Winter Mercenary Company Headquarters Building.
Pasha, who rushed non-stop to headquarters, finally met capable assistant Katrin. Seeing the old boss return, the girl almost cried:
"...Boss, you don't know how excessive those military guys were—simply desperate, wanting to drag everyone down together. Thinking up biological weapons—damn them, they should go to hell. God won't forgive them either."
Pasha sighed and hugged Katrin, patting the pretend-sorrowful girl's back.
"Alright, it's over. I know you worked hard—definitely adding bonuses. When we're free, we can vacation together."
"Yay!"
"As for revenge, it's too early to mention now. The Mercenary Alliance must reassess those military bureaucrats' danger levels. We'll find opportunities for physical lessons, but not this timing. If they dare use biological weapons, that means the Relic Treasury could become a nuclear arsenal anytime—must be careful."
Don't forget powerful ones led by ancient Holy Relic Snow Maiden guarded the treasury and entered hidden status. If the Alliance got big news, might not withstand it.
In other words, if the Alliance could get Magical Girl help, problems would be solved.
Current confrontation showed the Salvation Church actually didn't side with anyone—both striking mercenary companies due to Miller assassination case and cooperating in Edo virus war. Everyone had no irreconcilable contradictions—why not join hands? If that prophet, seer, time magic user who once defeated Prophecy Book and Oracle Book's cooperation helped, a mere Relic Treasury would be virtually defenseless.
Pasha asked: "By the way, Katrin, how's the situation I asked you to contact Clover Agency? Are they willing to meet?"
"They're very willing."
"...Actually, this isn't good news."
No need to guess—the Salvation Church made extensive preparations, being strictly defensive while utilizing cooperation partners. Choosing Winter Company was both fortunate and responsibility.
Pasha didn't rush to act but took large amounts of intelligence Katrin collected, focusing on Clover idol group. These girls were clearly at the storm's eye center, frantically investigated by major intelligence organizations yet maintaining clean personas.
Many people's hoped-for scandals, dirt, flaws all didn't exist—even digging up more anonymous good deeds.
Including but not limited to anonymous donations, charity foundations, free funding, etc. Whether they prepared these things early or not, once news leaked it instead became halos.
Unlike prophet Hyacinth's cheating, this was being prepared for rainy days.
Clearly climbing to world-class stars in entertainment industry's big dye vat yet remaining clean—are you from anime sets?
Strange.
One person having no negative information was understandable, but directors, makeup artists, agents, sponsors, gossip tabloids, and even competitive contemporary stars who worked with them all gave good reviews: "Clover Group is excellent," "Miss Ichiba has super personality charm," "hope to continue cooperation," etc. All good reviews gave an eerie feeling—definitely not fake. Everyone smiled radiantly before cameras—probably even lie detectors couldn't find flaws.
Higher popularity meant greater controversy. People aren't perfect.
Only magic could forcibly distort this law, so Pasha immediately thought Magical Girl Chrysanthemum possessed rare conceptual influence abilities, even leaving no traces.
Really troublesome—same logic as Manjusaka, whose magic couldn't be judged from performance so far. If this ability was brought to the political and business environment the Management Bureau director would definitely face, how powerful would it be? Don't forget Elsa was originally from a political family—probably surpassing her master.
"...Chrysanthemum seems to have a special charm making everyone fascinated—everyone becomes her fan."
Katrin seemingly sighed but actually warned, adding: "Also, intelligence agents attempting deep investigation of Elsa were all ostracized and even forced to resign."
Pasha murmured: "Seems this talent accompanied this young lady her whole life."
Magic was indeed terrifying.
Unfortunately, Eagle Company's intelligence legacy contained no records of this type of magic—too phoenix feather and unicorn horn to summarize patterns.
Katrin said quietly: "Boss, even our people sent for contact investigation gave the same good reviews. And now carefully observing Clover's fan groups, you'll find they don't cause trouble or form cliques—very well-behaved. Even traditional families that don't allow celebrity worship are tolerant of children being Miss Elsa's fans..."
