Campione! Vol 16 Chapter 2
Chapter 2 - Roman Holiday, Late Night Edition
After Kusanagi G.o.dou finished taking part in the imposed duel Erica had
invited him to at the ancient capital of Rome, it was night time.
Surviving a deadly crisis as usual, G.o.dou ended up causing severe
damage to the ancient battlegrounds — the Colosseum.
But in any case, the battle that was full of all sorts of dangers finally
concluded.
G.o.dou departed from the tragic(?) scene of the Colosseum and parted with
the three a.s.sociation representatives who acted as witnesses to the duel.
Next he returned to the hotel. After a bath, he would go to bed
immediately. That was what G.o.dou had decided.
Then after a good nights rest, he was going to carefully reflect on tonights
incident in the morning. In order not to make "this kind" of mistake ever
again...
Whenever he turned his gaze in the direction of the Colosseum, the terrible
result of his "moment of carelessness" would enter his view.
With a great sense of shame, G.o.dou deeply regretted his actions.
The sounds of police and firefighting sirens could be heard coming from
the direction of the Colosseum. This noise caused G.o.dou to be a.s.saulted
by further reprimands from his conscience.
In spite of all this, Erica looked rather delighted as she walked beside him.
"Hoho. Tonights duel has completely publicized the mighty name of
Kusanagi G.o.dou. This is the result of various preparations readied
beforehand."
Erica explained as she strolled along the late night Roman city streets,
prompting great surprise in G.o.dou.
"W-What do you mean by preparations?"
"Hmm. Basically the three VIPs you met at the duel just now. Inviting all
three of them certainly took substantial effort. Although there was a
suitable excuse, they are rather busy people. In actual fact, I also invited
three additional leaders, but they were unable to attend due to scheduling
conflicts."
"You expressly prepared that much for the sake of letting others witness
my power?"
G.o.dou frowned.
"Why would you do such a thing? Theres no need to gather all those
people for a person like me, right?"
"Dont be nonsensical. In the world of magic, did you know that there is no
event more suspenseful than the birth of a Devil King? Sending invitations
out would actually exhibit our congeniality instead."
Erica listed out the seven prestigious magic a.s.sociations recognized in
Italy.
The three witnesses of tonights duel belonged to the [Olden Dame], the
[Female Wolf] and the [Capital of Lilies] respectively. In addition, there
were the [Bronze Black Cross], the [Eagle of the Blue Sky] and [Aegis].
"Last but not least is my [Copper Black Cross]. G.o.dou, youve already met
the commander-in-chief of the a.s.sociation I belong to, my uncle — Paolo
Blandelli. Hence, tonight was an opportunity for the other six a.s.sociations
to send representatives to have an audience with the seventh Campione."
G.o.dou never expected that meeting those witnesses actually held such
significance —
Realizing the surreal happenings surrounding him, G.o.dou sighed.
"However, G.o.dou, you performed even better than expected. Not only did
you show off that level of destructive power to the representatives of the
three prestigious a.s.sociations, you even completely silenced their doubts
on whether you were a fake or not."
"I-I wasnt showing off, I simply went too far in a moment of carelessness!"
"It doesnt matter which. Whats important is the result. Hoho, let us raise a
gla.s.s to toast and celebrate tonight."
"Why do we need to toast!?"
"Tonight commemorates Kusanagi G.o.dous first appearance on the
European stage."
Informed by Erica with complete nonchalance, G.o.dou was greatly
shocked.
"In actual fact, I prepared a camera beforehand. G.o.dou, your destruction
of the Colosseum just now was recorded on video. Currently, the video is
being prepared for broadcasting to those involved in the magic world all
over Europe. The three VIPs you met have already become witnesses, so
the great name of Kusanagi G.o.dou will spread to all the corners of the
European world of magic within days."
To think she had prepared things to such an extent. G.o.dous mood was
instantly down in the deeps.
Seeing his reaction, Erica chuckled and displayed a devils smile.
"Stop making that kind of face, stick your chest out. You currently dont
look like a G.o.d-slayer at all. Do know that your status will keep rising from
now on as the Devil King."
"I have no wish to possess this kind of t.i.tle that cannot be written on
resumes. Neither do I want to raise my status in this manner!"
Objecting loudly, G.o.dou yawned.
It was now late at night. Perhaps due to fatigue from the whole mess at the
Colosseum or jet lag, G.o.dou was struck with sleepiness all of a sudden.
Getting some rest as early as possible seemed like a good idea.
"In any case, lets hurry back to the hotel for some rest. Its so late
already."
