Earth Forces Pursuit

Xia Ya's gaze shifted again, this time toward the people behind him.

From the camera angle, Murrue could see that his eyes had fallen on Jiliang. Jiliang made no effort to hide her anticipation; Xia Ya's figure filled her violet eyes.

Lacus Clyne simply stood quietly, but her very presence was a silent declaration of her stance.

Murrue waited. She knew Xia Ya understood her tactical intent, but he could also feel the weight of the two gazes behind him.

On the screen, the corner of his mouth curved upward. It was an expression that blended helplessness and understanding—a wry smile.

He must have noticed. Through that small camera, Murrue could clearly see Jiliang and Lacus Clyne behind him, so he surely understood the deeper intention behind her words.

"Since Captain Murrue says so, I'll listen to you."

Xia Ya's voice came through again, steady and carrying a hint of self-mockery.

He withdrew the optimal solution based purely on reason and chose to follow Murrue's arrangement, one that placed greater emphasis on human feelings.

It was more than obedience to his captain; it was an unspoken understanding. He knew Murrue had seen the delicate position he was in and offered him a way out.

As he spoke, he turned his head slightly, his gaze meeting Jiliang's. The anticipation on her face immediately turned into pure delight. Her eyes curved into crescents, her lips lifted, and her entire presence grew lighter.

The mere fact that she could board the same warship as Xia Ya meant more to her than any tactical advantage.

Xia Ya looked at her smile, and his own expression softened with it.

It was the unconscious warmth that came from being touched by someone else's happiness. He gave Jiliang a small nod, his smile carrying a trace of