"So, this is Xu De, right?"
Halberton, who had just adjourned the meeting, looked at the two people before him, then at the footage from the black box of the Moebius Xu De had piloted. A warm smile appeared on his face.
It was just like the expression Xu De had seen in the story.
The kind of look someone gave a promising soldier—or subordinate.
At Halberton's words, Xu De straightened up again.
"Yes, sir!"
"Mm."
Halberton looked at Xu De's ramrod-straight posture and nodded in approval.
"I've already heard the details from Cook."
"I'll make sure your achievements aren't overlooked. Of course, there's no way we can publicize them on a grand scale."
Xu De replied, "I don't mind."
He genuinely didn't care whether anyone knew.
He was used to it, after all.
In his previous life, he had been able to protect the things he cared about in silence, remaining unknown.
In this life, he still hadn't decided what he wanted to protect or what he was fighting for, but he didn't care about hollow fame, either.
What mattered most were the benefits he could secure and his future.
So what if he became a hero? To them, a dead hero was just material for propaganda.
Rather than a hero, Xu De would rather become a conqueror in troubled times.
Heroes were indeed remembered throughout history, but conquerors were the ones who won in the end.
"Mm."
The more Halberton looked at Xu De's resolve, the more he liked him.
Xu De's lack of interest in hollow fame earned him considerable points in Halberton's eyes.
"So, what are your plans for the future?"
Revil stepped forward. "If you'll pardon my frankness, Admiral, Xu De wants to pilot a Mobile Suit."
Halberton looked at Xu De. "Is that true?"
"Yes, sir!" Xu De answered loudly.
"Hmm..."
Halberton fell silent for a moment. The atmosphere in the office grew increasingly tense before he finally spoke again.
"I'll consider it."
"I'll also inform you of your rewards separately."
"You're dismissed."
With that, Halberton saluted the two men, bringing their conversation to an end.
Xu De didn't press him for a definite answer. He returned the salute alongside Revil, then turned to leave.
"Judging by the admiral's expression, there was probably progress on that Mobile Suit development plan at the meeting."
"You showed up at just the right time, kid."
"Looks promising, but they'll probably need to evaluate things before they can decide."
As soon as they stepped outside, Revil's expression turned eager.
"I have you to thank for that."
At Revil's words, even the usually composed Xu De let the corners of his mouth lift slightly.
He had completed most of this step.
Next came specialized training in Mobile Suit piloting.
Ordinarily, Naturals couldn't control Mobile Suits before Kira and Lowe came along.
But he wasn't an ordinary Natural. Even if he wasn't a Newtype, he still had a chance to learn.
That said, it would be a huge undertaking.
It wouldn't happen quickly, but at least he had time now.
All that remained was to wait for Halberton's response.
Thinking this over, Xu De added, "By the way, sir, have you considered transferring to Halberton's command?"
The Third Fleet wasn't somewhere he planned to stay for long. He also intended to get Hans and the others transferred to another fleet.
No matter which fleet they went to, it would be dangerous.
But the Eighth Fleet had Halberton. If Xu De became a Gundam pilot, his status would rise, and he would naturally be considered one of Halberton's people.
If circumstances allowed, he could ask Halberton to take the others in for a while.
As for the Eighth Fleet being wiped out during the orbital battle, that would happen later.
You ate your meals one bite at a time and walked your road one step at a time.
For now, it was enough to know this was a good opportunity.
"The Eighth Fleet?"
Revil looked surprised, then shook his head.
"To be honest, I haven't decided yet."
"Understood."
Hearing Revil's answer, Xu De said no more.
Revil was a lieutenant colonel. Though he was amiable, there were six or seven ranks between them.
No matter how talented Xu De was, he was still just a lowly sergeant.
If he kept going on about it, Revil would only think he was meddling without understanding the situation.
And the truth was, except for major events, Xu De knew little about the specifics of military matters. He should leave it at that.
While Xu De was making plans, Bella, who had been waiting in the corridor, came up to the young man, trailing a waft of fragrance.
"Xu~ How did it go? Are you a Mobile Suit pilot now?"
Bella approached him with easy enthusiasm, her hands behind her back and her body leaning forward slightly.
Her beaming smile was bright and clear as the morning sun.
"Not yet. They're still considering it," Xu De said.
"Aw, but you're so amazing!"
Bella's beautiful lips puckered slightly, lending her radiant face a touch of adorable contrast.
Bella's reasoning was simple.
Xu De had taken down two Ginns all by himself. If they still wouldn't let him pilot a Mobile Suit, where was the justice in that?
"The admiral has his own considerations."
"All right, Xu's tired too. Let him go back to his room and rest."
Cook seemed satisfied that Xu De wasn't getting handsy with the girl. He stepped forward and spoke.
"See you later, Xu~!"
Bella waved reluctantly.
"All right, Miss Bella."
"Just call me Bella~"
As she spoke, Bella seemed to remember something. She rummaged in her jacket pocket, took out a slip of paper with a string of numbers written on it, and held it out on her fair, delicate palm.
"Here's my number. See you on the Moon~!"
"I'll make sure to repay you for saving my life~!"
Without waiting for Xu De to answer, she pressed the slip into his hand. Then, blushing, she turned and ran off.
"I'll see you out," Cook said, giving Xu De a long look.
The coldness in his voice had eased a little, and the disdain was gone, but he was still neither overly eager nor obsequious.
Of course, it would have been absurd for a commissioned officer to suck up to a mere sergeant like him.
Commissioned officers weren't exactly a dime a dozen.
And Cook clearly seemed like a practical officer, much like Revil.
Each of them had powerful connections and the ability to back them up.
At most, Cook had begun to accept Xu De.
Respect had to be earned.
Value came from one's own strength.
Xu De didn't think he would stop here.
"Let's go, then. We'll head back and get some proper rest."
Revil patted Xu De on the shoulder, a kind smile on his face.
It wasn't a broad smile, but it showed that he cared.
"Sorry for the trouble, sir!"
"Thank you!"
Xu De answered earnestly.
"Don't mention it. You came up through the Third Fleet, too."
"We don't know how long it'll take to reorganize the fleet. You've helped make a name for us, so you've carried on our legacy."
As Revil spoke, his smile faded a little. He leaned close and quietly warned Xu De, "And I'll look into Bella's situation for you. Don't make any moves for now."
"I understand."
Xu De lowered his eyes as he put away the slip of paper, which still carried a faint trace of the girl's fragrance.
He didn't have any improper thoughts about Bella. He didn't know her yet, and he hadn't fallen for her at first sight.
Even people meeting through a matchmaker went out to dinner a few times first, let alone someone whose connections he knew nothing about.
Compared to a pie falling from the sky, this felt more like a double-edged sword.
The story of a poor young man turning his life around overnight after a rich heiress took an interest in him mostly belonged in fairy tales.
Unless the heiress had earned her own money and spent it as she pleased.
Otherwise, the family behind a rich heiress was an important factor that couldn't be ignored.
Families cared about profit.
In fact, it was precisely because they were families or companies that they cared even more about profit.
So, whether he considered their feelings or the risks involved, he needed to learn more about her personality and background before making any decisions.
And ultimately, what mattered most was his own strength. Most of his time still needed to go toward training.
"I trust you to handle this."
Hearing Xu De's almost excessively calm reply, Revil shrugged in relief.
Before you continue