The morning after a night of passionate exertion.
He Kui arrived at Aprilis City's port early with Lacus in tow.
"Late night?"
Catching the faint scent of shower gel lingering on He Kui, Lacus narrowed her eyes slightly as she regarded the councilor clad in his deep blue trench coat.
"Care to join next time, Lacus?"
He didn't answer directly, yet his response spoke volumes.
Despite having slept less than three hours, He Kui was still brimming with energy.
"Will you say the same to the Orb Princess later~?"
"..."
Watching He Kui rendered speechless under her gaze, a mischievous glint flickered in Lacus's liquid eyes.
Her playful demeanor was irresistibly captivating—enough that several nearby guards couldn't help but steal glances.
"She's arriving soon, your old flame. Mind your image, Councilor He of PLANT."
Lacus said it half-jokingly, partly to ensure He Kui wouldn't get distracted exchanging meaningful looks with the princess during serious discussions.
Not that he would, of course. She just felt like teasing him.
Why? She didn't know either. Maybe just because she was in a mood.
"Understood."
Faced with Lacus's deliberate ribbing, He Kui rubbed his nose sheepishly, playing the obedient role.
If he didn't let her have her way, she'd probably find another way to mess with him later.
"Hmph~"
Lacus wrinkled her petite nose and let out a soft snort.
"Why aren't you with your father instead of following me around?"
He Kui chuckled.
This wasn't South America—it was Orb.
Alongside them, numerous other councilors had gathered. Canard, as head of the Diplomatic Committee, was naturally present.
Siegel had also arrived and stood ahead of them.
"Is that not allowed?"
Lacus shot him a sidelong glance.
"Of course not. Lacus can go wherever she pleases."
As he spoke, He Kui discreetly took her hand in a hidden corner where no one could see.
The delicate lines of her palm and her slender, soft fingers fit perfectly within his grasp.
Startled by the sudden contact, Lacus didn't show it outwardly, but her fingers curled slightly in hesitation, her well-manicured nails grazing his palm with an almost teasing friction.
It felt like a silent flirtation.
Lacus only gave him a reproachful look with those shimmering eyes but didn't pull away.
He was always so perceptive—just from her reluctance to approach Siegel, he had sensed her lingering unease about her identity.
That thoughtfulness warmed her heart.
To everyone else, she was strong. A capable leader. An idol standing atop the heavens.
But no one saw her as someone who needed comfort.
Some, like Sulei, feared her. Most subordinates revered her. Yet none truly understood or listened to her.
Hand in hand, the two watched as the Kusanagi, resembling a gleaming sword, slowly approached the port under the grand escort of twelve Nazca-class ships.
After the docking mechanism automatically connected and the pressure valve opened, the passage gradually widened, revealing the Orb delegation with Cagalli at the center, surrounded like a constellation.
Of course, Xiao Liu, Kira, and the others remained on standby aboard the ship.
Meanwhile, Cagalli's eyes brightened slightly upon spotting He Kui, though her attention quickly returned to Siegel and Canard, who were approaching her.
"Councilor Clyne, Councilor Canard, it's a pleasure to meet you both."
The Cagalli before them now was entirely different from before.
Her polite smile was impeccable, and the crisp, tailored military uniform accentuated her poised demeanor, making her appear even more sharp and refined.
Apart from her age, it was hard to recognize the Cagalli of old.
Of course, knowing that Cagalli was currently wearing the red, eye-catching outfit he had picked out, He Kui's gaze grew noticeably warmer.
"That look in your eyes—it's like you're about to devour her right here."
Lacus delivered her merciless remark without hesitation.
"Not at all."
He Kui was confident his expression had been well-controlled. Most likely, Lacus's ability to peer into hearts was at play.
As the two spoke, they stepped forward at Siegel's subtle prompting.
"Miss Asuha, allow me to introduce my daughter, Lacus, and this is Councilor He Kui from May City."
"I've long admired both of you."
Cagalli's composure was flawless, showing no hint of any unusual relationship between them.
"Our formal negotiations with your nation will begin tomorrow. Until then, Miss Cagalli, please settle in at the hotel."
Siegel's smile carried the warmth of an elder, radiating kindness.
"Understood. Thank you for your hospitality."
Cagalli nodded earnestly before turning her gaze to He Kui, who stood beside Lacus.
"My delegation deeply regrets the incident involving Councilor He due to our negligence."
"If Councilor He would be so kind as to spare the time, might we discuss this matter further?"
Cagalli gave a slight bow, her expression conveying just the right amount of remorse.
However, to He Kui, who had spent considerable time with her, the apology seemed slightly stiff—lacking the natural ease of Lacus or the others.
Those present were momentarily stunned by Cagalli's words, their lips parting in surprise.
Erica, of course, understood immediately. Watching the two, she knew exactly what they were up to—using official business as an excuse for a date, dressing it up in such formalities.
Meanwhile, Canard and Siegel were slightly taken aback, though Cagalli's approach wasn't unreasonable.
After all, He Kui's importance couldn't be overstated—even Orb wouldn't want to antagonize him.
They likely assumed she was trying to mend relations before the negotiations began, hoping to soften his stance.
Since He Kui wasn't under their authority, they couldn't command him.
All eyes turned to He Kui, awaiting his response.
"Of course. I, too, would like to have a thorough discussion with your nation."
He Kui smiled.
Neither Erica nor the Clyne faction showed any surprise at his answer.
However, their interpretations were clearly different. The one who saw through everything most clearly was Lacus.
Only after watching the two finish their performance did she leisurely remark.
"Then I'll mediate this conversation."
"We're all around the same age anyway."
Lacus smiled adorably, her gaze fixed directly on Cagalli, leaving the younger girl momentarily speechless and unable to retort.
And so, the three-way discussion was settled amidst Cagalli's bewilderment and Lacus's smiling face.
(End of chapter)