Campione! Vol 5 Chapter 1
Chapter 1 - Omen of a Storm
Part 1
When people spoke of shrines in Yushima in the Bunkyou ward, it was
usually about Yushima Tenjin.^
There was also the famous Kanda Myoujin^ nearby. But right now, she
was not at such a major place. There was a quiet shrine in the backstreets
of Yushima. Usually without a priest or a full-time miko, this little shrine was
cared for by the neighborhood parishioners.
She opened the door to the cozy front shrine and stepped inside.
People from the vicinity who caught a glimpse of her might have thought it
strange.
Because after throwing open the usually closed door, the female
high-school student wearing a short-sleeved uniform began to roam
around shamelessly. But since she was not breaking any laws, there was
no reason to reprimand her.
Besides, it was five in the morning. There were almost no pedestrians
pa.s.sing by.
"I said I got it, grampsy. Yeah Im fine, probably... ohh shut it. Well, Ive
never gone out with a boy before, but... And whose fault do you think that
is?"
While sitting courtly in seiza^ posture, she was talking fiercely on her cell
phone.
Outside, strong winds were blowing violently.
The howling wind continued to rock the shrine as if it was one step short of
blowing it away. The sky was covered by dark clouds and looked about to
rain any time.
"Eh, how to seduce a man? ... If youre the one to teach me, its not going
to be of any use anyway, grampsy. Youre behind the times at best, you
know? Ill study by myself."
With one hand, the girl skillfully unfastened the package on the floor.
A long sword in a black lacquered scabbard appeared. It was her reliable
partner, three shaku, three sun, five bu^ long.
Right next to it, ten-odd sheets of paper were strewn about. It was an
investigation report on two girls about her age.
"Leaving that aside, Ive found an interesting girl... Yep, right, one of the
kings lovers... Yeah, because I dont feel like losing. Ill chase her out of
j.a.pan for sure... Yes... Yes yes. Of course Im ready to use force if it gets
down to it. That ways more interesting. Okay, Ill contact you again."
After ending the conversation, the girl picked up one of the paper sheets.
Erica Blandelli. Native of Milan, Italy. Member of the Magic a.s.sociation
[Copper Black Cross], Age 16.
Height 165cm. BWH 87/58/88.
There was even a photo attached. It showed an incredibly beautiful girl.
She, Seishuuin Ena, was complacently smiling while looking at the
[Diavolo Rosso]s personal information.
"As an opponent she lacks nothing. This girl will surely allow you and Ena
to have some fun."
While calling out to her partner lying on the floor, Ena was looking outside.
It had become completely silent.
The violent wind had weakened and the sun rays were piercing the clouds.
"So that wind was grampsys fault after all... hes such a troublesome
grandpa."
After shrugging her shoulders and murmuring, Ena was about to stuff her
cell phone into her pocket when she remembered that it was completely
discharged. Pausing midway, she started looking for the battery charger
which should be in her bag.
The cell phone Seishuuin Ena had been talking over had had no power
source.
Part 2
In Erica Blandellis dictionary, there was no idiom like "Early to bed, early to
rise."
Instead the opposite existed. She would stay up late at night and, unless
there were other businesses, she would sleep until around noon.
That was the life-style Erica Blandelli loved.
But, this morning, she abruptly got up from her bed at 5am.
It was not like she wanted to enjoy an invigorating morning on a whim.
While rubbing her tired eyes, she picked up the cell phone near her pillow
and dialed a number registered in her address book. The other party did
not pick up, but she persistently continued.
"What ishh it, Eri — cca, ishh early in the moring. ... is there. ..aaaa. .an
emergency... or ssshhhing?"
At last, her lover, Kusanagi G.o.dou, had picked up.
Probably he was not awake either. He was slurring his words.
Usually this was when she would present him with a graceful morning
greeting and a kiss over the telephone. But right now Erica did not have
the composure for that, so she cut straight to the point.
"Hey, G.o.dou... today you dont need to come pick me up. Ill go to school
at noon. Its regrettable that I wont be able to see your face when waking
up, but thats how it is..." Erica said with a whisper that lacked the richness
her voice usually had.
It was a faint voice, one that gave a very immature impression.
She was not a morning person; hence the only one who had the privilege
to contact her under such dire circ.u.mstances was Kusanagi G.o.dou.
"I dont remember our school having flextime."
"Flextime or not isnt the problem. The problem is that Im unbearably tired
this morning. I wont be able to welcome you like this even if you come. Ill
probably be in bed the whole time... Ahh, if you like, you can spend the
whole morning in bed with me...?"
Because she was weak in the morning, it was G.o.dous daily routine to
come and pick her up for school.
But even though she called him out of concern over that, she still received
a sharp reply in return.
"You know, even if we put the problem with flextime on hold, I dont
understand this sudden call early in the morning with neither restraint nor
prior arrangement... it wouldnt have happened if you had just used some
common sense"
"Because... the two of us need neither restraint nor common sense
between us. We have love."
"There are so many things I should say about that, but my head isnt
working well yet... Ill tell you later at school. Dont skip."
"Then Ill tell you what I want to say right now. I love you, and, good night,"
Erica whispered gently and threw the cell phone away.
She stretched out on the bed again, closed her eyes, and returned to her
country of sweet dreams right away.
Kusanagi G.o.dou earnestly felt miserable. Waking up early in the morning
had been the worst.
He had been struck awake by Ericas call at five o clock in the morning.
As a consequence of waking up half-way, he had lost the will to go to sleep
again.
With the creed "early to bed, early to rise," G.o.dou always got up right after
6am. So even if he got up at five, it was not that hard. But a normal human
would not have called him that early in the morning.
He had hoped for Erica to treat people with more common sense.
He melancholically muttered to himself.
