Bonding Time With Marrybell

Chapter 12: Bonding Time With Marrybell

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19th October 2009, Pendragon, Gemini Imperial Villa,

"This shall be your home starting today," I gently hold Marrybell's tiny hand, guiding her through the unfamiliar surroundings of my home.

"En," she murmurs in response, her head nodding slightly. She has remained unusually quiet ever since I took her away from the palace.

As we continue our exploration of the house, I maintain my hold on her hand, eventually crouching down to meet her at eye level. "I'm sorry I can't replace your mother, Marrybell, but please know that you can rely on me whenever you need," I offer, feeling a bit awkward. Comforting others has never been my strong suit, but in front of a ten-year-old girl who has just faced such turmoil, I have to try.

"Okay," she replies, her voice tiny and fragile. Yet, her eyes remain hollow, devoid of the spark of life. It's disconcerting to see such emptiness in a child's gaze. How can I help her regain her spirit? It must have been a traumatic experience for her to hear her own father's intent to have her executed.

"This place is where you can ride horses," I gesture toward the expansive field before us. "And there's a stable nearby where we keep our horses," I add, pointing to the stable in the distance.

"What is that?" Curiosity sparks in Marrybell's eyes as she points towards a particular spot. It's a question I'm both hesitant and somewhat relieved to hear. That place holds memories I'd rather not revisit, but I owe her an honest answer.

"That is where I buried the assassins who were sent to kill me," I respond, my grip on her tiny hand tightening involuntarily.

"Terrorists?" she asks, her voice quivering with a touch of fear. I can see why this topic would be unsettling for her.

"You can call them that," I concede with a solemn nod. I don't know if we can call the Geass Order a terrorist organization. I mean, it is a cult. But at this moment, the distinction isn't significant.

"Why? Why would terrorists do this?" Her question carries an undercurrent of anger, and I'm not surprised. The motives behind such actions often elude rationality.

"Hmm..." I contemplate as we walk through a sunflower field, the bright blooms contrasting with the weight of our conversation. "Mostly envy, I guess," I reply, my voice tinged with bitterness.

It's not the most satisfying answer, but it's a conclusion I've arrived at after experiencing the harsh realities of war. Some might attribute such actions to 'belief,' but I've learned that those with unwavering beliefs can be easily manipulated by those who exploit them.

"Are they justified to kill because they envy someone?" Marrybell's confusion is palpable. Sensing her weariness, I decide to lift her onto my shoulders for comfort.

"People still fight and kill for far more moronic reasons, Marrybell," I begin to explain. "As long as people harbor hatred and jealousy towards each other, true peace remains elusive," I continue. It's a somber reality, and it's precisely why the canon Lelouch created the Zero Requiem. But even after that, there were those who couldn't find satisfaction and resorted to kidnapping Nunnally.

"I don't understand," she admits, her little head struggling to grasp the complexity of the world.

"You will understand it one day," I assure her with a gentle smile.

"Un," she agrees, her tiny nod conveying trust and hope.

"Let's go inside and take a rest, shall we? I'll have one of the maids prepare something refreshing," I suggest, carrying Marrybell on my shoulders as we make our way through the fragrant rose fields.

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It's bath time, and I find myself carefully washing Marrybell's long, silky hair. It requires meticulous attention to ensure it's properly cleaned.

Originally, I had intended to have one of the maids take care of this task, but Marrybell adamantly refuses to let anyone else touch her except for me. It's a responsibility I gladly embrace as her brother.

"The bathroom is quite spacious," Marrybell remarks with awe in her voice.

"I'm glad you like it, Marrybell," I reply with a grin. I had invested a considerable amount of money in renovating the bathroom, and her appreciation warms my heart.

Seeing her regain a bit of her energy brings a sense of relief. The somber expression she had worn earlier didn't suit her, and I'm determined to help her heal and find happiness again.

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"So, you ended up adopting that kid," Auntie Mari says with a huff while sitting on my lap.

I continue sewing a plushie, my hands skillfully working the needle and thread. "Well, I couldn't just stand by and let Father execute her," I reply calmly. "I'm not sure if I've angered Father, but I believe it was the right decision," I add, my gaze remaining focused on the task at hand.

"I'm proud of you, Ben," Auntie Mari smiles warmly and pats my head affectionately. It's a peculiar sight, her sitting on my lap and wrapping her legs around my waist, especially since she's inhabiting Lady Anya's body.

"Thank you, Auntie Mari," I respond, my attention still on the plushie I'm sewing.

*Knock* *Knock*

Both Auntie Mari and I turn our heads toward the door, a sense of curiosity filling the room. It's likely Marrybell, as there are no other occupants in this villa aside from Lady Anya, Marrybell, and me. I had arranged for a servant's quarters a little way from the villa to provide my servants with a place to rest.

I gently place Auntie Mari down from my lap, setting aside the plushie I was sewing to make my way to the door. With a quiet creak, I open it and find Marrybell before me. Her face is marked with an expression that blends embarrassment and vulnerability.

"May I sleep with you?" she whispers, her voice barely reaching my ears. I know she's been through a lot recently, and it's no surprise that she seeks comfort and security at night. Nightmares must be haunting her fragile sleep.

A warm smile forms on my lips as I respond, "Of course." It's a simple gesture, one that any guardian should readily offer to a child in need.

