Campione! Vol 4 Chapter 6

Chapter 6 - Knight's Oath Part 1 Even after hearing that name, G.o.dou could make neither heads nor tails of it. I totally have no idea, what kind of G.o.d that is." "That is not surprising. This is a name that even the Europeans have forgotten, an ancient name of the G.o.d. As a j.a.panese, it would be shocking if you did." Liliana explained. It had been an hour since they separated from Athena, and G.o.dou who had been under the effects of the drug, walking unsteadily, had since been brought back to the guest room in Diana's house, and was lying on the bed. And then began Liliana's lecture. "This divinity, in modern times, is lesser known, but with regards to history, it bears quite an important meaning. He is Sol Invictus, known as Heliogabalus, reigning over the Roman Empire." "Eh? Not Greece?" Though he had previously heard that Perseus originated as a hero from the east, why was the Roman Empire suddenly mentioned? Liliana continued explaining to G.o.dou, who was totally confused. "Isn't Apollo the sun G.o.d of Rome? If it's Greece, shouldn't it be Apollo..." "No, that's not the case. Indeed, Jupiter and Neptune were both ancient Roman G.o.ds too, however - there were no records of similar sun G.o.ds being conquered in the ancient times. Using modern terms, it would have been known as the start of a new religion." "You're saying a new religion started in the Roman Empire?" "That's correct. The religious ideologies of the Romans, to put it nicely, were tolerant, to put it in a not-so-nice manner, would be to say that it was messy. Compared to the indigenous G.o.ds of Rome, the new religions that came out of nowhere were more popular with the people... Regardless, their G.o.ds were a combination of the original and the Greek." "In other words, Rome was a country which housed countless G.o.ds." Thinking back, in some countries, Jupiter was replaced by Zeus, and Neptune by Poseidon. It was not all that different from the religions in j.a.pan that G.o.dou knew of. "I feel that that way of thinking is not wrong, if we consider the one who has appeared before us, Perseus. The pioneer of Italy, with his origins of his birth in ancient Rome, all these point towards the answer of the mystery - and with that, how is it?" Liliana asked him again, and G.o.dou looked at his right hand. The golden [Sword] that rends the G.o.ds, he reaffirmed whether he could use that trump card - he could feel nothing. "Not yet. With what you have already told me, it's still insufficient to use the [Sword]..." "T, that had been within my expectations. As I thought, with merely the conclusion through such a concise teaching method is impossible, isn't it." We probably have to use the usual method, don't we? G.o.dou's thoughts drifted towards that direction, and the silver-haired knight promptly said, "Understanding a G.o.d's nature, is quite similar to studying history, as you are only studying a certain country during a certain time period, which is actually quite meaningless. If you do not study all the history leading up to that point in history, but rather only the specific portions, you will not be able to obtain the deepest understanding." I see your point. G.o.dou nodded. She had said it like a history teacher, but it was convincing. "Which is why I thought that, if you want to understand the origins of the divinity, you have to at least know the basic knowledge.... I'll do a brief summary first, then we'll return back to the main topic." If it were Erica, she'll probably say something like, 'What a pain, that method. Since there's such a fun method, let's do that instead'. G.o.dou was slightly touched by Liliana's diligence. What a brilliantly s.h.i.+ning heart. "Then, let's begin with the history of the Indo-Europeans? After becoming an ethnicity in a corner of Caucasus, they soon began to move towards the east... to the plains of India and Iran. In the process, the very first myth of the Indo-Europeans was born from within their mouths." "Hold on a second.... this is your concise summary?" From the calendar, that was something that had happened around 3000 to 2000 BC... "After that, what kind of episode^^^ are you going to continue with, may I ask?" "Let me think. After that would be when the Indo-European ethnicity were moving to the east, they separated at India and Iran. Then, with the Semites, they created the Ugaritic mythology, and also the ancient European civilizations that created gigantic stone structures, the divinities that they - " "The scope of your lesson is too long! Too long, definitely too long!" If there were weekly lectures of two hours, it would at least take two years to finish teaching. Liliana reb.u.t.ted, looking distressed, "W, we don't have a choice! You have to first understand that history, and then about the East Asian countries and Greece, followed by the Roman Empire, and finally you would be able to gain a perfect understanding!" Is that the case? No wonder Erica had said, 'what a pain' all the time. At this rate, he would have to suggest using that. Every time his eyes made contact with Liliana's, he considered that possibility. This can't go on, neither of us can even look at the other's face. Carrying on in this situation is really painful. Ultimately, the both of them fell into silence. While thinking hard in their minds, they occasionally glanced at each other. Every time their eyes met, they would become unbearably embarra.s.sed. Nevertheless, it was at this time when the final blow had landed. "Kusanagi-sama, Liliana-sama - just earlier, we had received a message from Perseus. Please come with me." The door of the guest room opened, and came the voice of the maid Karen Jankulovski. A rare serious expression could be seen on that little devil's face. At the entrance of Diana's house, it seems that a medal that was pierced with an arrow had been left there. And that medal was now on the kitchen table. It was made of white stone. On its surface, the shape of a wings spread, flying bird was carved. Seeing that, Liliana tensed up. "The mark of the one who reigns over the sun in the sky. Without a doubt, this medal is the symbol of Perseus." "At the same time, it symbolizes the icon of Ahura Mazda, his secret was exactly the same as what Lily had sensed...." The two witches, Liliana and Diana, were murmuring to themselves. Then, Karen who had been waiting at the side lowered her head, and made a request to G.o.dou. "Kusanagi-sama, please go ahead and touch it. Doing that, you will be able to hear the words of Perseus... When I had picked it up earlier, it gave me quite the shock." "Ah, ok." G.o.dou reached out his hand, testing it with his touch. At that moment, the voice of that handsome man could be heard from the white stone medal. "Seems you've fully recovered, G.o.dslayer! I