"Hmm."
Kochou nodded, gesturing for her to sit down with her eyes, and began: "There's a banquet taking place here today.
You will be in charge.
You need to discuss with Morimoto Chiyoda and the others about combating Khorne cultists."
"Yes."
Phoenix Academy Maggie nodded.
Since a high-ranking official in the United States defected and revealed the matter of Subspace to the public, rumors have been spreading worldwide that Subspace is nurturing four gods.
Khorne, Tzeentch, Nurgle, Slaanesh.
The names of the Four Great Evil Gods have gained considerable notoriety in various countries, attracting a swarm of flies like a rotten egg.
They crave power by worshipping the Four Great Evil Gods.
Or they want to assist in their birth, hoping to become a guide in the future and gamble on their prospects.
Some inexplicable incidents happening around the world have also been linked to the Four Great Evil Gods.
For instance, the Boston Dung City incident. After a thorough investigation by the United States, it was found to involve a cult that worships Nurgle.
They suspect that the power of Nurgle was used, making everyone feel the need to use the toilet.
Nurgle is hailed as an Evil God.
Even though it hasn't fully materialized, it already possesses some innate and formidable power.
Performing actions beyond the understanding of ordinary people is quite normal.
The main work of Phoenix Academy Maggie recently is targeting cults that worship the Four Evil Gods.
Those cults have a mixture of members, including high-ranking officials, Yakuza, and military leaders.
As well as some villains looking to take advantage.
Or citizens completely blinded by the cult.
The latter is not easy.
Everyone knows that Japan, Korea, and the United States are hotbeds for various cults.
Especially the United States.
Its vastness and sparse population.
It's no exaggeration to say, if the United States is second in hosting cults, no country dares to claim first.
In this era where Dio is universally regarded as the True God or God, a large number in the United States still staunchly believe Dio is a False God.
It's tough to expel followers of the Four Great Evil Gods there.
Because even high-level participants in the actions might fall to become cult followers.
Japan, in comparison to the United States, has a somewhat better situation.
At least their land is not as vast.
As Kochou constantly strengthens her own power, the central government's power is beginning to radiate to local regions as well.
But to completely eradicate that soil will take a long time.
After all, it's not a trend of just a year or two but has been rampant since World War II.
Not easy to cure.
...
9 a.m.
Tables laden with fruits and desserts were laid out in Toyomei-den.
Various Western and Chinese cuisines, among others.
Even a large band is all set up.
Phoenix Academy Maggie usually has a regular relationship with the Treasure Users, yet cannot afford any negligence in their reception.
Currently, she represents her mother and the country, and naturally must uphold the highest standards of courtesy for the Treasure Users.
"Maggie~"
Ayatsuki Ayaka cheered, enveloped in a fragrant breeze as she rushed forward.
She embraced Phoenix Academy Maggie, "Congratulations!"
Her tanned cheeks nuzzling like a clingy kitten against Phoenix Academy Maggie's side cheek as she said this.
"Hmm."
The intimate gesture made Phoenix Academy Maggie feel a bit uncomfortable.
Ayatsuki Ayaka giggled mischievously, locking shoulders with her, refusing to let go.
Hojo Shouko also entered the hall, stepping forward: "Congratulations, Phoenix Academy's Senior."
"Yes, from now on, we're all in the same boat."
Natsuka Yanagimachi grinned widely.
Phoenix Academy Maggie, seeing even someone who wasn't a Treasure User arriving, suddenly felt a sense of clarity.
She cast her gaze towards the back where Morimoto Chiyoda entered the hall.
Their eyes met.
Everything was understood without words.
The pretext of dealing with Khorne cultists was just an excuse, the real purpose was to gather everyone here.
To announce her relationship with Aozawa.
It was no different from the welcome party suggested by Ayatsuki Ayaka last night, except now she was the host.
Such a loss.
Phoenix Academy Maggie griped.
...
Though Khorne is an excuse, it's also one that needs real implementation.
Everyone reached an agreement on how to deal with Khorne, then went their separate ways.
Morimoto Chiyoda didn't leave, but stayed behind to continue discussions with Phoenix Academy Maggie.
Of course, this was just an excuse.
