Chapter 87. There's a Ghost Among Us
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The train station, filled with mist, was eerily silent. Were the people waiting in the fog truly human, or were they ghosts? Or perhaps there was a ghost among them?
Gray instinctively clutched the cage in her hands.
"Are you scared?"
"Ah!"
Gray yelped and crouched down. The people waiting around turned their gazes toward her, but when they saw Lord El-Melloi II beside her, they quickly looked away.
"What's wrong, Gray?" El-Melloi II adjusted his glasses.
"I'm... I'm sorry," Gray blushed slightly as she pulled down her hood, "I got a bit scared."
It was so embarrassing to scream and crouch down just because a voice suddenly appeared in her ear!
"The Hades helmet lives up to its name," El-Melloi II said, examining the area behind Gray. He should be able to spot Cyd there.
"Don't worry."
Gray felt a warmth and a slight heaviness on her head, likely from this pure-hearted hero trying to soothe her nervousness by patting her head.
"I'm right beside you."
"Thank you," Gray sighed in relief.
She was indeed a bit nervous because they were about to encounter the Mystic Eye Train, which even monarchs were contemplating whether to confront.
Caules was silently adjusting his glasses as he surveyed the surroundings.
Realistically speaking, his presence here was purely a result of a foolhardy prank. But thanks to that prank, he had gained something valuable.
Although being a "hostage" of the Yggdmillenia made him somewhat arrogant, Caules had earnestly requested El-Melloi II to take him aboard the Mystic Eye Train, not for anything else, but simply to witness everything about magic, despite the dangers. To give his sister, who was searching for her true purpose, peace of mind, he needed to acquire as much knowledge as possible.
However, once Caules learned that Cyd was also on board and would be accompanying El-Melloi II on the Mystic Eye Train, he began to cling persistently. In the end, even El-Melloi II had to compromise and take this student along.
All set!
Having witnessed Cyd's invincible performance in the Holy Grail War, Caules only thought about clinging to Cyd's leg. Although he wouldn't act recklessly, at least he could safely get off this Mystic Eye Train.
"Long time no see, Lord El-Melloi II."
A woman in a kimono slowly emerged from the mist.
"Did you come after all?" El-Melloi II felt a slight headache.
"Department of Policies," Caules shrank his neck and hid behind El-Melloi II.
It was understandable for him to be so scared. Although the Yggdmillenias' rebellion was forgiven, it was still heavily penalized by the Mage's Association, and the Policies Department was part of that.
Hishiri Adashino, the woman who provided El-Melloi II with information about the Mystic Eye Train.
"Oh, my~ The choice of candidates by Lord El-Melloi II is quite intriguing," Hishiri Adashino raised an eyebrow as she scanned Gray and Caules.
She knew Gray's combat abilities. For El-Melloi II, who was as useful as a spare limb, Gray was indispensable. But Caules...
To be honest, he was somewhat weak. On a train filled with influential figures, it was hard to predict how he might end up.
Moreover, with an unparalleled trump card in hand, why not use it?
"This has nothing to do with you, Miss Adashino," El-Melloi II, despite a slight stomachache, turned his head coldly.
"I'm just a bit curious~" Hishiri Adashino covered her mouth and chuckled softly, but her eyes were scanning the surroundings, as if searching for someone.
Gray blinked, her gaze moving between the impassive El-Melloi II and the smiling Hishiri Adashino before finally lowering her head.
The adult world is so hard to understand...
Cyd, in a concealed state, studied the insincere smile of Hishiri Adashino. He had asked Reines about what these people were up to and had gotten only one answer.
They were like venomous snakes hiding in the darkness, ready to strike from behind, or sometimes even boldly biting your face.
Even though Reines elegantly sipped her tea, Cyd noticed her fleeting displeasure.
Interesting...
Cyd narrowed his eyes. The person who stole the relic from El-Melloi II was among the guests here, or perhaps the Mystic Eye Train itself was involved.
Since everyone here is a suspect, it would be best to question all of them. Although there might be some sacrifices, it would clarify the situation.
Cyd could handle such a task. He could even dismantle the entire train if necessary. But this was El-Melloi II's battle; he would solve the puzzle left by the culprit and retrieve the king's relic using his own strength.
That was his pride!
However, if someone intended to overturn the situation with brute force, Cyd would have no choice but to turn the tables and press them down.
But—indeed, it felt like a subtle atmosphere, perhaps the so-called scent of conspiracy.
"Ah~ I heard a monarch was coming back, but I didn't expect it to be the monarch of the Modern Magecraft Department," although her voice was somewhat immature, there was no hiding the arrogance, even when addressing a monarch.
El-Melloi II sighed lightly.
Should one say this is truly worthy of the Mystic Eye Train? All sorts of characters have emerged.
But it's really giving me a headache...
Cyd tilted his head, studying the girl who, despite her small stature, gave off an air of superiority... a loli?
But true to a magician's family, although she looked small, her tone carried an undeniable domineering feeling.
[Let me make it clear: This year's auction is crucial for the Astromancy Department, and even if the opponent is a monarch, there will be no mercy.]
But still a little kid, huh?
Olga Marie, the daughter of the Astromancy Department monarch. Clearly, she had unparalleled confidence in her identity and believed that only the poor El-Melloi II could oppose her.
Though her presence was impressive, it was quite clear that this train held eyes that even monarchs would go to great lengths to obtain. And... how did Olga Marie know that this train would feature eyes that even monarchs would go after?
Compared to her, El-Melloi II was much calmer. Once his purpose was exposed, it could easily become a target, especially since he was a third-rate magician with little power. So, even if his goal was to get the king's relic, El-Melloi II would mislead others into thinking his objective was one of the Mystic Eyes on this train.
That way, he could search for the culprit while others focused on the Mystic Eyes.
But would it really be that easy?
Cyd crossed his arms and smiled slightly.
Let me see, El-Melloi II. No, Waver, your unyielding spirit.