After hearing the report, Felix lightly tapped the armrest.
At Yakin Due Fortress, Patrick Zala, who was being held under guard, watched Felix on the screen before turning to Phipps.
"May I exchange a few words with Felix?"
At Patrick Zala's request, Phipps turned toward him. Just as he was about to speak, Felix's voice rang out.
"Of course we should grant the Speaker's request."
Hearing this, Phipps tactfully stepped back, leaving Patrick Zala room to speak.
Looking at Felix, Patrick Zala said,
"When you sent your people to seize power, the Earth Alliance had already requested negotiations, and Joule had begun talks with them."
Felix listened and replied calmly.
"The negotiations won't end satisfactorily. The pain they've suffered so far isn't enough to make those people in the Earth Alliance truly understand how much it hurts."
Patrick Zala nodded in agreement.
"I wholeheartedly agree with you on that!"
Hearing his agreement, Felix raised an eyebrow and smiled.
"Speaker, what are you planning to do?"
"The same thing you have in mind!"
Patrick Zala looked at Felix, a rare smile breaking through his stern expression as he spoke.
Their unspoken accord made Felix smile.
He turned his gaze to Phipps and instructed him.
"Don't make things too difficult for the Speaker."
"Rest assured, Captain. We won't."
Phipps nodded as he replied.
Hearing his response, Felix turned back to Patrick Zala and spoke apologetically.
"Speaker, I'm very sorry about this, but I have my own considerations. I hope you'll understand."
Patrick Zala smiled at that but said nothing.
A long silence settled between them. After it had lasted a while, Patrick Zala broke it.
"Felix, I want to know whether you share the Clyne Faction's hopeful outlook!"
"I don't think the way the Clyne Faction does."
Felix smiled and shook his