Among the twelve departments of the Clock Tower, the Department of Policies is the most unique.
While other departments teach content focused on Magecraft specific to their field, the Department of Policies does not teach Magecraft. Instead, it trains students in various skills related to power struggles and organizational management.
Graduates of the Department of Policies become elites who manage the Clock Tower, enforcers involved in conflicts among Magus, or hold significant positions in countries closely tied to the Clock Tower through its recommendations.
Given this nature, new-generation Magus—such as noble children, heirs of prominent families, and Lord successors—all study here.
Olga Marie, at thirteen years old, is no exception.
In the past, the Department of Astromancy was the department furthest removed from the power struggles within the Clock Tower. They avoided involvement in such conflicts. However, since Marisbury began building Chaldea and participated in the Holy Grail War, emerging victorious, Marie, as the second heir of the Animusphere family, had to step into the spotlight at the Clock Tower and act as the acting Lord.
Honestly, this was a challenging task. The duties of a Lord were not something a thirteen-year-old girl could easily handle. She had to deal hypocritically with troublesome adults, constantly probing and testing each other's intentions… This life full of intrigue left Marie mentally exhausted.
But fortunately, she wasn't alone. Like other noble children, she brought an attendant when she enrolled.
"Young Miss."
After her class in the Department of Policies ended and she left the classroom, Marie immediately heard someone calling her.
She looked toward the woman standing by the door and smiled. "Having to wait for me here every time must be such a hassle, Trisha."
"No, it's my duty as your attendant, Young Miss."
Trisha Firoz.
Marie's private tutor, arranged by Marisbury, and also her attendant. While Marie studied at the Clock Tower, Trisha was the only person she could fully trust.
"Today's lessons must have been tiring for you, Young Miss."
"Not too bad. Nothing's too difficult for me." Though only thirteen, Marie was the true daughter of a Lord, a legitimate acting Lord. Her talent in all areas was genuine, and school lessons wouldn't trouble her too much.
"More importantly, let's prepare for tonight's business. The train departs tonight, right?"
"Yes."
The Mystic Eye Collection Train—a few years ago, to raise funds for Chaldea's construction, Marisbury sold Mystic Eyes inherited from his ancestors through this train. Since then, the Animusphere family became honored guests of the train, receiving invitations to every auction.
This time was no different. However, since Marisbury was now far away in Antarctica, Marie, as the acting Lord, would attend.
Of course, beyond that reason, Marie herself wanted to attend the Mystic Eye Collection Train auction. On one hand, she wanted to gain experience. A train that gathered all sorts of "monsters" would surely teach her valuable lessons if she experienced it once.
On the other hand, she wanted to see if she could acquire a few pairs of Mystic Eyes. Though, with the Animusphere family's capabilities, Mystic Eyes weren't rare or hard to obtain. But if there were Gold-rank or even Jewel-rank Mystic Eyes at the auction, Marie had to get them.
A pair of Jewel-rank Mystic Eyes—wouldn't that make her father praise her?
"Oh, by the way, Trisha, about [that person] Father mentioned… have you investigated them?"
That person—a figure Marie learned about from her father two weeks ago during their regular communication. According to her father's description, they were a powerful individual who could protect her no matter what happened. Due to their cooperative relationship, they were willing to help his daughter.
This was also to ensure the safety of the [Acting Lord] and [Lord's Heir].
Marie was deeply grateful for her father's care, but she was a bit wary of [that person], whose name her father didn't mention. Though her father assured her they were absolutely not an enemy and could be trusted completely, Marie still asked Trisha to investigate.
Unfortunately—
"Their identity is still unknown, Young Miss." Trisha shook her head. "We have too little information. While we can confirm such a person exists at the Clock Tower, we have no leads on who they are."
"I see… Oh well. We'll meet eventually anyway, so for now—"
"Oh? Is something troubling you, Marie?"
Just as Marie was about to continue discussing the Mystic Eye Collection Train, a slightly amused voice came from a distance. Then, she saw a blonde girl her age.
"Reines El-Melloi Archisorte."
Calling out the girl's name, Marie frowned. "What's the matter, Princess of the El-Melloi family?"
"Such a cold tone, Marie. We're both Lord heirs and allies. Isn't it natural for me to visit you?" Reines said with a smile. "I just overheard something about [that person]—are you curious about their identity?"
"Oh, it seems you know their true identity."
"Rather than know, at the Clock Tower, it's rarer to find someone who doesn't know [that person's] identity. The reason you can't investigate them is probably because many people are secretly obstructing you."
"Obstructing?"
"At the Clock Tower, plenty of people are after [that person]—in various senses."
So that's how it was. Marie roughly understood Reines' meaning. It seemed openly investigating [that person's] identity, as they had done, was some sort of taboo at the Clock Tower, drawing interference from those who coveted [that person's] power.
"By the way, you're attending the Mystic Eye Collection Train auction tonight, right?"
"Yes, is there a problem?"
"No, no. I just think you're really bold. Even though you know you have many enemies at the Clock Tower right now, you're still going to such a dangerous place. As your close friend, I'm very worried."
Hearing that, Marie sneered. "Your concern gives me chills. Thanks for the sentiment, but your worry is unnecessary. As the heir of the Department of Astromancy, if I can't handle something like this, I'd be letting my father down. Let's go, Trisha."
"Yes. Miss El-Melloi, please excuse us, we'll be leaving."