Chapter 118: Do You Know What I Wrote?
A slight numbness tingled down his back, but Eli still smiled and nodded at Ramba Ral before leaving the room.
He then turned around and met Sayla's gaze, holding it until Ramba Ral shut the door, cutting off their line of sight.
"…"
Eli remained silent for a long while.
"You two really are a couple."
Eli turned his head to see General Revil lighting his pipe, an expression of mischief on his face that didn't quite match his status.
General Revil had always been like this—kind to his subordinates when off the battlefield.
And even more so to someone like Eli, who had repeatedly distinguished himself in battle.
Revil patted Eli on the shoulder, signaling him to follow.
"I've erased her records from when she was still in Zeon. If you wish, she can stay in the Federation without issue."
He said this as they walked down the corridor.
The hallway was empty, with no one having approached for a long time—clearly, Revil had arranged for it to be sealed off in advance.
"However, if she stays, she must leave the military and remain within a designated area. Her freedom will be somewhat restricted—but it won't be house arrest."
Revil didn't look at Eli as he spoke, instead keeping his gaze on the closed door.
Eli understood.
Inside, Ramba Ral was likely saying the exact same thing.
"And if she chooses not to stay in the Federation?"
"That will be up to her own will."
Revil exhaled a puff of smoke and spoke to Eli.
"Do you really need to say this to me?"
Eli lowered his head, his voice quiet.
"You are the man she has entrusted her heart and soul to, aren't you? Personally, I would hope you and Sayla end up together."
Eli remained silent.
He believed Revil was speaking from the heart.
But if there was a "personally," then there was also a "not personally" aspect to this conversation.
"…Captain Eli, you have a sharp political instinct. You must understand what else I'm implying."
Eli did.
Ultimately, Revil still wanted Sayla to return to Zeon.
Her family name—"Deikun"—could quickly stabilize the internal situation of the Zeon Republic. Additionally, her service in the Federation military and Ramba Ral's dealings with Revil would allow the general to exert some influence over Zeon's political direction.
But to achieve that, two people would have to sacrifice their happiness.
"Still, I'm not going to force you into this with some grand ideal or for the sake of political gain, Eli. Whether you try to persuade her or not, your rewards and honors will remain unchanged, including the shares in Yashima Heavy Industries that will still be handed to you."
As Revil spoke, there was a trace of hesitation in his voice.
Because, in the end, he had to think about the bigger picture rather than making exceptions for personal affairs.
"But I do sincerely wish for the Federation's stability. This isn't just about Zeon—it concerns the relationship between space colonists and the Federation itself. I want a more stable society, one where the Federation has the time to correct its course and break free from its current Earth-centric stagnation."
Revil was no Earth supremacist. These words were simply the wish of someone responsible for maintaining the Federation.
Anyone who had lived through this war and gained some insight should understand the Federation's current issues.
The difference lay in whether they wanted to change things—or merely maintain the status quo.
Hearing Revil's words, Eli felt a stir in his heart.
So, the Federation did have hope for change.
If he cooperated with General Revil, perhaps he could help shape a better Universal Century.
But in the end, Eli shook his head.
"Sorry, General. If possible, let her decide for herself."
Eli raised his gaze to the tightly shut door, sensing the turmoil within Sayla's thoughts.
"I see… You really are a man of loyalty and love."
Revil didn't press the issue, simply taking another drag from his pipe.
Soon, the door opened again.
But only Ramba Ral emerged.
He said nothing—just gestured for Eli to go inside.
Eli remained silent.
Ramba Ral's response was an answer in itself.
Eli stepped into the room, and Ramba Ral, ever thoughtful, closed the door behind him.
In their final exchange of glances, Eli saw a trace of apology in Ramba Ral's eyes.
It wasn't an apology to Eli, but rather an unspoken regret for making Artesia do something she didn't truly want to.
That emotion was passed along to Eli as well.
Eli didn't respond to Ramba Ral. Only after the door had fully closed did he turn and walk deeper into the room.
Sayla sat on the sofa with her back to him.
Eli could feel the sorrow and determination emanating from the still-underage girl.
"You could have stayed by my side… We could have continued our life together."
Even though he had just told Revil he wouldn't interfere with Sayla's decision, now that he faced her directly, he couldn't suppress his own desires.
Eli didn't want Sayla to leave.
Not when they had just gotten together.
"Eli, I used to resist getting involved in things like this… It never felt like something I should be doing."
Sayla still faced away from him, absentmindedly twirling her hair between her fingers.
"But after seeing what you're trying to accomplish, I realized my thinking might have been a little selfish… Or maybe that's not quite right?"
Her voice wavered, carrying a hint of laughter laced with tears.
"I always wanted to help you, but even piloting a Gundam, I still couldn't keep up with you. Eli, I want to support your dream, even if—mmph!"
Eli didn't let her finish.
He stepped forward and embraced her from behind, tilting his head to press his lips against hers.
Salty tears seeped into his mouth, but the two, now collapsed onto the bed, paid no mind.
Their eyes held only each other.
Sayla's uniform had slipped from her shoulders, though the crucial areas remained covered, revealing a figure that had always been hidden but was surprisingly developed.
Even Eli, momentarily unsure how he had ended up on the bed, found himself suddenly calming down.
"Wait, Sayla, maybe we should think this through first—"
"Idiot."
She didn't let him finish.
Face flushed, Sayla pushed Eli's shoulders down and straddled him.
Then, leaning forward, she bit down gently on his shoulder, pressing her chest against his—
(TN: Chapters 91, 94, 109, 110, 113: Fixed name error from "Kado" to "Gato." Sorry, I just discovered this mistake.)