Lacus returned to the SEED world and looked at the familiar environment around her, feeling a little dazed for a moment.
Until now, she still couldn't believe that she had actually gone to another world just now.
At this time, a servant who was in a hurry also noticed her and hurriedly came over with a look of surprise on his face.
"Miss, you're here! It's great that you're okay."
As the residence of the PLANT Chairman, the Clyne family is naturally very strictly managed.
So less than a minute after Lacus disappeared, the housekeeper and servants had already discovered the disappearance of the eldest lady.
The Chairman's daughter was at home. The mysterious disappearance frightened everyone, and they quickly launched a search.
At first, they thought it was Lacus who was joking with everyone, playing hide-and-seek, so they did not report it and just organized their own search.
But after a round of searching, they came down with nothing. Not only could they not find Lacus, they couldn't even find any trace of how she left.
At this time, everyone finally realized the seriousness of the problem and quickly reported the situation to Siegel.
After Siegel received the news, he quickly put down the work at hand and hurriedly led the guards back home at light speed.
After learning about the situation, a larger and more standardized search was quickly launched.
Siegel's unabashed action naturally aroused the astonishment of his neighbors. The media and senior congressmen and officials who lived nearby came one after another.
Only then did Siegel react, but it was already too late to cover up the news.
News of Lacus's mysterious disappearance spread quickly, and the entire PLANT instantly exploded.
This is the Chairman's daughter!
PLANT's number one singer!
Her Royal Highness is recognized by all the people of PLANT!
This disappearance attracted the attention of all the people of PLANT. There was an uproar among the people, and all kinds of speculations were flying all over the sky.
Although the accounts are different, they basically all say that this is a conspiracy and a well-planned kidnapping, but the identities of the perpetrators are different.
Some say it was done by the evil Earth Alliance, while others say it was done by Siegel's political enemies.
However, not all people were complaining. Many people took action and spontaneously started to help find Lacus. Most of these people were from the colonial satellite where the Clyne family was located.
But in short, now that things have become big, it is no different than the sky falling.
And in the midst of such a chaotic dance of demons, Lacus returned.
Siegel quickly arrived after receiving the news.
"Father, I'm sorry for causing you any trouble..."
At this time, Lacus also learned from the servant what happened after she left, and knew that she had caused trouble, so she couldn't help but feel embarrassed when facing Siegel.
"Let's not talk too much. I hope you came back safely."
Siegel no longer had time to care about so much at this time, and quickly asked people to release the news that Lacus had been found, and ordered people to start public relations to calm those negative public opinions.
Lacus also cooperated and recorded a video to the people of PLANT, reporting that she was safe. After a lot of effort, they finally calmed down the matter.
At this time, Siegel finally had time to ask Lacus what happened before, why she suddenly disappeared, and then suddenly came back.
Lacus was originally going to say something, and she didn't hide anything at this time. After rejecting outsiders, she told everything about her trip to another world and the Dimensional City.
"Is there such a thing?"
Siegel was also shocked. He thought about many possibilities, but never thought that his daughter would have such an adventure.
But then Siegel quickly asked, "Besides me, is there anyone else involved in this matter? Do you know?"
Lacus shook her head. "No, no one saw me when I came back."
"That's good." Siegel immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
Then he warned seriously, "You must not mention this matter to outsiders, at least not unless as a last resort. You must not tell anyone. Pay attention, it is anyone, including those around you."
"I see." Lacus also nodded seriously, but couldn't help but ask, "But Father, why should we hide this matter?"
"Isn't this a rare development opportunity for PLANT?"
This is a different world, a new world.
At least it is a livable planet, and there are no Naturals who have resisted their Coordinators.
This is definitely a godsend for PLANT, whose territory depends entirely on the construction of colonial satellites.
As long as it is properly operated, it will bring huge benefits to PLANT.
Siegel sighed helplessly. "Oh, why didn't I think of this?"
"It's just that the radical faction in the Supreme Council has become more and more powerful, and now is not a good time."
It's true that this is an opportunity, but opportunities are often accompanied by risks, so many factors and possible risks must be considered. Not to mention, they don't know what the situation is in the Dimensional City, what the strength is, and what it means to them. So what about the attitude of PLANT?
There are also unstable factors within PLANT itself.
If those radicals are made aware of the existence of another world, they may use strong methods to operate it, and they may even give PLANT disaster.
Therefore, it is safer to hide it first and wait and see carefully before making a decision.
