Chapter 198: You Know I Wrote Again
Eli was doing his best to restrain himself, trying not to do anything that might be misunderstood by others.
After all, seeing Sayla—someone he had once known so intimately—put on the stern demeanor fitting of Zeon, using stiff and formal language, it was hard not to feel a little amused.
But that amusement was quickly replaced by a wave of something close to sorrow.
Sayla had become Artesia because of her ideals.
Yet it felt as if he himself had done nothing that lived up to the ideals they once vowed to uphold. It was as if he'd wasted four years only to finally start moving forward now.
Staring at the colonel's insignia on his uniform, Eli thought to himself.
A twenty-four-year-old colonel—an achievement almost unimaginable in reality.
But Eli knew all too well: this was still far from enough for what he truly wanted to do.
Right now, at best, he could maintain civil-military relations within Undertaker's jurisdiction, doing what he could to ease the anti-Federation sentiment among the space-dwelling residents.
Even so, protests still erupted from time to time.
Let alone suppressing the Titans' growth—Undertaker had just been elevated to an independent combat unit; the fact that they hadn't yet been suppressed by the Titans was already a miracle.
In the original story, even someone who had risen to the prominent rank of lieutenant general ended up fading from the spotlight due to political strife.
As a colonel, Eli's capabilities were ultimately limited.
Like now—even though he was lucky enough to meet Sayla again, as a colonel, there was neither emotional nor political room to speak to her directly. All he could do was stand in the hall, watching Artesia politely exchange pleasantries with the technical staff.
"Colonel Eli Lee. Since you're here, I have a few questions I'd like to ask—would that be alright?"
Just as Eli was thinking these things, Artesia suddenly turned the conversation to him, as if she had sensed the faint despondency in his heart.
Eli looked up to meet Artesia's solemn expression.
Yet he could see the glimmer of a smile hidden behind her eyes.
"It would be my honor."
Eli straightened up and saluted, his expression just as formal.
Two of the closest people pretending to be strangers—for the sake of those watching.
"What would you think," Artesia said, her lips curling ever so slightly, "if I proposed inviting Undertaker to come to the Republic of Zeon for joint defense?"
"Prime Minister!"
Before Eli could say anything, Monaghan Bakharo—the son of the former Principality of Zeon's Prime Minister, who had once represented the Republic of Zeon during Dozle's public trial—blurted out in protest.
But he quickly realized that everyone else in the room was now staring at him.
The Federation officers looked on with curiosity, maybe even amusement.
But the Zeon Republic officials were visibly displeased, staring him down with frowns.
In today's climate, where space aristocracy was prevalent, everyone present in the audience chamber held considerable standing within the Republic of Zeon.
Even if they had objections to Artesia's proposal, it was inappropriate to voice them in public—especially in front of the Federation officers.
Monaghan had no choice but to shut his mouth and bow slightly, signaling to Artesia that she could continue.
"You know," Sayla said, turning to look directly at Eli, "this food production satellite under our feet was supposed to have a twin."
From the look in her eyes, it was clear that this proposal wasn't just an excuse to talk to him—it was genuine.
"After Delaz seized the other one, many Zeon remnants began eyeing this one. Our military has dealt with quite a few such incidents in the past, but you know… our forces..."
At this point, Artesia showed visible frustration.
Due to postwar treaties, the Zeon Republic retained only a modest military. Their armaments remained at One Year War levels, and their personnel had mostly turned over—few veterans remained.
All things considered, they'd even begun losing ground in small-scale skirmishes with Zeon remnants.
Of course, part of this was due to covert sabotage from supporters of the old Zeon regime, who deliberately funneled supplies to the remnants under the table.
"That's why I hope your specialized unit can station a force here on this food satellite, to defend it together with us."
Artesia spoke to Eli with rare frankness.
Glancing around, Eli noticed that most of the high-ranking officials of the Zeon Republic looked puzzled but refrained from voicing opposition.
However, those closest to Artesia appeared fully in the loop.
Clearly, this wasn't a spur-of-the-moment suggestion, but rather the result of prior discussion among her inner circle.
That reassured Eli.
He'd been worried that Sayla had forced this proposal through just to give him a hand.
"I'd be glad to assist. I'll submit a formal proposal regarding the specifics later, and we'll have someone assigned to coordinate with you."
Eli bowed slightly and replied.
"I'll find time to speak with you privately. You're staying here for three days, correct? Please be ready."
Eli blinked, looking up to meet Artesia's eyes.
Her lips seemed to curl ever so slightly upward, like someone playing a harmless prank, silently teasing him.
In that moment, a certain memory rushed back—of that night when she was straddling him, wearing the same teasing smile… though it had been even more wanton then.
Surely she's not thinking…
Eli, now lost in a flurry of half-suppressed fantasies, looked away awkwardly.
"Alright then, I won't disturb your work further. Aside from classified areas, you're all free to look around as you like—but please be mindful."
Seeing that things had progressed far enough, Artesia dismissed the researchers, who were already weary from Zeon's tedious bureaucracy.
And watching Eli consciously restrain himself from turning around on his way out—just to avoid any misunderstandings—only made Sayla's hidden amusement grow even stronger.
—
"I held back so much today…"
"Ugh, every day is so exhausting! I miss you so much!"
"Oh, and—just between us—the Republic of Zeon is about to open bids for the next generation of mobile suits. Get ready in advance, okay?"
"You have to send troops over! That way, you'll have a reason to visit the Republic of Zeon, won't you?"
"Mmm… it's so hot."
"Ah, sorry—did I bite too hard?"
"It's fine? Mmm, then… again~"
…
"Eli, what happened? I'd heard Prime Minister Artesia was a workaholic, but she really worked through the night, huh? Tired? Alright, go get some sleep—I'll take care of the specifics."
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