"I will take my leave, Lord Benedict," Inside my room, Lady Anya's voice, or rather Auntie Mari mimicking it, breaks the silence. She gracefully announces her departure, playing the role of the gracious Lady Anya to perfection.

"Thank you for your help, Lady Anya," I acknowledge with gratitude, my smile genuine.

"It was nothing, Your Highness," Auntie Mari replies, even curtsying as she exits my room.

Turning my attention back to Marrybell, I extend an invitation, "Come on in, Marrybell." However, I can't help but cringe inwardly at how my words unintentionally sounded like those of a certain pedophile.

Marrybell, still standing by the door, looks at me quizzically. "That was?" she inquires, her curiosity evident.

"That was Lady Anya Alstreim," I reply, deciding to keep it simple. "She's helping me with a project," I explain, though I'm not entirely sure what a six-year-old could contribute to such an endeavor.

Her eyes then land on the giant white rabbit plushie that's still a work in progress. "That is?" she points to the plushie, her curiosity piqued once more.

I pick up the half-finished plushie and display it proudly. "This is the project I was talking about," I tell her. "It's for Nunnally's birthday," I reveal with a smile. "Her birthday is approaching, and as her brother, I want to give her something special."

There's a momentary pause, and I detect a hint of something in Marrybell's eyes. Perhaps it's jealousy, and she's wondering if I've taken her in as a substitute for Nunnally. But that's far from the truth.

"You're not Nunnally's substitute, Marrybell," I assert, gently lifting her into my arms. "Please believe that," I continue as I carry her toward my bed.

"Un," she replies with a small nod, her trust in me evident.

"Thank you for believing in me," I say gratefully, laying her down on my bed and covering her with a warm blanket.

"Brother?" she calls out to me as I settle beside her.

"Yes, Marrybell?" I answer, turning to look at her.

"Why didn't Father care about us?" Her question hangs heavy in the air, laced with a hint of sadness.

"I believe he still cares about us, Marrybell," I respond with sincerity, my tone gentle. "It's just that he has gone through the 'Emblem of Blood' incident, and it makes it difficult for him to express his feelings for us," I explain further as I lay down beside her.

"The 'Emblem of Blood' incident?" Marrybell blinks her eyes in confusion, her innocence showing through.

I sigh softly, realizing that this might be too heavy a topic for a child her age. "It's a bit early for you to know, but think of it as an incident where people can lose their loved ones unexpectedly," I try to simplify it for her. "Our father still cares about us, but he has become accustomed to losing those close to him. That's why he didn't react more strongly to the deaths of our family members," I add, not entirely sure if my explanation is accurate, but I can't bring myself to tell her that her father doesn't care about her.

"I understand, Brother," she responds, her voice holding a hint of understanding, even if she may not grasp the full extent of it. At least she doesn't press me further on the matter.

But then, her voice trembles as she speaks again, and I realize that she's crying. "Brother?" she calls out, her vulnerability clear in her tone.

I immediately respond, "Yes, dear?" as I gently pat her head, my heart aching for her.

"Please don't leave me alone," she pleads through her tears, her voice choked with emotion. "Both mother and Julia left me," she sobs. "I don't want to be left alone again."

I cannot stop her tears. So, all I can do right now is brush my fingers through her hair and, offering whatever comfort I can. "Don't worry, Marrybell," I assure her, my voice as gentle as it is when I talk to Nonette. "I won't leave you alone. I will be with you until the end," I vow, though I know I will be left alone when I outlive her lifespan.

"Rest now, my dear Marrybell," I whisper soothingly into her ears. "Your brother will never leave you alone in this world."

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10th August 2010, Pendragon, Gemini Imperial Villa,

I heave a tired sigh, feeling a twinge of annoyance deep within me. "Father declared war on Japan," I announce, my frustration evident in my voice.

Auntie Mari, as usual, occupies her familiar spot on my lap. She looks at me with a mix of concern and curiosity. "Do you know what will happen to Lelouch and Nunnally?" she asks, her concern for her children clear.

I answer with unwavering determination, "Nothing will happen to them."

Auntie Mari tilts her head, puzzled by my confidence. "How can you be so sure?" she inquires.

A mischievous grin creeps across my face as I lean in slightly, enjoying the intrigue of my secret. "I've sent my assistant," I reveal, my eyes twinkling with amusement.

"You have an assistant?" Auntie Mari responds, surprise coloring her voice.

"Of course," I reply, my grin growing larger. The air of mystery surrounding my actions clearly amuses me.

"Who is it?" she presses, her curiosity getting the best of her.

"That, my dear Auntie Mari," I respond, placing a finger to my lips in a hushing gesture, "will remain a secret."

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10th August 2010, Above The Pacific Ocean,

Inside the cockpit of a mobile suit, a blonde-haired girl vents her frustration, her voice dripping with disdain. "That shitty blue bastard dared to send me across the ocean to babysit his siblings," she curses, clearly irritated by her superior's orders.

(The Mobile Suit)

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Author's Note;

So, Ben's talk with Marrybell took longer than I expected. But I love giving her head pats.

Oh, hey look! Marianne is concerned about Lelouch and Nunnally! That's clearly character development, right?

Ange debuted in the story by starting to curse Ben. He deserves it, right?

Anyway, Happy New Year to you all! I wish you, my readers, all the best!