All forces withdrew from their positions. Even the Minerva descended from space to Earth, gathering at the First Island in Orb's territory—not for further combat operations, but for celebration. After all, Yang Hui had issued the order: every participant in the battle must attend the victory banquet without exception.
"My, my, Mr. Yang Hui, you really are..." Durandal, who had rushed from PLANT's homeland, looked at Yang Hui with a wry smile, shaking his head in resignation.
When he heard Yang Hui threaten to beat him up, Durandal's hair stood on end. Others might think Yang Hui was joking, but Durandal knew better—if he refused, he would actually get beaten, and it wouldn't stop until he was half-dead!
"Shouldn't we all gather together and celebrate at a time like this?"
"But this could easily be misinterpreted by other factions." This secret war had been a joint operation between Orb and ZAFT, and now, after the conflict, their forces were acting like family. It was bound to put pressure on other powers—especially with the Atlantic Federation undergoing political and military upheaval, leaving Orb and PLANT as the two strongest forces.
"Doesn't matter. They can't do anything about it."
"Oh? As expected of Mr. Yang Hui. It seems you foresaw this moment?" Durandal thought he had everything figured out, but Yang Hui proved him wrong—while Durandal assumed Yang Hui was five steps ahead, Yang Hui was already in orbit.
"Nope. I didn't plan anything. I just don't care anymore."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Expand your perspective a little."
"You mean—!" Durandal's eyes widened in realization, and shock quickly gave way to exhilaration.
"Yep. Our mission in this world is complete. All that's left is connecting worlds." Yang Hui sipped his drink, calmly watching the celebrating crowd below as he spoke to Durandal.
"...Could you elaborate?"
"Two-way gates. Those who join us come and go freely. Those who don't get limited access."
"How many worlds are connected so far?"
"Just one besides this one."
"...I see."
Now Durandal wasn't worried about other factions uniting against Orb and PLANT. Even if only one other world was connected, it was still an entire world!
Forget opposing the two most powerful nations in this world—any adversary would have to face an entire additional world. What chance did they have?
None. This world was already in Yang Hui's grasp. Peaceful coexistence was the only viable path—the best path. Anyone who wanted war would be inviting annihilation.
"What are you two discussing?" Creuset approached, glass in hand, his flushed cheeks betraying how much he'd already drunk.
"The future?" Yang Hui raised an eyebrow, amused.
"The future... I'm really looking forward to that moment." Creuset clinked his glass with Yang Hui's and downed his drink in one go. From birth until now, this was perhaps his happiest moment, because all the mysteries he had been anticipating would soon unfold before him.
"I'm looking forward to it too." Durandal raised his glass as well and drank it all, but...
"Cough, cough..." It seemed he wasn't much of a drinker. Even just champagne had him choking badly.
"Ha ha ha ha..."
"Sorry, I'm not used to drinking like this." Durandal was embarrassed. After all, he needed to keep a clear head at all times to handle any situation that might arise.
"Heh, you're still so weak, Gilbert." Creuset teased with a smirk.
"Speaking of which, you and Captain Kuladis..."
"..." At the mention of Talia, Durandal fell silent, his gaze lowering as he looked toward where she sat with Murrue, Natarle Badgiruel, Sumeragi, and the other women. His eyes were filled with complex emotions—and love.
"Wait, seriously? You still haven't told her?" Yang Hui and Creuset asked in astonishment.
"N-no... After all, she already has..."
"A child? Can't you just raise it as your own?"
"Of course I can! It's just... I'm afraid she won't accept..."
"..." Yang Hui's eyes turned deadpan. So Durandal's emotional intelligence was really this low? Talia had a child yet still met with him in secret, and in the end, she was even willing to die with him. With things like this, was he still worried she wouldn't accept him?
"Wh-what's wrong?"
"How often?"
"Once or twice a month... Wait!" Durandal answered Yang Hui's question instinctively, but as soon as the words left his mouth, his entire face flushed red—not from the alcohol, but from sheer embarrassment. As for how he understood what Yang Hui was asking... let's just say it was a man's intuition.
"You absolute coward!" Yang Hui rolled his eyes at Durandal and turned to head downstairs, but Durandal grabbed his arm, a growing sense of unease in his chest.
"I'm going to find my wives, alright?" Yang Hui snapped.
"Ah, that plural 'wives' is key here." Creuset smirked.
"That's my skill. What do you two single losers know?"
"Oof—!" x2
Creuset and Durandal suffered a critical hit. Originally, Creuset didn't care about such things at all—if he wanted female companionship, it would be effortless to find. But he felt no need for it, so he had remained single, and likely would stay that way forever.
Yet for some reason, hearing this topic brought up by Yang Hui made him feel deeply wounded, as though a thousand arrows had pierced his heart, leaving no space untouched.
Durandal, on the other hand, loudly protested, "I'm not!"
"Just sneaking around doesn't count as not being single! Have the guts to bring her home!"
"Oof—!" Durandal was still too young. If it had been Creuset, he would have warned him—never argue with Yang Hui, because your verbal skills are no match, and you'll only suffer a second round of trauma.
"I'm heading down. Not sticking around with you two lovebirds."
"..."
Once again suffering damage, the two instinctively glanced at each other before simultaneously taking a small step back. They then stared blankly as Yang Hui's figure descended the stairs, only to very "naturally"—ahem, shamelessly naturally—insert himself into the women's little group. Of course, he was promptly chased out, after which he resentfully and pitifully sought out Kira and Athrun to vent his grievances upon them.
"Pfft—hahaha…"
The scene had Durandal and Creuset upstairs laughing heartily. Who would have thought that Yang Hui—invincible on the battlefield, elegant as a noble in formal settings, and exuding kingly dignity—could have such an adorable side to him in private?
"I really can't figure him out," Durandal once again questioned the enigma that was Yang Hui, feeling his understanding of the man still contained significant gaps.
"Haha, as I've said before—he's simple."
"But not that simple."
"Exactly, haha."
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