"You mean it's almost like an infectious disease?"
"Pretty much. Therefore, many who got preliminary investigation materials are very afraid, thinking absolutely cannot allow such monsters to enter elite circles and stir up trouble."
"What? Do they want assassination?" Pasha made a disdainful laugh: "They've all witnessed the Time Prophecy—what are they afraid of?"
"Actually, this ability should bear tremendous costs. According to records, Miss Elsa encountered large amounts of fan stalking, knife threats, kidnapping plots, even poisoning, etc.—like love turning to hate. Ordinary celebrity would have died long ago."
As she spoke, Katrin took out a thick stack of photos—all records of various fan assault cases.
Shocking!
Assassination? Before frenzied fans, so-called killers paled in comparison. These people filled with possessiveness, once ignited, would desperately attempt murder—truly terrifying. Magical Girl Chrysanthemum had experienced too much such hell.
Yet from surface showed no complaints, resentment, or worry, as if prepared to sacrifice life for it someday—a candle forever burning with full effort.
Pasha suddenly laughed, giving a warm feeling even through her veil. Subordinates including Katrin were all surprised—rarely seeing their boss so happy. They heard her say: "Previous civilization had records of Magical Girls, always saying vague words like miracles, destiny, costs, etc. Turns out those weren't hymns but truth—bearing heavy years like us Holy Relics."
"Don't mind me—just a bit emotional. Speculating here is too rude. Hurry and visit. Prepare the car."
"Roger."
Katrin rode the elevator with her boss to the garage, driving a business sedan herself since sending ordinary people would probably be inadequate.
They drove to the currently crowded Clover Agency destination.
A front desk lady received them, walking upstairs together to open a mirror-filled practice room. At a glance, besides familiar faces Anri and Kaori, Dandelion, Manjusaka, Imperial Flower, and all Clover members were present, plus the most important decision-maker.
The girl in black-red military Regalia politely extended her hand: "Welcome Miss Pasha and Miss Katrin. I am..."
"You don't need to introduce yourself."
Pasha joked and smoothly said: "There's an ancient saying—'Who in the world doesn't know you?' right?"
The silver-haired girl before her responded flatly with a nod, stone-faced showing no flaws, but Manjusaka, Dandelion, and Imperial Flower behind her looked quite pleased. Praising them wasn't as good as praising Hyacinth, and this at least reflected correct speculation about Church Leadership's cultural background.
Future interactions with Church backbone were destined. Exploring interaction methods in advance was profitable. Anyway, when stuck for words, just praise Hyacinth—password correct.
Meanwhile, Pasha observed everyone present—without exception in Regalia states. After all, some members should hide identities, so unified style was convenient. This was positive interpretation. Negative side was they felt possible enemies might break in.
"You're too kind."
Hibiscus shook her head modestly while introducing the bright yellow Regalia girl.
"Today's protagonist is Miss Elsa. I remember your company proposed supplementary foundation plans for the Management Bureau. We're very interested." She said straightforwardly: "Like having Clover start as image ambassadors, departing from helping Magical Girls."
Elsa added: "Taking formerly persecuted compatriots as topics to provide funding, promotional activities, laboratory lawsuits—organizing these activity forms."
"...Seems Miss Chrysanthemum has thought it through."
"Actually Winter Company's plan was already complete. I just considered from areas I'm relatively good at."
Hibiscus said frankly: "Anyway, we plan to launch Clover team public activities. If your company is willing to cooperate, the Church would be honored."
While speaking, Fuuka, Maho, Tsuki, and Miyuki all nodded, especially the latter patting Elsa's shoulder to convey strength. Anyway, everyone accustomed to celebrity work was familiar with this. Thinking carefully, there seemed no difference—still public activities, just under Magical Girl banners with permanent sponsor Salvation Church. Rest temporarily needn't worry.
Earlier, Hibiscus had revealed to everyone the upcoming mercenary-military struggle and even Holy Relic civil war possibilities, so they should keep low profile to avoid affecting the big picture.
Facing prophet Hyacinth's judgment, Magical Girls had no doubts.
