On the morning of the festival, I began packing my belongings well before the first light of dawn pierced the horizon.
On paper, today was scheduled for a routine medical check-up to treat my chronic anemia. In reality, it was a flimsy fabrication.
I simply needed a strategic exit strategy to escape President Milly's draconian cosplay festival.
'Forgive me, everyone, but I must abstain from this particular engagement. This is a matter of basic human rights and the preservation of my social standing.'
Muffling my footsteps, I crept toward the entrance of the clubhouse, my heart hammered against my ribs with a rhythm of pure anxiety as my hand reached for the doorknob.
'I already coordinated with Kallen. My alibi is airtight.'
*Click.
I opened the door with the precision of a master thief, and just as I prepared to take my first step toward liberation—
"And just where do you think you're going, my dear Princess?"
"Good morning, Lelouch."
Two shadows detached themselves from the gloom. Rivalz and Kallen.
"...!!"
The sheer shock nearly sent my heart leaping through my throat.
"You... what are you two doing here?"
"We're on an ambush mission under the President's direct orders," Rivalz said with a wide, predatory grin, blocking my path. I turned to Kallen, my gaze fixed with disbelief.
"Kallen, even you?"
Despite my silent, pathetic plea for mercy, Kallen merely stuck out her tongue playfully.
"Sorry, Lelouch, but I'm siding with the President on this one."
"What?! You traitor! How could you do this to me!"
"But... it sounded like fun. Honestly, I really want to see you waiting tables in a dress."
Kallen flashed a devilish smile and snatched my arm with an iron grip.
"You... you treacherous knaves!"
"Alright, Rivalz! Secure the asset!"
"Roger that! Taking him into custody!"
"Unmask me! Let go! I never gave my consent!"
I thrashed and struggled, but I was no match for the combined physical prowess of Rivalz and Kallen. My desperate cries for justice were swallowed by the indifferent silence of the dawn.
And thus, I was forcibly seated in a chair within the Student Council room. Waiting for me were Shirley and Nina, their eyes sparkling with an intensity that bordered on the maniacal, surrounded by a small mountain of cosmetic supplies.
"My, Lulu! You're here early! I heard you got caught trying to defect?"
"Shirley... please, show mercy..."
I pleaded, but Shirley remained as cold as a Britannian winter.
"No way! Lulu, you are the main attraction of our Student Council!"
Shirley brandished a makeup brush and began painting my face as if it were an empty canvas. Nina assisted, tightening the ribbons at the back of my dress.
"Le-Lelouch... your waist is so thin... I think I need to tighten the corset a bit more..."
"Nina... not you too..."
I lamented my fate as I stared at the reflection in the mirror. An ornate dress dripping with lace, a finely groomed wig, and a full face of professional makeup.
"Seriously, why am I the only one going through this full transformation? The other boys are just throwing on wigs!"
Looking out the window, I could see other male students from various clubs wandering around in skirts and haphazardly applied makeup, looking quite hideous. I was actually envious of their low-effort disgrace.
"Oh, Lelouch. You're the protagonist. You need to maintain a certain level of class."
President Milly Ashford appeared out of nowhere, dressed in a sharp tuxedo, and tilted my chin upward.
In her suit, she looked remarkably like a dashing young nobleman.
"Now then, my little Princess. You must smile. The customers are waiting."
I exhaled a heavy sigh of total resignation.
'How in the world did the original Lelouch manage the mantle of Zero while enduring these absurd school events?'
A newfound sense of respect for the original Lelouch vi Britannia swelled within me. To lead a rebel army as a masked terrorist by night and on weekends, only to endure this psychological warfare as a Vice President by day...
'Is he actually superhuman? I've been doing daily jogs and sit-ups, and I still feel like my stamina is pathetic compared to his.'
I closed my eyes, drained by the fatigue of the ordeal. Yet, paradoxically, a small corner of my heart felt at peace. The uncertain future of the resistance, the accelerating plot of the original story, and the inexplicable background checks being conducted on Euphemia... all the heavy burdens that weighed upon my mind seemed to be drowned out by this chaotic laughter.
Shirley's warm touch, Rivalz's mischievous banter, Kallen's playful smirk, and Milly's booming laughter. This ordinary, boisterous daily life was becoming my most precious source of vitality.
'Perhaps... the original Lelouch felt this way, too.'
Perhaps even that cold, calculating strategist fought so desperately just to protect these peaceful days spent with Nunnally and his friends. Beneath the mask, he might have been just a boy who wanted to laugh and enjoy ordinary happiness, just like I was now.
"There, finished!"
Shirley held up a hand mirror.
