Shirou, who returned from the Fairy Kingdom

The demonic path of commanding the dead and devouring the spirits of the undead.

This is the head of the Clock Tower's nobility, one of the twelve at the pinnacle of Western magic...!

How could Shirou stand so calmly in front of that old man...?

Rin Tohsaka let out a sigh that only she could hear.

Amamiya-kun lives in a completely different world from me; I only see him as a rival...

Lufleuson raised his empty eyes and smiled with disdain.

"Sora is one thing... she's fine no matter what... but I didn't expect even Kenneth to believe it... Heh... Heh heh heh... Heh heh heh heh heh..."

Not even a lowly New Aage, merely a First Generation… with a few special talents… not even third-rate as a magician…

Shirou asked curiously, "Did Mr. Kenneth say something similar to Miss Sora? Hmm, he never said anything like that in his letters to me."

After the Fourth Holy Grail War ended, Kenneth would send a letter along with a New Year's card about every year.

The letter was nothing more than boasting about his achievements or showing off his loving life with Sora.

Because that guy was so annoying, Shirou hasn't opened any letters for the past three years.

The old man continued in a low, slow voice, "Kenneth... is impeccable as a researcher..."

But he has absolutely no talent in combat... so it's only natural that he would lose to you in the Fourth Holy Grail War...

Hmm... This is fine for a magician... Although the Clock Tower rewards those who excel in battle with their achievements... when it comes to a magician's development... there's no need for anything impure...

It's not that it's wrong to have it... but it shouldn't be given to him..."

So that’s what happened.

Shirou gave a hearty laugh: "Grandpa, you really think highly of Kenneth."

He sensed a powerful emotion in the old man's dry words—a yearning for his dream.

Dreams that cannot be reached due to the limitations of one's own abilities and lifespan.

That's why I thought of entrusting it to someone, letting him reach it—

That person was neither Euryphus's successor nor the old man's own son, but Kenneth.

Monarch Euryphus snorted: "Kenneth is my best disciple... otherwise I wouldn't have betrothed Sora to him..."

Although there was an intention to unite the aristocracy in it... the result was even more successful than I had expected..."

Eight years ago, the daughter of Lord El-Melloi and Lord Euphoria were married shortly after returning to London from Japan.

This can be considered the most significant event in the Clock Tower's history, directly shaping the political landscape of the Clock Tower today.

Aristocracy originally occupied half of the seats among the twelve monarchs; their only problem was that they were alienated from each other and were always scheming against one another.

However, this situation changed after Kenneth married Solla.

The aristocratic factions subsequently formed a relatively solid alliance, and they, in effect, completely dominated the clock tower system under the name of Monarch Barthezello.

A small ceremony in the Far East—the Fourth Holy Grail War—had such a profound impact on the heart of the magical world…

Of course, Shirou knew nothing about these inside stories of the Clock Tower.

In Luphileus's view, both his daughter, who was used as a tool for a marriage alliance, and his most valued apprentice, had undergone a drastic change in temperament after participating in that ceremony several years ago.

The one who caused all of this was none other than Shirou Amamiya, the first-generation magician.

It's understandable that a noble among nobles would be influenced by commoners—so it's only natural that he would hate, despise, and look down on Shirou.

The old man raised his left arm and reached towards the red-haired boy's face.

He bent his fingers, and the gems in the ten rings set on his five fingers shone brightly.

"Wait……!"

Luvia's face turned deathly pale: Are we going to start a war here?!

Even she had heard that a terrifying monster was sealed in the left hand of the monarch Euryphus.

It is an artificial evil spirit created by the Spirit Conjuring Department, specifically for combat. The moment it is released, a huge undead army will be born.

However, Shirou remained unmoved, because he could not sense any malice or hostility from the old man's actions.

Luphileus pinched the corner of Shirou's glasses and slowly spoke.

"This 'Demon Eye Killer'... was secretly tampered with as a prank..."

It can only restrict the user's vision from the inside... but it cannot defend against external vision... look..."

"Huh...is that so?"

Shirou exclaimed in surprise.

No wonder Yvette said earlier that she was being stared at by the magicians in the car, without her noticing.

So, these glasses blocked my own senses, allowing the outside world to pass through unimpeded?

There can only be one person who would pull such a malicious prank... It must be Ilya.

Because Shirou used "Mystic Eyes Kill" to defend against her "Binding Mystic Eyes," she secretly tampered with the glasses, preparing to suddenly scare Shirou next time.

With a "snap," the old man released Shirou's glasses.

"It's fixed..."

"Ah, it really is clearer now... Thank you, sir!"

"…………snort."

Luphileus nodded to Shirou, then left the others behind and walked towards another carriage, leaning on his cane.

"Finally, I can talk! Whoa, I almost thought I was going to be killed!!"

The girl with the magical eyes, Yvette, sank into the sofa.

Rin Tohsaka and Luvia were also covered in sweat, and let out a long breath.

"Aren't you guys exaggerating a bit too much?"

Shirou glanced at the girls around him, and Rin Tohsaka couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"Amamiya-san... I've always wondered if you have a natural affinity for older people?"

Whether it's the leader of the Fujimura group or the head priest of Ryudouji Temple...

The old men that Rin Tohsaka knows always have a particular fondness for Shirou.

This guy... he's popular with women and even older people? That's terrifying!

Although Lord Euryphus left, the two girls who had appeared with him remained.

Noticing Shirou's gaze, the silver-haired girl placed her hand on her chest and introduced herself.

“My name is Olga Marie. Olga Marie Asmiret Animusfia.”

The girl was about eleven or twelve years old, with a refined and delicate face that exuded a confidence and composure beyond her years—or one could say, an overbearing air.

Even if it was just a bluff, it's still quite remarkable at this age.

Honestly, even if you gave me such a long name, I still wouldn't know who you are...

Shirou could only manage to stammer out, "Oh, hello."

Fortunately, there was a woman nearby who could help.

The blindfolded girl whispered in his ear, "Lord Shirou, this is the daughter of the Celestial Physics Department, the only daughter of Lord Animusphia!"

Another person connected to the monarch?

Does this mean the world of magicians is actually quite small? That one could easily bump into the Twelve Lords?

"........."

Olga Marie glared at Shirou with an extremely displeased look, as if she was waiting for something.

Yvette kept nudging Shirou's waist with her elbows, and he had no choice but to get up and greet the girl.

"Nice to meet you, I am Shirou Amamiya."

Olga Marie then showed a satisfied expression:

"I know you're the victor of the Fourth Holy Grail War, the guy who defeated Kenneth El-Melloi Archibald, right?"

"It was just luck," Shirou said modestly.

"What brings you to this auction? Do you have your eye on something special?"

Olga Marie asked with a sharp look in her eyes.

"Well... it's hard to say," Shirou said vaguely.

"Hmph. Even if you did, you wouldn't tell anyone. Information cannot be revealed before the auction."

"That's not necessarily true. If the two sides have different magical eyes in mind, prior communication can reduce unnecessary losses."

"Ha, what an idea befitting your poor and stingy status!"

Olga Marie frowned and said, "Since they are magicians, shouldn't they fight fairly and squarely to the end?"

"No, I believe that we should do everything within our means."

Unlike Monarch Euryphus, Olga Marie's words were clearly provocative, but Shirou responded to each one in a very gentle tone.

Although Shirou seemed indifferent, Rin and Luvia were already getting angry.

Even if the other person is just a kid who's only ten years old, we can't let her cause trouble to this extent...

Just as the two of them were about to lash out—

"Lady Olga Marie".

The blonde girl next to the silver-haired girl spoke up.

She looked slightly older than Olga Marie, but younger than Shirou and the others, around fourteen or fifteen years old.

With her bright, smooth blonde hair and porcelain-white skin, this girl possessed a pitiful charm that was the complete opposite of Olga Marie's.

However, beneath that lovely appearance, her eyes appeared remarkably steady and mature.

The girl grabbed Olga Marie's arm with one hand, while gracefully lifting the hem of her skirt to bow to Shirou.

"Uncle Luphilius has caused you trouble just now. I am Kenneth's adopted sister, and my name is Reines Archizolti."

"You're Kenneth's...?"

First it was Euryphus, then Animusfia, and now El-Melloi has arrived.

Half of the aristocratic monarchs or their representatives were on this train.

Seeing the confusion in Shirou's eyes, Reines smiled and said:

"Although she is my adopted sister, she is actually Kenneth's niece by blood. Please take care of me in the future."

"Wait... Reines... what are you doing? I still have something to say to that guy!"

Olga Marie wanted to continue arguing with Shirou, but Reines pulled her aside.

"Excuse me, I must take my leave now. I will extend my formal greetings to you all later with Lady Olga Marie."

And so, the young girls left the carriage, pulling and tugging at each other.

"Wow, as expected of Lord Shirou! It truly lives up to the legend of the Clock Tower; it's an eye-opener!"

Yvette, still clinging to Shirou's side, looked delighted. She had started using the exaggerated title "Shirou-sama" at some point.

"Rufreusion, Lady Olga Marie, and the daughter of the El-Melloi branch family—"

These are all people you rarely see in London!

Not only did she capture the hearts of the Aozaki sisters and the witch, but even the rulers of the Clock Tower... she's amazing!

Shirou frowned and said, "It was just a coincidence, don't make it sound like they came here for me."

"Hmph~ You can't say for sure."

A meaningful smile flashed across Lolita's face for a moment before she turned toward the center of the carriage.

A gaunt man dressed in what appeared to be the uniform of a train staff member collecting magical eyes looked down at a silver pocket watch.

"Okay. The train was able to run on time tonight, thanks to everyone's cooperation."