At dawn, sunshine dispersed the gloom around Langley Airport, where rows of fighter jets and the world-renowned Air Force One were parked.
Nett had survived another day.
Gazing at his own reflection, he spat out the mouthwash.
As people age, their sleep often deteriorates. He frequently woke in the middle of the night, struggling to fall back asleep before eventually drifting off again.
Nett washed his face with a towel. His wrinkled face and withered hands stirred a sense of disgust, a feeling that persisted even through the fabric. This was especially true when he saw the photograph beside the mirror, preserving an image of his younger self.
Looking again at his current reflection, he understood how rciless the years could be.
Setting down the towel, Nett turned and walked outside to the dining area of Air Force One.
On the table were fried eggs, ham, and a cup of hot milk—Nett’s breakfast.
When it ca to als, he didn’t exhibit much luxury, mainly because his appetite at his age was nowhere near as robust as in his younger days.
Nett took his seat, picked up his knife and fork, and then noticed the Secretary of State walking in from the entrance of the dining area.
"Everyone, leave."
The Secretary of State gestured for those nearby to leave the dining area. He then approached, saying, "Mr. President, we’ve just received a ssage from the CIA Japanese Branch. Dio and the Emperor of the Shadow Clan have clashed. The altercation was about the altar."
"Is that so?"
Nett’s expression showed not a hint of surprise; he did not believe Dio and the Shadow Emperor could amicably co to any agreent.
Even he, an ordinary person bearing great authority, would not easily compromise with others.
Let alone the fact that the Shadow Emperor, without uttering a word, had directly taken Dio’s altar.
"How is the Emperor doing?"
"He was reportedly ambushed and found himself at a disadvantage, but his life is apparently not in danger. Dio transford into the Giant of Light. Even with a surprise attack, he couldn’t kill the Emperor, who was in the Shadow World."
The Secretary of State answered truthfully.
Nett cut open his fried egg with his knife, forked a piece into his mouth, and chewed slowly.
His mind delved into thought. Does the Emperor gain so advantage by staying in the Shadow World?
This is a piece of intelligence worth noting.
Nett had no desire to confront the Shadow Emperor directly, but he knew that gathering information was essential. Understanding more about that individual could only be beneficial. "Any news from Nied’s side?"
"Nothing unusual to report; he’s just dealing with dostic affairs. According to the ssages sent back, his popularity among the people has soared to unprecedented levels."
Nett was not surprised by this news. In Latin Arica, when a country managed to make the United States compromise and also cleared out its internal factions, it was only natural for the middle and lower classes to support its leader. If they didn’t support Nied, then that would indeed indicate a problem.
"Have the intelligence agents choose ardent supporters to approach Nied and infiltrate his inner circle."
"Yes."
"What about the other countries?"
"They’ve all sent people to xico City."
The Secretary of State provided the information he had. "MI6 agents are attempting to get close to Nied under the guise of investnt opportunities."
"Hmph, England."
Nett was well aware of England’s recent actions. They were aid at ensuring their presence was felt. Should the three great powers truly join forces, England could then celebrate the Pri Minister’s diplomatic achievents.
However, this tactic was indeed beneficial for the United States too, and Nett had no desire to admonish them. He asked, "How’s the Takamagahara Project coming along?"
The Secretary of State replied, "A recent Smart Armor project made a significant technological breakthrough thanks to the Ghost’s monster, but according to Jack, the chips remain a major problem."
"Then have the related data transferred to the United States and let the Noah’s Ark research team study it," Nett commanded.
The Takamagahara Project, being conducted in Japan, ant any achievents would naturally be credited to Japan.
Nett wanted to integrate it into the Noah’s Ark Project. This way, the US could be the first to announce the breakthrough, presenting it as a product of Arica’s own Noah’s Ark initiative.
This would encourage other nations to invest more confidently. All except Japan.
But that was no concern—when it ca to usurping others’ achievents, the United States never blushed.
「August 10, Thursday.」
In the morning, the sumr breeze caressed the treetops, and the usually languid cicadas made no sound, as if they had conceded to the wind.
Phoenix Academy Maggie awoke.
Her room wasn’t as large as those in the Phoenix Academy mansion, but the decor was still luxurious, done in warm gold tones.
Phoenix Academy Maggie got up, walked over to her wardrobe, and changed into a light blue dress.
There was a knock at the door.
"Miss, it’s ti for breakfast. May we co in?"
"Yes."
Phoenix Academy Maggie responded.
Miwa Kazuki opened the door, leading the maids in.
After washing her face, brushing her teeth, and combing her hair, Phoenix Academy Maggie shed her morning grogginess. Now vibrant and radiant, she strode towards the official residence’s dining room.
Truth be told, for soone accustod to the grandeur of the Phoenix Academy mansion, everything about the official residence felt quite small.
Its grounds were incomparable to her family ho; the emphasis here was on interior decoration.
So parts were well-renovated, while others still showed signs of ongoing refurbishnt. She walked down to the ground-floor dining room and saw Kochou seated at the head of the table.
A flicker of surprise crossed her face. "Mother," she said, "aren’t you busy today?"
