Vol 2 Chapter 1 (2/2)

In these areas, Erica was completely flawless.

Towards boys, she was entirely merciless. With an elegant smile she

would say ”You're in the way, could you please leave?”

”If you already know you're popular, could you stop that Queen-like

att.i.tude? If you continue to do as you please, I have to take the brunt of the

backlash.”

Even though G.o.dou was very displeased, Erica only smiled in a relaxed

manner.

”Isn't that great? To be the exclusive recipient of my love. Aren't there

many benefits?”

”...Sometimes I really admire this self-confidence of yours.”

”If you could respond decisively, Kusanagi-san, I don't believe it would

have progressed to this. First and foremost, one must always do things

with determination.”

Yuri's voice was filled with thorns of disapproval.

”Ah, yes.” Without realizing it, G.o.dou began to retreat.

Perhaps it was due to her pointing out the truth, G.o.dou felt like he cannot

give a reb.u.t.tal. It was completely unlike those times when he argued with

Erica.

”Ah, yes, G.o.dou. That matter, isn't it time for it to be determined whether it

is accepted or not? The exact time will be today after school.”

”That matter... is it something that can be brought home?”

Erica suddenly brought up something that immediately caused G.o.dou

agitation.

Not long after Erica had transferred, she immediately made the request of

meeting and greeting G.o.dou's family.

”In that case, didn't we talk about it already, so you still haven't given up?”

”Of course. In preparation for the future, winning over G.o.dou's family is a

necessary prerequisite.”

Looks like joyfully talking about her deep scheming was one of Erica's

most adept skills.

To this exchange of words, Yuri frowned in a barely perceptible manner.

”s.h.i.+zuka-san seems to have heard about Erica-san, and is most wary in a

serious state of alert. When this kind of female approaches her brother, it is

only natural.”

The younger sister s.h.i.+zuka was a 3rd year student in the middle school

division.

Since the relations.h.i.+p with the blonde beauty had become the gossip of

the school, their relations.h.i.+p was already known. For the sake of harmony

within the family, G.o.dou had wanted to prevent this meeting.

”Come on, visiting my home isn't that fun anyway?”

”Even if it's not very fun, meeting the family of my lover, and having our

relations.h.i.+p recognized officially is very important.”

To Erica's suggestion, G.o.dou immediately rebuffed.

”We are not lovers, and there is no need for official recognition!”

”Then there's no other way. Imouto-san is also in this school, right? 3rd

Year 2nd Cla.s.s of the middle school, her register number is 9. Her seat is

the second one in the row closest to the corridor.”

Unlike the innocent child this morning, this was the true horrifying face of

the witch.

A smile appeared at the corner of Erica's lip, completely expressing her

malevolent intentions. Dominating G.o.dou, causing him to admit defeat

from the depths of his heart.

”The grandfather who retired 6 years ago from the university position of

professor of folklore studies. Living carefree nowadays and taking up all

the ch.o.r.es of the household. The mother works at Yus.h.i.+ma.”

”Why do you know so much detail about my family?”

”Since G.o.dou did not introduce them to me, I decided to investigate a bit.

To suddenly visit and meet them would be quite strange, so I have been

waiting for you to invite me... However, there are times when one must

take action for oneself.”

Cornered by Erica, G.o.dou only had two choices.

To let Erica introduce herself in a situation when G.o.dou himself was

absent, or to bring Erica to the house, and face the family together. Which

would it be? That was the question.

”Sigh, I still can't think of a better solution...”

G.o.dou was becoming further agitated. Was there a less risky option — ?

Certain of her victory, Erica was chuckling proudly to herself. Was there

really no trump card to reverse defeat — yes, there was a way.

Right here beside them, was another girl.

G.o.dou looked at her frowning face full of propriety.

”Mariya, would you happen to be free today after school? If it's convenient,

could you come visit my home? Along with this girl — Erica.”

G.o.dou tried to ask with total sincerity.

Yuri stared at G.o.dou with a lost expression.

”For m-me to visit your... home, Kusanagi-san?”

