"Although the Clock Tower and the British Parliament and Cabinet believe that the pursuit of astronomy is merely a castle in the air, I want to say that Chaldea is absolutely not just that…"
Marisbury said heavily.
Establishing Chaldea requires the full cooperation of the Atlas Institute, the secret arts of the Clock Tower's monarch level, new facilities, experiments, astronomical-level costs, and individuals qualified for time travel.
These various demands are not only daunting for the high-ranking officials of Britain but also for the United Nations.
The risks of this transaction are too high for them.
Moreover, without the funding brought by the Greater Grail, even with the investment from the United Nations, it would still be far from enough.
The British high-ranking officials looked down on this.
They believed there was no need to establish Chaldea and that they should improve the foundational magecraft established by the first king.
Britain had already crossed the threshold of extinction once.
Current efforts should not be focused on the issue of humanity's assurance.
"Humanity assurance…"
Moran murmured this term.
He was aware of the delicate position of the British in the world.
Gaia regarded them as children.
The Alaya consciousness must see them as anomalies.
In fact, even Moran himself found it difficult to discern whether the current British could be classified as part of human history.
In terms of classification, the magi of the Clock Tower all agreed with the mainstream thought, believing that the British and the humans from outside were of the same kind.
The only difference was that their bloodline was older and more noble.
This was a fact derived from research.
The average lifespan, strength, and magical power of the British were several times higher than those of ordinary people from outside.
The only thing that puzzled the magi was that, for some unknown reason, the British could not give birth to offspring with humans from outside Britain; they could only give birth to offspring within Britain, as if they were isolated from humanity.
Thus, there was a major topic of discussion in the Clock Tower.
That is whether the British and humanity had diverged, a topic that has yet to reach a conclusion.
There were too many factors to consider in this regard.
For example, if the British cannot be regarded as part of the human species, should the magus families that have continuously passed down the beastification magecraft through blood and imprinting be viewed in the same way?
In the magical world, this issue involves too many layers.
Of course, most magi would not openly discuss it. To dare to talk about such things in Britain was somewhat akin to courting death.
"…"
Marisbury waited quietly.
Like a prisoner waiting to walk to the guillotine.
He knew that if he did not receive a response from Moran here, the plan for Chaldea would be doomed.
Although the position of the Crown was very important.
He could not let the Animusphere family perish due to an uncertain plan.
"Marisbury, I remember you have a daughter, right?"
"Are you referring to… Olga Marie?"
"If you cannot complete the plan for Chaldea, do you intend to pass the position of monarch to her just like that?"
Marisbury was quite surprised when Moran mentioned his daughter.
After thinking for a moment, he said, "Of course, I have invested too much in the Chaldea plan. If it fails, I naturally have to bear the responsibility of a failure, and leaving the position of monarch would be my only choice. Marie will then take over and become the next monarch of the Animusphere family.
However, I have no expectations for Olga Marie; at least in her generation, the Grand Order of the Animusphere family cannot be achieved."
His words were as if discussing someone else's affairs.
It was like merely talking about a laboratory mouse in a breeding chamber; Marisbury's gaze was as cold as that of a researcher.
No, he had this cold attitude towards his daughter.
Moran gently closed his eyes, recalling the deep memories in his mind, which were the information he possessed before coming to the Moon World.
He remembered that Marisbury died by suicide in the world line where he established Chaldea. When his death news reached the Clock Tower, Chaldea was taken over by his daughter, Olga Marie.
Even in that world line, Marisbury still had no expectations for his daughter, and Olga Marie did not gain the recognition of others.
She was a tragic and lonely girl.
This was Moran's evaluation of Olga Marie.
"If convenient, could you tell me your daughter's age?"
"…If she has passed her birthday this year, Marie should be about eleven years old."
Confusion appeared in Marisbury's eyes.
But he still answered truthfully as a subordinate.
"Eleven years…?"
This was different from what Moran knew.
The current time in Britain was 1994, and according to what Moran knew, Olga Marie should be no more than five years old…
She would definitely be younger than Rin and Sakura.
Yet, that was not the case.
Could it be… because of the influence I brought?
Moran could only consider this possibility.
Because he allowed the divine lineage of Britain to continue into modern times, the Animusphere family, which had taken root in Britain for a thousand years, was also affected; it did not develop as Moran had expected.
Some details had also changed.
Olga Marie was six or seven years older than he had anticipated.
"Your Majesty… if I have offended, please forgive me… are you interested in my daughter?"
"… I am indeed interested…"
Moran pondered and replied inadvertently.
The memories and information he possessed were almost measured in millennia, so recalling them required some effort.
Soon, he realized what question he had answered.
When Moran raised his head again, he saw Marisbury displaying an ambiguous smile.
"Wait… Marisbury… don't get me wrong. When I said I was interested, it wasn't in that way."
"Your Majesty, I understand; I am very clear about your meaning."
Marisbury's smile was bright.
As a monarch of the Clock Tower, he had seen all kinds of scenes; this level was merely a small scene.
He believed he had detected the new king's interests and hobbies.
In his heart, he felt fortunate.
He never expected that the Animusphere family could have such an honor.
For the first time, he held expectations for Olga Marie.
"… No, I think you don't understand."
Moran wanted to slap himself for what he had said a few seconds ago.
How could he not control his mouth?
Now, Marisbury had a look that said he understood everything. That ambiguous smile seemed to say nothing yet also seemed to say everything.
He was the most typical magus.
Moran was very clear about Marisbury's thoughts.
In Marisbury's eyes, his daughter Olga Marie was not worth any expectations.
If selling his daughter as a price could exchange for the realization of the family's Grand Order, he would undoubtedly sell his daughter as a commodity without hesitation.
He would probably think he made a great profit.