"Work can always be done, but the opportunity to have breakfast with you is rare," Kochou replied.
After last night’s encounter, Kochou had a sudden realization of life’s unpredictability and wanted to spend more ti with her daughter, lest an unforeseen event turn their eting into their last.
Of course, such thoughts would be cast aside once she beca engrossed in her work again.
It’s easy to change a kingdom but hard to change a person’s nature.
No matter what, Kochou would never give up her thirst for power.
At most, last night’s experience prompted her to sacrifice a little ti to sit here and share a al with her daughter.
"From now on, you will eat all three als with in the office."
"Yes."
Phoenix Academy Maggie nodded, not minding eating with her mother.
Even if their conversation at the table wasn’t about cozy family matters, but more like an examination, it still gave her a sense of ho.
Kochou tested her on her recent studies and asked her opinions on world events, especially the four-year plan proposed by xican Ned.
Phoenix Academy Maggie’s responses pleased Kochou. She put down her knife and fork, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and said, "At ten o’clock this morning, I have an appointnt with Iwasaki and the others to co over. You will greet them at the helipad for ."
"Mother, what’s happened?"
Phoenix Academy Maggie was quite curious.
This was the first ti her mother, since becoming Pri Minister, had t with representatives of the five major financial conglorates within the official residence.
Kochou smiled and said, "So progress has been made with the Takamagahara Project. Also, I need to share so recent intelligence with them. You will pour the tea there. Just listen, and do not speak out of turn, understood?"
"Yes."
Phoenix Academy Maggie nodded.
「In Kita-Senju, outside Adachi Market.」
Hojo Shouko had encountered an unprecedented problem. She stood under a utility pole outside the market, her right hand clutching a bag, dressed in a white T-shirt and comfortable casual pants.
For the first ti, a look of helpless annoyance crossed her fair face.
"Young lady, not to brag, but my grandson is truly outstanding. He graduated from Tokyo University last year, and within a single year, he beca the chief of Public Safety Section One. He’s 185 centiters tall, handso, and a responsible person."
An old lady who looked to be in her late seventies stood in front of Hojo Shouko. She wasn’t very tall, only reaching Hojo Shouko’s neck.
It was unclear whether she was naturally short or had shrunk with age.
"It’s just that he’s rather quiet and still unmarried. I’ve been observing you for a while. You co to Adachi Market to shop every day, and you’re quite a formidable bargainer. Every shopkeeper says you’re a good woman, skilled at managing a household and being frugal."
"Um, Old Lady Tadokoro, I’m still only a first-year high school student."
Hojo Shouko weakly reminded the old lady that she was not of marriageable age yet.
Tadokoro looked unfazed. "It doesn’t matter," she said. "It’s only a few years’ difference. You two can start by just talking. After you graduate high school, you can marry him."
Hojo Shouko grew more helpless. She respected her elders, and because of that, there were so things she felt uncomfortable saying. With a hint of frustration in her voice, she said, "But I don’t have any intention of dating right now."
"It doesn’t matter. Just talk a bit, and feelings will develop. I really think highly of you. Girls like you, so frugal and skilled at housekeeping, are rare these days. If my grandson misses out on you, he’ll regret it for the rest of his life."
"Eh, but I really can’t date your grandson."
Hojo Shouko honestly expressed her thoughts.
Tadokoro proudly whipped out her grandson’s photo. "See? I wasn’t lying to you."
Then, taking out a notebook and pen, she asked, "What’s your phone number? Or you can jot down his number, that works too."
"No, that’s not necessary."
Hojo Shouko shook her head repeatedly. Seeing Aozawa approaching, she quickly said, "Sorry, my friend is here."
Using that as an excuse, she swiftly slipped away from the old lady and ran to Aozawa’s side. "Good morning, Senior."
"Good morning, Shouko."
Aozawa responded. He noticed the old woman nearby and was about to ask who she was.
Tadokoro preempted him. "What’s your na?" she demanded.
Her sharp tone made him pause for a mont before he replied, "Aozawa."
"How old are you this year?"
"Sixteen."
"How many people are in your family? What do they do?"
"Just two. I’m Shouko’s senior at school."
After answering her inquiries, Aozawa glanced at Hojo Shouko and whispered, "Who is this old lady?"
"That’s Old Lady Tadokoro. She wants to introduce to her grandson. I only just t her myself."
"Oh."
Aozawa understood imdiately. He gave Tadokoro a gentle tap on the forehead—not too hard. "We don’t even know each other!" he exclaid. "Why are you prying like this, asking so many personal questions? You had thinking you were so kind of relative!"
"You dare hit an elderly woman! You’ll definitely have a tendency toward dostic violence in the future."
Tadokoro turned her head and said to Shouko, "You mustn’t fall for a man like that."
"Please don’t say such things about my senior!"
Hojo Shouko replied indignantly and quickly pushed Aozawa towards the market, not wanting to talk any longer with this old woman who was badmouthing her senior.
Seeing her reaction, Tadokoro instantly understood: her hopes for this prospective granddaughter-in-law were dashed.
So much for ’no intention of romance’! It was all a lie.
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