'Mentor' and 'Home'

With Luther having spoken to this extent, the "Professor" could no longer afford to keep playing word games.

"I have grown accustomed to my own lax ways, so I must humbly decline your kind offer."

"As for my rather timely appearance this time, while I am not privy to the intelligence sources of others, I personally received a private commission from the Morgenroete of Orb. I originally came here to recover the Astray series mobile suits developed by Morgenroete, which I believe have now been recovered by your side."

At the "Professor's" finally candid response, Luther nodded slightly.

The "private" party behind the "private commission" the "Professor" mentioned was likely Erica Simmons, one of the primary designers and development leads for the G-Project and the Astray series, who was actually a Coordinator posing as a Natural while serving at Orb's Morgenroete.

She certainly had the capability and the motive to issue such a commission. Although there were still many questionable details, those could likely be attributed to the internal power struggles within Orb that were only briefly touched upon in the original history.

However, considering the perspective of Director Erica Simmons, while the "Professor" also claimed to be a Natural, whether that was truly the case remained open to debate.

Of course, for a "Newtype" like Luther and the Luther Fleet, this question was not actually all that important.

While Luther was thinking this, Tessa repeated to the "Professor" the response she had previously given to the request from Morgenroete.

"We have already responded to the request from those claiming to be Orb's Morgenroete: 'Lord Sahaku' has been killed for attacking our forces, and we will return the Astray series to Orb ourselves. Please stay tuned to the news!"

"Is that so? Very well, I understand."

Regarding this response, which should have been quite shocking, the "Professor's" demeanor remained nonchalant.

Judging by Tessa's expression, it was clear that the difference in attitude between the "Professor's" response and the "Morgenroete's" request left Tessa slightly puzzled, so Luther promptly used his Newtype abilities to explain it to her.

The ones who contacted us earlier were likely the 'Sahaku Faction,' who led the cooperation on the 'G-Project' and secretly developed the Astray series. The commission the Professor accepted likely came from the 'Athha' faction, who hold power on the surface, while Morgenroete, which is effectively owned by the Orb government, only ostensibly accepted the production contract.

Although Luther's explanation lacked many details, it was enough for Tessa to piece together most of the truth.

What was slightly surprising was that the "Professor" seemed to sense the exchange between Luther and Tessa; perhaps she possessed the potential of a Newtype herself.

On the other side, having actually achieved a primary goal—even if the result was not ideal—the "Professor" still seemed much more relaxed.

"Thank you both for being willing to see a small fry like me despite your busy schedules."

"Although I must humbly decline Lord Luther's kind offer due to my own lax nature, if there is anything you require my services for, and if I can be of help, I will certainly do my utmost to handle it for you. I also hope you will continue to look after my business in the future."

Although the Professor said this as a polite formality to indicate that her "business" was concluded, for Luther, there was indeed one matter that required the help of a neutral faction like the "Junk Guild."

Therefore, following the "Professor's" pleasantries, Luther put forward a very clear request.

"If you can say that, 'Professor,' it would be a great help."

"Beyond the ordinary business with the 'Junk Guild,' there is indeed one thing I need to ask of you. I wonder if you could pass a message to 'Mentor Malchio' for me, saying that I wish to have a talk with him."

"As for the specific time, we will visit Earth in person when the conditions are right."

At Luther's request, the "Professor" was clearly a little surprised and had to confirm it with Luther.

"Lord Luther, by 'Mentor,' do you mean 'Mentor Malchio'?"

"I imagine that if there is no one else, it must be the person you are referring to, 'Professor.' After all, if one mentions the 'Professor' of the 'Junk Guild,' it wouldn't point to anyone else, would it?"

Faced with Luther's slightly teasing words, after a moment of thought, the "Professor" nodded to accept the commission, without questioning the details of Luther's vague message.

With both sides having settled their "major concerns," the rest was just ordinary business.

Therefore, after the exchange between Luther and the "Professor," Tessa discussed the details of the "barter" trade with her.

On this topic, both the "Luther Fleet," which needed a stable supply channel for materials, and the "Junk Guild," which stood to gain from military supplies, mobile suits, and the intelligence on the Luther Fleet that came with them, were very sincere. Thus, despite some friction over prices and complications in delivery methods, they reached a verbal agreement that should be quite binding.

However, after concluding all these talks, as she stood up to leave and the officer opened the Gate of Opening to signal the "Professor" to follow, the "Professor" suddenly turned back to ask Luther a question.

"Although it is a bit late to ask, Lord Luther, how should I explain your identity to the 'Mentor'?"

Luther reached out to let Tessa use him for support as she stood, then turned his head to reply to the "Professor" with the same words.

"Please stay tuned to the news. I think you will know very soon."

--Later, Home--

Returning to the "Home," the "Professor" was warmly welcomed by her companions.

Juri Wu Nien, who usually lacked self-confidence, was able to perform normally when dealing with an acquaintance like the "Professor."

"Welcome back, Professor. How did the meeting go?"

"It went quite smoothly. The other side doesn't seem to lean toward any particular faction, and their hospitality and attitude were very candid and kind."

After the "Professor" responded, she turned to look at Lowe Guele, who was actually responsible for the work.

"Sorry, Lowe, it seems you won't have a chance to try piloting the Astray Gundam. Also, could you please help me open the public channel?"

Although slightly disappointed by the "Professor's" words, Lowe Guele still followed her request and opened the public channel on the large screen.

The "Professor" did not have to wait long. Soon, Lord Luther, whom she had been meeting with just a short while ago, appeared on the screen.

Sitting by a fireplace, Luther was surrounded by several women, including Captain Tessa, who had also participated in the meeting. On the wall above the fireplace hung a large oil painting of a dignified middle-aged man who bore a striking resemblance to Luther.

Without keeping the Professor waiting long, Luther got straight to the point and began his first public appearance and shocking speech, addressed to everyone including the Earth Alliance and Plant, whether Natural or Coordinator.