He was in Jounan Academys year 1 cla.s.s 5 before morning homeroom.
However, in the seat next to him, Erica was nowhere to be seen. It seemed
she would be late just like her advance notice said.
"Seriously, that girl..." As G.o.dou sighed, the female student next to him
started talking to him.
"I do not see Erica. Were you not together this morning?"
"She contacted me saying shed be late because shes sleepy."
"That girl was saying such things again? She really has not changed since
she was a little child! She is always so selfish and not even trying to stick
to the rules..."
The angrily muttering girl had her silver hair collected in a ponytail.
Liliana Kranjcar. After leaving her hometown of Milan, the great knight
came all the way to Tokyo for him. It was the result of him thoughtlessly
consenting when she told him "shed stay by his side as his knight."
Before he knew it, Liliana, who had arrived in j.a.pan at the end of August,
had decided to study abroad.
She got into year 1 cla.s.s 5 of the private Jounan Academy, which was his
cla.s.s. During homeroom on the first day, she had suddenly made an
announcement.
Even though she was an Italian exchange student, she introduced herself
in flawless j.a.panese.
When told that her seat was along the windows, Liliana had frowned with a
twitch.
And then she declared right after stalwartly walking up to G.o.dous seat:
"To begin, I should first explain: I, Liliana Kranjcar, have someone I have
sworn to share my destiny with, to be close with at all times. It is this
gentleman, Kusanagi G.o.dou."
She had a magnificent tone of voice; her words spoken like performances
from a cla.s.sical Greek drama.
"What is she saying all of a sudden?"
When their cla.s.smates all made expressions that seemed to say that,
Liliana had continued her address. That she, who could be called his
knight, would constantly be waiting by his side.
"The place I should sit at cannot be anywhere other than by his side. I
would like you to think about helping me with my mission and pardon my
selfishness."
That appeal had surprised G.o.dou.
No, she was being impossible. He had wanted to remonstrate her, but he
was now at a loss for words.
Suddenly the surrounding students had gotten up from their seats and
started changing seats to grant Lilianas firm request.
At that time Liliana must have used hypnotism or some kind of magic.
Just like that, she had secured the seat next to him, and the cla.s.s had
immediately recognized: On Kusanagi G.o.dous right sat Erica Blandelli,
and on his left sat Liliana Kranjcar; the two beautiful girls who came from
Europe surrounded G.o.dou and competed for his attention.
Liliana was burning with helpfulness towards G.o.dou. Erica nonchalantly
interfered with that.
After that day, such spectacles would repeat themselves many times. But
today, one of the two in question was absent. It seemed like he would
finally be able to spend time calming his heart, so G.o.dou was relieved.
"Kusanagi G.o.dou. Your complexion is not what it should be. Do you lack
sleep?"
"I did sleep well, but I woke up at an odd time. That may be why..."
When Liliana suddenly asked him, G.o.dou opted to answer safely. He did
not mention Ericas name out of a knights compa.s.sion.
"Adequate sleep is the basis for a healthy life. Please also take care to
maintaining your health," she told him with an overly serious expression.
Since she certainly was right, he had nothing to refute.
When G.o.dou nodded with a bitter smile, the silver-haired knight sighed.
"This is no laughing matter. Your lack of self-awareness as a king is an
evident weakness of yours... however, there is nothing we can do about it
today. I thought this might happen, so please have some of the coffee I
prepared this morning."
With that said, Liliana pulled a thermos flask out of her bag.
What preparedness! G.o.dou was a little surprised at the unexpected
development.
"How much sugar and milk should I add?"
"Ah, please dont put any. Black is fine."
"That is bad for your stomach, I cannot recommend that way of drinking.
Well, no helping it now, let us take it one step at a time."
"Ah, okay."
When he accepted the presented coffee, Liliana said without a moments
delay:
"It is hot, so please take care. If you dont mind, should I cool it for you?"
"Y-you dont need to go that far...," he perplexedly replied to her, who was
leaning forward to blow on the coffee. Ever since this new knight had
precipitously joined him, she has always taken on a very polite demeanor.
Coming from a family built on the principle of laissez-faire,^ G.o.dou had
never experienced being care for to this degree, not even during infancy.
Liliana scowled at his reserved reply with a stern face.
"This is also my duty as a knight. Feel free to order me as you like. You
should become more used to making use of people... What is that! Take
your shirt off right away! Quickly!"
"Eh? Why?"
Liliana, her face changing color, drew closer to the wincing G.o.dou.
"Your shirt has become frayed. I need to sew it right away."
"Y-you can leave that much alone."
"It would be my shame if I allowed you to look like that."
In the end, G.o.dou, overpowered by the girls forcefulness, took his shirt off
and handed it to her.
When he was in his t-shirt, he noticed the stares concentrating on him from
the surroundings.
Everyone was observing them — while quietly whispering to each other,
while giggling, or while smacking their lips in annoyance. They gave
impressions like Get a room! or Eeeek, filthy! or Tsk. That d.a.m.n
Kusanagi... he should just die.
It was as though they were looking at a pimp that did nothing but leech off
women.
At that moment, when his dignity as a man was being doubted... G.o.dou
finally realized what was going on around him.
Then lunch break arrived.
While heading for the rooftop, G.o.dou was a.s.sailed by anxiety.
If he continued onward like that, he could not help but feel that he would
rush head-on into an even scarier minefield. But since he still had no
excuse to escape...
The first to welcome him on the rooftop was Liliana.
"I have been waiting for you... However, since our destinations were the
same, could you not have come here together with me?" she inquired in ill
humor.
Under her dissatisfied expression G.o.dous body slightly cramped.
"So-sorry. I went to buy some bread."
"Is that so? That is unfortunate... finally a chance to be alone and progress
our relationship..."
