"I've been carefully considering it."
Hearing this, Lacus looked directly at Felix and spoke bluntly. In response, Felix raised his head to glance at Lacus and replied calmly.
"The time given to you is running short."
"The final deadline hasn't arrived yet."
With a slight smile, Lacus spoke frankly.
After hearing this, Felix didn't say anything more. He reached out, picked up the remote control from the coffee table, and pressed the button to turn on the display screen.
Seeing the game interface on the screen, Lacus looked at Felix with a faint smile and teased.
"Am I not more attractive than a game?"
"No!"
Upon hearing this, Felix glanced at Lacus and answered straightforwardly. Lacus was taken aback by his reply, staring at him momentarily at a loss for words.
Felix picked up the game controller, lost in thought. An idea surfaced in his mind. He smiled inwardly but maintained a calm facade as he continued.
"I have no interest in someone else's fiancée!"
As he spoke, Felix glanced at Lacus and added.
"So, aside from discussing cooperation with you, I have no interest in anything else."
At this point, Felix dropped his pretense. His expression became unusually meaningful, his smile tinged with sarcasm as he said in a teasing tone.
"You wouldn't by any chance..."
"You're overthinking it. I was just joking with you," Lacus interrupted Felix before he could finish, replying seriously and earnestly.
Seeing the earnest expression on Lacus's face, Felix chuckled. Lacus stood up, glanced at Felix, and took her leave.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be going now."
"Not going to keep joking around?" Felix teased with a smile as she prepared to leave.
Hearing this, Lacus's pretty face darkened, her voice carrying a hint of frustration.
"If I keep joking around with you here, I might end up with a reputation for being improper."
"Who told you to joke around when you had nothing better to do?" Felix replied cheerfully, his mood lifting. Lacus rolled her eyes at him, then regained her composure and checked the time.
"It really is getting late. I can't stay here any longer, or there might be problems if I'm away too long."
"Mm," Felix responded calmly, watching Lacus and advising, "Take care."
"Mm."
Nodding and acknowledging with a sound, Lacus turned and walked out of Felix's apartment. Watching her leave, Felix shifted his gaze to the screen in front of him. With his mind and body relaxed, he began playing the game.
As he played, a playful smile suddenly appeared on Felix's calm face.
"From fiancée to wanted criminal—I wonder if Athrun's heart can handle it."
...
Two days later,
PLANT Supreme Government Office Building
In the Chairman's office
"Chairman, you asked for me?"
Looking at Patrick before him, Felix inquired respectfully. Patrick raised his head and pointed to the documents on the desk.
"This is our revised combat plan. What do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Felix lowered his head to look at the folder on the table, reached out to pick it up, and began flipping through it. Seeing this, Patrick spoke up to remind him.
"Take a seat while you read."
"Thank you, Chairman."
Felix looked up at Patrick, expressed his gratitude, and pulled out a chair with one hand. Sitting down, he calmly reviewed the contents of the document.
As he read, Felix frowned.
The content wasn't entirely unchanged! Many adjustments had been made, such as shifting from a two-front operation to a strategy of diversion on one side while launching an attack on the other.
'Damn! It's still a two-pronged approach!'
He sighed inwardly.
Felix placed the document back on the table.
Noticing this, Patrick asked, "What are your thoughts after reading it?"
"Chairman, why don't we consolidate our forces and launch a fierce assault in one location? That way, we could maximize our numerical advantage."
Felix voiced his thoughts in response.
Patrick replied calmly, "The auxiliary attack tactic is one of the more commonly used strategies in military operations, and history has proven its effectiveness. Do you see any issues with this approach?"
'This...!'
Upon hearing this, Felix felt troubled, unsure how to explain or refute the point.
After all, there was nothing inherently wrong with such a tactical arrangement!
'No other reasons come to mind. I'll just speak plainly.'
After a moment of contemplation, Felix resigned himself inwardly.
He looked up at Patrick, took a deep breath, and said, "Chairman, I'm concerned that someone might leak the tactics!"
"You mean a traitor?"
Patrick's expression turned serious, his voice growing heavier. Felix met his gaze and nodded earnestly.
Seeing Felix's earnest expression, Patrick's face grew even more stern.
"Do you have any suspects?"
Just as Felix was about to mention Creuset, he realized he had no evidence. To avoid unnecessary trouble and complications, he shook his head and changed his response.
"Not at the moment, but Chairman, have you forgotten the circumstances of our operation at Endymion?"
The mention of Endymion made Patrick purse his lips. Leaning back in his chair, he fell into deep thought. After a long while, he spoke.
"You raise a valid point." Then, shifting the topic, he continued, "Therefore, before the battle officially begins, the main assault on Panama Spaceport will only be disclosed to you, aside from the members of the Defense Committee. If issues still arise, accountability will be straightforward."
'Shit!'
Felix was startled, feeling as though he had inadvertently set a trap for himself. How had the focus suddenly shifted so directly onto him?
"Chairman, what if problems arise on the feint attack side at Josh-A Base?"
Felix cautiously inquired, looking at Patrick.
In response, Patrick replied calmly, "That is not your concern. I will arrange for a thorough investigation when the time comes."
Seeing this, Felix refrained from further questions. He looked at Patrick and responded, "Understood, Chairman."
'Sigh! At this point, we can only rely on luck and hope for fewer casualties!'
As he pondered, a wave of melancholy rose in Felix's heart. His hand resting on his thigh clenched tightly into a fist before loosening weakly.
"Felix, is there anything else you wish to say?"
Seeing Felix remain silent, Patrick spoke up to inquire. Hearing this, Felix shook his head.
"Nothing more, Chairman."
"In that case, you may take your leave now."
After checking the time, Patrick organized his documents as he spoke. Felix stood up and saluted Patrick.
"I shall take my leave now, Chairman."