Meanwhile, on the bridge of a ship comparable in class to the Archangel,
Matiss was staring intently as the faint, distant light point gradually disappeared from view.
"Their current combat strength is too formidable, and He Kui might be there as well. This isn't the right moment for an assault," Creuset remarked, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"Hmph."
Matiss let out a light scoff before continuing, "What about the people Findeshen promised us?"
"They're already in position, along with fifteen AI-controlled Mobile Suits. But with He Kui as the director, their infiltration into ZAFT hasn't gone deep enough to acquire suitable Mobile Suit technology."
"That man again!"
At the mention of He Kui's name, Matiss slammed her fist onto the armrest with a dull thud.
Countless times, she had regretted not eliminating him earlier when they were still on Earth.
He Kui had taught her the full meaning of "nurturing a tiger only to be devoured by it."
"Assassination attempts against him must continue. Raise his priority and bounty to the highest level."
The highest level—equivalent to that of a leader. This meant the attempts on He Kui's life would become even more frequent and meticulously planned than those against Patrick.
"Understood."
Creuset shrugged in response.
"We still have the G series advanced data in the library. Let's hand that over to Findeshen first."
"And in exchange, have her provide us with the Innovator adjustment technology," Matiss added, her gaze darkening as she observed Creuset's relaxed demeanor.
"I'll do my best to arrange it."
Aula wasn't foolish enough to hand over her child's genetic data to Matiss. It was obvious what Matiss intended—mass-producing Combat Coordinators.
No, wait—they should be called Combat Coordinators now.
"If they refuse, then we'll have to settle for your genes instead."
"Rather than mine, shouldn't you first seek out the Ultimate Coordinator, Lady Matiss?"
Creuset gestured toward the paused screen, where the image of the Astray Gundam enlarged before Matiss' eyes.
"Fine. As long as you have a plan."
"Of course. Even the Ultimate Coordinator isn't without weaknesses."
Creuset smiled.
"Even the strongest of Coordinators can be undone by matters of the heart."
"Just don't overstep."
"Aula might also be able to slow your aging. If this succeeds, we'll both witness a new world."
Creuset acknowledged with a hint of mockery in his tone, his words laced with sarcasm.
"After all, someone who can revert themselves to childhood must have considerable expertise in genetics."
"..."
As the two schemed, they remained oblivious to the fact that Kira, their intended target, was still chatting with Mu.
As for He Kui, he had long muted the conversation, redirecting his focus back to his research.
Only that night, upon returning home—
In bed, Shihe had changed into a sheer white lace outfit with minimal coverage.
It resembled a wedding dress, yet leaned more toward... that kind of attire.
In short, it was absolutely not something to be seen in public.
Wearing matching outfits alongside Shihe were Sulei, Meyrin, and Luna.
The sight was so breathtaking that even He Kui, accustomed to grand spectacles, felt an uncontrollable surge of heat.
"Do you like it?" Shihe asked softly.
"Mmm. A surprise?"
"That's right, after all, someone's been spending every day with Lacus and Ailina lately."
Sulei had a thin blanket draped over her body, with only a pair of slender, delicate legs sticking out from underneath. Her feet, painted with light pink nail polish, playfully hooked onto He Kui's leg.
"Mhm, exactly!"
Though shy, Meyrin joined in the accusation. Meanwhile, Luna, who appeared the most alluring, was blushing so hard she wished she could vanish into the ground. Wearing such clothes with her sister was something she'd never even imagined.
But thinking of He Kui's possible reaction, Luna couldn't help but glance at him with innocent, doe-like eyes brimming with moisture.
Faced with their individual charms, He Kui, guided by Shihe's movements, wrapped his arm around the girl's slender waist.
Some things were better left unsaid.
[Mobile Suit: Gundam X (12014/5w)]
With the abilities of all four unlocked, along with the Gundam X, He Kui felt his mind brimming with even more knowledge. If he could meet Cagalli sooner, Ecological Adjustment could progress further as well.
Filled with hope for the future, He Kui tightened his embrace around Shihe, causing the girl to squirm uncomfortably in his arms. Their skin brushed against each other, igniting a warm, intimate friction.
"Sorry, uncomfortable?"
He Kui loosened his grip slightly on her waist.
"No, not at all."
Shihe shook her head, her long hair trailing across He Kui's skin, sending a faint tickling sensation through him. As if to prove her point, she hugged him even tighter.
"Then what's wrong?"
Sensing her unease, He Kui gently smoothed her chestnut-brown hair.
"Our wedding is in just over two weeks..."
Shihe murmured nervously into his ear.
"Yeah."
Though only a little over a year had passed, it felt like a lifetime. Of course, the daily, grueling trials they endured had stretched their perception of time endlessly.
"I'll make sure it's a wedding you'll never forget."
He Kui's voice remained gentle, yet carried the weight of a promise.
"Just having you there is enough."
After whispering these sweet words, Shihe leaned in and kissed He Kui.
"You two are so gross!"
Sulei, who had been about to sleep, couldn't help but open her eyes, her face twisted in exaggerated disgust. Though her expression said one thing, her heart swelled with a bittersweet ache.
"You'll all get your turn."
He Kui chuckled.
"Hmph, I don't want it! It's way too mushy!"
"Lei Lei, maybe wipe that smirk off your face before saying that."
Meyrin, lying beside her sister, teased Sulei with an amused grin.
"Meyrin's grown up, daring to talk back to her master now!"
"Hmph, I'm way better at this than Lei Lei!"
"Says who!?"
Sulei immediately lost her composure, yanking Meyrin—who was still clinging to Luna—toward her.
"Was it you who said that!?"
Sulei shot a dangerous glare at He Kui.
"I timed it! I lasted longer than Sulei!"
Meyrin raised her wristband, displaying two timestamps. Though just cold numbers, Sulei couldn't help but blush at the sight.
"That doesn't count! Who knows if you cheated or not!"
"Then what does Lei Lei want to do?"
"Again!"
"This time Luna will keep time!"
Hearing herself suddenly dragged into this, and worse yet, having to time that sort of thing for her little sister, her face had already turned completely red.
But before she could refuse, Sulei had already pulled Meyrin into hugging He Kui on the side.
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