At the History Compilation Committee, Tokyo Akasaka branch.
After eleven o'clock at night.
Amakasu Touma stayed behind by himself at the office.
However, this office and state intelligence agency apparently did not have
many employees.
The office, which occupied an entire floor of a residential and commercial
building, was lined by a number of desks.
Piled high on the desks were all sorts of computers and documents, all
kinds of books (including manga) as well as all types of snacks and junk
food, health equipment such as pressure point massage tools, and toys
targeted towards infants and older children.
Someone working in the gaming, anime or publishing industries would
likely mistake this for a competitor's office.
In such a space, at a certain reserved desk, Amakasu Touma sat behind a
laptop computer—not hard at work, but browsing his favorite websites and
reading anonymous message boards. However, he was not entirely
slacking off.
His ears and mouth were busy on the cellphone, communicating with his
boss about work related affairs.
"That matter has already been handled, don't worry, please have more
faith in me."
'I wish I could do that.'
Sayanomiya Kaoru's wonderful voice flowed from the cellphone.
If teenage girls heard this kind of voice, they would likely cause a
commotion with cries of 'iyaaah, that voice is super cool!'
'To be asked to have more faith in someone who bookmarks celebrity
news sites and blogs of idols and voice actors on his work computer...'
"That is serious intelligence gathering, it is very important to our work."
As he shamelessly searched for excuses, Amakasu continued to stare at
the online auction page in front of him.
'Other than that, have you discerned the intentions of the Old One?'
"No, not yet, but up until recently he had not taken any interest in
Kusanagi-san."
The Tokyo branch of the History Compilation Committee -- Sayanomiya
Kaoru and her trusted subordinate, Amakasu, had free rein to run the
office as they pleased.
"Speaking of recent events that could have garnered the Old One's
interest, how about the incident at Naples? The battle against Perseus."
'Ah yes, Amakasu-san called him the Hero of Steel, right?'
"Yes, Perseus is the archetypical hero of steel with the [Sword] attribute.
Verethragna, who Kusanagi Godou unwittingly defeated, also belongs to
the same category."
The ancestor of Verethragna, Mithra, also had a "born from stone" legend.
There is also the Armenian war god Vahagn who has been called the
brother of Verethragna. The hero god possessing flaming hair and beard,
and born from the crimson sea.
Stones, in other words, ore, the origin of iron. Fire, to melt ore. Wind, to
start fires and fan the flames. Water, to cool the newly forged metal. The
intricate relationships between the elements are all essential to the various
sword gods.
'Just like King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table?'
"Exactly. Using the legend of Excalibur as a starting point, there are
numerous myths whose essence originated from the tale of the god of
steel. To say that the 'Knights of the Round Table originate from Celtic
myths' would be oversimplifying things."
'This is certainly quite a deep topic.'
"Of course, one must not ignore elements of Celtic myths, either. But in
order to interpret those legends, the history of the multicultural nation
formed by Britain and the Roman Empire must be considered. This should
have been explained by Kaoru-san from the start."
The young cross-dressing great-granddaughter of natural historian and
founder of the History Compilation Committee, Sayanomiya Koremichi,
apologized in a deliberate manner in response to Amakasu's wry
complaint.
'Hahaha, sorry sorry. I've been busy with this and that, what with things like
school and Hime-Miko etc., and don't have much time for studies
anymore.'
Currently, the top priority would be to scrutinize the movements of
Seishuuin Ena, the vanguard of the elders.
Having reached such a conclusion, the conversation ended.
Amakasu decided to head straight home, so he locked the door and exited
the building.
Planning to have a meal, he walked over to a certain ramen shop in the
Tameike-Sannou neighborhood and stopped in front of it.
Tables for customers were placed both inside and outside of the shop.
A server came to take his order when he took a seat at one of the outside
tables.
Without particular deliberation, he ordered a soy sauce ramen with a
hard-boiled egg and a can of beer.
At the same time, a beautiful woman approached him. No, calling her a
woman would be excessive, it would be more accurate to describe her as a
beautiful girl.
Seeing the girl's face, Amakasu shrugged his shoulders. Trying to escape
was futile as he would just be found again. He might as well say hello as
usual.
"It's been a while, Erica-san, and you are still so beautiful. Seeing you
makes me so happy."
"It hasn't been that long, Amakasu-san. You don't mind if I sit here, right?"
Obviously, he had no right to refuse, so Amakasu nodded his head in an
exaggerated manner.
Erica took the seat opposite Amakasu.
The twenty-something-year-old unassuming youth, special operative of the
History Compilation Committee.
Having exhausted the resources of the magic association Copper Black
Cross, her social network in Tokyo, and her own wits, Erica finally decided
to make contact with this man to maximize her intelligence gathering.
"What a surprise for Erica-san to visit a shop like this."
Amakasu spoke casually, apparently unfazed by her sudden arrival.
Erica smiled as she carried on the conversation.
"Oh my, I often visited roadside stalls when I was in Hong Kong."
"Yes, now that it's mentioned, you did stay there for a year or so."
"As expected of Amakasu-san, you have investigated already, just like a
Japanese ninja superman."
