Should We Plant a Seed First?

Rovey nodded slightly in acknowledgment, and the others sitting at the table beside him also remained silent, quietly waiting for the auction to officially begin.

"Since everyone agrees, let's begin today's exhibition."

Seeing that no one present raised any objections, the mysterious blindfolded woman then announced her presence.

After saying that, she gently clapped her hands.

Then, the table, which had been laden with food, suddenly trembled before everyone. The food placed in the center gradually descended, replacing it with a large, pristine white surface, making room for the exhibit that was about to appear before them. Soon, as the mechanism continued to operate, the void created by the falling food was immediately filled by other objects that were rising.

The rising and falling motion, accompanied by the roar of machinery, creates a sense of ceremony, like a supporting character leaving the stage and the main character making their grand entrance.

And that is indeed the case.

Although there were no overly elaborate decorations or subtle accompaniment, the moment the main character appeared at the exhibition, it immediately drew the attention of most people present.

Undoubtedly, these main characters appearing at this moment have successfully captured their attention and stirred the hearts of each and every one of them.

What rose in the very center of the table was not expensive gold or silver jewelry, nor any luxurious decorations. It was merely a series of transparent glass containers filled with an amber-colored liquid, and within them, pairs of vivid eyes radiating a bewitching light—these were the auction items they were about to display in advance.

There are four pairs among them, and it's easy to tell from their luster that these are all gold-level Mystic Eyes.

Because they are separated by a special glass container and cannot be removed, judging from their appearance alone, one can only confirm their Mystic Eyes level at most, and it is difficult to deduce the attributes and functions of these Mystic Eyes.

The moment he saw the four pairs of golden-level Mystic Eyes appear, the head of the Lehman Family, a lineage of Mystic Eyes, immediately widened his eyes and looked at the displayed Mystic Eyes with a gaze full of inquiry and longing.

Even the Hansa, with its own background Executor, was taken aback by this extravagant gesture, inwardly exclaiming, 'This is truly unbelievable!'

After all, these are all Gold-level Mystic Eyes. Even in the entire world, there are probably not many Magus can naturally generate eyes of this level. But the fact that four pairs could be obtained from this train in just one auction really surprised him.

Although his senior, Ciel, had specifically warned him about the unusual and peculiar nature of this place before he arrived, he hadn't taken it seriously because he was so confident in his abilities. Now, seeing the situation, Hansa realized that the waters here were indeed deeper than he had imagined...

"Oh? What's wrong, Mr. Rovey? Are you not interested in these Mystic Eyes?"

Compared to the surprise and longing that appeared on the faces of others, Rovey's expression was remarkably calm when he looked at the four ordinary Gold-Grade Mystic Eyes; one could even say it was completely unmoved. This unusual behavior prompted Lita, who had been secretly observing him, to ask him a question out of curiosity.

"Well, the main thing is that the exhibits this time are a bit too ordinary. Although gold-level Mystic Eyes are rare, it's not like I haven't seen or handled them before, so I'm not particularly surprised. If you want to really amaze me, I'm afraid only the appearance of gem-level Mystic Eyes can do that."

"Rovey said calmly."

"Ordinary?"

These words sounded extremely surprising to Lita.

After all, in the modern Magecraft World, a Gold-level Mystic Eyes is already considered a top-tier treasure, something that ordinary Magus dream of. While Jewel-Grade Mystic Eyes does exist, it is so rare that it has almost become a legend.

Rovey's casual remark, completely disregarding the Gold-Grade Mystic Eyes, would surely enrage Magus who Mystic Eyes or yearned for higher-level Mystic Eyes.

If it were anyone else, Lita might have taken it as a deliberate act of pretense to show off her magnanimity or masculinity.

However, if it were the mysterious man, Rovey, she would have to believe it. After all, he had no reason to pretend; given his displayed level of magical cultivation and demeanor, there was no need for such a clumsy disguise. In other words...

Does he really look down on what he prepared?

"..."

To confirm this, Lita examined Rovey's eyes carefully once more.

Unsurprisingly, all she saw in Rovey's eyes was contempt and disappointment. Clearly, these things not only failed to arouse Rovey's interest, but also deeply disappointed him.

Although Rovey didn't speak directly, it was as if he was saying to her, "Is this all the collection the so-called Mystic Eye Train displays?"

Upon seeing this, she felt that her dignity as a collector had been seriously challenged.

"What's wrong, Miss Lita? Is there anything you like in these Mystic Eyes?"

