To cut everything off at the source.
And to achieve this, war with the Atlantic and Eurasian Federations is the fastest means.
After all, even in wartime, it would be difficult for him to take action against those old aristocrats who value their lives above all else, let alone in peacetime.
Of course, if war truly couldn't break out because of him, he could take his time and plan slowly, but he didn't think the possibility was very high.
Especially with the increasingly turbulent situation recently.
After a long period of peace, all sides are now restless.
And when war breaks out, as the costs become tangible, the number of neutral and moderate factions will also increase.
In that case, fighting a war is the simplest and most direct approach.
However, how to fight still requires careful consideration.
Control the intensity, control the scale, and there needs to be a final mediator.
The Clyne Faction might not be recognized by the nations on Earth, but if they could bring in East Asia, it might be simpler.
"Hmm..."
Lacus wasn't particularly excited upon hearing this.
The girl understood Fred's meaning.
The Clyne Faction wasn't so corrupt as to believe that peace could be maintained even if it meant groveling.
At least not yet.
Restraining the opponent within a still controllable range is the feasible way.
They don't aspire to become rulers of the world.
Improving the status of Coordinators is enough.
Rather than confronting the entire Earth, suddenly making enemies of the three most powerful forces on the planet and their numerous smaller factions—even with MS, it would be too overwhelming.
"This still depends on how Father sees it."
Although Lacus wasn't bothered and instead took it to heart, she didn't speak in absolutes at this moment.
After a brief pause, she continued.
"This time, going to April City is because Mentor Marzio wants to meet both of you."
"After that, I'll go to Junius City with Flay~ Fred, big brother~"
Having finished discussing serious matters, a mischievous smile appeared on Lacus's face.
A year had passed, and now the girl's smile seemed not only cute but also brighter.
"Hmm... Welcome."
Seeing Fred, who was clearly desensitized, Lacus let out a light hum.
But thinking about being able to relax briefly, a sense of excitement still welled up in Lacus's heart.
Beside her, Flay, having listened to their conversation, blinked her eyes. She understood their earlier discussion.
After all, she hadn't been idle during this time and had taken many political lessons.
She also understood the current state of the world's situation.
And what Fred aimed to achieve was peace.
Thinking of this, Flay felt not only admiration but also worry.
Could one truly withdraw safely after getting involved in such major events?
But on the other hand, she understood that perhaps they couldn't escape even if they wanted to now.
Moreover, without power, one could only be at the mercy of others.
Rather than passively enduring, it was better to take the initiative.
This was Fred's way of thinking, and Flay, influenced by his ideas, now thought the same way.
Seeing the serious atmosphere that had settled over the scene, Lacus laughed and changed the subject.
"Still, congratulations on your success, brother. Would you mind sharing a bit about your latest research plan~?"
"Alright."
Fred had no reason to refuse.
Along the way, Fred explained, while Lacus and Flay listened with great interest.
Soon, they arrived at their destination.
Inside April City, the capital.
These were all standardized space colonies, and compared to Junius City, there was nothing particularly novel about them.
Aside from the capital likely having a larger population and denser buildings.
Fred hadn't come for sightseeing, though. He spent the journey on a high-speed train reading a book, and before long, he followed Lacus to her courtyard.
"Lacus, is Mentor Marzio really okay?"
Fred spoke, recalling the rumors about him being a hidden mastermind behind the scenes, and felt a bit uncertain.
Although those rumors were barely considered unofficial history, no one could say for sure whether he was truly a major antagonist.
Of course, he never revealed anything even by the time of the movie adaptations.
"Hmm?"
Hearing the rare uncertainty in Fred's words, Lacus tilted her head cutely.
Soon after, she nodded gently.
"There's no problem."
"You can trust me, Fred brother~"
The girl showed an unusual seriousness.
"And we didn't reveal your identity."
Seeing Fred's apparent concern, Lacus added a few more words of explanation.
"Understood."
Without dwelling on it too long, Fred nodded in agreement.
Lacus's reasoning made sense.
If she was truly good at judging people, she should also trust her mentor.
It was precisely for this reason that Lacus would later confide in her mentor about Kira.
After turning these thoughts over in his mind, Fred's doubts gradually faded.
"Mhm~"
Seeing Fred's trusting expression, Lacus let out a soft, cheerful laugh.
Beside them, Flay watched the two, her eyes darting back and forth between them.
Sunlight streamed through the transparent glass of the courtyard, casting a glow on the pair, making them look like a celestial couple.
It would be even better if someone wasn't wearing a mask.
Flay silently grumbled to herself.
Could it be that her best friend was interested in her brother...
Both of them were around eleven or twelve years old now.
If Kira was already in a specialized program at fifteen and at least in his second year, then children in this world matured earlier than in Fred's original world.
If that were the case... maybe it wouldn't be so bad?
After all, that way she could spend more time with Lacus and also be with her brother.
Though she felt a bit reluctant and conflicted, this thought still held sway in Flay's mind.
In Flay's eyes, Fred and Lacus could somewhat be considered childhood friends, and there was also the element of fate bringing them together.
How could that possibly go wrong?
But for now, Flay wisely kept her thoughts to herself.
After all, she would feel awkward bringing it up.
While the two were talking and Flay was lost in her thoughts, the courtyard gate soon opened once more.
The mentor, leaning on his cane, slowly entered, guided by a servant.
Just as Fred remembered him from the story, sunlight fell on his calm face, which bore a gentle smile.
The tapping sound of his cane against the ground echoed rhythmically, a sound so soothing it seemed to bring peace of mind.
The light fell upon the mentor's face, as if imbued with a touch of divinity.
It was somewhat different from Fred's usual perception of how blind people used canes.
However, since the mentor had visited this place many times, it wasn't too strange after all.
Just as Fred was lost in thought, Lacus promptly stood up as well.
She smiled toward the mentor and said, "Mentor, this is Freed and his sister Flay."
Following Lacus's words, Fred and Flay also quickly rose to their feet.
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