Rin accepted the invitation and nodded to Lorelei.
"Mm, Lorelei, good morning."
At that moment, Marisbury Animusphere approached Rin with his daughter, Olga Marie Asmireet Animusphere, and extended his hand.
"Rin Tohsaka, you really are hard to invite!"
Rin likewise extended her hand and shook Marisbury's, then looked at Olga Marie, the Director in the eyes of FGO players from her previous life.
As Rin assessed Olga Marie before her, she inwardly marveled, The Director at eleven years old!
Under Rin's unabashed scrutiny, Olga Marie blushed and timidly hid behind Marisbury, blocking Rin's gaze.
Seeing Rin's reaction, Marisbury smiled, stepped aside to reveal his daughter, and introduced her.
"Rin Tohsaka, this is my daughter, Olga Marie. Please take good care of her in the future."
Rin looked teasingly at the young Olga Marie and nodded to Marisbury.
"Don't worry. I'll definitely take good care of little sister Olga Marie from now on!"
Kotomine Kirei stroked his chin and glanced at Lainas beside him. Is Lainas too old? Does Rin like little-sister types?
At this time, the Magi attending the Mystic Eye auction all watched Rin and the others nervously. The pressure brought by three Clock Tower Lords was simply too much. Some Magi had even begun to lose heart and were quietly edging toward the station exit.
Hoshino Rieri, standing behind Lorelei, covered her mouth and laughed.
"I never expected three Clock Tower Lord families to show up for a mere Mystic Eye auction. I imagine it isn't the Mystic Eyes' charm, but Miss Rin Tohsaka's charm!"
Upon hearing Hoshino Rieri's words, the Magi nearby could not help nodding, secretly breathing sighs of relief. Once they understood the Lords' purpose, they were no longer afraid. A few bolder ones even began examining Rin and the others.
Seeing Hoshino Rieri act this way, Waver quietly pulled her aside and asked curiously.
"Hoshino Rieri, what purpose do you have in helping those Magi when you came here for the Mystic Eye auction?"
"Waver, why do you think I must have some purpose for doing this?"
Waver looked at Hoshino Rieri and shrugged indifferently.
Click!
The doors of the Mystic Eye Collection Train slowly opened amid a burst of steam.
Rin turned toward the open doors and spoke to Marisbury, who had been chatting with her.
"Lord Marisbury, let's continue our conversation aboard the train. Everyone, let's board first."
Everyone nodded. They then made way for Lorelei to take the lead and board the Mystic Eye Collection Train before the rest. Kotomine Kirei and Marisbury followed, and once the three Lords had boarded, everyone else went up after them.
Gry, who had fallen to the back of the group, jogged a few steps to Olga Marie's side. Having already been told by Waver that she would be following Rin for some time, Gry seemed to have found a companion. She took Olga Marie's hand and whispered.
"You're also afraid of Miss Rin Tohsaka's gaze, aren't you?"
Olga Marie stopped and frowned at Gry, who had suddenly grabbed her. But after hearing Gry's words, she shuddered as she recalled the way Rin had looked her over.
"And you are?"
Only then did Gry realize how rude she had been, and she hurriedly released Olga Marie's hand.
"Hello, Miss Olga Marie. I'm Gry, Department Head Waver's disciple."
"Have you also been looked at like that by Rin Tohsaka?"
"Mm!"
That look, like she'd spotted prey! ×2
Book recommendation: "A Wonderful Journey Beginning in Type-Moon"
Chapter 67: The Chaldea Plan and Rin's Opportunity.
After boarding the Mystic Eye Collection Train, Rin casually surveyed the train's decor and passengers.
"There really are Magi here from all over the world!"
The Magi from around the world aboard the train also cast curious looks toward Rin's group. After all, traveling alongside three Clock Tower Lords would draw attention anywhere.
Just as Rin and the others found an empty table and sat down, the carriage door opened again. A figure in priestly robes appeared in the doorway, drawing the attention of most of the Magi—and hostile looks.
Rin and Sakura stared at the figure who entered in surprise, then cried out in unison.