too, have also had a full recovery. Then, it's about time for us to settle our duel. I will strike you down, and then Athena after that. Are you prepared?" If I told you to wait, how long do you think you could give me?" What method should I use to answer him? He was at a loss of what he should have said, hence he had just blurted out whatever he had thought of. "A warrior is always on the battlefield. Instantly rejecting the challenge, I cannot admire your imprudence. However, it's fine... The moon tonight is beautiful. I shall wait while savoring the sight of the moon. Once you have prepared, come to the place where we had fought last night!" Looks like there was not going to be a problem. Perseus sounded as though he wanted to draw in as large an audience as possible to watch their duel, he had to think of a way to change the venue - while G.o.dou was thinking, Perseus continued, "Then, I shall await your arrival Ah, one more thing. I do hope you arrive early. If I have finished my moon-gazing, I will head straight for your location, but as I thought, the place of a duel, if it is not the one both parties have agreed upon, it just won't feel right. I bid you farewell, for now." His voice could no longer be heard. No matter what they tried, there were no replies. G.o.dou sighed deeply, there's no way to postpone it further. What should I do? How can I win against that mighty hero? While G.o.dou was ransacking his brain over this, Diana said, "Kusanagi-sama, you do not seem sufficiently prepared.... I have a request to ask of you, would you please go outside for a while? Between us girls, we have a matter of extreme importance to discuss." Being asked that by the oldest (of them) landlord, G.o.dou complied. While worrying about what to do, the lost G.o.dou left, sighing. - Really, what should I do? Part 2 "We're running out of time, shall we begin the meeting? What methods should we use to allow Kusanagi-sama to achieve victory, let's start the meeting to decide that!" "I have a suggestion. If Liliana-sama uses [Instruction], then everything will be resolved." "That, is actually quite a good idea. Lily, is it ok if we leave that to you?" "T, there's no way I can agree with that!" Of the three persons remaining in the dining room, Diana had started off with the pending problem and Karen had replied with a simple and concise solution, and with that it felt like the discussion had ended. And that was when Liliana started shouting like she was in her death throes. "I, with Kusanagi G.o.dou, ki-kissing and applying magic through it, it's unthinkable! Forget it, I cannot approve of that!" "Earlier in the day, didn't you say that you will be helping him to the best of your ability?" "L, let me make this clear first. That was referring to anything besides kissing! T, that.... how should I phrase it, that's not something a maiden should be doing, I think. I... and Kusanagi G.o.dou, aren't anything like boyfriend and girlfriend, or lovers, we don't have such a relations.h.i.+p..." Her face was fiery hot, she did not have any idea what she was saying, and her head was in a mess, but Liliana did not forget to retort. "Furthermore, there are two other witches here, it doesn't have to be me!" "I am unable to use [Instruction], hence you will have to count me out." "Although I can use it, but I think it'll be better if Lily does it, because the one Athena had granted inspiration to was Lily after all. Having knowledge directly gained from that inspiration, a greater depth of understanding than others, wouldn't it be better to be pa.s.sing on that knowledge to Kusanagi-sama?" "Su, suitable mages from other places can be brought here, and then use [Instruction] on him..." Even Liliana herself knew that she was being unreasonable, and did not finish her sentence. What reasons did the three witches have for staying by Kusanagi G.o.dou's side? In a fight against a G.o.d, no matter how many mages they were, they would not be of any help. Unless they were mages of the highest rank, they would only be dragging the Campione down. Hence, even if they knew that the G.o.d and the King were fighting, they would not come. A convention of the magical world, hence the mages that lived near Naples did not come. And another thing to be mentioned was the special characteristics of Verethragna's ten forms. There were conditions to be met in order to activate them, which were best kept secret. Diana and Karen, they could be forced not to speak by Liliana's authority, but anyone else... He was a reckless person, hence they had to stay and help no matter what. "Liliana-sama, please hear me out. I feel that you are making an unnecessary resistance." To the Liliana who was repeatedly soliloquizing to herself, the sound of Karen's voice broke her out of her trance. "Now, all that's left is for you to say, 'I'll do it'. If you still insist on not doing so, besides showing everyone that you cannot read the atmosphere, you will also be thought of as an obsolete woman..." "Indeed, that's right - in the first place, Lily, why are you so against it?" The youngest maid had finished her attack, then pa.s.sing the baton to Diana. "I feel that Kusanagi-sama, whether it is his personality or appearance, he's not bad, as a man. Only just one kiss with him wouldn't be a problem, don't you agree? Hmm?" "There's a problem! A big problem!" Liliana resisted in a loud voice against tine senior witcli wlio was liappily discussing lier personal matters. "It is nothing much, a kiss. If you pretend that you are giving a goodnight kiss to your father-sama, and quickly get it over with, it would be fine." "I agree. Or pretending to be having some skins.h.i.+p with your boyfriend. That would be ok too." "That's why, I can't do it! I, if I have to give up my first kiss, it has to be to my destined partner in love, that I have decided!" Liliana protested vigorously and loudly. She had only just finished saying that when she realized her folly, and wanted to cover her face in regret. Once, she had revealed the secret in her heart to Erica, and the usually graceful and composed Erica, had immediately burst out in roaring laughter. [.... T, that was too much, Lily. If anyone saw me laughing like this, my rating as a lady will plunge for sure! B, but you're really, a maiden that's extinct in modern times, as I thought!] Erica had said something along those lines, what kind of response would these two have? Liliana anxiously awaited their response, Diana and Karen did not say a single word, merely silently looking at her - they were not smiling? Slight surprise could be seen on their face, and then their faces had an expression that seemed to say, 'Aahh, as I thought'. Why? She felt sad for herself, who had admitted this with her very own mouth, but Liliana Kranjcar felt that she was usually