thekingsgambit | IC: Dreampostin~

[Opens the door and laughs lightly.]

Lelouch? I told you that you could come in as soon as you got here; you're being silly, waiting in the hall. It better not have been for very long...?

[Flushes]

It wasn't that long. But anyway, we can go now.

[Grabs her hand and starts leading her down the hall.]

If I'm not mistaken, that sounds like Lelouchean for "you've caught me, elder sister."

[But follows!]

Are you still not going to tell me where we're going?

[Looks more flustered for a moment but perks up again at the question and chuckles a little.]

I already told you it's a surprise. You can be surprised once in a while, elder sister.

Is that right, can I? I suppose it means you won't be offering me a hint either...?

That's cheating, elder sister.

[-- Oh hey, that voice coming from around the corner sounds familiar.]

[The voice falls into laughter as the little girl jumps into sight, carrying an armful of flowers connected as chains. Before anyone can speak, she runs up to her two siblings, adorning them with her flowers before planting kisses on their cheeks and scampering off down another hallway.]

N-Nunnally...

[Looks quite embarrassed to be SUDDENLY FLOWERED and even more sheepish at how her immediate departure has left him with no means of protest.]

[... yes well, she's going to be making the flowers look somewhat dignified on herself; Lelouch is on his own, and she laughs again when she gets a better view of him.]

And with that, it seems I'm not the only one who can be surprised today. I suppose I can consider us even for now.

[Okay, maybe she'll help him adjust a flower or two.]

[Thanks a lot. :\]

Well... we can catch up to her later.

[Tries to adjust his flowers further but gives up after minute and starts pulling her down the hall again.]

Come on.

[Following again!]

I've spoken to mother; she'll allow Euphie to accompany you and Lady Marianne on your trip outside of Pendragon next month. And with Euphie there, Nunnally should be able to go as well— that was one of Lady Marianne's conditions, right?

[Stops, looking back at her.]

Aa, yes, it was. It's really all right with her?

Of course. I wouldn't be telling you first if I believed it wasn't all right.

She's very protective of Euphie sometimes, but Mother is always certain to make sure nothing goes wrong.

-- Oh, wait a moment.

[Pausing to knock on the door they're passing.]

Who is there?

I was wondering if you were very busy right now, Father...

[They're not in the hallway anymore; time itself has sped and swept them away, guiding them past the closed door, through the labyrinthical arrangement of bookshelves that define Charles's private library, and to the room's central seating, where it ushered them into the soft, red armchairs arranged with three others around short table cluttered by books, periodicals and looseleaf pages. The Emperor, who sits at work before them, has, along with his tight curls and jacket, shed all the affectations of his court, so even though he projects a pure imperial air to his children, it doesn't carry his ususal demand for worship and humility. It doesn't carry invitation either though, and the three of them sit in long silence as Charles continues his research as though he has no audience to attend.]

[Stares at the wealth of reading material laid out before his father, recognizing some things and unable to resist the urge to try and figure out others, but looking a bit hesitant and unsure as he lifts his gaze to the emperor.]

Aa... the tutor said Father was asking about my progress the other day...

[Casts Lelouch a surprised, almost nervous glance but quickly fixes her attention back on their father, too curious about how he'll respond.]

[Charles simply laughs, booming and short as he closes his book on his thumb and leans slightly forward.]

So my son, Lelouch, you have come here to tell me yourself?

[Eyes widen slightly at the sudden catch of his father's attention and then the his mouth tilts with just the hint of a smile, as he straightens himself in his chair.]

Ah, he said I am making it difficult for him to keep coming up with lesson plans to last the week. He is used to elder brother Clovis taking almost a whole month to master one. We've almost gone through his early political works.

Nevermind Clovis. Yes. Your mother was right; you show more brilliance than Schneizel did at your age. Such a strong mind — such an inspiring indication of progress.

[Might be glancing back at Cornelia at that and smiling more naturally for a moment before the looks fades again...]

Thank you, Father... I know I'll never be able to do all of the great things she can. That's why I'm going to work very hard on whatever I can.

[More relaxed now, she tries to catch him with a proud smile.]

He is humble too, father.

I would say he holds his mother in appropriate regard. Continue to do us proud, son — your Emperor, your mother, and the empire itself anticipate your great successes.

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