"Of course."
With a gentle smile, Lacus nodded slightly as she responded.
Turning her gaze to Felix, Lacus took the initiative to ask him, "May I inquire about the plan that involves sacrificing my reputation and integrity?"
"Not a chance!"
Felix glanced at Lacus, chuckled, and decisively gave his answer. His firmness caught Lacus off guard. Her eyes fixed on his smiling face, she replied with a hint of dissatisfaction, "You're not being very sincere."
Felix looked up at her, his expression calm and his tone even as he said, "We've only just begun our collaboration. Some matters aren't suitable to discuss with you at this stage."
"Is it because you still find me untrustworthy?"
Hearing this, Lacus smiled and countered.
Felix smiled slightly, shook his head, and replied, "Not at all!"
As he responded, Felix continued to explain, "I believe you have a compassionate and peace-loving heart, Lacus, and I trust that you genuinely wish to end the war. However, this matter simply can't be shared with you right now. You'll understand in due time."
While explaining aloud, Felix muttered to himself, I haven't even fully prepared for this matter yet—how can I tell you? And if I did, what if you disagreed? Wouldn't all my preparations be in vain?
"Very well then!"
Seeing the sincerity in Felix's eyes, Lacus didn't press further on the subject. Noticing this, Felix also let the matter drop.
The topic was thus set aside as the two sat at the dining table, enjoying their meal and chatting about other matters.
After the meal, Felix checked the time and turned to Lacus, saying, "It's getting late. I shouldn't overstay my welcome."
"Let me see you out!"
Lacus smiled, rising to escort him.
Felix looked at her and declined, "There's no need. I can leave on my own."
"How could I not see you off?"
Lacus insisted firmly.
Seeing her determination, Felix didn't argue further and allowed Lacus to arrange a vehicle and accompany him to the entrance of her home.
There, Felix and Lacus bid each other farewell once more.
"Goodbye!"
"Goodbye!"
Lacus smiled slightly, waved, and replied.
Felix got into the car under Lacus's waving hand and drove away.
Watching the car disappear into the distance, Lacus turned and headed back inside, the grand doors of the Clyne Residence closing behind her.
Meanwhile, in the PLANT Supreme Council Speaker's office...
"Siegel, why did you call me here?"
Patrick pulled out a chair and sat across from Siegel, getting straight to the point. Siegel looked up at Patrick and handed him a glass of water that had been prepared on the desk.
"I wanted to discuss the proposal you submitted."
"Do you oppose it?"
Hearing this, Patrick's mind suddenly cleared. Gazing at the glass of water on the table, he asked his friend.
Siegel nodded and replied.
"I don't support strengthening the Ouroboros Operation, nor do I think further enhancements are necessary."
"Siegel!"
Patrick looked at his friend, called his name, then continued in a questioning tone.
"You're aware that the Earth Alliance is undergoing energy upgrades and energy transformation."
Pausing briefly, Patrick glanced at his friend before pressing further.
"You should understand what it means when they complete even part of these energy upgrades and transformations!"
"I'm naturally aware of all this."
Siegel interrupted his friend's persistent questioning. Looking at Patrick, he countered with questions of his own.
"Patrick, you should understand that our ZAFT operations have already reached their limits."
"You should also understand what consequences would result from endlessly strengthening the Ouroboros Operation."
"Can you guarantee that reinforcing the Ouroboros Operation will permanently solve everything? Have you carefully considered what might happen if we repeatedly strengthen it without achieving the expected results?"
After this series of questions, Siegel fell silent, his eyes serious and resolute as he sat waiting for his friend's response.
Patrick picked up the glass of water from the table, took a sip, then stood up from his chair. Looking at his friend, he said calmly.
"Exactly because I've thought about it, that's why I proposed it."
After giving his friend a deep look, Patrick sighed, his voice tinged with sadness.
"It seems neither of us can convince the other."
With that, Patrick turned and walked toward the exit.
Watching Patrick leave, Siegel called out.
"Patrick!"
"Siegel, I won't change my mind."
Patrick's firm voice responded as he paused and looked back at Siegel.
"To further compel the Earth Alliance's surrender, strengthening the Ouroboros Operation is absolutely necessary."
"We'll see each other at the Supreme Council meeting later!"
Having said this, Patrick strode out of the office.
Siegel watched his departed friend, sat back in his chair, and sighed deeply.
"Ah!"
After this sigh, Siegel began preparing for the upcoming Supreme Council meeting.
Two days later, at the ZAFT Forces headquarters camp in December City ——————
Felix sat in his apartment playing a new computer game. Just as he was immersed in gameplay, the doorbell rang.
Turning toward the entrance, Felix set down his controller.
He went to the door and opened it.
Seeing the completely unfamiliar face before him, Felix frowned and was about to ask who it was when the person at the door spoke.
"It's me!"
A familiar voice reached his ears.
Felix couldn't help asking curiously.
"What's with this getup?"
"There's something I need to discuss with you."
Lacus looked at Felix, her expression serious as she spoke.
Seeing this, Felix stepped aside to let Lacus enter.
Lacus, who had entered the living room, sat on the sofa. Felix placed a glass of water on the coffee table in front of her and sat opposite her, asking, "Is there a reason you came to see me in disguise like this?"
"There's some bad news."
Lacus took a sip of water and turned to Felix as she spoke. Hearing this, Felix's expression grew more serious, and he waited quietly for her explanation.
Under Felix's gaze, Lacus continued, "Uncle Patrick has once again proposed strengthening the Ouroboros Operation!"
"Has the proposal passed?"
Upon hearing this, Felix remained calm and looked at Lacus as he inquired. Lacus shook her head in response.
"No! The Council is divided on this matter, with no majority consensus reached. The reinforcement plan has not been approved."