he became a Geass Canceler and followed Lelouch to the bitter end—a true Knight of Loyalty.
'As he is now... I might be able to mold him to my purposes. No, I must win him over at any cost.'
The opportunity arrived sooner than anticipated.
While checking the academic schedule on my laptop in the Student Council room, I discovered a notice regarding a guided tour of a Britannian military base. A familiar name was written in the officer-in-charge column of the document.
[Knightmare Frame Briefing Officer: Jeremiah Gottwald]
A thin, predatory smile spread across my lips.
-
Ashford Academy, Special Field Trip Day
"Woooah! Awesome! Lulu, look at that! It's a real Sutherland!"
Rivalz's excitement-laced shout pierced my eardrums.
Today was the day of the Britannian military base tour organized for the students of Ashford Academy.
Normally, I would have skipped such a tedious affair, but I had attended willingly today to meet my primary target, Jeremiah Gottwald.
For the record, Kallen had opted out, using the pretext of 'feeling unwell.'
In reality, she was likely drowning in work related to the resistance activities and the relocation of their hideout. Furthermore, as someone harboring a blatant animosity toward the Britannian military, she probably saw no reason to come here and endure the nausea of playing nice with them.
Thanks to her absence, the seat next to me was naturally claimed by Shirley.
"Lulu, are you okay? It's really crowded; I hope your anemia doesn't flare up."
Shirley linked her arm tightly with mine, her voice thick with concern. I could feel her warmth radiating through the thin fabric of our school uniforms.
"I'm fine, Shirley. Thank you for worrying."
"Honestly, it's such a shame Kallen is so frail. Missing out on today... You have to be careful too, Lulu! If you collapse, I'm going to carry you on my back and run!"
Shirley spoke with an intensity in her eyes, acting like a reliable bodyguard. I let out a soft chuckle as we stepped into the massive hangar.
The sight of dozens of Knightmare Frames lined up as if to flaunt the Holy Britannian Empire's grandiosity was overwhelming. The students stood agape, silenced by the sheer intimidation radiating from those steel giants.
"Now, now! Everyone, over here! The highlight of the day awaits!"
At the female officer's announcement, Rivalz tugged at my other arm.
"Lelouch! Let's go, quickly! It sounds like they have something amazing!"
We wove through the crowd toward a unit on display that, while rugged, emanated a peculiar dignity. It had a classical design with an exposed skeletal frame, distinct from the sleek, modern Sutherlands.
"Is this... the Ganymede?"
The words escaped me involuntarily. A third-generation Knightmare Frame—the very machine developed and piloted by Empress Marianne.
'Seeing a piece of the original lore in person is a surreal feeling.'
As a transmigrator, I felt no sentimental attachment to Marianne. However, it was clear that the legacy she left behind would be a vital instrument in my designs.
"Correct! My, this student is quite well-informed, isn't he?"
The guiding officer clapped her hands.
"This is the Ganymede, the ancestor of the modern Knightmare Frame. Today, we are offering a special opportunity to experience sitting in the cockpit."
"I'll do it! Me! Pick me!"
Rivalz's hand shot up like a lightning bolt.
"Alright, you energetic student! Come on up!"
With a look as if he'd won the lottery, Rivalz climbed into the Ganymede's cockpit.
"Woah! Lelouch! Shirley! The view from here is insane! Someone take a picture of me!"
Rivalz grabbed the control sticks and began posing theatrically, chattering with unbridled joy.
"Good grief, there's just no stopping him. Fine, fine, I'll take it!"
Shirley sighed but smiled nonetheless as she pulled out her phone to snap photos.
While Rivalz created a commotion with his ridiculous poses, I did not miss the opportunity. I sharpened my gaze, scanning the surroundings with precision.
My eyes eventually landed on a man standing in the secluded shadows of the hangar. With his arms crossed, he watched the entire scene with a sharp, disciplined expression. His purple hair was combed back neatly, and his military uniform was buttoned tight to the neck. It was Jeremiah Gottwald.
He seemed irritated by the students' noise, a furrow deepening between his brows. Yet, the look in his eyes as he gazed at the Ganymede was tinged with a strange nostalgia and bitterness.
'Found you.'
I gently tapped Shirley on the shoulder.
