After lunch, in Marisbury's private office.
Entering the room, Naoki looked at Marisbury sitting behind his desk. "So, what business and personal matters do you want to discuss?"
"Straight to the point. Are you always this direct, Mr. Natsukawa?"
"Because I don't like riddles, and I don't like dealing with people who speak in riddles. Isn't it better to say things simply if they can be said simply?" Naoki sat on the sofa, likely meant for receiving guests.
Seeing Naoki's straightforwardness, Marisbury, who had initially planned to be more roundabout, could only give a wry smile. "You're really free-spirited. Alright then, no more riddles—let's talk business first. Regarding the staff for the Operations Division, I've compiled a list and would like you to review it."
"A list?"
"Yes. These are candidates I believe could be capable assistants for you."
Taking the list from Marisbury's hand, Naoki glanced at it.
The number of names wasn't large, but it wasn't small either—about twenty. Most of the names were ones Naoki had heard before, Magus and mystic practitioners with reputations in the magecraft world. Among the candidates, Naoki also spotted a few familiar names.
"Beryl Gut…"
"Are you interested in him, Mr. Natsukawa?" Marisbury asked. "He's a Magus from the Department of Botany. He comes from a not-so-prominent family, but their history is considered very ancient. However, regardless of his family, his reputation at the Clock Tower isn't great."
"I've heard of his 'Werewolf' nickname. Riddell once complained to me about why she had to deal with such a weirdo under her."
Looking at Beryl's photo in the documents, some distant memories surfaced in Naoki's mind. "You want me to handle a problem child like this?"
"There's probably no one better suited than you. And if it's him, I think you could delegate all the trivial tasks to him. According to intel, he's quite enthusiastic about such things."
"Hmm… I think I get what you want me to do. Should I call it an interview? Basically, you want me to contact the people on this list and see if they're suitable for Chaldea, right?"
"It's the division you'll manage in the future, after all. If I unilaterally decide and include someone who makes you uncomfortable, it could affect our working relationship. I sincerely hope our cooperation can continue smoothly." Marisbury replied with a smile.
Sighing, Naoki continued scanning the list. "You're so considerate it makes me feel a bit uneasy. Are you trying to make me owe you a favor without realizing it?"
"No, it's just concern for a colleague. Likewise, I hope you'll consider some things I've considered."
"Experiments?"
"You really can't be fooled."
After Beryl, Naoki saw a few more familiar names: Kirschtaria Wodime, Ophelia Phamrsolone… and on the last page, one name listed separately—a Chinese woman with no name provided.
"Marisbury, this last person?"
"Her situation… is a bit special. Rather than me explaining, I think it'd be better if you two met in person, since you're of the same kind."
Yes, the same kind.
The girl with black hair and black eyes in the photo, wearing glasses that made her look like a bookworm, was of the same kind as Naoki.
Her name was Akuta Hinako.
Her true identity was a Fairy Species born from the Sea of Stars, like Naoki. Due to her characteristics resembling those of a Vampire Species, she could also be considered a different kind of Vampire Species. Her true identity was Yu Ji, the mysterious beloved consort of Xiang Yu, mentioned sporadically in the Records of the Grand Historian and the Book of Han.
As a non-human entity incomprehensible to ordinary humans, for a thousand years after Xiang Yu's death, she had been fleeing from the ever-expanding human society, living in hiding.
"I've had contact with this woman. Though she only allowed me one instance of contact, if you're willing, Mr. Natsukawa, I can pass along your intention to meet her."
"Yes, please do. I'd like to meet her—by the way, regarding this list you gave me, I'll meet some of these people in person. Some can't be fully understood just from data on paper."
"No problem, go ahead. It's your division, after all. I have no right to interfere."
(Good. After I return, I'll deal with Beryl.)
Pocketing the list, Naoki changed the topic. "So, that's the business side? What about the personal matter? Are you hoping I'll help you eliminate some business rivals?"
"Of course not. That would be underestimating you… Actually, I'm hoping you can look after my daughter at the Clock Tower."
"Your daughter…"
"Her name is Olga Marie Animusphere. Originally, since the Department of Astromancy tends to avoid the outside world, core family members rarely appeared publicly. But now, because of Chaldea, the Department of Astromancy and the Animusphere family can no longer stay hidden. As my heir, Marie will handle all matters on my behalf at the Clock Tower when I'm not there."
Or, in other words, a temporary Lord.
"She's quite dependable, your daughter—so? You want me to protect her in the Clock Tower, that giant poisonous swamp?"
"No need for protection. Overprotecting her would only hinder her growth. Let her experience the dark side of the Clock Tower to a certain extent. That's necessary for inheriting the Animusphere family. What I'm asking is—when she faces difficulties she absolutely can't overcome, please lend her a hand."
As he spoke, Marisbury pulled a black invitation from his pocket. "This is an invitation to the Mystic Eye Collection Train. You've heard of it, right? The train that travels across various places in Europe."
"I've heard of it, but I've never been. I've never received an invitation like that."
"In the past, to raise funds for Chaldea's construction, I sold some Mystic Eyes purchased by my ancestors through the Mystic Eye Collection Train. Because of that transaction, the train has sent me invitations to every auction since. Some time ago, Marie contacted me, saying she wants to attend this year's auction."
"The auction itself isn't an issue, but among the attendees, there might be some with malicious intentions…"
At this point, Naoki understood. "A bodyguard, huh."
"If you agree, I can also cover the costs."
"What do you think?"