She chuckled lightly and said, "How do you feel right now?"
Phoenix Academy Maggie watched Aozawa, Ayatsuki Ayaka, and the others leave Toyomei-den, her expression calm as she said, "Did you stay behind just to pick a fight with me?"
"Of course not. As someone who's been through this, I just want to remind you.
There's no need to force yourself into anything.
Liking Aozawa doesn't mean you have to get along with them, just keep it casual. Don't overly suppress yourself, and don't be too extreme."
Morimoto Chiyoda manages to tolerate them, not by compromising herself, but by knowing the right balance.
In relationships, there's always conflict and disputes. Perfect harmony only exists in illusions.
She occasionally loses her temper too.
The key is to avoid letting the pressure build up.
Releasing tension in time is crucial to maintaining long-term harmony.
Phoenix Academy Maggie glanced at her and said, "You're being unusually kind?"
"I'm thinking of Aozawa."
Morimoto Chiyoda smiled, "In truth, my real wish is for your jealousy to explode and for you to fall out with Aozawa."
"I thought so too, but it's a shame your real wish won't come true."
Phoenix Academy Maggie replied.
Morimoto Chiyoda looked at Phoenix Academy Maggie, said nothing, and then turned to walk towards the door.
She believes the young lady is a smart person.
The reason for the reminder is simply out of concern that even the wisest may make a mistake.
No matter how clever someone is, there's a chance they might accidentally take a wrong turn at some point.
Morimoto Chiyoda genuinely hopes the young lady goes astray, but she won't watch her do so without saying a word.
That would leave a knot in her heart.
It's not about regretting if the young lady falls out with Aozawa, nor about pitying her.
It's just that Aozawa's mood in that scenario would likely be unpleasant.
And knowing that yet doing nothing would definitely be a terrible thing.
Now that Morimoto Chiyoda has given her reminder, whatever the young lady decides to do next will have nothing to do with her.
Good advice is wasted on those doomed to fail.
But Morimoto Chiyoda also believes her hopes are unrealistic.
Expecting the young lady to make such a mistake is just her overthinking.
Morimoto Chiyoda stepped outside the hall.
The summer sun poured over the gravel square, with cicadas singing from the trees lining the edges.
Ayatsuki Ayaka hadn't left, staying beside Aozawa, and waved excitedly at her, "Sister Chitose! Let's go have some fun next."
Morimoto Chiyoda's lips curved slightly.
Ayatsuki Ayaka was a sister she approved of, Hojo Shouko barely counted as one.
Arakawa Reina held the same position in her heart as the young lady.
That girl plays too extravagantly.
It makes Morimoto Chiyoda feel like she can't keep up with the times.
Natsuka Yanagimachi was second only to Ayatsuki Ayaka.
After all, Morimoto Chiyoda didn't particularly dislike people with such wild and playful personalities.
They're especially amusing to tease.
Unlike Hojo Shouko, who's as silent as a gourd.
She doesn't even dare to casually joke with her.
Making a joke might actually be taken seriously by Hojo Shouko.
Which wouldn't be a problem, except that Hojo Shouko wouldn't express any dissatisfaction afterward.
Like cotton, she lets anyone poke her without a word of complaint.
Morimoto Chiyoda isn't interested in teasing someone so reticent.
Unlike Ayatsuki Ayaka and Natsuka Yanagimachi, who always come back in a huff seeking to settle scores after being teased.
Then are easily appeased by Morimoto Chiyoda's words, calling her Sister Chitose sweetly.
Such sisters are fun!
Morimoto Chiyoda walked towards them, facing the sunlight.
Phoenix Academy Maggie lagged a step, observing the scene before her, realizing that having more people around might not be as bad as she thought.
Of course, she still disliked Arakawa Reina and Morimoto Chiyoda.
But it hadn't reached the point of "them or me."
"Maggie, do you want to join us?"
"I still have to report to my mother."
"No problem, we can wait for you to finish reporting."
Aozawa replied with a smile, sensing the heartbeat of the scene wasn't too intense, indicating there would be no issues with everyone playing together.
This was his dream.
"Alright then."
Phoenix Academy Maggie ultimately did not refuse again.
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