G.o.dou had heard earlier that Erica had prepared a place to stay.
Hence he proposed they head back. However, the girl in his company
replied:
"Thats right, we must open a bottle of wine or champagne to toast and
celebrate properly together. Then after that, we should slowly descend
upon the bed, to affirm our love for each other."
"W-Wait a minute. Your proposed schedule is clearly very unusual."
G.o.dou was already dead tired. Why did he still need to deal with and retort
against such ridiculous matters?
Feeling that life was very unreasonable, G.o.dou continued:
"Aside from the fact that minors like us should not be drinking, spending a
night together in the same room on the same bed is even more
inappropriate!"
Besides, affirming each others love or anything of that sort would be even
more ridiculous.
As a man, G.o.dou resolutely a.s.serted his refusal and made a clear
statement. However, Erica rolled her eyes at him and retorted calmly.
"Say, G.o.dou. What you said just now is quite incorrect... Havent we
already experienced all of it before? It wont be the first time now, right?"
"Uh."
G.o.dou could say nothing in response. Erica continued to list things out:
"Weve already drank alcohol together before and spent the night under the
same roof. Sleeping in the same bed through the night until morning has
happened more than once. We have even bathed together, baring our
bodies to each other without reserve..."
Finally, Erica added:
"Besides, we have already reached legal drinking age in Italy."
Drinking laws in Italy were different from j.a.pans. In this country, the legal
drinking age was sixteen.
Having pa.s.sed both their birthdays, G.o.dou and Erica already fulfilled the
required age.
G.o.dou was frozen from a lack of grounds to object. On the other hand.
Erica went "What a troublesome guy" as she shrugged, a wry smile
appearing on the corners of her lips.
"G.o.dou, although trying to correct your failure to read the mood can
provide some hard-sought amus.e.m.e.nt, its no fun if it gets too excessive.
Let me forgive you on this point for now. Love cannot be cultivated without
full consent from both sides."
"I-I see."
"Yes. Because even though you declare unwillingness, once your mood is
roused sufficiently, even I would find it difficult to stop you."
II
II
"I really hope you can express your grat.i.tude properly for the fact that I,
Erica Blandelli, am a woman with such great tolerance."
G.o.dou fell into a depressed silence.
He mourned for his inability to refute any of her words.
"Nevertheless, simply tolerating is no fun at all. That would be totally not
my style."
The blonde beauty suddenly displayed a malevolent smile.
"Hey G.o.dou, if you want to return to the hotel to sleep, give me a
goodnight kiss."
"W-What did you say about a goodnight whatever?"
"A kiss. On the cheek is okay, though of course, the lips are fine too. If you
do that, I will take you to the hotel."
Only now did G.o.dou realize, he had no idea where the hotel was located.
Without Erica to lead the way, he would not be able to find it so easily.
However.
"D-Doesnt matter. Its not like I must stay at a hotel."
G.o.dou immediately refused her demand.
"I just need to find shelter somewhere, or even spend the night outdoors.
Or simply walk outside the whole night like this. Im not going to kiss you so
rashly ever again!"
Were he in j.a.pan, there would be businesses running twenty-four hours a
day such as family restaurants, sauna establishments or manga cafes.
However, the ancient capital of Rome did not offer these kinds of shops.
But how could he back down simply due to this level of setback? G.o.dou
declared his determination.
"I really think that kind of behavior is too soon for me!"
"Speaking from the one who has engaged in pa.s.sionate kisses with me
numerous times. Oh well, once youre out of options, youll have no choice
but to kiss me in the end."
Erica shrugged lightly.
"G.o.dou, the way youre acting is just as meaningless as an old smoker
declaring hell quit smoking. If only I could do it declarations imply that you
wish to keep reminding yourself, but are doomed to failure every time."
"Hmm..."
"However, if you really want to try it, thats fine too. I will accompany you."
A devils smile flashed across the blonde beautys lips once more.
"Let us take a stroll on the streets of Rome. But youll probably fall asleep
half way due to exhaustion? If that happens, Ill carry you to the hotel room
to take care of you tenderly. Then well spend some sweet time together
before dawn? Hoho, itll be fun."
"Its true that Im very tired, but I will find a way to endure the whole night."
G.o.dou contradicted Ericas speculation that was delivered as if the future
was already set.
"You should know quite well, I have a lot of physical stamina."
"Yes. I know very well that you are ridiculously strong, G.o.dou. At the same
time, you are a rather careless person who leaves many openings. Given
an entire night, I should be able to find a way."
"Find a way?"