”Yes. If I bring Erica to my home, I cannot restrain her by myself. If it's

possible, could you help keep an eye over her — ”

”I see... In that case, I do not mind.”

Yuri nodded as she glanced at Erica.

”Indeed, Kusanagi-san, letting your family meet Erica-san would probably

be a dangerous matter. A sudden visit to a boy's home is a little unusual.

But given that is the situation, it cannot be helped. I have no choice but to

accept.”

”Thank you, Mariya... You won't mind, right, Erica?”

Counterattack success! G.o.dou returned a smile of victory.

Erica seemed slightly impressed. She smiled and nodded.

”G.o.dou... Do you really think your little trick can stop me? Do not

underestimate this [Diavolo Rosso] so easily.”

”Hmph. I won't do as you wish forever, be prepared for that.”

At that time, G.o.dou still had not realized he was digging his own grave.

Part 4

Uh, did he do something wrong?

Watching the delicate expressions on s.h.i.+zuka's face, G.o.dou felt troubled.

If it was just himself, he definitely would not be able to control Erica. With

Yuri's help however, there should be a way.

— Then what was the matter with this bad feeling?

After school, G.o.dou and Erica, as well as Yuri walked back to the

Kusanagi residence.

Walking for roughly ten minutes from Jounan Academy, they reached the

shopping street in Nezu of the Bunkyo ward.

In that area was a closed down j.a.panese book store and the home of the

Kusanagi family. G.o.dou led the two girls into the living room.

”You're home, Onii-chan. Yes, listen to me. Grandfather said that tonight's

dinner is hand-rolled sus.h.i.+ — Anyway... let's go shopping together...”

They were greeted by Grandfather Kusanagi Ichirou and s.h.i.+zuka who had

already returned from school.

After half a day, her mood seemed to have improved, and the younger

sister's speech had become more relaxed — however, her state was rapidly

deteriorating mid-sentence.

The grandfather calmly smiled at the two girls his grandson brought home.

”Ah... what should I say, you even brought some friends.”

”Yes, all sorts of friends...”

As she finished speaking, s.h.i.+zuka finally greeted Yuri as her senior in the

club activities.

”h.e.l.lo, Mariya-senpai. And that one over there must be Erica-san who has

a close relations.h.i.+p with Onii-chan? I already know... from rumors.”

”h.e.l.lo s.h.i.+zuka. Haven't I introduced myself on the phone before? A

pleasure to meet you, grandfather. I apologize for my sudden intrusion

today. There are things I must talk to G.o.dou's family about, if I may?”

Erica greeted them with a most lady-like smile.

When she acted like that, one cannot help but marvel at what a perfect

high cla.s.s lady she was.

”Hoho... Let's take your seats first, I will prepare the tea.”

And so, everyone came into the living room of the Kusanagi family.

Around the large table sat G.o.dou with Erica on his right and Yuri on the

left. Opposite was s.h.i.+zuka with an intense glare, while the cheerful

grandfather sat on the side.

Somehow it evolved into an awkward atmosphere along the likes of

”hopeless, you rascal.” Why was that?

Grandfather suddenly addressed Yuri.

Perhaps it was because Yuri spoke less than Erica, so he became a bit

curious.

”Yes, I am Mariya. My utmost apologies for today's sudden intrusion.

s.h.i.+zuka-san and I both belong to the same tea ceremony club.”

”Then that means you're s.h.i.+zuka's senior, right? Did you become friends

with G.o.dou due to s.h.i.+zuka?”

Grandfather nodded at Yuri's earnest greeting and thoughtlessly asked.

However, the one who answered this loaded question was s.h.i.+zuka.

”That has no relation to me whatsoever. Onii-chan and Mariya-senpai's

relations.h.i.+p suddenly became close at some unknown point in time, and

they even met secretly behind my back during weekends.”

G.o.dou began to realize the mistake he had made.

Although the overall strategy was correct in bringing Yuri as an ally, the

unexpected result was greatly increasing the battle spirit of the adversary

(the younger sister).

However... it was still too early to write it off as a failure.

With his will to fight rising, his targets have also increased to two. However,

if the will to battle has increased, but the targets have doubled, then it will

still be tough to handle.

