Aozaki Aoko Case File

After lengthy exchanges filled with bureaucratic pretenses and back-and-forth debates, the various Lords of the Clock Tower finally reached a consensus.

Considering the delicate balance among factions, it was decided that the newly vacated 50% share of magical resources would be allocated to the Democratic faction. In other words, this share would go to the family of Lord Trambellio, currently the sole member of the Democratic faction.

The remaining shares were distributed as follows: 30% to the neutral factions and 20% to the aristocratic factions. Although the aristocratic families were displeased, they understood the importance of maintaining the balance of power in the Clock Tower. If the Democratic faction became too weak, the neutral faction might rise to take its place. At the very least, Trambellio had no qualms about joining forces with them.

Moreover, with the death of Lord Valualeta, the position of the Department of Creation's Lord became vacant. During this Grand Council, a temporary caretaker was required, as the Valualeta family, having lost their primary magic crest and retaining only minor branches, was unqualified to continue.

After another intense round of debates, the responsibility of acting Lord for the Department of Creation was temporarily assigned to Lord Trambellio until a Democratic family capable of upholding the title of Lord could emerge within the Clock Tower.

"Next agenda item," Lorelei Barthomeloi addressed the assembly. "Shall we confer the title of 'Blue,' one of the Three Primary Colors, upon the Fourth Magician, Aoko Aozaki?"

Voting began.

Lord Trambellio, representing the disadvantaged Democratic faction, voted against—not out of personal animosity, but simply to safeguard their interests.

Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald, after some hesitation, cast a vote in favor, as did the majority of the aristocratic faction. Lorelei Barthomeloi, as the leader, also voted in favor. She admired Aoko Aozaki and had benefited from Aoko's actions, making her support a natural choice.

After observing the votes of the most influential Lords, the remaining members cast their votes.

"The motion is passed," Lorelei declared after surveying the room. "We officially confer the title of 'Blue' from the Mage's Association's Three Primary Colors upon the Fourth Magician, Aoko Aozaki."

"Now, the final agenda item," Lorelei continued.

"Shall we lift the Sealing Designation on the Grand Puppeteer, Touko Aozaki?"

On this matter, the votes differed significantly from the previous decision.

While the prior vote was overwhelmingly in favor—with only one opposing vote from the Democratic faction—this time, the votes were nearly evenly split, with a slight majority favoring lifting the designation.

This outcome had little to do with Touko Aozaki's reputation within the Clock Tower. Instead, it stemmed from her unparalleled achievements. It was no coincidence that her mentor, Lord Valualeta, had originally applied for her Sealing Designation.

In the Clock Tower, where preserving and passing down mysteries is paramount, the ability of Touko Aozaki to replicate both bodies and souls was invaluable. Every Lord wanted this technology, ensuring the possibility of one day reaching the Root.

In this process, Touko's interests became irrelevant. As long as her brain, eyes, spine, nervous system, and magic circuits were preserved, the "magus" Touko Aozaki could be considered securely archived. Whenever her doll-making expertise was needed in the future, the preserved "Touko Aozaki" in the Sealing Designation could be utilized to replicate her results.

However, considering the potential retaliation from the Fourth Magician, the final vote leaned slightly in favor of lifting the Sealing Designation. After all, the magus may lack humanity, but they are not devoid of fear.

"The motion is passed," Lorelei announced solemnly.

"We agree to lift the Sealing Designation on the Grand Puppeteer, Touko Aozaki. Notify the Sealing Designation Enforcer."

Although the Enforcer could resist the Lords' orders to some extent, they could not defy the results of a Grand Council—not even the Secret Judgment Division, Carillon Observatory could intervene.

"This concludes the Grand Council," Lorelei stated as she rose from her seat.

"Thank you all for attending."

With that, she was the first to leave the meeting room. After a brief exchange of glances, the remaining Lords followed suit, albeit hesitantly.

Some Lords expressed mild dissatisfaction with the limited scope of the agenda following such a turbulent period in the Clock Tower. However, seeing the lack of objections from the leading factions, they refrained from voicing their concerns. After all, matters involving Magicians were best left untouched.

The Clock Tower might appear united, but it was merely a fragile coalition of magus with conflicting interests. Expecting them to avenge a fallen colleague was utterly unrealistic—they were a group driven solely by profit.

...

After spending several idle days in their hotel, Aoko and Touko decided to venture out due to sheer boredom.

As a seasoned Londoner, Touko naturally took on the role of tour guide, introducing Aoko to various eateries, attractions, and sights.

Aoko soon discovered that while London had many excellent restaurants, their standout dishes were rarely British. Instead, French cuisine, Italian food, and Japanese meals dominated the scene.

Besides the infamous "Stargazy Pie," Touko also introduced Aoko to Scotland's renowned dish, haggis—a concoction of sheep's heart, lungs, and liver, minced and encased in a sheep's stomach, served with gravy and mashed potatoes. Aoko firmly refused, repelled by its unsettling appearance and the idea of eating it.

As they continued their stroll, a owl familiar swooped down, delivering a message cylinder to Aoko.