Ever since the strange "island" appeared in the sea of Edomae--
The panic surrounding Kusanagi Godou had settled into a kind of stable
state instead.
Black Prince Alec was reportedly laying low in the Yokohama Chinatown.
However, Amakasu's face looked rather awkward as soon as he received
the report.
"That place, it does presents some difficulties. It is the location where
gangs of Chinese descent -- many secret associations or the like are
hidden... In our field, it's known as a concession territory of lawlessness.
Any Committee member foolish enough to step foot there would be a
painted target, thrown into Tokyo Bay with their feet encased in cement on
occasion."
"What if I go there directly...?"
"Of course it's fine for Kusanagi-san. Everyone will simply raise up their
hands, either to welcome or to surrender. But if two great Devil Kings
already embroiled in conflict were to have a close encounter in the center
of metropolitan Yokohama, I don't think anything pretty will come out of
it..."
It seemed to be a subtle situation.
Undoubtedly, Alec chose the place for the purpose of keeping the "island"
in Tokyo Bay under surveillance.
Furthermore, Guinevere and Lancelot still had to be located. Regardless,
they were a partnership between a god and a Divine Ancestor, and due to
Alec they had become even more elusive. Without any way of finding them
other than through wizardry or spirit power investigation, it was not exactly
a favorable situation.
As a result, Godou could do nothing but "bide his time for the right
moment."
A few days after the long weekend, all he could do was wait. Waiting for
Mariya Yuri to return.
It was a Friday in the latter half of November.
After school, Godou was hurrying to Toranomon via the subway.
Last night, having reached Nanao Shrine where she was stationed as a
Hime-Miko, Yuri had called to inform him of her return. In order to recover
the fatigue of overusing spirit vision throughout her journey, she told him
she was going to apply for a week's leave from school.
"In terms of results, I was not able to discern Sir Lancelot's divinity
completely."
Those were Yuri's first words after meeting Godou.
They were sitting face to face in a room of a certain administrative building
within Nanao Shrine.
"Ah yes. You mentioned on the phone yesterday."
Godou nodded. Even with potent spirit vision, the mystery was still
unsolved.
He would be lying if he denied disappointment, but Godou was happy and
grateful for the miko and the Princess' investigations.
Not able to discern completely. Conversely, it implied spirit vision had
discerned something to a certain extent.
"What did you find out?"
"After you left, the Princess and I went to Brittany, to visit the various
places the previous and current generations of Guinevere-sama had used
as their stronghold such as forests, towns, cities or former monasteries."
"...Monasteries. Isn't that the place the group of people who compiled King
Arthur's legends used as their base of operations..."
Forests, towns, and cities aside, monasteries was a term that felt oddly out
of place. However, Godou already knew the reason -- the medieval
conspiracy that Alexandre Gascoigne had elucidated.
"Then we went to Bulgaria."
"Bulgaria? Why?"
That meant traveling from northwestern France to this Eastern European
country. Since both places were on the same landmass, getting there
probably did not present too much difficulty.
But why go there? Godou was puzzled.
"Not too long ago, Sir Lancelot had apparently descended upon the
Thracian plains. The Princess and I went there together to take a tour of
the crater carved out by Sir Lancelot's authority."
Recalling war god Lancelot's galloping charge, Godou nodded.
A direct collision could definitely create a crater or two.
"Why would he need to dig such a big hole in place like that?"
"According to history, ancient Thrace was within the Scythian and
Sarmatian spheres of influence. Perhaps for that reason, it became
associated with Lancelot."
Yuri was dressed in a traditional miko outfit with a white upper garment and
a red hakama as she explained about the foreign deity.
"Fortunately, I received a few hints. First of all, Sir Lancelot is the war god
worshiped by the Sarmatians. Next, Guinevere-sama's precursor was a
mother earth goddess who had been worshiped together with Sir
Lancelot..."
"Deities who were originally closely related, and still working together in
modern times, eh?"
"Should be something like that. Those two most likely descended to earth
as [Heretic Gods], encountered each other and started acting in unison.
Then I used spirit vision to see the arrival of the 'King of the End,' and saw
those two joining under his command. However..."
Yuri paused slightly at this point.
"Even so, I was unable to see Lancelot's face. He was always clad in
armor."
"He always wears stuff like armor?"
"Yes. I have basically seen what attributes he possesses as a god, but I
cannot do anything about what lies beneath the armor. On the other hand,
without knowing what is underneath, I fear it will be impossible to
understand his true..."
Yuri sighed mournfully as she explained.
"At least, no matter how slight, I wish I could catch a glimpse of his divine
appearance exposed from the armor."
Lancelot was protected from head to toe by full plate armor. Godou felt that
trying to take it off would take bone-breaking effort.