"Shirley, my stomach is acting up a bit. I need to head to the restroom. Keep an eye on Rivalz for me."
"Huh? Does it hurt a lot? Should I come with you?"
"No, I'm alright. I'll be back soon. Just wait here."
Before Shirley could argue, I vanished into the crowd.
"Lulu! Be careful!"
I heard Shirley's worried cry behind me, but I didn't look back. I headed toward the deserted corridor near where Jeremiah stood.
I caught my breath and intentionally put on a panicked expression as I ran toward him.
"Excuse me! Officer! There's an emergency!"
At my shout, Jeremiah turned his head.
"What is it, student? This area is restricted."
"Back there in the corridor... one of the students fell and is hurt! They're bleeding... please, help them!"
"What? A casualty?"
Assessing the urgency of the situation, he gave a short nod.
"Lead the way. At once."
"Yes! This way!"
I lured him toward a secluded supply warehouse at the back of the hangar that I had scouted earlier.
It was a blind spot for the CCTV and far from the paths frequented by others. Jeremiah followed me without suspicion.
Upon reaching the warehouse, Jeremiah surveyed the area and questioned me.
"Where is the injured student? There is no one here."
I stopped walking and turned around slowly. I allowed a calm smile to surface.
"There is no casualty, Sir Jeremiah."
"...Excuse me?"
Jeremiah's eyebrows twitched.
"Are you deceiving me, student?"
"It is not deception. It is simply that I required a moment to speak with you in private."
"How insolent. Do you realize the magnitude of the crime of mocking a soldier?"
Jeremiah stepped forward menacingly, his hand already moving toward the pistol at his hip. However, I did not retreat. I met his gaze squarely as I pulled a pre-prepared pistol from my pocket and aimed it at him.
"What is the meaning of this!"
Showing no sign of panic, Jeremiah immediately assumed a combat stance to pressure me. But instead of pulling the trigger, I relaxed my grip and slowly lowered the barrel toward the floor.
Then, without hesitation, I flipped the handgun around, quietly offering it to Jeremiah with the handle facing him.
"...?"
Jeremiah's pupils flickered with confusion.
"I committed this rudeness because I wished for a sincere conversation. I hope you will believe in my earnestness."
I politely handed him the pistol. Jeremiah glared at me for a moment before roughly snatching the gun to inspect it. The magazine was empty. He let out a dry, mocking laugh and tossed the gun aside.
"Hmph, you have some nerve. If what you have to say is nonsense, I won't care if you're a student; I'll throw you into a cell immediately."
"I am prepared for that."
I steadied my breathing and threw out a question to test him.
"I wish to ask you, Sir. If it were for the sake of your master, could you even turn your blade against your fatherland, Britannia?"
Jeremiah scowled.
"What kind of absurdity is this? To a knight, the country and the master are one."
"But what if... those two were to tread different paths? If the will of your master contradicted the policy of your nation, which side would you choose?"
"..."
"It is important to me. It is an answer I must hear."
Jeremiah fell silent at the sheer weight of my gaze.
He stared at me intensely before answering in a low, resolute voice.
"If... if it were a legitimate command from the master to whom I swore my oath, I would follow that will as a knight. Even if it were a path that meant turning my back on my country."
That was precisely the answer I was looking for.
"Very well. Let us conclude this riddling."
Jeremiah crossed his arms, urging me on.
"State your true purpose. Who the hell are you?"
I took one step closer and lowered my voice to a whisper.
"Do you remember... Empress Marianne's forgotten children who were sent to Japan?"
The words left my mouth like a bolt of lightning striking Jeremiah.
"...!"
His pupils shook violently as if caught in a mental earthquake.
He stared at my face with an expression of utter disbelief—an expression that suggested he wanted to believe, yet felt he shouldn't dare to.
"You... what are you talking about?"
His voice was trembling slightly.
Subconsciously, he was searching for traces of someone in my features.
The master he had served with his life: Marianne the Flash, and her children.
"Impossible... No, that cannot be. They... in the middle of the war..."
"Reported dead. Officially, that is."
I cut him off and continued calmly.
"However, their bodies were never found. Isn't that right, Sir Jeremiah?"
Jeremiah stumbled back a step. Within his mind, the reality of their death clashed violently with the hope that they might be alive.
"You bastard, where did you hear such nonsense! Do you dare attempt to impersonate the Imperial Family!"
