"Although I am visiting Orb in a personal capacity this time, I genuinely hope to promote deeper exchanges and cooperation between PLANT, Orb, and other nations."
"I wish to convey a message of peace and friendship through my voice, allowing more people to feel our shared determination to pursue a peaceful future."
Naturally, Lacus had already prepared responses for potential challenges. Upon hearing the questions, she skillfully steered the conversation back on track.
She indeed hoped for cooperation between the two sides, but it was still in the preliminary stage. If the talks didn't succeed, it wouldn't be surprising.
In short, there were no concrete promises, only words of peace.
These words, though empty, were necessary.
Lacus's interview soon concluded. Due to security concerns, ordinary adults were not allowed into the venue. Instead, two hundred carefully selected children and a group of war orphans were permitted to interact with Lacus. As Lacus sang the moving song "Proof of Water," the event came to a successful end.
"Well, Miss Cagalli, shall we go?"
Noticing Cagalli, who seemed a bit dazed, and Xiao Liu, whose expression remained unreadable as usual, Lacus smiled.
"Alright."
Unwilling to admit that she had been deeply moved by Lacus's enchanting voice, Cagalli blushed and averted her gaze from Lacus's bright eyes.
As they spoke, their hands clasped tightly together in front of the cameras.
It was easy to imagine that today's headlines on Orb's media platforms would be filled with photos of the two.
Accompanied by captions like "Princesses of Two Nations Engage in Deep Exchange," the message of cooperation would be clear.
Uzumi's intention in sending Cagalli out was obvious—to leverage Lacus's popularity to boost Cagalli's image. No wonder the Sahak family, lurking in the shadows, was displeased.
However, whether the talks would succeed remained uncertain. He Kui, watching the two, had no idea.
Although he was a councilor, he wasn't part of the diplomatic committee. He was just a small employee in the Defense Committee.
War and protection were his domain, while diplomacy belonged to Lacus's Clyne Faction.
Otherwise, why would the Clyne Faction have spies everywhere?
Seeing that everything was proceeding without incident, He Kui temporarily stepped back from his duties.
With Shihe's assistance, a new generation of Aegis had been developed. If he needed to go to Alaska now, he could ask Luo or Murakumo Gai for a ride.
He Kui sent a message to both of them at once. Meanwhile, he quickly found Amalfi.
Amalfi was busy at his computer, though it was unclear what he was working on.
"He Kui, what's up?"
Amalfi took a sip of the steaming coffee on his desk and asked.
"Here's the thing. To determine the focus of our recent research, I need real-time updates on the current battlefield situation."
"Got it. No problem. I'll send you some recent battle reports, though nothing classified."
"Thank you."
Although He Kui was a councilor and had access to more information, it was still polite to explain his purpose to the City Councilor first.
"Darling, it's time for dinner~"
"Don't drink so much coffee!"
Just as He Kui was about to exchange a few pleasantries, a gentle voice came from the other side of the screen.
"I'll be there soon."
"Sorry."
He Kui's lips twitched as he noticed the hint of pride on Amalfi's face.
But he nodded anyway.
"No problem."
"Well, I've sent it to you. He Kui, you should go eat too, haha."
"Thank you."
What could He Kui say? Was this really a moment to show off their affection?
And who said no one called him for dinner!? As he thought this, he opened his wristband—no messages.
With a touch of resentment, He Kui drifted back to his room.
When he opened the door, it was pitch black inside, but his enhanced vision allowed him to make out some details in the darkness.
Before he could think further, a crisp bang sounded.
Colorful confetti exploded above He Kui's head.
Without looking, He Kui knew it was an automatic sensor. Sensing something, he turned around and swiftly raised his arms to protect his head.
Soon, a fair and shapely high kick, accompanied by a sharp whistle of wind, was blocked by He Kui.
But just as he thought about countering, another bang sounded behind him, and a large net directly ensnared He Kui, who had lost his balance.
"..."
As the lights turned on, He Kui, now trapped in the net on the floor, didn't struggle. He just looked helplessly at the three uniquely charming girls before him.
"Isn't this surprise a bit too hardcore?"
"Isn't this domestic violence?"
Especially that kick that had instantly thrown him off balance—no doubt it was Shihe's doing.
Only she could catch him off guard when he was relaxed.
"Does it hurt... maybe..."
Meyrin, her cheeks flushed, looked at He Kui, who was rubbing his arm inside the net, her face filled with concern.
"No! Meyrin, don't let him fool you!"
Sulei directly interrupted Meyrin, and Shihe nodded in agreement.
"So, what do you want to do~?"
He Kui put away his pitiful expression and replaced it with a smile.
"If it's Meyrin's birthday, the gift is on the table in my study."
"..."
"..."
Hearing He Kui's words, the other two fell silent, while Meyrin's eyes sparkled brighter than the stars outside the window.
"You're quite thoughtful~"
Sulei snorted softly upon hearing that He Kui still remembered.
"Can you untie me now?"
He Kui asked helplessly.
"Hmph, no~"
"Huh?"
Hearing Sulei's words, Meyrin, who had been about to agree, was stunned.
"This is a rare opportunity!"
"Don't be afraid!"
Meyrin, who had already softened, now opened her cherry lips upon hearing Sulei's words.
"If you're not going to do it, I'll go first!"
With that, Sulei approached He Kui with a mischievous grin.
"Um... before you proceed, can I say something?"
"Go ahead~"
Sulei said triumphantly.
"Did you forget about Haro?"
As soon as he finished speaking, three magnetic automatic capture ropes shot out from Haro behind them.
These ropes, though only a single loop, had strong magnetic force. Unless He Kui released them, they couldn't be broken.
In an instant, the situation reversed.
The three were subdued by the ropes, while He Kui, with Haro's help, emerged from the net.
"Alright, let's start with Sulei~?"
He Kui stretched and approached Sulei, a smile even more mischievous than hers appearing on his face.
"What are you doing! Let me go first!"
Sulei protested cutely, her body rolling on the floor. With her arms bound by the rope, she couldn't resist.
"Today is Meyrin's birthday!"
"But it's not Sulei's birthday~"
As he spoke, He Kui had already picked her up.
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