When G.o.dou made a suitable excuse, Liliana mumbled away to herself.
"Eh?"
"Ah, nothing. As a knight. Right, because as a knight I must act as your
guard. Anyways, let us quickly have lunch!"
While her mouth ran non-stop, Liliana produced a bundle from her bag that
looked like a lunchbox.
With handmade sandwiches and fresh juice among other things, no one
could object about either its taste or nutrition.
In contrast to the lunchboxes Erica brought, which were carefully prepared
by Arianna, Liliana also began bringing handmade cooking every day.
Usually they would share the gathered food with everyone, but...
This day Erica was absent. But everyone else still gathered.
Mariya Yuri was from the cla.s.s next door and his little sister Shizuka
especially came from the middle school section.
Would lunch really end safely with this lineup? As anxiety a.s.sailed G.o.dou,
Yuri timidly asked him a question.
"E-Erica-san is not present today?"
"Yeah, she said shed come to school today but I guess shes not here
yet."
"I... see...," Yuri murmured and fell silent, looking depressed. Then even
G.o.dou became restless.
Ever since the events in Naples, his relationship with her had become
delicately awkward.
He felt that before the summer holidays, while being reserved around each
other, they had become wonderfully close. However, lately it had always
been like this, somewhat formal.
If at least Erica were here, she would liven up the place with her ingenious
conversation skills.
It was time to do something. While looking at Yuri, who had been plunged
into silence, G.o.dou made up his mind. He might be over-thinking matters,
but he would feel bad if the situation went on without him doing anything.
"You need not care about such a selfish woman. Leaving that aside,
Kusanagi G.o.dou, I warned you the other day, and yet you still obtained
something like that again?" Liliana interjected in ill humor.
"Eh? What are you talking about?"
"I am talking about that. About that obviously nutrient-deficient bread!"
She was staring at the yakisoba bread^ that G.o.dou bought.
Even among the bread in the store, it was particularly a popular article. The
sweetness and saltiness of the sauce surrounding the noodles was
exquisite, and it was always sold out a few minutes after the beginning of
lunch break.
That day he had managed to buy two of those popular items. He also
purchased an egg sandwich and a croquette sandwich along with them,
but in terms of rarity they were no match for the yakisoba bread.
But apparently the knight from Milan disliked this specialty bread that was
unique to j.a.pan.
"Combining carbohydrates with carbohydrates is reckless at best. So long
as my heart beats, I shall not permit that kind of crude meal."
And just like that, Liliana confiscated the yakisoba bread. In return, she
forced a self-made sandwich onto him.
Roast beef and lettuce, tomatoes, cuc.u.mber, avocados, and other
ingredients held between toasted rye bread, seasoned with what appeared
to be a handmade sauce.
"A meal like this is appropriate for a warrior. Now, please eat up."
"A-ahh. Then, thanks..."
Actually, that day he had wanted to be satisfied by the taste of junk food
sauce.
But refusing Lilianas consideration with such a reason would feel
awkward.
G.o.dou bit into the sandwich. Of course, it was delicious. It tasted better
than the food offered by the cafes in the area. The pickled vegetables that
were offered along with the sandwich were outstanding as well.
It was not just garnished with the customary cuc.u.mber, but carrots and
broccoli as well. When he asked, he learned that they were also self-made.
It was a lunch prepared with a lot of time and effort that left nothing to be
desired in both taste and nutrition.
However, G.o.dou unintentionally stared at the yakisoba bread, which had
been regretfully confiscated.
"Hey, could you return that to me? I still have room for more..." he asked
tentatively. Junk food with an excess of salt and sauce had a charm that
was hard to resist, after all. As a former athlete, he normally showed
self-restraint; but from time to time gluttony would overcome him.
"1-1 cannot. This was hard, but I confiscated it under consideration of your
own good, you know?"
Liliana somehow became fl.u.s.tered when G.o.dou asked.
"E-even if you ask me with such a face, this is out of the question, simply
out of the question... But, umm, it is not that I cannot consent to giving you
half of it. S-split half of it with me. That would be fine."
"Liliana-san. Please dont change your position so abruptly-" Shizuka said
to Liliana as she suddenly came around to agreeing.
Until now, she had been sarcastically watching the exchange between her
brother and the silver-haired knight.
"Its shameful to be like a mother going all soft on her child just because
hes throwing a tantrum."
She was not outright rude, but Shizukas tone contained an obvious thorn.
Minding that, Yuri, who sat across her, softly chided her.
"Shizuka-san, you must not speak like that. Well, I also think that Lilianas
behavior is inconsistent, but..."
"C-could you stop with the strange accusations?"
Liliana cleared her throat with a somewhat sheepish expression.
"Shizuka-san, I only acted with appropriate concern towards your older
brother. In addition, I presented a compromise to meet his wishes as much
as possible. Therefore, Mariya Yuri, all my actions were taken thinking of
Kusanagi G.o.dous well-being. In that sense, all of my actions are
consistent, I believe."
She was stiffer towards the younger Shizuka than towards Yuri, who was
her age.
Liliana made her arguments with that slight difference in att.i.tude.
"In short, that means youve totally caved in against my brother, right?"
"I caved in against Kusanagi G.o.dou? Ridiculous. I am always strict and
push high standards onto him. What you said just now was clearly a
mistake of the facts," Liliana said as she took out a napkin.
When she suddenly handed it to him, G.o.dou was startled.
"Ahh, this is no good. You have gotten sauce on you. Your dignity and
authority will be for naught like this. Okay, it is all right now. You are an
unexpectedly troublesome person, hmm?" she said while wiping G.o.dous
mouth.