”When did Onii-chan and Erica-san meet is also a mystery as well. When

we talked on the phone last time, no one would have thought she was

foreign due to her excellent j.a.panese. Onii-chan and Erica-san's

relations.h.i.+p seems to be extremely close? It's already the talk of the

school.”

s.h.i.+zuka also began to direct her enmity towards Erica, and started a two

p.r.o.nged attack.

Now was the key moment, and G.o.dou immediately responded.

”In truth, Erica should be the one closer to me, but that's it. Even for

s.h.i.+zuka, you must have many close friends, right?”

”Yes, I have many friends. However, I have never had a friend who made

an engagement-like declaration on the first day of transferring into the

school.”

s.h.i.+zuka rebuked her brother's question flawlessly with another reference

to Erica.

It would be necessary for evidence to be provided by this blonde witch in

order to prove his innocence. G.o.dou made a decision as he waited for her

to speak.

...Erica showed what seemed like a smile of pity.

As if boasting she can win as a challenge, G.o.dou suddenly felt very

displeased.

”I am very sorry that the matter of G.o.dou and I has created such kind of

rumor.”

”There is no credibility coming from the person who created the rumor. Isn't

the one who forced me into all this trouble you yourself, Erica?”

”Don't, don't say it like that... there was no forcing at all.”

Erica swiftly held out her hand.

By the time he realized it was no good, it was already too late — G.o.dou's

right hand on the table had been clasped by Erica's right hand.

It wasn't exactly fast.

Rather, it was a slow, elegant motion. However, G.o.dou still wasn't able to

evade.

...When one skilled with swords chops down with a s.h.i.+nai (bamboo blade),

even a fierce warrior will not be able to escape. This is truly one of Erica's

amazing skills.

”Anyway, about that, why don't you answer properly, G.o.dou. You're just

not being forthcoming enough. But then again, this is one of your cute

points.”

s.h.i.+zuka's gaze was beginning to look as if it was colder than freezing

temperature.

The obvious reason was the pair of hands which appeared to be

harmoniously holding each other.

”No, it's not like that. Do not misunderstand. It is Erica's brute force which

is holding my hand down.”

”Onii-chan is the worst! Your denials are futile.”

G.o.dou was trying with all his strength to extract his hand from Erica's grip.

However, this blonde devil easily suppressed it with a relaxed expression

upon her face. Not only that, she was acting as if lovingly caressing

G.o.dou's hand, trying to intertwine their fingers intimately together.

G.o.dou truly hated the magic which granted this woman such demonic

strength.

What if he tried to stand up with all his might, would he be able to escape

from such a skill?

No, he would not.

There was one time when he had been in a similar situation. He ended up

losing balance, falling to the ground, only to be hypnotized and played

around with. At times like these, this witch only knew how to press her

advantages to the limit and pose with perfect victory.

”Erica-san, please have some restraint with your pranks!”

G.o.dou felt relieved from the loud cry which echoed. Truly, bringing her

here was the right decision.

”s.h.i.+zuka-san and grandfather, please allow me to explain the situation.

Perhaps you may find it completely unbelievable and a pack of lies to

cover up the truth. However, Erica-san and Kusanagi-san are not in a

boyfriend girlfriend relations.h.i.+p.”

Yuri's voice was awe-inspiring, and truly reliable.

Sounding like the clear pure tone of a bell, even s.h.i.+zuka began to focus

her attention on her senior's face.

”Before, Kusanagi-san has sworn in front of me — that he definitely is not

going out with Erica-san. Should this oath be false, he will gladly submit to

death without a word of objection. I, at that time did believe that

Kusanagi-san was not lying. No, I wanted to believe.”

...It was a month ago, the night Athena was defeated and repelled.

In order to convince Yuri who insisted that G.o.dou and Erica terminate their

unhealthy — no, lover's relations.h.i.+p. G.o.dou had come up with this solution,

and even swore an oath with his life as forfeit.

The result was, at the very least Yuri acknowledged G.o.dou's opinion.

