Although Phoenix Academy Maggie respects her mother greatly, she doesn't overly indulge her with any fan filters.
To be honest, she doesn't think her mother could make a good mother-in-law.
Kochou nodded slightly, agreeing that among Phoenix Academy Maggie's classmates, there are Treasure Users, and gathering with them is indeed appropriate.
"You should entertain them well."
"Sure."
Phoenix Academy Maggie nodded and began listening to Kochou discuss international matters, especially recent hot topics.
The newly elected President of the United States has started transitioning power with the outgoing President, and the upcoming cabinet and numerous personnel changes are matters worth noting.
As for the new President's selection, it has been a certainty for a long time.
Since the shooting incident occurred, everyone realized that David's election was inevitable.
The only way to stop him outside the rules would be through assassination, poisoning, or praying to the Four Great Evil Gods.
But such outside tactics are ineffective.
Though the Four Great Evil Gods occasionally stir up things in the world, their response to followers is quite random; not every cry from a follower receives an answer.
Perhaps the Evil Gods are still in a state of confusion, only instinctively taking certain actions.
It's not that whoever wants to pray for something will get a response.
David's inauguration is a done deal.
Kochou and Phoenix Academy Maggie discussed these issues, partly to share her own plans for the future with her daughter.
That includes having the U.S. Army withdraw from Yokosuka.
After all, one of David's campaign promises was to cut back on military spending and eliminate military actions that infringe on other countries' sovereignty.
If no one wants the U.S. Army to continue its presence domestically, then they can propose closing military bases.
This is also why David has repeatedly faced assassination attempts—the stakes involved are too great.
Kochou naturally hopes for U.S. withdrawal, but she needs to carefully consider how to present this request.
She can't openly show dissatisfaction.
She needs to say delicately that the U.S. Army is great, but leaving Japan would be even greater.
Phoenix Academy Maggie focused on discussing these matters with Kochou.
Only after returning to her room did Phoenix Academy Maggie put aside all her official duties, entering the wardrobe room to contemplate how to dress tomorrow.
Should the bed be covered with rose petals?
Should perfume be sprayed into the air? On her own bed?
Or in another place?
Considering these questions, Phoenix Academy Maggie found them more troublesome than international affairs.
Her doll-like, exquisite porcelain cheeks were full of vexation.
...
Next day, Christmas.
Phoenix Academy Maggie didn't rush into action, patiently waiting for Kochou to leave the Imperial Palace and officially begin inspections of various Self-Defense Forces.
Only then did she order Miwa Kazuki to set up the scene.
First, decorate the room to exude a Christmas atmosphere, followed by fireworks and lighting.
Phoenix Academy Maggie even personally worried about various ingredients.
While busy with these tasks, she didn't forget to remind Miwa Kazuki that there was no need to report every detail of what she was doing at the Imperial Palace to her mother.
Miwa Kazuki nodded in agreement.
He understood why the young lady set up such a scene.
He was also aware that if he wanted to continue working smoothly, the best thing was to keep his mouth shut.
Ancient kings often guarded against increasingly authoritative princes largely because when a prince gains too much prestige, it often leads some people to act against the emperor's orders.
For example, right now.
Phoenix Academy Maggie's prestige is sufficient for Miwa Kazuki to keep certain matters secret from Kochou, unlike before when every detail was reported.
Having set up the scene, Phoenix Academy Maggie looked at the gloomy sky outside, recalling the weather forecast that predicted heavy snowfall today, and suddenly hoped for a delay.
In the snowy nightscape, strolling through the forest or dining in a pavilion offers a unique and picturesque view.
Should there be lying in the snow?
The thought flashed through Phoenix Academy Maggie's mind, and she pondered.
Compared to artificial buildings or soft beds, the natural scenery is undoubtedly more romantic.
Especially under the flying snowflakes, the atmosphere can't be described as anything but wonderful.
After considering, she decided to cautiously let people clean the lawn and courtyard, ensuring they were clean enough for people to roll around on them casually.
Phoenix Academy Maggie arranged these matters, and at three in the afternoon, received a picture from Nomura True Wave.
"Haha, I beat you."
Seeing the blood-stained sheets, Phoenix Academy Maggie sincerely wished, "Impressive."
"Don't lose heart, next it's your turn. If you shrink from it, I'll mock you for three years."
Nomura True Wave sent such a message.
Phoenix Academy Maggie replied with an expression that said "leave it to me."
