Then again, where in this world is there such a thing as a Flag?
With thorough preparation, death naturally doesn't come so easily.
Carelessness, on the other hand, leads to many unexpected dangers.
For this operation, he had already minimized the risks as much as possible.
He had made every preparation he could think of.
In that case, all that remained was to act decisively.
Creuset was no simple opponent. It would be difficult to move against him now, while he himself was still not fully developed.
But just as he was not yet fully developed, Creuset was also not yet the Masked Man of the future.
He did not have Patrick's trust, nor did he have an MS to pilot.
Even if it meant winning unfairly, even if it wasn't heroic, even if the methods were dirty, he needed to kill him.
This wasn't for revenge, but for the future, for his family.
As for the darkness brought by this action, let the masked Freed bear it.
It had nothing to do with him.
All he had to do was get it done.
Rejecting mental exhaustion started with him.
Fred's confusion didn't last long and was quickly dispelled by himself.
At the same time, the little fingers of the brother and sister, one big and one small, hooked tightly together, gently swaying, adding a heartwarming warmth to the air between them.
...
Amid everyone's preparations, time quickly arrived at the day of Fred's departure.
The weather inside the space colony was as clear as ever.
Having just arrived at April City, Fred took a turn midway and boarded another transport ship.
This ship was similar to the one Fred had arrived on years ago—both secretly modified.
However, its fittings were much newer, with the Mobile Suit's armaments and various equipment upgraded to the latest models.
According to PLANT's current technological advancements, this ship could be said to rival the Drake-class.
"Fred, where are you going..."
Watching the boy board another transport ship, Alec's honest face was filled with tension.
Halfway there, he realized something was off—this wasn't the way to the interior of April City at all. Moreover, Fred had disconnected his terminal, as if he were planning to run away.
If it weren't for his trust in Fred, he would have stopped him halfway.
And it didn't make sense—why would Fred suddenly abandon his family and run away?
Even if he were to consider the worst-case scenario, this was the capital of PLANT. Why would anyone choose to run away here?
Not to mention, the people along the way seemed to pay no attention.
Clearly, someone was helping him.
And that someone wasn't just anyone—it was likely someone from the Clyne Faction.
That made it even more unbelievable.
That was the Chairman—helping Fred run away?
Why would the emperor rebel?
"To Mendel. There's something I need to resolve."
As Fred finished speaking, before Alec could ask further, a small pink figure quietly drifted into view.
"Brother Fred, Uncle Alec."
"Let me explain."
Lacus smiled warmly at the two.
And the timing of the girl's appearance was indeed perfect.
If not for the appearance of Siegel's daughter, Fred alone would likely have needed to put in considerable effort to convince Alec.
And Lacus, not only was she naturally pleasing to the eye, but her voice was also exceptionally gentle, coupled with her high emotional intelligence, making her the perfect assistant for explaining such sensitive matters.
Soon, the three of them arrived together in one of the small lounges on the ship, where Lacus began to recount the details of this mission in her gentle voice.
"So, Fred is going there to eliminate a dangerous spy for PLANT?"
Deep down, Alec wanted to believe Fred, but the whole thing felt too fantastical—
like something out of a sci-fi movie.
His words now carried not only doubt but also a hint of probing.
After all, Fred was indeed working for world peace, but when had he started dealing with spies too?
It just didn't seem like Fred's usual stay-at-home style.
"Of course, but it's also for the sake of world peace."
"It'll only take three days."
"Can you trust me, Alec?"
Fred nodded, his gaze serious as he looked at his long-time bodyguard.
For a moment, silence fell over the ship's lounge.
Fred wasn't sure whether Alec believed him or not.
But if it was for Mr. Gentle, if it was to save PLANT, he felt he had already done everything he could.
And even though Alec was honest and straightforward, he was still an Ace. Having been by Fred's side all this time, he should be able to understand.
"Can't we tell Representative Zala?"
Alec asked with a bitter smile.
But the fact that he wore such an expression showed he had already accepted Fred's words in his heart.
Seeing this, Fred inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.
It would be a shame to fail before even setting out.
Even with confidence, the tension was still there.
"He might not believe it, and there are indeed some uncertainties about my departure."
Most importantly, he was afraid Patrick might see the other party as a useful talent and decide to keep him.
From analyzing various personality traits, Fred couldn't help but feel that Patrick was someone who enjoyed taking risks and was somewhat arrogant.
For now, with that aunt around, there was still someone to keep him in check.
But that didn't stop him from acting alone.
And when facing Creuset, every possibility had to be calculated as thoroughly as possible.
Otherwise, if he failed to kill Creuset and instead allowed him to gain Patrick's favor earlier, it would be nothing short of a joke.
Alec fell silent for a moment after hearing this.
"Allow me to ask you one more thing."
Alec spoke each word slowly, with unprecedented solemnity.
"You won't act against PLANT, right?"
At this moment, Alec thought of many things—the scene of Fred pushing Drake on the moon when they first met, the events he had witnessed over the years by Fred's side, and the bond they had formed.
All these factors intertwined, slowly untangling the knot of confusion in his heart.
"No, I won't. I'm working for world peace. Acting against PLANT would bring no benefit to me or the world."
Fred didn't directly say something like "for PLANT."
Who would believe that? He wouldn't even believe it himself if he said it.
Moreover, he truly had no intention of targeting PLANT—at least for now, PLANT was still manageable. Why would he go after PLANT?
"You can trust me on this."
After saying this, Fred fell silent, lowering his gaze toward the other person as if about to bow.
"Fred... what are you doing!"
Seeing his movement, Alec quickly stepped forward, placing his hands on the young man's shoulders.
"There's no need for this."
He knew the pride in Fred's heart. If it weren't genuine, Fred would never have gone this far.
It couldn't be fake.
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