Sitting under the familiar pavilion, looking at the scenery that had not been seen for a long time but still the same as before, Athrun regained some of the past feelings, and prepared to have a casual chat with Lacus over tea.
Because it is a simulated environment, the spring breeze in February also looks so soft;
The smell of the "artificial sea" comes to your face with the fragrance of flowers in the garden, which is so comfortable that people can't help but relax.
As a man, Athrun naturally has the consciousness to actively look for topics;
Just thinking about it carefully, I found that I had no suitable topic to chat with Lacus, so I finally chose the topic of work to start with without any difficulty.
"Coming here when you are busy with the memorial ceremony for the anniversary of the Junius Seven incident must cause trouble for your work, right?"
"It's okay."
Lacus poured black tea for Athrun, pushed the cup over, and then picked up the topic chosen by Athrun.
"Being able to have a good chat with you today, I think I will be able to better report to Aunt Lenore when I formally comfort the soul."
Athrun seemed a little overwhelmed by Lacus's close response;
So after taking a sip of black tea to buy time, he still only gave a formulaic response.
"Sorry for your trouble, Lacus."
In this regard, Lacus's choice is to further express his closeness.
"And I've been looking forward to meeting you for a long time. It's great that everyone can have time this time.
Although I have to prepare for the memorial ceremony later, Athrun, you should be able to take some rest recently, right?"
"Well, about this..."
Faced with Lacus's 'question', Athrun put down the black tea cup in his hand and gave a rather military answer.
"Although Commander Creuset Team said that he would take 5 days off to prepare the mobile suit, it was just a reservation after all.
The battle on the frontline is always going on, and we can't stay in the rear all the time."
At this time, the wild birds, which could almost be said to be pet birds fed by Lacus, discovered the existence of Lacus and flew to the tea table without fear of danger;
Under Athrun's slightly curious gaze, Lacus broke off a piece of biscuit and put it in his hand to feed the birds, while echoing Athrun's topic in a calm but slightly sad tone.
"During this period, it seems that the army is recruiting more personnel.
Many of my friends have finally decided to volunteer to join the military after this school year.
I always feel that the war shows no signs of stopping, but is getting bigger and bigger..."
Facing the sad Lacus, looking at the birds pecking at the cookie crumbs, Athrun's voice also became deeper, feeling that he seemed to have done something wrong.
"Actually, that may be the case..."
Facing Athrun's low response that seemed thoughtful, Lacus briefly showed a serious expression;
Then before Athrun discovered it, Lacus changed into a cheerful tone and started a new topic along with the previous conversation.
"Speaking of which, I heard that you had a fight with Mr. Luther·Deikun from 'Celestial Being'?
His 'Celestial Being Formation Declaration' caused a big commotion, and his friends also gave mixed reviews to his 'Harem Declaration'.
In Athrun's opinion, what kind of person do you think he is?"
"'Harem Declaration?'"
Lacus could understand both the first and last sentences Athrun said, but the content in the middle that was supposed to be the core of the topic was beyond Athrun's understanding.
Faced with Athrun who had 'don't understand' written on his face but seemed 'kind', Lacus explained to him in an increasingly cheerful tone.
"That, that's it. Didn't that Luther·Deikun say it at the end of "Celestial Being Formation Declaration"?
'I want to tell you here that the reason why we can believe in the prophecy of my father Deikun and form the private armed force 'Celestial Being' is because I, as well as many lovers, friends and colleagues in 'Celestial Being', are exactly the 'Newtype' predicted by my father.'
So you see, he said openly and honestly, 'The many lovers in 'Celestial Being'', isn't this an obvious 'harem declaration'?"
Faced with Lacus's gossip topic, although it was not taken out of context, but it clearly misses the point, Athrun really didn't know how to respond;
So Athrun racked his brains to come up with a response. In fact, it can be said that he did not answer the question - at least on the surface, that is the case.
"Your Excellency Luther is a wonderful person.
Although I met him for the first time in a life-and-death battle on the battlefield.
But surprisingly, I don't think he is a hateful enemy;
On the contrary, I don't know why, but I think he should be an interesting person.
As for the 'harem declaration' you mentioned, to be honest, I haven't noticed it before;
Moreover, apart from Mr. Luther·Deikun, I have not come into contact with anyone else who is 'Celestial Being'.
So if you ask me to comment, I can't say anything more."
Lacus smiled and listened to Athrun's first-hand information about 'Celestial Being' and Luther;
And following Athrun's tone, the topic shifted to the concept of 'Celestial Being'.
"Hey, Athrun, you think he is an interesting person.
So, what do you think of the concept proposed by Luther·Deikun?
It's that 'real enemy', and 'working together towards the future of the universe' and so on."
When Lacus touched the edge of the tea cup and asked with curious eyes, Athrun didn't think much about it.
"About this, the most incomprehensible thing is why he thinks that Creuset Team is the culprit, right?
He is obviously such a kind and kind person who takes the lead, cares about his subordinates, directs calmly, and is kind and kind..."
After first expressing his opinion about the length of Creuset Team, Athrun continued to answer as Lacus still looked at him curiously.
"As for the logo, to be honest, I didn't know there was such an organization before 'Celestial Being Formation Declaration';
But when I heard what 'Celestial Being' said, it seemed to make sense. It was indeed the same thing.
And working together towards the future of the universe is also a good vision, if only things could really be as 'Celestial Being' said."
After answering the two points that Lacus summed up well by "accidentally", Athrun muttered to himself again.
"If it can really be realized, there will be no need to fight Kira on the battlefield..."
"Did you say anything else?"
Athrun's whisper naturally attracted inquiries from Lacus who was right next to him;
Facing Lacus's smile, Athrun did not feel that he should discuss irrelevant Kira topics with Lacus.
"No, it's nothing.
In short, except for the part about the length of Creuset Team, I think there is nothing wrong with what 'Celestial Being' said, but that's about it.
After all, the vision of the 'Council' back then was equally 'beautiful and moving', but the result was...!"
Athrun has said so, so Lacus can't go any further into this topic.