After hearing Fred's detailed explanation, Siegel indeed felt somewhat reassured.
If Fred had immediately asked for so many personnel to carry out some inexplicable plan, he would certainly have been concerned. But now, every step was within the other party's plan, and the initial phase didn't require high costs—simply spreading the message to intelligence brokers was achievable.
"However, please do not conduct surveillance on Creuset. Just maintain the highest level of secrecy," Fred added.
At this point, any misstep could alert Creuset. He didn't want Creuset to escape. Minimal monitoring to see if the message prompted any preparations for a trip to Mendel would suffice.
"Alright."
Seeing the young man's serious demeanor, Siegel was surprised by how much Fred knew, but he trusted him nonetheless. After all, he had verified that the two were complete strangers, and Fred had no reason to harm a masked man without cause. It couldn't be jealousy over both wearing masks, could it?
With these thoughts in mind, Siegel faced Fred's confident expression and said nothing more. In the past, he would have refused outright—such an elaborate plan couldn't proceed based solely on Fred's assumptions. But Fred had already delivered too many shocks and miracles. So, taking a gamble wasn't entirely out of the question.
If Fred was right, then the man named Creuset posed an immense danger.
"Will Mendel really be attacked?" Siegel finally asked.
"Yes, it's only a matter of time. That company alone can't defend it," Fred replied.
"And now PLANT needs to consolidate," Siegel added.
He had to admit, the first half of Fred's plan seemed quite sophisticated. Such a mix of truth and deception made the trap far more convincing than fabricated intelligence.
"Exactly," Fred nodded and continued, "I have one more request."
"What is it?" Siegel asked curiously.
"I want to go there myself and confront Creuset. That's the only way to expose his flaws."
Hearing this, Siegel was stunned. In his view, Fred valued his life—at least, he would never take unnecessary risks unless absolutely forced. But Fred's words shattered his understanding of the young man's character.
"You said he's dangerous, didn't you?" Siegel remarked.
"Yes, that's why I need enough personnel arranged. I can participate remotely via audio from Mendel."
As for why not control it remotely from PLANT, it was mainly because remote control technology hadn't yet advanced enough. While live streaming was possible, there would still be a delay of several minutes, not to mention the higher data transmission demands for real-time remote control. To ensure nothing went wrong, going there in person was acceptable—provided it was safe enough. That was precisely why sufficient personnel were needed, enough to handle any potential attack by Blue Cosmos on Mendel.
The existence of the Clyne Faction can minimize the occurrence of dangers to the greatest extent.
As for the remaining risks, if the big boss can be dealt with in advance, some risks are completely worth taking.
If he simply stayed here, he would also find it difficult to take action against Creuset.
Under such surveillance, if he suddenly killed someone, it wouldn't just be a matter of how, with his current Ace-level abilities, he could secretly kill the big boss without being noticed under Alec's watch, nor would it just be about whether he might be killed by Creuset instead.
Even if he succeeded, even if his value made them overlook his actions, he would undoubtedly be placed under stricter surveillance, become a target of suspicion for Patrick and others, and might even be permanently confined here.
If he wanted to act with justification, the best approach would naturally be to rely on the power of the Clyne Faction.
However, although Lacus already trusted him, the Clyne Faction was not the same.
He had to expose Creuset's mask, reveal the threat Creuset posed to the future, and even prove that Creuset was colluding with the enemy, acting as a spy, demonstrating that his danger reached a level that threatened the world—only then could he achieve his goal of killing him with justification.
But this trip to Mendel also had its own purpose for him. Perhaps he could obtain data on the Ultimate Coordinator or information on Orga's Coordinator.
Either one would be extremely important.
This was also the last chance before Mendel's destruction.
As for preventing Mendel's destruction, he couldn't think of any way to do so.
However, the approximate time of its destruction was in 68, and unless his butterfly effect had taken hold, this operation shouldn't pose too much danger.
While Fred was once again going over his plans in his mind, Siegel was still deep in thought, but Lacus tugged at his sleeve.
"Alright."
In the end, under his daughter's gaze, Siegel agreed.
However, the gentleness on his face gradually gave way to seriousness.
"But this time, our goal is only one: to figure out Creuset's intentions and abilities. If it truly is as you said, we will eliminate the danger in its cradle."
"Understood."
Fred nodded in agreement.
At the same time, he cast a grateful glance toward Lacus.
He knew what Siegel had been hesitating about—the fear that he might run away.
Although his family was here, making it generally impossible for him to flee, if Patrick were to find out, it could still create some risk of driving a wedge between their cooperation.
Lacus's assistance also highlighted the importance of her trust.
Although the girl was still young, her influence and the help she could provide were already significant.
If things continued like this, by the year 70, Lacus's assistance to him would undoubtedly be even greater.
This further emphasized that his choice had indeed been the right one.
"Send the investigation report of this incident to both Patrick and me. We will follow up on the spy matter."
"I will prepare for the plan. The development of the MS must not fall behind."
Siegel gave Lacus a helpless glance before turning to Fred, finishing his words, and then leaving.
...
"Do you think Fred can be trusted?"
On the departing shuttle, Siegel looked at his obedient daughter beside him and asked.
"Yes, he can."
"He didn't lie."
"Above Mendel, we can also verify Fred's words."
"If it truly is as he says, I see no issue with placing complete trust in him."
Lacus said earnestly.
Siegel, after a moment of silence, felt somewhat awkward.
He had just thought his daughter was developing feelings.
After all, she had previously refused the arranged marriage, and just now she had been supporting Fred's words.
That was also why he was uncertain.
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