[His answer takes a moment, but the gravity of it in part is what gives him pause. A genuine query, wishing to see into the depths of his heart and mind, perhaps to understand someone who wishes from the depths of his soul to bow, instead of have others bow to him. If Lelouch feels so about their arrangement, feels only undeserving emptiness where Jeremiah would want to inspire utmost confidence, then he deserves every bit of the truth.]
Becoming the Knight of One.
[A faint smile extends over his features, more nostalgic and amused than anything when he summons the defunct title.] Or at least, something to that effect. It's an old ambition of mine, one I absolved to seek in light of my failures as a young man. To strive to better myself until I could hold the highest station I could, to be bestowed the greatest honor of serving as my emperor's right hand.
[He pauses, his voice dropping somewhat in intensity when he speaks again, impassioned as he ever remains on the subject. Parts of it draw strength in him, parts of it feed off of sorrow from hard lessons learned.]
It would also serve as proof to myself that I was finally strong enough to be entrusted once more with the lives of the royal family. I've had no greater regrets, it seemed the best choice was to do everything in my power to protect that which was precious to me.
[His gaze has drifted off, but he brings it back to the young man sitting across from him. Eyes intense, watching him, no inch of him mocking or derisive for his convictions. It's all he really hopes to see when he gets to carrying on like this. Jeremiah's smile grows a little.] It doesn't seem to matter what station life has handed you; I've only ever seen the same greatness with which you've continued to fight as though you've always worn the crown. Even now. How could I possibly turn away from that?
no subject
Becoming the Knight of One.
[A faint smile extends over his features, more nostalgic and amused than anything when he summons the defunct title.] Or at least, something to that effect. It's an old ambition of mine, one I absolved to seek in light of my failures as a young man. To strive to better myself until I could hold the highest station I could, to be bestowed the greatest honor of serving as my emperor's right hand.
[He pauses, his voice dropping somewhat in intensity when he speaks again, impassioned as he ever remains on the subject. Parts of it draw strength in him, parts of it feed off of sorrow from hard lessons learned.]
It would also serve as proof to myself that I was finally strong enough to be entrusted once more with the lives of the royal family. I've had no greater regrets, it seemed the best choice was to do everything in my power to protect that which was precious to me.
[His gaze has drifted off, but he brings it back to the young man sitting across from him. Eyes intense, watching him, no inch of him mocking or derisive for his convictions. It's all he really hopes to see when he gets to carrying on like this. Jeremiah's smile grows a little.] It doesn't seem to matter what station life has handed you; I've only ever seen the same greatness with which you've continued to fight as though you've always worn the crown. Even now. How could I possibly turn away from that?