Although she called him troublesome, Liliana still looked very content for
some reason. It was a strange feeling of enrichment, and, from the looks of
it, Yuri and Shizuka had awfully cold stares.
"G.o.dou-san."
"Onii-chan, I cant believe it. You look like an idiot. Youre totally being
babied!"
Were these possibly the same reactions that had occurred earlier in the
cla.s.sroom? Exposed to stares that doubted his character and dignity,
G.o.dou was horrified.
By the way, Liliana and Shizuka had met for the first time on the last day of
the summer holidays.
Saying that her personal arrangements in Italy had finished at last, Liliana
had appeared in Nezu^ in the Bunkyou ward and went straight to G.o.dous
house to introduce herself.
At that time, both G.o.dou and Shizuka had been at home, and so was their
grandfather Ichirou.
He had instructed her not to reveal information on magicians, knights, or
Campione to his family, so Liliana had not used those words.
Still. Still.
"I came to take care of Kusanagi G.o.dou" or "we shall be together forever."
"Our relationship binds us with the same fate; we are one in body and soul"
or "I intend to protect him for all our lives" were also unnecessary, G.o.dou
believed.
At that time, his grandfather had laughed "Hoho, well well" and gave
Liliana a warm reception.
But after she had gone home, he had whispered: "You see, girls like that
brood over too many things, so you need to be careful with them. How
should I say it; whether they let you live or die is up to you..."
That piece of advice somehow seemed weighed down with meaning. And
speaking of Shizuka...
"When you vanished off somewhere at the start of the summer holidays, I
cant believe you were out catching such a beautiful person! You werent
satisfied with just Erica-san and Mariya-san; no, you had to get a third
one!?! Onii-chan, youre totally like grandpa!"
Just like that, she had become exceedingly hotheaded. Little sister of
mine, dont have weird misunderstandings about your brother. But when
he tried to relay that to her, Liliana had objected first.
"Shizuka-san, your words just now are mistaken. Unlike Erica or Mariya
Yuri, I do not intend to become your brothers lover. Liliana Kranjcar is a
knight that will protect Kusanagi G.o.dou until the end, living my life
alongside him... that is the purpose of my existence."
"L-lover!?"
"Liliana-san, please stop using such strange words!"
As Yuri interjected, Shizuka also winced at the term, one not usually used
by modern middle and high school students.
But Lilianas face remained calm.
"Am I wrong, Mariya Yuri? I have already recognized that as what you are
waiting for."
"That is not true! That very idea is a misunderstanding!"
"I see... Well then, if you say you have no ambition to become his lover,
please refrain from excessive meddling. As it is my duty, I shall earnestly
remain in waiting by Kusanagi G.o.dous side. I would like you to not
interfere."
Faced with Lilianas decisive words, Yuri became fl.u.s.tered.
While G.o.dou grew worried as he listened next to her.
If the usually reserved j.a.panese miko and the dutiful Milanese knight
continued to diverge like that, it would definitely leave a bad aftertaste. He
should settle matters before it came to that.
"Hey, Liliana, dont be so stiff. Mariya only says that because shes worried
about us. Its nothing to be so hard on her for."
Matters like these should be resolved before they take deep roots.
Maybe it was because he had been the captain when he was still playing
baseball, but G.o.dou had gotten used to this sort of problem. It was not
necessary to be excessively friendly among teammates, but discord hidden
in the shadows was not good.
Especially if a girl like Yuri was involved, he wanted to be considerate.
"G.o.dou-san..."
"Im sorry, Mariya. You also understand that Liliana meant no harm, right?
Ill make sure shes careful from now on, so dont take it to heart", G.o.dou
said to Yuri, who looked at him rather happily.
"Y-yes. I dont particularly mind."
"Okay, great. Lately Ive always seemed to make you angry... sorry. Ive
been waiting for the right time to apologize, but there were no chances
and..." he gently smiled at her. He felt this was a chance to try and fix his
relationship with Yuri.
This miko had a really nagging streak, but it was all out of consideration for
him. If he was not thankful for that, he would incur divine punishment.
If he could, he would like to stay on good terms with her for a long time to
come.
"I should be the one to apologize deeply. After seeing how well G.o.dou-san
and Liliana-san got along lately, my chest grew strangely nauseous, and
gave me dark thoughts... I also thought I should improve my att.i.tude."
"Ahh, so you felt the same. True, youve been cold to me lately, huh,
Mariya?"
"Please! Dont tease me like that!"
Yuri suddenly turned her face away. It was unusual for her, but she was
pouting.
After seeing that, a relieved G.o.dou turned around towards Liliana next. If
he managed to gently finish the matter now... Even so, she frowned at him,
her expression full of amazement.
"I am impressed, Kusanagi G.o.dou... How you handled the upset Mariya
Yuri just now revealed quite the skill. I should have expected no less from
someone who became renowned for his dirty interests at such a young
age."
Seriously, you are only smooth at times like this... Liliana grumbled.
"Hey, what do you mean with handle? Dont make me sound like a
weirdo!"
"There is no need to justify yourself. No matter how much you l.u.s.t after
women, even if the worst happens and you invite destruction upon
yourself, at least I will be your ally... Indeed, I had already taken that
amount of trouble into account when I precipitously joined you."
That line invited way too many misunderstandings. Sensing danger,
G.o.dou was about to chide her, but it was already too late.
"Liliana-san. What was it you just said? About Onii-chan and dirty
interests?"
"I meant it as I said it. You seem to be aware already, but your big brother
has pledged love with quite a number of women, and he is very
accomplished when it comes to enjoying that love."
"Wait, Liliana, dont make up fishy stories!"
"Onii-chan, you stay quiet. Liliana-san, please continue," Shizuka
interrupted G.o.dous protest and urged Liliana to go on.
Liliana answered her question somewhat dejectedly.