”Admittedly, these two people have a very unhealthy relations.h.i.+p, and it is

completely unacceptable. However, it is due to Erica-san's despicable

attempts at seduction, that Kusanagi-san has been ha.s.sled to within an

inch of his life.”

Yuri's defense continued. Eh? Does this still count as defending?

”To be honest, this person really tries hard, but always seems to be doing

inexplicable things, and never considers the trouble he brings to others

around him. He is hopeless, and a person who doesn't know how to lie.

One would hope that he would strive to keep his promises, but the end

result is he fails the majority of the time.”

Erica on the other side, was silently laughing away.

Since her grip had relaxed, G.o.dou hurriedly withdrew his right hand. But

why? There was no feeling that crisis had been averted at all.

”If he cannot prudently reject Erica-san's advances, then Kusanagi-san

should show more determination in his contact with Erica-san. Waking her

up every morning is spoiling her, and leaning your bodies close to each

other, to be honest it is totally an eyesore. Though you have completely

failed on all accounts, I believe you are innocent, even if it is not my

intention.”

At that moment, G.o.dou finally realized the error he had committed.

Asking for reinforcements was correct. But this was Yuri, who always

spoke truthfully without any knowledge of tact. Was she an appropriate ally

in such a situation? The answer laid there.

”How is it? Kusanagi-san and Erica-san are not going out, can everyone

understand?”

To Yuri's sincere gaze of questioning, s.h.i.+zuka nodded her head.

And turned her gaze, full of despise and mockery, at her brother.

”Yes, hearing this explanation clears up the gist of these two's relations.h.i.+p.

But I still don't understand the situation deep enough.”

G.o.dou and Erica, as well as Yuri, gazed at s.h.i.+zuka as she spoke.

”But, let's get to the bottom of this, why would my idiot Onii-chan need to

swear such an oath to Mariya-senpai? What kind of relations.h.i.+p does

Mariya-senpai have with Onii-chan?”

”Eh? Just ordinary friends. This and that — ”

How could it be explained that one was the G.o.d-slaying Devil King and the

other was the Hime-Miko representing the j.a.panese magic world?

To the honest Yuri, letting her improvise a cover up was very difficult.

”From the words just now, it's almost like the wife is a childhood friend.

Legal wife and lover, it looks like the rumors are true. Onii-chan, well done,

doesn't this feel just like Grandfather and deceased Grandmother back

then, what a great atmosphere?”

”Eh!? What are you talking about, s.h.i.+zuka-san?”

Don't treat me as the same type as Grandfather, I'm begging you...

s.h.i.+zuka's words, full of subtle meanings, caused Yuri to lose her

composure. G.o.dou frowned.

No matter what, he didn't want to be compared with Grandfather.

”Grandfather and Grandmother? What was that like?”

Piqued with interest, Erica's inquiry caused s.h.i.+zuka to sigh deeply.

”In all generations of the Kusanagi family, all the men have idle hands.

Examples include playboy heirs who wrecked their inheritances amusing

themselves with geisha, and had illegitimate children popping up out of the

woodwork after their deaths. It's been over 200 years, but there really have

been all sorts.”

s.h.i.+zuka glanced at her Grandfather who was sipping tea in small

mouthfuls.

Without saying a single word for the past while, and sitting as still as air,

the grandfather Kusanagi Ichirou, returned his granddaughter's gaze with a

gentle smile.

”Hahaha, s.h.i.+zuka. I don't quite agree with what you say about all the

ancestors, but then again, not all of it is completely wrong.”

”From the same bloodline, the only recent one with rare capability was

Grandfather. But Grandfather was not only a playboy but there were many

women who approached uninvited. Grandma sure had a tough time

sweeping those pests away.”

To his granddaughter's accusations, the Grandfather smiled and shook his

head.

”Though I socialized with all sorts of women in my youth, but my heart was

true to my wife after we married.”

”I'm innocent! In general, I am totally unlike Grandfather. Personality is also

completely different!”

s.h.i.+zuka shrugged and ignored G.o.dou's protest.

Furthermore, Yuri seemed to agree with this grandfather-grandson

comparison and said something like 'now that you say it, it does...', even

Erica seemed to be nodding her head impressed.

