We were the kings and queens of promise

[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?

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[Stops, looking back at her.]

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

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

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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.]

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Who is there?

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

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[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.]

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[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...

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

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[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?

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[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.

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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.

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[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.

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

He is humble too, father.

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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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[Gets some of his earlier enthusiasm back and smiles again.]

I know Father still much work to do before later today, but maybe afterward I could tell you a little about some of the books we've been reading. The tutor said you recommended them.

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Very well, but at this time, you are both dismissed.

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Yes, Your Majesty.

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[Gives a small bow, as the scene around them shifts once more, returning them both to the open hallway lined with countless doors on either side. He takes Cornelia's hand again.]

We should check on Clovis too.

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[Shakes her head and withdraws her hand.]

Hold on — Nunnally's flowers are starting to look unkept on you.

[And she goes about fixing them, shifting them about, tightening the stems in some places, loosening them in others, primping the flowers and positioning them so they face in the most appealing directions.]

There. I hope you don't intend to brag to Clovis, though. Father was very generous with his praise.

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[Glances down at the flowers, quizzically.]

Elder sister worries about the strangest things. And I'll only bring it up if he says something dumb.

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[Pauses and smiles a little again.]

Ah... I hope I didn't take up too much of his time.

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Well, he certainly didn't object to your company. And Lady Marianne said that he's had more time lately, now that elder brothers Odysseus and Schneizel are politically active.

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Mother did mention that once. It would be nice to spend more time together, without the rest of the court.

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