"Romani, has Miss Sion's packet transmission come through from the Wandering Sea?"
When Olga Marie's voice suddenly sounded behind him, Romani nearly jumped out of his seat.
He had been using the bridge computer during his shift to chat online with Magic☆Mari. While it wasn't exactly a punishable offense, using Storm Border's equipment for that kind of thing during work hours would definitely earn him a lecture.
"Ah—uh—doesn't look like it yet."
He hurriedly minimized the screen, checked the system, and reported back.
To avoid being detected by the 'Alien God' and exposing the Wandering Sea's coordinates, Sion—who was maintaining Neo-Chaldea at the Wandering Sea—and Storm Border communicated through packet transmission.
All necessary information was consolidated, encrypted, and sent in a single batch.
Thanks to their specialized transmission method, speed was never an issue.
"I see. Please double-check. We're scheduled to perform a Imaginary Number Dive near the Indian Lostbelt in forty-eight hours. It would be best to confirm the Wandering Sea's situation before that."
Olga Marie let out a soft sigh. "If the Wandering Sea has been exposed, we'll need to return immediately."
"Got it." Romani rubbed the back of his neck. "I'll keep watch. If anything comes in, I'll forward it to your inbox right away, Director."
"Thank you." She nodded. "And also—"
The moment he heard "and also," Romani sensed the turn in tone. He straightened instinctively, sitting ramrod straight.
Olga Marie continued with a helpless sigh.
"While Storm Border isn't in immediate danger of attack, you shouldn't spend your shift chatting with virtual idols. You said it yourself—that's the handiwork of Merlin, the Magus of Flowers. Even if she's his 'little sister,' there's no guarantee she isn't just there to toy with you."
"…Sorry. I'll be more careful," Romani said.
"It's fine. There's nothing urgent at the moment. Relaxing a little is good for your mental health."
She didn't press the matter further. After that brief admonition, she simply turned and left.
For the first time, the Director had shown such leniency toward his slacking. Romani genuinely wondered if he was dreaming. He pinched his cheek.
The sharp pain confirmed he was very much awake.
"Something's definitely off," Ritsuka said from his left.
"In what sense, Senpai?" Mash asked from his right.
The two had appeared on the bridge at some point without him noticing, nearly giving Romani another heart attack.
"You two… weren't you supposed to be training?" he asked after steadying himself against the armrest.
Ritsuka shook her head.
"We were going to, but the Director said that if we end up in combat again, Mash and I are to stay behind and defend Storm Border. If even we have to charge into the very front lines, that means Chaldea's combat strength is already exhausted."
"She told us to focus on recovery and not to overdo the training," Mash added.
"I see…" Romani muttered. "Yeah. Something's not quite right."
"See? Even Doctor thinks so!" Ritsuka brightened, pleased to find someone who agreed.
Mash still looked confused.
"But the Director… is still the Director, isn't she? Even if the 'Alien God' appeared in that form, we already concluded that it was using the Director's old body left behind in Antarctica."
"Well…" Romani hesitated.
It wasn't that Olga Marie had changed in any concrete way.
The Director was still the Director.
But compared to her previous self—always pushing herself to the brink with a faintly self-destructive edge—her entire presence had softened.
Even when dealing with situations that violated protocol or decisions she didn't entirely agree with, she now handled them with a noticeably gentler touch.
For example, Romani slacking off.
For example, Ritsuka and Mash training too frequently, which wasn't good for proper recovery.
The three of them moved to the doorway leading from the bridge to the central corridor of the ship and peeked out.
Olga Marie hadn't gone far after leaving the bridge. She had just run into Shiomi coming from the opposite direction, and the two were now talking beneath the corridor lights.
The topic seemed to be about how to handle the former Team A members—treating them as Masters, while still maintaining sufficient safeguards and countermeasures until they proved their stance.
It was an ordinary work discussion. Not worth eavesdropping on.
In fact, there was no need to eavesdrop at all. This had been discussed openly and advanced day after day. Everyone in Chaldea knew about it.
The problem was Olga Marie's demeanor.
Romani's eyes narrowed slightly.
When Olga Marie looked up at Shiomi as she spoke, every subtle expression—every smile, every flicker in her eyes—carried a kind of affection so thick it was almost tangible.
Perhaps it was because, once again, it was Shiomi's support that had helped her steady herself after the ordeal with the 'Alien God.' It had allowed her to resolve herself to confront not only the 'Alien God,' but even the Animusphere 'karma' head-on.
But… was that really all?
"You look a little too happy, Marie."
Shiomi noticed the glances from the far end of the corridor and lowered his voice.
"Hm?" Olga Marie blinked.
"People will notice," he added softly. "Especially when you're with me. If this keeps up, even if no one says anything, it'll become obvious sooner or later. That wouldn't be good for the Director's reputation."
"…That's true." Olga Marie fell silent, thinking.
She couldn't fully control herself either. Every time she saw her teacher, her mind turned light and hazy. Whether they were discussing official matters or something personal, she felt happy just standing beside him.
Even her body betrayed her, growing warm, wanting to move closer and closer without limit, to feel his gentleness and warmth again.
"Hey, don't look so troubled. Let things take their course," Shiomi said with a small laugh at her conflicted expression. "You probably haven't noticed it yourself, but you've changed a lot lately."
"Eh?"
"You're not as harsh with everyone anymore. And you've started showing concern for your companions in much more thoughtful ways." Shiomi looked at her quietly. "Most people probably just think you're trying to change because of the 'Alien God.'"
"Maybe." Marie shook her head slightly.
But she had just realized something.
It wasn't only because her long-suspended, almost hopeless affection had finally borne fruit.
It was also because, deep down, she wanted to be different from the 'Alien God.'
The first thing she wanted to shed was that lofty, condescending attitude.
That arrogance carved into the bones of the aristocratic Magus faction.
As they spoke, Shiomi's gaze flicked briefly toward the far end of the corridor. Romani and the others had already slipped back into the bridge.
"This might sound a little strange, but I'm free for now. The meeting with Kirschtaria isn't until before dinner."
His hand came to rest lightly against Olga Marie's cheek.
"Want me to keep you company?"
"…P-please do!"