Shirou, who returned from the Fairy Kingdom

Rita Rogéan continued, "All the noble aesthetics that can be called art in this world are my hobbies."

Whether it's a natural creation born from the planet or an artificial creation of humankind, even if it's an "accident" born from mutation, it's an irreplaceable treasure to me.

"Aha……"

"It is often said that only art that resonates with the spirit of the original author can be called true art, but that is just a shallow view of ordinary people."

Even if the original tenets are distorted, even if it degenerates from "genuine" to "fake"—

Art is art. As long as it is beautiful and noble enough, that is the truth that I, Rita Rogéant, pursue.

The beautiful woman, enveloped in roses, squinted her eyes.

From her tone, it's clear that her definition of art is very personal and not influenced by external factors.

Art, unlike magic, does not inherently possess practical significance.

So, who should define the quality and value of art?

It is generally determined by "the opinion of the majority" or "the opinion of the authorities".

Rita Rogéan considered what she considered beautiful to be the highest form of art, without any interference from the will of others.

Shirou was slightly surprised.

Because the other party was a vampire who had lived for over five hundred years, I thought he would be a more conservative and traditional person.

However... Rita Rogan and Shirou share similar aesthetic tastes in some ways, especially in their views on "genuine" and "fake".

If she weren't a vampire, Shirou might have become a close friend with her, exchanging ideas and appreciating antiques.

"Art is beautiful."

Rita Rogéan's incredible deep red eyes shone brightly in the night.

"All art in this world deserves to be treasured and protected by discerning people."

With this belief in mind, I started the Magic Eye auction.

Shirou scoffed, "Is this your excuse for forcibly taking other people's Mystic Eyes and then selling them at auction instead of keeping them for yourself?"

The auction was not held to flaunt Rita Rogan's power as a ancestor; she deeply loved the artworks known as the Eyes of the Demon and hoped they would be owned by those who truly understood them.

Rita Rogan was not angry when Shirou mocked her; instead, she smiled.

"Money may be vulgar, but it can be a good measure of the weight of a person's love."

Shirou: "Does a poor man like me not deserve to love art?"

Rita Rogan: "..."

Shirou: "Hey, say something... Don't look away!!"

Rita Roseanne cleared her throat.

"I am an artist."

"I know this."

"Therefore, if precious works of art fall into the hands of vulgar people who do not know their value, or are damaged... that is the only thing I cannot tolerate."

As she spoke, a quiet anger emanated from her curvaceous female body.

Shirou nodded: "I understand the reasoning."

In short, you don't want me to die like this, right?

"Hmm, you understand quickly," the Rose Maiden said calmly.

This "Eye-Collecting Train" is likely to experience a major accident soon, and she has come to warn me of that.

In other words, it was a major threat that even the Twenty-Seven Dead Disciples, beings almost equivalent to gods and laws, were powerless to stop.

Shirou asked, "Who is the enemy?"

"I'm sorry, I can't tell you."

Is it not "unwilling" but "unable"?

"This is also part of the covenant, and I can't do it."

Rita Roggean said.

"Now that you understand, leave quickly, Lord Amamiya Shirou."

If it had been any later…

"What will happen to the people on the train if I leave?" Shirou asked.

Rita Rogen didn't stop the train's operation or inform anyone; instead, she invited him out late at night, which bothered Shirou.

"..."

Rita Rogéan remained silent.

"I see, I thought so... They won't let this go so easily."

Shirou said, "Then I'm afraid I cannot comply."

Rose Vampire sighed.

"You really are just like Orange described..."

Oranges?

Shirou hadn't expected to hear that name from the other person.

She raised an eyebrow and said, "You don't actually think I have a blood feud with Orange, do you?"

"Is not it?"

“I’ve already said it, I’m an artist who loves all art,” Rita Rogéan retorted, dissatisfied.

"Ah... (realize)"

"There aren't many talented artists in this world as good as Orange."

Shirou nodded in agreement.

"Lord Shirou, this is the last chance..."

Shirou interrupted her: "No, that topic is over. I'm not getting off the train."

The petals and magic surrounding Rita Rogan vibrated.

"Since that's the case, I have no choice but to force it—"

Shirou: "Stop it, we are not enemies."

Rita Rogan: "..."

"Anyway, thank you for your advice."

The red-haired boy pulled out an invitation from his pocket and waved it:

"It's a rare privilege to receive an invitation from you, so let me enjoy myself to the very end, Ms. Manager."

Rita Rogéan silently watched the boy's retreating figure.

"Ah, right."

Shirou turned around and said, "I also want to thank you for appreciating the fake."

The Rose Maiden curled her alluring lips into a smile.

"Of course."

……

……

"This Demon Eye has discovered that the train has deviated from its designated route."

"According to current predictions, it will rush into the body of Einnashe's son in thirty minutes."

On the morning of the third day, Shirou and the others were awakened by a cold, broadcast announcement.

Shirou learns the significance of deviating from the designated route from subsequent broadcasts.

"While this may cause you some inconvenience, please ensure your own safety until the auction begins."

"…………Varied."

Roommates Rin Tohsaka and Luvia Zelita were pale-faced and stared wide-eyed.

Shirou remained calm, since he had already been notified in advance the night before.

But then again, Rin and Luvia's reactions were way too intense.

"Speaking of which, Fu Hailin's son is..."

Clang—The car body shook violently.

Sitting on the bed, Rin Tohsaka's expression changed, and she pointed out the window.

"That is……"

Snow was falling from the sky outside the car window.

At first it was just a light snowfall, but in just a few seconds it turned into a fierce blizzard.

Like the aura of a distant white deity, the wind and snow intensified, and after a while, visibility outside became zero.

Is this the influence of Fu Hailin's son, as mentioned on the radio?

The news could no longer be a misrepresentation; the situation was clearly deteriorating rapidly.

"The broadcast is telling us to stay in our rooms, what do you think?"

Luvia sent her opinion for consideration.

of course?

The three of them exchanged knowing smiles.

After leaving the guest room, Shirou and his group headed to the carriage where the lounge was located.

The train has come to a complete stop.

Through the blizzard outside the window, they could be vaguely seen to be now enveloped by a forest.

Along the way, Shirou and his companions passed many rooms that had been enchanted and protected by magic. It seemed that most of the guests had chosen to follow the coachman's advice and stay in their own rooms.

However, there are other guys who don't want to stay in the room.

Reines, Olga Marie, Yvette, and a few other magicians Shirou didn't recognize.

So, Monarch Euryph has locked himself in his guest room... Well, that's definitely the old man's style...

Shirou thought to himself, "Our high-end combat capabilities are somewhat lacking."

"Wow, Lord Shirou is here too! We're saved!"

A cheerful, energetic female voice swept away the oppressive atmosphere in the carriage.

Shirou walked up to the pink-haired girl and said, "Yvette, go back to your room."

"Hey! Don't treat people like children! I'm here to help too!"

Yvette ran behind Olga Marie, peeked out, and tilted her head.

"Hmm? What is Lord Shirou hiding?"

"..."

"Hehehe, this is the 'Emotional Vision' that sees everything clearly and will give you a shock! Nothing can escape my notice!"

After Yvette finished speaking with a proud smile, she pulled up her star-shaped eye mask.

Instead of beautiful eyeballs, what's embedded there are processed gemstones—polished green malachite shimmering under the eye mask.

"!"

Rin Tohsaka and Luvia swallowed hard.

Coming from a family of jewelers, they could understand what an extraordinary treasure the girl's "magic eye" was.