Code Geass: Salvatia Intervention War

Chapter 8

Constitutional Authority-class Super Dreadnought

Throne Chamber

Oracle AI informed Xavier Salvador with its precise tone: "The report indicates that Suzaku Kururugi has enrolled at Ashford Academy. However, his presence has been met with xenophobic hostility from Britannian students. On a brighter note, he reunited with his old best friend, Lelouch Lamperouge—formerly Lelouch vi Britannia, the deposed prince of the Holy Britannian Empire."

Xavier leaned forward in his chair, his piercing gaze fixed on the AI. "Hmm... I see. What else?"

The AI's holographic form shimmered before continuing. "Lelouch recently pursued a cat wearing the Zero mask, desperate to recover it before anyone else could see. Afterward, he proposed to Milly Ashford that Suzaku join the student council. Milly accepted, integrating Suzaku into their circle. Later, they attended the live broadcast of Prince Clovis' death, during which Emperor Charles zi Britannia delivered his infamous speech."

Xavier scoffed. "Ah, the speech extolling social Darwinism. A tedious monologue. I didn't bother listening to it." He waved dismissively. "What else?"

"Jeremiah Gottwald has been stripped of his rank and arrested," the AI reported, "although he was later released. He will no longer lead the Purist Faction, which is now under Princess Cornelia's command. Meanwhile, Cornelia has launched operations to obliterate Japanese resistance groups in Area 11, beginning with the Blood of the Samurai, the largest faction in the central region."

Xavier smirked faintly. "And I assume they were crushed by Cornelia's forces?"

"Correct."

Xavier's tone turned cold and calculating. "They wouldn't have allied with me anyway. Their hatred of Britannians—and foreigners—would have made cooperation impossible. Their eradication, while regrettable, simplifies my plans. Speaking of plans, how goes the recruitment?"

The AI responded promptly. "Forty-five percent of Japanese refugees from the dome sites have joined your movement to liberate their homeland."

"And the emissaries I dispatched to the resistance groups?"

"Three factions—Silent Sakura Group, Fukui Flaming Heart, and Toyama Restoration Front—have expressed willingness to cooperate. They harbor minimal anti-Britannian sentiment, and with your guidance, they could be tempered to prevent extremist actions against civilians."

Xavier nodded, his voice brimming with confidence. "That adds to our ranks. Excellent. With the Vindictarium Order aiding their struggle, we gain a strategic advantage. And now, with the Blood of the Samurai out of the picture, Cornelia will undoubtedly turn her attention to the Saitama ghetto. Have Ishiwara and her team returned from the Middle East?"

"Affirmative," the AI confirmed. "They await your next orders in Area 11."

"Good. Tell them to hold for now. The next mission will come soon."

The AI's holographic projection flickered out, leaving Xavier momentarily alone in the quiet grandeur of his chamber. That solitude was interrupted as the doors opened to reveal Mihara, a young girl, accompanied by her fox beastfolk caretaker.

Xavier's expression softened. "Mihara! What a surprise to see you."

Mihara hesitated, her voice uncertain yet polite. "I... I just wanted to see you, Supreme Sovereign."

Xavier raised a hand. "No need for formalities. Call me Xavier."

Her eyes widened slightly. "Oh..."