Chapter 259: Actually, Nunnally's Talent is the Most Terrifying
"So, Milly, you're actually planning to have me pose as your fiancé to appease your family and block the marriage alliance with the Asplund family, is that correct?"
After hearing the whole story, Mahiro looked at her with a strange expression, while Milly gazed back at him with hopeful eyes and gave a slight nod.
This essentially confirmed his assumption.
"I have to say, Milly, you're quite bold. Haven't you considered what would happen if we were exposed?"
Under his questioning, Milly fell silent, wilting like a frostbitten eggplant, her face filled with despondency.
"Alright, alright, no need to look so pitiful. Since a student is in trouble, as a teacher, I'll naturally help. I'll assist you this once."
"Really, Sensei?!"
"Of course. I'm known for keeping my word."
"That's wonderful!"
Milly instantly lit up, happily jumping on the spot and throwing herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and planting a firm kiss on his cheek.
Her moves were so seamless and utterly unexpected.
It even startled the passing students, with some seemingly able to hear the sound of hearts breaking.
Even though President Milly often came up with unpredictable activities, that didn't stop her from being the goddess in the hearts of most boys at Ashford Academy.
"This is my thank-you gift, Sensei. It's my first time kissing another man, you know~"
Back to her usual energetic self, Milly curled her lips into a mischievous smile, saying this as she released him.
The girl's fair cheeks gradually flushed with an alluring blush, and she shyly dashed away as if fleeing in embarrassment.
Leaving only Mahiro and a crowd of stunned students in the hallway.
A thank-you gift? Just this?
Watching the girl's retreating figure disappear at the end of the hallway like she was running away, Mahiro reached up to touch the kissed cheek, a slow smile spreading across his lips.
"My favors aren't so easily repaid, Milly."
Originally, he hadn't planned to make a move on Milly, since he had to maintain some semblance of being a teacher. But if she offered herself up, he couldn't be blamed.
Moreover, this student council president was truly tempting.
Tall and slender, her seemingly delicate frame boasted an unimaginably good figure, with flawless, ample curves at her chest.
Her light golden curls exuded an aristocratic elegance, and her playful, almost impish charm carried a captivating grace. Her long, slender legs rivaled even C.C.'s, each with their own merits.
One wouldn't doubt it for a second if she were called a world-class supermodel.
With such a beautiful exterior combined with an interesting soul delivered right to his doorstep, what reason did he have to turn her away?
Yet, in a corner of the hallway beyond his line of sight, a girl had just witnessed the entire scene in disbelief.
"I...it ca...can't be..."
Shirley's face was flushed as she stammered, covering her surprised mouth.
She didn't know what exactly had been said between Sensei Mahiro and President Milly, but she never expected the president to do such a thing with Sensei Mahiro in public!
Like the other female students, Shirley was also caught in an overwhelming shock.
Although Mahiro-sensei was indeed handsome, accomplished at a young age, and held a noble status—rumored to have once served as a royal tutor—making him the prince charming in every girl's heart...
But...
No matter what, he's still a teacher. How could I possibly...
"Shirley, what's wrong? You look..." 1kds
"Kallen! It's you... you scared me..."
Suddenly tapped on the shoulder, Shirley's entire body tensed up instantly. Only when she turned around and saw Kallen's delicate, sleepy-looking face did she slightly relax.
"Did something happen?" Kallen asked curiously.
"Nothing... I have student council matters to attend to. I should get going." 18kds
With that, Shirley hurried away.
Leaving Kallen alone, utterly puzzled.
She stood where Shirley had been, gazing in the direction Shirley had just been looking, and saw only Mahiro-sensei standing there.
If it was just seeing Mahiro-sensei, why would she be so nervous?
Could it be...
A bold idea suddenly popped into Kallen's mind.
But she quickly dismissed it.
Impossible. 15kds
BookGuest6945071
Shirley likes Lelouch—how could she possibly develop feelings for Mahiro-sensei?
Moreover...
Staring at Mahiro's face, Kallen gradually narrowed her eyes.
His appearance seemed to gradually overlap with a certain white-haired figure.
The smile now appearing on Mahiro's face felt very familiar to her—exactly like that white-haired person from the earlier execution ground rescue.
Combined with what had happened before in the student council club bathroom...