Sigh, such situations made one feel that the face is truly more important

than the personality sometimes.

”True, the personalities are different, but the end result of their actions are

both 'extremely alike.' I heard that others regarded Grandfather as a very

serious person in his youth, but isn't it the same for Onii-chan?”

Reflecting on himself, G.o.dou could not argue any more.

During the past spring of this year, defeating the G.o.d of war Verethragna

on the southern Italian island of Sardinia.

This ancient Persian deity had ten characteristic forms — Wind, Bull, White

Stallion, Camel, Boar, Youth, Raptor, Ram, Goat, as well as the Warrior.

G.o.dou, who defeated Verethragna, had no intention of obtaining those

powers. From then onwards, in the battles with G.o.ds and devil kings,

G.o.dou had damaged many world heritage sites.

This body was definitely unreasonable.

”Then, may I interrupt here? It's about time for dinner to be prepared. I've

already readied the vinegar for tonight's hand rolled sus.h.i.+.”

Grandfather suddenly stood up.

Probably in order to break up the current silence.

”Just a while ago I called Sakuraba-san at the fish shop and asked him to

choose some good ingredients. Why don't G.o.dou and s.h.i.+zuka go pick

them up. Aya, don't forget to increase the portions for two additional

people.”

Grandfather spoke as he turned to smile most affectionately at Erica and

Yuri.

”I hope you both don't mind staying for dinner? After all it is a rare

occasion. Of course, if you have curfews or other engagements, I won't

force you.”

”No, Grandfather. Please let me stay no matter what.”

Erica elegantly gave a bow from the side.

Seeing the two of them interact and turning out to be surprisingly

compatible, G.o.dou felt impressed. Erica and Grandfather are both people

with perfect social skills.

However, Yuri on the left side —

”I, I intruded so suddenly. If I stayed for dinner, it would be troublesome

right...”

”Not at all, Grandfather loves these kinds of situations. Gathering lots of

people to savor his cooking, and have a good drink.”

To dispel Yuri's hesitation, G.o.dou explained to her.

However, she felt there was a problem with this invitation. Yuri was

extremely surprised by the last sentence.

”Ah, ah, drink!?”

”Ah... You planned to drink today all along, right, Grandfather?”

”Is there a problem? G.o.dou and I are definitely fine. I'm sure Erica-san

won't have a problem either — ”

This is the old man whose poor role model included gradually

indoctrinating his middle school grandchildren with the taste of alcohol,

then pretended to explain it as an early lesson ”to prevent binge drinking

and alcohol poisoning.”

Seeing Erica's eyes flash, G.o.dou immediately yelled out.

”Please, let's not drink tonight. Letting Erica imbibe alcohol would be

catastrophic.”

”Aya, G.o.dou, the right amount of alcohol has benefits to both health and

friends.h.i.+p.”

”Wait a minute, Onii-chan, what exactly do you mean from what you just

said? You're implying that you two drank alcohol together before! Please

explain with details!”

”That, that's right. Kusanagi-san, please explain what transpired.”

The foolish comment was equivalent to adding new fuel to the fire.

As for the grandfather, he turned to his grandson in crisis and forced a faint

smile. G.o.dou felt that expression seemed to be saying ”you still have much

to learn.”

Part 5

”Thanks for having me today. Please relay my regards to everyone.”

”I'm sorry, Mariya, for forcing you to come along and making you stay this

late.”

It was already past eight o'clock at night by the time Yuri was setting off

from the Kusanagi home.

Apologizing as he greeted her farewell at the entrance, G.o.dou was seeing

her off with a face full of shame and regret.

”No, I was happy. Please don't say that.”

”Really, then that's good. See you tomorrow.”

”Yes, see you tomorrow. I take my leave.”

Nodding towards each other with the smiling G.o.dou, Yuri bowed her head

seriously and walked out of the entrance way.

In the end, they had dinner after talking with s.h.i.+zuka. With his eyes,

G.o.dou ordered Erica not to drink, and they chatted as they ate.

To Yuri who had few friends, pa.s.sing time like this was extremely rare.