seen by others as a rough but heroic female knight, so why did the two of them have such an expression - ? "U, umm, that... I used to think that that would be nice, but actually, I didn't really mean it that seriously...." It was clear to anyone that this was an attempt to cover it up, finding excuses, causing her to become even more nervous. I see. I understand now, Lily! In that case, let me divine the compatibility between you and Kusanagi-sama!" "N, no need to go that far." Liliana refused Diana who had suddenly suggested that. This witch whose age she refused to tell, seemed to have been a love fortune teller as a side occupation, and had told every couple that they were perfectly compatible, and that they would definitely obtain happiness. Who would believe this kind of nonsensical fortune telling? "Destiny, is it..." Even Karen was muttering to herself with a serious expression. Not her usual little devil expression, but the opposite, giving off a foreboding omen. No one knew what she was scheming then. "Liliana-sama, what is the ideal scenario of your destined love?" "I, if you ask me that suddenly, I don't know how I should answer either.... anyway, if you really want me to say it, it would be a situation where everything is out to prevent the relations.h.i.+p between them, but no matter their distance, no matter how many times, the powerful bond of their love would bring the two of them back together." Liliana hesitantly answered the sudden question. Because these were the usual materials used for her fantasies, she could recite it with ease. "Then, what about love between people of different backgrounds? Like the love between a King and a knight, for example." ".... T, that's not very popular nowadays, you can't say that it's destined." This topic, was it a metaphor for Kusanagi G.o.dou and her relations.h.i.+p? I won't be falling for it, Liliana calmly said to herself - while in a corner of her mind, there was an intense thought of crossing social position and traditions, considering that cla.s.sic relations.h.i.+p that struck her emotionally. "A young man, rumored to have had his way with many women, had his heart stolen by a simple girl-next-door in a chance encounter, and thus changed his entire lifestyle for her.... what do you think about this scenario?" "It's too convenient to be true. Such words from that kind of playboy, who could possibly believe them!" Liliana shouted, rejecting that scenario instantly. - With all of the women before you, everything that I've had with them was never real. Besides you, I need no other. With an expression so serious that it was scary, the scenario and the youthful face which said that to her in her imagination, why was he an Asian, and why did he look so much like that boy she had been with for these two days? "The two of them, while escaping danger together, helping each other, slowly becoming friends that do not dislike each other, and unwittingly became so close that no other person could wedge in between them, what about this scenario....?" "That is merely the suspension bridge effect! Because of the unusual circ.u.mstances, they lost their ability to make cool-headed decisions!" In the mind of Liliana who was still strongly resisting, appeared the memory of the crises both yesterday and that day. The two of them, against a G.o.d, escaping the predicament... She who was a knight had worried for him, and had wanted to protect him. What about him? He should know how to take care of himself, shouldn't he? Though the both of them were worried for each other in different ways, but with time, they would be able to solve all problems... and it felt like the both of them were rather compatible. Furthermore, for a failed knight's sake, he had promised that G.o.ddess - This was a debt she had to repay. Even if she had to offer her body. On that subject, she had wanted to ask him, but had forgotten, whether Kusanagi G.o.dou had wanted to win against that hero - Perseus. If his answer was 'yes', then he would be needing all of Liliana's knowledge. However, he had never said that he wanted to win, or that he wanted to use the [Sword].... does he mean to bear this entire burden by himself? - Thinking that, Liliana suddenly felt an inexplicable feeling burst forth. □ KyunD^^^ Like little needles painfully p.r.i.c.king her heart - rather than painful, it was unbearable, but it contained the slight tinge of a feeling of sweetness. This was the first time she had felt such an unimaginable emotion. An uncontrollable throbbing in her chest. A thumping heartbeat that won't stop. "I, I'm going to see him for a bit! I'm worried about the effects of the drug - no, only slightly concerned, it's only that, don't get any weird thoughts!" At this rate, she could no longer restrain herself. Her mind full of thoughts, Liliana walked towards the guest room that Kusanagi G.o.dou used. "Certainly. Have a good evening. "^^^ "Well then, we're counting on you, Lily." (By the way, 'this girl, she fell for it!' was written on the faces of the scheming maid and the witch who dressed younger than her age as they smiled maliciously, but let us leave that aside first.) Liliana arrived at the guest room that Kusanagi G.o.dou should be residing in. Opening the door - she found herself looking at an empty room, as though it were natural to be so. There was no mistaking it, there was not a single soul inside. She hurriedly checked the rest of the rooms in the building in a panic, but he was already gone, nowhere to be found within the house. The young Campione had vanished from Diana's abode. Parts G.o.dou, who ultimately could not find an answer, boarded a public bus. If it had gone on as it was, most likely the situation would have quickly escalated to using that method of transferring knowledge. The numbness in his body fully gone, G.o.dou seized the opportunity when the witches were discussing to slip out of Diana's house, and boarded the bus towards Santa Lucia district. Aboard the bus that traversed the night of Naples shakily, G.o.dou was agonizing over something. Though he had already used that method many times in the past, and it might be a little too late to be saying it, but indeed, it was a method he hardly agreed with. Sometimes he felt that it would become too complicated with Erica and Yuri, perhaps that was one of the reasons. I have to sever the connections I have with this place, or else.... Fighting without having used that method, the difficulty was approaching 'impossible' from 'next to impossible'. He felt as if he had already lost before it even started. Absentmindedly, he gazed outside the window. The night was beautiful, but you could only truly understand that beauty when seen from higher ground. .... At any rate, the duel with Perseus was already a fixed point in the future. If he