Kallen was now sufficiently convinced that Mahiro was indeed that white-haired person!
She just needed to make one final confirmation.
But if Mahiro is the white-haired mystery man, then who would ZERO be...
Due to the incident with Milly during the day, rumors immediately spread throughout the academy, with all kinds of gossip flying around. The most outrageous one claimed that Mahiro was dating Milly Ashford and would become a live-in son-in-law of the Ashford family.
Rivalz, who had a crush on President Milly, was heartbroken over this all afternoon.
As for Mahiro himself, he couldn't be bothered with such rumors. As long as no one said it to his face, people could spread whatever they wanted.
He didn't care, the Witch didn't care, and the girls of Shadow Garden cared even less.
In fact, if Beta and Epsilon found out, they might even infiltrate the academy to chime in, calling it some kind of blessing bestowed upon the Ashford family...
This wasn't delusion—these two elves were truly capable of doing such things.
Therefore, the only person who needed to be concerned about this matter was the other party involved: President Milly herself.
But given her personality, she probably wouldn't take it to heart.
Soon, school ended for the day.
After work, Mahiro returned to the student council club villa and sat in the living room folding paper cranes with Nunnally.
This was taught to Nunnally by Sayoko, and it seems she quite likes it.
Although Nunnally is blind, her hands are surprisingly nimble—she can fold a complete paper crane even without being able to see.
After finishing, she gave it to C.C., who was sitting beside her.
That's right—C.C., who rarely appears in the living room except to grab pizza, was actually sitting with Nunnally and even seemed quite familiar with her.
When she looked at Nunnally, the corners of her mouth unconsciously curled into a tender smile.
The scene was almost like a mother spending time with her daughter.
Who would have thought C.C. had such a gentle side...…
Just as the atmosphere was at its best, the automatic door to the living room suddenly slid open.
"Hey, you're back?"
"Yeah."
Lelouch walked straight into the living room.
Just like when he left in the morning, he was still wearing his Ashford Academy uniform, but this time he looked a bit disheveled—dust-covered, with several band-aids on his face.
However, as Lelouch entered the living room, he froze upon seeing the Witch here, looking so close with Nunnally.
Immediately after, Nunnally's questioning voice rang out.
"Big Brother, this is Miss C.C. She says she's a friend of yours... By the way, Big Brother, why are you back so late today?"
"Isn't it obvious? Just look at him—he must have gotten into a 'fight' with someone."
Mahiro took over the conversation, propping his chin on his hand and looking at Lelouch with a teasing expression.
As he spoke, he deliberately emphasized the word "fight."
"Ah, really? Big Brother, are you hurt?"
Hearing the word "fight," Nunnally immediately turned worriedly toward Lelouch, even though her eyes were closed and she couldn't see anything.
"Nunnally, Mahiro-sensei is just joking. It's just some student council matters that kept me late."
Lelouch spoke softly to Nunnally but shot a glare at Mahiro.
"Is that so...…"
Nunnally hesitated, turning her head slightly toward Mahiro.
"Well, let's just say that's what happened. You know Milly's personality, Nunnally—she's the type to act on whatever comes to mind. It's normal for her to suddenly rope Lelouch into doing something."
"I see."
Hearing Mahiro say this, Nunnally seemed to accept it for the time being.
"Oh, by the way, the takeout will be here soon. Lelouch, could you help me get it?"
"Sure, I'll help you."
Before Nunnally could react, Mahiro had already stood up and left the room with Lelouch.
In the hallway, Mahiro leaned against the wall, arms crossed, scrutinizing Lelouch.
"Judging by your appearance, it seems Cornelia gave you quite a beating."
"You already know?"
"Obviously. Do I even need to be told? Just looking at you, defeated like a rooster, says it all. You clearly underestimated her. Don't forget, Cornelia is no Clovis. You're still too green, kid."
"Tch."
Hearing his mocking tone, Lelouch slammed his fist against the wall and muttered under his breath in frustration.
"Those damn terrorists..."
This Saitama operation was a complete defeat for Lelouch.
His original purpose in going to the Saitama slums wasn't just to accept Cornelia's challenge—he also wanted to organize the terrorist groups there, just like the Red Moon resistance force.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans.
Neither timing, geographical advantage, nor human resources were on his side.
Lelouch never expected much combat capability from those terrorists to begin with; he just wanted them to obediently follow his commands.
He even specially acquired a batch of Sutherlands for them, just like during the Shinjuku incident.
But what was the result?
Not only did these worthless fools act without orders, they ultimately surrendered to Cornelia like cowards!
In the end, Cornelia ordered them all executed.
They were completely different from the Red Moon resistance force in Shinjuku!
With that level of capability, with that weak will, did they really think they could defeat Britannia and restore Japan?
If they could actually accomplish that, Lelouch would cut off his own head and let them use it as a soccer ball!
They were simply trash... no, worse than trash!
Of course, this was only the main reason for this defeat—there were also some objective factors.
"Oh? What objective factors? Do tell."
Hearing this interested question, Lelouch fell into brief silence before slowly raising his head as if humiliated, meeting the other's gaze with hatred swirling in his eyes, and spoke word by word:
"The Knights of Rounds."
"...?"
Now it was Mahiro's turn to be stunned.
Indeed, just as Lelouch said, this Saitama operation wasn't just Cornelia leading her personal guard into battle herself.
There were also Knights of Rounds providing support -
The Third Knight, Gino Weinberg.
Hailing from the prestigious Weinberg family, one of the Empire's eight great noble houses, he was a genuinely good person. His exclusive machine was the sixth-generation Knightmare RZA-3F9 Tristan.
His weapon was a double-ended scythe, specializing in mid-to-close range support combat.
His was also the only Knightmare among the Knights of Rounds capable of transformation.
Then the Sixth Knight, Anya Alstreim.
The youngest among the Knights of Rounds, she piloted the exclusive machine RZA-6DG Mordred, which resembled a mobile fortress specializing in long-range heavy firepower.
The Tenth Knight, Luciano Bradley, who bore the alias [The Empire's Vampire].
He had a bloodthirsty nature and loved killing, much like the legendary vampire, Vlad III Tepes, Prince of Wallachia.
His exclusive machine was the RZA-10JS Percival.
And finally the Twelfth Knight, Monica Krushevsky.
A beautiful girl with golden hair reaching her waist, she was female like Anya but two years older.
However, her appearance gave off a delicate and pitiful impression.
As for her combat ability, while not top-tier among the Knights of Rounds, she shouldn't be underestimated.
Her exclusive machine was the RZX-12TM1 Florence.
Who would have thought Cornelia would play this trick—having the Knights of Rounds prepare in advance without revealing themselves, then catching the enemy by surprise...
But thinking carefully, the Knights of Rounds are Charles' direct forces. Without Charles' command, even Cornelia wouldn't have the ability to deploy them to Area 11.
In other words.
That perm-haired emperor who claims to "disregard worldly affairs" and has been obsessively cultivating with Geass Code actually turned his attention here?
If that's the case, then this game is getting increasingly interesting.
But for now...
"It's impressive you managed to escape despite being surrounded by Cornelia's personal guards and four Knights of Rounds. You've improved quite a bit... But let me guess, someone must have helped you, right? Like Anya?"
Mahiro spoke with exaggerated surprise, saying something that shocked Lelouch even more.
"H-how did you know?"
Indeed, the reason Lelouch could escape was that before the battle began, he remembered what Mahiro had once taught him:
"During operations, no matter how dire the situation, always leave yourself an escape route."
So he secretly set up arrangements using Geass.
However, unfortunately, even when chaos erupted, his escape routes were almost completely blocked.
Just as Lelouch was preparing to resign himself to fate, for some reason, that deep pink Knightmare Frame—Mordred, controlled by Anya—suddenly erupted and launched missiles.
Though it appeared to be pursuing Lelouch, attempting to kill him,
it actually blasted open an escape route for him, allowing him to barely escape.
But this was something even he only realized afterward. How did his teacher Mahiro before him know about it?
Mahiro smiled mysteriously and said, "If I recall correctly, Anya once served as a palace maid in Aries Palace and took particularly good care of Nunnally. Perhaps that girl recognized you and did it intentionally."
"What?!"
Now Lelouch was completely panicked.
Recognized by a Knight of Rounds?
How could that be!
He hadn't even shown his face—how could the other party have known?!
Just as Lelouch fell into deep self-doubt and reflection, Mahiro had already walked away to go downstairs and pick up the takeout.