"Yes. The truth is, I also fear that your brother will suffer one day due to
this bad habit. When I think of wicked women like Erica being so close to
him..."
"Arent you right- Many people fell to ruin due to womanizing, right-"
Shizuka, who agreed in her responses like this, also threw harsh looks at
Liliana. Her countenance seemed to say "youre also one of his playmates,
arent you?"
"But Shizuka-san, please stop blaming your brothers present sense of
virtue. Since times immemorial, great men have always had great
fondness for s.e.xual pleasures. The fact that nothing but beautiful maidens
gather around Kusanagi G.o.dou is, in a sense, proof of his qualities. You
should not scold him so much over such a minor matter."
"Hmmm? So thats how you think about it?"
"Yes. In short, we simply need to avoid situations where he loses his way
due to women. And seeing to that is my duty, the duty of the one who is in
waiting by his side. I shall protect your brother without fail. So,
Shizuka-san, if you could please be more tolerant?"
"Onii-chan, arent you lucky? Liliana-san understands even your
womanizing." Shizuka ignored Lilianas admonishment disinterestedly.
Trying to follow their conversation left G.o.dou quite perplexed.
"So, youre saying Onii-chan doesnt need to reflect on his behavior?"
"No, I cannot state that with certainty. Even as a playmate, he should
probably avoid Erica. In Mariya Yuris case... it depends on her behavior
from now on. From my point of view, he should aim for women that cause
less trouble in the future," Liliana said and directed her judging gaze at the
Hime-Miko, who was blessed with beauty in both expression and physique.
Yuri reacted with bewilderment.
"Hey, isnt this going in a strange direction!?"
"No. I believe the direction is correct. If you do not correct your womanizing
att.i.tude, there will be people who seek to make use of it later."
"Li-Liliana-san, arent you saying a tiny little bit too much..."
A sour-looking G.o.dou was faced with a composed Liliana and Yuri, who
had taken a complete turn from her earlier att.i.tude to the defensive.
These three were cynically watched by Shizuka.
"Mariya-san is all over you just because you were a little nice to her.
Liliana-san is open to your affairs and ready to recognize them. If one of
them becomes your wife, you wont even need to go through all the trouble
grandpa did. Isnt that great for you, Onii-chan."
He wasnt in control anymore. It was just then when G.o.dou looked up at
the sky in resignation.
"A pleasant day to you, everybody. It seems to be very lively and fun here.
h.e.l.lo, G.o.dou, I couldnt tell you this morning, but instead Ill tell you right
now with lots of affection included. I am really happy to be able to see
you."
Someone greeted them in a self-serving tone.
While radiating elegance and grace, Erica showed herself on the rooftop.
Even the schools summer uniform looked like it was custom-tailored for
her.
More than her superficial beauty, it was her inner values that let this girl
shine.
"Oh, I thought something has happened, and looking at your faces I can
pretty much guess."
While looking at everybody around her, Erica radiantly asked her old friend
and rival: "Lily, please give me a sandwich, too. Ive only had a cappuccino
today so Im starved."
"Th-there is a lot of other food. Even if it is not mine..."
"But its made by you, isnt it? And it looks to be the most delicious. When
you have room to choose, choosing the most delicious or interesting one is
my principle. You know that, right?"
"You are as selfish a girl as always!"
Liliana sounded abusive, but when she heard the praise "delicious," she
held out the package of sandwiches, seeming not as annoyed as she
would have others believe.
Erica accepted one with the beautiful smile of a lady and turned her eyes
to Yuri.
"Im glad for you, Yuri. You managed to make up with G.o.dou, didnt you?
Ever since the summer break, youve been completely awkward; it was
painful to look at. Please allow me to congratulate you."
"Ah, yes. Thanks to you I somehow..."
Erica had done nothing at all, but the overwhelmed Yuri thanked her.
Then she turned to Shizuka and continued courteously and sociably:
"Shizuka-san, I know that you are irritated but please let it slide already. At
the beginning of the 2nd school term, it had been so long since I had
gotten to meet G.o.dou that we ended up overdoing it. Look, he was with
you for all of August..."
"U-using that as a reason..."
"G.o.dou told me, you know, that hed spend the rest of the holidays with his
little sister, so he couldnt meet me as much. It was sad, but being with
ones family was also important, so I bore it. I wouldnt call this return for
that, but could you let this pa.s.s? Please...?"
Certainly, he had not met Erica very much during August. She had
excused herself for being busy with work for the magic society [Copper
Black Cross] and had apparently been bustling about all over the place. At
that time, he had also been distant with Yuri, and Liliana had only arrived
in j.a.pan at the very end of the holidays.
So they had not met not because G.o.dou had asked them, but...
"l-is that so, Onii-chan? Is that why you accompanied me?"
"Uhhm, what should I say..."
"Dont be shy, G.o.dou. Werent you worried that you werent looking after
your little sister enough?"
"I see... Ohh Onii-chan, its embarra.s.sing how you cant bear being away
from me," Shizuka said somewhat happily, sharply turning her head away.
It was unknown if the excuse just now had worked, but it looked like the
danger had pa.s.sed.
Thereupon Erica made a declaration to everyone present with a radiant
smile on her face.
"Then, now that the arguments are settled, let us go back to lunch. Meals
should be held cheerful and fun. We must choose an appropriate topic."
Following her lead, everyone sat down on the rooftop floor.
Erica slid into G.o.dous right armpit quite naturally and sat down right next
to him.
Yuri, who had been in that position so far, had handed it over without any
thought... That single act showed their power relationship and made
G.o.dou secretly groan.
Erica really was dreadful.
Her actions just now were the skills of a [Queen] controlling her royal court.
