A person like Kochou, compared to friendship and love, she believes more in relationships sustained by interests.

This habit wasn't developed since she took charge of the Phoenix Academy Group; Kochou had formed the practice of seeking interest-based relationships during her teenage years.

Someone asked her out on a date.

Her first reaction was definitely not those beautiful imaginations of love, but the thought of the other wanting a free ride.

Making her willingly take off her clothes, pressing her down.

Damn.

Such sinister intentions.

Her way of thinking destined her to never regard Dio's visit as a genuine meeting with a friend.

At first, she didn't understand what value she had that was worth being exploited by him.

Until Dio uttered the term "Subspace."

She didn't know what Subspace was, but she understood that his visit was to utilize her in calming the negative emotions of Subspace.

Otherwise, why meet now, out of all times, especially during a period of unstable emotions in Subspace?

Kochou did not trust.

Nor did she resent Dio for seeking her out based on interests.

She wasn't a little girl, needing some real affection.

Kochou only pursued interests.

How many people in this world want to be used by Dio.

Being utilized by Dio itself is a form of value.

Kochou feared most that she would become a woman without value.

Just like when she was lonely and empty, she'd rather use toys than choose a real man.

It's not that she couldn't find one.

It's just that those men, in her eyes, lacked exploitable value.

Not even as lasting as a toy.

"Lord Dio, excuse me for being presumptuous, I'd like to ask, what exactly is Subspace?"

She gathered her courage to ask, her cheeks appearing respectful, yet a surge of excitement and desire flashed in her eyes.

Kochou wanted to learn more about Subspace-related knowledge, mastering those in her mind as bargaining chips in negotiations with others.

Information is resource.

Kochou is a business person, well aware that most bosses don't actually have the talent for doing business.

Their money-making tricks rely on resources from their ancestors or relatives, thus forming heaps of information.

With information, one can know which project can make money.

So some people become increasingly wealthy, not because their offspring are exceptionally smart or elite, but simply because family-accumulated resources and various information are laid out clearly.

1+1=2, such an answer anyone but a fool could give.

"The birth of Subspace was an accident."

Aozawa responded leisurely, having prepared an excuse long before he arrived, "When I ascended to Paradise, powerful forces caused spatial shocks, leading to subtle changes in this world.

And creating Subspace as a barrier originally meant to block two worlds.

A place uninhabitable for humans.

No actual organisms exist.

Emotions of humans from two worlds stream down like highland streams, spontaneously converging in Subspace.

Good thoughts and evil thoughts are mixed together.

But the imbalance between good and evil, causes the vortex of evil thoughts to grow larger, continually swallowing good thoughts.

Subspace is now merely an emotional torrent.

If negative emotions continue to grow unchecked, excessive negative energy will completely engulf good thoughts, thus condensing into a tangible form.

Something even more terrifying than monsters, essentially akin to godly beings; a Chaotic Demon God will be born in Subspace."

Aozawa exaggerated the hazards of Subspace, then seriously said, "Japan's location is right at the main entrance of Subspace.

I need you to govern this country well, overshadowing negative energy with positive energy, rather than persistently providing negative energy to Subspace, fostering the birth of a Demon God."

"Rest assured."

Kochou replied seriously, "I will not let you down; I will govern the country well."

"Very well, accomplish this task, I won't treat you badly, go ahead."

Aozawa knew he shouldn't talk too much, and immediately used Schrodinger's Cat.

His body transformed into a semi-transparent state, disappearing from Kochou's sight.

He believed his words were enough to make Kochou stop worrying about her daughter's threat.

With the potential threat of a Demon God in Subspace, she would wish for her daughter to grow stronger.

Secondly, Dio needed her help.

This need itself is a stronger stimulant than presenting a Noble Phantasm.

Ensuring Kochou's inner concerns were fully relieved.

Aozawa shifted his thoughts, disappeared from the scene, preparing for a date with Hojo Shouko.

Kochou looked at the empty sofa, her expression unchanged, she picked up the glass of wine Dio had poured for her.

Her gaze gradually heated.

She silently brought the wine to her lips, gently took a sip.

The taste of the wine seemed more delicious than any wine she had tasted before.

Because it was a glass poured by Dio.

If a regular worker were suddenly poured a glass of wine by the President of the United States.

Even if the bottle of wine were the cheapest in the supermarket, drinking it would certainly make that person feel the taste was exceptionally delightful.

The flavor of wine itself is influenced by external people.

Kochou swallowed the mouthful of wine, carefully feeling the power contained within.

Then pulled her thoughts back.

The matter of Subspace she needs to discuss with her confidants, holding relevant meetings.

And then decide whether to inform allies of these matters.

Since moving to the Imperial Palace, she has rid herself of CIA's telephone monitoring.

At least internal calls within the Imperial Palace are fine.

As for personnel, she trusts her confidants not to betray her.

...

Phoenix Academy Maggie returned by car to the Imperial Palace.

She was not overly engrossed by the beautiful scenery outside, with her mind still reminiscing the scenes from diving in Kasai Rinkai Park in the morning, or the time spent on the Ferris wheel with Aozawa.