Campione! Vol 6 Chapter 1

Chapter 1 - Omen of a Storm Part 1 When people spoke of shrines in Yus.h.i.+ma in the Bunkyou ward, it was usually about Yus.h.i.+ma 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 Yus.h.i.+ma. Usually without a priest or a full-time miko, this little shrine was cared for by the neighborhood paris.h.i.+oners. 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 I'm fine, probably... ohh shut it. Well, I've 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 you're the one to teach me, it's not going to be of any use anyway, grampsy. You're behind the times at best, you know? I'll 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, I've found an interesting girl... Yep, right, one of the king's lovers... Yeah, because I don't feel like losing. I'll chase her out of j.a.pan for sure... Yes... Yes yes. Of course I'm ready to use force if it gets down to it. That way's more interesting. Okay, I'll 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 grampsy's fault after all... he's 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 Blandelli's 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 don't need to come pick me up. I'll go to school at noon. It's regrettable that I won't be able to see your face when waking up, but that's 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 don't remember our school having flextime." "Flextime or not isn't the problem. The problem is that I'm unbearably tired this morning. I won't be able to welcome you like this even if you come. I'll 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.dou's 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 don't understand this sudden call early in the morning with neither restraint nor prior arrangement... it wouldn't 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 isn't working well yet... I'll tell you later at school. Don't skip." "Then I'll 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 Erica's 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 Academy's 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 she'd be late because she's 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 "she'd 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.dou's 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 Liliana's 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.dou's 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 Erica's name out of a knight's 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 don't 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 don't mind, should I cool it for you?" "Y-you don't 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 s.h.i.+rt off right away! Quickly!" "Eh? Why?" Liliana, her face changing color, drew closer to the wincing G.o.dou. "Your s.h.i.+rt 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 girl's forcefulness, took his s.h.i.+rt off and handed it to her. When he was in his t-s.h.i.+rt, 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.dou's 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 relations.h.i.+p..." 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 s.h.i.+zuka 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 she'd come to school today but I guess she's 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 relations.h.i.+p 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 Liliana's 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 don't change your position so abruptly-" s.h.i.+zuka 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. "It's shameful to be like a mother going all soft on her child just because he's throwing a tantrum." She was not outright rude, but s.h.i.+zuka's tone contained an obvious thorn. Minding that, Yuri, who sat across her, softly chided her. "s.h.i.+zuka-san, you must not speak like that. Well, I also think that Liliana's behavior is inconsistent, but..." "C-could you stop with the strange accusations?" Liliana cleared her throat with a somewhat sheepish expression. "s.h.i.+zuka-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.dou's well-being. In that sense, all of my actions are consistent, I believe." She was stiffer towards the younger s.h.i.+zuka than towards Yuri, who was her age. Liliana made her arguments with that slight difference in att.i.tude. "In short, that means you've 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.dou's 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 s.h.i.+zuka had awfully cold stares. "G.o.dou-san." "Onii-chan, I can't believe it. You look like an idiot. You're 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 s.h.i.+zuka 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.dou's house to introduce herself. At that time, both G.o.dou and s.h.i.+zuka 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 relations.h.i.+p 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 s.h.i.+zuka... "When you vanished off somewhere at the start of the summer holidays, I can't believe you were out catching such a beautiful person! You weren't satisfied with just Erica-san and Mariya-san; no, you had to get a third one!?! Onii-chan, you're totally like grandpa!" Just like that, she had become exceedingly hotheaded. 'Little sister of mine, don't have weird misunderstandings about your brother.' But when he tried to relay that to her, Liliana had objected first. "s.h.i.+zuka-san, your words just now are mistaken. Unlike Erica or Mariya Yuri, I do not intend to become your brother's 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, s.h.i.+zuka also winced at the term, one not usually used by modern middle and high school students. But Liliana's 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.dou's side. I would like you to not interfere." Faced with Liliana's 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, don't be so stiff. Mariya only says that because she's worried about us. It's 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..." "I'm sorry, Mariya. You also understand that Liliana meant no harm, right? I'll make sure she's careful from now on, so don't take it to heart", G.o.dou said to Yuri, who looked at him rather happily. "Y-yes. I don't particularly mind." "Okay, great. Lately I've always seemed to make you angry... sorry. I've 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 relations.h.i.+p 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, you've been cold to me lately, huh, Mariya?" "Please! Don't 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?' Don't 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, don't make up fishy stories!" "Onii-chan, you stay quiet. Liliana-san, please continue," s.h.i.+zuka interrupted G.o.dou's 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..." "Aren't you right- Many people fell to ruin due to womanizing, right-" s.h.i.+zuka, who agreed in her responses like this, also threw harsh looks at Liliana. Her countenance seemed to say "you're also one of his playmates, aren't you?" "But s.h.i.+zuka-san, please stop blaming your brother's 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 that's 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, s.h.i.+zuka-san, if you could please be more tolerant?" "Onii-chan, aren't you lucky? Liliana-san understands even your womanizing." s.h.i.