Time was critical. Every minute and second had to be used wisely. If Marie couldn't quickly determine the reason for CHALDEAS going dark and re-observe human history a hundred years into the future, she didn't dare imagine what the future would hold.
If Naoki, Professor Lev, or Romani were late, it wouldn't matter. These three were people Marie trusted completely. She believed they would fulfill their duties 100%. This kind of delay wasn't enough to make them fail.
But this newcomer in front of her didn't have the privilege of such "double standards" from Marie.
With quick steps, she approached Ritsuka. Marie crossed her arms over her chest, looking down at the candidate Master who had been selected just two days ago.
"You're Fujimura Ritsuka? The one Natsukawa reported has 100% particle transfer adaptation—the best choice?"
"Uh… particle transfer adaptation? What's that?"
Suddenly questioned so arrogantly, Ritsuka grew slightly flustered. "But if it's 100%… I think there was a section like that in the report I received when I arrived."
"Then there's no mistake—I am Chaldea's Director, Olga Marie Animusphere. From now on, you'll be working under me to observe and repair the Human Order. Don't cause trouble, newcomer."
Perhaps it was the arrogance of a magus toward an ordinary person, or perhaps she wanted to assert her authority as director. Though most people in Chaldea didn't truly respect her, Marie acted extremely domineering toward this clueless newcomer who had just arrived.
And the effect was obvious. Ritsuka, fresh off the boat, was genuinely intimidated. From her face and eyes, a mix of emotions could be seen—shock, awe, and dissatisfaction. But it was understandable. Just arriving here, she was immediately scolded by someone who looked like a leader. Generally speaking, anyone would feel a bit upset.
At a moment like this, someone kind-hearted needed to step in to ease the tension.
After exchanging glances with Lev and catching his [I'll leave it to you] look, Naoki smiled faintly. He stepped forward and patted Marie's shoulder. "Alright, alright. Olga, don't treat newcomers like this. What if you scare her? She's your age and might interact with you a lot in the future. Try to be a bit more friendly."
"Natsukawa, stop acting like this. For someone ordinary and clueless like her, it's necessary to—"
"There'll be time to explain that later. Right now, she needs to get to know all of us and learn some basic knowledge necessary for life in Chaldea." Naoki said, turning to Ritsuka. "By the way, this isn't a good place to talk… Lev, we still have time before the particle transfer begins."
Professor Lev glanced at his watch. "Yes. After this, to ensure there are no issues, I'll conduct a more detailed calibration—about an hour."
"Okay. Then I'll take the newcomer to get familiar with Chaldea and inform her of some things she needs to know. I'll return fifteen minutes before it starts. Gray, Mash, stay here. Newcomer, come with me."
After saying that, Naoki called Ritsuka and walked toward the elevator.
Seeing him act so independently, Marie, who had just been trying to establish an authoritative image, immediately flared up. "Natsukawa! Can you listen to me just once!"
"Don't I listen to you every night? Oh, right. What flavor of cake do you want for dinner? I'll prepare it while waiting for you to come."
"Anything you make is fine… wait! That's not what I'm talking about! Get out of that elevator now!"
As Marie shouted, her face flushed with embarrassment, Naoki had already led Ritsuka into the elevator.
And within the control room—
(So that's their relationship?)
(I told you the department head and the director are dating!)
"But what about Deputy Head Gray? And Deputy Head Sajyou too?"
(The department head is so popular. I hope he can teach me some tricks…)
Seeing Marie embarrassed and angry, the staff once again began their eye-to-eye gossip.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Inside the elevator, leaning against the door, Naoki looked at Ritsuka in front of him.
"Sorry, newcomer. Olga's a bit image-conscious. She's not a bad person. She was just in a bad mood earlier, so her tone was a bit harsh with you. Don't take it to heart."
"Ah… yes…"
Ritsuka nodded stiffly, glanced at the man in front of her, then as if realizing something, quickly turned around to face away from Naoki.
(Eh… eh?! What is this? Blond hair and blue eyes? A foreigner? And he's so handsome… Eh? I'm in the same room as him?)
Ritsuka was certain that if she took a photo of this scene and uploaded it to Twitter, her close friends would flood her DMs!
[How can you be with such a handsome guy?!]
"Give me his phone number! Please, Ritsuka!"
[Same!]
Something like that. She knew her friends' personalities. In some ways, she'd do the same—only she'd be much more restrained.
Meanwhile, Naoki was completely unaware of Ritsuka's reaction. Though years had passed and he had grown in many ways, when it came to understanding women's minds, Naoki hadn't advanced at all. He was still stuck where he started.
After finally calming her nerves and feeling ready to face this mysterious, handsome man, Ritsuka finally turned back. "Uhm… where are we going? Didn't Mash and Miss Gray say we were going to the control room?"
"That's right, we will go there, but first, I need to show you where you'll be staying. Also the cafeteria, store area, medical department… Although Chaldea is a research facility, essentially it's a mini-city. All essential life facilities are available."
"Oh, I haven't introduced myself. I'm Natsukawa Naoki, head of operations. Well… your superior from now on. That said, you understand—Mash and Gray you mentioned earlier are my younger sisters."
"Nice to meet you, Fujimura Ritsuka."