Canard's Suspicion

Xia Ya held out his hand, his eyes fixed on Sven's. Sven's sudden appearance back then had indeed shaken him. This character, who should not have appeared at this point in time, had made him doubt the "plot" he knew so well. The feeling had been deeply unreal.

But now, as he held this hand and felt the will contained within it, he finally felt it was real. There was another true companion, one with a will of his own.

The atmosphere in the meeting room changed completely because of that handshake.

The previous solemnity and oppression vanished, replaced by a subtle, newborn sense of possibility. Mu watched the scene before him, a faint, relieved smile appearing on his face. He might not have fully understood Xia Ya's actions, but he could see the result. A good result.

The conversation ended there, and the impromptu post-battle meeting was adjourned. Everyone rose, preparing to return to their respective duties. Repairing mobile suits, treating the wounded, analyzing the battle—there was still far too much to do.

Xia Ya released Sven's hand, nodded to him, then turned and walked toward Jiliang and Lacus Clyne.

"I'll return to the Dominion first. There's still some data that needs sorting out," he told them.

"Mm, be careful on the way," Jiliang replied softly. Her gaze remained fixed on Xia Ya, carrying a complex emotion even she could not explain.

Lacus Clyne smiled. "You have worked hard, Lord Xia Ya. Your words carry more power than any weapon."

Xia Ya smiled noncommittally. After saying goodbye to them, he headed toward the meeting room exit.

However, just as he was about to leave through the doors, his steps paused. Rather than following Mu and the others who were preparing to return to the bridge, he broke away from