(...G.o.dou. You probably got it already, but with this, the number of favors
you owe me has grown by one. Remember that.)
Erica, sitting by his side, quietly whispered to him. Of course G.o.dou could
not object.
Part 3
After school, Erica Blandelli and Liliana Kranj car walked through the
shopping district in Nezu, where the Kusanagis house was located.
G.o.dou had said that he had somewhere to drop by and had gone home
right after cla.s.ses were finished.
Apparently, Yuri also had her duties as a miko and had gone home alone.
Erica made her way home while elegantly driving away the boys
approaching her as if they were biting lice. But on the way, she spotted
Liliana in the shopping district.
"A pleasant day to you, Lily. Are you going to G.o.dous after this? Well met.
I was also thinking about visiting, so lets go together," Erica forcibly turned
them into traveling companions.
Liliana frowned unhappily but started walking close to her anyway.
"Erica... I do not think there is any reason for you to go to the Kusanagi
house."
She bluntly treated the knight who was her childhood friend and rival as a
bother.
"I intend to cook dinner at his house. Since you cannot cook, you will be of
no use even if you come along. I would like you to not interfere with my
duties..."
So that was it after all. Erica nodded to herself.
Ever since long ago, this girl had the bad habit of not thinking much about
how to spend her time and effort. So then, should she chide her, or make
fun of her for it?
After a moment of thought, Erica decided that in this situation, she should
just do both.
"Oh my, I wouldnt interfere, Lily."
Erica showed off what G.o.dou often called her devils smile, while masking
a quiet laugh.
"While you strive with your cooking, I will happily make conversation with
G.o.dou; grandfather and Shizuka-san, as well. I should deepen my ties with
my future family, after all."
"Wh-what did you say?"
"Hehee, it might not be necessary for you, Lily, considering that you serve
as his knight. But for me its different. Eventually I will become his wife, and
as his wife, I will be in charge of his army and castle. I must be on good
terms with his relatives."
"W-w-wiiife!? Kusanagi G.o.dou has no intention of taking you as his wife!
Can you stop deciding my lords future by yourself?!"
"He just hasnt said it yet. Among ourselves, matters are already settled,"
Erica declared while following Liliana into the supermarket.
The girl reminiscent of an Eastern European fairy took a shopping basket
like it was her second nature.
Contrary to her appearance, this girl had had an affinity for housekeeping
since her childhood. Cooking, sewing, cleaning, if it was housework, she
could do it. Erica, on the other hand, had almost no experience with
shopping in places like this.
"Hey, Lily. Sometimes I feel pity for you. You became a knight for G.o.dou
merely a few months after me, but during that time my relationship with
G.o.dou had deepened greatly. So much that you cant force your way in
between us anymore."
"Tha-that is not true! The relation between me and him will develop much
more from now on!"
"Oh my, really? But, doesnt G.o.dou seem restless every so often? A little
bit troubled, like he is squirming?"
Lilianas complexion changed in an instant. It looked like she had a clue.
Well, it was only natural since she had suddenly barged into the Kusanagi
house and started cooking, among other things.
Even G.o.dou, who was usually accepting of peoples goodwill, was quite
bewildered and bothered by her fervor.
"You see, whenever my eyes meet G.o.dous, I can generally tell what hes
thinking. Because our bonds are just that deep..."
"DANG IT! S-stop trying to throw my feelings out of order, Erica!"
Liliana harshly objected. She was right, of course.
While there were times when Erica and G.o.dou could confirm each others
aims by eye contact, there were also many times where they could not. In
the end, the environment he was raised in was just too different.
The difference in perception that stemmed from the culture gap was not
overcome that easily.
But, Erica did not feel like saying that straight-out.
At times like this, it was better to enforce her will with a bang. She had the
courage and persuasive power to make lies seem true, so she smiled
elegantly and pityingly at Liliana.
"Feel free to think that. While you cling to that blind belief, G.o.dou and I will
deepen our relationship even further."
"Ug, talking so frivolously..."
"So, could you please not make supper for G.o.dou today?"
Erica continued nonchalantly just as Liliana had begun testing a cabbage
in the produce corner. So far it had been for amus.e.m.e.nt, but her next
advice was based on calculation.
"He isnt living alone, so outside of excursions, theres no need to cook for
him."
"No, but, thats my important work as a knight and — "
"Cooking for him at his house is the work of a housewife or a maid. Youre
neither, right? I understand that youre excited to be by G.o.dous side, but
its time to calm down. If you keep pressing your kindness on them so
forcefully, even his grandfather will be bothered. Understood?"
Erica clearly called out her troublesome old friend.
Apparently G.o.dou had also mumbled to her that she did not have to go
that far, but at that level it would not get through to the over-enthusiastic
Liliana. She was in love with the ideal of being in love, a maiden
predisposed for delusions.
"If you want to put your cooking skills to practice nonetheless, how about
making something at your home and sharing it later?"
"Ahh!"
□lianas eyes flashed open upon Ericas suggestion.
Obviously she had never even thought of that. What a troublesome
person.
Still, she had outstanding abilities at her disposal. If this girl was to serve
G.o.dou, Erica wanted her to do so without causing needless disturbance.
She had to hold her reins tightly.
"Which reminds me; five, six years ago there was that time when you held
a party at your home and put your all into the food..."
"Urg! E-Erica, that was in the past!"
"Oh Lily, although there were only five guests, you diligently made food
that seemed enough for thirty... you have always been like that. You
pointlessly invest time and effort when you dont need to, right? Whenever
thats happened, Ive looked after you with perfection, do you remember?"
Incidentally, Erica had also backed her up at Lilianas party.
She had called twenty people together in haste and organized a bigger
meeting place. It was a dear memory. One that Liliana probably still had
but would surely want to forget.
