Luther had spoken to this extent, so the 'Professor' could no longer continue to beat around the bush.
"I've always been a free spirit, so I can only gratefully decline your kind offer.
As for my timely appearance this time, I'm not sure about others' sources of information. On my end, I actually received a private commission from Orb's Morgenroete. I originally came to retrieve the Astray Series mobile suits developed by Morgenroete, which I believe have now been recovered by your side."
In response to the 'Professor's' finally honest reply, Luther gave a slight nod.
The 'private' in the 'Professor's' 'private commission' likely referred to Erica Simmons, one of the main designers and development leads for the Gundam G-Series and Astray Series Gundams. She was actually a Coordinator disguised as a Natural working at Orb's Morgenroete. She certainly had the capability and the motive to issue such a commission. Although there were still many questionable details, those were probably due to the power struggles within Orb that were only briefly mentioned in the main story.
However, considering it from Director Erica Simmons' perspective, although the 'Professor' also claimed to be a Natural, whether that was actually true was debatable. Of course, for Luther, a 'Newtype,' and the Luther Fleet, this issue wasn't particularly important.
While Luther was thinking this, Tessa repeated their earlier response to the request from Morgenroete to the 'Professor.'
"We have already responded to the request claiming to be from Orb's Morgenroete: 'Lord Sahaku' has been killed for attacking us. We will personally return the Astray Series to Orb itself. Please wait for the news!"
"Is that so? Alright, I understand."
The 'Professor's' reaction to what should have been a shocking response was surprisingly nonchalant.
Judging from Tessa's expression, it was clear that the 'Professor's' response differed greatly from Morgenroete's attitude, which left Tessa slightly puzzled. Luther promptly used his Newtype abilities to explain to Tessa.
'The ones who contacted us earlier were likely the 'Sahaku Faction,' which led the development in cooperation with the 'G-Project' and secretly developed the Astray Series. The commission the Professor accepted probably actually came from the 'Athha' faction, which holds power on the surface. As for Morgenroete, which is essentially owned by the Orb government, it only superficially accepted the production commission.'
Although Luther's explanation lacked many details, it was enough for Tessa to piece together most of the truth.
What was slightly surprising was that the 'Professor' seemed to sense the communication between Luther and Tessa. It seemed she might have Newtype potential as well.
On the other hand, after actually achieving a main objective—though the result wasn't ideal—the 'Professor' still appeared much more relaxed.
"Thank you both for taking the time to meet with someone as insignificant as me in your busy schedules.
Although I can only gratefully decline your kind offer, Lord Luther, as I've always been a free spirit."
"However, if there is anything I can assist you with, I will do my utmost to help. I also hope you will continue to support my business in the future."
Although the Professor said this as a polite way of indicating that his own 'business' was concluded, for Luther, there was indeed one matter that absolutely required the help of a neutral force like the Junk Guild.
Thus, following the Professor's polite words, Luther made a very specific request.
"Professor, your words are a great help to me.
Aside from ordinary business with the Junk Guild, there is indeed one matter I would like to entrust to you.
I wonder if you could pass a message to the Mentor for me, saying that I wish to speak with him.
As for the specific timing, we will personally visit Earth when conditions are suitable."
The Professor was visibly somewhat surprised by Luther's request and felt compelled to seek clarification.
"Lord Luther, when you say 'Mentor,' are you referring to Mentor Marzio?"
"I believe if there are no others, it should be the one you mentioned, Professor.
After all, if we're talking about the 'Professor' of the Junk Guild, it wouldn't refer to anyone else, would it?"
Faced with Luther's slightly teasing words, after a moment of thought, the Professor nodded and accepted the request without pressing for details about the message.
With both sides having addressed their respective 'major concerns,' what remained was ordinary business dealings.
Thus, after Luther and the Professor finished their exchange, Tessa and the Professor discussed the details of the 'barter trade.'
On this topic, both the Luther Fleet, which needed stable supply channels for resources, and the Junk Guild, which eagerly sought military supplies, mobile suits, and the intelligence about the Luther Fleet that came with them, were sincere about the deal. Although there were some disagreements over pricing and complications regarding delivery methods, they still reached a verbal agreement that should be quite binding.
However, after concluding all these talks, as they stood up to leave and the officer opened the door, signaling for the Professor to follow, the Professor suddenly turned back and asked Luther a question.
"Although it may be a bit late to ask now, Lord Luther, how should I explain your identity to the Mentor?"
Luther extended a hand to help Tessa stand, then turned his head and replied to the Professor with the same words.
"Please wait and watch the news. I think you'll find out soon enough."
—Later, on the Home Ship—
Upon returning to the Home Ship, the Professor was warmly welcomed by his companions.
Yamabuki Juri, who usually lacked confidence, was able to act normally around familiar faces like the Professor.
"Welcome back, Professor. How did the meeting go?"
"It went quite smoothly. The other side didn't seem to favor any particular faction, and their hospitality and attitude were quite sincere and friendly."
After responding this way, the Professor turned to Rau Le Creuset, who was actually in charge of the work.
"Sorry, Rau. It seems you won't get the chance to try piloting the Astray Gundam. Also, could you help me open a public channel, please?"
Though somewhat disappointed by the 'Professor's' words, Rau Le Creuset still followed the 'Professor's' request and opened a public channel on the large screen.
He did not keep the 'Professor' waiting long. Soon, Lord Luther, who had just met with the 'Professor' not long ago, appeared on the screen.
Seated by the fireplace, Luther was surrounded by several women, including Captain Tessa, who had also attended the earlier meeting. On the wall above the fireplace hung a large oil painting of a stern-looking middle-aged man giving a speech, bearing some resemblance to Luther.
Without keeping the Professor waiting, Luther got straight to the point, beginning his first public appearance and impactful speech before both the Earth Alliance and Plant, whether Naturals or Coordinators.