The wind grew fiercer.

The snow grew more chaotic.

In the courtyard blanketed by wind and snow, the swirling flakes resembled a frenzied swarm of butterflies, crashing wildly against the withered branches.

Drip-drop, pitter-patter.

Amidst the joyous clamor of the New Year, the sound of Ailei’s knocking echoed faintly through the bedroom.

"This…"

Wu Yingxue was bewildered.

She had thought she’d chosen the perfect moment—on the eve of the New Year—to confess her feelings to Xu Xi.

Never had she imagined that, at the final step, an unexpected complication would arise.

Should she stubbornly stay, despite the risk of Ailei entering at any moment, drawing everyone’s attention?

Or should she retreat for now, wait for Ailei to leave, and then discuss matters of marriage with Xu Xi?

Wu Yingxue considered carefully.

She decided the second option was better.

Through repeated personal experience, the young noblewoman had reached a conclusion: one against four was a battle she couldn’t win.

"Sir, we’ll talk again soon."

The girl leaned close to Xu Xi’s ear, whispering softly.

Then, her gaze swept the room, searching for a place to hide.

"Wait, Yingxue, that place is—" Xu Xi reached out to grab the noblewoman’s hand, but she was too quick, darting into the most secluded corner.

Space fractured, revealing a hidden layer.

The illusory disguise crumbled away, scattering into fragments and exposing the witch concealed within.

"Could it be that you too?!"

Wu Yingxue stared at the witch before her, her eyes wide with shock.

"I was here first."

The witch’s expression remained impassive as she asserted her claim.

At that moment, the air was eerily still.

Even the faintest breaths sounded unnervingly clear.

The two girls locked eyes, each seemingly wanting to say something, but the situation left no room for further delay.

Thud—thud—

Thud—thud—

Ailei’s knocking sounded once more from outside the door.

"Professor, you should answer the door."

"Sir, don’t worry about me."

With uncanny synchronization, Krisha and Wu Yingxue repaired the spatial rift, concealing themselves within an imperceptible fold of space. To the naked eye, there was no flaw or irregularity.

Only Xu Xi knew the truth.

This seemingly peaceful room harbored two Supreme beings.

"Somehow, things are getting more and more complicated," Xu Xi murmured, gazing out the window where pristine snowflakes drifted down, obscuring the brilliant bursts of fireworks beyond.

This New Year’s Eve was unlike any before.

First, the witch had come under the cover of night. Then, the noblewoman had knocked on his door. And now, the mechanical maid had followed close behind.

Each girl had acted alone, yet somehow, they had all converged here at once.

"I should answer the door for Ailei first."

Xu Xi hesitated briefly before stepping to the entrance and opening the door for the waiting maid.

"Forgive me, Master, for disturbing you so late."

Eyes shimmering like rippling silver-blue waves, Ailei displayed a human-like remorse, apologizing for her sudden visit.

She feared she might have interrupted Xu Xi’s rest.

"It’s alright, Ailei."

Xu Xi smiled gently, comforting her as he always did.

"You came at just the right time. You haven’t disturbed me at all."

"More importantly, Ailei, is there something you need at this hour?"

At Xu Xi’s question, the girl nodded slightly.

"...Master, I’ve encountered something on Earth that requires your assistance."

As she spoke, Ailei produced a form from seemingly nowhere.

Xu Xi took it and, under the lamplight, read the bold heading at the top:

"Household registration?"

Xu Xi was stunned.

Confused and puzzled, he asked, "Ailei, why are you suddenly applying for Earth citizenship?"

For ordinary people, household registration might be an essential proof of identity.

But for a Supreme, such things held no meaning.

Emperor or beggar—whatever identity they desired was theirs to claim at will.

Yet, the mechanical maid had her own perspective.

On this snowy night, fireworks soaring overhead, the girl took Xu Xi’s hand and sat beside him on the edge of the bed, presenting her reasoning with methodical precision.

"Master, do you believe I am truly human now?"

"Of course."

Xu Xi answered without hesitation.

"Thank you for your affirmation. But I feel this alone is far from enough," Ailei said, her tone earnest and meticulous.

"Identity, flesh, heart, humanity…"

"Merely possessing the same body is insufficient to prove I am truly human."

Xu Xi fell into thought.

He understood Ailei’s intent.

Ailei wanted to become "human"—not just in body, transforming from cold machinery into warm flesh, but in every conceivable way.

And so, she sought citizenship.

A legal identity that would declare her "human."

"I understand, Ailei."

"If this is what you wish, then I support you."

Xu Xi affirmed her decision, recognizing the autonomy in her thoughts. Yet a question lingered in his mind.

Something like household registration—couldn’t Ailei accomplish it with a mere thought?

Where exactly did she need his help?

The mechanical maid naturally linked arms with Xu Xi.

"Master, through research and study, I’ve learned that on Earth, household registration is most commonly processed and used within family units."

"I believe a 'family' consisting solely of myself is incomplete. Lacking."

"And so—"

Ailei softly stated her purpose.

"I wish to join your household registration… as your wife."