He could've called this a foolish idea. No, it was indeed a fool's errand to even doubt it was.
Lelouch didn't know what the future held for either of them. For all he knew, Nobunaga might soon be defeated and forcibly returned to the ethereal abyss. In the same vein, he could die and forever be lost in the void he was pulled out of.
If they failed, neither of them might ever meet again, their titles as Demons that rebelled against god be damned. Death meant little at this point, but neither of them needed empty promises.
'I did everything for the people I cared about. I saved, I killed and I died. Everything to give them a peaceful world they so deserved.'
Nunnally has and always will be his beloved sister. She who can never be replaced in his heart. The same was of those who followed him, who walked alongside him, who believed in his dream. Be they C.C., Kallen, Suzaku, and even Shirley, Rolo and Euphemia. They were all he considered dear to him.
His mask as Zero committed heroics in the name of creating a symbol of good for all. His atrocities and sins as the Emperor of Britannia was to paint a monster that bathed in blood. To achieve the gentle world Euphemia was mistakenly killed for, he had to turn the tables around, to sway the entire world with an act that would forever mark him as the greatest sin the world had ever seen. His hands were soaked with blood so thoroughly, the end result could only be a penance for his crimes. But then…
'It's all done. My role in that world… is long over. But… to offer me herself… in return for carrying it out once again, this time, on my own terms... Nobunaga…' The devilish woman's words were tempting. It was nothing short of a selfish proclamation of the warlord who wants happiness for herself… 'But to extend that honour to me. Do I even deserve it?'
Live for yourself. Lelouch won't deny his past life was focused only on two things. Nunnally and getting revenge against their family. He accomplished both with the former costing him the price of his own life. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Did it mean Lelouch wanted to spend what might be an eternity in the void? No, he did not. Apart from being an illogical point, he didn't believe his simple death was enough for atonement. Not after being brought to this world.
But Lelouch still didn't have a goal. He had a mission and target yet nothing beyond that.
So why shouldn't Lelouch take Nobunaga's offer and do as he pleases?
'In a perfect world, two individuals such as ourselves wouldn't ever be allowed satisfaction or fulfilment. But then again, this world isn't perfect and never will be. Even now, I'm not above destroying it.'
Lelouch stared deep into her eyes. The warmth of her touch and the desire in her eyes were all for him to experience. So much was her passion, he felt and understood all the nuances behind Nobu's offer. She wanted and craved a new life, a redo of her own. What's more, she would only extend her off to him.
Lelouch didn't deny any of what she said. Indeed, he felt the most alive at the cusps of death. Indeed, he was up for a challenge so long as his foe was the world. All he needed was a reason to work for it, a purpose to aim all he had into the one objective that was not his mission here and now.
"Achieving world conquest will be a hard journey." The former Emperor that once had the world in the palm of his hand warned the little upstart who barely conquered an island nation. "We will face challenges on our way. More so now that I have lost my original power—"
"And yet, you have me." The Demon King snapped with a cheeky, yet somewhat worried, grin. "Or, what is it? You consider my offer inferior to your little witch's?"
She sounded jealous as she said it. Honestly, he wondered why when he himself didn't have that sort of relationship with that woman of his past. She'd been an enigma to the end, but right now, that's all she was. An incomprehensible girl. The immortal who continued to call herself C.C. was someone he'd love like another but not in the same sense as anyone else. He'd also never forget such a woman. Not even 'til the day he dies.
"Hm, you misunderstand, my daimyo." Lelouch couldn't help the smirk from taking over his face. "The Power of a King compels absolute obedience. The Power of a Demon is wanton destruction. I was merely noting the vast disparity in how difficult it will be to rule over mortals with just fear and fear alone."
"What's world conquest without a challenge if not boorish entertainment?" Nobunaga replied with a euphoric smile. "It's nothing two Demons such as ourselves can't handle, is it not?"
The smirk grew into a devilish smile. "I suppose not."
"Then, what is your answer to my—MMPH!"
For just as she knew how to push his buttons by mimicking C.C. request, he knew to stun her with his resolve by replicating something that woman did before he'd once lost his way.
