"It's a bit embarrassing to say, but I once tried to become a formal member of the Clock Tower's headquarters. However, due to my lack of talent, I couldn't gain the Clock Tower's recognition, which truly embarrassed my Ancestor."
Tokiomi spoke with a sigh.
In his youth, he also studied at the Clock Tower, experiencing the significance of the divine land of Britain to magi.
Thus, Tokiomi shared the same thoughts as most magi—having their own land in Britain.
No, that statement isn't entirely accurate.
Britain has historically had a low tolerance for outsiders, but it also has traditions of accepting foreigners.
These two conflicting ideas are rooted here.
For ordinary magi and commoners, establishing roots in Britain is far more difficult than immigrating to other countries.
For most magi, the most likely shortcut is to achieve results at the Clock Tower.
This is something countless magi have been doing for a thousand years.
Becoming a formal member of the Clock Tower and obtaining British citizenship means truly establishing roots in this land.
In the past, Tokiomi aimed for this goal.
Although he didn't intend to move the Tohsaka family to Britain, becoming a formal magus of the Clock Tower would not only provide an additional option but also grant the entire family supreme honor.
"The standards for joining the Clock Tower have become this strict?"
"Hmm, after all, it is the only place on this planet that exists in the realm of the mysterious. For thousands of years, the majority of magi from every era have aimed for this, and even many declining magical families have done the same."
Tokiomi's expression was quite serious.
He then explained the selection mechanism of the Clock Tower to Moran.
Basically, magi who want to become formal members of the Clock Tower's headquarters must have a rank equivalent to a ritual position.
Tokiomi has only just met the standard.
And this is merely a ticket to enter.
Above that, magi need to present their own achievements and the mysteries recognized by the Clock Tower.
After that, they must go through the judgment of the twelve departments of the Clock Tower.
Each year, the number of selected individuals does not exceed ten.
Compared to the early days of the Clock Tower, its strictness has increased by hundreds of times.
Those who are selected are all the chosen ones.
They are all individuals who possess lineage, talent, and ability.
"It's indeed lamentable… In recent years, the selection standards of the Clock Tower have become increasingly high. After all, there's only this one piece of meat, and it's getting scarcer; everyone is fighting for it…"
Tokiomi's words revealed a sense of helplessness.
Many magi are competing for this piece of meat, which is still a land of divine miracles.
He is merely a junior, lamenting to Moran about how quickly the times are changing.
"I see… It seems that Britain… has indeed changed in many ways from my impression…"
A flame ignited in Moran's heart.
He had the desire to travel back and forth to Britain.
He wanted to see what the divine land he once guided had become now.
As Moran pondered these matters, Tokiomi was left in a rather torturous silence, still thinking about his daughter.
Eventually, he chose to break the silence.
"Ancestor, your visit to the Tohsaka residence should not be just to inquire about Britain and the Clock Tower, right?"
"Um… I do have other matters to discuss…"
Moran stroked his chin and pondered.
After listening to Tokiomi's words, he had also solidified a thought in his mind.
"Um… Is it related to Rin and Sakura…?"
"Hmm? You've already guessed it?"
Moran raised an eyebrow in surprise.
He didn't expect Tokiomi to be able to guess his thoughts.
Going to Britain was already a confirmed matter.
That said, he had just become Rin and Sakura's teacher, and it wouldn't be good to leave them behind.
So, Moran thought of taking the two girls along.
This way, he could fulfill his responsibilities as a teacher while also allowing Rin and Sakura to broaden their horizons in Britain, without neglecting their magecraft lessons.
It was truly a win-win situation.
He just needed to inform Tokiomi, as a father.
"Is that so… I'm very sorry… Ancestor … I've heard that magecraft is quite obscure… but I can assure you that both Rin and Sakura have sufficient talent. If they make any mistakes…"
"Wait a minute, Tokiomi, did you misunderstand something? Sakura and Rin listen to me very well."
Moran interrupted Tokiomi's words.
He then realized that Tokiomi seemed to be on a different wavelength, understanding why the other party was so tense from the beginning.
"Sakura and Rin haven't made any mistakes…? Ancestor, you're not here because of their issues with learning magecraft, are you?"
"Both Sakura and Rin have great magical talent; I have no complaints about that. Could it be… Tokiomi, you've been so nervous from the start because you thought I was here to complain?"
"No, no… How could I think of you that way! But if that's the case… then, could it be that you really just came to the Tohsaka residence to ask me about the Mage's Association and Britain?"
Tokiomi was even more confused now.
If it wasn't about his daughter, then the Ancestor really came to ask about something that even a child would know?
Tokiomi absolutely trusted Moran.
But this was somewhat strange.
How could a magician who grasped the mysteries of the Third Magic not know about the Mage's Association and Britain?
"…"
Moran paused and did not speak.
He actually came to ask because he was unclear.
Currently, there are only a few intelligence sources.
Moran considered asking Zelretch and Einzbern, but neither side is very reliable.
The former would only act more strangely than Tokiomi.
The latter's intelligence authenticity is also low.
Zelretch has the insight of an observer.
If Moran were to ask such a question, he would definitely be pursued by his junior for further details.
Explaining it would be quite troublesome.
Einzbern stays cooped up in their clan territory, so expecting them to obtain accurate intelligence is too much to ask.
After a simple screening, only one choice remains.
That is Tokiomi, who often interacts with the Mage's Association, has a certain reputation in the magical world, and is loyal to himself.
Although Tokiomi has good insight, he wouldn't pry too deeply out of respect.
Of course, Moran still needs to find a good way to explain.
After all, he can't embarrass himself in front of his disciples, right?