Who is Playing the Love Development Game in Gundam

"I'm quite busy lately, and I assume Lacus is as well," He Kui said with a faint smile.

"And I'm a high-priority, protected species, you know."

"So, does that mean He Kui believes our relationship should stay hidden from others~?" Lacus's serious tone left room for interpretation, one that hinted at something more intriguing.

"Not exactly..."

He Kui hesitated. Previously, he'd been cautious about getting too close to the Clyne Faction, wary of being labeled as a member of their camp. But his current status as a top-ranking figure in PLANT's neutral faction offered him considerable protection.

Even if others knew he was in contact with Lacus, they wouldn't be quick to discard him, not while he held such significant value.

Besides, the rift between the Zala Faction and the Clyne Faction was more about political differences than outright betrayal. Given his value, he was akin to a beautiful woman courted by two suitors; favoring one didn't mean incurring the wrath of the other.

But he also knew he couldn't lean too far in one direction, or he might end up like that same beautiful woman, whose suitors, upon realizing her games, abandoned her.

"So... half a day? Surely, you can spare that much for Lacus?"

Her eyes sparkled as she looked directly at him.

"…Where are we going?"

If Lacus refused the gift, it would indeed be awkward. Besides, this would be an excellent opportunity to observe her more closely.

"How about May City? I've been there a few times, but I've never really explored. You'll be my guide, okay?"

Lacus had initially thought of visiting his asteroid, but decided that might cross a line.

"Alright... Tomorrow morning?"

He Kui glanced at his watch. He still needed to check in at the Junk Guild port and review the backpack modifications. In three days, he and Elena would head back to South America.

The moon was now secure, and with Panama at a standstill, only Orb remained. They might prioritize an attack on Panama, but Orb was the less challenging target.

"Then, tomorrow at ten—meet at May City Port! It's a promise~."

Lacus playfully winked as she finally accepted the three little birds He Kui had given her.

"…Deal."

Though he was the one giving the gift, it felt like he was the one on the receiving end somehow.

[You have gifted Lacus Clyne. MS Control Proficiency +240]

[Lacus Clyne's Favorability +70]

[XP Bonus: 3]

[MS Control Proficiency: A Grade (13260/100k)]

[Spatial Awareness: B Grade (6807/10000)]

Progress was steady, albeit slow. But once he broke through to A-grade, his skills would be enough to stand toe-to-toe with the Three Aces, Kira, and even Creuset.

But there was still a long way to go—he needed about 70,000 more points, and gifting three birds at once had only gained him 820.

If her favorability increased a bit more...

"He Kui, is something wrong?"

Lacus tilted her head, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Are you not looking forward to spending time with me?"

"No, not at all. See you tomorrow."

"Yes~ See you tomorrow~."

After his encounter with this captivating enigma, He Kui returned to the shuttle docked at the port.

The two young women awaiting him were eyeing him curiously, while Lica and Iron Wall seemed puzzled.

Lacus had come under the pretense of the Diplomatic Council's representative, Canaba. So, while Lica and Iron Wall were intrigued by He Kui's connection with the Clyne Faction, Shi He and Su Lei were well aware of who he had actually met with.

"Cough, let's get going," He Kui said nonchalantly, taking a seat at the front of the shuttle.

"We're heading home."

"Yes!"

The mention of "home" brought smiles to Shi He and Su Lei's faces, momentarily dispelling their earlier curiosity.

Accompanying them back was, of course, the Liberator Gundam.

Following the recent events, the National Defense Council had formally assigned this mobile suit to He Kui.

"Can the Barrier Shields be mass-produced?"

Watching the mobile suit trailing them, Shi He asked in the private hangar, her curiosity piqued.

They had all witnessed the shields' defensive capabilities during the battle.

The shields had almost managed to capture the Rebirth, a massive mobile suit twice the size of a standard Gundam.

"Mass production isn't feasible due to the rarity of the required materials."

This was already well known within the National Defense Council. Producing enough shield units for an entire fleet would require an enormous supply of precious metals.

It made more sense to reserve them for a few key mobile suits.

"Currently, we plan to create two more sets, mainly to defend against surprise attacks."

The nuclear warheads in this world were even more destructive than those in He Kui's previous life. A single nuke could annihilate a colony, and several could decimate the fortress of Boaz.

For large-scale damage, nuclear weapons far outclassed positron cannons. Additionally, light shields were less effective against physical attacks.

Barrier Shields could withstand several nukes, but the Atlantic Federation had far more than just a few dozen.

"Rest assured, Councilor Juole has informed me they're working on outfitting Boaz and Eternal with TP external armor."

"With Boaz's energy reserves, as long as we're not hit by dozens of nukes simultaneously, we should be fine."

"And besides, they're still on Earth."

"Alright."

Reassured, Shi He's expression softened.

"By the way, He Kui, is everything alright between you and Captain Creuset?"

"All's fine."

He Kui smiled, appreciative of her concern. "Thank you, Shi He. But maybe avoid talking to him in the future."

"Why?"

"He's… not a good person."

With only Shi He and Su Lei present, He Kui felt comfortable being candid.

"Not a good person?"

"He's not even a Coordinator."

He Kui briefly recounted Creuset's origins.

"What!? You're saying that Creuset might be behind the Rebirth incident?"

Shi He's shock was palpable, mirrored by Su Lei's stunned silence.

"Most likely."

"Then why haven't you informed Councilor Zala?"

"I don

't have any evidence."

He Kui shook his head.

"But then… how do you know all this?"

Su Lei asked, her face tense.

"Because… I'm a prophet."

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