Flay and Cagalli's Decision

After briefly considering the points that would concern Flay, Luther analyzed the pros and cons for her as follows.

"The main benefit of going to Mendel is that it is relatively safe.

After all, it is our rear guard now, unlike the Gwameir, which must always be on the front lines.

Furthermore, the living conditions at Mendel are certainly better than on the Gwameir, and there are many civilians there, so you can consider it a return to an environment similar to Heliopolis.

As for staying on the Gwameir, that would be your current life.

Moreover, if the Gwameir enters combat, there is no way to fully guarantee the safety of the residential areas.

If I had to name a benefit, it would be what we discussed when we first met: you might encounter your father on the battlefield—well, that might not necessarily be a good thing, right?"

Although Luther said a great deal, Flay seemed to have latched onto only one "keyword."

"Father? Can I meet Father if I stay on the Gwameir? Then I will stay on the Gwameir!"

"Possibly, only possibly."

Just as Luther offered this defense, Flay said something that caught everyone present quite off guard.

"Lord Luther, you are the strongest Newtype, aren't you?

Everything that has happened so far has been within your predictions, hasn't it?

So, staying on the Gwameir means I will be able to see Father, right?"

Facing Flay's moving, sincere gaze, even the battle-hardened Luther couldn't help but feel a bit swayed;

And although Flay's every statement contained "technical errors," they were "perfectly self-consistent" when combined, leaving Luther unable to explain it clearly in a few words;

Thus, Luther could only sweep the room with a look of appeal for help, but Haman and Monica were sulking and turned their heads away, Aina only smiled without speaking, and finally, Luther had to cast his gaze toward Cagalli.

"Cagalli, you are Flay's roommate; could you help me talk to her?"

"I don't care about things like this.

Isn't it fine? If Flay wants to stay, just let her stay.

I plan on staying anyway, so it's perfect—we can continue being roommates."

"Cagalli!"

Facing the surprised Flay who hugged her, Cagalli quickly reaped the consequences of her own actions.

"Let go of me, it's hot! You really should go to Mendel after all!"

This scene made Haman and Monica, who had been feigning annoyance to watch the show, laugh out loud, not to mention Aina.

Amidst the laughter, Luther turned to try and persuade Cagalli.

"Cagalli, won't you consider going to Mendel?

Not only are there more complete training facilities there, but we could also try to conduct a comprehensive Newtype ability test for you."

"No, the Gwameir is clearly more important. Let me see the manifestation of Celestial Being's philosophy and power with my own eyes.

Besides, I am quite interested in that Archangel and Kira Yamato; the Gwameir will continue to pursue them, won't it?"

It seemed Cagalli had made up her mind, and Luther, who knew her "stubborn temper" well from his memories, had no choice but to give up on further persuasion.

Just as he was about to provide a summary, the communication device on the table rang. Seeing it was a call from Tessa, Luther answered it directly and projected it onto the main screen of the reception room.

"Luther, an unarmed high-speed shuttle flying the Orb flag is approaching from the direction of Heliopolis, hoping to discuss the transfer of Orb residents, including 'Cagalli Yula,' with us."

Given the relationship between Luther and Tessa, the pleasantries were naturally omitted. Tessa simply nodded to everyone and stated the reason for the contact straightforwardly;

And although Tessa didn't explain it very clearly, Luther understood as soon as he heard it, and looking at Cagalli's expression, it was clear she understood as well.

"I'm not going back!"

Facing the look Luther cast her way, Cagalli gave a firm reply.

It seemed that compared to returning to Orb to have a proper talk with her adoptive father Uzumi, Cagalli chose to witness the philosophy and power of Celestial Being firsthand, and incidentally check on her "cheap" younger brother on the Archangel.

"Tessa, that is the situation."

Facing Luther's helpless shrug as he feigned indifference, Tessa nodded, muted the communication for a moment, and turned to deal with the other side.

She didn't keep the curious crowd waiting for long; soon, Tessa re-established the connection.

"Someone claiming to be Ledonir Kisaka has requested to board the ship. I have already granted permission. Should I have him come directly to the reception room?"

Regarding Tessa's arrangement, Luther glanced at Cagalli, who looked resistant but said nothing, and gave an affirmative response.

"Do that. Sorry for the trouble, Tessa."

Tessa nodded to Luther once more and cut the communication.

Once the call with Tessa ended, anticipating the developments to come, Aina, who was beside Luther, took the initiative to ask to leave.

"Then, Brother Luther, Ginias and I will go organize the transport and the handover of supplies first."

"Thank you for your hard work, Aina, and Brother Ginias."

Luther said this, stood up to kiss Aina goodbye, and after watching the shy Aina leave first, he nodded to Ginias as well.

After the Sahalin siblings left, Monica also stood up.

"Then I shall go ahead and make my preparations and hand over my duties."

Although Monica intended to leave after saying this, she was grabbed by Luther and, in an instant, refined—ah, no, that's not right—her body went limp from a passionate kiss.

Leaving behind a look that promised, "I'll make you pay tonight," Monica fled in a stumbling panic, faced with Luther's expectant gaze.

As for when Luther looked at Haman, who was the last one remaining, even though Flay and Cagalli were still present;

Or rather, precisely because Cagalli was present and there was a spectacle involving her to look forward to;

And because Flay's previous interaction with Luther had once again reminded Haman of that possibility, prompting her to deliberately show off;

In any case, Haman walked up and boldly embraced him, clearly with no intention of leaving.

Luther naturally accepted this with pleasure, and the two began to get intimate as if no one else were around—within limits, and with restraint, perhaps.

Under these circumstances, Flay whispered Cagalli's name.

"Cagalli..."

"It's fine, you should head back too, Flay. I'll help you analyze things and chat with you tonight."

Instead, she received a soft word of comfort from Cagalli, and Flay nodded gratefully;

And although he was busy getting intimate with Haman, having overheard the conversation between Flay and Cagalli, Luther's earlier questions were at least partially answered.

Flay was indeed receiving off-the-record assistance from Cagalli regarding "political matters," even if Cagalli herself had massive shortcomings in that area.

After Flay also bowed and departed, Haman, feeling she had achieved a major victory, intensified her interaction with Luther while occasionally glancing at Cagalli in a show of defiance;

Faced with Haman's look, which treated her like an "obstacle," Cagalli briefly avoided her gaze before locking horns with her, leaving Luther in a state that could only be described as painful yet pleasurable.