Vol 2: National Development – Special Chapter: Christmas Night

Vol 2: National Development – Special Chapter: Christmas Night

"...And done! Adverse weather testing has been completed! Powering down the turbine." Announced a female scientist as she operated a lever. Slowly, the muffled humming coming from the wind tunnels recedes.

Taking off my lab coat and handing it over to a nearby aide, I announce to everyone present. "Good work, people! With this new data, we're one step closer to re-innovate the aeronautic industry! Now let's pack up the scaled models and bring them back for inspection. After that, we can call it a day."

"Yes, Marshal!" Came the chorus of replies.

I then watch as they move out and about, carrying the new aircraft model and checking the wind tunnels for any sign of breakage. Operating a wind tunnel is hella expensive so they have to be well-maintained after each and every single test. Though we won't have to worry about the electricity bill with the first void reactor hard at work. Amidst all of this, I am suddenly tapped on the shoulder. Turning around, I am greeted by Einstein as she says.

"Seems like you've finished up your business for the day." I nod at her words, sidestepping a trolley carrying the model of the Phantom jet.

"Looks to be that way, what's up?" I asked. Einstein rarely sought me out in person unless the matter required my personal touch.

I am thinking that Einstein may need some help setting up the newer computers when she says with a raised eyebrow. "Have you forgotten? Today is Christmas and with the evening party right around the corner, everyone is waiting for you."

"Oh..." That was all I can say before I realize the full meaning of Einstein's words. "Oh!"

I completely missed the fact that today is Christmas. Works have been piling up high near the end of the year and because of that, I've been pulling my weight to finish most of the important ones before 1936 arrives. Can't really let unfinished businesses affect the development of the country at the start of a new year, lest it bears stagnation which is not good. With such a mindset, I've been putting celebrations on the back burner, until now.

Facepalming at my sheepish grin, Einstein groans.

"Damn it, Yuki, I should have known better than to believe in your one-track mind. Come, let's get you back so that the other can make you presentable. Anything that is better than wearing..." Einstein motions to my regular military attire. "This."

I pout, not willing to let her disregard the benefits of my uniform. "Hey! It's practical, formal, and overall comfortable to wear in all weather. Most important of all, it's cool!"

Einstein deadpans. "Seriously?"

I double nod, only to be grabbed by the scruff of my neck as Einstein pulls me out of her car. "We really don't have time for your shenanigan, Yuki. The others have already prepared some clothes for you so like it or not, you will have to discard that uniform."

I protest, knowing the pain of playing dress-up with my family. "No! I don't wanna!"

"Why the hell are you acting like a kid right now?" Einstein asked incredulously.

Despite my best effort, I am still brought back to the Obsidian Castle. There, I have been, quite literally, chased by a Devil with a dress on each arm.

This is pain.

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Funnily enough, Christmas, although an important event for the Biblical community of Earth, being the birth of Jesus Christ and all, is also a notable event in the teaching of the Yggdrasil Pantheon. Why you may ask?

Well, the part where Yahweh, who is known as the Primordial Goddess of Order and Chaos to the Yggdrasil Pantheon and the Biblical God for the Abrahamic Church of Earth, sent down an Emissary to save the world from its sins, is true. But that's where the similarity ends.

Nodding with a warm smile, I answer. "That's right, you can experience this festivity every year and I promise that each year will be a different but fun experience." From the corner of my eye, I can see a fidgeted girl standing over at the Chinese delegation. "Ningyo, I think there's a girl over there who wants to have a bit of fun yet she is too shy to do so. Why don't you head over there and introduce her to our cuisine, and while you're at it, make yourself a friend."

"Ok sister!" My sister replied before she skipped over to Mei, daughter of Consort Ling. It takes no time at all for Ningyo to swoop Mei into her rhythm and pull the latter everywhere. We all watch their interaction with smiles while the Chinese delegation gives us grateful nods. Much to the chagrin of the Japanese.

"I hope we aren't late." Said the familiar Einstein who is pulling Mobius and Nicolae along. The reason is Mobius is protesting about attending a useless party and Nicolae is being distracted by everything she deems fascinating in this hall. The last thing Einstein needs is a Shoggoth climbing and remodeling the Christmas tree in the middle of the room.

