"…The physical examination results show no abnormalities. Her health is even better than before." Roman sighed in relief outside the isolation room, looking at Mash's latest health report on the computer. "Your protection really works. Thanks, Natsukawa, for granting my request."
"No problem, it's not a big deal. But Roman, this protection is ultimately just an aid. When she grows up, it might not be very useful anymore, since the protection I gave is on the level of an ordinary item."
"I know. I'll keep monitoring Mash's physical condition. As for you… will you visit her often?" Roman asked. "If possible, I hope she can interact more with people besides me. You travel a lot, so I thought you could share interesting stories with Mash whenever you come, right?"
Interesting stories from the outside world?
Naoki smiled. "The things I've experienced can hardly be called interesting. At least, they're not bedtime stories for kids. Are you sure telling them to Mash won't give her nightmares?"
"Then just tell her normal stuff."
"I think Merry would be better at that, or maybe Merlin?"
"Please, for the sake of innocent Mash, don't do that!"
What was that about? If Merlin or Merry were to tell Mash bedtime stories, wouldn't that be like pushing her into a pit? Those two troublemakers, with their heads full of useless nonsense, would surely fill the pure Mash with all sorts of bad and useless information, tainting her blank slate!
Roman absolutely wouldn't allow that!
Seeing his tense expression, Naoki quickly waved his hands. "Alright, alright, I won't call them… How about I take some photos while traveling the world? That should be enough, right?"
"Yes, yes, that's plenty. If possible, photos of architecture and scenery. Like Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, or something like that."
"Okay, if I get the chance, I'll bring some back next time."
Naoki would inevitably travel the world sooner or later. Besides Shiki and Atalanta in Japan, and those living with him in England, he'd also need to meet Aoko and Touko's sisters. He'd have to circle half the globe, as no one knew which corner of the world those two might be in.
One day they could be in Africa, the next in South America.
Those two were the people Naoki had met the least in the past two years. Aoko was somewhat better—she'd return every so often to pester him for Mana. But Touko, he hadn't seen at all in two years. Fortunately, she was immortal in a certain sense, so Naoki wasn't worried about anything bad happening to his teacher.
After getting Naoki's promise, Roman saved the report and said to Mash, "Alright, Mash, we're heading out. See you tomorrow. Rest well today, and let me know right away if you feel unwell."
"I understand, Doctor Roman." Mash nodded, then turned to Naoki and Gray. "See you, Big Brother Naoki and Big Sister Gray."
"Yeah, see you, Mash."
Now that she had a little sister, Gray waved enthusiastically. Seeing her like that, Naoki felt he'd need to bring her along every time he visited Chaldea from now on.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
After returning from the isolation zone to Chaldea's general area.
Though it was already late afternoon, since they hadn't eaten lunch, Roman invited Naoki and Gray to Chaldea's cafeteria.
Chaldea currently had about fifty staff members—not many. However, the cafeteria was quite large, even bigger than a restaurant.
"Marisbury said that in the future, Chaldea's staff will exceed three hundred people. To ensure enough food for that many, the cafeteria is a top priority. So, even though it's not fully utilized now, a large space was allocated, and various counters were set up to cater to everyone's tastes." Roman explained while eating a plate of katsu curry.
As Roman said, Chaldea's cafeteria didn't just serve one type of cuisine, even though it wasn't fully operational yet. It already had Chinese, Japanese, Indian cuisine… Basically, every major cuisine had its own dedicated counter.
Beyond that, it wasn't just formal dishes—fast food, pastries, hamburgers… these types of food were available too. However, since Chaldea was just starting operations, the chefs hadn't been fully recruited yet.
"So, Chaldea's staff is still quite limited. Marisbury said he's started recruiting globally."
"Yes, but for all facilities to be fully operational, it might take one or two more years. The Operations Division you'll manage will take even longer, as it's the most critical division in all of Chaldea. Its staff can't be recruited carelessly."
Chaldea was built to ensure the continuation of the Human Order. If an event in the past threatened the Human Order, they'd need to perform a spiritron transfer to go back and resolve it. The Operations Division, which Naoki would manage, was responsible for this.
Compatibility with spiritron transfer, combat ability, magical talent, the ability to summon Servants, specialized skills in certain fields… Considering these requirements, the Operations Division would likely be the hardest to join in Chaldea, and thus, its staff couldn't be recruited haphazardly.
However—
"I assume Marisbury has already prepared some candidates for me? Since he's been planning Chaldea's construction for so long, he must have considered every aspect, including spiritron transfer staff."
"Yes, that's correct." a voice responded from behind. The three stopped eating and turned to look behind Naoki. There, Marisbury approached them with a smile.
"Good afternoon, Roman, Mr. Natsukawa, and Miss Gray. Working so hard you forgot lunch again, Doctor?"
"There's a lot to handle." Roman laughed. "What's up, Director?"
"Well, I have something to discuss with Mr. Natsukawa."
Marisbury looked at Naoki. "Do you have time after lunch? I'd like to speak with you privately, Mr. Natsukawa."