After discussing plans with Luo along the way, He Kui had finally completed a full tour of the estate.
First and foremost, the large iron gate at the entrance provided almost zero security. Basic defensive measures were necessary—especially to deter intruders from simply climbing over.
The locals had no idea who lived here, and the general standard of living wasn't great.
The reason the estate hadn't been robbed before was simply that all valuables had already been stolen long ago.
Now that someone had moved in, thieves would likely try again.
And there was always the possibility of special forces infiltrating the estate.
"I'll leave it to you."
He Kui entrusted the matter to Luo.
Since he wouldn't always be around, Luo would oversee the backpack system project, while He Kui would provide data and micro-operation technical support.
In return, whenever Luo was available, he'd help fortify the estate.
It was a clear and efficient division of labor.
"Leave it to me."
After saying goodbye to Luo for now, He Kui turned toward the young girl who had been following closely behind him.
"Elena, why don't you and your family move in here? It should be safer than the base, and the environment is nice."
"Really?!"
Hearing He Kui directly address the issue she had been worried about, Elena's face lit up with joy as she eagerly nodded.
"Also, while I'm away, I'll be counting on you to look after the place."
"Away?"
Elena's cheerful mood vanished instantly. She tensed up and grabbed onto He Kui's hand nervously.
"Where are you going?"
"Just in my room. You can always contact me through the wrist communicator like before."
"Oh… Okay…"
---
A Shift in PLANT's Political Landscape
"Recently, the Atlantic Federation has issued a 'you're either with us or against us' ultimatum to all neutral nations."
"The war has already inflicted devastating losses on both sides. Countless lives have been lost, homes destroyed, and families torn apart. In such circumstances, any extreme rhetoric or actions will only escalate the conflict and bring more suffering to innocent people."
"Therefore, we call upon the Atlantic Federation and all warring nations to set aside their hostilities, come to the negotiating table, and resolve their differences through diplomacy."
"Furthermore, we urge the international community to take an active role in facilitating peace. At this critical moment, any external interference or provocation is reckless and irresponsible, as it will only increase tensions further."
The televised speech echoed through the room.
Shi He frowned in dissatisfaction, clearly displeased with this pro-Klein Faction rhetoric.
"What's the point of negotiating?!"
"But if we don't, even more people might die. Besides, they're also threatening Orb and other neutral nations."
Su Lei countered, her voice firm.
"Saying this now just makes us look weak—especially with the Neutron Jammer Cancellers in play."
Watching the two women argue from different political perspectives, He Kui sighed inwardly.
Without hesitation, he took action, silencing them both in a very physical way.
"Ugh! You still had food in your mouth!"
Su Lei protested, furiously wiping her lips.
"That's why I told you to focus on eating."
He Kui rolled his eyes and lectured them both.
"PLANT's media and public sentiment are gradually shifting toward the Klein Faction. That's just the reality."
"More and more people want peace."
Blood runs hot, but when emotions cool, people seek stability.
That was exactly what was happening in PLANT right now.
"You can't expect an entire population to stay fired up forever—that's simply not how human psychology works."
"That said, the Zala Faction won't let the Atlantic Federation attack us so easily."
He Kui offered a balanced take, calming both sides of the debate.
"It's normal to have political disagreements, but we're not politicians."
Both women were on his side, yet their ideologies didn't always align.
More importantly, this news wasn't good.
The Atlantic Federation was making a move against neutral nations.
However, it was also clear that the Earth Alliance was fractured—it had no real unity.
The so-called Earth Alliance was essentially just the Atlantic Federation and half of the Eurasian Federation.
East Asia had practically withdrawn from the conflict altogether.
That was better than expected.
"Hmm…"
Seeing both women lower their heads in thought, He Kui pushed aside his concerns for now and let a playful smirk creep onto his face.
"If you two really want to argue, let's take it to the bedroom."
"Whoever wins gets to be right. How about that?"
"…You're suggesting we settle a serious political debate in bed?!"
Su Lei's face turned bright red, completely flustered.
"Lei Lei, you're still so shy."
Shi He chuckled teasingly.
"We've been through so much together, yet you still get embarrassed?"
He Kui put down his chopsticks and casually placed his hand on Su Lei's shoulder.
"S-Shi He!"
Flustered and unable to resist, Su Lei instinctively called for help.
"Honestly, He Kui has a point."
Shi He had cooled down from their earlier argument and now wore a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Of course you'd say that—you're a stamina freak!"
Su Lei looked devastated.
If the debate was settled physically, then she was doomed.
She was up against a Red Coat and He Kui himself.
There was no way she could win.
"Lei Lei, you can always push your limits and awaken your 'Cosmo'~."
"…"
Completely overwhelmed, Su Lei finally stopped resisting.
Instead of arguing, she put down her chopsticks and climbed onto He Kui's lap, exuding the confidence of a proud knight.
"Bring it on!"
Faced with Su Lei's unexpected boldness, He Kui naturally obliged.
Dinner turned into another 'battle.'
And after the dust settled, He Kui felt his understanding of Zeta Gundam's external armor deepening.
"The food got cold!"
Returning to the dining table, Su Lei grumbled bitterly.
As a self-proclaimed foodie, seeing delicious food go cold was unbearable.
"Just heat it up again~."
He Kui shrugged.
"From now on, no more nonsense during mealtime!"
"Yes, yes, Director Su."
"…I'm a Commissioner now!"
Annoyed by He Kui's teasing tone, Su Lei tackled him onto the soft carpet.
"Still, it's nice to have you around more."
Shi He smiled warmly, watching them.
"Yeah, instead of burying yourself in that radar room all the time."
"If anything comes up, talk to us more."
Still straddling He Kui, Su Lei nodded in agreement.
"Alright, I will."
For a long time, He Kui had kept them at a distance, thinking it would keep them safe.
But after the lunar mission, he realized that mindset was flawed.
Both women were strong fighters in their own right.
Perhaps his 'protection' had felt more like a suffocating cage to them.
With this new realization, He Kui's mind felt lighter.
No matter what the future held—they would face it together.
"Shi He, I'll send you some blueprints soon. Help me build a robot."
"Of course~."
Shi He's smile brightened.
"What about me~?"
Su Lei pouted.
"You? Your job is eating."
"…Go to hell!"
Su Lei dropped her full weight onto He Kui's waist.
"Kidding! Kidding! Just help me maintain the radar system, okay?"
"Mmm~."
S
atisfied, Su Lei nodded in agreement.
At that moment, Shi He leaned in close and whispered seductively into He Kui's ear:
"But before that… we need to 'collect' some payment first~."
"Mmm."
Coordinators… terrifying as ever.