Part 1
The Batanes Islands were located in the northernmost part of the
Philippines.
Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea, they were
actually closer to Taiwan than the main territory of the Philippines. The
Batanes were a group of islands where the majority of income was brought
by the export of agriculture and fishing.
In this cluster of islands, the northernmost island of Yami was uninhabited.
But currently, there was a child standing on a beach on that island.
She was clearly not Japanese, but a young and beautiful Caucasian girl
aged roughly twelve or thirteen.
The elegant curving curls of her blonde hair, adorned the extremely proper
and beautiful face.
It was like a classic doll crafted as a supreme doll maker's masterpiece of
a lifetime.
If that was an adequate description, the beauty of late childhood suited her
quite well in tandem with the seductiveness of the black formal dress she
was wearing.
"Welcome, Your Eminence. I, Guinevere, pay my sincere respects."
The beautiful young girl suddenly knelt on the beach, murmuring to herself.
There was no one in the direction she bowed her head towards, only the
vast ocean connected to the Pacific.
However, a voice could be heard in response.
"Divine Ancestor, please dispense with the formalities. Let's skip the boring
manners and get to the point."
[1]A beautiful voice that reminded one of the yueqin instrument, this voice
came from amongst the waves.
Nearby the seawater gathered together gradually, forming the figure of a
woman.
[2]"The content of the report you sent to the Mount Lu convent was enough
to pique my curiosity. So I command you, if you wish to hand over the
dying [Heretic Snake] to me, better be quick, everything starts here."
The growl of the lion and the roar of the tiger. This beautiful voice carried
the same majesty as the kings of the beasts.
The seawater had now shaped itself into a transcendent beauty.
With a face as proper as precious jade, a standing posture akin to mimosa,
and braided black hair that rivaled silk, she appeared to be seventeen or
eighteen in age.
[3]Clad in female Han Chinese clothing , this was the figure of the girl
standing calmly amongst the waves.
"Understood, Your Eminence -- come, Asherah."
The girl named Guinevere lightly called to the sea.
Beyond the girl referred to as "Your Eminence," the sea responded.
Wash... Wash... The waves bobbed up and down. After a few minutes, a
third female appeared.
The waves carried her body, lifting her onto the beach of Yami Island.
She turned out to be the witch called Divine Ancestor Asherah at Los
Angeles.
Covered with wounds, there were numerous red and black wounds all over
the immature body.
In her current state, Asherah could only pant facing the sky while the
waves broke over her.
The ferocious appearance of the evil witch was no longer. Completely worn
down and drained by the icy coldness of the seawater, her face was like a
dead person's.
"...I see, this is definitely the kin of the divine ancestor. Furthermore, the
divine power hanging around her body... the seal of the dragon snake has
been broken."
"Yes, in order to fight Your Eminence's peer -- John Pluto Smith-sama,
there was no other choice."
Guinevere answered respectfully to the beauty looking down at the dying
witch.
"Such a name exists amongst the ones who share the name of [King] with
me?"
"Yes, the [King] who arose in the New World, Your Eminence Luo Hao."
[4]Family name of Luo, given name of Cuilian, style name of Hao. This was
the name of the beauty.
Hearing Guinevere's explanation, Luo Hao only nodded.
It had been two hundred years since she usurped divine authority. During
this time, she did not investigate any of her newborn peers, nor did she
have any interest in doing so. At most, she might remember their name.
Luo Cuilian was the one and only person in the universe, one who had
reached the pinnacle of martial power, having attained the level of seeking
defeat but never finding it.
Unconcerned with displaying her splendor to others, such trivial matters
completely failed to cross her mind.
"These appear to be burns from the fires of purgatory. From the looks of it,
that John whatever shouldn't have committed the stupid mistake of failing
to give her a finishing blow. Truly a feat for this girl to survive till now. Did
you play a hand in this?"
Carefully examining Asherah's body, Luo Hao questioned Guinevere.
The scorched and burned body of the snake demon. Carved upon the
body of the witch were red, black and pus-filled wounds of indiscernible
nature. To be able to deduce what transpired during the fight simply from
these clues -- such were the extraordinary levels of Luo Hao's observation.
"Precisely, she should have become a carcass a long time ago, returning
to the motherly embrace of this vast ocean, and begun a new journey
through the cycle of reincarnation... But I shared a little of my life with her."
Guinevere maintained her posture of prostration as she replied.
Never making eye contact with Luo Hao, it was the required etiquette for
receiving a supreme queen.
"As long as Asherah is kept alive, then that hero, who is your destined
rival, will surely awaken."
"Are you offering your kin to me? Very well, speak your wish."
The solemn and beautiful eyes turned to the young beauty.
"I, Luo Hao, am not one of those fools who forget the meaning of
shamelessness. I shall never be parsimonious with the rewards for those
who have earned merit or offered things of value. Let me bestow the
reward of your choosing."
Never suspecting the treachery of those who made offerings, nor wary of
ulterior ambitions or motives, because those were actions beneath a king's
stature.
If there was a trap, smash it with the fist. If there was a conspiracy, sever it
with the sword. If there was a rebellion, crush it with royal majesty.
These were kingly ways of the one at the pinnacle of martial power.
Precisely due to this self-confidence, such an edict was naturally decreed.
"--None, I have no wish to ask anything of you."
Towards Guinevere's response, Luo Hao frowned with displeasure.
But after hearing her following response, the oriental devil king's lips lifted.
"If that hero of [Steel] revives, then the great one will surely seek Your
Eminence for a duel. If the great hero wins, the new event I wish for will
occur."
Watching the young girl speak, the corners of the transcendent beauty's
lips rose slightly, for that was how she smiled.
"If it turns out to be the victory of Your Eminence, that proves the hero is
not the one I await. No matter which outcome, neither is disagreeable for
me."
"In the struggle between me and that one, you will benefit regardless -- that
is what you are implying."
Cult Leader Luo Hao smiled beautifully.