But there was no other choice. Godou nodded and bowed, answering:
"I got it, Mariya. Thank you very much. Learning all this is good enough.
Next time I see that guy, I'll try to find a way to strip him of that white suit of
armor."
Hearing that, the Hime-Miko chuckled and smiled like a delicate and
blooming cherry blossom.
"There is no need to thank me. I did it for Godou-san... only for you."
Godou was filled with the desire to embrace this beautiful and adorable
Hime-Miko.
Due to the overabundance of attractive beauties around him, Godou
deliberately maintained a mentality of repressed desire. Always warning
himself never to harbor indecent thoughts against them.
But on occasion, Yuri was able to crush this determination of Godou's.
The Yamato Nadeshiko and young beauty displayed great gentleness
under most conditions, but was extremely stern every now and then.
Without provoking Godou's wariness, she had been slowly and steadily
bringing their relationship closer.
Using the analogy of a garden of flowers, Erica would be a gorgeous and
blooming camellia, overshadowing others to take center stage.
Liliana would be a pristine white lily with large petals.
Ena would probably be a wild orchid with bright and vivid colors.
Compared to other girls, Yuri was definitely not a flower that seized
people's attentions. Though there was no difference in her level of beauty,
she never emphasized her attractiveness and the wish to compete never
occurred to her.
Nevertheless, or perhaps because of that, it made her even more
charming.
Realizing this once again, Godou began to blush.
"What is the matter, Godou-san?"
On the other hand, Yuri was bearing a delicate and beautiful smile,
unaware of Godou's thoughts.
"No, n-nothing really."
"Good... Anyway, I have one more matter I wish to discuss, may I?"
Yuri suddenly changed the subject. Of course there was no reason to
refuse. Godou immediately nodded.
"...W-Well..."
But she was unable to express her words. Yuri seemed to be hesitating
and stuttering from embarrassment.
"What's up? You don't have to hold anything back. Aren't we
companions?"
"I-I am Godou-san's companion...? Y-Yes. That is right."
Godou nodded to put his companion at ease.
Yuri's blush proceeded to extend all the way down to her neck, but still she
nodded. Avoiding Godou's face, Yuri was staring downwards intently at his
cross-legged sitting posture.
As a side note, even though it was an informal conversation, Yuri naturally
maintained the formal sitting posture of seiza.
"My many apologies, for I was the one who brought this up... B-But, please
understand. This is something very difficult for me to talk about. Especially
since there is no particularly pressing problem or extenuating
circumstances..."
Mouthing her words in rapid succession, Yuri was incredibly cute.
However, she did not make any progress in providing further information.
Godou placed his hand on her shoulder with a smack and said:
"Don't worry. I am very grateful for Mariya's efforts this time. I've also been
wondering what I could do on my end."
"Y-Yes. Then I shall not hold back."
Even though she said she would not hold back, Yuri still seemed rather
hesitant and reserved.
"Umm... Even though it is not complete, I think I have gained substantial
understanding of Sir Lancelot. S-So, what should be done?"
Yuri stuttered as she asked.
"What should be done?"
"In other words, w-when would be the time for instruction, is what I
mean..."
Instruction meant the transfer of knowledge through wizardry.
However, typical wizardry was ineffective against Campiones, which
included Godou. Hence it must be applied through the mouth, by injecting
wizardry into the body via oral means.
Recalling this absolute rule, Godou's face went red.
He remembered. When relying on Yuri's spirit vision, that was the final
unavoidable step.
"Ah, but if you haven't seen Lancelot's true appearance, then the [Sword]
can't be forged, isn't now a bit too early...!"
"N-No!? Who knows what could happen in the future!?"
Seeing Godou retreat awkwardly, Yuri shouted in a rare moment.
"What if you begin a battle with Sir Lancelot and I happen to be absent
from the scene...! I believe being prepared beforehand is only natural!"
"I-I guess. But using magic to transmit knowledge will quickly disappear
from the mind, right!?"
No matter how you looked at it, this was a sudden act of impulse. Godou
and Yuri both leaned forward.
Before they realized it, their distance had shrunk substantially.
"I think if the knowledge dissipates, then I will just teach you again. Hmm,
no matter what, it is something necessary. For this cause I will labor
without any complaints..."
Yuri spoke softly, blushing to her ears.
The subtle sense of desperation seemed to add a layer of allure to the
Hime-Miko. Godou swallowed hard as he experienced in earnest the pleas
of the beautiful maiden of utmost purity.
And it was impossible not to respond.
Furthermore, the two of them were alone in the Japanese-style room with
the sliding door firmly shut.
It was customary for shrine staff to avoid this area during Godou's visits.
