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[maskmastery]

You have reached the voicemail of Schneizel el Britannia.

It seems I'm unavailable right now, but please leave me a message and I shall respond at my earliest convenience.

Comments

[failedprince]

Dearest brother, in a few days time, I may or may not die. I have had a disagreement with a Death God. I will not apologize for what I have said as that creature insulted our family. I cannot abide such people -- regardless of what standing that they have. Furthermore, a Britannian prince does not cower, flee, nor retreat against such adversaries. His Majesty would be beyond disappointed if I were to do so.

And so, I wish to tell you what it is that will happen should... should something happen, at all. I do not wish to worry Euphie, Nunnally, nor Lelouch. I hope that you will be able to tell them something that will put their concerns at ease. Either way, I will face this creature with everything that I have. I ... I have gone to purchase a weapon and will do our family proud.

... I apologize for being unable to say this to you in person, but I worried as to what would happen to my nerve if I did. I do not wish for you to be involved in this, even though I stated otherwise to that beast. This is how an older and younger brother should be, yes?

So ... I shall... I shall do my duty...

Good day, brother.

[maskmastery]

[For all his recent exasperation with his younger brother, Schneizel maintains a sense of protectiveness, of wanting to ensure that everything is alright - it's his duty, it's the life he's lived, it's second nature to him now. And Clovis has come to him before, distressed about foolish things, making silly mistakes, and he could easily dismiss this as the same, fanciful fears and his usual penchant for drama.

But his voice is concerned, earnestly so, when he responds, despite it being but one word.]

Clovis.

[failedprince]

Schneizel.

[He rolls the gun in his hands a few times, feeling his fingers tremble ever so slightly. What can he do against a Death God? What can he do other than posture and put on a brave face? If that is all that he can do, then that is what he shall do. He will not allow harm to come to his family.

Even though his throat closes at the thought of actual danger, he tips his chin up.]

It really can't be helped.

[maskmastery]

Don't say such things, Clovis. Do you really think I would leave my little brother to such a fate?

Tell me again, clearly, what happened.

[failedprince]

Well, I was hoping that you would in this case...

The Death God said what she was. I stated that it was not yet my time to die. In which she states that I do not know such things ... and may actually come for me. I let her know that none of you would allow harm to come to me and such brutish behavior would be answered with force. She started to say that your names may very well be in her book ... I know that you must die one day, but it's hardly your time now! There are years still that you must live...

Regardless, I continued to argue with her on such a matter ... even when she spoke poorly of our family ... saying that it was nothing special and that it was what would lead people to destruction -- how dare she! Our family does not lead people to destruction!

And so ... she says that she is going to prove her power to me... and I will do what I can to protect you all. It is ... it is the least that I can do.

[maskmastery]

Yet you know otherwise.

[All the same, he listens to Clovis without interruption. He's trying to place in his head who Clovis might have spoken to, but suggestions are few. His manner is sombre, but effortlessly calm, as usual.]

Her name?

[failedprince]

Yes... but I thought it would be rude to simply go to my potential death without saying anything...

[A soft sigh. He doesn't want to go, but--]

Grell Sutcliff.

[maskmastery]

...I see. I am acquainted with Grell Sutcliff. Perhaps I can ensure your safety.

However, brother, you must be more cautious in your dealings with people. We have not the power we had at home, you are aware of that.

[failedprince]

I would rather you not have to speak to that Death God, brother! I do not... I do not wish for you to be hurt.

But that does not mean that we should bow our heads like commoners.

[maskmastery]

No, but you would do better to conduct yourself with civility and amiability. We have no armies, no knightmares to defend us. We must armour ourselves, Clovis.

[1/2]

[failedprince]

[failedprince]

That is why I bought a weapon...

And, I made a fighter an Honorary Britannian...

[maskmastery]

… [Hold up.]

You made someone an Honourary Britannian?

[failedprince]

Yes.

And having them live with me -- he knows a bit more on how to do things about the house that I generally do not, so it works out quite well, don't you think?

Oh, do you think I should ask him to fight the Death God for me?

[maskmastery]

[The whole idea of this is still bizarre, but if they’re living with Clovis then he assumes it must have been a willing choice. In which case, it can’t be helped.]

No, I think you should try to avoid fighting if possible.

Tell me more about this new housemate.

[failedprince]

Well, it'd probably be best to do so, yes.

[A beat.]

Oh! Well, he can make ice sculptures out of a sword that he wields. It really helped with the heat... but I was surprised that the ice can be cold enough to burn the skin. Still, he shares my ideals about people -- that we are of higher class than them and it is their own failings that cannot accept these simple facts. He really is quite like a Britannian and felt it a shame that he was not officially one of us, you see.