"Fine, you do not seek a direct reward from me, but plan on profiting by
using me... Your courage is commendable. I, Luo Cuilian, appreciate this
kind of reply."
"Your Eminence is too kind."
Guinevere was prostrating herself respectfully without any sense of
servility. Luo Hao gave her a casual glance then spoke in acute tones:
"Divine Ancestor Guinevere. Now, go transport Asherah to Japan and I
shall send my subordinates over there. Make sure they complete all
preparations before my arrival."
"Your subordinates... In other words, someone from the Holy Cult will be
accompanying Asherah?"
The Holy Cult of the Five Mountains that worshiped their leader Luo Hao
as their idol, was called the demonic cult by European magi. Roughly thirty
[5]percent of all heroes trained in Chinese martial arts and practitioners of
[6]
Daoist arts were members of this cult, and swore absolute allegiance to
the Cult Leader.
"Yes, whether this girl will be usable after all... That is also a huge
question."
"Having broken the seal of the dragon snake, you won't last for long.
Estimating from now -- probably a month or so... Asherah, are you willing
to accept this?"
Asherah got up slowly in order to respond to Luo Hao's questioning.
Slowly raising her upper torso, she showed a happy smile. This evil smile
gave off the same feeling as the vicious countenance she bore back in Los
Angeles.
"So be it, have this divine ancestor transported to Japan, and use her as
the sacrifice. My fated rival must be revived."
[7]It was the California Current that had brought Asherah over from Los
Angeles. After leaving it and entering the South China Sea, the Kuroshio
[8] [9]Current would carry her to the Bousou Peninsula of Japan.
Once Guinevere accepted the royal edict, Luo Hao's figure immediately
dissolved in the seawater.
The actual residence of the beautiful cult leader, was located at Mount Lu
in the Chinese province of Jiangxi.
She lived in a little convent deep in the mountains. She never left this place
unless there were important matters to attend personally. All the dialogues
undertaken with the witch so far, were undertaken through Luo Hao's
doppelgängers sent over locally.
Practitioners of Daoist arts were called Daoist priests. A female practitioner
was commonly called a Daoist priestess.
Luo Cuilian was the world's premier unmatched martial artist, and at the
same time, a Daoist priestess. Amongst the seven Campiones, she was a
complete demon that rivaled Marquis Voban of Eastern Europe.
This scene that just unfolded, laid the foundations for the eventual
encounter between the great Demonic Cult Leader and Kusanagi Godou.
Part 2
[10]The origins of the Witenagemot could be described as a gathering of
meddlesome busybodies.
People deeply involved in magic like magi, occultists, fairy doctors and
others.
Or those who were just short of being experts, such as ordinary scholars,
marketplace researchers, Catholic priests, Protestant preachers, monks,
Shinto priests, artists, capitalists, nobles, royalty, imperial families --
Gathering together for the exchange of information, this organization was
created by those with ambition and desire, as well as the wealth to support
their will. As wisdom accumulated in this organization, its influence
expanded, and it established its headquarters at Greenwich in London.
This was the modern Witenagemot.
The chief organization to promote and support occult studies and the
research of magic.
As well as the organization for gathering intelligence on gods and
Campiones, so as to respond as quickly as possible to the disasters
brought by their descent.
Hampstead was the prestigious high class residential area in London.
In a corner of Hampstead was a mansion with an appearance like an
ancient castle. Having wide open gardens, a four-story building, as well as
four towers... Such was its grandeur.
Concentrated in this area were many other similarly grand looking
mansions, so this particular one didn't stand out very much. However, the
master of this house was a single lady. All other residents were her
servants... That particular point was rather unusual.
The daughter of Duke Goddodin, Alice Louise of Navarre.
Popularly known as Princess Alice, she was the former spokesperson of
the Witenagemot, and now a special consultant.
This was the title of the mansion's owner, who was now happily admiring
the scenery in the garden under the sun, a scarf around her shoulders as
she sat on the reclining chair.
The twenty-four-year-old daughter of the duke had many outstanding
qualities.
If one were to start with her appearance, she possessed brilliant blonde
hair the color of platinum, beauty that had been praised since childhood,
an outstanding figure and much more, but she was currently using one of
her internal talents.
She concentrated her mind, extending sensory tendrils.
Beginning first with her immediate surroundings, then covering the entire
house, finally extending outwards --
It was just as her dream foretold last night. Alice spoke to the maid beside
her:
"Could you brew me some tea? No, don't bother with mine, just bring it
over when the guest arrives, it's just for him."
"U-Understood, Princess."
Princess Alice rarely ate outside. The new maid, who had yet to learn of
her habits, could only follow her strange orders with puzzlement as she
took out the teaware.
Before she was ready, the guest arrived.
"It's been a while, Alexandre, tea is being prepared for you. Please wait a
moment."
The uninvited guest was her confidant she had known for ten years.
Towards the young man strolling casually along the garden path, Alice
called to him as if playing a practical joke.
"No, not necessary. I'm not thirsty at all. I don't think you are planning on
having tea either, so spare the hassle."
The approaching youth answered coldly.
His elegant features were stuck on a poker face, and lacking in affability.
However, he did not seem to be in particularly bad mood, for this was his
usual expression. Lacking in friendliness, but instilled with an air of intellect
and strong will.
Black hair and pale white complexion. Very tall with a solidly built body.
Wearing a grey jacket, the description of noble gentleman was very apt.
To avoid their conversation from being overheard, Alice dismissed her
maids.
"No one is around, right? Confirm it with that voyeur ability of yours."
"What a way to describe things, totally lacking in elegance. Please adhere
to our convention of calling it psychic sensing, though talking to you about
the importance of lingual aesthetics would be like casting pearls before
swine."
Eliminating all unnecessary thoughts, and focusing her attention to explore
the presence, emotions, and even the thoughts of others. Then interacting
with the root of consciousness -- the ectoplasm and the soul, to skillfully
and flexibly manipulate it, this was the technique of psychic sensing.
The unique talent of Princess Alice, was known to everyone in the
organization.
Only an extremely rare number of miko or witches had this ability, a very
exotic variant of spirit power. But against someone with absolute
resistance against magic and spirit powers like him, his mind could not be
read. Simply sensing his terrifying demonic presence was extremely
exhausting.
"Hmph, you are always doing unspeakable things in the dark, for you to be
that concerned with superficial matters, what a crafty female fox."
"How dare you, true to your recidivist trespassing tendencies, to use such
a crude description on a lady, the title of prince must be weeping."
The first time they met was twelve years ago, when Alice was twelve and
he was sixteen.
From that moment on, the two often quarreled in this manner.
Though they were now adults, Alexandre's poker face was exactly the
same as before, completely unconcerned with how others viewed him, and
never changing his habit of intruding into the homes of young ladies by
force.
"Then could you not use this kind of substitute body?"
Suddenly glared at by him, Alice shifted her gaze and pretended not to
hear.
"To be called a princess, how could you receive your subjects with a fake?
Whether the other party is a friend or a subject, if you don't show your true
self to those loyal to you, how could you call yourself a member of royalty
or nobility?"
Spark spark. Blue-white sparks jumped out from around Alexandre.
Completely covered with lightning, he entered the world of god speed
faster than anyone else, for this was his authority. The magical power of
the speeding star named [Black Lightning] by Alice and the Witenagemot.
Alexandre disappeared before the eyes of the one he called a substitute
body.
After activating this authority, his location was very difficult to pinpoint,
even for Princess Alice who possessed supernatural vision.
Alexandre Gascoigne, the one whose nickname was more infamous than
his real name.
The black nobleman who usurped the authority of divine speed from
[11]Ramiel , the fallen angel ruling over visions and thunder.
His home country was the stronghold of the Witenagemot, which took
precautions against all Campiones including himself. A man who enjoyed
watching their fear of him, he was the one responsible for the hushed up
attack incident of the British Library, as well as various conflicts during the
nineteen nineties when the European magi community was in turmoil over
a magical grail.
He was the Black Prince Alec.
The eternal rival of the [White Miko-Hime] Princess Alice revered by the
Witenagemot.
"Your body is the same as always, riddled all over with illness."
In the bedroom on the fourth floor of the mansion that was strictly off limits
to all but a few select servants, Princess Alice was lying on the luxurious
bed in her lady-like night gown.
The Black Prince casually strolled through the entrance into this sacred
domain.
"Your lack of tact is the one thing that has never changed, would you like
to take some lessons in social etiquette from me?"
Alice responded in elegant tones, but she was using a mouth conjured
using ectoplasm near her pillow to speak. Her actual body was still lying
asleep on the bed in her night gown.
"Could you not enter a lady's chambers so readily every single time?"
"If you don't like it, put up more guards. I don't care."
Alec answered her reproach with disinterest.
In actual fact, Alice had no real intention of preventing his entry. If she had
such a wish, she would have set up appropriate measures beforehand.
After all, Black Prince Alec was the political enemy of the Witenagemot no
matter what.
Opposing him with power was destined to end in failure no matter how
events unfolded.
As a Campione, Alec could destroy the Witenagemot by himself if he
wanted to.
Which was why he was allowed to associate with whoever he liked without
any interference. Opposing the Black Prince required a multilateral
approach of political machinations, strategy and negotiations, as well as
military force and economic measures. This was the precious wisdom
acquired by Alice over the long term struggle against him.
"Fine, today I welcome you, Alexandre."
Alice dispelled the ectoplasm replicating her appearance.
Now only the true Princess Alice remained, lying on the bed. Opening her
eyes, she slowly got up, but her weak and frail body was not as easy to
control as ectoplasm.
Simply moving the light down blanket felt very arduous, and Alec suddenly
drew near her.
Supporting her shoulder, he placed a cushion behind her back.
"Thank you. In my ten years here, I am particularly touched to witness for
the first time the soul of a gentleman dwelling in the Black Prince."
"Hmph, this is just basic respect for the rare occasion when you use your
real body to speak."
Alec maintained his poker face and immediately left the bedside.
A man who could never go all the way. Though he was not a good man, he
could never make himself completely impassionate. Even though he came
up with all sorts of schemes, he could never be merciless to the very end.
Always seeking victory and more competitive than anyone, nevertheless
he never gave up on dependents even if they hindered him.
On the other hand, Princess Alice was a deceiver.
For a human, she was the Miko-Hime who possessed the highest levels of
spirit power.
Not only were her psychic sensing and telekinesis exceptional, she also
possessed the disposition for spirit vision and prophesy. She could even
converse with gods on occasion, but this ability eroded her body, making
her extremely frail. A brief trip completely exhausts her, and would throw
her bodily condition off balance.
Thus in order to make public appearances, Alice always used
doppelgängers created from ectoplasm.
By controlling the doppelgänger, she could interact with the surroundings
like a normal healthy person. Usually, ectoplasm cannot make contact with
ordinary matter, but by combining it with telekinesis, Alice could maintain
the illusion of moving like a real person. But no matter how amazing the
deception, she could not pretend to eat or drink.
Very few outsiders knew this secret, probably the only ones were her rival
Alec and Paolo Blandelli from the Copper Black Cross who became her
ally in the conflict twelve years ago.
--A half-assed villain, and the woman who habitually deceived others with
her appearance.
Impossible to describe, perhaps they were a pair very well suited to each
other. Alice smiled wryly.
"What's so funny? Still, I already knew a long time ago, you're a very
strange one in your personality and the way you think..."
"You're the one with a problem, what weird judgmental eyes... Let's cut the
chitchat and get to the topic, Alexandre, what is your purpose in coming
here today?"
Since her body could not sustain a dialogue for long, Alice went straight to
the point.
"Having left Britanny, the divine ancestor's departure has been confirmed."
Knowing Alice's condition, Alec immediately brought up the heart of the
matter. Having fought against each other many times, through strategy,
negotiations and even allying on occasion. Compared to subordinates who
were not in the know, they understood each other much better.
"Guinevere? What is the reason for her departure?"
"Who knows. But it looks like she recently came into contact with the
China's Freakishly Strong Girl. Or perhaps, she had caught the eye of that
Advocate of Ultimate Brute Force, and they are planning something
together."
"Guinevere has approached Cult Leader Luo Hao..."
First of all, Alice recalled the woman described by the ungentlemanly
character.
Possessing the full set of the five Confucian virtues of benevolence,
righteousness, propriety, knowledge and integrity, she was a great figure
who carried herself with royal splendor. However, she believed her valor to
be the greatest in the world, and compared to the lives of five billion
humans, she placed greater value on the Earth. Simply put, she had
delusions on the level of middle school students.
A monster who always brought trouble to her surroundings despite the best
of intentions, one like no other.
As for Guinevere, she was the descendant of a snake deity, a witch
transcending human knowledge, and a common enemy of both the
Witenagemot and the association led by Alec, Royal Arsenal.
"No disaster would be too great for them to bring forth. Those two are
definitely the worst combination."
"Yes, one of them is a monster whose reputation alone is enough to bring
the world to ruin. For the poisonous snake to deliberately approach her... I
can very well imagine the result."
"Yes, Alexandre, why have you informed me of such news?"
Why did you tell me? Though Alice already knew what Alec was thinking,
she customarily asked him in joking tones.
The Black Prince laughed 'hoho' and eliminated the need to answer. The
two knew exactly what each other was thinking.
A missing divine ancestor and the demonic cult leader who was the most
vicious Campione. The one most suited to tracking those two would be
you. The one who could freely make use of the informant network of the
Witenagemot, and the one possessing the best spirit vision and psychic
sensing, Princess Alice.
"This time, our interests should be aligned."
"Yes, even if we were to share information, it should not produce a
troublesome outcome."
Appearing simultaneously on their faces was a smile that could not be
described as benevolent.
If the Campione conspiring with the divine ancestor witch was to go out of
control, it would be an emergency that the Witenagemot could not ignore,
and must prevent at all cost.
The Witenagemot which was essentially just a think tank, did not possess
the power to stop them.
Should they invite other Campiones for assistance? Amongst the devil
kings living in Europe, there were Marquis Voban and the King of Swords,
Salvatore Doni. But the two were rather unpredictable and equivalent to
ticking time bombs.
Under the current conditions, Alice picked the third option.
As long as their interests were aligned, Black Prince Alec was definitely the
most trustworthy devil king.
"Then I have finished what I came to say, pardon my intrusion."
"Forgive me for not seeing you off personally, Black Prince."
Having confirmed each other's intentions, there was no further need for
discussion. Alec transformed into sparks and entered the world of god
speed once again.
After the Black Prince vanished, Alice sighed deeply, greatly exhausted by
the ordeal of speaking with her real body.
Part 3
One of the most popular uses of a cellphone for high school students, was
sending text messages to communicate with friends.
But amongst the people close to Godou, none of them made effective use
of this function.
Take Erica Blandelli for example, who preferred to chat directly over the
phone rather than texting. On the other hand, Liliana Kranjcar loved to
write letters. The day she arrived in Japan, she proposed to Godou "from
now on I can send you regular reports by letter three... no, six times daily...
may I...?" But Godou cautiously refused.
As for Mariya Yuri, she probably didn't even know how to send a text.
When she first began to use a cellphone, Godou had taught her briefly how
to use it, but so far, he had never received a single text message under her
name. If that's the case, what was going on with this current text message?
Titled 'Can we meet tomorrow?' The sender was 'Mariya Yuri.'
It was already late autumn in the earlier half of October, on a Saturday
night.
Resting at home, Godou received the following text message on his
cellphone.
'If you are free, could you meet me tomorrow? If possible, let us meet at
the school gates at noon tomorrow, please.'
That was the content of the text message. Godou pondered in puzzlement.
Why would Yuri send a text like this to me? Wanting to ask her directly,
Godou dialed her number.
No answer... With no other choice, he replied to her by text messaging.
After a few tens of minutes, he received a brief reply saying 'Thanks. See
you tomorrow.'
"That fellow Mariya, what could she be thinking?"
Completely without a clue. Come to think of it, meeting a girl on Sunday
was basically like a date -- no, no, just as this thought entered his mind,
Godou shook his head intensely to dispel the notion.
The next day on Sunday, Godou left his house at eleven in the morning.
It only took fifteen minutes to reach Jounan Academy on foot. The reason
why Godou set off early was because he had nothing to do and wanted to
take a stroll nearby before heading over to the meeting place.
However, this decision brought unexpected encounters.
"Ah, it's Godou, you're just leaving?"
Just as he stepped into Hongou Street, he was surprised to hear his name
being called.
The forceful yet beautifully comforting voice belonged to Erica Blandelli.
Turning his gaze towards the direction of the voice, Godou found Erica
riding a red-framed bicycle.
"What happened to you...? To have gotten up this early!?"
For Godou, the current time was not early at all, but it was different for
Erica.
On weekends, she never got up from bed until noon had passed. That was
her habit. But the one standing before Godou right now, was the girl from
Milan.
"There's some anti-noise construction going on next to the apartment, and
it was too loud to sleep, so I decided to go out."
Godou nodded at Erica's explanation. If one had to disrupt the habits of the
[Diavolo Rosso], extreme measures were the only way.
"However, thanks to that, I was able to meet Godou here. Based on this
outcome, it's not bad at all, if you are free... No, even if you're not you have
to accompany me, for that is the required duty of Erica Blandelli's partner."
Erica suddenly made her declaration.
Today she was wearing a red sweater with black jeans, a very casual
outfit. In spite of that, she still gave off the airs of a sporty high class lady,
which was on the level of cheating. When Erica wore jeans, it made her
legs look very long and slender. This one aspect alone made her stood out
from most Japanese women.
"Don't say something difficult like that. Just as you observed, I am in the
middle of going out."
He was just going to praise her for the rare achievement of getting up
early... But true to form, she brought out her troublemaking skills, so of
course Godou could not let her have her way so easily.
Just as he was searching for an excuse to placate her.
"Good morning, Kusanagi Godou, it is too fortunate to find you here...
Perfect, if not for the regrettable extra person here. Good morning, Erica."
Another voice was heard.
The first half of the greeting was spoken with the awe-inspiring expression
of a female knight, but the latter half had tones like meeting an annoying
old friend. The owner of the voice was Liliana Kranjcar.
Her long silver hair tied in a ponytail, it was the girl who resembled a fairy.
"Actually I made too much cake yesterday, and was going to bring some to
your house."
Liliana showed the basket to Godou. Today she was wearing a black
long-sleeved t-shirt with a blue jacket, as well as a miniskirt and over-knee
socks.
As a side note, Erica's choice of red and black, as well as Liliana's
combination of blue and black, were the representative colors of the
respective magic associations they belonged to.
"To go so far as a cake, you take things too seriously... Lily, I give up on
you."
Erica stole a glance at the basket carried by the blue and black female
knight.
Compared to the time when she suddenly intruded into the Kusanagi home
to cook for him, Liliana was much calmer and in control nowadays, and
would never do anything so sudden and awkward.
However, she continued to regularly present Godou with the fruits of her
labor and well wishes, just like today.
"Making a pound cake on a weekend afternoon is nothing... Erica, are you
thinking of stealing and eating it right now!?"
"It doesn't have to be right now, but today's weather is great, so it would be
nice to have a picnic in the park with this."
While Liliana guarded the basket in her hand, the girl known as the devil
laughed.
"If you're going to offer me the food, I shall allow you to share it in our
company."
"Why do you have to act like you are in a superior position? Have a little
pertinence."
"Ah, I'm not saying you are getting in our way, it's because I approve of
Lily's cooking skills that I made a concession, oh? Unless you don't want to
come with us? A picnic with Godou?"
"Uh... That..."
The red knight's speech left the blue knight at a loss for words.
As Godou watched this frequently repeated scene unfold, he interrupted to
refuse them.
"Ah, I'm sorry, I was on my way out."
From the red and blue knights came an intense gaze.
"The cake you brought, I will eat it later... W-What's with you two, why are
you staring at me so strangely?"
The red knight looked as if she had found something interesting, while the
blue knight seemed deep in thought. Their gazes made Godou frantic.
"Hmph hmph... Trying to put me and Lily aside, Godou, where do you think
you're going?"
Erica smiled with a seductive expression. This was the witch's expression
that took joy in the misfortunes of others.
"Your reason for going out, must be related to a female friend, right? Am I
correct?"
Upon Liliana's fairy-like features, there was a sudden expression of
darkness. It was a complicated expression encompassing doubt, worry and
unease. Come to think of it, she had been wearing such an expression
quite often lately.
"To have the gall to plan a date on a weekend, I am truly surprised. If only
you were this capable with respect to me."
"To be meticulously prepared only in these situations... You really are
something."
Reproached by the girls, this was merely blind baseless speculation.
That's what it should have been, but unfortunately they guessed correctly
this time.
Godou was about to curse his pitiful luck when he suddenly had an idea.
Wait a minute, I already agreed with Yuri beforehand, what is there to
hide? Just come clean with it openly.
"You two, stop speculating rubbish over there. Yes, you are correct that I
am meeting a girl, but that's nothing out of the ordinary. You two should
behave, and stop talking like I'm some sort of playboy."
Puffing his chest out and holding his head high, Godou reminded himself
honesty was the most important thing.
"I am meeting Yuri later, see, there's nothing strange."
"Yes yes, not strange at all. So let me ask you, the one who asked to meet
up, was it you or Yuri?"
Allowing Godou to begin explaining, Erica then posed a question.
Her eyes were laughing, it was the same kind of joyful smile like a predator
chasing its prey.
"Hmph, clearly it's Yuri. But that girl will definitely not take initiative on her
own like that... There must be someone secretly advising her."
Godou was rendered speechless instantly. To be described that way.
Though he wanted to defend his honor, he felt like he would be digging his
own grave. So Godou quickly said:
"S-So, I already agreed with her on the time, I have to go now."
"Sounds very interesting, then I will come as well. It should be fine, right?
Me, Lily and Yuri are all the same, we are all your close friends."
Erica spoke as if playing a joke on Godou, while Liliana looked as if she
had thought of something.
"...Then I will accompany as your knight. This is to verify there is nothing
indecent going on between you and Mariya Yuri. Is that fine?"
She took the opportunity to follow as well, Godou felt it was unbelievable
and sighed.
When Liliana first came to Japan, she often acted out of control. It has
already been a month since, and Godou just realized that she had
improved a lot.
Many problematic actions have been reduced substantially. Even from an
objective point of view, one would conclude she had become more
composed.
On the other hand, she seemed to have become unexpectedly quiet,
always calmly and silently thinking about something.
It gave the impression that she was gathering all sorts of information and
performing some kind of analysis.
Anyway there was no time to ponder all this, as Erica and Liliana chose to
act in unison, so Godou walked with them to Jounan Academy. Somehow
he felt like he was being cornered into a dead end, and it felt rather surreal.
Walking roughly fifteen minutes on Hongou Street, they reached the front
gates of Private Jounan Academy.
Godou stole a glance and surveyed the surroundings but did not find Yuri.
There were still five minutes until the appointed time of noon. For someone
strictly disciplined like Yuri, she should have arrived early.
"Onii-sama, greetings for the first time, I have waited so long to meet you."
Someone started a conversation, but Godou did not hear Yuri's familiar
voice.
Looking to his side, he found a proper-looking young girl standing there,
dressed in a yellow top with a checkered skirt, her black hair cut slightly
above shoulder length.
Godou searched his memories, could he have seen this girl before?
And what did she say just now? Onii-sama?
Immediately, he thought to himself -- which parent's illegitimate child could
it be? The girl before him was around twelve or so. In his memory, he had
never witnessed his mother being pregnant for the past twelve or thirteen
years. Even though she was described as having a natural vocation of
being a devil, she could not possibly have concealed pregnancy and birth.
Then it must be the father? That middle-aged delinquent!
Ignoring Godou who was stuck in doubt and agitation, the silver-haired
knight asked the girl:
"To my knowledge Kusanagi Godou has only one sister, Shizuka. When
you called him 'Onii-sama' just now, was it just a greeting for an older
male? Or perhaps, you are an illegitimate child of the Kusanagi family?"
"Ah, neither, sorry, I said something misleading."
Liliana's direct interrogation made the young girl bow her head.
Then who was this girl? At that moment, Erica nodded her head.
"Ah, I see, it turns out to be something like that. So that's what I found so
similar."
"You already figured it out? Ah, you must be Erica-san, right? The one who
defeated Ena-neesama and reputed to be a powerful and intelligent
beauty, you really are as they say!"
The unidentified girl was praising the [Diavolo Rosso].
From her gaze she was really praising sincerely. Her facial expressions
and actions were very cute, and there was a very pure innocence
completely devoid of shameless pandering.
Who did this girl resemble? And she even knew Seishuuin Ena?
"Hikari! What are you planning on doing there!?"
This time came a familiar voice as Mariya Yuri approached.
Not very athletic, she was engaged in the rare act of running.
"Onee-chan, your sixth sense sure works wonders, you immediately
discovered my trick."
"Onee-chan... And trick?"
Hearing Godou's doubt, the young girl smiled shyly.
"Yes, I am Mariya Hikari -- Yuri's younger sister. Actually, the one who
called Onii-sama out today is me. I'm sorry, I tricked you!"
The young girl bowed sincerely in apology.
This was the first encounter between Kusanagi Godou and the Hime-Miko
Mariya Hikari.
Part 4
There existed people who always kept their cellphone by their side, and
those who don't.
Mariya Yuri basically belonged to the latter category. She usually kept her
cellphone in her bedroom, and never touched it unless it rang, often
forgetting to take it with her when going out.
For someone technologically illiterate like Yuri, she would never play
around or use her cellphone for no reason.
"Yesterday, while Onee-chan was out of the room, I went and sent that text
message."
Mariya Hikari confessed with honesty.
They had now shifted their location to a park near the school, gathered
around her bench while she explained. With a lineup comprising Godou,
Erica, Liliana and the sisters Yuri and Hikari, it was truly quite a scene.
"Ever since I heard about Onii-sama from Ena-neesama, I've always
wanted to meet you. Yesterday I finally made my decision, but I'm sorry I
used a deceptive method."
"It's okay, but can you tell me something?"
Godou posed a question to the friendly, outgoing and innocent Mariya
Hikari.
"Why do you keep calling me Onii-sama?"
"If you are the [Husband] of Onee-chan and Ena-neesama, then you are
'Onii-sama' to me... Or is it better for me to call you 'Your Majesty'?"
"No, just call me something normal, like 'Kusanagi-san' is fine!"
It was that meaning after all.
Hikari shook her head at Godou's suggestion.
"That's no good, you are the husband of my older sisters, how could I
address you so impersonally, that's rude, please let me call you
'Onii-sama.'"
The reasons leading to such an outrageous conclusion, were delivered
with a flawlessly pure smile.
Hearing Ena's name and the way of addressing royalty, Kusanagi Godou
knew that she was very informed about him.
Sitting next to such a younger sister, Yuri timidly said:
"My apologies, Godou-san... Last night I felt a kind of unstable
atmosphere, but never expected Hikari to do something so senseless, it is
the fault of my inadequate supervision."
She bowed apologetically many times.
Yuri was wearing a cherry-colored woolen sweater with a long dress, and
looked as stylish as a daughter of an aristocratic family. Due to her
outstanding spirit vision, she was able to notice her sister's plans.
"It sounds quite embarrassing, but Hikari has a much greater gift with
words than me, and a much bolder personality. Even when I questioned
her, she would change the subject. That is why I followed from behind
when she left the house, hoping to catch her at the scene of the crime."
"Yes~ But when Onee-chan gets really mad, I have no way of resisting..."
Beside the embarrassed older sister, the younger one protested.
Watching the Mariya sisters, Erica spoke with feeling.
"The corners of the eyes are very alike, which is why I wondered if she was
Yuri's sister... But their personalities are quite different, and she reminds
me of Seishuuin Ena."
"Ah, I'm great friends with Ena-neesama! We get along very well!"
"Could Hikari be a Hime-Miko too?"
This was Liliana's question, and Hikari nodded her head vigorously.
"Yes, that's correct... Well, I'm just an apprentice currently."
Afterwards, having bought coffee and tea from the park vending machine,
they all sat down on the bench to eat Liliana's homemade pound cake.
"I am truly sorry, though she often acts out of line, Hikari is actually a very
obedient child. She probably thought nothing major would happen... Which
is why she did this..."
Holding the bottle of tea, Yuri became more and more timid as she spoke.
Beside her, Hikari was happily eating the cake filled with fruit. The second
daughter of the Mariya family was currently twelve years old, studying sixth
grade in elementary school, and was a fearless little lady.
"No problem. Though I was quite shocked, I'm not mad at all. Don't worry
about it, Mariya."
Godou spoke as he ate the cake.
"By the way, since she is also a Hime-Miko, does she have any interesting
abilities?"
"Actually, that is what I wanted to ask too. To be a Hime-Miko alongside
Seishuuin Ena and Mariya Yuri, she must be very talented in some way?"
Hearing Erica's question, Liliana also expressed her interest.
Godou was reminded at this time, all the girls selected as Hime-Miko could
make use of special spirit powers.
"Ah, that's right, I can use a bit of my powers, but due to being in the
middle of training--"
As Hikari finished her cake and was about to explain, a melody with a
quick rhythm was heard.
Most likely a cellphone ring, Hikari opened her bag and took out her
phone. After seeing the caller display, she showed a troubled expression.
"Yes, I am Mariya... H-Hello, it's been a while. Eh, today? Umm, true, I
don't have anything important..."
She was answering frantically. Making eye contact with Godou at this time,
she suddenly said "Sorry, I'll call you back!" and hung up the phone.
"Umm, Onii-sama, may I ask you for a favor?"
"A favor? What is it?"
Godou looked at Hikari, who seemed very hesitant.
"Onii-sama. Since you are Onee-chan and Ena-neesama's beloved
husband, that is why I am asking you!"
"Wait a minute, there's something quite wrong with this opening!"
"In truth, something has been bothering me lately. When I discussed with
Ena-neesama earlier, she suggested I should ask Onii-sama to help out...!"
Though Godou had requested her to change her way of addressing him,
Hikari completely ignored the devil king. She did look very troubled? Yuri
also seemed to have realized something, and displayed an expression of
disbelief.
"Hikari! Are you really planning on discussing that matter with
Godou-san!?"
"Yes, that's right. The young master of the Kuhoudzuka family called me
just now, asking 'Could we meet later'..."
Looking like she was in a bit of distress, and it seemed like some kind of
shady character had appeared, causing the cheerful girl to feel troubled.
Driven by a sense of heroism, Godou immediately responded.
"As long as it is within my power, I will definitely help you -- but what do
you want me to do?"
Afterwards, Hikari spent several minutes explaining the entire matter.
'What! You want me to play that kind of role?' Godou expressed great
shock, while Yuri apologized profusely.
"S-Sorry, I am really very sorry. Before returning to her ancestral home,
Ena had stayed over at my house and I heard her discussing this with
Hikari, but I never would have thought--"
"To make such a request from the invincible Campione... No, perhaps it
would be a great chance to further his mighty reputation...?"
"Yes, I also think this is an interesting idea, I like it very much."
Liliana was murmuring to herself all serious, while Erica giggled with
laughter.
Thirty minutes later, a black luxury limousine stopped in front of the park.
Getting off from the passenger side beside the driver was a youth roughly
twenty-five years of age. Very manly in appearance, he wore a well-fitted
suit and gave off a very gentle and stylish impression of an accomplished
youth.
"Good, the other party has arrived, is everyone ready?"
Somehow, it ended up with Erica taking command.
When Yuri's sister first appeared, she had been quiet for a while, but now
she participated with great interest.
On the other hand, Godou had a depressed feeling. Clearly there was no
need for him to act out such a farce. However, it was for the sake of
helping Hikari. Surrendering all hope, he sat on the bench despondently.
"Godou, you're no good like this. You need to look a bit more
awe-inspiring, cross your legs, raise your head high and stick out your
chest."
Due to his hunchback posture, Erica gave acting directions.
There was no other choice but to do as she commanded, and then Yuri
had to lean against Godou's right side.
"Yuri's expression is too stiff, yes, if possible, could you act like the
gorgeous lover leaning against the mafia boss, and make some seductive
expressions like a femme fatale?"
"H-How is that possible! I surely cannot!"
Under Erica's direction again, Yuri frantically shook her head. Even so, she
drew nearer to Godou beside her, and created a very intimate atmosphere.
"Lily only has to maintain the usual feeling, after all I can't expect any
acting skills from you. However, please show a cool feeling like a
bodyguard who is also the lover."
"My being Kusanagi Godou's bodyguard is fact, no acting required!"
Answering Erica in harsh tones, Liliana stood to the right of the bench.
Her arms crossed before her chest, her vicious eyes were definitely like a
bodyguard, but let's not mention the lover part.
"Hikari, go over to Godou's side as well. Yes, you have to lean against
Godou's chest, acting like you are being spoilt... Also, show a little feeling
of indulgence."
"L-Like this? Thanks!"
Hikari honestly did as Erica told, and even thanked her.
Right now, with the beautiful young girl leaning tightly against him, Godou
could feel her body warmth, and it made him feel like clutching his head in
his arms. Really, why does this have to happen to me?
And finally, Erica stood behind the bench, embracing Godou from behind.
Her slender arms wrapped around Godou's shoulders, he could feel
something extremely elastic and sizzling hot pressing down upon his head.
Godou swore to himself he will not even try to think what kind of object it
was.
"By the way, Godou, hold Yuri's shoulder tightly to express that 'this is my
woman' kind of feeling, how's that? And then stroke Hikari's head with the
same tender care for a kitten, try it."
"Who is going to do that kind of thing!"
Godou angrily snarled in protest at Erica's outrageous acting directions.
Just as they had readied their roles, the young man wearing a suit
approached. The appointment was set up by a simple message of 'Then I
shall meet you once, come to this park in one hour.'
He seemed to be called Kuhoudzuka, while Godou couldn't recall the
remainder of his name.
Godou knew the families of Sayanomiya and Seishuuin, plus the other two
of Kuhoudzuka and Renjou. All together they were known as the Four
Families.
In the Japanese wizardry world, they were the four prestigious families
dating back to ancient times. This was the young master of the
Kuhoudzuka family, who was said to become the family head someday.
"You must be the young master forcing Mariya Hikari to be with you, is that
correct?"
Erica questioned the youth as she leaned against Godou. Though they
didn't have a vote, the role of negotiation naturally fell to her. Whatever, it
was most important to let the right person play the right part suited to their
talents.
"W-Who are you people? I only came to talk to Hikari-san..."
The Kuhoudzuka gentleman became frantic.
Faced with so many people, it was natural for him to be taken aback. So,
since Erica was in charge of the main negotiations, what should he say?
Godou began to wonder.
"Particularly you, the one in the middle, yeah you there, no matter how
shameless, there should be a limit. To enjoy having so many girls waiting
on you like this... As a Japanese man... No, simply as a human being,
don't you feel any shame! As a fellow man myself, I grieve for you!"
What a mean thing to say.
...No wait, we should be the ones complaining instead.
The Shinto shrine under his management had been lacking a Hime-Miko
for quite a while, so he wanted Hikari to fill in the position. A simple
situation like that would have been completely trivial from Godou's
perspective.
However, after hearing about the location of the shrine, one couldn't help
but object.
Which was why Godou had to take part in this farce. But the other guy's
words were extremely reasonable, perhaps he was a good and serious
person after all? Just as Godou began to worry...
"Ah, this young master, your eyesight seems to be surprisingly poor, oh?"
Erica deliberately jeered at him.
It was right to let her handle negotiations, Godou tried his best to keep
himself calm, and looked down at the guy in a condescending manner. The
results were immediate.
"To have conquered the Hime-Miko from the Mariya family, and served by
blonde and silver-haired girls... Could you be --"
The Kuhoudzuka gentleman's face instantly turned pale. This guy was
really honest.
He probably realized the identity of the [King] surrounded by girls.
...Seeing that kind of response from him, what kind of person does he
actually think I am? Though a little angry, Godou endured it.
"You've finally noticed who this VIP is, right? Aren't you a bit slow?"
"M-My apologies, I am from the Kuhoudzuka family, in charge of watching
[12] [13]over the Divine Monarch at the Saitenguu in Nikkou , and my name
is Mikihiko. To have the opportunity to witness the splendor of Kusanagi
Godou, it is truly a great honor."
Hearing Erica's mockery, the Kuhoudzuka gentleman immediately
switched to a respectful attitude in response.
It sounded like a line from a theatrical performance, Godou felt it was
troublesome, but he had no choice but to speak.
"I heard that your shrine wants to recruit this fellow here?"
Godou placed his hand lightly on Hikari's head.
He referred to her in a flippant way and acted as if he was intimate with the
apprentice Hime-Miko.
Ever since the Edo period, the Kuhoudzuka family had been guarding the
shrine at Nikkou in Tochigi. The position of the Hime-Miko serving the
shrine had been vacant for quite a long period of time, because the post
supposedly had special requirements.
As a matter of fact, there did exist miko with the right suitability.
Mariya Hikari was the one right here.
"Just as you see, this fellow here is just an elementary school student. To
hand her the responsibilities of a miko, and make her leave her home to
travel all the way to Nikkou... Don't you think that is too hasty?"
Starting about a month ago, the youth from Kuhoudzuka had been
frequently calling to recruit her.
He not only sent text messages, but would personally come to persuade
her. Even though Hikari felt troubled and refused, he always came back
and resumed persuading after a while.
However, she didn't have the option of cutting off communications with the
Kuhoudzuka gentleman from one of the Four Families.
Just as Hikari was feeling very troubled, the top Hime-Miko who happened
to be staying at the Mariya household came up with an idea.
'This kind of thing, you can solve it easily by requesting His Majesty! Just
ask him to say, "I won't let you touch the little sister of my woman." All it
takes is a sentence like that, and Mikihiko would have no choice but to give
up on you~'
This was the explanation that Godou heard at the time.
Who is my woman? Though Godou felt like protesting against Seishuuin
Ena, he couldn't ignore a friend's little sister in need, and so he agreed to
putting up the this farce of a performance --
"Yes. What you said is most correct. However, that only applies to ordinary
people. For those deeply involved with the Four Families, not just the
Hime-Miko but also the apprentices of martial arts and wizardry, it is quite
common to leave their homes early in childhood to undertake training --"
"Even so, I believe that respecting the wishes of the person herself should
be the highest priority."
Faced with the very troubled Kuhoudzuka gentleman, Godou tried to
refuse as civilly as possible.
"Hikari also said she needed time to consider, why don't you just give her a
little more time?"
"...Understood. If the [King] says so, then I have no objections."
The mighty name of the Devil King Campione had its effect, and the
Kuhoudzuka gentleman agreed readily.
--Perfect. Godou breathed a sigh of relief. It was fortunate that he was so
polite, for Godou was expecting to be despised. Suddenly, Godou had a
thought.
Interacting with contacts in this peaceful manner, perhaps he would be
able to wipe clean all those unfavorable rumors?
From his initial reaction, the Kuhoudzuka gentleman was surely imprinted
with the notion that 'Kusanagi Godou = the great terrifying devil king', this
kind of reputation definitely needs to be corrected step by step.
Yes, this should be the right way. Godou agreed with himself silently, but
the Kuhoudzuka youth said to him:
"...By the way, you are really amazing."
He was offering his heart-felt admiration. What was so amazing?
"Keeping so many beautiful concubines by your side, and doing all this so
openly. As the saying goes, the lion in his prime is the king of the beasts,
while the plum blossom is surely more fragrant than the twinleaf. I profess
my utmost admiration. To think I was so ignorant to be unaware that the
younger sister of the Mariya family was also under your rule. I, Mikihiko,
am utterly embarrassed, and seek your forgiveness."
Who was under whose rule?
Hearing the Kuhoudzuka gentleman's apology that sounded like it came
out of some ancient drama, Godou was speechless.
Leaning closely against him due to relief, Hikari was like a sister sticking to
an older brother, or a kitten being spoilt by a master.
Hey, don't act in such a way that will cause misunderstandings... Though
Godou wanted to say that, he couldn't make a sound. Beside him, Yuri was
repeatedly apologizing with the words "sorry, I am really sorry." Liliana was
standing on the side going "of course, that truly is my master..." with deep
feeling to herself. Come on, "of course" is not a description that should be
used in this situation!
As for Erica, she was smiling with a satisfied expression.
Though it wasn't "mission accomplished" exactly, she seemed very happy.
Of course, that was the devil's smile that always enjoyed ridiculing Godou.