"Grandpa Risei!" ×2
Risei Kirei, who had entered the carriage, was also stunned. Looking at the two Tohsaka sisters, he recognized them at once. Though they had not met for nine years, the two little girls who had left such a deep impression on him in their childhood were unforgettable.
"You are... Rin and Sakura!"
Rin and Sakura hurriedly rose from their seats and went to Risei Kirei. Ignoring the hostile looks from the surrounding Magi, they warmly led the old man who had helped their family so many times back to their table.
As soon as he sat down, Rin curiously asked Risei Kirei.
"Grandpa Risei, why did you come to the Mystic Eye Collection Train?"
"Oh, an old friend of mine died last month. I'm following his last wish by bringing his Mystic Eyes here for auction, so his descendants can be left with an inheritance."
Rin froze at that. That old African guy from the original story died?
After answering Rin's question, Risei Kirei turned and surveyed everyone at Rin's table. It seems that little girl from back then has truly soared to great heights! At the same time, he sensed that the Lords and distinguished guests at the table did not welcome him. They merely refrained from showing it out of consideration for Rin. So he stood, made an excuse, and went to sit alone in a corner.
Rin understood Risei Kirei's choice as well. After soothing the confused Sakura, she resumed chatting with the others.
Before long, a man in work clothes and a blindfolded woman entered the carriage.
"Please forgive the interruption to your pleasant conversations. I am Leondra, the auctioneer for this event. At the auction three days from now, we will be presenting quite a few precious Mystic Eyes. I hope none of you leave with regrets..."
"I am the conductor, Roden. The Mystic Eye Collection Train will now depart on schedule!"
As the conductor's voice fell, a train whistle sounded. Rin could clearly feel the train slowly begin moving, gradually picking up speed. As the train set off, the Magi present also left the carriage one after another and headed for the rooms assigned to them when they boarded.
Marisbury then invited Rin to accompany him back to his room for a discussion.
Waver also looked toward his teacher, Kotomine Kirei.
Kotomine Kirei merely shook his head at Waver, then turned and left the carriage with Lainas.
After instructing Sakura and Fujino to return to their room first, Rin followed Marisbury and Olga Marie to their room.
Once inside, Rin and Marisbury took their seats, while Olga Marie obediently stood behind Marisbury.
"Rin, I'll be straightforward. My invitation explained everything in detail. Will you permit me to join this Holy Grail War?"
Rin decisively shook her head. She understood that she was not in FGO's timeline. If she agreed to let Marisbury participate in this Holy Grail War, who knew how far the timeline would veer when faced with that corrupted Grail.
"Is that so? Then this is quite troublesome. If I participate through an Association slot or one of the other two families, you'll probably regard me as an enemy in this Holy Grail War. What a headache. I don't want to face you!"
As he spoke, Marisbury took out a stack of photographs and tossed them onto the table.
Rin picked up the photographs and casually looked through two of them, her expression gradually turning serious.
"Actually, after obtaining this intelligence, I had already given up on participating in this Holy Grail War. Just now, I was merely clinging to my final trace of unwillingness. As expected of the foremost of the Three Great Families that created the Fuyuki City Holy Grail War ritual. With Servant Da Vinci, Grand Magus Touko Aozaki, the local Church, and the Holy Relics you have gathered over the years, this Holy Grail War is already in your pocket, isn't it?"
"Then what exactly do you mean, Lord Marisbury? Or rather, what exactly do you want from me?"
"Rin, I have found a path to the Root. For it, I can give everything. If you are willing to join my plan, how about I pass the position of Lord of Celestial Mechanics to you?"
"And the price?"
"I need a vast amount of money, as well as all the information you possess on Servants and the construction of the Holy Grail ritual! If you agree to my terms, I can immediately sign documents naming you the first heir of the Celestial Department. At the same time, you will become the vice director in the Chaldea plan I mentioned. Whether the plan succeeds or fails, once I disappear, you will automatically become the Lord of Celestial Mechanics and Chaldea's director!"
"Can you tell me about your plan? And how much money do you need?"
"Rin, if you acquired a method of reaching the Root, would you tell me? As for the money, I need five hundred billion dollars!"
"Five hundred billion dollars!"
Rin cried out in shock.
