An Unexpected Incident

Seeing Mordred's furious face, Gray instinctively took a step back. But before she could take that step, Mordred stepped forward and grabbed Gray's chin.

"Hmm... tsk... as expected..."

After examining it carefully, Mordred clicked his tongue and continued:

"—Completely unlike them!"

"Huh?"

"Huh?! What's wrong?!"

"Could it be, no, I—"

"Kid, what exactly do you want to ask? Your dawdling is so stupid!"

Mordred released Gray's chin and turned around, as if she was about to leave at any moment. However, the voice coming from behind her made her stop again.

"Don't you find this face repulsive? This face that resembles [King Arthur]!"

"Ha?!"

The sudden increase in pitch drew the attention of everyone in the room.

"Kid, take back what you just said!"

A chilling killing intent began to emanate from Mordred.

It was only then that everyone seemed to remember that this blonde girl, whose behavior was exactly like that of a delinquent, was actually a brave knight who had experienced countless battlefields.

"Saber..."

"With that silly face that screams 'weakness,' you dare to say you resemble King Arthur?!"

Ignoring her Master, Mordred stormed up to Gray in a rage. But this time, Gray didn't back down; instead, she mustered her courage and looked directly at Mordred.

"I dislike you simply because of your silly face."

Perhaps because Gray's courageous actions had earned her some goodwill, Mordred's tone softened slightly.

"A person's impression isn't determined solely by their appearance. You won't look like that guy even a hundred years from now. No matter who you are, just thinking you can imitate King Arthur with the [Holy Lance] and that silly face of yours..."

"Kid, if you dare to even think that, I'll kill you."

"Is that so?"

Instead of being frightened by Mordred's "threat," Gray showed a relieved expression and then bowed deeply to her.

Thank you so much!

"Tch, what a rare good mood... You silly brat..."

After leaving behind a rather displeased snort, Mordred simply vanished from the room in spirit form.

"Then, please allow us to take our leave."

Seeing that the matter had been settled, the Lord El-Melloi II also took his leave at the opportune moment.

When Gray and Lord El-Melloi II returned to their room, they were greeted by Caules, who had been waiting there.

"Teacher, Miss Gray... why do you look unwell? Have you encountered some trouble?"

"No, it should be considered a good thing, for Gray."

Seeing the worried expression on the bespectacled young man's face, the Lord El-Melloi II, contrary to his usual self, showed a relaxed expression.

"It's good that you're alright."

The Lord El-Melloi II's reply eased Caules' expression somewhat. He then picked up a white envelope from the table.

"Teacher, this was stuck in the door just now."

"Letter?"

"Yes. I opened the door as soon as I noticed, but by then the person was already gone. I'm sorry."

"It's alright, don't worry about it. Since they're contacting us this way, they must have used something like a quick-formed familiar that's immune to being caught."

The Lord El-Melloi II took the envelope from Caules. But the moment he unfolded the letter inside, his hand froze.

It is an honor that you have noticed this invitation and are here.

It begins like this. However, the person who can speak in this tone—

"... Master?"

"That's right. It was sent by that thief." The thief who stole my [treasured possession].

The Lord El-Melloi II nodded, his expression icy cold, as if trying his best to freeze the emotions that were beyond his control.

"In any case, let's study it carefully first."

"--Lord El-Melloi II."

The sudden sound drew the attention of the Lord El-Melloi II and his companions.

"Miss Olga Marie?"

Upon seeing the silver-haired girl and her entourage who appeared in the room, the Lord El-Melloi II subconsciously frowned.

However, the girl, who was an uninvited guest, was completely unaware of this.

"First, I had already informed your disciple that I would be coming to visit. Second, when I arrived, the door to the room was not closed, so I assume you did not refuse my visit, is that correct?"

"Master..."

Gray looked ashamed. Because all her attention had been focused on Mordred, she had completely forgotten about the request Olga Marie had made.

"No problem."

After making this gesture to his disciple, the Lord El-Melloi II turned his gaze back to the silver-haired girl.

"I don't recall having anything on my end that would interest you. Besides, didn't you already give up on exchanging intelligence?"

"The situation has changed. Now, the only one who can help me is you, as the [Lord]."

