"Even so... the three of us could team up."
"Don't count me in. Freed is still my lifesaver."
Mars shrugged.
Upon hearing this, Herbert's expression stiffened slightly.
"That's true..."
Fred had indeed saved them.
"And I think Fred is quite impressive too. He seems well-matched with our young lady."
Seeing the young man speechless, Mars pressed on.
"Think about it. He definitely doesn't look old, and he's so talented."
"Hmph, no one can say for sure about these things."
Hearing this, the astonishment on Herbert's face shifted back to a displeased look.
"His eyes seem to have a hereditary condition! Who knows if there might be problems with future descendants."
As Herbert spoke, a look of disdain appeared on his face.
"Wait... you've already thought about the young lady's children?"
Mars pulled at the corner of his mouth in exasperation, then immediately accused him.
"The young lady is still so young—she's just a child herself!"
"You pervert!"
"I... I didn't mean it that way!"
Herbert's face flushed bright red upon hearing this.
"I think you just want the young lady to get married."
"That's nonsense!"
"Ahem..."
Nearby, listening to their banter-like conversation, Alec was struggling to keep a straight face.
They were all bodyguards, so why were these two so lively? Besides, aside from Haken, they probably didn't know about Fred's situation.
Those eyes weren't some hereditary condition at all.
However, when he thought about a world where Fred married their princess, looking at the two walking side by side ahead, it surprisingly seemed like a good match.
Although Lacus was still young, wasn't it better to nurture feelings from an early age?
Moreover, Fred was a Natural himself, so there was no need to worry about descendants. Not to mention, Fred was a genius among geniuses, an Ace among Aces.
It would also ensure Fred stayed here forever.
It was like killing who knows how many birds with one stone.
"What are you coughing for? Do you look down on our young lady?"
Herbert said discontentedly.
His displeasure toward Fred extended to Alec, and his gaze toward him grew somewhat hostile.
"?"
Alec, unjustly targeted, was full of confusion. Meanwhile, Haken beside him spoke up.
"Enough, you two!"
Haken's loud voice, tinged with helplessness, cut off their conversation and also rescued Alec from the situation.
"Focus on your own duties! No discussing the young lady's private matters in private!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Instantly, the world fell silent. Alec breathed a sigh of relief. Up ahead, Fred and Lacus had arrived together at another Transport Ship docked at a different port.
That was the ship he would take back.
"Won't you stay here a few more days, Brother Fred?"
Lacus looked at the boy before her, blinking her eyes as she asked cutely.
Though she wore a smile on her face, there was a hint of reluctance in her heart.
"No, I've already delayed long enough."
Thinking of his younger sister waiting for him at home, Fred shook his head with a smile.
Besides, there wasn't much for him to do here anyway.
He had finished everything urgent for now, so it was time to return home and focus on his studies.
Although he had been seizing every opportunity to study along the way, a considerable amount of time had still been unavoidably delayed.
Whether it was studying or training, the most crucial element was always perseverance.
Therefore, he could not allow himself to become lazy.
At least not in the coming years.
"Alright then."
Seeing Fred's resolute expression, Lacus nodded.
Afterward, the two gazed at each other, falling into a prolonged silence.
"Lacus?"
Finally, Fred broke the silence.
His face clearly showed confusion.
After all, he had planned to set off right after seeing her off, but Lacus seemed to have no intention of disembarking at all.
"Hmm?"
The girl who was called seemed completely unaware, her eyes bright and sparkling as she tilted her head slightly, putting on an adorable expression.
"Isn't Lacus going home?"
At last, Fred had no choice but to ask directly.
"No need. I told Father I'd stay at Brother Fred's place for a couple of days."
Lacus blinked again, her long eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings.
Lacus wasn't lying, and her reasoning was simple.
Since Fred couldn't bring his sister over, Lacus would go and see for herself.
As Lacus saw it, she and Fred's sister were close in age.
Combined with her own charm, getting along with Fred's sister shouldn't be too difficult.
Moreover, Fred himself gave her the impression of being too deep and guarded, so it might be better to get to know his sister instead.
"..."
On the other end, Fred was momentarily stunned by her words.
Soon, he arrived at the same conclusion as Lacus.
However, since the two were now allies and Fred trusted Lacus, he didn't refuse outright. Instead, he carefully considered and asked,
"If Mr. Siegel agrees..."
His home had plenty of rooms, and since he spent most of his time in seclusion, Lacus likely wouldn't see much of him anyway.
Besides, it would be good for Lacus and Flay to build a closer relationship, especially since Lacus was one of the key figures in the future world.
Getting to know her and becoming friends was never a bad idea.
As for Flay, she wouldn't speak harshly to Lacus now. On the contrary, his sister was absolutely adorable.
Lacus would surely like her.
As for whether Flay would like Lacus, Fred also thought it wouldn't be a problem.
"He agreed~"
Lacus nodded happily.
"Then welcome to my home."
Listening to their conversation, Haken, Herbert, and Alec, who were following behind them, exchanged glances.
Alec felt somewhat helpless. He was naturally quiet and reserved, and being around these two chatterboxes had already given him a headache. Now he was being told he'd have to endure this for several more days?
His ears might just explode.
As for Herbert, standing behind Haken, his mind was reeling upon hearing Lacus's words.
Their young lady was actually going to stay overnight at a man's house.
Herbert felt as if the sky had fallen.
"Alright, get ready."
Haken, however, remained calm, merely casting an exasperated glance at the troublemakers behind her.
She, too, held Fred in high regard.
In her view, it was only right for Miss Lacus to grow closer to such a talented individual.
As for going to Fred's home, his family includes both parents and a younger sister, with plenty of spare rooms available. It's no different from staying at the same hotel—simply an overthought by that person.
"What on earth goes through your mind all day?"
Haken said with disdain.
Meanwhile, that person looked innocently at their elder sister.
Amidst all this liveliness, Fred and Lacus officially set sail toward Junius City.
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