"Che! Well, yes. It is there, in the corners of my memory..."
"I see, great. Lets get along from now on as well, while treasuring the
strong ties between the two of us, shall we, Lily?" Erica brightly told the
bitterly admitting Lily.
They were equal in sword and magic, but in their private life Erica generally
seized the initiative.
To make Liliana easier to handle, she would use this chance to stir those
memories awake.
Erica decided that while enjoying her worthy rivals agony.
The two girls left the supermarket without buying anything and headed for
the Kusanagi house.
But before they had walked for even three minutes, Liliana asked in a
whisper.
"Erica, do you know that girl who has been staring at us for a while?"
"I wonder? I dont remember her face."
They really stood out.
Since beautiful girls, one blond, one silver-haired, and both from abroad,
were walking right next to each other, it was a given that they would attract
attention.
But the girls stare, which had focused on them since their time in the
supermarket and was now ten meters behind them, had one obvious
characteristic.
It was a look one wore when evaluating an opponent. A gaze that differed
from a normal humans, with eyes that were accustomed to fighting.
She obviously was not an ordinary person.
And her eyes revealed the fact that she did not even want to hide it.
"I have only just come to j.a.pan. So I thought she would be your
acquaintance."
"By process of elimination. But unfortunately, she shouldnt have any
connection with me whatsoever, either. Well, I cant deny the possibility
that she knows about me though."
The other girl presented herself without hiding, so responding to her should
not be bad.
Erica stopped and turned around. Liliana did the same.
It was evening. Among the crowds in the shopping district.
Moving through the flow of people, the girl in the high school uniform
moved closer.
Her long, black hair was silky and beautiful, and her features did not lose to
that either. Her build was slender, but she looked like the type that seemed
slimmer in clothes.
But the thing about her that caught the most attention was the long and
thin cloth bag over her shoulder.
Something cylindrical and longer than one meter seemed to be wrapped
inside. It might be some kind of sword. Erica remembered the swastika
sword that had attacked her the night before.
The black-haired girl smiled at them in pa.s.sing.
It had nothing in common with Ericas refined smile; it was the smile of an
opportunist.
Today, she was just making herself known. The girl leisurely pa.s.sed them
as she implicitly communicated her intent.
Part 4
The Nanao Shrine was built on a hill close to Shiba Park.
To reach it, one had to first challenge the highest stone steps in the
metropolitan area.
For Mariya Yuri, who had no stamina, this was quite a penance. Actually,
they also had an elevator that went up and down, but it was out of order.
Yet, the serious girl did not complain.
She somehow kept on climbing with her wheezing breath.
It was still the hot beginning of September, so she was already completely
drenched in sweat.
That was why she purified herself with the showers in the shrine office
before beginning her duties.
While soaking in the hot water, she suddenly felt bothered by her own
body.
Her smooth, ivory skin was so white it almost seemed transparent.
Her build was slender and scrawny. Her limbs had no muscles to speak of,
and she was so slender she seemed like she would break unless handled
with care.
However, she had moderate volume in the proper places like her b.r.e.a.s.t.s
and hips.
Yuri stopped the shower and left the stall. The bathroom mirror reflected
her figure.
When going through water purification with her fellow Hime-Miko or
changing with her cla.s.smates, she was always inexplicably complimented
and treated with envy.
Maybe she had a body she could brag about.
She payed attention to her weight and dry skin like any other girl her age,
but she had never experienced being too worried about her own figure.
If I can, I want to become more slender. That was about it.
But lately that started giving her a bad feeling.
What floated through her mind this time was the overwhelming physical
beauty of Lucretia Zola, whom she had seen on Sardinia.
"Do men find that kind of build more desirable after all...?" Yuri murmured
while pretending she did not have a particular person in mind.
It was not her build. It was the a.s.sertiveness and confidence of those girls
that she lacked. Then there was her bad habit of blurting out harsh words.
"Hahhh," Yuri let out a sigh.
Compared to those girls, Mariya Yuris build and personality was on a
lower scale.
Because the DNA she had been born with was different from a European
womans, it couldnt be helped. It was inevitable, but that reasoning did not
lighten Yuris spirits at all.
Maybe, if he preferred beautiful, bold women like that...
For now, I seem to be winning against Liliana-san.
The thought suddenly came to Yuris mind as she looked down at her
stomach and she started worrying.
"Ann, what am I thinking about! Dirty! Imprudent!"
Liliana Kranjcars body was reminiscent of a fairy and was like that of a
slim model.
In other words, it meant she lacked curves.
Yuri felt she was winning when it came to being feminine. But to use that
for comparison, she felt embarra.s.sed that her feelings were so indecent.
In the face of her sacred duty, she must not do that.
To clear her head with a cold shower, Yuri returned to the stall in haste.
Having regained some level of calmness, Yuri put on the white robes and
hakama^of her miko outfit.
She left the shrine office and headed for the front shrine. While on her way,
she exchanged greetings with the priests working in the shrine and the
other miko as they pa.s.sed by.
The standings of a full-time employee and a Hime-Miko were completely
different.
In the end, a Hime-Miko was someone with special powers who was
dispatched by the orders of the History Compilation Committee.
They were only dispatched to various important spiritual locations.
Because the authority structure was completely different, even the head
priest of a shrine could not give orders to a Hime-Miko. The girls were
respected like high-cla.s.s guests.
Currently, there were about ten Hime-Miko in service near Musashino in
the Kanto region.
One of those comrades was waiting for her at the front shrine.
"Ena-san? What happened? Why are you here today?"
"Hey, Yuri, long time no see. I just thought Id say h.e.l.lo."
Seishuuin Ena playfully smiled at her.
The girl with beautiful, black hair and n.o.ble features had an atmosphere
that made her easy to get along with.
