Upon arriving at the capital of PLANT, Aprilius, Yang Hui had just disembarked from the shuttle when he saw Durandal himself approaching with several representatives from the Supreme Council to welcome him.
"Welcome, Lord Yang Hui."
"It's an honor to have Chairman Durandal personally greet me."
"Not at all. Having Lord Yang Hui visit PLANT in person is PLANT's honor." After speaking, Durandal glanced at Creuset, who was standing behind Yang Hui. Though his face was completely concealed, there was an oddly familiar aura about him. Then, he turned his gaze to Athrun, maintaining his gentle smile.
"Welcome home, Athrun Zala."
Hearing this, Athrun was momentarily stunned, overwhelmed by the word "home." PLANT had once been his home, the place he had vowed to dedicate his life to. But now, his home was no longer here. His father was dead, he himself had defected, and even his mother had been relocated to Orb, where she now ran an orphanage alongside Kira's mother, Haruma Yamato, taking in children who had lost their parents to the war.
"Pleased to meet you, Chairman Durandal."
This response was the result of Yang Hui's extensive preparation beforehand. Otherwise, those words alone might have shaken Athrun deeply, just as they had in the original timeline.
Seeing Athrun reply so calmly took Durandal by surprise. Based on his research into Athrun's character, his words should have had a significant impact. Yet, the young man seemed entirely unaffected, which puzzled him.
However, Durandal quickly dismissed his surprise. With someone like Yang Hui around, it wasn't unusual for Athrun to have his emotions stabilized in advance.
Besides, he had other plans in store.
"You must be tired after your long journey. Accommodations have been arranged for you—please follow me."
"Thank you."
As they traveled from the port into the heart of Aprilius, it was unclear whether the Supreme Council had orchestrated it, but while the roads remained clear, the sidewalks were packed with PLANT citizens holding banners and signs welcoming their arrival. The enthusiasm was so intense that, had the guards not held them back, the crowd might have surged onto the road.
"This wasn't arranged by us—it was entirely spontaneous," Durandal explained before anyone could ask.
It was true that the Supreme Council hadn't organized the gathering, but prior to their arrival, they had held a press conference that glorified Yang Hui's friendly visit, portraying him as the great hero who had ended the war and emphasizing the benefits his presence would bring to PLANT.
This could be considered Durandal's first gift to Yang Hui—though he wasn't naive enough to think such gestures would lower Yang Hui's guard.
When they arrived at their accommodations, Yang Hui and Creuset paused in surprise, while Athrun's expression grew complicated.
"If I recall correctly, this is the Zala family estate, isn't it?"
Indeed, the residence arranged for them was none other than the Zala family mansion—Athrun's former home.
"Actually, it was originally the Zala family residence," Durandal added. "Before the former chairman's wife left PLANT, she put this mansion up for sale. However, due to the former chairman's circumstances, it was difficult to sell. Considering its scale and luxury, the Supreme Council eventually purchased it to serve as guest accommodations for distinguished visitors."
"I see. That was thoughtful of you, Chairman Durandal."
"I'm glad you're satisfied. Please rest well, honored guests. We've organized a welcome banquet tonight—your presence would be greatly appreciated."
"Certainly, Mr. Chairman."
Durandal departed with his leadership team. The four were led into the former Zala mansion by attendants. Both Yang Hui and Creuset had visited before as guests. Though it was said to have been renovated, neither noticed any significant changes—especially Athrun, who felt an uncanny sense of returning home.
After touring the premises and assigning rooms, Yang Hui dismissed all nearby attendants. Their bedrooms, living room, and study were clustered in the same wing. Yang Hui replaced all PLANT attendants in this area with his own people, forbidding anyone from approaching without permission.
Then...
"Heh, Durandal certainly went out of his way," Yang Hui remarked coldly from the sofa. "Athrun, how does it feel to be back here?"
"...I don't know," Athrun replied with a bitter smile. Claiming he felt nothing would be a lie.
"Old fox." Yang Hui chuckled but dismissed it. He was certain this accommodation wasn't prearranged—Durandal had made the decision upon seeing Athrun, aiming to unsettle him and lure him back to PLANT. As a war hero, Athrun's combat prowess was undeniable, and his presence would boost military morale while attracting hero-worshipping recruits.
But unlike Cagalli, Yang Hui wouldn't stand idly by while Athrun was poached. Durandal's scheme would fail.
Yang Hui also gauged Durandal's standing within PLANT. The swift, flawless rearrangement of their lodging demonstrated considerable influence and control—yet not absolute. Some subordinates still acted without authorization.
"And then... these." Yang Hui eyed the pile of listening devices and micro-cameras on the table, shaking his head in amusement. "Are we being underestimated?"
"Not his style," Creuset concluded succinctly.
"Likely overzealous underlings. New leaders often face disobedience or ambitious self-starters. Still, this works to our advantage."
"Pretext."
"Exactly. Now I'm even more confident. Athrun, Canard—guard the door."
"Tch."
"Right."
Canard Pars wore a disgruntled expression but complied, leaving with Athrun as Yang Hui and Creuset conversed privately.
"He might have noticed something," Creuset warned Yang Hui.
"Old friends sharing a psychic connection? Are you two really that in sync?"
It was just teasing. Although the New Humans in this world were Coordinators—different from Newtypes and Innovators, lacking Mental Enhancement—psychic phenomena weren't nonexistent. Take Mu and Creuset, that bargain-bin father-son pair, for example. The moment they got close, they could sense each other. How could anyone explain that?
"Can't you do the same? In your special state, I mean," Creuset asked with a smile.
"That's different." Over this period, Creuset had been diligent, excelling in his duties while assisting Yang Hui and the others with additional tasks. Gradually, Sumeragi and the rest had begun to accept and acknowledge him, so certain secrets could be revealed bit by bit—such as Yang Hui's Innovator state.
"Innovators are one of the New Human variants specialized in psychic abilities. But without GN Particles to assist, I rarely actively probe others' Brain Quantum Waves. The drain is too heavy."
"I see. So it's probing, not mutual sensing?" Creuset inquired.
"More or less. It's probing for ordinary people, but if the other person is also a Brain Quantum Wave user, then it becomes mutual sensing."
"Understood."
Posting this first—I'll rearrange the order with BJ later. Apologies, everyone. My mind's been a bit scattered lately.
(End of Chapter)