"To trick you into drinking a drugged beverage to render you temporarily
unconscious. It seems like I should be able to seize an opportunity to have
you bound and restrained, then get a car to transport you back to the
hotel... See!"
"Stop going See! Thats blatant kidnapping!"
G.o.dou chastised Erica who explained her plan with an adorable
expression.
"Even for me, I have no wish to go that far. However, if youll simply ignore
my little request, G.o.dou, it cant be helped. Girls in love are liable to do
anything when push comes to shove, so be careful."
The self-proclaimed girl in love said something unsettling with a joking tone
of voice.
"Besides, a goodnight kiss is sometiiing even a cliild could do. If thats the
case, whats the matter? I hope you can show me more generosity than
that."
"Uh..."
G.o.dou agreed that this description could be considered "proper."
Nevertheless, he remained at a loss for words.
Seeing him like that, Erica smiled with a chuckle.
"So, let me repeat my request again. Please bestow upon me a goodnight
greeting in a manner of your choosing. Of course, a kiss on the lips is what
I would like the most, but even one on the cheek is fine."
A light peck on the cheek was all it would take.
Be that as it may, G.o.dou still felt troubled due to her urging. This was
unlike the deep and lengthy "ritual" kissing they engaged in normally.
Perhaps it could even be done with a casual mood. However —
"l-l need to prepare myself mentally, so give me some time!"
Words of a final last ditch struggle.
The city streets of Rome were silent.
It was already past 2am. Unlike j.a.pan where twenty-four hour businesses
were found all over the place, not a single shop remained open at this
time. Furthermore, street lighting was much less common than in j.a.pan.
G.o.dou and Erica strolled along these dim European streets at night.
Walking in front was Erica who led the way to the hotel. G.o.dou followed a
step behind her. Traveling by car would be the normal course of action in
this situation, but in order to buy time to "prepare himself mentally" they
chose this inefficient means of movement.
"Oh, wouldnt it be nice to get Arianna to drive the car here to take us
somewhere? Meanwhile, youll finish preparing yourself mentally, G.o.dou."
"Thats not fair for Anna-san, definitely dont do that..."
Ericas a.s.sistant and maid. Miss Arianna Arialdi, commonly called Anna.
G.o.dou answered Erica because the mistress brouglit up lier name.
Normally, it was already bedtime. G.o.dou would feel bad about rousing
someone up from sleep at this time of the night.
"No problem. I have already instructed her to remain on standby until we
return to the hotel. Riding in Ariannas car to race across the late night
highway could turn out to be a rather interesting experience. Not too long
ago, she gave me a ride to watch the ocean at night, together with Lily — a
female friend of mine."
"You allowed someone who drives like that to get on the highway!?"
Arianna-sans driving skills were somewhat dangerous. G.o.dou had already
experienced it during the daytime.
Although Erica had said something like Very incredibly, Arianna has never
had an accident, G.o.dou definitely could not bank on such hopes again in
the future.
G.o.dou was astounded that she would do something so ridiculous.
"I always felt that it would be a totally new experience, and the result was
exactly as predicted. The feeling of sweaty hands and even a frozen spine
could be savored fully. This is probably what it means to experience a
so-called spectacular scene..."
"Of course. The danger level is like riding a roller coaster without any
safety measures at all!"
In the end, the joyride suggestion was abandoned and the two continued
their way through the night.
While walking, they sometimes engaged in idle chatter and there were
times when they walked in silence.
G.o.dou felt rather incredible, to think he would be spending time with Erica
like this.
Being together with her was not unpleasant. Even when there was nothing
to say, it did not feel especially noticeable. Conversely, even after he
noticed, it did not feel awkward at all.
The feeling was like being with family or very close male friends.
But to G.o.dou, Erica was still a member of the opposite gender after all.
Among the people he knew, she was the most gorgeous and attractive girl.
Aware of the existence of this beauty beside him, G.o.dou felt his heart
beginning to race.
Nevertheless, it was unbelievable that he could get along with her so
casually.
For G.o.dou who was not used to getting along with girls, this was
unprecedented.
However, that was how it was.
If Erica did not force kisses on him teasingly, then G.o.dou would consider
her a girl he could get along with open arms more than anyone else...
But clearly she was a mischievous woman who resembled the devil.
"Whats up with that shop?"
Along the way, G.o.dou discovered a shop with all the lights on.
An eatery with a red themed decor — It appeared to be a Chinese
restaurant.
The current time was late at night. This was an ordinary part of town rather
than a bustling commercial zone.
In spite of all that, this shop was still open this late.