She was not wearing the miko outfit that Yuri was used to seeing, but a
white shirt and a beige vest and skirt. It looked like the uniform of a high
school somewhere.
Then there was the long and narrow cloth bag lying on the floor of the front
shrine.
The moment she saw it, Yuri gave a startled jump. Its divine power was as
fierce as ever.
The cloth bag was woven with a special fabric to block the magical power.
But Yuris spirit sense could still perceive the presence of that divine blade.
"Hey, Yuri, according to the rumors youre currently a mistress for His
Majesty, right?"
"M-miiiiis"
At such a blunt question, Yuri was lost for words.
"His Majesty" probably referred to a Campione. It was a way of speaking
that lacked precision, typical for Ena.
"Im not! I am not in such a shameless relationship with G.o.dou-san!"
"Ehh, really? I mean, because the committee and the Mariya household
offered you as a human sacrifice, everyone else gave up on becoming His
Majestys lover. Its different from what I heard."
She was right. Yuri regretted her verbal slip.
It was a very enticing prospect — to gain influence over a devil king, a
Campione, and make use of him. So to keep a lid on that, they had
prepared an excuse.
"T-that is, Kaoru-san and Amakasu-san said wed act like that on the
surface, so I helped them... could you keep this a secret?"
"Ahh, it sounds like a trick those people would pull... Okay, got it," Ena said
indifferently.
Yuri was relieved. Ena truly was the greatest Hime-Miko. In spite of her
behavior, Seishuuin Ena had the most outstanding talent and the best
qualities not only in Musashino, but in the whole country.
"So, instead of you, Ill just become His Majestys mistress. Now this is a
serious responsibility..."
"Excuse me?"
Yuri stiffened when she heard the sudden proposal. What was she saying,
all of a sudden?
"Actually, this time Ena was also made His Majestys mistress. The head of
my family has urgently asked me to. Grampsy thought it was interesting so
he also recommended it. Hey, you know, Grampsy? Thats why the people
from the committee cant say anything either."
"G-Gram, the Old One?"
He was one of the Elders whom not even the Historical Compilation
Committee wanted to offend.
Even among the Hime-Miko, he had taken a special interest in Seishuuin
Ena and secretly granted her the divine blade. Yuri had never met him.
Ena was probably the only Hime-Miko to have met him face-to-face.
"Right. He told me not to lose to you or anyone when serving him, so I felt
a bit bad. But its great youre not his mistress. I really didnt want to quarrel
with you."
"You cant! I definitely wont allow that!"
Yuri unintentionally flared up against Enas grin and her conceited words.
The girl with the alias [Hime-Miko of the Sword] opened her eyes wide at
that angry reaction.
"Hm, why? Something bad about it?"
"Th-that is..."
"Apart from having Grampsys orders, Ena cant go against the committee
either, so theres nothing she can do about it. And youre not his mistress,
are you? So whats so bad, OH! Ena gets it..."
Suddenly Enas expression changed to a mischievous smirk.
Yuris face grew crimson with shame as she looked back awkwardly.
"Hohooh. Its cute how youre getting all shy. So thats it. Ena gets it... Oh,
Yuri, you seriously fell for His Majesty?"
"I did not! Please dont make weird accusations!"
"Hehehe. Denying it while blushing to your ears, you really are cute. Why
didnt you say so in the first place? Ena is no demon, shes properly
thinking about things."
Seishuuin Ena proposed something astounding as she chuckled.
"Alright. Then lets split the roles. Ena will leave the perverted and
child-bearing stuff, the work of a woman to you, Yuri. Ena will do the rest.
Youre fine with that, right?"
"Ehh? Ena-san, what are you...?"
Her fellow Hime-Miko showed the perplexed Yuri a radiant smile.
"I told you, right, I was ordered not to lose to anyone. Its fine since were
friends, but Ena will drive those other two mistresses out. Lets serve His
Majesty, just the two of us!"
Ena picked up the cloth bag lying on the floor.
She opened it and pulled out whats inside. A broadsword, 3 shaku 3 sun 5
bu long, stored in a black lacquered sheath. The intensity of the magical
power radiating from the divine artifact made Yuri dizzy.
"For now, Ena thinks shell start with cleaning up that blond
Erica-something-or-other. She seems quite skilled, that girl. Well, Enas got
her strong partner here so she doesnt think shell lose."
Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi.
The most prominent divine blade in j.a.pan. The power hidden within was
unfathomable.
The strife these girls were involving Kusanagi G.o.dou and Erica Blandelli in
had only just begun.
References
1 . t Yushima Tenjin: Shinto shrine in Tokyo devoted to Tenjin, a G.o.d
related to learning. It is frequently visited by the students hoping to
pa.s.s the entrance exam
2. t Kanda Myoujin: Famous Tokyo shrine devoted to two of the
fortune G.o.ds (Daikokuten & Ebisu), as well as Taira no Masakado, a
Heian-era rebel samurai later elevated to an immensely popular G.o.d
3. t Seiza: j.a.panese term for the traditional formal way of sitting in
j.a.pan
4. t 1 shaku=30.3cm, 1 sun=3.03 cm, 1 bu=3.03 mm
5. t Laissez-faire: Principle of minimum interference from a higher
power, e.g. from the government in economics: Laissez-faire
6. t Yakisoba bread: j.a.panese hot dog with fried noodles in the bread
7. t Nezu: Nezu is part of the "Ya-Ne-Sen" neighorhood where early
20th century culture still lingers. The name "Ya-Ne-Sen" comes from
the first letters of the 3 neighborhoods Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi. A
popular area among foreign visitors to enjoy the traditional j.a.panese
atmosphere full of local color.
8. t Hakama: type of traditional j.a.panese clothing; see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakama