Erica and Kira were taken into the server by Serena.
Meanwhile, He Kui stayed outside with Cagalli, Kisaaka, and the others.
"I'll take a walk with Director He," Cagalli said, turning to Kisaaka and Mu with a serious expression.
"But, Miss Cagalli..." Kisaaka glanced at He Kui warily, as if afraid He Kui might whisk her away.
Upon hearing this, Mu's interest in He Kui grew even more. Having navigated the romantic field for years, he could sense the subtle chemistry between Cagalli and He Kui. But how had they gotten involved?
With the war over and He Kui having previously aided PLANT, Mu didn't feel particularly guarded against him, even though this was their first meeting. As for He Kui, although Mu had once shot down the Aegis, that was so long ago that he harbored no ill feelings toward him now.
"It's fine, Xiao Liu is here too," Cagalli said, her tone softening slightly.
Hearing Cagalli's almost coquettish tone, Kisaaka sighed and took a few steps back. Shihe, who was controlling Xiao Liu, blinked curiously at the two of them. However, since this seemed like a private conversation, Shihe withdrew from the control interface.
She couldn't help but wonder when He Kui had managed to win Cagalli over. With one princess from Orb and another from PLANT, Shihe felt her position was once again being challenged.
"He Kui, didn't you say only the robot was coming~!?" Cagalli pouted adorably at him once Kisaaka had left.
"There were some last-minute things to take care of, and I wanted to see you too," He Kui replied warmly. "Surprised?"
He affectionately took Cagalli's slightly calloused hand in his.
"Seeing me was just a side thing, wasn't it?" Cagalli retorted, though she didn't pull her hand away. Instead, she squeezed his hand firmly in return, having learned from her previous experience with Xiao Liu.
"Not at all. I also wanted to upgrade Xiao Liu," He Kui explained. Since DSSD had the materials, it was the perfect opportunity to make the upgrade. The cost of the materials could be considered interest for assisting with the research.
"What are you adding?"
"A basic AI system," He Kui replied.
Hearing this, Cagalli's brows furrowed in concern. "Won't that be dangerous?"
"Don't worry, it's just a basic model. It won't have any consciousness—or rather, it'll only simulate consciousness," He Kui reassured her. It would appear to have awareness, but it would merely be the result of extensive training. In simpler terms, it would have no soul.
"Plus, you can shut it down if needed. This will also make it safer to link with Little Bird. I'll also add a new receiver to ensure smooth and secure communication."
"Oh~ How long will it take?" Cagalli asked, nodding in trust.
"About six hours," He Kui replied.
"So fast!" Cagalli pouted, clearly disappointed that he wouldn't be staying longer.
"Unfortunately, I have to head back," He Kui said, pinching Cagalli's soft cheek with a hint of regret. He had only taken three days off for this trip.
As for Kira and the others, it was no surprise that they would act today. The DSSD space station was close to Mendel, providing the perfect opportunity for them to make their move under the radar. That's how they all ended up together.
As for Creuset, he was likely lying in wait somewhere nearby.
According to what Xiao Liu observed, their hangar not only contained enhanced Astray Gundams and two Strike units but also three M1 Astrays. With such a combat force, unless they encountered a large-scale battle during wartime, they could retreat unscathed from any situation.
After tonight's ambush on Mendel, He Kui would be leaving.
"So when are you going to Orb?" Cagalli asked.
"There will be an opportunity."
Orb was too far, and it was the center of conflict. Going there required thorough preparation.
"That's evasive."
"How's your economics study going recently, Cagalli?"
He Kui smiled, shifting the topic.
"It's boring."
Cagalli glared at He Kui.
"Just understanding the basics is enough. There are others responsible for the overall planning."
"But isn't that irresponsible?"
Cagalli tightened her grip on He Kui's hand.
"I want the people of Orb to be happy!"
"Mm, don't overwork yourself."
Their shoulders brushed intimately, and Cagalli's soft golden hair tickled his neck.
Their body heat and scents blended seamlessly, creating an intoxicating atmosphere.
"I won't~"
Cagalli's tone softened in this ambiance.
As they lingered in their closeness, He Kui led her to his room.
Naturally, He Kui skillfully kissed Cagalli's lips.
This was their first formal kiss, and her sweet scent was unlike any other girl's.
Cagalli's kiss was like a young lion's—bold and aggressive.
Unlike Lacus, who sought to dominate, Cagalli's technique was clumsy, but her passion was equally captivating.
"Was it good?"
After a long while, He Kui gently stroked Cagalli's back as she caught her breath, asking tenderly.
"It was... okay."
Cagalli's face was flushed, partly from the lack of air and partly from excitement and shyness.
"Then I need to find a way to make Cagalli feel even better."
Looking at the spirited yet delicate girl in his arms, He Kui was filled with affection.
Unfortunately, they would likely have to take action tonight.
He hoped it would end soon; otherwise, it would be too casual to let Cagalli experience such things now.
He Kui cared deeply for Cagalli and didn't want her to be treated so casually.
At the very least, he wanted to cherish her gently throughout the night.
Lost in thought, He Kui unbuckled Cagalli's belt.
Her trousers fell to the ground.
Cagalli's underwear was unexpectedly alluring, contrasting sharply with her serious demeanor.
"You're wearing the ones I bought?"
Seeing the delicate semi-transparent white lace embroidery revealing her pink skin, He Kui teased.
He hadn't expected Cagalli to wear the type of underwear she usually disliked, especially on such a formal occasion.
It must have been difficult for her. "Do they look good?"
Cagalli blushed, avoiding He Kui's gaze, her smooth legs rubbing together shyly.
"They look good, but Cagalli looks even better."
He Kui's movements were gentle as he helped Cagalli overcome her discomfort.
"Well, it's about time."
Looking at the girl whose eyes were still hazy and immersed in the afterglow, He Kui spoke gently.
"Mmm."
Cagalli opened her eyes, her usual vigor now transformed into a misty swirl within them.
"Sleep a little longer."
Cagalli grabbed He Kui's wrist and shook it, acting coquettishly.
She hadn't slept a wink last night because she knew she was coming over.
Now, after the recent activity, she was even more exhausted.
"Just a little while then."
With a tender touch, He Kui stroked the girl's head, and with that, the room fell into a serene silence.
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