The pink-haired girl watched the television with sparkling eyes as she listened to Fred's words.
Indeed, the young man's words behind the screen resonated deeply with her.
He was said to be coming to PLANT soon.
Though he'd most likely be at Julius, it would still be convenient to visit him.
Meanwhile, the female celebrity hosting the event felt her heartbeat quicken as she gazed at Fred's back from a distance—this was a true hero!
What a pity... she wondered if she'd ever get another chance...
Unaware of the many eyes watching him, Fred waited for the applause to gradually fade before continuing.
"I was born on Earth, from the Atlantic Federation, but in Copernicus, my best friend is a Coordinator from PLANT."
"Pfft!"
Down in the audience, Miha—who had been preparing to leave for the upcoming award ceremony—met Fred's gaze and nearly choked.
"Is he talking about you?"
Andrew glanced at the boy, puzzled.
"Probably...?"
"Did you tell him you're from PLANT?"
Andrew narrowed his eyes.
"I'm a spy! How could I?"
Miha looked at Andrew with an expression of wounded pride.
"Alright then... that makes him rather frightening."
Andrew shrugged.
Even Miha fell silent.
Really, when had that guy figured it out?
Could it have been from the very beginning?
Probably not. Maybe it was after he made contact with PLANT's higher-ups?
Yes, that must be it!
That had to be it!
There was no way he'd been exposed so completely!
Hearing Fred's words, the previously restless crowd fell into complete silence.
Although Copernicus was a neutral city, those who spoke as candidly as Fred were few and far between—and this was being broadcast globally.
"What is that guy doing!?"
Blue Cosmos members and some radical Atlantic Federation citizens watching the television felt their fervent excitement cool as they heard these words.
They had expected to see Fred crushing Coordinators, not declaring on stage that his best friend was one.
Even the mayor of Copernicus felt his smile stiffen.
Was Fred insane? He'd have to return to the Atlantic Federation eventually—why make things difficult for himself now?
But Fred seemed oblivious to the tension in the room and continued.
"I've witnessed how easily the seeds of hatred can grow into trees of destruction."
"Those 'fake Blue Cosmos' members chant slogans, believing they're carrying out justice, but all I see are homes about to become ruins and lives about to vanish."
"Is this the future we want? To prove we're right with more tears and sorrow?"
"Today, I received this medal, but it feels too heavy. It should belong to the ordinary people who supported each other during the disaster, to those ordinary people who risked everything to stand before that battleship."
Lacus listened intently to Fred's words, her wide eyes fixed unblinkingly on the screen, feeling an inexplicable familiarity with the figure before her.
As for Patrick, he showed no surprise at all.
After all, what they needed was a reason for Blue Cosmos to act, and Fred's current words could serve as exactly that.
But...
"Pat, I don't think Fred is acting..."
Lenore whispered softly.
"Right now he somewhat resembles the Mentor and Clyne..."
"Yeah."
Patrick responded, his heart filled with complex emotions.
Those were the words of someone with ideals.
Definitely not an act.
"I'm not a politician; I don't understand complicated theories. All I know is that fear and hatred make us harm each other, while understanding and goodwill once saved us in that critical moment. If we want a peaceful future rather than an apocalyptic world filled with war and smoke, I believe we all must make a choice!"
"I choose mutual understanding and respect with everyone, rather than creating division. This medal, I will regard it as a symbol - a symbol of the miracle that occurs when we transcend our individual identities in times of crisis."
Fred's speech ended, and the applause he received was far less thunderous than at the beginning.
But it was more even and harmonious.
"Even Naturals can be good people..."
The girl who heard Fred's speech was somewhat moved and sympathetic.
"Inferior species" - this phrase that she could once easily utter now filled her with shame.
"Hmm..."
The young man beside her didn't argue, only looked up toward Fred who had already left the stage. What kind of person was he, really?
...
"He's gone mad!"
Deep within Blue Cosmos headquarters in Washington, the entire organization was boiling after hearing Fred's speech.
Certainly not in a positive sense, but boiling with malice.
"Grandfather! That Fred's words are completely nonsensical!"
The golden-haired youth who had also heard Fred's speech was filled with anger.
"..."
The old man who served as Blue Cosmos' Leader didn't respond, only forcefully struck his staff against the ground.
The heavy sound made the youth shrink back and swallow his remaining words.
"Muruta! Such impetuous behavior is unbecoming!"
The old man loudly scolded the youth.
His wrinkled face showed no anger, only carried a more pure venom, as if poison could shoot from his eyes.
"A disobedient dog that doesn't know its place needs proper training. Arrest his father immediately after he returns. The reason... let's make it embezzlement."
As he spoke, the old man wasn't looking at his grandson, but at his assistant nearby.
The assistant stood in the shadows like air, resembling an inanimate object, only responding when he heard the command.
Fred's words were like a stone thrown into calm waters.
Blue Cosmos members were suddenly displeased, but it also made another portion of people who had been wavering between both sides fall silent.
Regardless of their feelings, Fred's words were destined to echo in people's ears for quite some time.
...
In the temporarily converted restroom at the hotel after the award ceremony.
The setting sun shone through the floor-to-ceiling windows into this somewhat luxurious suite,
completely isolated from the excitement outside.
"Fred, what you said earlier..."
George looked at his son with a pained expression.
He had thought Fred would just go up and make a small statement, never expecting him to directly declare his stance.
"Now those Blue Cosmos people are definitely holding a grudge against you."
Though many had joined Blue Cosmos for personal gain, it was precisely for this reason that Fred's words had genuinely threatened their interests.
Generals, foreign ministers, and the like would all come jumping out together.
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