To this rare compliment, Amakasu responded with a subtle expression that
was hard to describe.
"Recently I've already begged someone else not to address me that way.
At least call me a secret agent or a spy... Besides, if you use such a
description, 'superman' is kind of redundant."
"Is that so? No matter, I will respect your personal opinion."
"Much appreciated."
At this time, the server came with the menu, and Erica spoke without
hesitation.
"Do you have wonton noodles? And of course, shrimp wonton would be
best."
"Ordinary ramen shops in Japan won't have that menu item, please go to a
Chinese restaurant if you want something like that... Uh, this lady here
would like to order the same things as me."
Accepting Amakasu's order, the server left, and Erica made a frown.
"To call themselves a noodle specialty shop, and yet they don't have
wonton noodles."
"Of course not. You should know, Erica-san, that there are differences
between ramen shops in Japan and noodle shops in Hong Kong. You've
already been here for three months."
Erica was irked by Amakasu's expression of ridicule. Somehow, it
reminded her of Godou's expression whenever he pointed out their
"difference in upbringing."
"How could I tell? This is my first time in this kind of shop."
"Appearing to be wise and experienced, but actually a sheltered young
lady from a high class family, you're the opposite of Ena-san."
Taking a swig of beer, Amakasu commented nonchalantly.
Erica smiled. Certainly, the man she called a ninja was very observant.
"Seishuuin Ena, that girl is not a high class young lady?"
"She is a young lady who received a perfect education since birth. The
ultimate Yamato Nadeshiko. But in spite of that, the child was raised in a
natural environment. However, Erica-san probably didn't come to ask
about that, right?"
"Yes, what I want to know is about her as a Hime-Miko."
"You sought me out to ask about that? But there is no way I will answer
that."
"Is that so? 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend,' that probably best
describes our relationship right now."
At that moment, the food arrived.
Two large bowls filled with noodles. From the taste and color of the soup, it
was clearly typical soy sauce ramen. As well as a can of beer, which Erica
opened by pulling the ring off without any delay.
"In Japan, minors are forbidden from drinking alcohol."
"Yes, but isn't this because you ordered the same thing for me? Besides, I
am of drinking age in Italy, so don't worry."
"What happened to 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do'? Whatever, so
the enemy of my enemy is my friend?"
Amakasu took the white spoon and took a small sip of the ramen soup.
Erica also tried a mouthful, which turned out to have an unexpectedly
complex taste, but it was not bad at all.
"I've heard that, recently, you've been broadening your circles. If that's the
case, then you should be able to obtain satisfactory information from those
who distance themselves from the Committee... Especially the state of
affairs in Japan, you should have a decent grasp, right?"
"It was rather troublesome, and other than the History Compilation
Committee, I never knew about the Four Families who served the emperor
and their power struggles in the wizardry world."
A power struggle dominated by family clans rather than magic
associations.
This was common in the world of magic, and was not really something
surprising. However, it did come as a surprise to find out that the winning
family were the ones running the History Compilation Committee.
"Your side is responsible too, for you guys simply didn't care for inside
knowledge about Japan."
"About a hundred and fifty years ago, the victor in the political struggle was
the clan of your master at the History Compilation Committee, but it was
not that complete or overwhelming a victory."
As the foremost amongst the four, its influence did not surpass the second
family by a wide margin.
"Yes yes, it is correct that the Seishuuin family has been a troublesome
existence to us, but anyway, since our side has the final say, it isn't that
serious a problem."
"That's what you say, but then why are you letting Seishuuin Ena do as
she pleased right now?"
"Well we do have our own troubles, not everything can go as smoothly as
one wishes."
Amakasu conversed as he ate his soy sauce ramen.
When faced with food that does not match her tastes, Erica had the ability
to completely ignore the flavor.
Fortunately, she did not need to exercise that ability this time. The ramen
tasted just as good as shrimp wonton noodles.
Having finished two thirds of his noodles, Amakasu spoke slowly.
"Let me provide a few tips then. But do not misinterpret this as a
dangerous relationship between enemies of the same enemy, but that I
simply leaked information when entranced by the beautiful young lady
sharing a meal with me."
"Hoho, I am honored."
Malevolent smiles appeared on both Amakasu and Erica's faces. Perhaps
these two people could be described as a fox and a tanuki dealing in a
secret transaction.
"Seishuuin Ena is the secret weapon of the elder known as the Old One.
No matter what opinions this old man and his companions hold, we
Committee members cannot ignore them."
"Just like the relationship between the government and the Senate."
"An apt description. Furthermore, the Old One has bestowed the divine
sword to Ena-san."
"Divine sword—could that be the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi?"
"Also widely known as the Kusanagi sword."
"Ah, that's the same name as Godou."
"Just an ordinary coincidence. The family name Kusanagi is quite common
in the areas of Akita and Sanuki, so I believe his ancestors most likely
originated from there."
So that's how it was. Erica nodded her head.
If he had inherited the blood of those versed in magic, then it would be
even better if he had more disposition towards magic.
"That sword, could it be the real thing?"
That name, belonged to the favorite sword of Japan's famous heroic god.
To name a fake after a legendary divine artifact was actually quite
common. But Erica found it strange for herself to be suspecting Ena's
sword as the authentic original.
