"Are the preparations complete?" Durandal asked his adjutant about the commissioning ceremony for the new warship as soon as he disembarked from the aircraft. This wasn't just any warship launch—he had specifically invited Yang Hui to attend. Any slip-up would be a massive embarrassment.
"The military band and ceremonial GINNs are all in position. The Minerva is undergoing final adjustments and should be fully operational within thirty minutes."
"The military band and ceremonial GINNs aren't the main focus..." Durandal was dissatisfied with the report but suddenly spotted a familiar face among the crowd of onlookers. Suppressing his displeasure, he nodded with a smile before continuing his reprimand. "...The Minerva is the centerpiece of this event. If it's not ready, all other arrangements are meaningless!"
"Understood. I'll expedite the remaining work."
"Good. Make sure they hurry. Our distinguished guest's ship has already docked—we can't keep him waiting."
"Acknowledged..."
As Durandal entered the office building, an aide reported, "Chairman, Lord Yang Hui has arrived."
"So soon? Didn't his ship just dock?"
"The Sword of the Heavens from Orb is equipped with a new type of engine—one that uses those revolutionary particles. Since the port lacked proper countermeasures, its arrival caused an electronic blackout. So—"
"What the hell was Daniel doing!? Such a blunder makes ZAFT a laughingstock in front of Orb! They even provided advance instructions on preventing electromagnetic interference—must they also teach you how to walk step by step!?"
"My deepest apologies—"
"Enough. I don't want apologies—they just confirm your failures. I expect you to handle everything properly before mistakes happen!"
"Understood!"
"Where is Lord Yang Hui now?" Durandal demanded sternly, unwilling to tolerate further embarrassments in hospitality arrangements.
But... as expected, another complication arose.
"Well..."
"What now? More problems?"
"No, it's just... After arriving at Armory One, Lord Yang Hui expressed interest in touring the facility rather than proceeding here immediately. Fulenster is currently accompanying his delegation."
"A tour? Hah." Durandal paused, then chuckled wryly and shook his head. A tour, his ass! This was Yang Hui asserting dominance while giving him an out.
The dominance was clear—Yang Hui refused to play by conventional rules. Meetings would happen on his terms and schedule, not Durandal's orchestration.
The lifeline came when Yang Hui, upon entering the Colony via elevator, glimpsed the chaotic state of Armory One and realized preparations weren't complete. He was buying Durandal extra time.
"Contact Fulenster. Have him escort Lord Yang Hui here in thirty minutes."
"Acknowledged."
"And one more thing... Inform Daniel and Atoria to report to Military Administration after the fleet review to account for their failures."
"Y-yes, sir."
The adjutant broke into a cold sweat. Though Durandal appeared gentle, he didn't lack the commanding presence of a superior—especially when in a bad mood. With just one sentence, he had determined the future of the two military commanders at Armory One.
...
Though Armory One remained a military Colony, it wasn't entirely devoid of civilian life. The satellite still had cities, after all—soldiers needed leisure to unwind, and their families had their own lives to live.
"Pretty lively here," Yang Hui remarked.
"..."
"Still doesn't compare to Orb, though."
"..."
"But these Space Chicken Skewers aren't bad. And this Cosmic Vegetable Medley—the cooking method's different from Earth's, and the ingredients have a unique texture too."
"..."
"Athrun, why aren't you eating?"
"...Yang Hui, could you please stop messing around?" Athrun covered his face in exasperation. They had been invited from Earth to PLANT for a fleet review ceremony, yet instead of meeting their host, Yang Hui had decided to go sightseeing? If he had a good reason, fine—but with one hand full of chicken skewers and the other balancing a plate of vegetables, while making Athrun carry milk tea and fried noodles, what was this supposed to be? Did he really think they were here on vacation?
"I'm not messing around," Yang Hui said. "You saw it yourself—Armory One's in complete chaos. The ceremony isn't even ready yet. Should we just go over and laugh at Durandal's expense?"
"Uh... But couldn't you at least tone it down a little? Anyone who doesn't know better would think you're actually here to tour the place!"
"If we're sightseeing along the way, does that not count as sightseeing?"
"...I can't argue with you." Athrun rubbed his temples. He truly had no way to deal with Yang Hui's willfulness. Professionally, Yang Hui was his direct superior. Personally, he couldn't beat him in a fight, out-talk him, or out-stubborn him.
Gulp "You're just too uptight," Yang Hui said, tossing a handful of empty skewers into the trash before patting Athrun's shoulder. "You're always busy—isn't it nice to steal a little leisure when you can? Don't make life so hard on yourself."
"...I think I'm fine as I am. And—damn it! Your hands are covered in oil!" Athrun nearly lost it when he saw the greasy stain on his shoulder.
"Ahaha, no worries. We're still sightseeing, right? Just buy a new one."
"That costs money, you know!?"
"Your savings could fund a soccer team for your great-grandson. Why fuss over pocket change?"
"I hate unnecessary expenses!"
"Tch. Weren't you a rich kid before? How'd you turn into such a miser?"
"Shut up!"
"...Haha, calm down? I'll pay for whatever you pick later, okay?" Seeing Athrun genuinely angry, Yang Hui awkwardly backed down. After all, the quieter someone was, the scarier their temper.
"The best apology would be you shutting up!"
Zip!
Yang Hui
Helpless, Athrun sighed and slowly followed, only to hear shouts that instantly put him on alert.
"You! Aren't you—"
"Ah~!!! Is it really you?"
"Shh, quiet now, my lovely lady. I'd rather not become a spectacle."
"Nod nod, I never thought I'd actually meet you here! I'm such a big fan!"
"Well, I'm truly fortunate to have such an adorable admirer, though I'm no celebrity."
"Hmph! What are you doing here, you scoundrel? Some kind of scheme!? I—"
"Click~"
"Freeze."
Yang Hui & Girl & Boy's Companion: (◎o◎)!
Boy: ()
(End of Chapter)