After the time Aokitsu needed had passed, my servants led me to the place where she had her surprise prepared. Incredibly, the chosen location was wonderful.
It's a fair distance from my mansion — a clean, snow-covered clearing with a single large, leafless tree surrounded by a circle of verdant pines. But despite looking like nothing more than a dry tree, it's covered in beautiful ice crystals that reflect the light in a breathtaking display.
It's a tree that needs no leaves, no flowers, nothing beyond its majestic trunk and the ice bound to the snow coating its branches. And together with the pristine surroundings, the light stands out even more, making it look like a crystal tree.
'What an excellent choice, whatever it is Aokitsu has planned...' I look at Aokitsu beneath the tree. She's wearing an elegant dark navy blue dress with crystal details reminiscent of ice — a design that makes her stand out completely against the pure white of the snow.