She had prepared everything, just waiting for the moment to feast on chicken.
...
4:50.
Aozawa arrived early at the Imperial Palace, led by Miwa Kazuki through Hanzomon.
Goose feather snowflakes drifted outside the car window.
Though he seemed to be sitting there, he was simultaneously going on individual dates with Morimoto Chiyoda, Ayatsuki Iroha, and Arakawa Reina.
The locations were all different places, like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Kasai Rinkai Park, etc.
He could say different things and pay attention to the expressions of different women without any confusion.
The reason was that among Aozawa's previously awakened superpowers, there was One Mind Ten Thousand Uses.
Although it was diminished, now it could only be One Mind Hundred Uses.
He could also create a sense of seriousness for one-on-one dates with them, ensuring they wouldn't notice any signs of distraction.
This was his way of keeping everyone happy in his harem.
The car didn't head to a room but to an enormous courtyard that one couldn't easily tell was a yard.
Its area was beyond imagination, like entering a primitive forest.
Snow covered the lawn and bamboo forest.
At the end of the path was a hexagonal pavilion, where Phoenix Academy Maggie sat elegantly.
Her attire was graceful, perfectly matching the natural scenery of the current snow scene.
Her golden long hair was styled in an ancient fashion.
Aozawa got out of the car, walked along the snow-dusted stone path, and as he entered the pavilion, the aroma of grilled meat wafted through.
The sizzling of oil further whetted one's appetite.
A bottle of fruity wine was placed there.
Aozawa popped the cork, poured a glass for each of them, and said with a smile, "Maggie, you're truly beautiful."
"I don't need you to tell me that."
Phoenix Academy Maggie raised an eyebrow, her tone full of confidence.
She picked up the chopsticks again, flipping the meat on the grill.
Considering the current weather and dining outside, she chose barbecue instead of fancy dishes.
Each piece of meat was guaranteed to be fresh and delicious.
Aozawa sat down and started chatting casually with Phoenix Academy Maggie about recent events and the snow scene outside the window.
Some topics were the same ones he was discussing with Ayatsuki Iroha or Morimoto Chiyoda.
But discussing the same topics with different people felt different, eliciting different feedback.
As they chatted.
A bottle of wine was already finished.
The sky was completely dark, yet there was no trace of dimness outside.
The lights in the bamboo forest lit up, not in a riot of colors, but in a soft elegance.
The light was white, the snow was white, and Phoenix Academy Maggie was even whiter.
Aozawa had lost interest in the meal; he put down his chopsticks and suggested, "The snow scene tonight is so beautiful, should we take a walk outside?"
"Hmm."
Phoenix Academy Maggie nodded, understanding that it was her time to take action.
She gathered her courage, stepped forward, and proactively took Aozawa's hand, walking boldly outside.
The wind and snow slapped against their faces.
Aozawa pulled her close, embraced her, and said with a solemn face, "At this moment, being closer will keep us warm."
"Hmm."
Phoenix Academy Maggie's cheeks seemed flushed from the cold.
She responded softly, resting her head on Aozawa's shoulder, whispering past stories into his ear.
After walking some distance, the atmosphere became very suitable for intimacy.
Aozawa turned his head just in time to see Phoenix Academy Maggie, who seemed intoxicated, her eyes reflecting the light, perfectly illustrating what it means to be alluring.
He couldn't resist the stir in his heart, lowering his head.
Phoenix Academy Maggie closed her eyes, waiting for Aozawa to approach.
At that moment, the world was silent, even the wind and snow seemed to become smaller.
Aozawa's advances grew more aggressive, and clothes fell like leaves from a branch in the frigid winter.
Phoenix Academy Maggie looked up at the snowy night sky, her golden hair spreading, her body resting on the thick snow.
The warmth of their bodies melted the snow.
Aozawa gazed at her body, sculpted like white jade, momentarily captivated, unable to distinguish between the white of the snow and her fairer skin.
His gaze traveled downward.
"Don't look."
Phoenix Academy Maggie blushed with shyness, her head slightly turned to the side, hands spread in an attempt to cover herself.
But she couldn't hide.
Aozawa hypnotized them into thinking they still had clothes on, then quickly discarded his own.
He lunged forward.
They rolled in the snowy forest, where the snow melted under their intense warmth.
The rhythmic sound of drumming arose on the lawn once more.
With no one around, the young lady loudly expressed her inner joy, celebrating her own transformation.
