I Want My Vacation!
Chapter 03: I Want My Vacation!
-----------------------------------
8th April 2008, Pendragon, Britannia Imperial Palace,
"His Majesty the Emperor has arrived!"
I knelt beside Nonette during my audience with my father, the Emperor. The palace's grandeur surrounded us, with intricately detailed walls and shimmering chandeliers casting a soft, golden glow. Of course, I maintained my respectful posture; this was a formal meeting with the Emperor, after all.
"The 5th in line to the throne, Benedict af Britannia," the Emperor's piercing gaze bore into mine. "It's been a long time, my son," His majestic voice reverberated through the ceremonial hall.
"It is nice to see you in good health, your majesty," I raised my head to look at his direction. It's been a long time, indeed. The last time I met face to face with him was on his wedding day with Auntie Mari… it has been 10 years, give or take.
"And Nonette Enneagram, the recent military school graduate, and…," I detected a subtle twitch in the Emperor's eyebrow. "Benedict af Britannia's betrothed." For some reason, my father didn't seem pleased about my engagement.
"At your service, Your Majesty," Nonette replied with a bowed head, her unwavering respect evident.
"The two of you have efficiently expanded our territory by incorporating Area 10. Therefore, speak! What do you desire?" This… I don't know what to answer. I don't have anything I want. I don't need money as the 'af Britannia' family still has power in the imperial court. Well, even if I am the only af Britannia alive. I brainstormed for about thirty seconds before I reached my conclusion.
"A vacation would be nice, your majesty," I am tired. I want to have a break. I want to eat Ramen.
"I cannot grant you that," my father refused my request. "Your service is still necessary, my son," there he goes again. Shoving the fact that I am his son into my face.
"I apologize, Your Majesty, but I am currently uncertain of my desires," This father of mine! Is a vacation too much to ask? I don't want any title or rank in the military. I'd rather be a Knight of the Round if I had to hold a position in the military. But requesting such a position felt like pushing it.
"Very well," I don't know why but I notice a grin on the Emperor's face, which sends a shiver down my spine. He seems to be up to something, but my fears are unfounded as he turns to Nonette. "And you?"
"I feel the same way as His Highness, Your Majesty," Nonette answers, keeping her head down in respect.
This is getting worrisome. I can't quite fathom what my father is scheming. Did my refusal to accept any reward offend him? If so, to what lengths might he go to have me removed?
"I, Charles zi Britannia, order you," His voice resonates majestically within the hall. "Benedict af Britannia and Nonette Enneagram…" He pauses, drawing out the suspense. "You two shall embark for Area 4 to quell the rebellion," and with a dramatic wave of his right hand, our fate is sealed.
"As you command, Your Majesty!" Nonette and I respond in unison.
"Very well, that will be all," my father dismisses us, and only then do we rise from our kneeling positions. We retreat, heads bowed, and make our way back to the door.
But before we can leave, my father's voice softens, an unexpected change from his prior demeanor.
"And Benedict," he says, and I feel a sense of unease wash over me.
"Your service from a year ago is greatly appreciated." I don't dare meet his gaze, my fists clenched, and my lower lip bitten.
"Your kind words are wasted on me, Your Majesty," I reply, struggling to keep my voice steady, not wanting to reveal my inner turmoil.
A warm hand immediately finds mine, our fingers intertwining the moment we step out of the throne room. There's no need for questions; I recognize the owner of that hand as Nonette.
"Thank you, Nonette," I say, a warm smile creeping onto my face as I hold her hand.
"I sensed your body trembling," Nonette remarks. "Are you okay?" She truly is a great sister.
"I'm fine, Nonette," I reply, my voice trailing off. "I just felt uneasy under his gaze," I cannot tell her the truth.
"When should we plan our departure?" Nonette asks.
"Maybe the day after tomorrow? I'd like to visit Lady Marianne tomorrow," I reply after a moment of thought.
"Understood," Nonette nods. "Hey, B?"
"Yes, N?"
"I get the feeling the Emperor isn't too thrilled about me being your betrothed," Nonette says, her shoulders sagging slightly. Despite the arrangement made between my mother and her family, she's dutifully following me to the war zone as my betrothed, a situation she shouldn't be in.
"Trust me, N. His Majesty isn't particularly fond of anyone," I respond. My father's affections have always been reserved for only a few, primarily his brother V.V and Auntie Mari.
"When did you become an expert at comforting a lady, B?" Nonette gasps playfully.
"I am leaving," Yes, I am running away and not proud of it. I can't deal with Nonette when she starts teasing me.
"Goodbye!" Nonette waves as I make my escape.
Finally, we release our intertwined hands. I wave back at her, feeling truly fortunate to have met someone like her at such a young age.
-----------------------------------
9th April 2008, Pendragon, Aries Imperial Villa,
"I'm back, Auntie Mari, Lulu, and Nunna!" I make my way toward the family picnic in the garden.
"Oh, welcome back, Ben!" Auntie Mari greets me with a warm smile, one that seems genuine. Yet, I'm well aware that she wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice me if I ever got in her way.
"Brother," Lelouch nods in acknowledgment as I approach. Oh, Euphy is here too. That must mean the bratty princess is also here.
"Brother Ben!" A spirited hug nearly sends me into another realm.
"Hey, Nunna," I smile and gently pat her head. Then I turn my attention to Auntie Mari.
"Oh, Auntie Mari?" I inquire.
"Yes?" she responds.
"I've brought a gift for you," I announce, signaling to a servant who brings in the oriental Chinese vase I acquired in Myanmar.
"Oh my," Auntie Mari gasps. "What a delightful vase!"
"I thought you might like it," I say with a grin. "The moment I laid my eyes on it, I knew it was meant for you."
"Thank you, Ben. How thoughtful of you," Auntie Mari expresses genuine amazement at the craftsmanship of the vase. Still, I can't help but wonder if this exquisite vase will meet its untimely end next year when V.V attempts to assassinate her.
"So, you're here, Benedict," a scowl involuntarily creeps onto my face the moment I hear that voice.
"I couldn't help but notice that you're here too, Corn," I turn to face her with a polite smile.
"A vacation, really?" She stares at me with stern eyes.
"I need my vacation!" I meet her gaze with determination.
"Aren't you resting now?"
"Resting and taking a vacation are not the same," I respond firmly.
"Now, now, don't quarrel in front of the children, you two," Auntie Mari intervenes, placing herself between me and the bratty princess.
"She started it!" I point my finger directly at my nemesis.
"Even if you wanted a vacation, you shouldn't have brought it up with our imperial father!" Yeah, that. Our constant clashes stem from her being too uptight while I'm too laid-back. It's no wonder we clash like oil and water.
"Brother Ben!" Ah, unlike before, I genuinely adore this voice.
"Euphy!" I greet her warmly, returning her embrace. "Are you having a good time?"
"Yep!" Euphy nods, her face lit up with a radiant smile.
I check my watch, realizing it's nearly time for me to return to my villa. "I've got to go now," I pat Lelouch's head; he's accompanied Euphy. "See you all later!"
Now, how can I get to Japan without actually taking a vacation? I'm craving ramen.
-----------------------------------
Author's Note;
And~ That's a wrap. I love Nonette. She's cool even though she doesn't have a single dialogue in anime.
If things don't clear, Nonette's family is the supporter of Ben's mother. And they thought it was a good idea to marry the two.
In the next chapter, Ben will commit war crime in Area 4.