But if this could be seen directly, why is there still an upgrade?
Could it be about the direction of talent?
After all, while it's about recognizing talent, this seems too vague.
Aside from the color, nothing else is visible; usually, a card draw would at least show a profession or talent points.
Although it's not possible to rigidly apply a game system here, it's still quite likely upon reflection.
In other words, he still needs to upgrade.
However, compared to giving gifts, this isn't the time to think about that.
With that thought, He Kui withdrew the aggressive gaze that Lass perceived.
Silently chanting "close" in his heart, the clouds above everyone's heads vanished without a trace.
"By the way, Lass, I heard you brought some people from Orb up here?"
"Ah? Yes."
Fearing that He Kui might be upset, Lass lowered her head shyly and murmured a question to He Kui.
"Is that a bad thing?"
"Of course not! I've always been quite interested in Orb. If you have time, Lass, could you bring them to visit May City?"
He Kui took the initiative to invite her.
As a partner of the Defense Committee, they were originally allowed to visit the Integrated Design Bureau.
This was also the foundation for deepening cooperation between both sides.
However, once they arrived at PLANT, it was actually quite difficult for them to leave.
This was about war and interests; in this regard, PLANT didn't have that kind of hypocritical pretense. Although they wouldn't resort to extreme measures like the Atlantic Federation, for the survival of Coordinators, it wasn't hard to make some concessions.
Of course, He Kui, who facilitated their visit, didn't feel guilty at all.
The fact that they could be protected here was much better than being unprotected in Orb, where they could be in danger at any moment.
"Of course, that's fine~!"
Unaware of He Kui's calculations, Lass smiled adorably.
Having completed Aegis's request, and with He Kui not being angry, she felt like she had achieved a win-win situation.
"Then shall we go dance together~?"
The girl's bright eyes gazed at He Kui, making it hard to refuse.
Naturally, He Kui had no intention of refusing.
"Okay."
Upon hearing He Kui's response, the girl's nervous smile transformed into a radiant one, her face glowing like the most beautiful sunset under the crystal chandelier.
Quickly, the girl took He Kui's hand and led him toward the dance floor.
As a Coordinator with strong learning abilities, He Kui actually knew how to ballroom dance.
However, even though it was a culture from Earth that he should have rejected, ballroom dancing still followed the old ways, which felt a bit like burying one's head in the sand.
Lost in thought, He Kui's hand had already settled on Lass's slender waist.
With standard dance steps, the somewhat ambiguous dance between the main characters, Lass and He Kui, drew various thoughts from the onlookers.
"Isn't that nice?"
A high-ranking official's son at the banquet sighed.
To be close to Lass was like securing a company; even becoming a son-in-law would attract many suitors.
Even though the official's son had a significant status, there was still a considerable gap compared to Lass's influence.
Not to mention, these people didn't have much money on them either.
"Let me have a go!"
A friend nearby pounded his chest in frustration.
"Don't! He Kui, do you dare offend him?"
Another person said, speechless.
At this moment, He Kui was undoubtedly a key protected figure in PLANT. Didn't they see the inconspicuous bodyguards following him?
They probably wouldn't be able to get close without being controlled.
"Hmph, waiting for the war to end is the same; he won't be able to enjoy it for long."
The friend grumbled, feeling resentful. He Kui was currently reaping all the benefits and enjoying the spotlight, naturally attracting more jealousy-fueled hostility.
Of course, most wouldn't be foolish enough to rush forward just out of jealousy.
They were merely spectators, waiting for the day He Kui would face misfortune so they could laugh.
Perhaps there weren't many people with this mindset among the general public, but there were definitely quite a few in the upper echelons.
At this moment, the few people around didn't refute the remarks.
Seeing the war situation progressing smoothly, they were already thinking about how their parents would divide the sweet cake called victory.
"When the war ends, He Kui will be the greatest contributor. Even if he loses his former glory, he can still maintain his status."
"Don't forget he has a company."
The person who spoke earlier reminded them.
"My mom is the head of the Review Bureau."
"Eh, is that so?"
Suddenly, a cynical voice interrupted their conversation.
"Dearka!?"
Everyone was startled and took several steps back upon seeing the blond-haired, dark-skinned boy.
"Um."
"I remember your mom is the head of the Tax Review Bureau in February City, right?"
Dearka seemed oblivious to the awkward atmosphere and just smiled at the person.
"Yes, that's correct."
She was indeed the head, but Dearka's father was a city representative.
That position was much higher.
"Don't act tough from the back; if you can get to the battlefield and come back alive, then talk."
Dearka rarely put away his smile and shot a glare at the person.
He Kui had actual achievements to his name.
He had experienced countless battlefields as a tester.
While these people might not have even seen blood, they were sitting back and enjoying the spoils, still talking trash about He Kui. Just this alone was something Dearka couldn't tolerate.
Moreover, with the war situation unfavorable, he was only feeling anger toward this group.
"Alright, Dearka."
Seeing that Dearka wanted to say more, Nicol gently advised him.
"Hmph! Just be careful; if you're not satisfied, go to the front lines and see for yourself."
"I'm really sorry."
"Yes, we were just careless."
Faced with the others' excuses, the person who had initially spoken was now filled with fear.
After all, Dearka, whether in terms of identity, status, or combat power, was a complete overpowering force against him.
"I'm sorry; I spoke without thinking."
The person bowed deeply in apology.
"If there's a next time, you go fill in the line!"
After leaving a stern warning, Nicol pulled Dearka away from there.
"Even if we didn't capture Alaska, there's no need to take it out on them."
Nicol said helplessly.
"Are you not angry that they talk about He Kui like that!?"
"Um."
He Kui had more interactions with Dearka and Yzak, and their friendship was forged through battles, so when it came to Nicol's feelings, he didn't really have any special feelings aside from feeling disdain for those people.
As the two spoke, the dance music had quietly ended. After giving Nicol an annoyed glance, Dearka headed toward He Kui.
This time, they had a rare break and came to the banquet with a simple purpose.
To snatch some Mobile Suits from He Kui.
Otherwise, it was really unbalanced that Athrun and Yzak were driving new Mobile Suits while they were still stuck with Strike and Blitz.
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