"Was the Mendel incident carried out by your people?"
In his own office, Patrick frowned as he looked at Siegel before him.
"Yes, we went to retrieve some data and unexpectedly encountered Blue Cosmos as well."
Siegel nodded candidly, admitting it outright.
"So then, what did you discover?"
Patrick asked.
Although they were equals in rank, they were currently allies after all. Such information generally wouldn't be concealed if asked about.
Thus, Siegel was already prepared and nodded.
"We found a lead regarding Dr. Hibiki's Ultimate Coordinator, along with some data on artificial wombs."
"We also unexpectedly discovered traces of a Replica."
Siegel forwarded most of the information to Patrick.
Patrick glanced over it and could immediately discern its authenticity.
As for the deceased Replica, he merely took a look before shifting his gaze away.
It was just a Replica, after all—it didn't stir any particular emotion within him.
He simply continued.
"Does this have anything to do with Fred?"
It wasn't that he had any evidence, but the timing seemed rather peculiar.
"What could it possibly have to do with him?"
Siegel replied, somewhat exasperated.
"Hmm..."
Patrick fell silent upon hearing this.
Indeed, it seemed entirely unrelated to Fred.
Moreover, this operation had yielded considerable gains.
There was some data on artificial wombs, which might help address the fertility issues of Coordinators, as well as a few clues about the Ultimate Coordinator who was still at large.
They had even managed to thwart an attack by Blue Cosmos in the end.
Patrick didn't blame Siegel for acting first and reporting later.
Although the two were allies, their relationship wasn't so close that they shared every detail of their actions.
"Still, it would be better to inform us beforehand for such major operations."
"That way, we can coordinate accordingly."
Patrick said seriously.
Whether he truly meant coordination or simply wanted to stay informed, only he knew.
"Understood."
Siegel didn't argue, merely offering his usual gentle smile before ending the communication.
Watching the screen turn completely dark, Siegel finally let out a sigh of relief deep within.
Fortunately, Fred likely hadn't revealed anything about Creuset to Patrick, just as he had claimed.
Otherwise, Patrick would probably have already linked Fred to this incident.
And as long as Fred himself didn't speak up, no one would ever suspect his role in the matter.
After all, even he himself wouldn't have imagined that Fred possessed so much intelligence until Fred had disclosed it.
Thinking back to how Fred had also asked him to keep an eye on that person named Durandal, Siegel felt another headache coming on.
That Durandal fellow did seem to have some connection to Ola's side.
He wondered if Fred even knew about Ola's affairs.
If that were the case...
As for what Fred had previously mentioned about The Clan, Siegel still wasn't sure whether it was just a ploy to deceive Creuset or if it was truly about The Clan.
Although he himself thought it unlikely, he still couldn't be entirely certain. That was why Siegel agreed to let Lacus go to Fred's house.
In any case, it wouldn't hurt to observe the situation first.
With that thought, Siegel withdrew his gaze and tapped a key on the keyboard, causing various documents to appear on the screen before him.
However, the peace and liveliness on Siegel's side could not extend to Mendel.
In the research institute overseen by Ola in Mendel, the woman welcomed the young man she was familiar with.
"Durandal, long time no see."
Ola's red lips curved slightly as she smiled.
"Ola."
Durandal responded coldly and got straight to the point.
"You said the recent attack was carried out by the Clyne Faction?"
"Not certain, but about eighty percent likely."
Ola thought for a moment before replying.
Upon hearing this, Durandal lowered his eyes, concealing the thoughts swirling within them.
"It seems your friend was quite unlucky. But then again, replicas have flaws and aren't meant to live long anyway."
As she spoke, Ola's smile took on a hint of mockery.
"The world still needs us Coordinators to lead the way."
Durandal didn't respond to her words. Instead, he stood up and walked out.
Seeing this, Ola made no attempt to stop him, nor did she bother to see him off. She merely shrugged her shoulders rather indifferently.
Meanwhile, having just stepped out of Ola's research institute, Durandal took a deep breath of the fresh outside air. His gaze fell on the collapsed bridge in the distance and the various research institutes with varying degrees of damage. Finally, his eyes settled in the direction of Hibiki Yamato's research institute.
From where he stood, he couldn't actually see the place, but a bitter smile slowly spread across his face.
He hadn't expected his friend to die like this.
But whether it was a good or bad thing that he hadn't met his end in despair—Durandal wasn't sure.
As for revenge, would his friend have wanted him to seek it?
In a daze, Durandal seemed to see a faint, illusory figure of Creuset not far away, wearing his signature, slightly mocking smile.
Still, he had to find out who was responsible.
...
Elsewhere, as Durandal pondered these thoughts, Fred made a smooth journey back to the familiar Junius Plantation, bringing Lacus along with him.
"Director Freed!"
Upon spotting Fred, the guard straightened his posture and gave a crisp, formal salute.
"You've worked hard."
Fred smiled.
"Not at all, just doing my duty."
The guard replied humbly, then shifted his gaze to the young girl beside Fred. His expression froze for a moment.
"This is my friend. She has clearance too."
Noticing the guard's gaze, Fred nodded and explained.
"Understood."
The guard lowered his head in acknowledgment.
The reason the guard was taken aback wasn't because of an unexpected visitor, but because this person had been brought in by Fred.
Moreover, she was exceptionally beautiful and adorable. Though still young, that only made her seem even more charmingly cute, standing out starkly against the usual atmosphere of the place.
But since she had clearance, she was probably the elite offspring of some high-ranking official, right?
"Please provide your identification~"
The guard thought to himself, his attitude softening a bit, and even his tone of voice became rather gentle.
Fred couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth, gaining a new understanding of Lacus's charm.
This wasn't just the charm of a young girl—it was an all-ages appeal. As a little girl, she was adorable; as a young woman, she was stunning. Even if she became an old lady, she'd probably still be as delightful as flowers in bloom.