"What amazing devotion to work. Even as a shop in Italy."
G.o.dou could not help but offer praise.
As a j.a.panese, he was quite taken aback by unfamiliar occurrences in
southern Europe, Italy included, such as "shops in the streets were closed
on Sundays," "open twenty-four hours a day, whats that?" or "the summer
vacation lasted a full month."
He had even heard of office workers who would "go home for lunch with
their family then take a nice nap afterwards."
Naturally, the Italian girl offered her own comments on G.o.dous j.a.panese
perspective.
"G.o.dou, forgive me for being frank, but being liardworking is not
necessarily a virtue."
Wagging lier index finger from side to side, Erica explained with an air of
superiority.
"The important thing is the quality of labor, not volume. Efficiency and
results. Even if twenty hours out of a days twenty four were spent on
entertainment, its fine so long as sufficient results are produced."
"But I think the usual behavior is also very important..."
G.o.dou objected to the concept of n.o.bilitys labor presented from Ericas
arrogant perspective.
"Besides, rather than spending so much leisure on having fun, Id feel
better if I used it productively to do work."
"You see, this is the rumored wisdom of j.a.panese businessmen. A
persons talent and ability can be judged by how much leisure they can
afford to spend on meaningful matters of elegance."
The opinions of the serious j.a.panese man and the free-spirited Italian
beauty were akin to parallel lines that never intersected.
The intense fragrance of sesame oil wafted out of the Chinese restaurant.
"...Lets enter?"
"...Coming from you, that counts as a good suggestion."
After the exertion from the duel earlier as well as all the walking through
the night, G.o.dou was feeling a bit hungry.
The two of them casually established a j.a.panese-Italian truce and entered
the shop.
G.o.dou attempted to inquire about the closing time from the Chinese
restaurant staff who happened to be at the door. The answer he got was
half past four.
"Eh, thats almost until dawn!?"
Even though it was not open for the full twenty-four hours, there was not
much difference. This was virtually the same as j.a.panese ramen specialty
stores.
Perhaps in a metropolis like Rome the Eternal City, there was demand for
this sort of hours. As G.o.dou felt impressed, the server pa.s.sed in front of
G.o.dou.
He was carrying in his hand a large plate of Chinese buns.
Seeing this, Erica seemed to have gotten an idea. She began conversing
with the store employee who had answered G.o.dous question.
Then ten minutes pa.s.sed —
After leaving the shop, G.o.dou and Erica continued to stroll through the
streets at night. G.o.dou carried a large paper bag in his hands, filled with
quite a few Chinese buns. These hot buns were freshly steamed and hot
air seeped out through the bag.
"G.o.dou, give me one."
"Here."
He took out a bun from the paper bag and handed it to Erica.
As their fingers touched slightly, G.o.dou felt an inexplicable sense of
embarra.s.sment. Then Erica chuckled, further intensifying G.o.dous feeling.
Oh well, by this point, G.o.dou did not think this was the only cause.
Moreover, this midnight snack was the result of Ericas negotiations with
the store employee just now.
Pleading repeatedly, she managed to take their purchases out of the shop
which normally did not provide takeout service. Indeed, since they were on
the road back to the hotel, getting takeout was preferable to sitting down to
eat.
These Chinese buns were of the pork bun variety.
Taking a huge bite, G.o.dou found the meat juices from the bun filling up his
mouth. Quite delicious. Enjoying this midnight snack, the two of them
continued to stroll casually.
G.o.dou was overcome with deep emotion.
He never expected he would ever have a chance to be off in the faraway
land of Rome, late at night like this, strolling casually through the streets
with a blonde girl, eating pork buns...
Had someone told G.o.dou several months ago he was going to experience
this kind of future, he would surely have roared with laughter.
Unintentionally, he glanced at Ericas side profile. Then discovering his
gaze. Erica smiled back at him. That was all. No words were exchanged
deliberately.
But it was already enough.
G.o.dou could vividly feel what seemed to be the "relationship" he had
cultivated with Erica.
Furthermore, wondering what he should say a little while later, G.o.dou
finally finished his "mental preparation."
In the end, it took them fifty minutes of walking to reach the ten-odd story
hotel.
Glancing at the attendant standing at the entrance. Erica asked:
"So G.o.dou, are you prepared?"
"Yeah. I guess so."
"Very well then. Let us exchange goodnights, okay?"
The blonde girl giggled mischievously. However, G.o.dous response was:
"Umm well... I cant do it after all."
"Cant do it?"
As Erica expressed mild surprise, G.o.dou continued.
