Chapter 112: Lucy’s excitement. Princess Renner arrives for Lunch.

You open a Gate outside of Lucy's room in the Nazarick.

Lucy jumps to you immediately after you enter. Her pink hair catches the light as she enthusiastically speeds in front of you. A white sundress giving her an innocent appearance matching her excitement.

"Master Blank!" She stops before you with a bright smile. "Did you come to check on how the tour went? It was amazing! Irene is so knowledgeable and she asked such interesting questions about the park."

"I wanted to hear about it directly from you," you confirm. "How did it feel showing someone around? Especially someone as experienced as Irene?"

Lucy's expression shifts to thoughtful excitement. "Honestly? I was nervous at first because she's so obviously powerful and confident. But she genuinely wanted to learn about the park. She asked about lots of things we had to ask others about."

"That sounds like Irene," you observe. "She approaches everything systematically."

"Princess Latifa joined us about halfway through," Lucy continues eagerly. "She explained the park's history and her goals for expansion. Irene seemed fascinated by how they're trying to increase attendance without sacrificing the personal atmosphere. They talked for almost an hour about balancing growth with quality."

"And Isuzu?"

"She was there the whole time taking notes," Lucy says with a small laugh. "Very professional. She and Irene compared organizational methodologies at one point. It was actually really interesting watching two completely different management styles find common ground."

You notice genuine confidence in Lucy's demeanor now. The fearful girl who arrived has been steadily transforming into someone comfortable.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," you tell her sincerely. "You've really come out of your shell. This role suits you well."

Lucy's cheeks flush slightly at the praise. "Thank you, Master Blank. I never thought I'd find something I was genuinely good at beyond... well, beyond what my vectors can do. This feels like building something positive instead of just surviving."

As her account winds down, you slowly extend your arms, drawing her into a firm, enveloping hug. Your hands settle against the small of her back, pressing her lithe body flush against yours, the fabric of her sundress whispering against you. She melts into the contact immediately, a soft exhale escaping her lips. You tilt her chin upward and claim her mouth in a light, possessive kiss, just enough pressure to remind her of ownership, your tongue tracing the seam of her lips in clinical encouragement. "You're growing," you whisper between kisses, "Your enthusiasm for the park will be a great step for meeting the others."

"Would you be willing," you murmur against her ear, one hand stroking her pink strands with detached affection, "to bring the new girls of Carne Manor to Amagi Park?"

Lucy's eyes widen, then sparkle with ecstatic delight. She nods vigorously within your embrace, cheeks flushed, body pressing closer. "Yes, Master Blank! I'd love that! It would be perfect..." Her voice carries unfiltered joy. She remains pressed to you, basking in the gentleness.

"How would you like to join everyone at the Carne Manor for lunch? The new residents from Code Geass are still settling in, and I'll pick one of them to go to the park with you for the rest of the day."

Lucy's face lights up immediately. "Really?" She clasps her hands together, excitement obvious. "I'd love to! Should I change first? This dress is nice but maybe something more casual?"

"You look perfect as you are." You open a Gate directly to the Carne Manor main hall. "Go introduce yourself to whoever's already there. Tell them I'll be along shortly."

She steps through eagerly, her pink hair bouncing as she waves goodbye. The portal closes behind her, leaving you standing alone on the park pathway.

You open a second Gate to Princess Latifa's administrative office. The princess sits at her desk reviewing attendance reports when you appear. Isuzu stands nearby holding additional paperwork.

"Master Blank!" Latifa sets down her pen immediately. "I wasn't expecting another visit so soon. Did something happen?"

"Nothing urgent," you assure her. "I wanted to let you know Lucy will be back semi-daily with different girls for a while, new residents to my harem, to visit the park during the afternoon."

Isuzu adjusts her grip on the papers. "I'm scheduled to review the new attractions timeline with Moffle in twenty minutes. Her Highness has more flexibility currently."

Latifa nods agreement. "I'd be happy to show any of them around. The park is running smoothly today, so I can spare several hours if needed."

"They're from future-worlds so they already know an amusement park, it shouldn't be a problem if you miss them. they'll likely arrive after lunch." You pause, considering logistics. "Actually, Isuzu, when you're finished with Moffle, could you join the tour as well? Your operational perspective would complement Latifa's management view."

"Of course. I'll attend immediately once we've completed our review." She checks her watch.

You open another Gate to the Carne Manor main hall. Lucy stands near the entrance talking animatedly with Nemu and Kuuderika, who appear fascinated by her description of the magical school instructors. The three younger-minded girls cluster together naturally, their conversation flowing easily.

Enri supervises lunch preparations at the long dining table where several household members are already seated. Arche sits with her younger sister Ureirika, both reviewing arithmetic problems together. Euphemia and Shirley occupy adjacent seats, discussing something quietly while Kallen listens from across the table.