I snicker at their action, not forgetting to admire the view while at it also. Unknowingly, mama is also doing the same, even if she's secretly being pinched by both mom and Bryn. Elysia, well, is being Elysia I guess? The woman is also not hiding her intention in checking the brainiacs out.

Regardless, after spending more than enough time with this family of mine, the geniuses are used to their antics.

"You guys aren't late, even though I can see that you've been making efforts in dressing up for the occasion." I then say. "They suit you well."

Einstein is wearing a stringless sapphire blue dress, matching her hair while Mobius is, surprisingly, sporting a black and white dress that leaves her back exposed. A bold design choice from her but a welcome one as her hourglass body leaves many wanting.

Nicolae though is wearing her trademark purple dress with a v-cut. The mature Shoggoth doesn't take much effort to maintain her beauty but I doubt she would prioritize it over being inventive. Even now, we can feel her desire to just cut loose and make this occasion even grander than it's now.

I said that because per the plan, Berlin will be having a nighttime light show that will be broadcasted to the rest of the country. I dread the feeling when Nicolae would be the one to be in charge of the celebration. Nevertheless, the light show will be some time away, the night is still young, after all.

As we have all gathered, we spend time chatting and mingling either with ourselves or our close colleagues. Due to the nature of the celebration being a light-hearted one, heavy topics aren't being discussed openly but you can hear some insinuating stuff here and there in the gathering of diplomats. Many did also try and get close to us for a get-along chat, their attention mostly fall on me and my mothers. We adeptly maneuver around people like this, of course, it's good to get along with each other and it's great to be on guard with the people that have an agenda. Either way, Section One will be keeping an eye on everybody for many of them are persons of interest that may help Belka in the long term.

Amidst the meet-and-greet, the super idol Eden takes to the stage. Wearing a wine-colored dress, the lady performs many songs that are synonymous with Christmas. And yes, we also broadcast the concert via all media, can't leave an opportunity like this to waste. Her heavenly voice has no doubt enchanted many people, funny because it's her own hard work that gets her here, not by any sort of blessing. Once the concert is over, she comes to join Elysia for a discussion, to which both sides seem to click and are very favorable to each other. It's great to see Elysia makes a new friend.

As for me, after a while, I suddenly come face to face with a hunk of a man, a good one, mind you. With a welcoming smile on my face, I greet the older man.

"Saint Nicholas Cage, as expected, it will be weird not to see you on this occasion."

Wearing a bright red suit and sporting majestic white hair and a long white beard, the old man that has been munching on some biscuits turns around in surprise. "Hohoho! Princess Yukia, Merry Christmas to you!"

I nod. "A Merry Christmas to you too, Mr. Santa."

That's right, it's Santa Claus! Bearer of gifts for the good and charcoal for the naughty.

"Thank you, Princess. I must say that the mood for this Christmas has been many times better than the last. I can't wait to see how it will improve after a few more years under your leadership." Santa commented with a jovial laugh, his belly shaking up and down yet don't let it fool you. He packs a set of muscles beneath that thick winter clothing that makes bodybuilders looks like a kid.

"You flatter me, Mr. Santa." I shake my head, not willing to accept a compliment from the personification of goodwill. "With you being here, I guess it's almost time for you to go deliver presents across the globe."

Santa crosses his trunks for arms, nodding powerfully. "That's right! This year, the good kids outnumbered the bad by a lot. I have high hope that the next generation will be bright and shine! With any bit of luck, Belka will have a much brighter future if you play your cards right." Santa advised patiently.

I take the advice seriously, knowing that the wisdom of the old man in front of me is not to be taken lightly. "I'm grateful for your information, Mr. Santa. Now then, knowing that you will have to prepare for the upcoming Christmas delivery, I will leave you to it. Have a Merry Christmas, Mr. Santa."

"You too, Princess!" Santa nodded, patting my shoulder before fading into specks of golden light.

I show a light smile, knowing that this is another year that the good kids will receive small but meaningful gifts from Santa himself.

"Santa Claus is coming to town~!" It's funny how the band is playing that song, very fitting.