At least, Siegel does not intend to let those radicals know about this matter, let alone let others handle it.
Moreover, if this matter is announced, it will be equivalent to pushing Lacus, the only one with the authority of the Dimensional Gate, to the front desk and accepting supervision from all parties. It is foreseeable that Lacus will definitely be strictly supervised by then, and will be asked for cooperation and become a door-opening tool without freedom.
This is what Siegel least wants to see. He does not want his daughter to become a tool.
Even if he is the Chairman of PLANT, he has the responsibility to lead everyone towards a bright future, but before that, he was still a father.
For PLANT, he was even willing to sacrifice himself, even his life.
But if his daughter had to be sacrificed, then Siegel would not be willing unless it was absolutely necessary. This is his final bottom line as a father.
"In short, these things are not what you should consider now. You are right to listen to me. Can I still harm you?"
"All right."
Although Lacus was a little dissatisfied at being treated as a child by her father, she still chose to be obedient.
Siegel nodded with satisfaction, and then couldn't help but frown. "But in this case, you will have to find someone else to explain your previous disappearance. Any excuse will do."
Although Lacus returned safely and suppressed the public opinion for the time being.
However, if the public is not given an explanation, this matter will not be over. It will still arouse unreasonable associations among the people in a few days.
At this time, the housekeeper outside spread the word that news came: "Your Excellency Chairman, Council Member Zala's son is here. He said he came to see Miss Lacus."
"It's Athrun..."
Siegel instantly remembered who it was, and at the same time, he was not surprised by Athrun's arrival.
During this period, he and Patrick Zala (Athrun's father) were still good friends. In addition to being important partners in the council, the two parties also had close contacts in private.
Not long ago, Patrick even suggested to him that he hoped that the children of both parties would get married.
However, he felt that Lacus was still too young at the time, so he did not agree immediately. He only said that he needed to think about it and temporarily put it off.
But Patrick seemed to want to promote this marriage. After that, he often asked Athrun to come and visit, trying to get Athrun to develop a good relationship with Lacus first.
Now that Athrun is visiting, he is actually here to express his concern and refresh his feelings. After all, such a big thing has happened, and as a pursuing party, it is impossible not to express his feelings.
To be honest, if it weren't for the fact that Athrun was so pleasing to his eye, and that he also needed Patrick's help in the council, Siegel would have wanted to refuse.
What the hell? Just because you want to marry my baby daughter? I'm afraid you're dreaming!
However...
Siegel suddenly had a good idea. He asked Lacus to go back to the room to rest, and then asked the housekeeper to bring the person in.
"Uncle Siegel, I heard that Miss Lacus went missing not long ago. Is she okay?"
As soon as Athrun saw Siegel, he faithfully carried out the orders given by his father and expressed his concern for Lacus.
"Athrun, you are considerate. My little girl is fine. She is fine now."
Siegel said to Athrun very enthusiastically, "And you came at the right time. My uncle just needs your help with something."
Athrun, who was new to the world, couldn't help but feel a little flattered by Siegel's change of enthusiasm.
When he heard that he needed help, he remembered what his father had told him: to do his best to establish a good impression in front of Siegel and Lacus. He quickly responded:
"If you have any questions, just ask me. I will try my best to complete it if I can."
"Okay, that's cool enough. I really saw you right." Seeing this, Siegel happily patted Athrun on the shoulder.
Athrun was also very happy to receive the praise.
Not to mention that this was his father's order, just to be so appreciated by the then-Chairman made this young man Athrun a little passionate.
"Please tell me, whether I am going up a mountain of knives or going down into a sea of fire, I will never frown."
"Haha, don't worry, it's not that exaggerated, it's not a big deal, it's quite easy for you."
Then, Siegel finally revealed his true intentions.
"In fact, this disappearance was a farce. The little girl just hid for fun."
"Ah this..."
Athrun was shocked. Is this too much fun?!
"Now that I think about it, you understand that this matter has become a bit big and will not end well."
"Um." Athrun nodded.
"If this matter is made public, although it can be forgiven by the people, it will have some negative impact on Lacus's reputation. Therefore, the truth cannot be directly disclosed."
"That's right." Athrun expressed understanding.
"So, now we need an excuse to convince the people without causing serious consequences."
"Yes, but what kind of excuse is needed?"
Athrun asked, who had not yet reacted.
"This excuse is you." Siegel's trap finally snapped shut.