ran away, Athena would happily smile and cause Mount Vesuvius to erupt, it was a risk he would not take. If it came down to that, who knows how Naples and the surrounding region would end up like. In a situation where he could not use the [Sword], how should he approach the fight? In the end, he could not think of anything beyond that, it was back to square one for him. - While considering those points, the public bus had stopped at a certain stop. G.o.dou hurriedly got off the bus. Nearby, there was both a train and a tram station, and they both stopped at somewhere nearby Santa Lucia harbor. Though it would only have required one stop on the train, but it would be better to tliink of sometiiing as lie went tliere. From Diana's liouse he had taken a map of the city, and had left afterwards. " If only Erica was with me, then I wouldn't have needed to think this hard over this.... wait, what am I saying!" He saw a public payphone on the road ahead - In an instant, he thought of calling Erica's cellphone number, and he yelled out. Up till now, he had always been saying not to use that method, yet if he were to call for help, and got Erica to come over - it would mean a decisive defeat for him. However.... "I can't think of anything good, what should I do!?" It was like when a writer had written nothing, and the deadline was almost up. G.o.dou walked on, muttering, and before he knew it he was at the coastal road. The smell of the tides drifted into his olfactory senses. The murky black sea stretched out before him. Facing a certain direction from the Santa Lucia harbor - east, to be precise, one could see the coast, an outline of an arc, and the many buildings that were constructed beside the coast, the harbor, and the many anch.o.r.ed vessels in the harbor itself. Even further, one could see the ruins of the wrecked Egg Castle. It was not far from the place where the golden haired hero was awaiting. G.o.dou heaved a deep sigh, with a feeling of 'oh, whatever', prepared to head there, and at that time. ".... You've not yet finished the preparations for the duel, may I ask where do you plan on going before then?" A cold voice, from behind him. G.o.dou cautiously turned around. He was not sure since wlien, but tine fairy-like Liliana Kranjcarwas behind him. "How did you find out where I was...?" "I derived your approximate location using magic, and then using flight magic, flew to the general vicinity. If you wish to escape from a witch like me, you'll have to work harder." Liliana explained concisely, and she seemed disappointed, G.o.dou sighed again, his knowledge of magic was simply too superficial. "Let's go there together I would like to speak with you." While saying that in a frightening tone, Liliana walked in the direction of the sea. The coastal road during that time, had quite a fair bit of human traffic. There was a large greenified park nearby, and also many open-air stalls and small stores side-by-side, a street rife with activity. It would indeed be inconvenient to be conversing on the road with so many goers. .... As I expected, is she here to preach to me? G.o.dou suddenly reminisced about being scolded by an intelligent-looking Yuri, and he made up his mind. He would simply ignore those words, and find an opportunity to escape later. Liliana who was oblivious to the thoughts currently flowing through G.o.dou's head, asked, "Kusanagi G.o.dou, do you wish to win in that battle ahead?" "A, about that, of course I'd like that to happen, if it were possible. Because I am someone who hates losing at anything." G.o.dou replied while thinking. He did not want to lose, but life would be easier if he could win by simply having a reason of 'not being able to lose'. Remembering those sports programs on television, every time, tlie moment the j.a.panese representative team appeared the entire crowd would cheer and applaud. During those times, G.o.dou would feel the sense of irony; the crowds cheering and roaring their support were excited and light-hearted, and on the other hand the partic.i.p.ants had it really hard with the stress. "If that's the case, then why did you not try your best, for the sake of victory?" "Although, I really did want to try my best..." Some things were out of one individual's control, left to fate. If it had been within his ability, then he would have done the most he could to find that chance at victory, but - reality was not so kind, G.o.dou thought deeply. In the end, if he did not have the a.s.sistance of Erica or Yuri, he was only a half-a.s.sed Campione. He was called a King', yet he was powerless. "You yourself should know what you need to do, to give me a command is all that is required. Perseus - the serpent-slaying hero that came from the east, Mithras. Just a 'bestow on me the knowledge of his secret' will do." Mithras. Just only hearing the name and a few bits of his background, was insufficient to understand his divinity. Not knowing that would mean not being able to fight, he understood this very well. Even so, Kusanagi G.o.dou could not bring himself to do it. "I do not intend on doing so. It's true that I've obtained an inexplicable power from a G.o.d, but I am not someone who likes using that power, nor do I want to order others around to do things for me." G.o.dou finished saying, but Liliana shook her head. "I've already said this before, the duty and responsibility of a [King] is only to do battle with the G.o.ds - the you of now is someone who is preparing for battle against a [Heretic G.o.d], fulfilling your responsibility, hence it is you whom we must obey, the possessor of our loyalty." "It's fine even if you don't take tliat kind of tiling seriousiy now. I'm only taking up this troublesome task because I'm the only one here who can." If there were someone else willing to do it, G.o.dou would happily give up his spot, there was no need to over elevate himself. "Because there's no one else willing to, that's why I am, that's how simple the reason is, and the situation now is because of my own willfulness, although I also don't really like being called a 'King' - " In the past, Kusanagi G.o.dou had denied the fact that the Heretic G.o.d Verethragna was a hero. After that, for some reason, he himself was told that 'You are a King', it was truly ridiculous. What that delusional youth G.o.d had said that time, right now, G.o.dou was feeling the same way as he did then. If someone said he was a King, then a King he was. A King, isn't that a t.i.tle for someone who had accomplished exaggerated amazing feats? The him of now was living in an environment where he was called that. "For someone like me, I definitely do not wish for people to recognize me as a King. Nor would I want to be treated as one. I know very well what kind of person I am, no matter what others call me, I have