Milly notices your arrival first. "Back already? How did your morning go?"

"Lucy, the energetic pink-haired girl with Nemu and Kuuderika, had a successful tour with Irene yesterday, you haven't met her yet." you explain. "She's developing real confidence. I checked with Latifa about expanding that by touring more household members through the park."

Lacus looks up from her tea with interest. "That sounds educational. The a park's integration of entertainment and magical sustainability is fascinating."

"Would you like to go this afternoon?" You gesture toward where Lucy chats with the younger girls. "You'll be able to meet Princess Latifa, who will personally show you her park's operations. Isuzu, her guard will join after her current meeting concludes."

Lacus sets down her teacup decisively. "I'd enjoy that very much. When should I be ready?"

"After lunch." You turn to address through the Nazarick. "Albedo, Ikaros, I need you both available in about ten minutes. We're setting up a discreet portal for Princess Renner."

Albedo arrives immediately, composed as always. "I'll prepare the security protocols. Where do you want the portal anchored?"

"I'll connect her private room in the castle with a new room here for her, then disguise the portal. She can then choose when and how she wants to observe or participate." You check the room's occupancy count mentally. "Renner specifically wants to understand our hierarchy structure. Watching meal interactions should provide natural examples."

Ikaros stands as well, her wings shifting slightly. "Should I prepare defensive measures in case observation becomes intrusion?"

"Unnecessary. Renner requested this visit voluntarily. She's analyzing whether joining our household makes strategic sense for her own goals." You move toward the library corridor. "Both of you meet me there. I'll create the portal and explain what we're showing her."

Enri calls after you, "Should I hold lunch until after she's here?"

"No, proceed normally. Renner benefits more from seeing genuine household routine than staged presentation."

You motion for Albedo and Ikaros to follow as you step through a newly unoccupied bedroom within the Carne Manor. The space materializes around your specifications: modest furnishings suggesting royal comfort without ostentation, soft cream walls, a writing desk positioned near tall windows overlooking manicured gardens below.

"This will serve as Princess Renner's private quarters when she visits," you explain while surveying the room's layout. "Albedo, does the aesthetic meet your approval for receiving royalty?"

Albedo walks a slow circuit around the perimeter, examining details with critical attention. "The furnishings strike an appropriate balance between welcoming and functional. She will interpret this as respectful accommodation rather than lavish distraction." She pauses near the empty wall opposite the bed. "A mirror should be positioned here. It creates natural sightlines from both entry points."

You nod agreement and cast a scrying spell, focusing your sight toward the Re-Estize royal castle. The magical perception sweeps through stone corridors and past guards standing their posts before locating Renner. She sits at a writing desk in what appears to be a private study, reviewing documents with methodical focus. Her expression remains neutral as she turns pages, occasionally making marginal notes.

"She's working in a study currently," you report. "Let me locate her bedroom."

The scrying shifts perspective, flowing through adjacent chambers until discovering what is clearly her sleeping quarters. The space reflects understated elegance: a canopied bed with blue silk hangings, wardrobes of dark wood, a vanity with brushes and cosmetics arranged precisely. Bookshelves line one wall. Notably absent is any large mirror beyond the small vanity piece.

"Perfect. No existing mirror to cause confusion." You place the first mirror where Albedo identified, then open a Gate directly into Renner's empty bedroom, stepping through with Albedo and Ikaros following immediately behind.

The princess's private chambers smell faintly of lavender and parchment. Afternoon sunlight filters through gauze curtains, casting soft patterns across polished floorboards. You move to the wall space and pull out a second matching mirror: an oval frame of silver-worked metal, seven feet tall and four feet wide, its surface showing perfect reflection.

The enchantment settles into place with a subtle hum of completed magic. From this side, it appears as an ordinary if exceptionally fine mirror. From the Carne Manor side, it will function as a portal responding to Renner's presence specifically.

"The enchantment is keyed to her personally," you explain while testing the connection. "She can pass through whenever she wishes. Others will see only their reflection unless I grant them access."

Albedo examines the frame's craftsmanship with approval. "Discrete and elegant. She will appreciate the consideration for her privacy."

Ikaros positions herself near the door, wings folded against her back. "Should I establish defensive parameters in case of unexpected intrusion during future transits?"

"No need. She's not the type to invite complications." You step through the mirror portal back into the prepared bedroom, the transition occurring with barely perceptible resistance. Albedo and Ikaros follow, the three of you now standing in the Carne Manor side again.

The mirror shows Renner's empty bedroom from this perspective, a window into the Re-Estize royal castle. You cast a simple Message spell, projecting your voice directly to the princess.