While Lita was secretly fuming, Rovey specifically asked her a question.

"No... like Mr. Rovey, I also think these things are indeed a bit lacking."

Lita answered his question in a deep voice.

After all, if she were to Middle East at a time like this, wouldn't that imply that her taste and vision were inferior to Rovey's? Her dignity would absolutely not allow that.

"So, Miss Lita thought so too..."

Upon seeing Lita's reply, a meaningful smile appeared on Rovey's lips. He then deliberately continued, "While Gold-Grade Mystic Eyes are indeed rare, for an organization as renowned as the Rail Zeppelin, using something of this caliber as the grand finale is undoubtedly too meager. If this is all there is, I'm afraid I'll be disappointed this time."

"And... I noticed that Miss Lita didn't seem to show much interest just now. Could it be that she was also disappointed?"

"Ah...? You're right, if it's only this much, it is indeed too meager."

Faced with the question posed by Rovey, Lita's expression subtly changed, but she quickly suppressed her emotions and gave her own answer.

These four pairs of Golden Mystic Eyes were no ordinary items. In terms of grade, they were top-tier even among gold-level Mystic Eyes, each one enough to make Lord vie for them. They were his four very prized new collections, yet Rovey described them as meager.

This is the first time I've ever had an experience like this...

"Right, but... Miss Lita, don't worry too much. Today's event is just a showcase of the auction items; it wasn't announced that these Gold-grade Mystic Eyes are the grand finale. Who knows, there might be some unexpected surprises. Anyway... we can still look forward to it. Hopefully, this train isn't just a dud."

"Rovey said quietly."

After finishing his sentence, having said what he wanted to say to the other person, Rovey stopped talking to Lita, whose expression seemed a little off, and deliberately shifted his gaze to the others, taking in their behavior.

Needless to say, the two ordinary Magus came later practically pounced on the Gold-level Mystic Eyes when they saw it, their eyes filled with fervor and desire.

Aozaki Touko, as always, harbored a spirit of inquiry. Although she was very interested, she didn't show it much, but simply began to analyze the true nature of these Mystic Eyes based on their characteristics. The head of the Lehman Family did the same.

As for the Hansa League...

Of everyone present, aside from Lita, who had a special status, he was the one who acted the strangest. Although he seemed very enthusiastic and kept talking about replacing his damaged eyeball with a Mystic Eyes, his clumsy acting was undoubtedly over the top and full of hypocrisy.

Lita, who had been smiling and ready to witness the shock in these people's eyes, had her interest completely dashed by Rovey's cold water.

Her mind was now filled with what Rovey had just said: if it was only this level, then the so-called Mystic Eye Train was far too disappointing.

Although I was angry at his dismissive remarks about my collection, what he said didn't seem to be wrong.

For an ordinary Magus, today's performance was truly amazing.

However, for Grand Magus, and someone who can stand shoulder to shoulder with Grand Magus and whose own skill is likely no less than that of Grand Magus, this level of product is indeed much weaker than expected.

However, Jewel-Grade Mystic Eyes... that kind of thing is indeed a legendary treasure. Even in the entire Magecraft World, there are very few people who have seen it, let alone possess it.

Only...

'Since you want to see it, then let me show you. After all, this is your last trip with your partner.'

As if suddenly recalling some interesting scenario, a cryptic smile appeared on Lita's stunning face.

Similarly, whether by coincidence or not, after Rovey's gaze swept over the others, it returned to Lita once again, and this time their eyes met subtly.

Lita paused slightly, then raised her glass to Rovey with a soft smile, her stunningly beautiful face becoming breathtakingly gorgeous at that moment.

"I'm sure this trip won't disappoint you, Mr. Rovey."

Her red lips moved slightly, emitting a voice as melodious as a lark's.

"I hope so, Miss Lita. I hope you will also gain something from this."

In response, Rovey smiled and responded politely.

But in reality...

He was already secretly delighted. Rovey couldn't be happier if this guy brought up all the good stuff, so he could snatch it all in one fell swoop.

After all, the purpose of my trip was not simply to broaden my horizons.

Since the other party clearly has their own agenda and plans, it's perfectly reasonable for me to reciprocate by designating someone else as well.

"Cheers to your eyes."

Thinking of this, Rovey was also in a good mood, raised his glass and toasted Lita, showing her considerable respect.

"Yes, thank you for your well wishes, Mr. Rovey."

Seeing this, Lita couldn't help but chuckle.

Although she disliked the Grand Magus Aozaki Touko, she didn't dislike this mysterious, young, handsome, and powerful Magus with potential.