"Yeah. I definitely cant kiss you with a casual relaxed mood."
G.o.dou expressed his thoughts candidly.
"How should I put this, I suppose its my obstinacy as a j.a.panese...?
Perhaps I would not have a problem with someone else, but with you,
Erica, engaging in that kind of behavior just feels so difficult no matter
what..."
He could feel the loud beating of his heart whenever he made close
contact with Erica.
Recalling the feeling, he made this vague statement.
"This has nothing to do with nationality but your personal problem as the
man Kusanagi G.o.dou. Seriously, youre obstinate only on issues like this!"
Erica a.s.serted with a tone of lamentation.
"Clearly we have already engaged in behavior even more intense than
ritual kissing, so theres no point in being conscious of such meaningless
things. Besides, while we were walking here together, didnt you fail to hold
my hand? Thats quite ill-mannered too."
"Hand!?"
"Yes. Given this rare opportunity for us to take a stroll in the streets of
Rome, just the two of us, we should have held hands and embraced each
other, to enjoy this short tryst."
"0-Only couples would do that!"
"Have you forgotten? I am your lover, the woman closest to you in this
world."
Erica declared proudly to G.o.dous panic.
"Even if I were not, there is nothing wrong with what I said, based on your
behavior towards girls in general."
"N-Nonsense. I have neither done that sort of thing nor spoken those kinds
of words."
"Not words. However, I wish to accept your hands with my whole body,
expressing my intent through my att.i.tude. That said, you seem to have
failed to notice."
"Eh... Really?"
Was that the meaning behind Ericas att.i.tude displayed earlier?
Stunned, G.o.dou watched as the pa.s.sionate Latin girl sighed before him.
"Indeed. But I cant believe you simply walked side by side with me,
G.o.dou... You are really slow witted and a block of wood who cant read the
mood. In Italy, even students in elementary school know how to please a
girl."
"No, but Im j.a.panese."
"Youre totally unmanly whenever you make that kind of statement. Dont
say it ever again."
Erica suddenly went "however" and smiled.
"I admit you are a very special person, so I shall forgive you on this point. If
you dont express your grat.i.tude towards my vast generosity, perhaps you
might suffer retribution in the future."
"Eh!?"
"Hoho. Did you fail to notice? What was already voiced out just now."
How could this be? No, but perhaps. G.o.dou wondered if he had said
something unwise without noticing?
As G.o.dou felt shaken, Erica led him into the hotel and received two keys at
the reception. Handing one of them over to G.o.dou, Erica said:
"Then rest well tonight. Goodnight."
"Yeah, goodnight."
G.o.dou nodded as he yawned.
He was going to have a bath and go to sleep immediately after getting to
his room. After all, he was already quite tired. As decided earlier, he would
reflect properly on tonights events in the morning — Just as he was
considering these and other matters...
Erica kissed him.
A light peck of a kiss. Bodily contact that subst.i.tuted for a greeting...
Completely unexpected.
Immediately, the second wave of kissing followed.
Erica sealed G.o.dous lips with her own and began to squirm seductively.
Then she inserted her tongue. Erica began to lick G.o.dous tongue
pa.s.sionately with careful attention... This lasted a minute or two.
Phew. Releasing their lips. Erica exhaled softly.
"W-What are you doing so suddenly..."
"A goodnight kiss. Since you wont kiss me, tlien I liave to kiss you
instead."
Erica displayed an adorable smile in response to G.o.dous shocked
question.
What on earth was she doing in this hotel lobby!? No wait, this was late at
night, without a single person around. Perhaps being seen was avoided —
Surveying the surroundings, G.o.dou realized.
The young attendant standing at the reception was staring in his direction.
if one were to ask if the attendant respected the guests privacy with a
sense of professionalism and cast a glance that pretended not to have
witnessed anything, the answer was a resounding no.
Nodding towards G.o.dou, he seemed to be saying "I saw everything" as he
winked and smiled.
Moreover, Erica went as far as to wave in response to the hotel staff.
Completely calm and composed, she maintained her devilish smile.
However, as an ordinary member of the Yamato race, G.o.dou was not in
command of that sort of composure.
Lacking in Latin lineage, Kusanagi G.o.dou frantically dashed towards the
elevator. He had to take a shower in his room as quickly as possible, to
wash away this sense of embarra.s.sment!
"This is truly goodnight this time, G.o.dou. See you tomorrow morning."
Erica sounded as if she were going to pursue him. Showing only his back
as he listened to her words, G.o.dou rushed into the elevator as if fleeing for
his life.