Chapter 86: The Iron Prince's Gambit

Far beyond the borders of the Land of Rain, in the dimly lit confines of a luxurious study, Lelouch vi Britannia sat in quiet contemplation. The room was lined with shelves of ancient scrolls and books, each one meticulously organized—a testament to Lelouch's need for control and understanding. A single candle flickered on his desk, casting long shadows that danced along the walls, much like the intricate strategies he was weaving in his mind.

Lelouch leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled beneath his chin as he reviewed the latest reports from his network of spies and informants. The revolution in the Land of Rain was gaining momentum faster than even he had anticipated. The people were rallying to his cause, driven by the promise of a new order—one that would shatter the old systems of power and usher in an era of justice and equality. But Lelouch knew better than anyone that power was a double-edged sword. The more momentum they gained, the more enemies they would make.

And there were many enemies—forces both within and outside the Land of Rain who would do anything to maintain their grip on power.

As Lelouch pondered his next move, a soft knock on the door broke his concentration. He didn't need to look up to know who it was.

"Enter," Lelouch said, his voice calm but commanding.

The door creaked open, revealing a young woman with long, flowing hair the color of midnight. Her violet eyes sparkled with intelligence and a hint of mischief. C.C., Lelouch's closest confidante and partner in his grand scheme, stepped into the room with the grace of a cat. She carried a tray with a steaming cup of tea, which she set down on Lelouch's desk before taking a seat across from him.

"You've been brooding for hours, Lelouch," C.C. remarked, a playful smirk on her lips. "Even a mastermind like you needs to take a break."

Lelouch allowed himself a small smile as he reached for the tea. "Brooding? Hardly. I'm simply... strategizing."

C.C. chuckled softly. "Strategizing. Of course. And what grand plan are you concocting now, oh mighty Iron Prince?"

Lelouch's smile faded as he returned his gaze to the map spread out before him. It detailed the Land of Rain and the surrounding nations, each one marked with notes and symbols that only Lelouch could decipher.

"The revolution is progressing well," Lelouch began, his tone serious. "But the larger threat is looming. The other Great Nations will not sit idly by as we upend the established order. They will respond, and when they do, it will be with overwhelming force."

C.C. leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "So what do you plan to do about it?"

Lelouch's eyes glinted with cold determination. "We must strike first. We need to disrupt their alliances, weaken their resolve, and ensure that when they do come for us, they come as divided factions rather than a unified front."

"And how do you propose to do that?" C.C. asked, intrigued.

Lelouch tapped a finger on the map, pointing to a small, seemingly insignificant village on the border of the Land of Rain and the Land of Fire. "The key lies here. This village is a vital supply route for Konoha's forces. If we can cut it off and make it seem like an act of aggression from the Land of Earth, we can sow discord among the nations."

C.C. raised an eyebrow. "A false flag operation? Clever, but risky. If it fails, it could unite them against us even faster."

Lelouch nodded, acknowledging the risk. "That's why it has to be executed flawlessly. I've already dispatched agents to gather intel and lay the groundwork. When the time comes, we will strike with precision and force, leaving no room for doubt."

C.C. sipped her tea, her gaze thoughtful. "And what about your Black Knights? Are they ready for such a mission?"

Lelouch leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "They will be. I've been personally overseeing their training. The Land of Rain is not just a base for our operations—it's a crucible, forging warriors who will be loyal to our cause and capable of carrying out even the most delicate of missions."

C.C. set down her cup, a hint of concern in her eyes. "And what about you, Lelouch? You've always been willing to make sacrifices for the greater good, but don't forget that you're not invincible. You've made many enemies, and they will come for you eventually."

Lelouch's gaze hardened, his voice filled with quiet resolve. "I know. But if my sacrifice is what it takes to bring peace to this world, then so be it. I will do whatever it takes to ensure that the future we build is one where people no longer live in fear."

C.C. studied him for a moment, her expression softening. "Just remember, Lelouch, you're not alone in this. We all have a stake in this revolution, and we're all willing to fight for it."

Lelouch's eyes met hers, and for a brief moment, the cold strategist was replaced by the young man who had once dreamed of a better world. "I know, C.C. And that's why we will succeed. Because we are fighting for something greater than ourselves."