'It wouldn't be bad to keep him around as a servant after this is all over.'

However, just as they were toasting each other...

Suddenly, Rovey realized that someone seemed to be writing on his calf.

It's Aoko.

Have you finished what you needed to do?

It's a little itchy...

This was Rovey's first reaction. Then, under Aoko's somewhat amused gaze, he gave her an OK sign, indicating that everything was going smoothly.

At this point, the two nodded in perfect unison.

Then, realizing that it was almost time, Aoko gave Lita a cold look and then said sarcastically.

"Heh, seducing someone in front of another woman, you really are a complete bitch..."

"If you can't win a direct confrontation, you resort to these kinds of tactics?"

"..."

Hearing Aozaki Touko's annoying voice completely ruined Lita's good mood, and everyone's expressions changed immediately, worried that these two ladies would continue the battle they hadn't finished yesterday.

This time, however, Lita only glanced thoughtfully at Aozaki Touko, her eyes cold, as if she were looking at a dead person. She didn't linger and left with her servants.

However, as he was leaving, Rovey noticed that her red lips moved slightly, as if she were conveying some message to him.

Based on Lita's lip movements, Rovey could roughly determine her pronunciation, and the meaning conveyed was probably...

'Go see her at 3 a. m.?'

Going to see her in the middle of the night? Do you think I'm some kind of monkey?

What tricks is this woman playing? Could she really have taken a liking to me?

Rovey couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.

However, the morning exhibition ended there. The organizers retrieved all the items they had displayed and announced that the auction would be held in the exhibition hall at 6 p. m. the following evening.

No one objected, and they all returned to their rooms, eagerly awaiting the start of the auction.

However, beneath this seemingly calm surface, an extremely turbulent undercurrent is surging wildly.

Chapter 135 Should we leave a seed first?

A pleasant morning breakfast followed by the conclusion of the exhibition scheduled for the train journey.

Rovey and Aoko strolled around the train for a long time, carefully examining every unique feature and location of the train.

In addition to that, aside from mealtimes, Rovey also chatted with some of the other passengers for a while.

Excluding Lita, who left first and disappeared without a trace, he had the most contact with Lehmann and Hansa, the Magus and Executor with whom he had some connection.

The three of them chatted for almost half a day in an attempt to gather information.

During this time, Lehmann reminded Rovey the entity behind this train was extremely powerful, so he must be careful. Furthermore, the Grand Puppet Master had a deep-seated grudge against this train. Although the train crew didn't mention it this time, discussing the idea of resolving grudges with a laugh in the Magecraft World was undoubtedly foolish.

So his meaning was clear: the powerful figure behind the train might not let Aozaki Touko off so easily. It was best not to get too close to him on the train and to be careful. If there was nowhere to stay, she could come to his room. He was going to talk to the train conductor about the artificial Mystic Eyes deal tonight, and his daughter was alone in the room. Even if Rovey moved in, it wouldn't be a problem.

When Lehmann offered his help, Rovey simply smiled, expressed his gratitude, and then declined.

He could never abandon Aoko just because he was worried about retaliation from the powerful figure behind the train, let alone the fact that the other party probably already considered him one of their targets.

Judging from the other side's behavior, this incident is definitely not going to end well, and we must prepare for battle.

It's worth mentioning that, because the Magus and the Executor have different perspectives, Hansa also sensed something unpleasant on this train, vaguely reeking of conspiracy and the death of people.

Although there was no conclusive evidence, Hansa could probably guess that something else had slipped onto the train, since that was precisely why he had come here.

Seemingly intending to win over Rovey, he carefully reminded him, "This train is not simple. Something big is going to happen. Don't be careless and prepare for battle in advance."

"Furthermore... since that woman named Lita can make me feel physically uncomfortable, it means she's probably not human, so I must be careful. Who knows, I might even have the honor of fighting alongside you, the victor of the Holy Grail War."

Finally, he also slipped a metallic object resembling a lighter to Rovey.

That's a special ceremonial garment used by the Church to convey messages. By simply opening it, both sides can sense each other's location, thus enabling timely rescue.

In response, Rovey Wei gave Hansa a stack of spell cards to help him set up in his room and in hidden corners of the train, which can be considered as giving him his trust in return.

Although he didn't know much about Magecraft, Hansa understood from the stack of spell cards handed to him that this was a special arrangement that Rovey intended to use in battle.

So he readily accepted the commission and was pleased to have gained Rovey's trust.