Also, Godou and Yuri's hands were separated by such a minute distance,
they were easily within reach.
As Godou and Yuri's gazes fell upon the tatami floor, they noticed that fact.
"T-That's right. This is only for the sake of battle... Yes."
"C-Certainly. I believe this is absolutely necessary..."
Whispering softly, the two gazed into each other's faces.
Their eyes shimmered with the light of recognition as accomplices.
Godou extended his hand towards Yuri. Hand and hand came into contact.
Cherishing the Hime-Miko's hand which had been moistened by nervous
sweat, Godou held it gently as Yuri gripped his hand tightly in return.
"Godou-san and I are companions, since that is true, this is fine... Right?"
"A-Ah yes. Should... be..."
As they drew their faces together, they seemed like lovers whispering
sweet nothings to each other.
Just when the two had closed their eyes and were about to affirm the touch
of each other's lips--
The sound of cellphones ringing. Both Godou and Yuri's phones rang
simultaneously.
"It's Erica."
"This one is from Liliana-san."
As Godou checked out the cellphone in his pocket while Yuri looked at her
phone which had been placed by her side, they read out the names of the
callers. No other way, let's pick up.
Due to Godou and Yuri's serious personalities, neither of them could
ignore incoming calls. They each brought their phone to their ear.
"What is it, Erica?"
'Look outside. We just arrived.'
"...Arrived?"
'Yes. Just do as I say and things will be clear.'
It can't be... Godou stared at the spotlessly clean sliding door. Having just
had a similar conversation, Yuri also looked with shock in the same
direction.
As the sliding door opened with a thud, everything did become clear after
all.
Within Nanao Shrine, Erica was standing with a smile while Liliana knitted
her brow. Most likely arriving directly from school, the two of them were still
in uniform.
Part 2
"Just to be on the safe side, I'll say this first. I am not opposed to what you
were going to do, okay?"
Erica spoke in a bright and clear voice.
"Yuri has been working hard these few days, so I can tolerate her stealing
ahead a little. I've already told this to Liliana. I didn't come to the shrine for
the purpose of disturbing you two."
"Even if you say so, the one who first made the accusation of stealing
ahead was you, Erica."
Liliana retorted to her childhood friend and rival.
"After school, Kusanagi Godou had disappeared in a hurry. Then there is
Mariya Yuri who had returned but was missing school. Putting two and two
together, the situation was obvious. And there I was, trying to advocate
'this could possibly be an erroneous deduction.'"
"But the end result was exactly as I envisioned, right? See."
Erica pointed to Godou and Yuri in the Japanese room.
Finding their hands still held together, the two frantically withdrew them.
"Yuri, who has recently become a 'woman' completely, and Godou whose
boundaries have grown increasingly lax. Under such conditions, would a
private situation develop -- after all, a fully justified reason exists. Isn't this
a simple formula?"
"...Well, my failure to notice that point is my stupidity."
Listening to the knights' conversation, Godou and Yuri exchanged glances.
They were both blushing and rather unsettled, agonizing over what they
could say to lighten the mood, but completely stumped by the current
situation.
"Kusanagi Godou, this is a perfect opportunity. I have things to say to you."
Hearing Liliana's stern opening line, Godou sat straight up.
"You should probably have realized by now, you are a playboy who
pursues romantic relationships with multiple girls at the same time."
"W-Wait a minute! When did I become that kind of person!?"
Godou yelled from the bottom of his heart. Nevertheless, Liliana shook her
head bitterly.
Erica simply went "Well, that's who he is" and shrugged, casting a
meaningful glance at Yuri. Both of them seemed to disagree with Godou's
protest.
"Please remain quiet. A person with multiple girls in his inner circle, yet
answers 'all of them' without hesitation when asked who is the most
important or deserving of protection, is disqualified from objecting."
"Uh..."
Liliana's frank advice pierced straight into Godou's heart.
With so many reasons, was this karma's payback...
"In my opinion, it is basically time to go with the flow and leave past
mistakes alone. If unusual situations are left alone and ignored, that sense
of dissonance will disappear over time, becoming as if it was normal all
along. And that is clearly a rare talent possessed by you, Kusanagi
Godou."
"L-Leave past mistakes alone!?"
"Yes. Well, since it is you, you would naturally go with the flow, completely
unaware anyway... But it is certainly true that there are many current
issues. Let me point out a few to you."
Liliana's face tensed in an instant.
That awe-inspiring sense of beauty made Godou swallow his words of
protest.
"I will not express objection to you and Yuri performing that 'ritual.'
However, once the deed is done... You must tell us everything in full
detail."
"T-T-T-T-Tell both of you!?"
