The Incoming Director's Address: Absolute Authority

Well then, Director Marisbury, if you have no objections, please review this contract. If everything is in order, sign it.

The contract stated: 1. The Genji Clan would cover all development costs for Chaldea's current equipment.

2. Development of Chaldeas and the Near-Future Observation Lens: Sheba would be temporarily suspended, with Genji Corporation producing them independently instead.

3. Genji Clan head Yuan Shikai would become Chaldea's director and possess the corresponding authority. Former director Marisbury Animusphere would become deputy director, with authority lower than the director's.

4. The director would possess veto power.

5. In the event of a disputed decision, the director's choice would take precedence. If the director abstained, the decision would pass down the line.

A simple contract changed everything in Chaldea.

Much of Chaldea's equipment could be completed around five years ahead of schedule. Maybe even Mash could be born five years earlier.

After reading it, Marisbury Animusphere signed his name. Someone else was paying to fulfill his dream, so what was there to hesitate over? From now on, Chaldea is mine to command alone.

The thoughtful Marisbury said, "How about we hold the handover ceremony tomorrow morning?"

After giving it some thought, I said there was no problem. "I have no objections. You can arrange everything."

The next morning, the succession ceremony was held in the cafeteria. Marisbury had gathered all the employees, including the people I had brought with me—a total of 323 people.

Marisbury spoke first. "My friends who share my aspirations, Chaldea has existed for forty-four years since its founding. Many of you have watched Chaldea grow up, and we are deeply proud to be part of it.

"Unfortunately, the lack of funding has always plagued us, once causing Chaldea to stagnate. I deeply regret my own inadequacy, but fortunately, I met Mr. Yuan Shikai, head of the Genji Clan.

"He shares our ideals and is willing to fully provide Chaldea's funding, helping Chaldea continue to grow. I invited everyone here today to introduce Chaldea's new director, Mr. Yuan Shikai."

The applause went on and on. I stepped forward and raised a hand for silence before saying, "Hello, everyone. My name is Yuan Shikai. Yesterday, Mr. Marisbury and I took a tour of all of Chaldea.

"Seeing everyone working so diligently, with such a wonderful atmosphere that it felt like home, I was very satisfied. So there is no need to worry about losing your jobs.

"However, the one thing that disappointed me was that Mr. Marisbury had clearly not put enough effort into the cafeteria. But now that I'm here, starting today, the cafeteria's meal standards will be doubled."

Applause and cheers rose from below.

"I also brought some researchers with me. They will work alongside all of you for Chaldea's advancement. Please help and support one another.

"Now, get back to whatever you should be doing. Those who haven't eaten, hurry up and eat. This afternoon, all leaders responsible for the various departments should come to the meeting room for a meeting."

After the gathering ended, Marisbury and I went to the director's office. Marisbury said, "I can finally put down this burden. These past few years have exhausted me."

I smiled. "It's too early to put down that burden. I can't stay here for long. At most, I'll leave a secretary here. Contact me for major matters, and decide minor matters yourselves."

"I'm only taking this director position symbolically. The key still lies with you."

After chatting for a while, Marisbury said he had something to do and left. In the office, I used my authority to review all of Chaldea's information, both public and classified. So far, there were no problems.

Next came the afternoon meeting. I took a look and saw more than a dozen departments, large and small.

I cleared my throat and began, "I believe everyone has already heard something about this. For those who are unclear, I will repeat it: I am now Chaldea's director, and Mr. Marisbury Animusphere is the deputy director.

"Under normal circumstances, if I approve something, it is approved. If I reject it, it is rejected. This is the core principle, and I hope everyone understands it.

"Secondly, I cannot remain at Chaldea for long periods. Minor matters will still be handled by Deputy Director Marisbury Animusphere. I will establish a new Personnel Administration Department.

"This department will be responsible for verifying the identities of those newly joining Chaldea and contacting me regarding important matters.

"If neither Deputy Director Marisbury Animusphere nor I am present, you may contact them and have them contact me.

"Our goal is to preserve human history. I hope everyone can work together."

"The main purpose of this meeting is to explain Chaldea's plans. My personal view is that we should prioritize the fusion of Heroic Spirits and humans, making it the first experiment."

That's right. My goal is to have Mash born sooner. If this drags on, it'll turn into one of those TV dramas: "When you were born, I had yet to be born; when I was born, you were already old." We need to hurry.

After the meeting, I found Marisbury and indirectly asked whether he had a ring belonging to Solomon, the Mage King. I indicated that I wanted to participate in the next Holy Grail War.

"Do you have any useful Holy Relics you could lend me? Something like a family heirloom ring, for example, that could help me fulfill my wish of winning the Holy Grail War."

After a roundabout exchange, Marisbury finally understood what I meant. He took out a ring he carried with him and said it was supposedly worn by Solomon, the Mage King, during his era. He added some flattering words about how it should help me achieve victory.

With Solomon's Holy Relic in hand, I had practically claimed all the Masters for the next Holy Grail War: Rin, Sakura, and Gray were mine; Shirou Emiya, Illya, ~~Atrum Galliasta~~ Souichirou Kuzuki, and Caster herself.

Should I participate personally too? I thought, gripping the ring in my hand.

I'll summon Solomon, win the war, and have Solomon destroy the Greater Grail. A Grand Caster should have a way to destroy it, right? As for whether Romani Archaman will exist, that depends on the future.

Seriously, I have so much to worry about. Chaldea hasn't even begun, and I'm already saving Human Order. It wouldn't be too much to ask Alaya for some compensation the next time it comes looking for me, would it?

I wonder whether Ritsuka Fujimaru is a boy or a girl, and whether I can handle them.