"Ah? Me?" Athrun pointed at himself in confusion.
"Yes." Siegel smiled kindly.
Athrun looked at Siegel's smile and finally realized that he had been deceived.
He was going to take the blame!
But it was too late to realize it at this time. Afterwards, Athrun, who had promised to help, had no choice but to bite the bullet and follow Siegel's instructions.
It's over, my father may have to beat me to death when I go back...
Athrun felt sad in his heart.
Then, the truth about Lacus's disappearance was revealed.
There was no kidnapping, just an abduction at most.
Councilor Zala's son, Athrun Zala, took Miss Lacus away without permission on the pretext of going out for fun, without notifying the guards. This led to this incident.
After discovering that the matter was getting serious, Athrun quickly surrendered, and Chairman Siegel did not hold him accountable too much.
Once the news came out, PLANT public opinion exploded again.
This time, no one doubted whether this was a conspiracy. After all, everyone knew that the Clyne family and the Zala family were on good terms.
In the perception of the PLANT people, even if the two families were in trouble, it's impossible to stab someone in the back if they fall out.
So the conspiracy theory was naturally broken.
However, the culprit, the kidnapper Athrun, quickly became the target of public criticism.
Because Patrick's marriage proposal was also exposed by someone who was interested, it came out.
Naturally, the people who regarded Lacus, the PLANT princess, as the only white moonlight in their hearts, unanimously opposed the marriage.
Now look at Athrun's recent door-to-door offensive, and this time the abduction incident made Athrun almost the public enemy of PLANT.
Especially among peers, the hostility towards Athrun is the strongest.
Are you the only one who wants to get your hands on our goddess?!
Other older mother fans and father fans who treat Lacus as their daughter also unanimously said: Are you the only one who wants to marry my daughter? You want nothing more!
Faced with this situation, Athrun almost cried. He wished he could travel through time and go back to strangle the himself who had promised so much at that time.
Moreover, when he returned home and faced his father, who was somewhat surprised and asked him how he and Lacus were getting along with an expression that looked like he was a proud kid, Athrun really cried.
What a joke!
He didn't even see Lacus's face this time, so he was dragged out by Siegel to take the blame.
But after listening to Athrun's explanation, Patrick finally was not angry. Although he was a little disappointed, he still encouraged Athrun optimistically:
"It's okay, son, at least after this time, you and Lacus are already related in the eyes of the public, and you have also helped the Clyne family, so there will be more opportunities in the future, just keep working hard."
Patrick doesn't care about Siegel's behavior of letting Athrun take the blame.
Just take it; even if there is no chance to take the blame.
Although Athrun's reputation among the people is now bad, at least Siegel owes them a favor, which will be more conducive to promoting this marriage.
Patrick is very optimistic about this matter, but he doesn't know that, in fact, ever since he learned that Lacus went to the Dimensional City, Siegel has gradually tended to deny this marriage in his heart.
Because it is not good for Lacus.
In addition to the fact that Lacus's worth has skyrocketed and she is no longer a good match, there is also disappointment in Athrun.
This disappointment has become more intense since Athrun accepted his deception.
Without him, his ability is too poor.
If he is deceived so easily, how can he protect Lacus well in the future?
Siegel can completely foresee that even if the time comes and things about the Dimensional City can be announced, Lacus will face a lot of troubles by then.
If he does not have enough ability to help Lacus solve these troubles, then this person is not worthy of entrustment.
But Athrun obviously does not have this ability, at least not currently, and it is hard to say whether he will have it in the future.
Since he is not attractive, then naturally he will never consider entrusting Lacus to Athrun.
Therefore, this marriage is basically a failure.
Patrick doesn't know this, and he still feels that this wave of losses is not a loss. Little does he know that Athrun has taken the blame for nothing. At least the favors owed?
Who stipulates that repaying a favor can only be paid back through marriage? Just pay it back in other ways!
With the silence from the Zala family, this disappearance incident also ended in a farce.
...
This side of Dimensional City.
Takumi didn't know the farce in the SEED world. After watching Lacus go back, he also walked into the Dimensional Gate.
However, he was not returning to the world of Harry Potter, but came to the world of Akame ga Kill.
In fact, things in the Harry Potter world are already on track, with or without his help, and there is only a little time left before the task is completed.
On the contrary, in the Akame ga Kill world, there are many things that require his attention.
Because the plan here is not going smoothly.
At least, it was far less smooth than expected.