Unlimited Ambition

Britannia remained in disarray. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, naturally, couldn't portray its own prince as some insignificant nobody. Persuading the "Wolf of the Far North" to attend the funeral seemed futile, so they continued their negotiations: "Your country's sincerity is so great that it would be impolite to refuse. The Governor-General of the Northeast will certainly receive the strictest protection. The North Sea Fleet doesn't need to come along, right?"

The Chinese Federation scoffed: "You can't even protect your own prince, so how can you possibly protect my governor? Who would believe that? Fine, we'll just have to go through the trouble ourselves and send our own troops to protect him."

Diplomats from both sides exchanged barbs, a mix of sarcasm and irony. Meanwhile, I had already boarded my ship without a second thought and was out in Japanese waters within a day and a night.

Brittany was furious: How could you do this? The two sides hadn't even reached an agreement when the ship arrived.

The Chinese Federation continued to scoff: "If you leave the corpse out for a few more days, it'll start to rot. You might not be disgusted, but my governor is."

As a result, the Britannian diplomat vomited three liters of blood and died the following day despite attempts to save him.

Seeing the guns of a battleship weighing tens of thousands of tons pointed at you, the Bretons from District 11 swallowed their words: "No disembarking!" and could only watch helplessly as I swaggered onto the dock, hoping to kill me with their eyes.

The staff member in charge of reception seemed slightly surprised when they saw me. Perhaps they weren't used to my age. After all, hearing about it is one thing, but actually seeing it in person is quite another.

However, the woman opposite them, who appeared to be of Black descent, was quite capable; she quickly regained her composure. After snapping to attention and giving a military salute, she said, "I am Viletta Nuwu, representative of the acting governor of the 11th district of Brittany. I am here to receive Your Excellency."

"Oh, really?" I scrutinized the woman from head to toe, then chuckled and said, "So, what's your rank...?"

Seemingly confused, the woman who called herself Violetta still answered my question: "My rank is lieutenant."

Oh… I see. I nodded. Sergeant, ordinary soldier. Lieutenant, Knight, Marquis, Field Officer, Baron, Viscount, only Earl and above can become general.

A low-ranking nobleman, or perhaps, a laughingstock among the nobility. A knight...

I nodded and said with a hint of malice, "Knight Viletta, please lead the way."

When the woman heard what I said, she was taken aback at first, then her face turned extremely pale, clearly I had hit a sore spot. She started trembling all over, as if she had an epileptic seizure; was she going to hit me?

Seeing this woman's actions, Dian Wei and Xu Chu beside me were displeased. They both snorted coldly, then stepped forward, flanking Viletta on either side. They were ready to deliver a preemptive punch and knock her over should she make any move.

Violetta, a woman who had served in the military for many years, was still intimidated by the two menacing-looking men staring at her with hostile expressions. Although she didn't know why their eyes were bruised as if they had been beaten, it did not diminish the oppressive feeling they exuded.

Viletta immediately realized she had made a mistake. Who am I, and who is she? Even if I were to kill her right now, let alone mock her, what difference would it make? Would the Empire really turn against someone like her, a nobody knight?

Having figured this out, Violetta suppressed her anger and forced a smile. She gestured for them to proceed, then walked ahead without saying much more.

Speaking of Dian Wei and Xu Chu's faces covered in wounds, those were all inflicted by me. Because those two were just too infuriating. They'd barely met me before they'd said the emperor was born. It nearly scared me to death.

When I finally dialed the old man's number, I nervously asked him if it was true, since I had no idea. The old man was also strange. He said the imperial physician had recently examined the little girl, but couldn't detect any pregnancy.

Later, that old geezer did some more research and found out that the weather had been hot these past few days, and the little girl had gotten a stomachache from eating a cold drink. She ended up vomiting several times. It just so happened that those two idiots were on duty. Seeing this, they assumed the emperor was experiencing morning sickness and rushed over to tell me.

Oh, what a relief. I patted my chest and breathed a sigh of relief, then immediately called those two idiots over and gave them a good beating. Hitting their bodies didn't bother them because their skin was so thick; it just made my hands ache. So I slapped their faces. I beat them until their faces were covered in welts. It took days for the welts to heal. That's when Viletta saw it.

However, this incident has made me secretly more cautious. I repeatedly instructed that old geezer to keep an eye on the little girl for me. Make sure nothing happens to her, and especially don't let her get NTR'd. I have no interest in being the tragic male lead in a melodrama.