"Whoa..."
"Unbelievable... he's actually prettier than most of the girls."
Exclamations of awe erupted from the surrounding students.
"Hmph. It's not terrible, I suppose."
I tilted my chin up with an air of aristocratic haughtiness. If I was forced into this play, I might as well perform it to perfection.
"Very well. Today, I shall forge a legend at Ashford Academy. Prepare yourselves."
And so, my—and Lelouch's—brilliant yet shameful festival began.
One by one, the other Student Council members revealed their costumes.
"So? Do I look dashing?"
Shirley emerged in a tuxedo.
With her long hair tied back neatly and wearing flat shoes instead of heels, she looked every bit the handsome young man.
"Oh, Shirley. That actually suits you quite well. The girls will be lining up for a piece of you."
At my praise, Shirley scratched her cheek bashfully.
"Hehe, thanks, Lulu. Though I'm still not on your level."
Just then, the dressing room door swung open, and another handsome 'youth' stepped out.
"This... is a bit uncomfortable."
It was Kallen. She appeared in a sleek black butler's uniform, complete with white gloves.
"Impressive, Kallen. It suits you. I expect the female student body to be quite smitten."
Kallen toyed with her tie awkwardly as I complimented her.
"Be quiet. It's more comfortable than a skirt, but this chest binding is so tight I can barely breathe."
Despite her complaints, she struck a satisfied pose in front of the mirror. With one hand over her chest and a polite bow, she looked like a quintessential butler.
"My, my, Mr. Butler. Be sure to escort the Lady properly later," Milly chuckled from the side.
"President, if you keep saying things like that... I might actually have to do it."
Kallen grinned, splaying her gloved hand. The smile was oddly menacing.
And finally...
"Ta-da! The belle of the ball, the lovely Rivalz has arrived!"
"Pfft!"
"Ahahahaha!"
The room exploded into laughter the moment Rivalz appeared. He was squeezed into a tight girl's school uniform, with lipstick applied so haphazardly it looked like he'd been eating raw meat. The way he stood with his legs wide apart was nothing short of a visual assault.
"Hey! Stop laughing! I did my best here!" Rivalz shouted indignantly.
"Rivalz, you... are truly brave." I gave him a thumbs up while wiping tears of laughter from my eyes.
"Alright, settle down everyone! Attention!"
Milly climbed onto a small platform. Like Shirley, she was in a sharp suit, but her innate charisma gave off the aura of a high-born young lord.
"The festival is about to begin. But before we start, I shall announce the highlight of this year's event!"
Milly grabbed the microphone and activated the campus-wide broadcast system.
"Testing, testing. Dear students of Ashford Academy! This is your Student Council President, Milly Ashford!" Her voice thundered through the school speakers.
"I know you're all excited for this year's festival. Now, I shall reveal the prize for the Cosplay Cafe Competition!"
Students gathered in the courtyard began to buzz with excitement.
"A prize? What is it? Gift certificates?"
"Maybe a budget increase for the winning club?"
Milly paused for dramatic effect, then pointed a finger directly at me with a smirk.
"This year's grand prize is none other than... a one-day date with the flower of our Student Council, Vice President Lelouch Lamperouge!"
"...What?" I could not believe my ears.
"WAAAAAAAH!"
"Incredible! A date with Lelouch!"
"Hey! Our club has to win this! Everyone, get ready!"
The courtyard instantly descended into chaos. The cheers of the girls were expected, but for some reason, even a segment of the male population seemed strangely enthusiastic.
"President! How could you offer me as a prize?!" I demanded, horrified.
"Oh, hush. Princess Lelouch's presence alone will skyrocket our sales. We have to provide a little service to the people."
"Not without the subject's consent! This is invalid!"
"The broadcast is already out. No take-backs." Milly shrugged shamelessly. "And don't worry. The Student Council is going to win anyway."
She gave a confident wink. "If we win, we'll just divide the Lelouch Date Voucher equally among the council members, wouldn't we?"
At those words, the eyes of Shirley, Kallen, and even Nina lit up.
"Is... is that true? If we win...?"
"Oh! Now I'm fired up! President, I'll give it my all!" Shirley's fighting spirit surged, and Kallen rolled up her sleeves with a strangely determined expression.
"Sigh... I should have seen this coming."
I gave up. I was merely a pawn dancing on Milly Ashford's palm. "Fine. Then we just have to win, right? Let's just do this."
I let out a hollow laugh, my dress fluttering as I turned. If it was inevitable, I might as well embrace the role. "Alright, everyone! To your positions! Let's show them the highest sales in Ashford history!"