Clover was essentially a smokescreen.
Pushed to the front stage to give both sides an observation point—no need to constantly guard against hidden Magical Girls, could put more energy into mutual fighting. As for three-way standoff making them stable instead? There were ways.
Holding two major causal magics plus advisors from optical expert think tank, Hibiscus had countless methods—only differing in implementation difficulty.
Pasha pondered for a long time, rarely thinking so long before slowly nodding: "Acceptable."
"You've probably seen the draft plan—that comes not just from Winter Company alone but represents Mercenary Alliance promises, plus official help. Scope slightly modified could be given to Miss Elsa's team. Wish our cooperation success."
"Deeply grateful."
"Even as a mercenary boss, I've long heard about you—navigating with ease, rising steadily. Having you will definitely make the Church more prosperous."
"Actually, I should admire Senior Hyacinth's insight more—she discovered everyone, created the Magical Girl family."
Elsa sincerely thanked the Church's helping hand, especially initially accessing magical knowledge thanks to Hyacinth's research theories. Cooperating with this highly respected senior gave a solid feeling.
Pasha was equally eager: "Since so, Winter Company joins the plan."
As the two solemnly shook hands, numerous observers applauded continuously. The entire practice room overflowed with a happy atmosphere—seemingly harmonious on the surface.
Actually, both sides didn't mention the so-called Management Bureau plan, basically using delaying tactics—still depended on cooperation results.
Feeling the unusual atmosphere, Katrin looked deeply at the silver-haired girl. This world-famous Magical Girl played transparent in this dialogue, completely handing matters to Elsa—both trusting newcomers and hiding behind scenes. Indeed, a time magic-wielding prophet being less active instead made a deterrent power surge. She chose a perfect position, but don't think the Church would have smooth sailing.
According to her knowledge, many officials were involved in this infectious disease leak case, definitely unwilling to be implicated. Being pushed out as the designated savior-icon would inevitably make them the target of coordinated attacks.
Just these little ones would definitely taste dirty water, smearing, group condemnation, etc. Struggle was cruel—entering required caution.
How would you handle it?
Hibiscus smiled faintly at Katrin's gaze, making the latter involuntarily break into cold sweat.
Once Origin gaps were too large, emotion sensing effects occurred, even similar to mind reading. So she clearly knew Winter Company representatives thought the suddenly pushed-out Clover team wasn't sophisticated enough. Everyone believed Church Leadership that deceived the whole world but underestimated newcomers.
No wonder, but Hibiscus needn't worry about this aspect. Next she just needed to stay in Edo for a while as moral support. Rest depended on Elsa's performance.
The next day.
Winter Company formally announced cooperation with the Management Bureau's embryonic form—Clover Foundation. Main activities were promoting and popularizing Magical Girl-related knowledge. Besides this, it felt quite nutritionless—idol activities still dominated.
Shouldn't you recruit Magical Girls, open academies, research magic, etc.? However, nothing people imagined happened—perfectly ordinary.
Hibiscus planned exactly this—no need for her to act. Those who should understand signals naturally would. For example, many Magical Girls through Clover's promotion instead found organizations through contact methods Five-Color Narcissus Company left. Clever ones understood that banner didn't matter—codes unique to compatriots deserved trust.
Church members became busy instead. During this time, leadership led by her traveled between Hermit Island and Edo receiving newcomers.
As magical enrichment further increased, Church Magical Girl numbers broke through 600.
This resulted in a magical phenomenon: high-profile Clover team activities didn't play any "fishing" role—no new Magical Girls jumped out themselves.
Elsa's calm composure made many people anxious.
They originally expected large numbers of Magical Girls to expose identities, naturally leaving flaws creating space for threats and inducements—unlike currently known few tough nuts. Unfortunately, things went contrary to expectations. Experienced Clover team's skillful dancing attracted massive attention while creating cover.
Meanwhile, rights legislation advocated by Miller formally passed, legally recognizing Salvation Church's legitimate organization status to some extent.
Of course, the real deal still hadn't appeared.