"Alright..."
Lacus had no objection to eliminating a madman who would destroy the world, but she feared Fred might use this as an excuse to remove dissidents.
However, Fred's current determination had already won her trust.
Yet this matter was too significant - her personal trust alone was practically useless.
"I'll do my best to help you."
After a moment of contemplation, Lacus soon revealed an adorable smile again.
"If I become an idol, you have to be my first fan, brother~"
She changed the subject. Though the shift was obvious, her smile made people overlook the awkwardness.
"No problem."
Watching Fred nod in agreement, Lacus, having achieved the purpose of her visit, gave a slight bow before turning to leave.
Regarding that clone, they still hadn't uncovered any information.
But judging by Fred's foresight and his recent words,
That clone was likely a genuine major threat.
Yet what exactly was Fred's vision of peace? What kind of threat did he believe Creuset posed?
These were all matters worth investigating.
After all, someone like Fred probably held an almost obsessive perspective about the peace he pursued.
Just like the mentor.
However...
She was quite looking forward to it.
Thinking this, Lacus's lips curved slightly upward, and even her footsteps became noticeably lighter.
...
"Director Shiva! Who is this Freed? Why are we being reassigned?"
Inside May City's covert research facility, a blond young man named Albert Heinlein was wide-eyed as he confronted the director before him.
Standing before the young man was a capable silver-haired woman.
"I understand your dissatisfaction, but that's also an important research project - focused on the development of Mobile Suit and Battleship Engines."
Shiva responded calmly.
"With just a few people, what kind of development can we achieve?"
Heinlein complained discontentedly.
Including Director Freed himself, it was just a five-person research team, with Director Freed giving remote commands.
No matter how he looked at it, this felt more like exile than an important assignment.
"Freed is an important talent for us. Your mission includes both assisting the research and monitoring him."
"This shows the higher-ups' trust in you."
Shiva's stern face maintained its composure.
"...What's Freed's background?"
Understanding something from his superior's words, Albert frowned deeply.
To think they wanted him, Deputy Director directly under Director Shiva, to conduct surveillance...
Before coming here, he had thought this was either his exile or some assignment to accompany some rich kid.
But according to Shiva's words now, he was actually being tasked with monitoring this man called Freed.
"That's not something you need to know, and this matter absolutely must not be leaked."
"Understood!"
Under Shiva's serious tone, the young man instinctively straightened his back.
"Then... what if his research shows no progress?"
Not maintaining the seriousness for long, Albert followed up.
He didn't know who this person was, but wasn't it too extravagant to waste an elite like himself as his assistant?
"We'll report back and make our own judgment."
Shiva replied with an expressionless face as usual.
"Any other questions?"
"None."
Upon hearing this, Albert shook his head as well.
"Prepare quickly then, report for duty in three days."
"Yes!"
Faced with his superior's serious demeanor, Albert didn't say anything more.
Since Shiva had made things this clear, he could only join.
He wondered what background this Fred character had.
While they were speaking, Fred had unusually returned to the Agricultural Research Center.
The team members were momentarily stunned to see this rare visitor who had taken several days of unexplained leave.
Imanla walked forward with a happy expression.
"Freed, you're back~!"
Along with the girl's words, the familiar scent of apples drifted into Fred's nostrils.
"Yes, I'm back."
Fred smiled.
Soon, more and more people came up to greet Fred and ask about his wellbeing.
He was quite popular here - in others' eyes, he was completely a hardworking, studious, friendly young man always willing to help others.
Coupled with his permanent hereditary eye disease, this added a touch of tragedy to the youth, making him even more popular.
Not to mention that Fred's official reason for taking leave was indeed health-related.
"Fred, you're finally back."
"We thought you were going to resign."
"How are your eyes?"
"Thank you for your concern, nothing too serious."
Facing everyone's care, the young man's smile brightened even more.
"But according to the doctor, I'll probably need to reduce my working hours here from now on."
Of course Fred couldn't just leave outright - on the surface, he would still work here, just splitting his time in half.
Half here, the other half at home developing the Engine.
This posed no problem for Fred.
In fact, he welcomed it.
After all, every research project drove his own progress.
"Take care of your health."
"That's right, the work will never be finished."
"Okay, thank you."
Facing everyone's concern, Fred's smile gained more warmth.
Not far away, watching the surrounded young man, Imanla maintained a faint smile but felt quite complex inside.
As a Double Agent, she actually didn't have much information, since communication was often single-channel.
But clearly, Fred leaving here was most likely to focus on other matters.
And he was still a Natural.
His abilities were almost unnaturally strong.
It's just a pity he didn't seem interested in her.
But this definitely wasn't due to any lack of charm on her part, Imanla thought.
This kind of genius probably had no room for romance in his heart, only grand ambitions.
Perhaps before long, he would reach heights she couldn't hope to attain.
Thinking this, the girl directed a bright, beautiful smile toward Fred.
"Take care of your health, Freed."
"Hmm? Okay."
Seeing the girl's smile from not far away, Fred nodded and chuckled.
He had guessed she was a spy.
But since she hadn't acted against him - or perhaps this was just necessary protocol - he didn't pay it any mind.
As for the other party's intentions, Fred couldn't distinguish whether they were genuine or not, but continuing to improve himself was sufficient for now.
This was far from the time for romance.
It would be too much of a waste of time.
After all, this wasn't the old society - if women wanted men, they should take the initiative themselves. Secret crushes would never lead anywhere.
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