Gundam: From Piece to Player

“Mr. Kalmar, I’m in my room right now. It’s my vacation time, you know.”

Du seemed afraid that Karma would arrange a job for her.

"Isn't today March 14th? It's my turn to return the favor. Are you free? Let me treat you to some hometown food, and we can chat too."

The Pei Zeng military base has undergone expansion, including an enlarged living area that can support the operation of small eateries. Although the eateries are small, they are still popular with the soldiers.

"...Wait a moment, I'll be right out."

Kalmar entered the restaurant first and heard many people calling him "Your Excellency". He waved his hand, and the proprietress came over with the menu.

"Good morning, sir. Please order."

"Hmm, how's business lately?"

"It's very good, but I'm a little worried."

"Worried that the Alliance might suffer a defeat and the situation in the Earth Sphere might become unfavorable, could the Pezen Base be shut down?" Relying on her second brain, Karma read the landlady's intentions first.

"Yes, that's a concern."

"Don't worry, if that happens, the Alliance will price the store itself and then assist with the relocation... You can also learn about our relocation work on Axis, where we moved 3 people to Yuno City."

"Sir, we are not worried about that. We are just concerned that if we relocate, we will lose such a good business location."

"That's true."

Military bases are enclosed spaces with few shops to choose from and few competitors, which is essentially a monopoly... and monopolies are where the profits are the highest.

Just like during World War II, it was the establishment of a US military base in Iceland that injected economic vitality into the local economy through consumption.

Kalma had just finished selecting a few packages when the doorbell rang.

Du Yi's entrance immediately drew everyone's attention—she was wearing a kimono with blue floral patterns. The restaurant patrons whispered among themselves upon seeing this. Karma couldn't help but feel grateful that the Space Alliance had a sound online censorship system; otherwise, based on the previous situation in the Federation and the Republic of Zeon, a report from an unscrupulous reporter would have sent tabloids flying everywhere.

"Xiao Du, you look really good today."

"Thank you, this is an outfit I bought at a clothing store... I only realized it was a bit over the top after I bought it, but I just put it on on a whim."

This is my menu... Would you like to order anything else?

Karma asked this question using brainwaves.

I still want to eat tempura.

Du also answered using brainwaves.

"One more serving of tempura, please."

The shopkeeper looked at them with curiosity, because from her perspective, the two probably knew what dishes to order just by making eye contact.

“This method of communication is very convenient,” Kalmar said. “Little Du, you should be able to vaguely guess what I’m thinking, right?”

“I know you are a very responsible person… I just feel that some things should be said.” Du said telepathically, [What is your opinion of me?]

You're a good girl, but I'm already married. An older man like me will only hurt you.

After all, I'm already 31 years old, and I'll be 32 after my birthday. Before I knew it, I'd reached the age of Ramba Lal, while Du is only 16 this year.

I can also be your mistress; I won't break up your family.

It turns out it wasn't obligatory chocolate, but that kind of chocolate.

Karma is a responsible adult and would not make the same mistake as someone who abducted a minor.

Can you tell me what you like about me?

[Your Excellency is very mature and wise... You were able to find a way to deal with that strange and powerful enemy, and you also found a way to save us enhanced humans, like the Lunar Army and the Zeon Republic Army we encountered before. They never show any mercy to enhanced humans, and you trust me a lot.]

[So, Xiao Du, you're my fan!]

【fan?】

Yes, you idolize me, and the version of me you've encountered is only the perfect one—the one I present to the public… But admiration is the furthest distance, so you don't really know my flaws.

[But you don't usually show your flaws.]

[Because that's something I can only show to close friends and family... Du, in my eyes you're an excellent subordinate, a junior worthy of attention and care, and a comrade-in-arms fighting alongside me. But in terms of the relationship, it's a completely different matter from a romantic relationship. Why would I deliberately show you my flaws?]

This is so complicated.

Du combed through her hair and frowned.

[It is precisely because of their complexity that humans are the most interesting creatures in the solar system, creating fascinating civilizations.]

"Was that last sentence also part of your 'performance'?" Du asked.

"These are my honest thoughts."

"I almost forgot, here's some chocolate for you."

Du reached out and took the gift box, only to find it was a little cold.

"This is liquid nitrogen chocolate, a specialty of the asteroid belt, a flagship product of Deep Space Industry's foray into the food industry... Xiao Du, could you please take a look at this new model?"

"Thank you." Although she had some doubts, Du accepted the chocolate as if it were a bomb.

The waitress brought over the dish, and Karma's expression brightened as he looked at the delicious udon noodles—this was the third thing that brought him joy, besides developing his business and spending time with his family.

Thanks to the consumption of his second brain, his appetite has also increased.

