In truth, the newly established New Chaldea at the Wandering Sea had merely repurposed the area of this ancient organization that resembled an entrance, transforming it into a new frontline base. Even so, this area was astonishingly vast, rivaling that of Antarctic Chaldea.
"Maintenance," "Development," "Preservation," "Affiliation," and "Regeneration." Shiomi pointed toward the five massive, sealed stone doors and explained to Morgan, "Though I'm not sure which door corresponds to which."
Morgan casually glanced at the five doors. Behind them lay mysteries that could take a lifetime for human magi to unravel, yet she didn't pay them much attention.
"Sion mentioned that, as part of the deal for leasing the external area through the Atlas Contract, the task of addressing the 'Earth's Bleached World' was also handed to her." Morgan smiled at Shiomi. "Do the magi of the Wandering Sea, who lock themselves behind those doors, place complete trust in Chaldea's abilities? Or is it because they're aware of my husband's existence that they feel so at ease?"
"Either could be true." Shiomi took Morgan's hand as they slowly walked away from the stone door area. "As far as I know, the Wandering Sea is a workshop that, in the distant past, concealed this entire remote island from the cosmos in order to isolate itself from both humanity and the gods."
Because of this, the shadow of the Wandering Sea has cast its influence across all eras. Even if the entire workshop were destroyed, it would have no effect on the core entity. The core area exists entirely outside the timeline, in a unique domain. The only means of interfering with the core entity are those five stone gates. These gates are portals of time connecting the Wandering Sea to each era.
"In a sense, it's somewhat like the King of the Demon Gods' Temple of Time," Morgan mused, pressing closer to Shiomi and casually hooking her free hand through his arm as she teased. "Though whether the Wandering Sea is located in Imaginary Numbers space or somewhere even deeper remains unknown."
"Whenever we have the chance, we should ask Romani's opinion," Shiomi said with a smile.
As they made their way through the New Chaldea base, they encountered several staff members passing by, all of whom exchanged nods of greeting with the two. At this moment, Scáthach and Artoria were with Gray and Mash, overseeing combat training; Skadi was visiting the three Valkyries tending to the survivors of Village 23; and Touko was in Da Vinci's workshop, discussing with the two geniuses how to design mass-produced combat Automata, with plans to create Chaldea's own 'army' for future Lostbelt expeditions.
Given the circumstances, Shiomi and Morgan were indeed quite free today, with no pressing matters demanding their attention. This was intentional—everyone had made it a point for them to rest more, considering they had fought for millennia in Chaldea's timeless existence.
After wandering aimlessly around the base, the two of them sat by a large window, gazing out at the relentless storm outside.
"Unlike Antarctica, all you see here is storm after storm," Shiomi remarked offhandedly.
"Using extreme weather as a cover for hereditary defense—probably to avoid being casually discovered by human magicians," Morgan murmured. "But the trade-off is that even if Earth becomes Bleached World, it won't affect this place... Not a bad idea."
"What are you thinking?" Shiomi asked with a sly grin.
"Once everything's settled, we could buy a similar uninhabited island—Pacific or Atlantic, it doesn't matter—move there to live, and set up a legacy defense like this around it—" Morgan mused aloud, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "In a way, it could be called a paradise."
Shiomi nodded in agreement. "It's a good idea, though talking about it now feels a bit unlucky—like some kind of death flag."
"Has my husband never considered something like this?" Morgan took his hand, trying to persuade Shiomi.
"I'm not opposed to it," Shiomi answered earnestly, "but it'll cost a fortune. We'd have to sell off our assets." He added, "Besides, I've always wanted to be with the real you—not just your Servant form."
"Though I don't see much difference," Morgan pressed, "I still want to ask: what would you want to do with me like this?"
"Well, obviously..." Shiomi pressed her lips together, lowering his voice slightly, a hint of embarrassment in his tone.
Morgan's cheeks flushed slightly. "Sakura and Caren aside, then there was Gray, and now there's Baobhan Sith. Is it really impossible unless they're your own children?"
"They're all good kids, but I can't shake this feeling something's off." Shiomi couldn't quite put his finger on it. "Besides, when you're with the one you love, it's impossible not to think this way."
Though their current situation was unique, to avoid complications from pregnancy, they'd consistently used Magecraft contraception.
But all things must come to an end, and peaceful daily life was bound to return. This wasn't mere wishful thinking—it was hope for the future.
"I see." Morgan understood. She leaned forward, her breath warm against Shiomi's ear. "But my husband... does he only want children with me? Or does he..."
"...Well..." Shiomi scratched his nose. "You know how it is."
Though Touko likely had no such desire, Master and the others might be different. And even if they regained their original daily life, it didn't mean they had to rush straight into having children. He and they weren't ordinary people; they had ample time to spare.
"I don't understand," Morgan gently bumped Shiomi's forehead. "At the very least, the first child has to be with me."
"You really are jealous, aren't you?" Shiomi teased softly. "Making you accept me like this... must be... tough."
"Still better than forcing you to abandon them and stay only with me." Morgan roughly kneaded Shiomi's face. "Happiness and pain are two sides of the same coin. Making you struggle between them would be cruel to both of us. Besides—"
"Besides?"
"It's actually much easier than I imagined... After all, having me alone bear all your desires would be rather taxing." Morgan whispered in his ear, his voice faint as a breath.
"Ah-ha..." Shiomi didn't deny this point.
"But since we're discussing the future, let's get back to more practical matters first." Morgan reminded him. "Let's go sort out your assets right now and see how much more we need to buy a suitable little island."
"On a rare day off, and I have to deal with numbers again..."
Faced with Morgan's enthusiastic suggestion, Shiomi could only sigh with a smile as she was dragged along to participate.