no intention of changing myself!" To call him 'stubborn' would not be wrong, to call him 'childish', that would not be wrong either. G.o.dou had that degree of self-knowledge, why does he not display it - Liliana almost said that out loud. She froze for a moment, then emitted a small sigh. "Honestly... You're such a hopeless person. A big idiot." It was as she said. He had nothing to say in defense, G.o.dou felt a little guilty. "Because you're so fixated over that, that's why you're hesitant about giving me an order?" "Well, yeah... no matter how vital it is, being forced to do that kind of thing with me, you won't like it, right? Giving you an order to do that, is definitely a mistake." G.o.dou was a little embarra.s.sed. He was not the type of person to force others to what they did not want, but rather someone with a spirit of steel, nor was he an insensitive guy. The confident and brave him, had such a good-for-nothing side to him - Liliana was a little surprised. "You leave me no choice... Then, let me tell you the method to solve the problem." With a light sigh, Liliana slowly said. She revealed a shy yet gentle expression to G.o.dou. Like this, she no longer seemed the fairy she usually was. With her softened-down chivalry and her beautiful face, she seemed just like a normal, gentle girl. In that moment, G.o.dou felt his heart being stolen by that expression. Immediately, he regained his composure. What kind of method is that? He quietly awaited her answer. "That is...." Liliana lightly whispered, her voice so small that he could not hear, and when he moved his ear closer, then - G.o.dou had a big shock. At the next moment, a warm feeling could be felt from his lips. .... Liliana had kissed him, and when he returned to reality, it had been a few seconds. "In other words, we'll just have to do this... I only have to kiss you." After their lips had parted, Liliana said, blus.h.i.+ng. "Be, because you had said that there was no one else besides you who could battle against a G.o.d that you volunteered yourself, if that's the case, then I am the same, besides me, no one else can support you, that's why I have decided to lend you my aid to the best of my abilities.... And I don't dislike it." "Eh?" "That is... what we just did." Is that true? Are those her true feelings, from the bottom of her heart? Looking at the embarra.s.sed face of Liliana, G.o.dou was at a loss. "It is a situation where even if you become an inhuman tyrant, you will be forgiven, and yet you still worry about the surroundings. Also you are careless at times, I feel that is a positive point, on the contrary." No, the part about becoming a tyrant, it's better if there isn't a possibility of that happening. G.o.dou was a little guilty, if he misused the authorities of Verethragna, he would become just like those madmen Doni and Voban. "It is because of me that we have fallen into this misfortune, but yet you did not blame me, not even a word. What's more, to protect me, you sacrificed yourself, in front of Athena...." Misfortune, huh.... Objectively, that was not wrong. However to Kusanagi G.o.dou, misfortune like this was like bread-and-b.u.t.ter, he would not even spare a worry for it. "Choosing someone like Erica to serve at your side, I feel that you don't have an eye for people, but as you are still young, it is difficult to fend off the wiles and tricks of that vixen. If you start to change now, there wouldn't be any problems... I shall help you!" Eh? She didn't deny the rumor of me being a philanderer? This was something he did not want to be accused of the most - at G.o.dou who was thinking that, Liliana's face tensed up. "The knight of the [Bronze-Black Cross], Liliana Kranjcar, swears that from now onwards, you shall be the master of my sword, and to you I shall offer my body and loyalty. Will you accept my oath?" "To the extent of offering your loyalty, I'm not that kind of awesome person." Hearing her declaration of her decision, G.o.dou thought. Regardless, if he did not give her a proper response, he would not be fit to be a man, and thus he nodded his head without any hesitation. "If you will help me, and become my comrade, I'll be the first to give you a warm welcome... though I'm sure that I'll be causing you trouble, often - even so, is that fine with you?" "I don't mind. I've already made up my mind, to endure the troubles." The two of them gazed at each other. G.o.dou and Liliana finally went back to being able to look each other in the eye. "I'm sure that you'll become a master worthy of my troubles, I look forward to it." "Don't look forward to that too much, but I'll try my best.... Although that's a hard promise to keep." "It would be best if there were results to show, but if you're willing to do your best, that is already enough. Areas where you are lacking, I will help you, lend you my a.s.sistance... With this blade, I will protect you, if you have need of knowledge on the G.o.ds, I will pa.s.s them over to you." "Ah, aah." The moment pa.s.sing of knowledge was mentioned, G.o.dou started to feel embarra.s.sed. In other words, he was going to do that with her.... he was thrown off by the surprise attack earlier, but still, that would not be good - Sensing that G.o.dou was wavering, Liliana let out a panicked voice. "D, don't misunderstand, I'm doing it out of my duty as a knight, only that! I'm not like Erica. I won't become your lover in order to take advantage or something like that!" "T, that's right. Of course I understand!" "That's right.... Kusanagi G.o.dou, I have a request to make as a knight. From now on, in order to lend you my aid, I plan on staying by your side as much as I can, so please rectify the people around you, and restructure your att.i.tude, is that ok?" "Ah - Ok. I don't think that'll be a problem." "From now on, our relations.h.i.+p as a knight and a King will be like a pair of birds flying wing to wing, branches of the same tree entwined together. There will be times when our opinions diverge, times that we do not place our faith in each other.... but we will overcome these hards.h.i.+ps, allowing the bonds between us to grow even stronger - let us become a pair like that. That is our os.h.i.