"Alternatively, hide yourselves in a more skillful manner so that you will not
be observed clearly by us like this time. Otherwise, umm, no matter what, I
cannot help but feel something akin to jealousy and other negative
emotions unbecoming of a knight's position--"
Liliana said shyly.
An emotion akin to jealousy, was none other than jealousy itself. Her shy
expression made things completely obvious. But giving only two choices,
either telling everyone everything, or doing things in secret without leaking
any clues--?
What a tough challenge.
Imposed by such a demand that no ordinary high school student could
answer, Godou was stunned.
I don't think I have the talent to comply with such a tall order...
"One more thing. This concerns our families."
Liliana continued.
"Erica's uncle, Sir Paolo Blandelli. You have met him before, yes?"
"Uh yeah. That very handsome and cool uncle. I saw him once in Italy.
Truly a great guy."
Godou had been overjoyed to learn that one of Erica's few blood relatives
was a man, her uncle.
However, Godou was bewildered. Why mention him now?
"Umm... It is not really acceptable for you to have met only Erica's family. I
would be most pleased if you could also meet mine. It does feel rather
inappropriate after all, unless officially recognized by family..."
So what she wanted to say, was that? She wanted to introduce her family?
Godou began to feel anxious. But it's not like it can't be done, he thought.
Might as well go with the flow to meet and greet the families of the many
girls who had experienced so many trials with him. No matter what, this
was the plain truth.
"Introducing Godou-san to my family...!?"
Next to him, Yuri was murmuring in shock.
"E-Even though you have met my little sister Hikari, you have yet to meet
my parents or grandparents... But what should be done? The family will be
in an uproar over a meeting with the current Campione. The Mariya family
never possessed the proper prestige and stature in the first place..."
Wondering "What should be done?" with great worry, Yuri seemed to be
voicing her thoughts in succession. Could this be the beginning of a
meeting with her entire family?
Godou felt a chill spreading from his stomach--
Just as he felt trapped by a mysterious sense of stress, his cellphone
received a message.
Opening it to check, it was from Asuka. 'Isn't it time you followed through
with your promise last time? I am very free today.'
After that, Godou confirmed with Asuka the meeting location and left
Nanao Shrine.
Neither Alec nor Guinevere had showed any recent movements. It was still
too early for Godou to enter the stage -- having concluded that, Erica and
the girls saw Godou off.
'Well, it's been too busy recently anyway. Why not forget these
troublesome matters for now and enjoy normal life for a bit? As long as you
don't travel far, we can handle anything that happens.'
That was what Erica had said.
It was true. Staying on crisis alert was quite exhausting.
'By the way, why don't we all go together?'
Godou suggested cheerfully on impulse, causing all the girls to turn their
gaze away. Was it an illusion or were they all sighing out of sight with an
aghast expression?
'Even though it is a tempting invitation, I shall have to decline. Tokunaga
Asuka would not be pleased.'
'Since it's her, you don't have to be concerned.'
'No. Last time when we met, she seemed rather wary of Erica and me.'
'By the way... Since we have the chance, I want to share my knowledge of
Sir Lancelot with Erica-san and Liliana-san. Please go ahead and enjoy
your time with your old friend.'
Hearing Liliana's rejection and Yuri's words which sounded like a newly
married wife's advice of "you've been working hard lately, go take a good
break," Godou accepted their well wishes and departed alone.
The time was 6pm on Friday night, the beginning of the weekend. The
meeting place was in front of Ueno station.
Asuka and Godou were both residents of Nezu in the Bunkyou ward. If
they wanted to go shopping, nearby Ueno (or Akihabara depending on
what they needed to buy) was the top choice.
"Yo."
"Too slow. You're twenty seconds late."
This was the completely tactless greeting Godou received at Ueno station.
Godou was unfazed as it was typical of Asuka to scold with acrimony for
minor lateness. Besides, they were friends who knew each other inside
out, which was what mattered. As a side note, the childhood friend was
wearing a hooded parka, a knitted top and jeans. Totally lacking in
fashionability.
On the other hand, were Asuka to make a sudden stylish appearance,
Godou would be even more troubled instead.
"Then let's hurry and go shop. Have you decided on a gift?"
"No, not yet."
"What an unreliable guy. Then let's have a strategy conference first. Tell
me what does Shizuka-chan like?"
"I'm not too sure myself."
"You've transcended unreliability, Mr. Useless Brother."
"...Wait a minute. Last time when my mom found a forgotten bottle of
German wine of 90s vintage, Shizuka drank it happily with me and
grandpa."
"Don't treat these anecdotes from the overly unusual Kusanagi household
as typical everyday family life!"
Glared at by Asuka, Godou shrugged.