Of course, Du's portion was larger, and the tempura was also extra-large—thanks to the consumption of three brains, she is actually a hidden big eater.

"I'm starting." Du still adhered to Japanese traditions to the fullest extent.

However, Kalmar would not do that, after all, he is a staunch materialist atheist.

Halfway through the meal, the restaurant door was opened again.

Then they saw "Banaji" and Elobi push open the door and come in.

"Your Excellency." Clearly, it's a different person today; it's Asuna's turn—it's time to prepare a new body for her. Although she managed to outmaneuver Aloknas during the Reverse X battle, this situation can't continue indefinitely.

"Dad," Airubi glanced at Du, a hint of gossip in her eyes, "It's a rare sight to see you out for dinner with Sister Du."

"Don't get the wrong idea. I just had something to discuss with Sister Du. It was just a colleague helping out a junior, and we had a meal together."

“Okay, okay, I won’t tattle to Mommy Miki. It would only make Daddy hate me.” Eloby blinked. “I’ll keep it a secret.”

“I don’t need you to keep it a secret…” Karma said. “I will keep her informed.”

Chapter 359 Family and Title

Du's matter is now settled.

As for how things will develop in the future, Kalmar is not quite sure.

In May 0091, with Char's help, Garma returned to Zeon with Minerva and Elbi.

Inside the villa, they found Dejin, their father, being pushed in a wheelchair by the butler in the garden, enjoying the natural scenery.

"Kalma, you're back."

“Yes, Father, I’m back.” Karma pushed her niece and daughter in front of Dekin as well.

"Call me Grandpa."

"Hello, Grandpa."

"Hello, children." Dejin took his granddaughter's hand, then looked at Karma. "I can see some features of your eldest and third brothers."

It's almost impossible... If Gihren and Dozle inherited their looks from these two girls, the image would be too beautiful to imagine.

Karma took Dekin's wheelchair from the housekeeper and pushed the old man forward, with the two girls following on either side.

"Serna and your wives?"

"My third sister-in-law is in poor health, and my wives all have a lot of work to do and can't get away from it."

“It’s better they didn’t come; then I don’t have to pretend to be all cheerful.” Dekin sighed. “Kalma, do you really hate everything about the family?”

"I wouldn't say I hate it, but I wouldn't say I like it either. I can't understand the purpose of the Principality of Zeon."

"And what do you think of the Muzo and Zeon republics that I left behind with Deikun?"

"That did leave the world with some lessons... At least the new human concept of the Space Alliance inspired me to complete the construction of the new national concept."

"I heard that the Deakin's son lost to you?"

"Hmm. The moon is lost, and we're relying on light sail weapons for deterrence, but we don't know how long that will last. The Republic of Zeon has already opened its immigration channels, and I'm also building a new city in the asteroid belt."

“There’s still hope.” Deakin leaned back in his chair after hearing this. “Deakin’s ideals can be passed down, and the Zabi family bloodline can also…”

“The Zabi family bloodline will also be passed down.” Karma could tell that Dejin was afraid she wouldn’t like it.

But he wouldn't argue with the old man about such things anymore.

Deakin clenched his fists: "Actually, that kid from the Deakin family came a few times and asked who killed his father."

"who is it?"

"It was a simple myocardial infarction, according to the doctor's test results. Deakin's unexpected death forced our Zabi family to step into the spotlight."

"And the fates of your brothers and sisters prove that this was a mistake... I know the Daken boy won't believe it, so I said it was Kirian who did it."

Karma couldn't verify what Dejin said. What was that saying again... as long as Char is happy, that's all that matters. Anyway, Gihren won't kick the coffin lid open to refute it.

"Father, do you know someone named Gremi Toto? Who is he?"

Dejin sighed. "This is my illegitimate son, and also your brother."

"what?"

Karma did a quick mental calculation and realized that Dekind was truly vigorous at the age of 63.

No wonder he has such a special status.

Although the legitimacy of illegitimate children is automatically downgraded, in the original timeline, Griemi was able to be promoted to the forefront by the old nobles, and his legitimacy could even be compared with that of Minerva. Was it because he had the advantage of seniority?

"I'll find an opportunity to kill him. Father, you don't have any objections, do you?"

“No… As a member of the Zabi family, surrendering to the New Federation is intolerable. That guy is a disgrace to the Zabi family, so it’s better to get rid of him.”

Having finished discussing the important matters, Kalmar began to talk about the trivialities of the Space Alliance and the various difficulties he faced in its founding.

Dejin listened with great interest to topics including food, supplies, and energy—because this was something Muzo experienced when he founded the nation, when the federation immediately launched economic sanctions and trade embargoes after independence… Dejin was in charge of ensuring that the SIDE3 economy did not collapse.