With my solemn declaration, the curtains rose on a tumultuous festival.
The declaration of the festival's opening sent a massive roar through the entire academy. The Ashford Cosplay Cafe Tournament had officially commenced.
The courtyard was transformed into a labyrinth of colorful food trucks and club booths. Students were in a frenzy, aggressively soliciting customers in everything from high-concept costumes to grotesque, eye-searing outfits.
But the longest queue, by far, was at the Student Council's booth: [The Princess & Butler Cafe]. This was Milly Ashford's masterpiece—and my personal hell. I was the star model, the face of the establishment.
"Welcome..." My voice sounded unnervingly thin and high-pitched.
"Kyaaa! Lelouch... I mean, Princess! Two iced teas over here!"
"Oh my god! Look at his eyelashes. He's prettier than me!"
"Photo! Can we take a photo?!"
'Damn it... why is this so popular?'
The line showed no signs of shrinking. With every order taken and every drink served, I felt a piece of my soul crumble away.
"Princess Lelouch! An extra omurice for table three! Don't forget the ketchup heart!"
"...President. That service was not on the menu."
"The customer requested it! Now, where's that smile? Smile!"
Urged on by Milly, who was commanding the kitchen, I gritted my teeth and reached for the ketchup. 'I'll remember this... I will have my vengeance for this humiliation.'
With trembling hands, I drew a jagged heart on the omurice. Watching the male student blush with delight made me feel physically ill.
As I turned to catch my breath, a familiar voice called out.
"Shirley! Another order! Double-shot espresso!"
"On it, Lulu! Just a second!"
I turned to look at Shirley behind the bar. She was perfect. In her slim-fit tuxedo, with her hair pulled back, she looked exactly like a dashing butler from a romance novel.
"Eeeeek! Shirley! She made eye contact with me!"
"She's too handsome, it's not fair!"
'She's even more popular than I am.'
A strange sense of defeat washed over me. While I was suffering the indignity of a dress, Shirley had ascended to the throne of the academy's most popular heartthrob by dressing as a man.
"...It really suits you, Shirley," I muttered involuntarily.
"Hmm? What was that, Lulu?" Shirley turned, placing an espresso on a tray. I took the tray, feigning indifference.
"Nothing. Just... you're very good at this. Maybe being a butler is your true calling?"
Shirley stared at me for a moment, then beamed. It wasn't an act; it was a warm, radiant smile that felt like sunlight.
"Hehe, thanks, Lulu. I was actually really nervous, but having you by my side gives me strength."
"Me? I'm in this state, I'm hardly of any help."
"That's not true. Seeing you work so hard makes me think I shouldn't lose to you, either." Shirley stepped closer, looking directly into my eyes. "Lulu. Isn't this nice?"
"What is?"
"Just a day where we can all laugh and talk together like this."
I found myself unable to answer. Looking around, the atmosphere was hauntingly peaceful. This was the ordinary life I had yearned for—the life I could have enjoyed if I hadn't known about the Emperor's Ragnarök Connection or the bloody future of this world.
"...You're right. I wish moments like this could last forever."
At my sincere reply, Shirley's eyes sparkled as she handed me another cup. For a moment, a warm understanding passed between us.
But then—
"Hey, Princess. Can I get some service here? I'm dying of thirst."
A familiar yet uncharacteristically sharp voice cut in from a side table. I turned and my eyes widened.
Sitting cross-legged at the table was Kallen. She was chewing on a straw with a visibly dissatisfied expression.
"Welcome... wait, what? Why are you sitting there like a customer?"
"I deserve a break, too. And is it okay for you two to be flirting while I'm doing all the heavy lifting?"
Kallen's gaze flickered between Shirley and me. Her tone was biting, but I could detect a faint undercurrent of jealousy. Shirley blushed and hurried off to attend to another order, while I cleared my throat and looked away.
"I... I was just taking a breather, too."
As Shirley left, I noticed Kallen's lips curl into a playful smirk.
"Hmph. Still, it actually looks good on you. You're... doing better than I expected. The serving, the clothes."
"Is that a compliment or are you mocking me?"
"A compliment. I didn't think you had it in you to commit to a bit this much."
"Rich words coming from the one who betrayed me."
She let out a small laugh. The sharp, lethally honed gaze she wore on the battlefield was gone, replaced by the clear, bright eyes of a teenage girl. She stirred the ice in her cup and whispered my name.
"You know, Lelouch."
"Yes?"
"I... I hate Britannia. You know that, right? What they did to Japan, what they did to us..." Kallen's voice dropped, her eyes fixed on the laughing students. "But it's funny, isn't it? Despite all that hatred... here I am, sitting among Britannian students, laughing and enjoying a festival as if nothing happened."