As for what he just said, it was basically just teasing Lelouch.
Even if Anya still remembered Lelouch, how could she possibly recognize him through the Knightmare Frame and mask?
Moreover, as Marianne's former palace maid, the perm-haired emperor wouldn't allow Anya to remember Lelouch.
The one who intervened was most likely that woman Marianne.
When she was shot, she used her Geass ability to transfer her spirit and soul into the young Anya's body.
So Marianne only had her physical body destroyed—her soul is actually still alive.
When necessary, Marianne can use her Geass power to take over Anya's body and act. This time was probably no exception.
But judging by her personality, she didn't save Lelouch out of motherly love.
Most likely, she felt that Lelouch shouldn't die here at this time.
When he returned upstairs with the pizza, Lelouch was no longer in the hallway.
Seeing the tightly closed door made it clear that the guy had probably retreated to his room to brood in isolation.
However, this dinner was also eaten in relative silence. Apart from C.C., who maintained her usual eating pace and devoured three pizzas, neither Mahiro nor Nunnally ate much.
Mahiro naturally wasn't hungry.
As for Nunnally...
"Nunnally, is something bothering you?"
Hearing his question, C.C. unusually paused her pizza eating and turned to look at the delicate girl in the wheelchair.
"Yes."
Nunnally nodded, hesitating for a moment before speaking:
"That... Mahiro-sensei, are you and my brother... keeping something from me?"
"Why would you think that?" Mahiro asked with some surprise.
"Because... because ever since some time ago, Brother seems to have become somewhat impatient, his emotions very unstable. He's always leaving early and returning late, and he didn't even tell me about Suzaku transferring to Ashford...
So... Mahiro-sensei, has something happened to Brother?
If possible, could you tell me? I want to share some of Brother's burdens too."
Clear worry and distress showed on Nunnally's face.
Indeed, because C.C. wasn't by Lelouch's side like in the original story, his emotions were often hard to control, and mood swings were normal.
But he hadn't expected it to make Nunnally feel neglected.
Mahiro thought for a moment, then stood up and came to Nunnally's side, maintaining a half-squatting posture as he gently stroked her long hair.
"Nunnally, do you really want to know?"
"Yes, can you tell me? Mahiro-sensei."
"Right now... I'm afraid not. How about this—when I successfully cure your eyes, I'll tell you everything. What do you think?"
"Then can you pinky promise with me, Mahiro-sensei?"
"Pinky promise?"
"Yes, it's something Sayoko taught me. It's the Japanese way of making promises. They say after pinky promising, you can't tell lies."
As she spoke, Nunnally extended her hand toward him, raising her little finger.
"Alright."
Mahiro smiled helplessly and hooked his little finger with hers.
"If you lie, swallow a thousand needles! It's settled now."
Nunnally swung their connected little fingers, clearly reciting in a sing-song tone.
"That sounds really scary. If you had to swallow a thousand needles, you'd die, wouldn't you?"
"Yes, so you absolutely mustn't tell lies!"
Nunnally nodded firmly, clearly completely believing in this legend.
However, a faint trace of disappointment inadvertently flashed across her small face.
Originally, she had been thinking of using this opportunity to secretly utilize her ability.
Though somewhat underhanded, she had hoped to uncover the truth in her own way.
But unfortunately, she couldn't probe Mahiro's mind at all.
And so, this dinner came to an end.
Back in the room, C.C. lay directly on the large bed, gazing up at the ceiling with its luxurious chandelier, speaking in a thoughtful tone:
"So Lelouch's actions were actually noticed by Nunnally."
"That's only natural."
Mahiro brought two cups of black tea, handed one to C.C., then leaned against the desk as he took a light sip.
"Don't always treat Nunnally as a child. No matter what, she's the child of the Emperor and Marianne, and her abilities are in no way inferior to Lelouch's."
If not for her physical disability and the misfortune of being exiled, had Nunnally been properly nurtured, her military talent would likely have been no less than Cornelia's.
Her cunning and political acumen were equally terrifying, in no way inferior to Lelouch's.
What a pity that the Emperor abandoned Nunnally.
"My, I never expected you to hold Nunnally in such high regard."
C.C. looked at him with great surprise, and Mahiro shrugged, smiling:
"Of course. After all, I am her teacher."