+dori's pledge. "^^^ "... I understand. Anyway, let's get along well, from now on." Liliana's oath earlier, there were many unsuitable terms and phrases that were used with regards to the current situation - Although G.o.dou thought that way, he felt that it did not really matter, so he just let it slide. There were no problems in conversation and communication, but after all, they came from drastically different cultures, hence if he pointed out each and every one of her mistakes in the language, it would be too uncool of him. "Then, my master - 1 have a request.... Please, kiss me." "Eh?" The world around G.o.dou froze. The female knight stared unhappily at her nonreactive master. "Surely you don't expect me to kiss you one more time!? Actions like this, are initiated by the male party!" ".... Th-That's not it. How can we be doing it on the street?!" "We only just did it earlier, what are you talking about. PI, please look around you.... If it's just kissing, no one will pay us any heed in this vicinity." Liliana explained shyly, G.o.dou looked to and fro around - he finally understood. The lively coastal street. At night. Full of couples. And, the closer it was to the sea, the darker it was. With these conditions, couples would naturally gravitate towards those areas, and engage in activities like kissing - "W, we've already gone that far, are you still going to hesitate over it!?" "What hesitate, rather you should say that the Ethics Committee inside my heart won't give me the permission to do such a thing!" "If it's permission you need, I'll give it to you... I, I feel that you have the right intentions, and furthermore you are my master. Also.... I don't want to see you lose, nor do I want to see the sight of you falling to the ground, pierced by Perseus' arrow once more." Unknowingly, Liliana had gotten closer. She moved her slender body close to G.o.dou, and then tightly glued her body onto his, looking upwards at him with teary eyes. "For my sake... and for the sake of victory, please do your best. I'm begging you." Liliana asked, her slightly pale lips trembling. - For the sake of victory. The meaning of that, was something, G.o.dou had no resistance against. Yes, he had already, by Perseus - the G.o.d with the name of Mithras which he had never heard of, been defeated. Liliana in a soft voice, told him that she wished for him to triumph over that man, and she was a beautiful girl herself. To the point that people would wonder whether she was a human or a fairy, a slender and beautiful appearance, but was surprisingly serious, easy to talk to, and at times come up with very strange delusions, she was a cute girl like that. When he had a real feeling of that fact, he had already sealed her lips with his. Their lips met. When their lips parted, Liliana looked displeased, as if aggravated. "T, that's not enough. More... please do more." Having come this far, there was no other way but to continue. It was the first time that he had, out of his own volition, initiated a kiss. Having steadied his resolve, he kissed her once again, tightly embracing Liliana. This moment, the knowledge flowed. - That is the incarnation of the sun, the hero from the east. - The sword G.o.d of serpent slaying steel, as the Invincible Emperor, the King that reigns over light. It connected. Between Liliana and G.o.dou, the constructed truth was connected. Their lips parted once again, but this time Liliana was silent. The two of them nodded at each other. "The G.o.d that you had defeated, Verethragna, was a divinity that had an extremely complicated background." Liliana who seemed as though she was kissing G.o.dou's neck, spoke as she drew closer. "Before being a Yazata of Zoroastrianism, he hailed from ancient Persia, as a G.o.d of light and contract, Mithra, the war G.o.d."^^^ Liliana who was softly speaking into his ear caused him to feel at ease. Just by doing that, he felt the connection strengthen. "There was also this myth.... When Mithra punished the sinners who defiled their code, he would take the form of a pitch-black boar, crus.h.i.+ng them, and the boar is one of the ten forms of Verethragna." The cool, chivalrous female knight spoke in a dream-like, gentle voice. She placed the entire weight of her body onto G.o.dou, and peacefully closed her eyes. "The reason they share the same appearance - because Mithra is the root divinity of Verethragna, and Mithra who was originally a war G.o.d, with the pa.s.sing of time, the divine nature of being a G.o.d of light and contract intensified, and the one which continued his increasingly weakening nature of being a war G.o.d was Verethragna." A quiet voice tliat only one could hear. Like a lullaby, or the pillow talk of a couple, slowly penetrating into G.o.dou's ears. "From the violent aspect of Mithra's soul, Verethragna was created, and at the same time inheriting the divine nature of Indra. Indra was an Indian storm G.o.d that was regarded in Persia as a demon, and only the divine nature was inherited by Verethragna." Mithra, Indra. Sacred names that somehow seemed nostalgic. It might have been the memories that were awakened by the sleeping divine power of Verethragna that was inside G.o.dou's body. Without a doubt, after that he had merged with Hercules that was from the east, becoming an undefeatable war G.o.d. "Tracing the roots of Mithra and Indra, would lead you back to the Indo-European ethnicity in the east - the war G.o.d that was born from the Aryans, specifically that Mithra's old name was Mitra, who was regarded by the Aryans as the most important divinity, alongside Varna. That G.o.d was the origin of Mithra, the G.o.d who came to the west." At this point, Liliana was suddenly silent. What happened? Puzzled, G.o.dou looked at the silver-haired girl who was tightly hugging him, and she immediately lowered her head shyly, avoiding his gaze, and said in a small voice, "L, let's continue. What we did earlier... was not enough... that, um, if you do not kiss me more - " Her fair skin had turned red, from her face to her neck, and she asked in a trembling voice. Seeing Liliana in such a cute att.i.tude, G.o.dou's doubts in his heart were chased away, it would not be good to let her say those things to him again. He moved his face closer, and stole her lips once more. An awkward but forceful kiss. At the start Liliana's body stiffened up, but soon she relaxed, and accepted G.o.dou's unskillfully moving lips, and opened up her cherry-colored lips as though she was about to swallow the other party. Single-mindedly a.s.saulting G.o.dou's lips, unceasingly kissing each other, their feelings deepening. ... For the purpose of catching their breath, their lips separated. G.o.dou saw that Liliana was looking at him drowsily, perhaps he might have looked the same. Her embarra.s.sment and ecstasy causing her body to tremble, with her tearful eyes and tender lips, before she could say a word, G.o.dou sealed her lips again. - A military genius, from a combined alliance of Pompey and Caesar. - It was said that when he suppressed the pirates of Asia Minor, he had witnessed with his own eyes strange customs and practices. - The pirates had to make offerings to Mount Olympus in Lycia, held unbelievable secret rituals, and this practice had survived till the present times, with the wors.h.i.