Olga Marie remained calm throughout, showing no anger at the Lord El-Melloi II's words.

"So, what are your goals?"

Seeing the other party's attitude, the Lord El-Melloi II also became serious.

"Of course, it's [Rainbow Mystic Eyes]."

"Wh... what?"

The Lord El-Melloi II prince almost had a back injury from this shocking term.

"It's like this, teacher..."

Gray quickly explained to the Lord El-Melloi II what had happened in the dining car earlier.

"So that's how it is."

Did you have prior intelligence? But I don't think the Rail Zeppelin would leak information to the outside world. Especially not something like the Rainbow Mystic Eyes..."

"..."

Lord El-Melloi II Olga Marie's question caused her to fall silent for a moment. Then she gave a wink to the attendant beside her.

"Tell him your trump card, Trisha. That's the only way to keep the conversation going."

"I see."

Upon hearing her master's words, the attendant Trisha Filoz nodded, then raised her hand and removed the glasses from her nose.

"Because I [saw] it."

Trisha took off her glasses, revealing her beautiful eyes.

"--Is it [futurism]?"

Based on Trisha's words and the brilliant light shining deep in her eyes, the Lord El-Melloi II spoke with certainty.

Chapter 353. An Unexpected Incident Occurs

"So boring~~!"

It was nearing evening when Mordred's impatient complaints echoed from the guest room once again.

However, this cannot be blamed on her. After all, Mordred had been on the train since the beginning of her summoning, and all she could see was the scenery constantly flowing past the window, which was definitely a considerable torment for someone as active as her.

"Seriously, when will this car finally stop?!"

Or perhaps it was Mordred's complaining that had the effect; not long after her voice faded, Shirou and the others noticed that the train was gradually slowing down.

At the same time, the car's radio started playing.

"I am the train conductor, Rodin. This train will stop here for two hours before departing again. Passengers are free to disembark and stroll around, or remain on board to rest."

"Looks like it's a scheduled parking spot. Let's get off and go for a walk together."

"After the broadcast ended, "Shirou said.

"Okay!"

Before the train had even come to a complete stop, Mordred, who could no longer contain her frustration, jumped off the train first.

"We're finally liberated!"

Feeling the refreshing breeze on her face, Mordred stretched lazily as if she had been freed from her shackles. Shirou, who followed her down, carefully observed the surroundings.

This doesn't look like a normal train station at all.

In fact, even the laying of the tracks is unbelievable, right in the middle of a dense forest. Miraculously, no trees grow at the front and back of the train. The tracks on the ground are covered with rust spots brought about by the passage of time, and they look almost assimilated into the forest.

Behind Shirou, the Magecraft who had been on the train also disembarked in small groups. They seemed to be just as unable to bear the stuffy atmosphere in the carriage as Mordred.

"However, speaking of which..."

Watching Mordred's somewhat carefree figure disappear into the distance, Shirou suddenly had a question.

"What's wrong, Shirou?"

Suddenly, a concerned voice came from behind him. Turning around, Shirou saw Lily and Fujino Asagami standing there.

Actually, there's one question I haven't been able to figure out.

Fortunately, there happened to be a Magecraft expert here. Shirou then voiced his doubts.

"Lily- sensei, shouldn't the Holy Grail War be taking place in Fuyuki? Why are Saber and that guy here?"

"Huh?"

"It must be because of the [Ley Line]."

A familiar voice suddenly broke in from the side; it was the Lord El-Melloi II.

"I'm sorry to have interrupted your conversation."

As he extinguished his cigar, the Lord El-Melloi II approached and said this.

No.

Shirou shook his head and asked Lord El-Melloi II the same question he had just asked.

First, you need to know one thing—

The Lord El-Melloi II held up one finger, as if he were instructing his students.

"This train is built on the [Ley Line]. The magic that keeps the train running is provided by the Ley Line. As I just said, the [Ley Line] itself flows through all over the world, and naturally it also connects to the distant Far East..."

After a slight pause, the Lord El-Melloi II continued:

"In that case, the [mastermind] must have used the [spiritual veins] to connect to Fuyuki's [Greater Grail] to summon Servant... Although there are probably aspects I haven't considered yet, this should roughly be the method they used."

"Is that so..."