"Princess Renner, your portal is prepared and waiting in your bedroom. You may come and go at your convenience. The mirror will respond to your presence alone."

The spell completes without verbal response. Renner will investigate her new mirror and discover this side quickly.

Albedo clasps her hands before her, expression thoughtful. "She will likely test the portal's security before committing to extended observation. Her analytical nature demands verification."

"That's exactly what I'd expect from her," you agree. "Let her satisfy her need for confirmation. Meanwhile, we should return to lunch. Lucy will be eager to take Lacus to tour the Amagi park."

You step through the library corridor back toward the main hall with Albedo and Ikaros following at a respectful distance. The sounds of conversation and casual laughter grow louder as you approach the dining area.

Lucy sits near the head of the table between Nemu and Kuuderika, all three absorbed in animated discussion about the magical school instructors. Lucy gestures enthusiastically while describing her Instructor's history lessons.

"She made it sound like the dragons actually shaped the mountains themselves," Lucy explains to the younger girls. "Like they pushed entire ranges into existence just by being there for centuries."

Kuuderika leans forward with wide eyes. "Can dragons really do that?"

"Some of the oldest ones, yes," Arche interjects from across the table where she sits with Ureirika. "Though most historical accounts suggest it takes millennia of sustained presence. The geological pressure builds gradually."

Enri stands near the serving counter coordinating with several Unseen Servants who maintain the enchanted feast. Plates of roasted meats, fresh breads, vegetable dishes and fruit arrangements cover the long table's surface. Steam rises gently from the hot dishes despite having been sitting for several minutes.

You take a seat near the center while scanning the assembled household members. Euphemia and Shirley occupy adjacent chairs, both looking significantly more relaxed than during the morning village tour. Kallen sits opposite them, her red bunny suit still drawing attention. Milly and Villetta in their modified maid outfits, the strapless bras and tight shorts providing modesty appropriate for the mixed gathering.

Lacus pours tea for herself and the women nearby, moving with practiced grace. "Master Blank, did you finish your morning tasks?"

"Most of them," you confirm while accepting a plate from an Unseen Servant. "While Lucy will be taking you to Amagi Park after lunch, Princess Latifa is expecting you around twelve forty-five."

Lucy's face brightens immediately. "Really? That's perfect! The afternoon shows should be starting soon after we arrive. Latifa mentioned they've added new performances to the schedule."

"I'm looking forward to seeing how they've integrated entertainment with practical magic applications," Lacus responds thoughtfully. "The theoretical framework must be fascinating."

You restrain yourself from correcting their alternative usage of magical abilities.

Albedo takes the seat beside you, folding her hands primly in her lap. "The portal is complete. Meaning Princess Renner can access her new private quarters whenever she chooses. Think we should expect her arrival during or after lunch?"

"Possibly before we finish." You glance toward the corridor leading to the guest rooms. "She'll take the time to verify the portal's security first. That's how she operates, but will do so quickly with understanding that she is an invited guest."

Ikaros remains standing near the wall, wings folded against her back in her typical observation posture. Several household members have grown accustomed to her presence, no longer startled by the visible angelic features.

Nemu tugs on Lucy's sundress. "Will you come back to visit us again? Or will you stay at the park?"

"I'll be back for dinner," Lucy promises with a warm smile. "And tomorrow I'll be taking more people to visit, so you'll see me around more often."

The casual conversation continues around the table as everyone helps themselves to the perpetually warm food. The enchantment maintains perfect temperature and freshness, preventing any dish from cooling or spoiling regardless of how long it sits.

Movement catches your attention from the guest corridor, earlier than predicted. Princess Renner emerges slowly, her blue dress pristine and her expression carefully neutral. She pauses at the corridor entrance, scanning the dining hall with analytical precision before her eyes settle on you.

You gesture toward the empty seats. "Princess Renner, welcome. Please join us for lunch."

She approaches with measured steps, her posture perfect despite the unfamiliar surroundings. Several household members glance up curiously at the newcomer, though most continue their conversations without interruption.

Renner takes the offered seat across from you, folding her hands in her lap with practiced elegance. "Thank you for the invitation. I must admit the portal exceeded my expectations for security and discretion."

"I figured you value privacy," you observe while an Unseen Servant places a plate before her. "The enchantment responds only to your presence. No one else can access your quarters through that mirror."

"A thoughtful consideration." She surveys the assembled women with keen interest, her analytical gaze lingering briefly on each face. "I had not anticipated quite this many residents."

Albedo speaks from beside you. "The household has expanded considerably over the past week. Several of them are still adjusting, others are preparing for what comes next."

Renner inclines her head politely. "You recommended I observe household dynamics directly rather than rely on second-hand reports. This gathering appears ideal for that purpose."