Lu Tianming couldn't help but chuckle at her words as he placed the meal tray on the table near Lacus's bed and pulled up a chair to sit down.
"Did I guess wrong? Judging by your expression, Mr. Lu, I thought something new had happened that might change our current routine."
A flicker of surprise crossed Lacus's eyes before she sat up and spoke.
But after she finished speaking, it was Lu Tianming's turn to be surprised... because just as Lacus had said, something had indeed happened, and he had come precisely to inform her about it.
...Truly worthy of being called the "Lacus Demon."
While marveling inwardly, Lu Tianming cleared his throat and said:
"That's right. We'll likely be rendezvousing with the Eighth Fleet soon. Although there might be some complications along the way... we should be able to join the main force shortly."
"If everything goes smoothly... we should be able to return you to PLANT through diplomatic channels or other means..."
Lu Tianming laid out all the details concerning her. Although in the original timeline she was secretly returned after encountering Creuset's battleship, there was no guarantee they would encounter him again now, so he could only make conservative estimates.
But before he could finish speaking, Lacus suddenly interjected:
"Mr. Lu... what if I don't wish to return to PLANT?"
Lu Tianming froze, hardly believing what he had just heard:
"Wait, what did you just say?"
"I mean... I hope to remain on this battleship rather than return to PLANT."
Lacus sat upright, her eyes serious as she gazed solemnly at Lu Tianming.
"Mr. Lu, I remember you saying before that if there was an opportunity to change something... you would reach out and seize it, right?"
"Then... might I have the honor of becoming your opportunity to begin 'changing' things now?"
Lacus stared intently at Lu Tianming, one hand pressed against her chest while the other extended toward him with an open palm as if making an invitation.
Though her voice remained melodious, the seriousness and solemnity in her tone were undeniable.
Seeing she seemed genuine, Lu Tianming also composed his expression and approached to press her hand—neither accepting nor rejecting, merely saying:
"...Could you tell me your reasons for this?"
"Of course."
Lacus smiled and nodded, then took a light breath with her hand still on her chest. A trace of bitter smile flickered at the corner of her mouth as she explained:
"From the previous attack on me, it's already clear... my father's side, what people call the Clyne Faction, is gradually losing influence in the parliament. Meanwhile, the pro-war Patrick Faction is increasingly taking dominance."
"Under their immense political power, even if I return, it would be like trying to extinguish a fire with a cup of water—insignificant for both the Clyne Faction and the entire peace movement."
"Perhaps... I might not even reach PLANT territory before being assassinated like last time, then having the blame framed on the Earth Alliance to serve as an excuse for escalating the war."
Lacus spoke these words in a calm tone, completely unlike someone describing their own potential death.
"But... if I stay here, I can become your support, one of the forces helping you achieve that ideal of peace."
"Though it might sound somewhat self-praising... I believe I still hold some political influence within PLANT and ZAFT."
"If someday you need to gain the trust and support of Coordinators, I think... I could still be quite a useful tool."
When speaking about herself, Lacus smiled somewhat shyly, seemingly still somewhat uncomfortable with "marketing" herself this way.
Lu Tianming lowered his head, pinching his chin in contemplation... He had to admit, for Lacus, staying aboard the Archangel indeed seemed like the best option.
In the original storyline, the successful safe return of Lacus was mainly because Athrun personally retrieved her, providing clear evidence of her safety, leaving the Creuset or Patrick Faction no room for manipulation.
But now, with an official transfer, there would be operational space for interference.
Moreover, even if she returned, as a mere young girl, she wouldn't be able to salvage the declining Clyne Faction, let alone reverse the escalating war hatred. She simply couldn't fulfill her proper role.
Staying aboard the Archangel... Lu Tianming pondered briefly. On one hand, it could indeed ensure her safety; on the other hand, it might unexpectedly yield some unforeseen benefits.
For example, when encountering the Desert Tiger, they could bring out Lacus...
After careful consideration, Lu Tianming still felt this matter was too significant for him to decide alone:
"This matter is quite important. I need to find an opportunity to discuss it with others before I can give you an answer. What do you think?"
"Of course, that's fine."
Lacus nodded with a smile, then suddenly seemed to remember something. She stood up, took two steps forward, leaned close to Lu Tianming's ear, and her soft voice gently drifted into his ear:
"But speaking of which, the Strike Suit's Machine Spirit... it's not just a Machine Spirit, is it?"
"It... seems to be a truly self-aware existence."
Hearing these words, it was as if a thunderclap exploded in Lu Tianming's heart. He nearly shot up from his chair instantly, instinctively stepping back.
His pupils contracted sharply, his eyebrows furrowed abruptly, and his eyes suddenly became as sharp as blades. His hand almost instinctively went to the gun at his waist, his entire body tensing up instantly, with a faint hint of killing intent leaking from his person.
"How did you find out?!"
His voice was loud but slightly trembling... Lacus could vaguely sense some nervousness in his tone, even... fear?
She had intended to use this secret as leverage, but she hadn't expected Lu Tianming to react so intensely... or rather, to care so deeply about the Strike's secret.
She had no doubt that if it were anyone else here... Lu Tianming would have already released the safety on his pistol, pressed the barrel against that person's forehead, and prepared to silence them permanently.
Understanding that the Strike was an absolutely untouchable red line for Lu Tianming, Lacus abandoned her thought of using this secret as bargaining chips to persuade him to let her stay.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Lu... Please don't be too tense. I have no intention of revealing this matter to anyone."
"It's fine... I should be the one apologizing. I overreacted."
Lu Tianming took a deep breath, calming his emotions. After his tense body relaxed, he spoke without thinking.
He truly hadn't harbored any real hostility toward Lacus... It was just that his body moved instinctively, beyond his control.
If it had been someone Lacus's age, his reaction earlier might have frightened them badly. Yet she managed to stay calm first and even took the initiative to soothe him—that was quite impressive.
But then again... Lu Tianming sat back down, his brow slightly raised as he repeated the question that puzzled him:
"So, how exactly did you know?"