However, a sacred presence could be felt from the divine blade.
Sure enough, Amakasu showed a troubled expression.
"Well that depends on the definition of what it means to be the real thing.
As one of the Three Sacred Treasures, the sword inherited by someone of
the noblest heritage is most likely a fake from an archaeological
standpoint. However, that one, on the other hand..."
"That one?"
"Could be described as a treasure just like the real thing. To say any more
would be disclosing trade secrets."
"Understood. I'll simply think of it as the unlimited potential of 'made in
Japan.'"
It seemed like the Hime-Miko and the History Compilation Committee still
had many troublesome mysteries, and Erica decided she must be even
more careful from now on.
Like the Gorgoneion and the Secret Tome of Prometheus. If what
Amakasu said was correct, the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi would likely
harbor the same hidden potential as those kinds of divine artifacts.
However, those objects were originally tools that the gods made for
themselves.
They were not meant to be used by humans, and reckless use will result in
death. If Kusanagi Godou had not become a Campione, he would have
died already.
"I am becoming more and more interested in Ena-san's secrets. By the
way, may I ask something a little more detailed?"
Amakasu shrugged silently as if he had no intention of answering. With no
other recourse, Erica could only change the subject.
"Anyway, are you and Ena-san from the same school of martial arts?"
"In terms of ability, of course she is stronger. Fighting is not my strong
suit."
"Compared to martial prowess, I've heard that Amakasu-san is even more
talented in spells... Is that true?"
From early on, Erica had taken an interest in this man's hidden capabilities.
"You overestimate me. After all, I just run errands. There's no need for
amazing powers, it's that simple."
Erica politely nodded at Amakasu's excuses.
Tonight's investigation has reached its conclusion. The next step will be to
follow the clues provided by this young man, who truly cannot be
underestimated.
Erica smiled like a noblewoman as she placed cash on the table and stood
up.
"What a pleasant conversation, let us meet again if the opportunity arises."
"Personally, I don't really want to meet you privately like this. By the way,
that Ena-san seemed like she was preparing some kind of trap or
enchantment at your school. Though I have no idea what type it is, but
seeing as it is set by the Hime-Miko who holds the divine sword—you
cannot be reckless, please take care."
Amakasu signaled with his eyes, having given Erica a crucial piece of
news at the very end.
Part 2
It was after school at Jounan Academy, in the tearoom of the tea ceremony
club—
"To be able to drink tea casually is so great, if it was on the mountains, just
boiling water alone would be quite a chore."
"Hooo..." Ena murmured to herself as she deeply exhaled.
In her hand was the cup of powdered tea she prepared herself. Next to her
were the tea ceremony club president, Hanabusa-san, and Mariya Yuri.
"However, as someone who does not belong to this club, for Ena-san to
come and go from the tea room so openly is a bit..."
Ena possessed nimble agility surpassing cats and monkeys.
In Yuri's mind appeared images of Ena using such skills to trespass and
infiltrate the school.
"Calling me an outsider is too much, Ena has already greeted all the club
members from the president all the way down. Besides, I even brought
souvenir gifts today, so at least treat me like a guest."
"G-Gifts?"
The greatly surprised Yuri turned her gaze towards Hanabusa-san.
Embarrassed, the kind-hearted tea ceremony club president proceeded to
confess.
"Yes, yes that's right—I just received from Seishuuin Ena-san all sorts of
things. Look! Tea powder, some snacks, and then there's the tea ware!"
"Could it be, that all the things were brought here from the Seishuuin
home..."
Yuri began to take a closer look at the tea-ware in use.
She had never seen any of them. Actually it was rather alarming. Such
high-class equipment was not really appropriate for club activities.
"By the way, you all don't need to be too concerned. These are just spare
stuff that Granny back home had gathered. Tools are meant to be used."
"True, but high class utensils should be used somewhere more
appropriate."
"M-Mariya-san, c-could all these be very precious items?"
"Yes, precious but not priceless. After all, things of this quality can be
bought as long as you have the money. The most expensive piece
probably does not exceed one or two million... President-san, get a hold of
yourself!"
At that unlucky moment, Hanabusa-san was holding one of the tea utensils
with only one hand. Yuri and Ena looked after her as she entered a state of
panic.
Afterwards, Hanabusa-san declared that she needed to clear her mind and
left the room.
The spacious tearoom was left with only two Hime-Miko as its occupants.
Today was Friday, and because it was not a club activity day, there were
no other members present.
Yuri came because Ena's phone call summoned her. As for
Hanabusa-san, it was her daily routine as club president to clean and dust
the place.
"So, why has Ena come to our school again?"
Yuri could not help but interrogate Ena.
"Last time, it was all your fault for creating that kind of situation for me and
Godou-san—"
"But thanks to last time, Yuri and His Majesty's relationship has progressed
slightly, isn't that good?"
"No, not good!"
However, it was true that the farce last time dispelled all awkwardness
between Godou and her.
But Yuri would not be happy because of that. Besides, she began worrying
again about what happened between Erica and Ena.
"Did you really not have any conflict with Erica-san?"
"No no, we just chatted a bit that time, and then I left immediately."