He shouted, trying desperately to hold onto his reason. But his shout lacked any real power.
I did not miss that opening. I prodded at the real reason he had come to Japan—his deepest, most painful wound.
"Impersonation? Is that so? Jeremiah Gottwald. You were a promising elite knight in the homeland. As a former guard of Lady Marianne, you had a bright future ahead of you."
"Shut up!"
"But on that day, the tragedy of the Aries Villa occurred. You failed to protect your master. Was it not out of that guilt that you cast aside your status and volunteered for this backwater post in Area 11?"
"Enough! Be silent!"
Jeremiah yelled as if trying to block out the sound.
It was a truth he had told no one, a truth buried deep within his heart.
Behind the mask of a Pureblood officer blinded by ambition lay the agonizing regret of a knight who had failed to protect his master.
"You must have been searching here. Searching for any sign that the Empress's children might have survived. To atone. To ensure you never repeat the same mistake again."
I took another step toward him. In that moment, I shed the guise of the student Lelouch and let the arrogant, noble presence of a Britannian Prince surface.
"Am I wrong, Sir Jeremiah?"
My gaze, my tone, and the very atmosphere I projected—they must have overlapped perfectly with his memories of the young Lelouch.
Tears began to stream down Jeremiah's face. Suspicion shifted into certainty, and his defenses crumbled entirely.
"Ah..."
He staggered. The soldier who had seemed as hard as steel now trembled like a child.
"Then... could it be... Her Highness Nunnally as well...?"
Jeremiah asked in a voice thick with emotion. Her fate was another source of pain for him.
"Yes. Nunnally is safe. She lives a peaceful life under my protection."
"Ah... Thank you... O God... thank you...!"
He covered his face with both hands and sobbed openly.
"I am... I am a sinner. I failed to protect the two of you and left you to be abandoned on that horrific battlefield. When I think of the hardships you must have endured over these eight long years... my heart feels as if it's being torn apart."
He fell to his knees with a heavy thud. Pressing his forehead against the cold concrete floor, he cried out in anguish.
"Kill me... kill this pathetic man... this sinner who could not protect you! Please, kill me, Your Highness!"
His voice carried the full weight of the grief and guilt he had harbored for eight years.
It was a mixture of rage at his own helplessness and overwhelming joy at the miraculous return of his master.
"Raise your head, Jeremiah."
"No! I do not have the right to look upon Your Highness's face!"
"You can die later. For now, live, and help me."
At my words, Jeremiah slowly lifted his head.
A new resolve was blooming across his tear-stained face.
"Are you... giving me a chance to fulfill my duty once more?"
"Indeed. The oath you lost eight years ago—offer it to me once again, here and now."
"Only give the command! I, Jeremiah, shall fight for Prince Lelouch and Princess Nunnally until the day my life is extinguished! My heart shall beat for the two of you and no other!"
Jeremiah declared with iron determination.
It was the look of a knight who had reunited with his master, a loyalist who had found a new purpose.
I reached my hand out to him.
"Then stand, my knight. We have much to do."
Jeremiah took my hand with a trembling grip and stood up.
Through our joined hands, I could feel a burning heat—the weight of a lifelong devotion he sought to uphold.
I had now secured my sturdiest shield and the sharpest spear to pierce the heart of the Britannian military from within.
"Now, I shall contact you again shortly."
"Understood, Your Highness. I shall be waiting."
Fearing they might be seen, Jeremiah gave a short, crisp salute before hurrying off in the opposite direction of the hangar.
I watched his retreating figure and let out a long breath of relief.
'It worked.'
It had been a massive gamble, but the result was a total success.
I tidied my clothes and deliberately put on a slightly sickly, pale expression as I returned to Shirley.
"Lulu! What took you so long! I thought you'd fallen into the toilet!"
The moment Shirley saw me, she shouted with a mix of worry and exasperation.
"Ah... sorry. My stomach was worse than I thought.... It was quite an ordeal."
"Really? You do look a bit pale. Are you okay?"
"No, I'm feeling much better now. More importantly, where's Rivalz?"
He was still posing while operating the Ganymede.
I looked at him and smirked inwardly.
The Black Knights and Jeremiah Gottwald. The two weapons I needed to prepare for the future were nearing completion.