Code Geass: Salvatia Intervention War

Chapter 9

Area 11

Viceroy Palace, Video Meeting room

Cornelia stood rigid in front of the massive screen in the video meeting room, her body still bandaged from the brutal encounter days ago. She bore the wounds of her defeat—a stark reminder of the unknown knightmare frame that had obliterated her forces and humiliated her in battle. Despite her recovery, the sting of failure lingered. Four days of rest had not been enough to erase the memory of her fall.

The screen flickered to life, and the face of Emperor Charles zi Britannia loomed large, his commanding presence filling the room. His piercing gaze bore into her as he spoke.

"So... Is this what you're reporting to me for?" His voice was cold, cutting through the air like a blade.

Cornelia swallowed hard, her pride warring with the need to explain. "Yes," she replied hesitantly. Her voice, though steady, carried the weight of shame. "It is unfortunate. Despite my strategies and victories in the campaign, I have never faced a loss like this... terrorists wielding such incredible arsenals, the likes of which I have never seen."

The emperor's eyes narrowed, his tone laced with disdain. "Is that so? And I thought the so-called 'Goddess of Victory' held the advantage. Yet you were defeated by terrorists? Terrorists with a military arsenal capable of overpowering you?"

"I—" Cornelia began, but Charles cut her off with a sharp retort.

"Ludicrous! No mere terrorists could possess such weapons, let alone appear out of nowhere to disrupt your operation in the Saitama ghetto. It seems to me that your blind overconfidence is the true reason for your failure."

Cornelia clenched her fists at her sides, biting back the urge to retort. Instead, she swallowed her pride and lowered her head. "I will reflect on my mistakes, Your Majesty. I swear to improve myself and ensure I will not be defeated again. I will eliminate that terrorist scum—Ronin Vindicator. You have my word."

The emperor's expression remained unreadable, though a faint smirk played at the corner of his lips. "Hmph. Redemption, is it? Very well. But to ensure no further failures, I am sending reinforcements. Two of the best."

Cornelia lifted her gaze. "Who?"

"One of my Knights of the Round, Nonette Enneagram, and the Glinda Knights—a counter-terrorism unit led by your sister, Marrybell. They recently dealt with the Wings of Talleyrand during the military base takeover in Cuba. I trust you remember her."

Cornelia nodded stiffly. "Yes, I've heard of it."

"Good. Then you have no objections?"

"None, Your Majesty," Cornelia replied. "I appreciate the assistance in eradicating the terrorists in Area 11."

Charles leaned back, his expression hardening. "Just remember, Cornelia, repeated failures to maintain order in Area 11 will have consequences. If this continues, I will not hesitate to find someone to replace you. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Cornelia bowed deeply, her voice unwavering despite the sting of his words.

"Good. I am busy, so do not summon me again with news of failure." With that, the screen went dark, leaving Cornelia alone in the quiet room.

Straightening from her bow, Cornelia winced as pain flared from the bandages around her head. She pressed a hand to her temple, her thoughts turning inward.

"Nonette and my sister... It's humiliating to rely on others, but this must be done." Her voice trembled with suppressed anger. "I will root out both Zero and Ronin Vindicator. They won't escape me again."