+ppers of Mithras. "This was a record left by Plutarch in [Hero's Legends], something that migrated from the east to the west, from the hero that came from Persia, this is the divinity of Perseus, he who was called the Invincible Sun arrived in England, a rarity of a hero that crossed the lengths of the world." Through their overlapping lips, Liliana's knowledge was pa.s.sed on to G.o.dou's mind. Perhaps she was a little shy, she would occasionally withdraw her lips and whisper softly, but G.o.dou did not let her speak, and pressed his lips on hers continually. "Yo, you can't... If you do that, I'll...." Had he been too forceful? The troubled Liliana resisted slightly. However, with those moist trembling lips, even while feeling embarra.s.sed, she accepted G.o.dou's all the same. Liliana, as though wanting to suck in G.o.dou's lips, opened up her own. "This is a magic ritual.... Preparation in order to battle a G.o.d, so please take this more seriously.... don't fool around..." The saliva from the Liliana's mouth, moistened G.o.dou's lips. She seemed to be troubled by the sound of the saliva, sucking slowly on G.o.dou's lips, and she moved her tongue as though wanting her saliva back. The saliva that flowed from Liliana's lips, were sucked into G.o.dou's mouth. Through their tongues, the exchange of saliva, and both a feeling of sweetness and knowledge filled their minds. - The chains that tied Perseus and Mithras together. The appearance of the hero from the east. - From the east, came not only the hero, yes, so did the Sun, rising from the east. - In other words, the incarnation of the Sun that came from the east, was the meaning behind Perseus' name. "Deeper... If we don't establish a deeper connection... I will not be able to impart onto you, we are already more intimate than any other King and knight, anyone else, even Erica cannot say a thing... that's why... we can..." Her cheeks a shade of deep red, Liliana spoke quickly. She immediately closed her eyes and pressed her lips forward, sucking with greater force than before. She wanted to feel deeply, no matter how, and G.o.dou opened his lips to embrace Liliana's, and this time, her trembling tongue entwined around G.o.dou's. A slippery feeling like that of wet bodies coming into contact, she was slightly restless, and G.o.dou parted from her lips for a moment. ... If this goes on, they might reach a point of no return. Because of that feeling, the two of them stopped their kissing, and a strand of saliva formed a thin bridge between their lips, and they looked into each other's eyes. She used those intoxicated-looking eyes of hers to gaze at G.o.dou. Her eyes were unfocused, something he could never imagine looking at her usually clean and neat demeanor, adorable to the point of causing one's back to s.h.i.+ver, an alluring expression of a female. The amount of people who have seen this expression on this girl was definitely only one. Absolutely convinced of that, G.o.dou cast aside his confusion. Soon, the silent Liliana lightly nodded her head, looked into his face, sensing his desires. "I, it's fine if we do it the way you prefer, you know? I, I want to do it with you too, faster, ki, kiss... that's why, that's why, more - " There was no need for more words. Yet another forceful kiss, he no longer held back. Liliana intensely sucked upon G.o.dou's invading tongue. Their tongues entwined again and again, exchanging their saliva, moistening their lips, each of them confirming the softness of the other's lips. Like that, they continued their longest kiss - Finally, G.o.dou had pieced together all of the knowledge of the divinity that originated from Persia. The warrior from the east, the incarnation of the Invincible Sun, the serpent-slaying hero of steel, G.o.dou had obtained the words of power to rend apart this enemy hero. In the end, how much time had they spent being lost in the activities here? She did not know how long exactly, but when G.o.dou had suddenly come back to his senses, he quickly withdrew from her lips, but both his and Li liana's were already fully wet. Liliana's beautiful face had already returned to normal and was her usual composed self again, but was still trembling slightly out of shyness. No matter how many couples there were here, they had still overdone it. Whether it were the other couples who were hugging each other tightly like them, or the road-side stall staff or customers, all of them were watching the two of them, snickering and chuckling to themselves. G.o.dou and Liliana's line of sight overlapped. In j.a.pan, if you engaged eye contact it would be best if you disengaged as soon as possible, but this was the pa.s.sionate Latin kingdom. Some people from the surrounding were whistling, some gave them a thumbs-up, others were simply smiling at them - it had become such a scene. " - !?! Ku, Kusanagi G.o.dou, let's leave quickly!" "T, that's right, Liliana-san! That guy must have waited for quite a while!" They quickly escaped from that area, half-walking and half-running. The destination was - Egg Castle, the battle was about to start soon. Calm down! G.o.dou chided himself. "H, how is it? Do you think you have a chance?" Liliana had been considering the same, and their conversation returned to reality. "To be honest, I don't know. Although I have the [Sword] that can rend him, but that guy can also seal my power, if you consider only the abilities, that guy has the advantage." "But you seem calm. Do you have any trump cards up your sleeve?" "It's nothing special, but Athena has said it before, no matter what the odds are, in a fight between G.o.ds there are no definites, hence our battle against the G.o.d should be the same, just let me try - no, let me defeat him." As they moved, they focused their wills on the upcoming battle ahead. Seeing G.o.dou's show of courage, Liliana shrugged her shoulders. "You are indeed reckless, but no matter, I will a.s.sist you to the best of my abilities, and I have one last request." "What is it?" "Just 'Liliana' will do, if I'm different from Erica in this way, honestly, I can't take it." "... Normally, adding 'san' when you address someone is more respectful, isn't it?" "That's just formality. B, because we already have a relations.h.i.