The restaurant's style was much like the pictures Fred had seen in his previous life, but this was the first time the young man had visited such a place in person.
Had it been his past life, he certainly would have felt a touch of fear born from insecurity. It was a sense of inferiority toward a world he didn't belong to.
However, he had experienced a great deal since then. As he arrived, he kept his head held high, a polite and appropriate smile on his face.
"Hello, I'm looking for someone. They are in the Bamboo Pavilion."
The Bamboo Pavilion was the name of a private room. One had to admit, it had a certain class to it.
"Certainly. I'll have someone show you the way."
The male staff member looked up at the two of them. As an employee of a high-end restaurant, he naturally wouldn't judge someone solely by their appearance. However, observing each guest's clothing and demeanor was practically a required course for them—especially for someone heading to Miss Lacus's room.
The masked youth before him appeared gentle and polite. Though his clothes didn't belong to any widely known brands, the materials were of the highest quality; one look told him they were high-end private commissions. Following behind him was a bodyguard who looked quite physically imposing...
Perhaps he was the scion of an old-money noble family? From a family on the same level as the Clynes? After all, what normal person would wear such an expensive-looking mask on their face?
At this thought, the staff member's expression grew even more respectful, and he bowed his head slightly lower. People like this were not to be trifled with, let alone offended. Otherwise, one might not even know how they met their end. As for the young man's relationship with Lacus, that was certainly not something a mere employee should gossip about.
"Very well," Fred replied.
Seeing the man's trepidation, Fred didn't bother to explain anything. Without realizing it, he had already reached the pinnacle of this world. The knowledge and abilities he possessed were enough to change it. Yet, what these people feared was not him personally, but the weight of the Clyne and Zala names behind him.
He had no intention of changing that. World peace was what mattered most. Otherwise, no matter how much power or wealth one had, they could still be taken out by a single bullet. As for what these people thought, as long as they didn't get in his way, it had little to do with him.
"Um... Sir, we've arrived."
The waitress leading the way looked at the youth with a mix of awe and anxiety. Beneath her cautious exterior, however, was a suppressed flutter of the heart. This person's status was likely very distinguished; although most of his features were hidden by the mask, his thin lips still hinted at a youthful handsomeness.
Despite her thoughts, the waitress didn't dare say anything else. Firstly, the rules here were strict, and secondly, those with power weren't necessarily good people. If he were some kind of deviant, trying to flirt with him would only lead to a miserable end. After all, what decent person walked around wearing a mask all the time?
Thinking of the rumors online about the eccentricities of the Atlantic Federation capitalists, the waitress forcefully suppressed her urge to strike up a conversation with the elegant youth.
"Thank you," Fred said.
Unaware that he had been categorized as a potential deviant, Fred offered his routine politeness. The girl, however, flinched as if startled, gave a deep bow, and quickly turned to leave. To an outsider, it might have looked like he was some kind of monster.
"Alec, is there something on my face?"
It was one thing for the young man earlier to be afraid, but this girl was even more exaggerated, acting as if she had seen a ghost.
"Not at all. You look quite handsome," Alec said seriously, glancing at Fred.
"Thanks for that," Fred rolled his eyes. He was wearing a mask; he had no idea how the man could tell he looked handsome.
After a bit of small talk, Fred didn't say more and strode into the room.
"I didn't expect us to come to such a luxurious place," Fred said, his smile becoming more genuine upon seeing Lacus.
"We have to show Mr. Durandal some sincerity, after all."
"I don't come here often either, but this place is one of my father's properties. They won't leak any secrets," Lacus explained, then added with a smile, "The food here isn't nearly as delicious as what you make, Big Brother~"
"..."
Hearing her "wealthy lady" remarks—delivered with a calm that didn't even feel like bragging—and seeing her eyes blink playfully after complimenting him, Fred let out a laugh.
"I see."
Watching their interaction, a spark of gossip-hungry curiosity flickered in Alec's eyes. After hearing so much from Haken's two subordinates earlier, his view of the two of them was no longer simple. He felt an inexplicable sense of tacit understanding between them. Whether it was romantic affection, he couldn't say for sure. To be honest, he didn't have much experience in that department himself.
"Uncle Alec, please have a seat as well."
"...Thank you."
Alec snapped out of it, realizing he had just been targeted by Lacus's mischievous side. He wondered if this sharp-witted girl had seen through his thoughts as he sat down with a sheepish grin.
"Mr. Durandal should arrive in about half an hour. He'll be in the room right next to us. This equipment allows us to see everything happening inside," Lacus explained, pointing to the virtual screen in the center of the table.
"Who is handling the negotiations?" Fred asked, being well-versed in such technology.
"Irene."
"You're really going all out."
Irene—the future head of peace negotiations with the Earth Alliance and the second-in-command of the Clyne Faction. Short of bringing the Chairman himself, this was the highest level of treatment they could offer Durandal.
"It makes it more believable that way," Lacus said, her eyes twinkling with a rare touch of playfulness. "After all, the goal is to commission him to move from Mendel to our side to research the offspring of Coordinators."
"That's true," Fred agreed, nodding. "You've worked hard, Lacus."
"It's nothing."
The girl waved her hand dismissively. With the business talk concluded, she pushed the tablet acting as a menu toward him. "Does Big Brother want to try the food here?"
"Sure. Do you have any recommendations?"
Even though he had already eaten, he had to give Lacus face. Upon hearing Fred's answer, the curve of Lacus's lips widened slightly.
"Mhm, they do have some specialty dishes here~"
"..."
Seeing the two of them chatting so comfortably, the corner of Alec's mouth twitched. To an outsider, it would look like they were just out for a simple dinner date. Why was he even here? He felt like a total third wheel.
Of course, ordering didn't take long. For the remaining time, Fred lowered his head to continue reading his book. Seeing the boy's focused expression, Lacus, who had just set the menu aside, let out another quiet giggle.