Since everyone here was among their own, there was naturally no need to hide anything about their identities.
Upon hearing the name Clyne, Flay's beautiful face visibly froze for a moment.
However, since she was already familiar with Athrun of the Zala Faction, she quickly regained her composure.
The shy expression faded from her face, and the young lady released her brother's arm, curtsying gracefully to the girl before her.
"Miss Lacus, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Miss Flay~ The pleasure is mine."
Lacus was somewhat surprised by the young lady's poise.
Flay was currently the same age as her and was a Natural.
Her background wasn't that of a true noble.
Yet, despite this, she could still carry herself so gracefully in front of her.
However, considering that Flay was Fred's sister, Lacus found her answer.
With a brother like him, it wasn't hard to understand why Flay was like this.
A hint of warmth quietly crept into the smile on her face.
"But there's no need to be so formal~ I'm the one intruding on you this time~"
Lacus affectionately took Flay's hand.
"Lacus~ Lacus~"
Upon hearing Lacus's name, the Haro happily bounced around, its unique bouncing structure making it look even cuter.
Fred couldn't help but grumble inwardly.
He had no idea why Athrun had given him such an adorable thing.
"It's so cute~"
Lacus clearly thought so too, holding Flay's other hand as she reached out to grab the black Haro.
Seeing this, Fred wasn't the least bit surprised.
As the heroine of Gundam, if she didn't like Haros, the traditional Haro would have little role to play.
Just as this thought crossed Fred's mind, his parents, finally noticing the commotion at the door, walked out together.
...
"So you're Chairman Siegel's daughter. We truly apologize for not welcoming you properly~"
Now in the living room, after hearing Fred's introduction, Heather wore an enthusiastic expression, though her gaze occasionally drifted toward Fred.
Though she didn't say anything, the bond between mother and son allowed him to roughly understand the somewhat ambiguous look in Heather's eyes.
But was his mother being a bit too inappropriate? He was upright and honest, and Lacus was still so young.
Surely she couldn't seriously be thinking of treating the princess as a child bride.
Besides, how would he manage to retire and escape later?
Muttering inwardly, Fred wanted to return to studying his MS, but since Lacus was a guest, he couldn't just leave immediately.
"Aunt Heather~ Please don't stand on ceremony, just call me Lacus~"
Lacus stood up, curtsied gracefully, and then looked up at Fred with a pitiful expression.
"Brother Fred, please go ahead with your work. It wouldn't be good to delay your matters."
Sensitive to his thoughts, Lacus spoke up.
Upon hearing Lacus call Fred "brother," Heather and George couldn't help but exchange a glance.
Both saw shock and astonishment in each other's eyes.
This was, after all, the undisputed princess of PLANT, yet she was calling their son "brother." Such a thing wouldn't even happen in their wildest dreams.
Yet, it was happening right before their eyes.
It was inevitable that Heather would overthink things a bit.
Just as Fred breathed a sigh of relief and was about to agree, Heather interrupted him.
"What could possibly keep you that busy!"
Heather shot her son a look, then continued without waiting for Fred to reply.
"We'll make a few extra dishes today to welcome Lacus!"
"You come too!"
Although Fred didn't cook often, her son's skills had unknowingly surpassed her own.
To win someone's heart, you must first win their stomach. This was a rare opportunity—of course, Fred had to show off a little.
After all, the one across from them was Lacus, Her Highness the Princess.
It wasn't that she was being calculating; even if nothing came of it, it wouldn't hurt to build some goodwill.
Besides, she noticed how sweetly Lacus called him "brother," which only made her more displeased that Fred wanted to leave midway and retreat to his room.
"Uh…"
Fred stopped at her words, glancing at Lacus, who was watching him with a faint, knowing smile. For a moment, he couldn't tell if she was doing it on purpose.
And wasn't he the one who had just returned three days ago?
Why was he the one supposed to prepare a welcome for Lacus?
Why wasn't anyone welcoming him back?
Was this favoritism?
Fred inwardly grumbled, while Lacus covered her mouth and let out a soft laugh.
"I didn't expect Brother Fred to know how to cook."
"Right? He practiced his skills back in Copernicus."
Heather continued.
Fred was left speechless.
For some reason, Fred felt like his mother reminded him of those salespeople from his past life.
Meanwhile, Flay blinked as she watched the scene, her beautiful eyes curiously shifting between Fred and Lacus.
But since the family was discussing something, she didn't interrupt.
Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that Lacus wasn't genuinely admiring her brother.
The girl before her seemed to wear a veil, making her hard to read.
Just as Flay was lost in thought, Lacus seemed to sense something and turned toward her with a sweet smile.
"Has Flay tasted Brother's cooking before? How is it?"
"...It's delicious!"
After a brief moment of surprise, Flay nodded in agreement.
In the year or so she'd been here, although her brother rarely cooked, there was no doubt his skills were exceptional.
"Oh~ I really want to try it~"
If most girls said something like this, it might come across as affected, but when Lacus did it, there was no sense of awkwardness—it was simply adorable.
"I'll go cook…"
After a moment of speechlessness, under the gaze of his family, Fred finally agreed.
"I'll help too~"
Flay volunteered, raising her hand.
"No need, Flay. Why don't you open your gifts first?"
Fred gently patted the girl's head.
Officially, he had returned from a business trip to April City, so he'd naturally brought back some local specialties.
Though he hadn't actually done much sightseeing, the gifts were mostly standard snacks and some unique small gadgets from April City.
"Okay~"
Flay happily agreed, then glanced somewhat triumphantly at Lacus beside her.
As for Lacus, she wasn't upset at all—in fact, she found it a little amusing.
After all, she was far more mature than Flay. In her eyes, Flay's actions carried the innocence of a child, so there was nothing to take offense at.
Besides, it seemed Flay had truly grown up surrounded by happiness.
This was a conclusion she had reached through personal experience.
And it was a very important conclusion.
The atmosphere of a family often determines a person's character.
Seeing Fred's family, she could trust him a little more.
"I'll go help too."
Thinking this, Lacus followed with a smile.