After agreeing to my request, the old man then told me to be careful too. He had no doubt that a young man who isn't a bit of a womanizer (though he himself wasn't exactly a womanizer), but I should be careful not to have affairs and father children indiscriminately. He didn't want any of them to carry on the Gao family line.

So the old geezer is still thinking about this.

I chuckled for a while and reassured the old man again. We chatted for a long time without mentioning anything else.

After this close call, I arrived in the Japanese archipelago fuming with rage. Even without anyone provoking me, I'd still want to retaliate. Just don't let any fool mess with me, or I'll make sure they suffer a terrible fate.

Meanwhile, at a certain academy, a student with a strong attachment to his sister also turned grim upon seeing the news report. Having just gained immense power, he had managed to defeat a third-rate Britannian force using a cheat-like map. He even seized an opportunity to kill his elder brother (although, in hindsight, killing him was perhaps better left undone).

The sister-obsessed boy was happily sewing a cloak, fantasizing about taking revenge on society. Suddenly, the news reported that the Northeast Governor-General of the Chinese Federation was coming to District 11 for a funeral.

The brother-complex guy is also a bit clever. He can make that kind of judgment. He knows that whether the Chinese Federation's intervention in Area 11 will be a blessing or a curse for him is still unknown, but it's definitely a "variable." Moreover, from various sources, the brother-complex guy has also deduced that I'm a troublemaker who will definitely interfere with his plans.

That explains why the sister-obsessed guy's expression was so bad. However, the sister-obsessed guy quickly changed his mood and opened his chicken and duck. He chuckled and said, "That's right, no matter who it is, as long as I have the power of a king, there's nothing to be afraid of! What about the Governor of the Northeast?! What about the Wolf King of the Far North?! In my eyes, they're just pawns that are easier to use! Hahahaha, hahahahaha."

Kid, be careful not to bite your tongue in the strong wind.

"Hey, your laugh is so tasteless! It's ruining my appetite!" Just then, a sticky piece of pizza was thrown at me with incredible speed and the skill of a projectile. The siscon, aside from being clever, was a complete weakling with a combat power of only five. He was completely hit. The pizza smeared all over his face, causing him to lose his balance and fall over.

And so, before the brother-obsessed man could even begin to unleash his grand ambitions, he was defeated by a slice of pizza.

Seeing the brother's disheveled state, the green-haired woman rolled her eyes. She then grabbed another slice of pizza and stuffed it into her mouth. She muttered to herself, "I didn't expect him to come too. So many years have passed, I wonder if he still remembers what I look like..."

Immediately afterward, the green-haired girl suddenly remembered my parting words. She immediately turned around and glared fiercely at the sister-obsessed girl who was loudly complaining. Her mind went blank: "Oh no, oh no, I'm doomed. How could I forget what that guy said? What if those two meet? Hmm..."

The green-haired girl squinted at her siscon, making him feel uneasy. Then, recalling their brief encounter, she blurted out, "Lelouch, you absolutely can't beat that guy." This really hurt the siscon.

※※※

In the following days, the 500,000-strong vanguard force on the fleet stood ready, poised to land at Kagoshima at the first opportunity and sweep across Kyushu in the shortest possible time, completing the initial operational plan. Meanwhile, Area 11 was equally on high alert. All factions were ready to fire and draw their swords, but all their attention was focused on me, as if I were some kind of powerful being.

Acting Governor Jeremiah dared not relax for a moment, and stayed by my side the entire time after I entered Kyoto the next day. He wanted to monitor me 24 hours a day.

A minor incident occurred during this time. I insisted on going to see the "thug who dared to assassinate the governor." Jeremiah didn't want to offend me over such a trivial matter.

When I finally met Suzaku, whom I had long admired, I feigned surprise and exclaimed "Oh dear!" which puzzled Jeremiah greatly.

So I asked, "Acting Governor Jeremiah, are you sure this person is really the murderer of Prince Clovis?"

Jeremiah was naturally unsure. And because I had deliberately emphasized the word "agent" in my speech, which seemed to displease him, he replied, "Are you questioning my judgment?"

I shook my head and said, "No, that's not it. I'm just a little surprised. Do you know who this prisoner is?"

Jeremiah rolled her eyes: "He's just a daring villain, who else could he be?"

I smiled and said, "He is indeed audacious and a villain. But his identity is more than just these two things."

Upon hearing my words, Jeremiah became curious and pressed for details, asking, "Does Your Excellency possess any information that we are unaware of? Please inform us."

I nodded and said, "This guy's name is Kuchiki Suzaku, the son of a former Japanese prime minister." (The scumbag Suzaku shouted that his surname was Kururugi, not Kuchiki, but the two ignored him.)

Jeremiah said with a slightly excited "Oh?", "If that's the case, then his motive for assassinating the governor is even stronger."

I shook my head and said, "That's true, but not entirely. Besides being the son of the former prime minister, he was also the murderer of the former prime minister." As I said this, the corners of my mouth turned up, revealing a meaningful smile: "Indeed, he was the greatest contributor to Brittany's conquest of Japan."

For a moment, both Suzaku Kuchiki and Jeremiah looked grim.

Chapter Thirteen: What kind of ridiculous outfit is that?

The two men looked grim. As for Kuchiki Suzaku, he was easier to talk to. After all, although he was a scoundrel, he knew how serious the heinous crime of patricide was. Although he might have a nonsensical reason in his mind, probably no one but himself would believe it. Otherwise, why hadn't he mentioned it all these years?

Jeremiah's expression was grim, and the reason was somewhat complicated. However, it was ultimately a minor matter. It concerned what I referred to as "the greatest contributor to the conquest of Japan." This title was entirely Jeremiah's own boastful exaggeration, based on his decisive action that saved half of Mount Fuji.

I never imagined that a single sentence I uttered today would land this title on an honorary Breton. And it even sounds somewhat plausible. If that's truly the case, then why did this guy kill the governor? Could it be that he really isn't the murderer?

Besides this, Jeremiah had another idea in mind. He was ambitious and wanted to climb the ranks. He wanted to achieve something significant to remove the "acting" title from the governor's name. And capturing the murderer of the former governor was the ideal achievement. But listen to me, Jeremiah wasn't stupid. He naturally felt that things weren't that simple... However...

If only it were one of our own to discover this information. But it's an outsider. And a powerful one at that. I can't do anything to him. What should I do? Am I really going to overturn my previous judgment and re-apprehend the murderer?! Wouldn't Jeremiah become a laughingstock then?! He wouldn't even be able to remain governor, let alone act as acting governor. It's outrageous!

Seeing Jeremiah's uncertain expression, I remained completely unconcerned. Unless war broke out between the two countries, he would never dare to touch me. He couldn't bear that responsibility.

Just as Jeremiah was feeling confused and bewildered, I laughed heartily. Then I patted him on the shoulder and said, "However, I didn't witness these things myself. It's just hearsay. You know, brother, nine out of ten rumors are false. Don't take them seriously, don't take them seriously." Then I laughed again.

I'll also start a Geass.

Just when Jeremiah was feeling incredibly troubled, I suddenly changed my tune. Although he didn't know why, he could tell I was genuinely trying to excuse him. Suddenly, Jeremiah, who had previously found me utterly unpleasant, found me agreeable. Hearing my hearty laughter, he smiled ingratiatingly as well.

Meanwhile, Suzaku, upon hearing my words, presumptuously assumed I was speaking up for him. He was filled with both shame and anger. Shame because he had indeed killed his father. Anger because his excuse for acquittal was gone, and he was likely doomed.

Of course, neither of the two men outside the cage had time to pay attention to a death row inmate. Their relationship improved dramatically in a short while; they were now acting like brothers, arms around each other's shoulders. They walked out chatting and laughing.

In the following days, Jeremiah had already treated me as a friend, diligently spending every day playing with me. As the day of Suzaku's execution drew closer, the garrison in Area 11 gradually relaxed its guard. I sneered inwardly and ordered the army to prepare properly; the day of Suzaku's execution would be the day of the invasion of Japan!

Meanwhile, the sister-obsessed guy shared a similar thought: "I will show the world my power and take the first step successfully on the day Suzaku is executed!"

And so, time flew by, and the day of Suzaku's execution finally arrived. While the streets weren't exactly deserted, they were certainly packed with people. Of course, the vast majority of those numbered were forcibly brought out. According to the Britannian side, it was "to demonstrate the Empire's strength and deter potential hostile elements." In the words of the Chinese Federation, it was much simpler: to make an example of someone.

As part of the funeral, I was invited to participate in the execution. Although I'm not particularly interested in things like tying someone up with a gun and then shooting them full of bullets, I still went.

Before the execution, Suzaku was strapped to a specially made armored vehicle, its massive body filling the entire street. It drove towards the execution ground. The numbered individuals, forced to participate, stood on both sides of the street.

What a pity. There aren't many Britannia people. Otherwise, I could sell rotten vegetables and eggs and make a little money. I tried to think about unrelated things to avoid remembering what happened at noon and getting angry at myself.

