Two days...
Could someone be coming from PLANT?
After seeing Lenore off, Fred fell into deep thought.
Patrick?
Now that he thought about it, it was quite possible.
After all, his beloved wife had just been attacked. Considering Fred's knowledge of the plot, this devoted husband might indeed come.
It would be natural for him to meet with Fred while he was here.
At this thought, Fred felt a bit more nervous.
If Patrick were coming, he needed to prepare for this "interview" with the big shot.
As one of the current leaders of the Zodiac Alliance and a future major antagonist, Fred couldn't afford to underestimate him.
Though nervous, Fred wasn't particularly afraid. He wasn't a spy and had nothing to hide.
It was best to be open and straightforward.
Acting timid would only raise suspicions.
"I've eaten my fill, time to exercise at home."
Muttering to himself, the young man stood up and headed toward the yard.
Strength and research were the key foundations.
With these two, Patrick and the others would naturally view him with greater respect.
Conversely, without them, no matter how eloquently he spoke to Patrick, it would be useless—he'd only be seen as a clown.
That was how this world worked.
With strength and power came the right to speak; whatever you did or said would be considered right.
Without either, you could only be at others' mercy, constrained in every action and word.
All authority had to be earned through one's own efforts.
To protect his family, provide a secure future for his sister, and retire early, he needed to grow stronger.
This was an unchangeable truth, no matter what happened.
Moreover, he was already fortunate enough—while others might work hard without seeing results, he was guaranteed rewards for his efforts.
Thinking this, Fred clenched his fist tighter.
His eyes shone brightly with hope.
...
While Fred was hard at work, Lenore, who had returned to her home study, relayed their entire conversation to Patrick through an encrypted line.
"So that's his stance? Seeking peaceful methods."
Patrick snorted lightly.
"Sounds like he'd fit in better with Clyne's side."
"Pat~"
Lenore shot an exasperated look at the sulking man and continued,
"But his abilities are undeniable. If I leave early, the agricultural research progress will lag. Fred's knowledge in agricultural research has been steadily increasing, and he's essential for us."
"Even Clyne remains our ally."
Although Patrick would send someone to take over her work, her research skills were among the best even among Coordinators. No one else could match her effectiveness.
As for Fred, though currently only at the level of an ordinary researcher, his progress since arriving had been steady.
From Copernicus Elementary to the Agricultural Research Center, he seemed to have no bottlenecks.
If predictions were accurate, within a few years, even if he didn't surpass her, he could become a capable assistant.
"You seem quite impressed with him."
Patrick remarked.
"You've seen his progress yourself."
"Hmm..."
Under Lenore's words, Patrick fell into a brief silence.
"I'll give you the details when I get there."
"Alright, alright."
Lenore smiled sweetly.
"I'll be waiting for you."
...
Two days later, on the same day he was scheduled to meet with the suspected Patrick, Fred ended his brief vacation and came to the Agricultural Research Center as usual.
He held a hand gripper, rhythmically squeezing it as he walked.
Everything appeared normal.
After all, his appearance hadn't been made public, so most people on the street wouldn't recognize him unless they matched his name.
But this time, as soon as he entered the research center, the security guard at the entrance broke into a wide smile.
"Little Fred, coming to work so early? Why not rest a few more days."
Faced with the guard's excessive enthusiasm and nearly chrysanthemum-like radiant smile, Fred felt somewhat startled, even pausing his hand gripper exercises momentarily.
This was the Agricultural Research Center, where none of the security personnel were ordinary people.
Most were personnel arranged by the Council Nations.
They were typically serious and unsmiling.
Although Fred knew he was probably being celebrated by many, facing this uncle now gave him his first real sense of being treated like a hero.
While inwardly shocked, Fred quickly responded.
"My health is fine, no need for rest."
"Ah, but you still need to take care of yourself. How about I find you some supplements?"
As he spoke, the uncle's smile grew even brighter.
He was joking, but the person before him was the Future Son of the Atlantic.
It was already an established fact that as long as Fred didn't die, he would surely reach high positions in the Atlantic region.
Getting on his good side now meant he could boast about it later, even if Fred didn't remember him.
And if Fred was willing to be acquainted with him, it would be like ascending to heaven in one step, bringing glory to all associated with him.
"Not at all, that won't be necessary for now."
Fred gave a wry smile.
When the other mentioned supplements, his expressive face made it clear these weren't ordinary items.
Most likely things from the current embargo list.
Fred roughly understood the other's intention.
He wanted to build connections.
The best way to build rapport was through a shared secret.
This secret couldn't be too important nor too trivial.
Some items on the embargo list happened to be in the sweet spot.
As for his own thoughts...
If he planned to stay, accepting wouldn't be a problem.
After all, he genuinely lacked trusted allies, and he wasn't so rigid as to believe everything must follow the rules.
But since he had no intention of developing here, of course he couldn't accept.
Whether tonight's discussion went well or not, he wouldn't remain in the Atlantic region.
If he didn't leave soon, he'd be tied to this pirate ship.
"Alright."
The uncle watched Fred's retreating back with some disappointment.
But he held no malice.
Fred had great prospects and would undoubtedly become an important figure in the future, leading them Naturals to accomplish great deeds.
The fact that his own goodwill had been rejected didn't change any of this.
Fred was precisely the hope of them Naturals.
Meanwhile, as Fred opened the laboratory's sealed sliding door, a sudden explosion sound reached his ears.
Though called an explosion, it was more accurately classified as the sound of a salute cannon.
As the voice sounded, Fred's vision was instantly covered by colorful bursts of confetti.
"Fred, welcome~!"
His Coordinator colleagues said in unison.
Only after the confetti settled did Fred clearly see the uniform smiles on every one of their faces.