Chapter 126 ~ Special Administrative Zone of Japan
<span style="font-weight:400">The opening ceremony, marking the grand establishment of the first ever Special Administrative Zone in the world, had begun.
<span style="font-weight:400">More than 200.000 people of Japanese ethnicity and nationality who had registered for the Special Administrative Zone of Japan, had gathered within a massive stadium in thend adjacent to Mount Fuji, where the special administrative zone would be located.
<span style="font-weight:400">To the Britannians, the area was named Sector F-208. But to the Japanese who hade here in hopes for a simple peaceful life, it was an area they could call “Japan”, a ce where they could live without fearing arrest under suspicion of terrorism and rebellion simply by looking at a Britannian soldier or officer “wrong”.
<span style="font-weight:400">Many were no longer able to withstand living under such circumstances… And some have even resorted to using “Refrain” to return to the good ol’ days where they lived in happiness and peace, to experience it once more, even if they were false.
<span style="font-weight:400">Thus, even if they knew it wasn’tpletely theirs… Even if they would still be, technically, under Britannian rule, at the very least, they could live their lives without the fear of being hunted down, treated like animals, and suffer the abuse and violence within this small area.
<span style="font-weight:400">At the very least… They could begin to hope for a fresh start once more…
<span style="font-weight:400">The chattering and rustle of the crowd soon died down slowly the moment they saw the Britannian princess, who had established this special Administrative Zone and given them hope for a fresh start, walked upon the stage before them.
<span style="font-weight:400">Dressed in a beautiful pink and white dress, she stood before all two hundred thousand Japanese, tall and elegant, as a gentle, soft smile adorned her face. Her beautiful, long, light pink hair, the same color to the Sakura flowers which was once, and still, the symbol of Japan’s nationality, culture, and beauty, swayed gently in the winds.
<span style="font-weight:400">Behind her, nking her sides, a young man and an older gentleman followed.
<span style="font-weight:400">The one to her right wore a white and gold, ceremonial knight’s uniform with a four winged medallion adorning his left chest, the symbol of his position as the princess’s knight.
<span style="font-weight:400">While the one to her left wore a violet military uniform with adornments and medallions signifying his achievements and ranking as general.
<span style="font-weight:400">Suzaku was a well known individual to the Japanese as someone who had managed to climb high as an honorary Britannian and be a knight to the princess. While Darlton, though unknown to most Japanese, still carried arge presence naturally.
<span style="font-weight:400">However, despite all of these facts, all eyes were still locked on the third princess of the Holy Britannian Empire, Euphemia li Britannia.
<span style="font-weight:400">A tense silence hung in the air.
<span style="font-weight:400">Although they were all anticipating the start of a new life within this special zone she created, many still held a sense of foreboding and fear.
<span style="font-weight:400">The deep seated trauma from all the years of suffering they’ve experienced still lingered deep in their hearts. And it would take much longer and much more than the establishment of the special zone, to mend it. Even then, they would still bore the scar that won’t ever heal within.
<span style="font-weight:400">Euphemia did not expect apuse or cheers at her appearance on this stage, nor did she expect to gain their full trust. She understood that they would still be, rightfully, apprehensive towards her because she was a Britannian, and she knew this was simply her first step and that she would still need to work even harder to make their lives better, protect them, and prove herself to be their ally.
<span style="font-weight:400">So, despite the silence, apprehension, and fear, she kept smiling a genuine, soft, gentle, smile and began her opening speech.
<span style="font-weight:400">“People of Japan. First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for attending this opening ceremony for the Special Administrative Zone of Japan.
<span style="font-weight:400">My name is Euphemia li Britannia, third princess of the Holy Britannian Empire, and I am overjoyed to see so many Japanese people have chosen to be a part of this special zone, and given me the chance to prove my genuine desire to end the conflict between my nation and yours, and begin the first step in creating a ce where all Japanese people can live in peace.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Since Japan’s defeat against Britannia, the Japanese had lost not only theirnds, their culture, but their name as well.
<span style="font-weight:400">They were no longer Japanese, and their homnd was no longer Japan. They were simply Elevens, living in a country now named Area 11.
<span style="font-weight:400">They could no longer even refer to themselves as Japanese, as referring to themselves as such was enough for the Britannians to arrest and subject them harsh punishment, abuse, and jail time in suspicion of being a part of a rebel group. They were guilty until proven innocent. And proving it was under the discretion of the Britannians.
<span style="font-weight:400">They could only refer to themselves as Japanese behind closed doors, away from the ears of britannia soldiers and civilians. And some had even given up on holding on to that final piece of their Japanese nationality in fear of the consequences.
<span style="font-weight:400">But now… the word that was already considered taboo amongst the Japanese was uttered by the princess of the Holy Britannian Empire.
<span style="font-weight:400">Gasps of disbelief filled the entire stadium. No one could believe what they had just heard. But the princess continued her speech.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I came to this country just a few months ago… All my life, I have never seen anything beyond the castle walls. And the things I’ve seen thesest few months were much more than anything I’ve seen in my life.
<span style="font-weight:400">I’ve seen the Shinjuku Ghetto with my own two eyes… A ce I believe to once be a bustling metropolitan. I’ve heard many things about this beautiful nation from my dear knight, Kururugi Suzaku. A nation of beauty, culture, long heritage, and people who cared for each other. Even just from his words, I could imagine what a wonderful country this was.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Tears threatened to fall down their eyes and many fists were clenched as all the Japanese present within this stadium began to reminisce.
<span style="font-weight:400">Reminiscing the peaceful days before war tore their country apart.
<span style="font-weight:400">The war that Britannia brought to their doorstep.
<span style="font-weight:400">mes of hatred fueled by the years and decades of suffering began to light up once more within their hearts. But before anyone could raise their voice, Euphemia continued.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I understand that many of you must be angered by my words… Perhaps, some of you may even think of me as a hypocrite. And I understand your sentiment.
<span style="font-weight:400">However… I would like you to know that from the bottom of my heart, I wish for peace to return to thisnd.
<span style="font-weight:400">I am prepared to work my hardest so that the Japanese will be able to live not only in peace, but in happiness. I shall do my best to make sure that all your rights are protected, and your culture, retained!
<span style="font-weight:400">The establishment of this Special Administrative Zone of Japan shall be the first step I take towards that dream. And with your support, I believe that we can one day see the future in which everyone who stood in thisnd can live in peace and happiness.
<span style="font-weight:400">A future where our children, and their children after that, could live inughter and happiness!”
<span style="font-weight:400">In the stadium filled with hundreds of thousands of people, there was silence silence following the heartfelt, genuine words of the britannia princess.
<span style="font-weight:400">But soon… One p, two ps, three ps… one by one, the people of Japan began pping their hands, and apuse began to slowly resound throughout the entire stadium.
<span style="font-weight:400">Cheers in support of the princess were yelled by some before their voices were drowned by even more cheers and apuse by the others.
<span style="font-weight:400">And Euphemia simply stood there… in disbelief. Her eyes watered and her lips trembled… and soon, her entire body began to shake as she covered her lips with her trembling hands.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Thank you… Thank you…”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“My princess…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...”
<span style="font-weight:400">Tears continued flowing down her cheeks as she turned from side to side, looking at all the Japanese people who were cheering for her, for her ideals, and her dream.
<span style="font-weight:400">Suzaku simrly teared up when he saw this sight, and turned towards her with a joyful smile. While Darlton kept a solemn expression, unfazed, yet not cold.
<span style="font-weight:400">The third princess’s dream to stop them from doing the final push topletely conquer this area, and instead, return thend they’ve conquered back to them was… something he could not agree with. The blood they’ve paid to get this far was not something that could just be swept away and forgotten with pretty words.
<span style="font-weight:400">However…
<span style="font-weight:400">Darlton turned towards the cheering Elevens, saw the support the princess was receiving, and fell into a thought.
<span style="font-weight:400">Perhaps… Perhaps this would be a good way to conquer this area without spilling even more britannia blood after all.
<span style="font-weight:400">His princess, her highness Cornelia, and his highness, prince Schneizel, might seem to be in support of Euphemia’s dreams. But perhaps, they too must’ve seen the benefits of establishing this special zone.
<span style="font-weight:400">To conquer through means of politics and economy, instead of bullets and blood. Perhaps, if they were sessful here, they could implement this strategy in other areas as well.
<i><span style="font-weight:400">However… The ck Knights must not stand for this… They’ve lost their reason to fight the moment her highness gave the “peace” they wanted on a silver tter. And their position within the hearts of the Elevens had faltered when her highness won them. However…</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">Darlton recalled the words his princess bestowed upon him. To keep his vignce and watch the ck Knights in case they n to harm the third princess and protect her. Although they told her their wish to return peace unto thend… Cornelia could not simply believe thempletely. And her sister’s safety, as the one who established the Special Zone, might be targeted.
<span style="font-weight:400">She had expressed fully how dangerous and powerful the ck Knights were… And Darlton no longer underestimated the force that had caused them defeat in the battle of Narita and the Port of Yokosuka.
<i><span style="font-weight:400">I need to keep my vignce… There’s no guessing what Zero and that devil might do when pushed into the corner…</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">Just then, the radiomunication within his earpiece rang. And upon hearing the message, his eyes widened in shock and he turned his gaze towards the entrance of the stadium.
<span style="font-weight:400">At the same time, many reporters began receiving notification on theirmunication devices and reached out to take the call.
<span style="font-weight:400">“What?! Zero is here?!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“That jet-ck knightmare is with him too?!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hurry! We need to go there and film it!!!”
<span style="font-weight:400">The Japanese people, who had overheard their words, also began to look around in surprise and spread the word.
<span style="font-weight:400">Darlton immediately responded to the message and raised his voice.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Are you sure?! Do you have visual confirmation?! Is Zero and the Excalibur there?!”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">Suzaku and Euphemia’s eyes widened in shock upon hearing his words. Suzaku’s panic was apparent in his eyes.
<span style="font-weight:400">But on the other hand, Euphemia’s shock onlysted moments, and her gaze quickly shifted towards the entrance of the stadium.
<span style="font-weight:400">[Y-Yes, my lord! We have visual confirmation! Zero is standing on the shoulders of Excalibur and is currently approaching the stadium!]
<span style="font-weight:400">His face scrunched into disdain.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Order the guards to arrest them at on-”
<span style="font-weight:400">“General Andreas Darlton!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Darlton stopped before he slowly looked towards the third princess of Britannia, who had suddenly raised her voice, to stop him.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Let them in.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Your highness… But why? The ck Knights are dangerous! Their presence could threaten your safety! Especially when the dark knight is also present! Please allow me to order all the knights and guards stationed to apprehend that devil and Zero!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“And then what, General Darlton? Let all of these Japanese people see we apprehend their protector, their defender, and their savior after we had just promised peace and their safety?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“... But your highness-!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Euphemia turned her body towards him and stood straight before the general. And only now was he reminded that the one who stood before him was a member of the royal family.
<span style="font-weight:400">Even though she was young, naive, and innocent, Euphemia was still the princess of the Holy Britannian Empire. And the presence she exudes reflected her station.
<span style="font-weight:400">“It would be unwise to apprehend Zero and incite even more distrust and anger from the Japanese people who had gathered here.
<span style="font-weight:400">Let them in, General Darlton. I will be fine. We have plenty of troops protecting this area, and I have my knight, Suzaku, and the Lancelot, with me.
<span style="font-weight:400">And I believe they will not do such a foolish thing as to attack me, someone who had sworn to give these Japanese people peace, and incite war with so many of them present.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Darlton clenched his fists and teeth in silence. Then soon, he finally relented with a sigh andmanded his subordinates.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Let them in… and “escort” them.”
<span style="font-weight:400">[Yes, my lord!]
<span style="font-weight:400">Soon, the figure of a jet-ck knightmare frame with a familiar masked man standing on its shoulder could be seen entering the stadium. And behind them, nking their sides, were two Suthends, both aiming their rifles at them as they escorted them inside.
<span style="font-weight:400">The moment they entered, hushed whispers and gasps filled the stadium as confusion, surprise, and anxiety began to spread.
<span style="font-weight:400">Why were the ck Knights here..? Why was it just the two of them? Were they trying to talk with the princess? There’s no way they would cause a fight with just the two of them here, right? Were the rest of the ck knights outside too?
<span style="font-weight:400">Questions began to fill each and every single person within the stadium as Zero and the Excalibur began getting closer and closer towards the princess.
<span style="font-weight:400">Euphemia stood before them with her hands elegantly ced before her, and her back straight; befitting her royal birth.
<span style="font-weight:400">The Excalibur came closer and closer, and just as Darlton was about to tell them to halt, it stopped on its own, just a few meters before the third princess.
<span style="font-weight:400">It held his hand onto his shoulder, letting Zero walk onto it, and slowly set him down on the ground.
<span style="font-weight:400">Then, the cockpit opened and a figure in jet-ck, armored suit appeared from within. And with a light jump from the full height of the Excalibur, hended onto the ground with nothing more than a light tap, and began walking to Zero’s side.
<span style="font-weight:400">Darlton and Suzaku felt their heart clenched upon witnessing the devilish visage of the rumored “monster” who piloted the jet-ck knightmare that went on a rampage in multiple fronts against them.
<span style="font-weight:400">They were able to finally put a face… or a mask to the rumor, and they couldn’t help but feel a sense of trepidation in his overwhelming presence.
<span style="font-weight:400">Euphemia also flinched when she saw the devilish visage of Mordred.
<span style="font-weight:400">Although Lelouch had told her that he was his trusted friend and ally, this “Mordred” still exuded an oppressing air around him…
<span style="font-weight:400">But, her attention quickly shifted back towards Zero.
<span style="font-weight:400">There was silence as Zero and Euphemia exchanged gazes between each other, until one broke their silence.
<span style="font-weight:400">“It is an honor to finally meet you… Your Highness.”