The reason is that news came from Cheng Yu that Brittany had chosen a new governor—not Jeremiah, who is currently by my side, lost in daydreams about being crowned emperor. Instead, it was another member of the royal family, Princess Cornelia, who had been strongly recommended by Chancellor Schneider.

Damn it. If it were anyone else, it wouldn't matter, but Cornelia? She's my fiancée in name only. And my biggest collaborator in Brittany. I have to give her some face, no matter what. It would be fine if she didn't come. But since she's here, I can't pretend I didn't see her.

And so, though I was unwilling, I had no choice but to cancel today's surprise attack plan. And naturally, my face didn't look too good right now.

Schneider, huh? I'll remember you. Hmph… It seems this stumbling block is a bit heavier than I expected. He actually managed to use his rivals for the throne to counterbalance external enemies—and what's even more ironic is that his two enemies are potential allies!

The Imperial Chancellor has truly mastered the art!

And that's precisely why. My good mood of the past few days has vanished. Looking at Suzaku, who is about to receive physical execution, and Jeremiah, whose dreams have been dashed and who is about to receive mental execution, I don't even have the heart to sneer.

Ah, ah, ah, if before I would still think of others and pray that no one would run into my trap, now it's the other way around. I'm praying that someone will provoke me soon, so I can vent my emotions.

It seems the person I was praying to really had a twisted sense of humor. And this time, there really was someone oblivious who stepped forward, eager to be played with.

Although this guy's clothes and appearance were a bit disgusting, I had to put up with it because I was so angry.

It was a strange man wearing a black helmet and a black cloak, standing on what appeared to be the hearse of that unfortunate Clovis. He loved to show off, letting a dozen spotlights shine on him. He was a man of ambiguous gender.

If he were a man, his physique would be far too slender. He would definitely be malnourished and physically inept. If he were a woman, well… with breasts developed to that extent, she could probably commit suicide by banging her head against a wall.

"That's... His Highness Clovis's hearse?! How dare this impudent man desecrate His Highness's remains?!" Jeremiah, sitting next to me, looked extremely grim. With his poor eyesight, he mistook this dilapidated garbage truck, which looked almost like it belonged to a junkyard, for his prince's hearse.

I subtly moved a step away from him. They say stupidity is contagious. If I were him, I would have already opened fire without hesitation. Why bother with all that? But why did I even bother reminding him? We're not even that close.

However, Jeremiah quickly found a solution. Several Sarand mechs swiftly circled the garbage truck surrounding the prison van carrying Suzaku.

"Surrender! You madman! If you do, I might consider lessening your crime of defiling Prince Chlovis's heroic spirit." Seeing that the situation was back in his control, Jeremiah shouted arrogantly.

“If I were you, I wouldn’t act rashly.” The strange man pulled out something that looked like a massage stick (okay, I’m being wicked again). He said, “The biological weapon that the Brittany military lost before is now in my hands. If you dare to touch it, press the switch, and I’ll turn this place into hell on earth.”

"What?! You despicable bastard..." Jeremiah was clearly frightened by this guy. Although he didn't know if it was true or not, he really didn't give any further orders.

Pshaw, I told you, one burst and it'd be over. Okay, you're happy now, aren't you? Any snipers? That weirdo's helmet doesn't look blast-proof. One shot would definitely blow him to bits.

However, for the same reason, I still didn't remind him. But looking at this strange guy, I just felt inexplicably annoyed. So…

"I came here to declare to the world that I, Zero, am the messenger of justice—"

"Are you a comedian?" Just as the strange man was about to continue, a louder voice came from the other side. It was a voice mixed with disdain, mockery, and indifference. It came through the Brittany's loudspeakers.

?

Such a line was naturally not in the eccentric's script. Therefore, he got stuck.

The reporters' cameras turned in their direction. The black-haired man in the silver-white robe, with a sharkskin scabbard at his waist—no, judging by his age, he should be called a boy—had his reflection in a pair of black, jewel-like eyes. A slight smirk played on his lips, a look of disdain written all over his face.

The Wolf King of the Far North has arrived!

"I—" The strange man seemed to have gathered his thoughts and was about to speak when I interrupted him again.

"If you're not a comedian, why are you dressed like this? A partner of justice? Have you been watching too many TV dramas? You mean those colorful superhero dramas? Are you Zero? No, you should be Black, right? Where are your red, orange, yellow, and green brothers? Call them over and let them meet everyone."

After a barrage of sarcastic remarks, the mysterious atmosphere the strange man had painstakingly cultivated vanished. The onlookers, seeing the strange man's attire, indeed resembled the "Colorful Team" I had described, and many couldn't help but laugh.