The room fell into a comfortable silence as they both sipped their tea, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the walls. Outside, the rain began to fall, a soft patter against the windows—a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.

But Lelouch vi Britannia was no stranger to challenges. He had faced impossible odds before, and he had emerged victorious. And as he sat in the quiet of his study, he made a silent vow to himself and to those who believed in him:

The revolution would not fail. The world would change. And Lelouch would see to it that this new era would be one where justice, not power, reigned supreme.

---

As Lelouch and C.C. finished their tea, a knock echoed through the room. Lelouch signaled for the visitor to enter. The door swung open to reveal Jeremiah Gottwald, Lelouch's loyal and imposing lieutenant. His expression was as stern as ever, but there was a spark of excitement in his eyes.

"Lord Lelouch, the preparations for the mission are complete," Jeremiah reported, his voice filled with quiet pride. "The agents are in place, and the operation is ready to commence at your command."

Lelouch stood, his eyes blazing with purpose. "Excellent work, Jeremiah. The success of this mission is crucial to our cause. Make sure everything proceeds according to plan."

Jeremiah saluted, his voice filled with unwavering loyalty. "As you command, my lord."

As Jeremiah turned to leave, Lelouch called out to him. "And Jeremiah... remember, the future of this world depends on what we do here. Let nothing stand in our way."

Jeremiah nodded, his expression resolute. "Nothing will, Lord Lelouch."

As the door closed behind Jeremiah, Lelouch returned to his desk, his mind already racing ahead to the next step in his grand plan. The pieces were falling into place, and soon, the world would bear witness to the power of the Iron Prince.

But for now, Lelouch allowed himself a brief moment of reflection. The road ahead would be long and treacherous, filled with dangers both seen and unseen. But he was ready. He had to be.

For the sake of those who had placed their trust in him, for the sake of the world he sought to change, Lelouch would not fail.

And as the rain continued to fall outside, Lelouch vi Britannia prepared to set the world aflame.

---

As the rain continued to patter gently against the window, Lelouch and C.C. remained in the study, the weight of their plans lingering in the air. After a moment of silence, C.C. suddenly leaned back in her chair, stretching lazily.

"You know, Lelouch," she began, her tone casual, "I've been meaning to ask you something."

Lelouch arched an eyebrow, curious. "Oh? And what might that be?"

C.C. smirked, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Do you ever get tired of wearing all that black? I mean, you're practically a walking shadow at this point. Ever consider spicing things up with a little color?"

Lelouch blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected question. "Color?" he echoed, clearly puzzled.

"Yes, color," C.C. continued, her voice teasing. "Maybe a nice royal purple? Or even a deep red? It could really bring out your eyes. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to look a little less like you're attending a funeral all the time."

Lelouch sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "C.C., we're leading a revolution, not hosting a fashion show."

C.C. grinned, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "A revolution can have style, you know. Imagine the headlines: 'The Iron Prince Dazzles in Dashing New Attire as He Overthrows Nations.' It could be your signature look."

Lelouch gave her a flat stare, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I think I'll pass. Besides, if anyone's due for a wardrobe change, it's you. That same green dress every day? People might start thinking you're some kind of magical girl."

C.C. feigned offense, placing a hand dramatically over her heart. "I'll have you know, this dress is iconic. It's timeless. And magical girl? Please. I prefer 'immortal enchantress.'"

Lelouch chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, C.C."

"Speaking of sleep," she said, eyeing the stack of reports on his desk, "you should probably get some. Plotting world domination is exhausting work."

Lelouch waved her off, returning his attention to the map. "Sleep can wait. There's still much to be done."

C.C. shrugged, rising from her seat. "Suit yourself. But don't blame me if you start seeing battle plans in your dreams."

As she sauntered toward the door, she paused and looked back at him, her expression softening. "Just don't forget, Lelouch—world-changing or not, you're still human. Take care of yourself, alright?"

Lelouch glanced up, meeting her gaze with a rare moment of sincerity. "I will, C.C. Thank you."

With a final smile, C.C. slipped out of the room, leaving Lelouch alone with his thoughts once more. The seriousness of their mission still weighed heavily on him, but for a brief moment, their lighthearted banter had lifted the gloom.

And as he returned to his work, Lelouch found himself pondering an odd thought: Maybe purple wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.