+p where we have done those kind of things, there's no need to be so formal, right!?" "I, I got it. Then, I shall call you that from now on...!" Liliana's stuttering had caused him to recall the earlier events, and the pair advanced towards the battleground where the One who came from the East, Mithras (Perseus) awaited. Part 4 The devil king of east Europe, Marquis Dejanstahl Voban. He had struck down Apollo who possessed many varied authorities, obtaining the authority of wolves, [Legion of Hungry Wolves]. And Salvatore Doni had obtained from the Celtic G.o.d king Nuadha, [Ripping Arm of Silver]. Their personalities were extremely similar to their authorities, overly suited for each other. " - These are good examples, hence I theorize that a Campione's authorities are a reflection of the possessor's personality and skill, and then compatibility level, other than that it would be for the purpose of absorbing the ma.s.sive divine power into the human body of the Campione, hence there is no choice but to sever certain parts away. I feel that it is during this process that the authority would go through allocation adjustments." Those were the thoughts of Erica Blandelli hours ago that were stated, while on the vessel. The high-speed craft was moving through the Tyrrhenian Sea at night. In the cabin of the twelve-meter long high-speed craft that weighed twenty tons, she explained to her audience that consisted of Andrea Rivera and Mariya Yuri. - After being messed up by Salvatore Doni. The injured Erica had, with great pains, undid the knots on Rivera and Yuri. Regaining their freedom, they had hastily went off in pursuit of Doni. But it had been too late, the [King of Swords] who had already prepared a high-speed craft and crew in advance had embarked on the journey long ago. At any rate, they had to reach Naples as soon as possible. Erica, Yuri and Rivera rented a suitable vessel and departed immediately. Their destination was tlie location of tine battle between Kusanagi G.o.dou and the [Heretic G.o.d]. When Doni's spell was broken, they had verified the situation through the phone, contacting the responsible party for resolving the incident in Naples, the witch Diana from the [Bronze-Black Cross]. Diana had told them as well, the one a.s.sisting G.o.dou was the Great Knight Liliana Kranjcar. Ability wise there was no doubt that she was highly-skilled. But the fact that she was not beside G.o.dou at the moment left Erica anxious to no ends. However, no matter how anxious she was, she could do nothing while on the boat. Erica, who wanted to get rid of that uneasiness, had simply started on that aforementioned topic she had thought of. "Miss Erica's a.s.sumptions have no basis, nor is there any supporting evidence, hence there is no meaning in it, academically speaking. However, as a personal opinion, it is a rather sound theory." The serious Rivera had refuted her and agreed with her at the same time. Yuri who was at the side wanted to say something. "May I interject a bit? Regarding Sir Salvatore and Marquis Voban, what Erica-san had said made sense... but how would you explain G.o.dou-san's situation?" "Now that you mention it, he's almost fully capable of utilizing all ten forms of Verethragna." "Yes. You say that personality and compatibility levels are what affects a Campione's authorities, but I don't think that he is at that level..." Yuri's voice trailed off, and she tilted her head slightly. Erica nodded her head, in actual fact, that problem had been bugging her for these few months. "That's true. What Yuri had said is not wrong, but if you put it this way, maybe it would make sense... In simple terms, because of G.o.dou's generosity, a personality that treats anyone as a good friend, that is why he is able to use all of the forms." Without a doubt, he was a youth who treated everyone friendlily and familiarly. But to the people whom he had opened his heart to, he was extremely bighearted, to the point that people would think he's an idiot. He was always sincere to and trusting of others, the memory of him being severely messed around by Lucretia at the start of the vacation remained firmly in her mind. Another good example was, he got along well with that Genaro guy. Rude and rough, violent and cunning, and a fanatic of j.a.panese children cartoons, a depressing man who could debate furiously about anime, that kind of person could actually get all familiar with G.o.dou. "I see, that's one way to look at it... Well, there's no way that this issue can be proven, pursuing it would be meaningless, although it is quite an interesting topic." Rivera answered seriously, and Yuri nodded in agreement. "That's true. If it was just as Erica-san had said, then a lot of inexplicable things could be explained." The Hime-Miko smiled. Till now, whenever they spoke of G.o.dou's safety, everyone had sunk into a gloomy mood, but the atmosphere was slowly lightening up, perhaps it might be due to the recollection of his pure and kind personality. "Yuri is too naive.... Though I don't dislike that part of G.o.dou, because it's cute, and teasing him is also fun, but isn't this a big problem?" "Problem?" "That guy doesn't just treat guys that way, he treats girls in the same manner, if the other party is a female, even if he did not strike up a conversation or deepen their relations.h.i.+p by his initiative, the female side would slowly adjust her pace to suit his and shorten the distance between them. Remember the situation when we had Lucretia." If the other party was a girl that did not dislike him, and was even aware of his presence This situation was a little too dangerous, even if G.o.dou did not approach her, she would of her own accord approach him, and he would not reject nor distance away from her. Throw in a few misunderstandings and a bit of luck, and adding the factor of an encounter with a divinity... "T, that... If it's G.o.dou-san... ah, no, it's because it's G.o.dou-san that the danger of him stepping into a strange situation...!?" Yuri seemed like she had thought of the same problem Erica did, and became very fl.u.s.tered. After that, what she worried about was Liliana Kranjcar - Erica's rival and childhood friend, the report that she was currently a.s.sisting G.o.dou at his side. It was hard to imagine something suspicious happening between that old-fas.h.i.+oned maiden and G.o.dou. But her heart was throbbing strangely. If something complicated develops between G.o.dou and Liliana, what should I do. Erica, the devil who liked to tease others, revealed a slightly unhappy expression, her brows locked in a frown. References 1. t The katakana used is 'episode'. It sounds weird, but I can't bring myself to change it. 2. t This is an sfx that expresses the tightening of one's chest. 3. t Karen's exact words are ';!)'LC^U^UfCo 1/^-^X6-3 U^l/^o ', which I can't find a proper replacement for in English. The former means 'Understood' in a very formal manner, and the latter is a greeting when you are seeing someone off. 4. t This is a really difficult paragraph. Almost all of the phrases she used is pretty much descriptive/definitive of a married couple - the birds flying wing to wing, the entwined branches of the same tree. Os.h.i.+dori - MM is a mandarin duck, and at the end she used M^CDMU , which is the os.h.i.+dori's pledge - which refers to the closeness and good relations between a married couple (or something like that). 5. t http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism