Birthday Present

Chapter 11: Birthday Present

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17th October 2009, Pendragon, Gemini Imperial Villa,

"What are you doing?" Lady Anya... no, Auntie Mari asks, her tone filled with curiosity while taking her place on my lap and her body facing me, wrapping her legs around my waist.

I offer a gentle smile as I reveal the purpose of my current project. "Hmm? It's nothing," I assure her, displaying the birthday gift I've put together myself. "I'm just preparing a birthday present for Nunna's upcoming birthday."

"What did you get for her?" I can't help but detect a tinge of sadness in Auntie Mari's voice. "Since I'm officially 'dead,' I can't do anything for her," she remarks, at least she is still a decent mother right now.

"How about we pull a little prank on them?" I suggest with a playful glint in my eyes and a nasty grin on my face. While I harbor no ill will towards you, Lelouch, I haven't forgotten how you made fun of me (refer to Chapter 05).

Auntie Mari's face lights up with a mischievous grin as she eagerly inquires, "Oh, please do tell." Although I said mischievous grin, I can't help but think of some psychopath when seeing that grin. It's slightly disconcerting to see such a wicked expression on the face of a six-year-old Anya.

The plan takes shape in my mind, and I share it with her. "What if we send these gifts as if they're from you?" I propose, watching her grin grow even wider.

"Oh, my dear, do you know how much I love you?" she responds, her affectionate touch caressing my cheek.

"A lot, I hope," I reply, reciprocating the affection by patting her head gently.

With genuine fondness, Auntie Mari declares, "I love you lots and lots." As she smiles at me, a shiver runs down my spine. How can someone manage to wear such a mischievously wicked expression?

"I, too, love you a lot," I respond, trying my best to mimic the expression she's displaying, although it's a look I haven't attempted before.

There's an unfamiliar sense of satisfaction radiating from her and witnessing a six-year-old kid showing me her approval feels like a unique experience.

Shifting the conversation to Nunnally's upcoming birthday, I inquire, "So, do you have any gift in mind for Nunna?" I've been diligently crafting plushies, intending to present them as heartfelt gifts.

Auntie Mari takes a moment to ponder before suggesting, "How about a white rabbit plushie? I want her to feel comforted while hugging it."

I readily agree with her choice. "Then I'll make that," I decide. Fortunately, creating a white rabbit plushie won't require extensive alterations to my ongoing projects. "How big should it be?" I ask.

"At least as big as Lelouch," she replies after a moment of contemplation.

Her request is quite substantial, but I'm determined. This is for my beloved sister Nunnally, and I'm resolved to give her something special to make up for my absence during the time of V.V.'s jealousy. "I'll do it," I declare, my determination unwavering.

"Good boy," Auntie Mari coos, playfully booping my nose. Sewing becomes increasingly challenging with her constantly shifting around on my lap. Thank god, I am not a lolicon. So, it is not my thing that raises but the Shield Hero instead.

"Can you write in your own handwriting on this birthday card?" I hand her the card.

"Who do you think I am?" A sly smirk creeps across her face.

"Would you like to pen a letter too?" I delve into the drawer, retrieving a pristine sheet of paper, the possibilities dancing in the air.

"I suppose I should, shouldn't I?" She takes the paper from me.

So... Lelouch, my brother... best of luck. I hope you avoid heart attacks, but I'm pretty certain you'll have to endure a few headaches.

*BOOM*

A sudden, thunderous explosion reverberates ominously, shattering the tranquil atmosphere around our villa. My gaze darts towards the source of the commotion, and my heart sinks. It originates from the Pisces Imperial Villa. The 'mel Britannia' family seems to have fallen victim this time, a stark reminder of the turmoil lurking just beyond our peaceful façade.

"Auntie Mari," I softly utter her name, my voice tinged with melancholy. "It appears that the individual responsible for your death is remarkably active this year," I say with a bitter, ironic chuckle.

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A few minutes earlier, Leo Imperial Villa,

[I love you lots and lots.]

Charles abruptly shuddered upon hearing his wife's tone emanating from the microphone he had surreptitiously planted inside Benedict's room. The unmistakable inflection in her voice conveyed a message that Charles, all too well, understood.

[I, too, love you a lot.]

His hand instinctively collided with his forehead in a sharp slap. This act of self-inflicted frustration was rare for him—so rare, in fact, that he couldn't recall the last time he'd resorted to it. His voice quivered with anxiety as he contemplated the ramifications of his actions. "What have I done?" he murmured, his voice trembling. "Now there're two of them!"

As the weight of the situation bore down on him, the Knight of One, one of Charles's most trusted knights, summoned the courage to address his lord. "Your Majesty," he ventured cautiously, "I believe we may have made an error in judgment by allowing Lady Marianne to remain with Sir Benedict."

Charles contemplated the suggestion for a moment, his thoughts turning to his enigmatic son, Lelouch. It was a rare admission for him, but the predicament he found himself in demanded it. "I'll try apologizing to Lelouch when I meet him at the Sword of Akasha," Charles doesn't apologize normally but… to die because of two pranksters he created, even his rebellious son doesn't deserve it.

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19th October 2009, Pendragon, Britannia Imperial Palace,

The Imperial Palace is a buzz of activity, with nearly all of my siblings and their families summoned here. Unlike them, I stand with my father as a member of the Knights of the Round. I spot Nonette amidst the bustling crowd, a familiar face in this sea of unfamiliar nobility.

Suddenly, an announcer's voice resonates through the grand hall: "Lady Marrybell mel Britannia, 19th in line to the throne of the Holy Empire of Britannia, requests an audience!"

So, she was the only one to survive, eh? Quite a pity. Should I give her my support if she needs a backer? Well, of course. After all, that's what a brother should do.

As I discreetly listen to the murmurs of the nobles, their heartless comments infuriate me. How could they utter such insensitive words to a grieving daughter and sister who lost both her mother and sister in V.V's brutal attack?

Then, Marrybell steps forward, her voice trembling as she addresses our father, "Lord Father, my mother and sister died in the terrorist's attack."

"That's it? You requested an audience with me just to say that?!" Father's response, though, is unshockingly cold. His booming voice fills the hall, making me wince as I witness Marrybell's shocked face and her tears, cascading down in torrents. She's utterly heartbroken.

"You knew?" Her voice cracks. "You knew, yet you didn't do anything about it?" Marrybell shouts at the Emperor, struggling to hold back her tears.

Father dismisses her heartfelt plea with a chilling remark, "I have no use for the weak."

Marrybell's reaction surprises everyone. She pulls out a sword from its scabbard with a resounding *shing*. It's an audacious move, pointing a weapon at the Emperor, and in front of a multitude of nobles.

(Current Marrybell)

"You knew of that, yet you did nothing," she cries out. "Doesn't that make you in cahoots with the terrorists, Your Majesty?!" Her demand is fearless.

I can't help but admire her courage. She's done something I wouldn't dare to attempt. But it's also a grave sin, and the guards quickly surround her. Yet, her unwavering gaze remains locked on Father's face.

Father, visibly furious, stands from his seat. "You insolent fool! You dared to raise your blade against me?! I, Charles zi Britannia, order you to be exec—" Father is demanding her execution, a sentence I cannot allow.

"Please pardon me, Your Majesty!" I step forward and kneel before the Emperor.

His voice turns ice-cold, sending shivers down my spine. "What?"

"I beg you to spare her life," I implore, lowering my head. I'll beg my father if it means saving my siblings' lives. My honor as a knight is important, but it pales in comparison to my love for my siblings.

Charles' gaze is chilling as he orders, "You are under house arrest for disrespecting me. Do you think you are in a position to beg me to spare another's life?"

"I do, Your Majesty," I reply with conviction.

He sits back on his throne, intrigued. "Do tell me about it."

I begin, "A year ago, I declined to claim the reward for incorporating Area 10 into our Holy Britannian Empire. I wish to use that reward to secure this girl's life, Your Majesty," I earnestly request.

Charles smirks down at me, "Hmm... I can do that, but she is not a member of your family."

Determined, I respond, "Then I'll formally adopt her into my family as my younger sister."

There's an air of anticipation as we wait for Father's decision.

"If you accept another year of house arrest, then I will comply with your request," my father concedes.

"If enduring another year of house arrest can save her life, then, I will gladly accept it, Your Majesty!"

"Then I, Charles zi Britannia, order you! Do not step outside of your house for the next year!" Father's decree is firm, and I accept it without hesitation.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" With my duty fulfilled for now, I step away and stand up, facing the consequences of my actions. I turn to see the soldiers withdrawing from Marrybell mel Britannia. Kneeling down, I gently wipe away her tears with my thumb.

"Don't worry, Marrybell," I soothe her with gentle words. "Your big brother will protect you." As I whisper into her ear, I carefully lift her, allowing her to rest on my arm. Surprisingly, she feels quite light. It occurs to me that she likely hasn't eaten much since the tragic loss of her mother and sister.

With my younger sister cradled in my arms, I make my exit from the imperial hall, hoping that my decision was the right one, even if it has earned the Emperor's anger.

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Author's Note;

So, Ben got another year of house arrest. Since the one Charles mentioned in the previous chapter hasn't been implemented yet, Ben's house arrest will end in 2011.

Charles is regretting letting Marianne stay with Ben. Now, Ben has been slightly affected by Marianne's influence. Poor Lelouch, even his father pities him.

Ben hasn't read the Oz the Reflection manga, so he doesn't know that Marrybell is one of the main characters from the manga.

And finally, V.V is having fun bombing and separating other families!

This is the picture of Marrybell mel Britannia in pilot suit.