"Then why did I feel the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi stir that time?"
"I only drew it out for her to have a look, it's that simple. Yuri, you worry too
much."
Yuri's sharp gaze focused on the relaxed Ena.
"Though Erica-san sometimes brings trouble to others, but she is a girl
who gives her all for Godou-san... for the [King]. If you recklessly target
her, you will incur a king's wrath. Please do not forget this warning, I
sincerely beg you."
"I know, I know. I'll do as you say."
Did she really understand? Or is she just playing along?
Unable to discern Ena's true intentions, Yuri could not help but sigh.
This type of threatening warning should really be the job of the History
Compilation Committee, but somehow they were giving a false impression
of responding slowly to this matter.
"Yuri seems to be worrying about something strange, but you have more
important things to handle, right?"
"Important things?"
Due to Ena's sudden question, Yuri lost composure.
"The matter of developing relations with Kusanagi-san. Now that it is
declared that we will both marry into his household, the next step is... Of
course, a date, right?"
"Date!? Are you suggesting that Godou-san and I-I-I have a secret
rendezvous?"
"Yes, exactly, or maybe you can call it a tryst?"
"No way! Two people cannot do that unless they are married!"
"Actually, this kind of thing is very common before marriage. Don't worry,
come with Ena together to invite him. To have Yuri on the right, and Ena
on the left. Kusanagi-san will definitely be happy to hug two beauties
simultaneously, one on each side."
Ena smiled innocently, stood up, and forcefully pulled Yuri's hands.
Then the two Hime-Miko began searching the school for Kusanagi Godou.
Meanwhile, Kusanagi Godou was—
"And thus, let us commence the second meeting of the Judgment Council
Censuring the Bastard Kusanagi Godou who Monopolizes the Two Great
Beauties + Newcomer. Everyone, are you all ready?"
"No problem. Let us bring to justice Kusanagi Godou, public enemy of
men."
"Of course, on account of our love-communist ideals of equality, let us give
our utmost in denouncing the bourgeoisie!"
Godou was currently a prisoner because of these three raving mad men.
After school, he was covered by a sack and kidnapped.
Next, he was taken to an unknown empty classroom and thrown onto the
ground with his hands and feet bound by transparent tape wound
numerous times. The three perpetrators had paper bags concealing their
faces, but Godou, who knew their identities from the start, simply spoke
coldly.
"Nanami, Sorimachi, Takagi... Though I already knew you were all idiots, I
never thought your stupidity could reach such heights. Please let me go
while your crimes are still minor."
Hearing Godou speak, the three idiots stared at him through the eyeholes
in their paper bags.
"Fool, we are not of those names."
"That's right, we are not your classmates."
"We are the allies of justice who devote our thoughts to the people and the
country, please do not have any odd misunderstandings, okay?"
Godou had no doubt that if ultimate idiots existed in this world, surely it
must be these three in front of him.
"Uh... Though I don't really understand, but you guys must have many
reasons, and I probably have areas I could improve, so just let out all your
complaints and I will definitely listen to them."
If possible, he wanted to be released as soon as possible.
Thinking thus, Godou offered a peaceful proposal, but the three idiots
angrily scoffed. Their arrogant and hateful attitudes continued unchanged.
"You bastard, your mouth only speaks pretty words... Fine, then why don't
you come clean with your crimes this past summer?"
Summer? Hearing Sorimachi's question, the agitated Godou feigned
composure.
If their living together on Sardinia were revealed, there would be a serious
misunderstanding. This required a prudent answer.
"During summer I was living an honest and simple life, and nothing odd
happened at all."
To this unconvincing explanation, Nanami muttered "Oh?"
"Then Comrade S, please report your findings."
"At the shopping street in Nezu Sanchoume where Kusanagi Godou lives,
this fellow was not spotted in the first half of summer from early July to
early August."
"Very good, suspicious point number one. Comrade T, what do you have
to report?"
"In the exact same time-frame, there were no eyewitness accounts of Erica
who used to appear frequently in the Hongou area. Furthermore, even
Mariya-san disappeared from her tea ceremony club activities during that
period. It is my personal opinion that Kusanagi Godou is the prime suspect
based on these times."
"As for suspicious points two and three..."
Nanami spoke in an exaggerated tone, and watched Godou's expression
at the same time.
"I say, Kusanagi, could it be possible that during the entire summer, you
and Erica-san and Yuri-san were happily vacationing away together?
Haha... isn't that a state of paradise like in a galgame?"
"How could something like that happen?! No matter how stupid you are,
please think before you speak!"
Deliberately investigating my summer activities, how free are these
people? Godou marveled as he denied. In such a situation, lying was a
temporarily solution. However...
"Comrade S, is there any response on the lie detector?"
"He just made a great big lie. My lie detector of the heart is beeping. To
this fellow Kusanagi, divine justice must be served!"
"That's right, evildoers must be executed! Let us cast righteous judgment
upon this lustful maniac!"
Hearing the conclusions of the three idiots, Godou frantically yelled.
"Wait! What is this lie detector of the heart! That's just you guys guessing
blindly!"
"You betray your ignorance. This is something that can only be used by
males who have long been deprived of the love of innocent girls. You can
call it a kind of magic. A dirty fellow like you will never reach this level of
enlightenment."
Unexpectedly, Sorimachi gave a puzzling answer.
Just as the surprised Godou was about to speak to defend himself...
"Your crimes stop here, for you fellows have gone too far."
At that moment, the door to the classroom flew open and the awe-inspiring
voice of a girl was heard.
Liliana Kranjcar, the silver-haired knight who hailed from eastern European
ancestry, had arrived.
"Kusanagi Godou, rest assured, I will take care of them immediately."
"Sorry, Liliana, I owe you one."
The reliable knight has appeared, and Godou expressed his gratitude.
This made Liliana turn her face aside shyly.
"This is part of my mission, thanks are not necessary. Since I could not find
you, I went searching just in case... If you have learned your lesson, then
do not leave my side as much as possible. I would be grateful if you try not
to increase my workload."
Godou forced a smile as he nodded, while the three idiots were clearly
shaken.
"You seem quite confident, but what difference will one more person
make? We have three people here, the power of the crowd,
hahahahahahahahahaha!"
"Trash like you? I can easily handle three hundred. What a joke."
Liliana retorted condescendingly to their cheap villainous threats.
Hearing her merciless answer, the three idiots clearly began to panic.
Though they had no idea of her true capabilities, they were already
overcome by the spirit of the blue knight.
"Wait, wait wait! Liliana-san. We are just trying to impeach Kusanagi
Godou for his crimes."
"Foolish! Kusanagi Godou is the one with righteous goals, who walks the
king's path. Rather than let you idiots impeach him, let me show you what
shame is."
Takagi's explanation failed to placate Liliana, so Sorimachi posed a
question.
"I-I object! You say that Kusanagi has a righteous heart, that idea is very
problematic! This man is an evildoer who deceives and plays around with
multiple women. Isn't he a sexual predator and public enemy of women!?"
"Do you three just plan on using such superficial slander to change my
opinion? What pitiful fools..."
Seeing Liliana's slightly dissatisfied expression, Godou somehow had a
bad feeling that Liliana was going to give a highly unusual rebuttal.
"Yes it is true that he is an unparalleled lecher. He will play around with
girls on impulse, and is the harem king who has tainted innumerable
women. That is the undeniable truth."
That is so not the truth! You've got it all wrong from the start.
Not hesitating to exposing Godou's faults, Liliana continued sorrowfully in a
low voice.
"I have already advised him, he should practice some restraint in playing
around with girls. I swore to maintain our relationship for eternity and
forever serve him by his side. I wanted to become a woman who offers
everything she has to him willingly, and become his partner. However, his
rampant fetishes are a part of him, and I have no choice but to accept
them."
Liliana turned her face a little awkwardly.
Uh, if he were truly someone so despicable, then just abandon him quickly.
Godou could not help thinking that.
"One day, he may burn himself through his womanizing... But no matter
when, I will always be his support, and I swore I will definitely save him. As
long as this sentiment persists, my heart will not be swayed by despicable
slander."
Liliana's forceful words were powerful, and overflowed with sincere
touching emotion.
However, the content sounded like something said by a female victim of
some deception or marriage con.
The three idiots had the same impression, and loudly protested.
"Deceived women always insist on something like 'he did me no harm'!"
"Hurry and awaken! Liliana-san!"
"There are still many men in this world much better than him..."
"I hope you all do not misunderstand. Kusanagi Godou and I do not have
that kind of superficial male female relationship. I am only his knight, and
the companion who promised to stay by his side forever. We have sworn
that we will face all trials and tribulations together no matter where or
when, that is the relationship that we have."
Without being aware, Liliana had drifted into a dreamlike state almost as if
talking to herself.
"Though the way he plays around with women will make it tough for me...
Nevertheless, it will strengthen the bonds between the two of us, as long
as I become the most special existence in his heart, and no matter what
kind of woman he seeks, he will always return to my embrace in the end..."
The man she is talking about must be one of those emperors or sultans,
whatever you call them, that dominated the Islamic world a couple of
centuries ago. She definitely cannot be referring to Kusanagi Godou. As
Godou tried to escape reality, the three idiots stared at him and began to
cry.
"Beast! Making a harem and getting approved! Heavens! How could you
allow something so unfair?!"
"Is this conditioning? Is this the result of the forbidden act of sexually
conditioning a minor below the age of eighteen!?"
"Am I crying...? Are these tears? Damn it, this is so despairing!"
The three have been completely defeated, and at this time, the classroom
door opened again.
"Ah, found it, Kusanagi-san turned out to be here."
"E-excuse us for intruding."
Two new girls have appeared, and they are the Seishuuin Ena and Mariya
Yuri combo.
"Uh, excuse me. We're in the middle of something. If you have something
to tell me, could it wait?"
"Just a few simple words, it'll be over in an instant. I came here to invite
Kusanagi-san to our date tomorrow. That is, Kusanagi-san, Yuri, and me,
Ena, the three of us together on a date."
"Date!?"
The shocked Godou turned his gaze to Yuri who has turned bright red from
the neck.
"Ena-san! To have a date with Godou-san... I have not prepared myself for
that yet!"
"If you haven't prepared yet, then prepare now. It's not easy for us to
become Kusanagi Godou's 'women,' so you need to take more initiative."
Hearing these exchanges, Sorimachi's shoulders trembled continuously.
"M-my ears must be having problems. How could I be hearing these alien
words? Hahahaha, who could have thought that I, Sorimachi, would be so
out of date, to be ignorant of the strategy of the simultaneous pursuit
route..."
After his accomplice's exclamation, it came to Nanami's turn to babble
emptily.
"I-I must stay awake. That girl must be a fairy or a hallucination. It must be
my imagination. Think about it, how could fiancées or beautiful girls
volunteering to be a lover appear in a simple male high school. That only
happens in fairy tales, we must have been caught up in some sort of
massive dream..."
The two of them were hard at work denying reality.
Could this be all my fault? As Godou began to get the feeling of wanting to
apologize...
"Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh!"
Takagi suddenly roared.
His massive 185cm tall body began to shake all over.
"I absolutely will not accept this! This woeful world, this unreasonable
result, I absolutely cannot accept!"
As he roared, he took the bound Godou onto his shoulder.
"Kusanagi, I will end our lives together right now!"
"Wait, wait a minute, why does it have to end like this?"
"Your existence has disrupted natural order. You are the destroyer of the
world—an unacceptable existence! Let us start our eternal slumber
together!"
Inexplicably making a sacrificial decision, Takagi began to charge madly
with Godou on his shoulder.
Leaving the classroom and passing through the corridors, he finally ran up
the stairs.
Though he has trained his muscular body in the kendo club, this mad
charge was clearly out of the ordinary.
"Calm down, Takagi! Why are you so impulsive!?"
"Can't you even understand?! All the sad men on this planet—those who
have never tasted love, and ostracized by all women outside of the 2D
world—they have lent me their power!"
Takagi carried Godou and ran up the stairs in one breath.
Liliana could only watch in shock at the speed and imposing manner of the
escaping Takagi, whose male figure has surpassed the boundaries of
ordinary humans and was now challenging the limits of the human race.
Part 3
And then on the roof—
The berserk Takagi has carried Godou to the highest point in the school.
"This place should be high enough..."
Muttering to himself, Takagi reached the edge of the roof and was stopped
by fencing that was meant to prevent accidents.
The unsettled Godou frantically looked down to see the sports ground not
far below.
"High enough? What high enough!?"
"Of course it means to jump down from this height, is it high enough to kill
me and Kusanagi."
"If you commit suicide, your family will be sad! Let's settle this peacefully
right now, okay!?"
"Ho... My sister is not like your Shizuka. Every day all she says is stuff like
'brother is so unfashionable, go and die!' There is nothing left that binds me
to this world."
At that moment, someone had secretly crept behind Takagi and Godou,
and applied a series of karate chops. Mmm... Takagi was painfully laid low
on the ground.
"What!?"
"Godou, are you ok? I finally caught up."
The one who knocked out Takagi, and caught Godou before he struck the
concrete floor, was Erica Blandelli.
"I saw you were kidnapped and came to save you... But I hope I wasn't
interfering unnecessarily?"
"No, not at all. I'm saved. Really, thank you very much."
As he expressed his gratitude, the blonde girl set him down gently and
ripped apart the tape binding his hands and feet.
"Godou, I hope you will express your thanks with action."
"If it is something in my power, I will try my best effort... But what do you
want me to do?"
Erica could not help but laugh bitterly at the unhesitating answer that
clearly lacked forethought.
"Though I find your honest but reckless principles very cute, it is still very
careless. It would be better if you carefully consider situations and be
flexible with your judgment."
Godou felt slightly troubled at Erica's passionate warning.
Was it too careless to agree to do anything for her when caught in the
mood of having been saved by her?
Erica smiled gently at Godou, but if you raised the hidden malevolence in
that smile by 30%, then it would become the "devil's smile" that gloats from
having played a prank on others.
Just as Godou gazed at his beautiful savior, and Erica was about to joyfully
make her request...
"Kusanagi-san, are you okay? Ena will save you right away—oh too late."
A cheerful voice reached the roof, this familiar soprano voice belonged to
Seishuuin Ena.
"Naturally, Erica-san never misses out on a good opportunity."
"Thank you for your compliment, not at all. Ena-san is also very quick to
act."
Ena had run to the rooftop without any loss of breath, and the red-tinted
blonde Erica conversed amiably with her.
Their dialogue was friendly but there seemed to be unexpected hidden
barbs to their words.
Godou was mystified, what kind of relationship has these two developed?
"Anyway, this incident has come to a close then? Kusanagi-san, please
answer the question just now. If Ena, Yuri, and Kusanagi-san go on a date
together, our feelings for one another can be deepened."
Ena proposed without any concerns.
Date. Now that it was mentioned, it was something that Kusanagi Godou
has never experienced before.
Though he has traveled together with Erica to different places, there was
never any date-like feeling. Moreover, this was a first date initiated by the
female side, and both of them possessed extraordinary levels of beauty
and attractiveness—no, definitely cannot accept.
"Please forgive me but I must decline! I have no reason to have a date with
you two!"
"If you want reasons, they do exist. Yuri and I both will become
Kusanagi-san's women, so you definitely have to look after us both, and
from now on our relations will only get better and better."
What was this girl openly babbling about?
Hearing this woman talk nonsense, Godou knew his face was becoming
red.
"Even if we go on a date, I will not go with you two together! Public opinion
will not accept such a thing!"
"Who cares what public opinion thinks, what matters is the feelings of the
three of us... Ah, if Kusanagi-san wants us to alternate and take turns, then
you can go first with Yuri."
No matter how he protested, Ena brushed him off with minimal effort.
Godou felt a sense of despair.
Ena did not have the same oratory skills or her social techniques as Erica.
Instead, the Hime-Miko had the ability to turn any situation to her
advantage.
As Godou was about to back down from the overly troublesome opponent,
a helping hand was extended from beside him.
"Ah, what a shame, but Godou is going on a date with me tomorrow."
The speaker was Erica of course, but Godou's mood became even more
depressed.
This was a helping hand, no question about it, but if he reached out for it,
he was just going to find himself in a new troublesome situation.
"I have never had a date with a boy, so I want the first time to be with
Godou no matter what. Of course... after the second time, no one else but
you can enjoy the privilege."
"Uh, with our relationship, we don't have to specifically go on a date,
right..."
"It is precisely because it matters for our relationship that we need to date.
Though we have traveled to many places together, they were all
troublesome affairs, and we never enjoyed the pleasures of dating, so
please do accept ok?"
Erica was making Godou spoil her by using a rare begging tone of voice.
But at the same time, she still carried the determined and arrogant gaze of
a queen, as expected of Erica.
"Kusanagi-san, we have two people here, you can embrace both at once."
"Godou, quality trumps quantity. You are the only one in this world who
can have me, Erica Blandelli, all to yourself. Don't waste it."
As Ena affectionately called out to Godou, Erica drew near and spoke
softly.
Her lips approaching his ear, whispering sweet words. No good. If that
continued, she will most likely steal a kiss. Godou felt his entire body
stiffen.
However, what attacked this time was not lips, but an ominous warning.
"...By the way, let me say this, though it counts as my duty. Godou, you
remember the promise just now, right? The one where you agreed to do
everything in your power as thanks. Ah, I also remembered, there was
lunch a few days ago when you owed me a favor. I believe that a man who
does not keep his promises at such a time would be the worst."
Godou renewed his unerring gaze at the beautiful face before him. It had
become a smiling face no different from a devil. The [Diavolo Rosso] lightly
nodded her head.
"Erica, to make your proposal at such a time, don't you feel a little
despicable?"
"No other way, if I didn't do this, you will escape once again, I have to be
serious once in a while."
Speaking in innocent tones, Erica was truly maddening yet adorable.
Now that he thought about it, ever since Liliana moved to Japan, the
blonde beauty's troubling ways had clearly decreased in frequency.
Probably because the number of naggers apart from Yuri had increased,
Erica was now behaving herself a bit more.
Or perhaps she was one to adjust her style as the situation arises. She
reduced those half-joking hugs but made up the loss by pouncing on
sure-kill-opportunities.
Eschewing the tactics of continual advances, instead turning to calculating
moments of assured victory to attack critical weak points. Just like at this
moment, the strategy of cornering Godou with no avenue of escape.
"Kusanagi Godou, are you fine! Sorry, I am late."
"Godou-san, I hope you were not hurt!?"
Running to the scene were Liliana and Yuri.
The silver-haired girl was holding the slender Hime-Miko in her arms like a
bridal carry.
Most likely, it was because Yuri exhausted herself when the two of them
ran along the corridors and up the stairs. Her physical stamina was clearly
much lower than a normal girl's was.
Godou deduced so, but his inner thoughts became even sadder.
No one had taken any concern for the safety of Takagi.
These girls can be described as kind-hearted and merciful, and yet they
treated him like this. Godou finally understood, if only slightly, the pitiful life
of the classmate lying sprawled over the concrete floor on the roof.
"Since everyone is here, then let's start over. Kusanagi-san, who do you
wish to date tomorrow? Do you want to pick the happy threesome with me
and Yuri, or spend time as a couple with Erica-san?"
In response to the contents of Ena's question, Liliana glared with
dangerous eyes at Erica who was leaning against Godou, while Yuri
nodded sorrowfully.
For some reason, Godou felt like he owed everyone an apology, but he
had no choice but to make a decision.
"Ah, about this... I don't actually want to be alone with Erica, but due to
some complicated circumstances, I have to go out with this fellow here
tomorrow..."
Godou explained in a soft voice that could barely be heard.
Embarrassed and hanging his head, his neck was embraced by the blonde
beauty.
She was smiling like an angel but, to Godou, she was truly the devil.
Part 4
That night, Erica was lying on the bed in her own room relaxing as she
reached for the cellphone.
The first person to contact was Liliana Kranjcar.
"Hello, Lily, can we talk about tomorrow?"
'You deceived my master, and intend to plan shameless lechery for
tomorrow. ...Fine, how do you plan to explain to me?'
Liliana answered most unhappily.
"I don't need to explain anything. For two people in love, a time and place
not to be disturbed by others is necessary, so I would like to make a
suggestion for you."
'Suggestion?'
"Yes, after all, you will insist on being the bodyguard and secretly follow,
but that will tastelessly spoil the mood, so could you not come along? That
is my request."
'T-that I cannot agree. Protecting the safety of Kusanagi Godou is a
necessary measure.'
"There are no safety issues if Godou is with me. If you decline this request
then it's a real shame. Your latest work will be published to the world
through the internet. The whole world will know of Lily's talents."
'My latest work? How do you know of such a thing?'
"What kind of story is it, that novel, eh? Leaving her home in the quaint
French countryside to go traveling, a girl was captured by a handsome
Sicilian mafia boss, and became his maid and lover. Remember to keep
that piece of dialogue: 'I will make you unable to live without my body from
now on...'"
'Ooh, stop! No more, please!'
"Lily you sure are daring, even I felt embarrassed just by reading it.
Because of that, I still haven't finished the whole thing. Right, let me read
to the end tonight."
'Please do not continue reading it! I will stay home tomorrow and not go
out, is that fine?!'
Liliana roared as if she was about to cry.
'You devil! How on earth do you do it, always knowing my secrets!?'
"No comment. Trade secrets."
Erica answered casually. Apparently, Liliana also suspected a traitor in her
midst and had put more thought into both the location and the means to
conceal her creative notebook. However, Karen has stayed a step ahead
of her, successfully sending copies every time.
Ending that conversation, Erica called Yuri next.
'Hello, I am Mariya. Erica-san, how do you do?'
"Are you free right now? About tomorrow, have you and Ena considered
following me and Godou tomorrow?"
The kind-hearted Hime-Miko did not know how to lie.
Certain in this belief, Erica asked directly. However, Yuri's response was
rather emotional.
'I-I will definitely not do something so despicable!'
"Then let's not talk about Yuri, but it is possible that Ena-san will follow us."
'No, I do not think that Ena-san will consider such details.'
"So in conclusion, she does not rely on wits, but is someone who acts on
impulse and instinct."
Normally, such a mindless opponent would not be worth fretting over, but
when rare people possess such wild beast-like instincts, they prove to be
formidable foes impossible to predict with common sense.
Regrettably, Seishuuin Ena was one of them.
'By the way... Erica-san.'
"What is it? Relax, I know you're bound by many restrictions, Yuri, so I
approve of your presence by Godou's side and I won't cast you out due to
that kind of girl's arrival. Like your feelings for Godou, at the appropriate
time, I will help you and Godou get together."
Yuri was the girl who possessed the miko disposition that she lacked, as
well as an extraordinary level of spirit vision.
To Erica, Yuri was the best supporting candidate she found in Japan.
Liliana once bragged that she could apply herself to all sorts of situations,
but the partnership of Erica and Yuri greatly surpassed her in overall
ability.
In order to oppose the versatile blue knight, it was necessary to avoid
distancing Yuri.
Since other than her precious abilities, this miko had other qualities that did
not lose to Lily.
"I, Erica Blandelli, will never abandon those I have taken care of. If you
believe in me, I will be very happy."
'I-I know I make things hard for Erica-san sometimes, but I feel that
Erica-san is someone who can be trusted.'
Yuri was exceptionally adorable when she acted shy yet honest.
'However, Ena-san has been my important friend all these years... I hope
that you two can get along better.'
"I don't plan on escalating things, but everything started with her."
'I am sorry... From a long time ago, that person has always loved playing
practical jokes...'
"It's fine, so long as Ena-san shows a friendly attitude. I don't want to be in
conflict with her either."
'Thank you, then we have chatted for quite a while. It is almost time to
hang up... Ah, finally may I make a suggestion?'
"Please."
'Umm... though Erica-san said earlier you will help resolve the
awkwardness between Godou-san and I, but you do not need to worry too
much about that. Because if it is really necessary, I will work hard to find a
solution myself!'
Yuri went silent after saying those words, perhaps due to embarrassment,
she must have been trembling all over on the other side of the line.
Imagining her state, Erica smiled, though this miko was sometimes a bit
nagging, her nature was very kind, and she did things with great
consideration. When acting together, she will most likely defer the role of
leadership.
And she loves Godou very much, so she will never betray him.
As an ally for the rest of their lives, her character is flawless.
Though from our respective standpoints we will be competing for Kusanagi
Godou's love, it will be fine as long as I secure victory in a direct
confrontation. Truly, it would be best to let Godou marry Yuri as a
concubine after me.
They will be the first and second wives, guarding over Godou by his side,
and no other woman will be allowed to gain an opening. Occasional flirting
is fine, but he definitely cannot be allowed to get serious with outside
women.
However, if it were women like Liliana with outstanding talent, exceptions
could be made.
But the first requirement is that they accept Erica's superior position.
"I see, then let's do as you wish, I will cheer for you."
Erica hung up the phone.
Then, tomorrow will be the first date with Godou. She will try to let Godou
decide their destination and the details of the activities; how will things end
up? With great anticipation, Erica went to bed early—a rare decision
indeed.