Then Rin stopped being shocked and bit her thumb as she thought. Five hundred billion dollars! My net worth seems to be just over a billion. Even if they sold hundreds of me, it still wouldn't be enough. How could I possibly come up with that much money? Even selling the entire Tohsaka family wouldn't be enough!
Suddenly, inspiration struck Rin, and she recalled a certain golden, glittering figure. That's right, didn't Gil say we'd meet again in ten years? I hadn't intended to summon that guy this time, but it seems this is why Gil was certain we'd meet again ten years ago. That must be it. Just wait, Gil. This time, I'm going to bleed you dry!
Having thought of a source for the five hundred billion dollars, Rin regained her composure and looked at Olga Marie behind Marisbury.
"Then what about Olga Marie? Is she willing to give all this up?"
Olga Marie, seeing Rin stare at her, took a deep breath. Gathering her courage, she stepped forward and spoke to Rin.
"I am willing to obey my father's arrangements, but I have my own conditions! Only you may inherit these things, not your descendants. You must also add Animusphere as an additional name after your own. In other words, whether it is the Lord's position or Chaldea's director position, it must ultimately return to the Animusphere family!"
"Is that all? You don't seem to have said anything about yourself. If I inherit all this and drive you away, would that be fine too?"
"I..."
At that moment, Marisbury stood, took Olga Marie's small hand, and walked before Rin.
"If you agree to the deal, Rin, we can sign the self-enforcing contract and documents right now. But as a father, I have one personal request. I hope you will accept Olga Marie as your adopted younger sister!"
Rin had merely intended to frighten Olga Marie out of her inner little-devil impulse. But looking at the father and daughter taking it so seriously, a helpless smile appeared on her lips, and she nodded to them.
Somewhere within an unknown space on the Mystic Eye Collection Train, Dr. Heartless slowly entered with blood all over him and a shadowy figure.
"Aiga! I have summoned the Servant as you requested!"
Book recommendation: "I, Tyrannosaurus, Stand at the Top of the Food Chain"
It was roughly a story about a Tyrannosaurus with a human soul battling all kinds of monsters across various mythologies.
Bell transmigrated into a Tyrannosaurus.
He bit through a pterosaur's neck in one bite and smashed a raptor's head with his tail.
He tore apart Carcharodontosaurus and chewed Giganotosaurus alive.
From the great octopus Cthulhu to the puppy Fenrir.
He beat the whole world without meeting an equal!
Release Announcement (A Lament About Losing Readers and Flopping!)
I've finally reached this point! The official release begins at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning. I feel like I'm going to flop to death!
Thank you to all my dear readers for accompanying me this far, and thank you to Touko for the help.
This newbie heard there are lots of authors who abandon their stories? I promise to finish this one, or I'll wear women's clothing!
Of course, dear readers, please give me plenty of support too!
As long as you readers are supportive, I'll work hard to update more and release as much as I can. At the same time, I guarantee at least two updates every day. If unexpected circumstances prevent me from updating twice normally, I will make them up later. However many I miss, I will make up in full.
At the same time, I will work hard to improve myself and bring everyone more exciting stories!
I hope everyone subscribes, subscribes, subscribes! Important things must be said three times!
I'll also announce what may or may not be a reward offer. Seeing the big authors who owe hundreds of chapters makes this trembling newbie only dare to set it like this! Say no to wearing women's clothing, starting with me!
On the first day of release. As long as the results are good, I won't even need you readers to tell me—I'll type like my life depends on it!
For every multiple of 200 first-day subscriptions, I'll add one chapter.
That means one extra chapter at 200 first-day subscriptions.
One extra chapter at 400 first-day subscriptions.
One extra chapter at 600 first-day subscriptions, and so on.
If first-day subscriptions reach one hundred thousand, I'll immediately mass-release chapters until completion. This is true. Seriously.
Please don't let me flop too badly, dear readers ╥﹏╥...
Welcome to join the group for discussions—QQ—953736220
One more note about the future update schedule: tomorrow's first chapter will be released between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m., with later times undecided. After that, the daily update times will be adjusted to one chapter between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., and another between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Extra chapters will be posted at unspecified times!
Before you continue