Shunazel remained silent or was thinking about what to say.

“…”

Lelouch's voice slowly echoed in the hall.

"You guys go out first and let me talk to him alone."

The Black Knights slowly walked out, and all the subordinates of Shunazel were escorted out.

Fan wanted to specifically say to Lelouch.

"ZERO, then be careful. Sometimes we call us whatever we want, and we are outside the door."

Karen also looked at Lelouch with concern.

“Be careful, ZERO.”

Lelouch nodded.

"Um."

After everyone went out, the only two of them were left in the entire hall.

"Then now, people with more chips can of course call first. My request is that Britannia agrees with the establishment of the United States of Japan and cannot attack the United States of Japan within one year."

Shunazel...you have no way out.

Shunazel's expression did not change at all.

He knew that there seemed to be not much bargaining chip at this time. The United States of Japan was actually just a product of the cooperation between Kyoto and the Black Knights. Maybe there was a shadow of the Chinese Federation. If troops were dispatched to wipe out Japan at that time, the original plan would definitely be a group of people.

The United States of Japan, no, the Black Knights have become a major concern.

Shunazel said regretfully.

"Oh... are there no other choice?"

Lelouch nodded.

"Of course. According to my understanding of you, you are definitely not the one who sacrifices yourself for the empire. You are one of the smartest people in the world. Smart people... are all afraid of death."

Shunazel shrugged helplessly.

"Maybe I'm not as smart as you think. But I hope you can consider other plans and I can meet your requirements. The price is that the Black Knights surrender unconditionally, Kyoto, Japan must accept the trial of its own country, and of course the final verdict will definitely be a hanging.

And you, I will not ask about your identity, past, or actions. You can continue your life in any country in the world. I promise that the past will pass. But to be honest, I hope you can work for me. No matter how many talents there are, it will not be enough, especially for enemies like you.

You can have a new identity and a new beginning in the empire. Whether it is expanding territory or leading the country, it will never be a problem. You will never be wronged by your talents. If necessary, I will of course help you. This is not a condition, it is my own request."

Lelouch continued.

"No, I understand you, I agree with you. No one can force me to this point except you. The reason why you used to be brave and fearless is that you know that no matter what promise I make now, I will definitely break my promise in the end. You think I will definitely kill you.

You want to live and die with the empire to fight for your own survival space, add chips to yourself, and advance as you go. But in fact, we are not the kind of person who puts your life on the gambling table."

Shunazel clapped his hands.

“Very interesting reasoning.”

Lelouch finally took a step back. If he really killed Shunazel, Britannia might really come to capture Japan at all costs, and if he was let go back, there would be room for him.

"So it's better to be a draw? I can give you a retreat plan that will definitely guarantee you safety, but you must also agree to my conditions."

Xiu Zaizel couldn't help but smile.

"Get? If the Black Knights occupied Japan, dominated the Fuji Sakurashi vein, and held the survival of the world in their hands, and the territory of the empire was cut off and hundreds of thousands of people were lost to it, which could also be called a "grip"... Then how can it be considered your "victory"?"

Lelouch was helpless, and the other party was really unwilling to let go.

"Shunazel, did you just say that you will help me right? Realize my ideal in the empire?"

"yes."

Hearing that the other party's tone had changed, Shunazel's smile became stronger.

“What if my ideal is ‘destroy the empire’?”

"In this way, we have nothing to talk about, but I believe there is nothing that cannot be solved."

Although the other party's words were rude, Xiu Zaizer knew that this was a sign of showing weakness, so he calmly gave the other party a step.

"No, there are indeed things that cannot be solved in this world. You see, even as the prime minister, you cannot go against the emperor's will, right? All the emperor's orders are not correct, but you have to obey his will.

You have to consume your talents in dealing with the emperor's arrogant attitude, and you have to wait for that day to come in a forbearing way to create your ideal world. Even if you know that your talents are ten times as talented as the emperor."

Shunazel's brow frowned slightly.

Confused, and disappointed.

What's this?

How could my "opponent" say such things when I thought it would not exist in the world?

Such a childish provocation is not even a struggle, it is as if it is like a child lying on the ground making a tantrum, it is really...

“…It’s so ugly.”

Lelouch chuckled.

"Yes, I think so too, that man is so ugly."

Shunazel stopped Lelouch from speaking.

"Stop it. If His Majesty the Emperor knows every move here, you will not only not be able to save yourself, but will instead cut off your own life."

“This is the best.”

Lelouch smiled unaware, took a deep breath, and took off his mask.

"Lu...Lulu...Luluhu?!"

Shunazel could no longer laugh, and looked at Lelouch in shock, his eyes widened.

How could he not remember that brother who has been extremely smart since childhood?

However, due to the death of her mother, she was eventually sent to Japan with her sister.

The terrible guy, although the last time he met was seven or eight years ago, at that time, his outstanding talents with a prototype still gave him a heavy sense of oppression.

Lelouch...is still alive?

Already grown up so big?

Yes... he won't be wrong.

Although his personality has changed drastically, his ability to regard "rules" as nothing when playing chess and point directly at the king has not changed at all.

He finally knew why Cornelia agreed to join the United States of Japan.

It is absolutely inseparable from Lelouch.

Knowing that...why...I'm laughing?

A sincere, irresistible smile.

is that so?

The seeds of disaster... Mars, which I thought had been extinguished, crossed the ocean...

Finally...here, today...

Blooming...

Lelouch, you are still alive...

The world has finally become interesting.

Thank you.
Chapter completed!