There was a deep sense of self-loathing and confusion in her voice. In this moment, she wasn't a resistance fighter; she was just a girl struggling with a fractured identity.
"Is this... okay? To aim a gun at their parents or brothers by night, and pretend to be their friend by day?"
Kallen's fist on the table was trembling slightly. I hesitated for a moment, then slowly reached out and covered her hand with mine.
"...!!" Kallen's eyes went wide as she looked at me. I could feel her warmth through my palm.
"Kallen. Not every Britannian is evil. These students you see are just ordinary people caught in the flow of the times."
"Lelouch..."
"Nationality isn't a sin. Even if we are forced to point guns at one another... there are people with whom we can share a laugh and a heart. Just like we are now."
At my words, Kallen's face turned as red as a beet. She stared down at my hand holding hers, then looked away, embarrassed.
"...I know. I'm not an idiot." She spoke bluntly, but she didn't pull her hand away. "I just... wish more Britannians were like you. If they were... the world wouldn't be in such a mess."
Her quiet murmur reached my ears through the din of the cafe. It was the highest praise she could offer—a shy confession of trust. Kallen eventually withdrew her hand and stood up, clearing her throat.
"Alright, back to work. No more slacking!" She flashed a grin, though the tips of her ears remained a stubborn shade of red.
"Now then, Customer. Do you have any further orders?"
"Actually, yes. A glass of peace, with plenty of sugar."
"...That's out of stock."
"Tch, terrible service. Make sure it's in stock next time, got it?"
Kallen tossed her red hair and turned to leave. She paused, glanced back, and gave the hem of my skirt a playful tug as she passed.
"By the way, Lelouch. You really are beautiful today. No joke."
"Shut up! Just go already!"
"Hahaha!" She laughed with childlike glee and vanished into the crowd.
Watching her go, I found myself chuckling. My face felt uncomfortably hot.
The day passed in a blur. The sun began to dip below the horizon, and the festival's fervor slowly cooled into a pleasant twilight glow.
"Attention, everyone! The final results are in!" Milly's voice boomed over the speakers.
"The winner of this year's Cosplay Cafe Competition, by an overwhelming margin... is the Student Council's [The Princess & Butler Cafe]!!"
"WAAAAAAAH!!"
Cheers erupted, threatening to blow the roof off the clubroom. "We won! We actually won!" Rivalz was jumping up and down, not even caring that he was still in his grotesque girl's uniform. Shirley ran toward me with a wide grin, raising her hand for a high-five.
"We did it, Lulu! We're number one!"
"It's all thanks to you, Lulu!"
"Thanks to me? You mean thanks to the eternal stain on my reputation?"
"Exactly! Haha!"
Everyone embraced in celebration. I joined in their laughter, the exhaustion of the day replaced by a swelling sense of accomplishment.
"Alright, everyone gather 'round! We're taking a commemorative winner's photo!" Milly shouted, setting up a tripod and camera timer. "Hurry! We need the last of the sunlight for the best shot!"
Rivalz flashed a peace sign with a forced grin. Shirley and Nina pressed close to my sides. Kallen stood slightly back, arms crossed, staring coolly at the lens.
"Alright, on three! One, two...!"
Flash!*
The light flared, immortalizing their laughing faces on film.
"Perfect! One more!" Milly approached me, a predatory glint in her eyes. "Now, a solo shot of Princess Lelouch!"
"I decline! Absolutely not!"
"Refusal is not an option. This is a presidential decree!"
She was relentless. As I tried to bolt, Shirley and Kallen grabbed me from both sides.
"Wait! Let go! Hey! You guys!"
"Give up, Lulu. You can't stop the President when she's like this."
"Just take the picture, Lelouch. For the memories."
"Say cheese!"
Flash!
The second flash captured a whirlwind of complex emotions on my face: shame, embarrassment, resignation... and a tiny, irrepressible sliver of happiness.
Later that evening, after the cleanup was complete, a new frame was hung in the center of the Student Council room.
It was a photo of me in a dress, smiling awkwardly in a stiff pose. Beneath it, Milly had inscribed a caption:
[The Flower of Ashford Academy: Lelouch Lamperouge]
"Pre-President!! Take that down this instant!!" I screamed the moment I saw it.
"No can do. Records must be preserved for posterity. This is now an Ashford family heirloom."
"NOOOOOOOO!!"
Fresh roars of laughter filled the room once more, my cries of despair vanishing into their mirth.
And despite myself, I felt a faint smile tugging at my lips.
'Actually... it wasn't that bad.'