+zuka ignored Liliana's admonishment disinterestedly. Trying to follow their conversation left G.o.dou quite perplexed. "So, you're saying Onii-chan doesn't need to reflect on his behavior?" "No, I cannot state that with certainty. Even as a playmate, he should probably avoid Erica. In Mariya Yuri's 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, isn't 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, aren't 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 s.h.i.+zuka. "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 won't even need to go through all the trouble grandpa did. Isn't that great for you, Onii-chan." He wasn't 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 couldn't tell you this morning, but instead I'll 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 school's summer uniform looked like it was custom-tailored for her. More than her superficial beauty, it was her inner values that let this girl s.h.i.+ne. "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. I've only had a cappuccino today so I'm starved." "Th-there is a lot of other food. Even if it is not mine..." "But it's made by you, isn't 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. "I'm glad for you, Yuri. You managed to make up with G.o.dou, didn't you? Ever since the summer break, you've 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 s.h.i.+zuka and continued courteously and sociably: "s.h.i.+zuka-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 he'd spend the rest of the holidays with his little sister, so he couldn't meet me as much. It was sad, but being with one's family was also important, so I bore it. I wouldn't 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..." "Don't be shy, G.o.dou. Weren't you worried that you weren't looking after your little sister enough?" "I see... Ohh Onii-chan, it's embarra.s.sing how you can't bear being away from me," s.h.i.+zuka 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.dou's 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 relations.h.i.+p 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 Kusanagi's 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.dou's after this? Well met. I was also thinking about visiting, so let's 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 wouldn't interfere, Lily." Erica showed off what G.o.dou often called her devil's smile, while masking a quiet laugh. "While you strive with your cooking, I will happily make conversation with G.o.dou; grandfather and s.h.i.+zuka-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 it's 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 lord's future by yourself?!" "He just hasn't 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 relations.h.i.+p with G.o.dou had deepened greatly. So much that you can't 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, doesn't G.o.dou seem restless every so often? A little bit troubled, like he is squirming?" Liliana's 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 people's goodwill, was quite bewildered and bothered by her fervor. "You see, whenever my eyes meet G.o.dou's, I can generally tell what he's 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 other's 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 relations.h.i.+p 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 isn't living alone, so outside of excursions, there's no need to cook for him." "No, but, that's my important work as a knight and — " "Cooking for him at his house is the work of a housewife or a maid. You're neither, right? I understand that you're excited to be by G.o.dou's side, but it's 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!" □liana's eyes flashed open upon Erica's 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 don't need to, right? Whenever that's happened, I've looked after you with perfection, do you remember?" Incidentally, Erica had also backed her up at Liliana's 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. Let's 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 rival's 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 don't 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 girl's 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 human's, 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 shouldn't have any connection with me whatsoever, either. Well, I can't 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 Erica's 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 s.h.i.+ba 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 Yuri's build and personality was on a lower scale. Because the DNA she had been born with was different from a European woman's, it couldn't be helped. It was inevitable, but that reasoning did not lighten Yuri's 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 Yuri's mind as she looked down at her stomach and she started worrying. "Ann, what am I thinking about! Dirty! Imprudent!" Liliana Kranjcar's 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 Musas.h.i.+no 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 I'd 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 s.h.i.+rt 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 Yuri's spirit sense could still perceive the presence of that divine blade. "Hey, Yuri, according to the rumors you're 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. "I'm not! I am not in such a shameless relations.h.i.+p 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 Majesty's lover. It's 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 we'd 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 Musas.h.i.+no, but in the whole country. "So, instead of you, I'll just become His Majesty's 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 Majesty's 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? That's why the people from the committee can't 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 it's great you're not his mistress. I really didn't want to quarrel with you." "You can't! I definitely won't allow that!" Yuri unintentionally flared up against Ena's 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 Grampsy's orders, Ena can't go against the committee either, so there's nothing she can do about it. And you're not his mistress, are you? So what's so bad, OH! Ena gets it..." Suddenly Ena's expression changed to a mischievous smirk. Yuri's face grew crimson with shame as she looked back awkwardly. "Hohooh. It's cute how you're getting all shy. So that's it. Ena gets it... Oh, Yuri, you seriously fell for His Majesty?" "I did not! Please don't make weird accusations!" "Hehehe. Denying it while blus.h.i.+ng to your ears, you really are cute. Why didn't you say so in the first place? Ena is no demon, she's properly thinking about things." Seishuuin Ena proposed something astounding as she chuckled. "Alright. Then let's 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. You're 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. It's fine since we're friends, but Ena will drive those other two mistresses out. Let's serve His Majesty, just the two of us!" Ena picked up the cloth bag lying on the floor. She opened it and pulled out what's 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 she'll start with cleaning up that blond Erica-something-or-other. She seems quite skilled, that girl. Well, Ena's got her strong partner here so she doesn't think she'll 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 Yus.h.i.+ma Tenjin: s.h.i.+nto 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