He silently emphasized the fact that he could do nothing about his
ignorance. Even if he wanted to get her a memorable gift or some kind of
surprise, he was completely helpless.
"No need for these strange investigations. Let's just pick something
passable and be done with it."
"I can't believe you can be so popular with girls in spite of such abysmal
character. In a certain sense, this is my biggest surprise of a lifetime."
Asuka sighed at Godou's conservative idea.
"I can't be that popular, right?"
"Shut up! Your declaration of unpopularity has zero credibility. This I've
already known since kindergarten. Like grandfather, like grandson. Isn't
that exactly what the saying describes!?"
"Like grandfather like grandson whatever. Don't jump to conclusions while
ignoring my personality!"
"I didn't jump to conclusions! Whether Grandpa Ichirou or your old
acquaintances, everyone says the same thing!"
The two were caught in a dialogue that sounded like exploding
firecrackers.
It had been quite a long time since his last heated discussion with Asuka.
Even though Godou had been in the same school with her up until the end
of middle school, they had been separated since high school. After that,
they never had another argument like this.
If he had to give a description, this resembled his casual arguments with
Erica.
However, the crisp sense of no loose ends could only be felt when doing it
with Asuka.
"By the way, I have a friend who's troubled by popularity, and is a real
lady-killer. Should we get some advice from that person?"
Recalling Sayanomiya Kaoru's mighty exploits, Godou suggested.
Well, even if the person providing counsel was a "her" instead of a "him,"
this kind of gender issue should not really pose a hindrance, right?
"Your circle of friends have become more and more suspicious lately...
Your idea is rejected. We have to do it with our own ability without
borrowing suggestions from others!"
"Ah, but wait a minute. In fact I've already accepted some sponsorship."
After learning the whole story, Erica, Yuri and Liliana had offered tokens of
financial support.
Hearing Godou's words, Asuka went "Eh?" with great surprise.
"They all know that I am meeting with Godou?"
"Yeah. I just told them."
"I-I can't believe you had the gall to say it..."
"What gall? They even cheerfully sent me on my way."
Well, they did show some subtle expressions, but nothing worthy of note,
right?
Faced with Godou's response, Asuka could only reply "I-I suppose" with a
stiff expression. Then she spoke with a stunned and thoughtful expression:
"I-In other words, they think I've fallen so far behind in the competition that
they don't see me as a threat, deciding it's not even worth their while to
interfere... Oooh, though it offers advantages in a way, I have such mixed
feelings... But then again, competing with that Erica-san is totally
impossible from the very beginning..."
Asuka hesitantly muttered to herself in a voice that Godou could not pick
up.
"What's with you?"
"Mmmhmm, nothing!"
"By the way, last time when you met Erica, you were acting really
strange?"
This childhood friend was a "cool fellow," while Erica was also a social
expert.
Wondering if they might be harboring some past grudge, Godou asked just
in case:
"Do you hate Erica perhaps? Even though she loves being the center of
attention and she's quite striking in truth, she is in fact quite an interesting
and thoughtful girl. I think she can get along with you quite well."
"Ah, not at all. I don't hate Erica-san, not one bit."
Asuka seemed to be panicking as she randomly waved her hands in front
of her.
"Let's put it another way. She has a 'good character,' right?"
Asuka was a "good fellow" while Erica had a "good character," that was
correct.
What an apt description, Godou was impressed.
"I agree that getting to know her will be very interesting. Simply looking at
her face or attire and I'm guaranteed not to be bored. Also, I think the only
teenage girl in the entire world who can rival Auntie Mayo is Erica-san."
"Hmm... Pretty much."
His mother, Kusanagi Mayo. Godou nodded at the mention of her name.
"Whether Mariya-san or Liliana-san, neither of them can match your
mother. In that sense, I believe Erica is very interesting. But well, how
should I put it..."
Stopping there, the childhood friend showed a slightly sad expression.
"I knew it, only girls who transcend common sense would be hanging
around a guy like you, right? I've thought over this a lot, but that's all. I
don't hate her, and next time we meet, we'll surely become great friends."
"...I see?"
"These are the subtle stirrings of a maiden's heart that you haven't a single
clue about. Anyway, a budget increase is good news after all. It's about
time to accomplish our mission."
Asuka's crisp tones spurred Godou into action.
In the next two hours, the two of them wandered through the shops in
Ueno.
They ended up buying a perfectly sized handbag. Since the design was
not overly extravagant, it was appropriate for all occasions.
Abandoning clumsy surprises, the duo aimed for unambitious but
guaranteed success.
Rather than Godou, they decided to have Asuka keep the item instead.
If kept at the Kusanagi home, the gift's existence might possibly be
discovered by Shizuka. Thus they decided not to ruin the little surprise.
"Since it's already this late, let's grab a meal somewhere? As thanks for
helping me, let it be my treat."
"Sure, but no need to treat me. I won't be able to sleep at night if I owe you
a favor."
"Fine, no treat. How about that curry shop we haven't been to for so long?"
"You mean the one we visited so often back in middle school!?"
"Yeah. The one opened by the Pakistani who knows my grandpa."
"I'll pass! That's the place where as long as you or your grandpa show up,
they start speaking freely in Urdu, taking out the hidden menu normally
shown to Pakistanis only, and serve super spicy authentic native cuisine.
It's way too international for me!"
"Those are its strong points. Isn't it a rather unique shop?"
"No thanks to that type of individuality! I don't need any special treatment,
just mild curry properly catered to the Japanese palate please!"
Arguing amongst themselves with impunity, they bickered acrimoniously.
On Friday night, the streets of Ueno were rather lively.
A place with many foreigners. Consequently, a Caucasian girl with
honey-colored hair and sky-blue eyes would not be considered a
particularly wondrous sight. Nevertheless, she was clearly different from all
the rest.
--Beautiful. She was a girl in her late teens with an outstanding sort of
otherworldly beauty.
Her shaggy honey-colored hair was not very long. Tall slim build. An
exquisite face like an angel's, displaying all-surpassing purity.
There was a natural impression of transparency, incongruent with the
prosperous streets at night.
Like a cool breeze blowing across pastures, or perhaps, streaking across
the deep blue sky.
Such was the atmosphere surrounding this beautiful face. Furthermore,
she was dressed rather bizarrely -- her entire body was wrapped in a
slightly dirty cloak down to her boots.
However, this vagabond attire only served to further contrast with her
outstanding beauty--
It seemed only natural, but why? Godou thought incredulously.
"Hey Asuka. Do you know that woman?"
"Eh, who? ...Ah, isn't she so pretty? Wow~"
This was on a main street near Ueno station.
The exceptionally cool Caucasian beauty was waiting for the lights to
change at the intersection.
Only when Godou looked at her and commented did Asuka notice the girl's
existence. Furthermore, no one else in the surroundings seemed to be
looking at her. On further thought, these people could not have abandoned
the chance to stare at this otherworldly beauty, but rather, they did not
notice her.
People looked at her like a roadside stone.
The same way no one would focus their gaze on the blowing wind.
No one glanced at the girl deliberately. This strange phenomenon -- could
she be one of them? But Godou did not feel any battle spirit rising up from
within, nor did his body fill with power.
In other words, he had not met a god.
Then she was a girl, right? Godou stared at her as she waited for the traffic
signal to change.
Immediately following--
The girl suddenly turned her head and her eyes met with Godou's.
She smiled. Smiling like a breeze blowing across pastures mixed with
sunlight, she walked towards him.
"We finally meet. You, my destiny."
The girl murmured with a refreshingly cool voice that matched her
overwhelmingly transparent beauty.
Part 3
"Man of my destiny. The youth whom ought to partake in our shared fate...
Now I am most certain, my journey's only purpose was to encounter dear
sir."
The cloaked beauty was speaking in fluent Japanese.
"Dear sir must be feeling the same. Feeling that I am your fated rival, with
my existence stirring excitement in your chest, surely your blood must be
boiling? Hohoho, I know."
No matter how much Godou wished to deny it, her ostentatious manner of
speech was greatly reminiscent of the gods.
Nevertheless, Godou's body and mind of a Campione's did not show any
of the usual signs of encountering a god. Could she be a comrade of that
particular Divine Ancestor instead?
"You... what's your name?"
"What? No idea. Or rather, I have forgotten it."
The mysterious girl replied calmly to Godou's question.
"Forgotten?"
"Ah yes. In actual fact, my origins, the reason I am here... All have been
forgotten. I've been wandering here for days, with nothing but passion for
sustenance, yes."
"What the heck is that?"
"I was thinking there was someone I was predestined to meet. That person
is my fated rival. This sense of certainty has been seething quietly all
along."
Extending her arm out from her cloak, the girl pressed her hand against
her chest.
Despite being obscured by the thick fabric, the contours of the bountiful
bosom were still highly conspicuous. Even with such an obvious slender
physique, her feminine characteristics were so voluptuous.
But anyway--
The self-proclaimed amnesiac girl should be no ordinary mortal. Who on
earth could she be?
A Divine Ancestor? Godou stared sharply at the girl--
"W-Wait a minute, Godou. Are you sure you are meeting this girl for the
first time?"
Asuka interrupted, as if suspicious of something.
Godou frantically nodded, trying to defend himself:
"Uh yeah. Whether seeing her or speaking in person, it's the first time."
"Clearly then, isn't this a case of intense passionate courtship? In other
words, love on first sight? And a foreigner too! Unbelievable, all these
inexplicable people everywhere!"
"Eh? Love on first sight?"
"That's exactly what the girl's words sound like!"
Really? Godou was surprised by Asuka's furious accusation.
Why didn't I think of that. Put it this way, if this mysterious girl's
declaration--
Godou stared at the girl.
The girl with neither name nor memory stared back.
Gaze met with gaze. Sight clashed with sight. Soul collided with soul.
Indeed, Godou felt his heart stirring with excitement. He was bound in
some mysterious way to this woman, that was what Godou sensed.
"Hoho... How embarrassing. Dear sir's gaze is unbearable. For there to be
an existence that causes me to burn passionately from inside, this fact...
truly brings shivers down my spine."
Flames of passion shimmered in the girl's eyes like a lover's burning
desire.
But that was only a superficial resemblance. Godou knew. He had noticed
what she truly desired.
But Asuka probably did not. If this misunderstanding persisted, things
could get troublesome. Just as Godou considered various appropriate
explanations, he was shocked.
What shocked him was the childhood friend's question.
"...Hey Godou. It's just a hunch, but you're not going to get into a fight with
this person, right?"
As befitted the longtime friend known since kindergarten.
She was gradually garnering a vague sense of Godou's excited state from
his attitude and demeanor. Just as Godou choked at the astuteness of
Asuka's perception, he said:
"Nonsense. This person seems to be in a complicated situation, so I'll chat
with her for a bit. If necessary I will call the police or ask people I know for
help. Why don't you go home first?"
In order to avoid getting Asuka involved, he came up with this quick plan
out of worry.
"By people you know, you mean your grandpa or your weird friends?"
"Ah yes, that's right... Wait a minute, grandpa aside, I don't find my friends
that weird."
"Yes yes. Let's ignore that for now."
Asuka sighed and said:
"Well, I also have friends I wouldn't want you to meet, so I'll take my leave
with this thing. But Godou..."
The paper bag held the gift for Shizuka they had just bought.
Snatching it away from Godou's hands, Asuka declared:
"You once described yourself as a pacifist. It's fine if you go overboard a bit
in desperate times, but please be mindful overall. Okay, absolutely do not
get involved with any messy conflict! Please bear this in mind!"
From the childhood friend came gratifying and honest advice.
But, can it be fulfilled -- Godou raised his chin at the amnesiac girl,
motioning "Let's go over there." Smiling sweetly, the girl followed silently.
"Hey you. Could you be a god?"
"Yes or no? I have not a single clue."
"Or a Divine Ancestor? I've heard that they always look like little girls."
"...And so?"
Godou fired off abrupt questions in succession as he walked.
Any normal person would be rendered speechless by such questions but
the girl listened calmly, simply giving meaningless answers in the end.
In this manner, the two came to Ueno Park. This plot of land included Ueno
Zoo, the National Museum of Nature and Science, the National Museum of
Western Art, the famous Shinobazu Pond, etc. This vast expanse of a park
was an imperial gift to the city.
"I remember virtually nothing."
There were very few pedestrians in the park at night.
Walking side by side with Godou, the girl murmured:
"However. In the very depths of my blank memory, I can recall a few scant
scenes... I am guided by the white star, while a certain someone is guided
by the black star. That person is the one destined for a decisive duel with
me, for we are ultimate arch nemeses who ought to lead each other
towards death. This has been branded onto my battle-scarred soul."
"...Eh?"
Hearing the unexpected subject of her murmurs, Godou unwittingly halted
his steps.
The girl stood still and gazed sharply at Godou in opposition.
"The one shrouded by the black star is my destiny. And my soul tells me
you are that one. Your life and death and mine are intimately linked and
inseparable."
"Perhaps... It can't be, you're Lancelot...?"
The deadly battle where the divine sword of the white star faced off against
the divine sword of black annihilation.
Godou asked in shock in response to the girl's descriptions of that
unforgettable scene.
"Lance -- lot...?"
Immediately, the otherworldly girl's face froze.
An intense domineering presence entered the girl's deep and mysterious
eyes. Aloof solemnity surfaced on that beautiful face that was like the cool
breeze blowing across great plains of pastures. Then her lips shaped
themselves into a smile.
Godou felt power surging through his mind and body. Reacting to the
divine presence, Godou entered a battle-ready state.
"Ho, hohoho... Yes. Rather, I believed in my destiny. That you would surely
remember my name as a knight and call it out. Thus the enchantment I
cast on myself has been lifted..."
"What!?"
Godou was greatly shocked to learn he was the one responsible for
awakening her.
Lancelot du Lac. The white war god who appeared before others with an
impressively cool and masculine image. Guinevere's Sir Knight who had
killed Athena... That was the way it should be.
"Wait a minute! Even your voice is different, don't give me nonsense!"
In the past, the voice coming from the white armor had been a man's
beautiful voice.
But now Godou was hearing a beautiful female alto voice. A girl's voice
inviting of tender affection.
"This is not a battlefield, and one's armor has been removed. Displaying
this Knight's original voice on occasion is condoned, is it not?"
"O-Original!? This is your natural voice!?"
Met with Godou's shock, the girl who answered to the name of Lancelot
nodded "yes."
Indeed, it was a solemn gesture very reminiscent of the war god.
"Eh? Umm, but shouldn't you wear female attire!?"
"How rude. Having taken off one's armor, the beautiful queen of the
equestrian tribes stands before you. There is no obligation to dress up as a
woman. Kusanagi Godou, you are truly an uncouth fellow foreign to proper
etiquette for treating a lady."
"Eeeeeeeeeh!?"
As the beauty angrily aired her grievances, Godou began clutching his
head in his arms.
Taken completely by surprise. But then again, the fact that she was no
ordinary person had been apparent from the start.
But he never expected to be told something like this!
However, there was no disbelief or suspicion. The actions, words and
presence of the beautiful girl before him -- truth be told, everything was
consistent with Lancelot du Lac.
"Until just now, why didn't I get the usual restless feeling when I encounter
gods!?"
"In order to slip past your wary senses, the [Insane Rush] enchantment
was used to seal away one's memories -- this Knight cursed oneself to
lose one's divine name and memories until you were encountered."
Beautiful Lancelot smiled with sweetness.
"Used an enchantment to seal away memories... What kind of magic is
that?"
"Hohoho, an enchantment for provoking a rampage from a heart filled with
dormant desire. Originally it was merely a trick to make someone berserk.
Forsaking reason and dignity, consumed with rushing forward with insanity,
more or less a minor adjustment to one's innermost heart. Like this time."
Godou understood. It was probably something similar to mental
manipulation or hypnosis.
He did not expect such a hand from Lancelot whom he originally thought
was only skilled at charging like a knight... But then again, going berserk
from desire could be considered a sudden charge in a certain sense.
"A ruffian like one is not suited to be a palace knight. This Knight has
enchanted oneself on occasion, thereby breaking out of the palace.
Hohoho, it has been a long while since one last did this."
Lancelot smiled as she spoke, prompting Godou to recall a name.
That's right. Verethragna was the same.
"The myths of the 'Knights of the Round Table,' have you heard of them?
Those were the stories engineered by the first Guinevere and spread by
monks and friars. They even devoted so much effort to elevating one to the
'greatest knight.' Oh well, even so, there is no way to disguise one's
identity as a berserk warrior."
In Godou's first encounter with the god, Verethragna had also lost his
memory and divine qualities.
The one who placed the Persian Warlord in such a state was the divine
king Melqart of the Phoenicians. Through her own authority, Lancelot had
done the same thing.
In the instant Godou understood, Lancelot approached in a flash.
Just like that, Godou entered her embrace. Wrapped by the fabric of her
cloak, Godou could feel the touch of Lancelot's hand against his head.
"This Knight even forgot one was a god. However, one believed in you, the
fated enemy, and wandered without pause, certain one shall encounter
you again. And so, the wish is finally realized..."
Oh crap. Godou smacked his lips.
Due to excessive surprise, he had let down his guard. Godou instantly tried
to struggle out of Lancelot's restraints, mustering all his strength, but it was
too late.
Lancelot's beautiful face gradually drew near -- and immediately the
unexpected act occurred.
The refreshingly cool beauty seized Godou's lips with her own.
"For the sake of the beloved child, one must vanquish Alexandre
Gascoigne. However, he is a formidable foe difficult to grasp. One cannot
boast lightly of assured victory against such an enemy. So, Kusanagi
Godou, combine your strength with this Knight and crush Gascoigne. Once
the mission is accomplished, our deadly duel of destiny shall commence!"
Was this the curse of [Insane Rush]--? Godou gulped down a mouthful of
air.
His mind and body of a Campione's was being ensnared by Lancelot's
authority.
What a terrifying power of coercion. Reason and dignity were accelerating
towards insanity. Impossible to resist. Blood was boiling disorderly, and his
heart burned like a flame.
That's right. Defeat Gascoigne first. Then duel decisively with this woman
afterwards.
Having made his decision, Godou twisted his lips into a savage smile.
"Take me to Guinevere. Let the show begin."
"Acknowledged, one's destiny."
Ending the kiss of the covenant, the white war god smiled gracefully and
answered.