His answer went unheard to the world apart from her lips. Theirs remained sealed together until the dawn broke the horizon beyond the window's glass.
***
Mackenzie's House.
Waver sighed while cleaning his room from whatever trash Rider had left strewn about. For one who calls himself a king, Iskandar behaved no different from a child. Even now, the Servant was busy playing another game on the console whilst the young Master busied himself with looking after the giant.
"You could at least help," was the grumble that broke the silence.
"Don't distract me, boy! I'm still in the preparation phase. I need more wood and gold."
That Waver spared a glance at the TV screen wherein the fantastical race of orcs depicted in pixelated sprites gathered materials for the King of Conquerors grand, albeit digital and minor, campaign to rid the world of all other races.
This had been going on for hours with only a couple of bathroom breaks in-between chapters, this being the seventh or so of the game. The young magus could only groan and sigh as he finally tossed what he'd picked up from the floor into the brimming dustbin. The King of Conquers was nothing if not an overly-enthusiastic gamer with zero priorities in his current state of living. It made Waver wonder sometimes how they'd managed to survive into the latter phase of the Grail War.
'With Tohsaka and their Archer out, I thought we should've been more pragmatic and plan on who to pick off next, but—'
"AAGGH!" Waver's disappointed gaze flew to the giant when he suddenly shouted. "The elves have mounted a counterattack? So soon?! That bastard's relentlessly swarming me but his moves say he cares little about his own number. How in the hell is such a viable strategy in these games of war?! You are worthless as a leader to your nation, TheLegend27!"
The boy's face could only hide in his palms as the big doof laughed and cheered, his well-trained and cared-for virtual armies taking the fight to his foes. Even now, Waver debated whether telling the big idiot he was just winning against AI enemies would convince him to get off his lazy ass.
"Waver, dear? Can you open a door, please? Someone is outside!" However, it was the soothing and gentle voice of his false grandmother, Martha, shouting from the first floor that saved Iskandar from disappointment. 'Although saying that, he might just try and find something else to play.'
Still, it was strange to be called down again so soon after just receiving another of Rider's deliveries for the guy. That Rider himself didn't budge because he was too intent on his game didn't bode well.
'Don't tell me you ordered another one of your shirts at my expense, you asshole!' The complaint was muzzled with the patience of a sage. He had to get used to it else he'd have lost his voice airing out his grievances days ago. Instead, he focused on attending to the visitor. "On my way, grandma!"
In all honesty, Waver wondered if they should move. They'd been receiving packages on an almost daily basis, hourly had he not placed restrictions on Rider's rampant online shopping. Then again, even if they did move, it wouldn't save the people he'd hypnotized to help them even if they relocated away from the house. He'd already placed their lives in danger with presence. They would still be endangered by those who would interrogate them for any information on Waver and Rider's whereabouts.
At best, they could only remain here, Rider's presence being the best protection they'd get from him until the Holy Grail War's end. It still didn't reassure the boy, however. The Magus Killer prowling about was still a scary assassin to be wary of, human or magus. Considering the stories he'd heard, the man was anything but merciful.
But then again, if such a foe was after his life, wouldn't he already be dead by now? By technicality, he was pretty weak compared to most of the Masters in this war in the first place. And so the fake grandson walked towards the door and opened it with not as much caution as his foes demanded of him.
"Who is it—? Eh?!"
"Good morning, Waver Velvet." But as soon as the boy met the other boy's eyes, the Master of Rider could only freeze. After all, if there was one Master he had to be wary of, not because of their ruthless history, but rather their mysterious past, they stood right in front of him. "Forgive my sudden and unannounced visit, but may I speak with you for a minute or two?"
"Wha—?!" he tried to compose himself but failed miserably. After all, the fact that this non-magus managed to find them faster than the rest had fear balling up the saliva in his throat. "What c-c-can I help you with?"
"Oh, come now. There's no need to be alarmed." Lelouch Lamperouge, the supposedly distant heir to King Arthur, the great monarch of the Britannian Isles, chuckled with a polite smile. "I simply wish to ask a favour of you and King Iskandar."
Had his Servant not instilled within him some guts to keep his composure, Waver would've crumbled under the stare of the boy younger than himself.