The opening ceremony, marking the grand establishment of the first ever Special Administrative Zone in the world, had begun.
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 the land adjacent to Mount Fuji, where the special administrative zone would be located.
To the Britannians, the area was named Sector F-208. But to the Japanese who had come here in hopes for a simple peaceful life, it was an area they could call "Japan", a place where they could live without fearing arrest under suspicion of terrorism and rebellion simply by looking at a Britannian soldier or officer "wrong".
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.
Thus, even if they knew it wasn't completely 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.
At the very least… They could begin to hope for a fresh start once more…
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.
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.
Behind her, flanking her sides, a young man and an older gentleman followed.
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.
While the one to her left wore a violet military uniform with adornments and medallions signifying his achievements and ranking as general.
Suzaku was a well known individual to the Japanese as someone who had managed to climb high as an honorary Britannian and become a knight to the princess. While Darlton, though unknown to most Japanese, still carried a large presence naturally.
However, despite all of these facts, all eyes were still locked on the third princess of the Holy Britannian Empire, Euphemia li Britannia.
A tense silence hung in the air.
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.
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.
Euphemia did not expect applause 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.
So, despite the silence, apprehension, and fear, she kept smiling a genuine, soft, gentle, smile and began her opening speech.
"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.
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 become 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 place where all Japanese people can live in peace."
Since Japan's defeat against Britannia, the Japanese had lost not only their lands, their culture, but their name as well.
They were no longer Japanese, and their homeland was no longer Japan. They were simply Elevens, living in a country now named Area 11.
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.
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.
But now… the word that was already considered taboo amongst the Japanese was uttered by the princess of the Holy Britannian Empire.
Gasps of disbelief filled the entire stadium. No one could believe what they had just heard. But the princess continued her speech.
"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 these last few months were much more than anything I've seen in my life.
I've seen the Shinjuku Ghetto with my own two eyes… A place 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."
Tears threatened to fall down their eyes and many fists were clenched as all the Japanese present within this stadium began to reminisce.
Reminiscing the peaceful days before war tore their country apart.
The war that Britannia brought to their doorstep.
Flames 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.
"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.
However… I would like you to know that from the bottom of my heart, I wish for peace to return to this land.
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!
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 this land can live in peace and happiness.
A future where our children, and their children after that, could live in laughter and happiness!"
In the stadium filled with hundreds of thousands of people, there was silence silence following the heartfelt, genuine words of the britannia princess.
But soon… One clap, two claps, three claps… one by one, the people of Japan began clapping their hands, and applause began to slowly resound throughout the entire stadium.
Cheers in support of the princess were yelled by some before their voices were drowned by even more cheers and applause by the others.
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.
"Thank you… Thank you…"
"My princess…"
"..."
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.
Suzaku similarly 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.
The third princess's dream to stop them from doing the final push to completely conquer this area, and instead, return the land 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.
However…
Darlton turned towards the cheering Elevens, saw the support the princess was receiving, and fell into a thought.
Perhaps… Perhaps this would be a good way to conquer this area without spilling even more britannia blood after all.
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.
To conquer through means of politics and economy, instead of bullets and blood. Perhaps, if they were successful here, they could implement this strategy in other areas as well.
However… The Black 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 platter. And their position within the hearts of the Elevens had faltered when her highness won them. However…
Darlton recalled the words his princess bestowed upon him. To keep his vigilance and watch the Black Knights in case they plan to harm the third princess and protect her. Although they told her their wish to return peace unto the land… Cornelia could not simply believe them completely. And her sister's safety, as the one who established the Special Zone, might be targeted.
She had expressed fully how dangerous and powerful the Black 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 need to keep my vigilance… There's no guessing what Zero and that devil might do when pushed into the corner…
Just then, the radio communication 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.
At the same time, many reporters began receiving notification on their communication devices and reached out to take the call.
"What?! Zero is here?!"
"That jet-black knightmare is with him too?!"
"Hurry! We need to go there and film it!!!"
The Japanese people, who had overheard their words, also began to look around in surprise and spread the word.
Darlton immediately responded to the message and raised his voice.
"Are you sure?! Do you have visual confirmation?! Is Zero and the Excalibur there?!"
Suzaku and Euphemia's eyes widened in shock upon hearing his words. Suzaku's panic was apparent in his eyes.
But on the other hand, Euphemia's shock only lasted moments, and her gaze quickly shifted towards the entrance of the stadium.
[Y-Yes, my lord! We have visual confirmation! Zero is standing on the shoulders of Excalibur and is currently approaching the stadium!]
His face scrunched into disdain.
"Order the guards to arrest them at on-"
"General Andreas Darlton!"
Darlton stopped before he slowly looked towards the third princess of Britannia, who had suddenly raised her voice, to stop him.
"Let them in."
"Your highness… But why? The Black 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!"
"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?"
"... But your highness-!"
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.
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.
"It would be unwise to apprehend Zero and incite even more distrust and anger from the Japanese people who had gathered here.
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.
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."
Darlton clenched his fists and teeth in silence. Then soon, he finally relented with a sigh and commanded his subordinates.
"Let them in… and "escort" them."
[Yes, my lord!]
Soon, the figure of a jet-black knightmare frame with a familiar masked man standing on its shoulder could be seen entering the stadium. And behind them, flanking their sides, were two Sutherlands, both aiming their rifles at them as they escorted them inside.
The moment they entered, hushed whispers and gasps filled the stadium as confusion, surprise, and anxiety began to spread.
Why were the Black 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 black knights outside too?
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.
Euphemia stood before them with her hands elegantly placed before her, and her back straight; befitting her royal birth.
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.
It held his hand onto his shoulder, letting Zero walk onto it, and slowly set him down on the ground.
Then, the cockpit opened and a figure in jet-black, armored suit appeared from within. And with a light jump from the full height of the Excalibur, he landed onto the ground with nothing more than a light tap, and began walking to Zero's side.
Darlton and Suzaku felt their heart clenched upon witnessing the devilish visage of the rumored "monster" who piloted the jet-black knightmare that went on a rampage in multiple fronts against them.
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.
Euphemia also flinched when she saw the devilish visage of Mordred.
Although Lelouch had told her that he was his trusted friend and ally, this "Mordred" still exuded an oppressing air around him…
But, her attention quickly shifted back towards Zero.
There was silence as Zero and Euphemia exchanged gazes between each other, until one broke their silence.
"It is an honor to finally meet you… Your Highness."