Her overly serious way of speaking and elegant mannerisms were already

uncommon, and basically she was never invited to go out and have fun by

her peers.

She wasn't being shunned, but people just didn't want to be too

conspicuous. A little unfamiliar.

Since she herself was aware of it, she never tried to involve herself in

those circles either.

Just now during dinner, the one who spoke the least was Yuri.

But still, it felt pretty good.

Erica had the most to say, not only to G.o.dou, but also with his grandfather

and sister. Sometimes she even spoke a few sentences to Yuri.

Those sentences did not carry any domineering att.i.tude, and was

considerate of the other's rhythm of speech, allowing her to enjoy

conversation in a relaxed manner.

As for G.o.dou who wasn't talkative to begin with, he concentrated on eating

instead of listening to them chat.

The only young man there, G.o.dou's appet.i.te was ravenous. However, he

still entered the conversation during opportune moments between moving

his chopsticks and wolfing down his food.

As a member of the same club, s.h.i.+zuka also understood Yuri's personality

to a certain extent.

The main host, Grandfather Kusanagi was a very observant person, which

was consistent with his popularity with girls in his youth.

”Ah, Yuri-san. Seeing you is great, I've been trying to find you for quite a

while. I beg you, please carry your cellphone with you, there are times

there are emergencies when contact is needed.”

As Yuri made her way through the street of shops toward the closest Nezu

station, she was suddenly greeted by a voice.

This voice belonged to the young man dressed in a suit — Amakasu

Touma.

The representative of the History Compilation Committee, an organization

responsible for regulating the j.a.panese wizards and controlling information

about G.o.ds and supernatural oddities.

”Cellphone? I am sorry but I do not think I need such a thing. However,

how did you know I was here?”

To Yuri's question. Amakasu replied with an awkward smile.

”I came here by chance. As I was wondering if I would be able to find

Yuri-san before you took the train, I waited here for a bit. When I called

your home, they told me you had visited a fellow student's home near the

school.”

”Is that so... Anyway, what business do you have with me today?”

So that meant, it was because she borrowed the phone at the Kusanagi

residence to call home and tell them she would be late.

Yuri asked once she understood.

”Actually there's a request for you. However, today is a bit late, so we'll

make the request tomorrow.”

”Not a problem. If it is all right with you, let us finish it now?”

”No. It is something that needs to be discussed at a better location. Let's

make it tomorrow. To Yuri-san this should be a relaxing task. A grimoire

has been rumored to have appeared in Romania near the outskirts of

Croatia, so we wish for Yuri-san to help certify its authenticity.”

To Amakasu who spoke rather frivolously, Yuri sighed.

”Amakasu-san, my spirit vision is not some convenient power that can 'see'

everything. There are many occasions when nothing is revealed.”

This mouth must be one of the reasons he has so few friends.

Yuri thought to herself as she chastised how lightly this History Compilation

Committee member was taking things.

The so-called spirit vision was definitely not an all-seeing power of

a.n.a.lysis. It was just a kind of ability bestowed by the G.o.ds on a whim like

an oracle.

”Then you are too humble. Even in Milan, the origin of magic in Eastern

Europe, there are no spirit vision users whose capability exceeds Yuri-san.

If you can't do it, then no one else can. Hope we can cooperate, if you

don't mind too much.”

Amakasu began to laugh.

At that point it was useless to say any more. Yuri decided to accept

Amakasu's request, especially since there were few reasons to refuse a

request made in such a manner.

”Fine, I understand. I will a.s.sist you tomorrow after school.”

”Your help is appreciated. By the way, when you said you were visiting a

friend near school, could it be the home of Kusanagi G.o.dou?”

Abruptly, Amakasu changed the subject.

Do people deeply involved with magic and the G.o.ds have to be wary of

contact with the Campione?

”Yes... Umm, is there any problem with that? I do not believe there is any

need to deliberately distance myself from Kusanagi-san.”

To this answer, Amakasu shook his head.

”Oh, no problem at all. Actually, it's the opposite. Yuri is one of Kusanagi

G.o.dou's most important friends, right? Take more initiative, go to his

house, or even invite him over to yours, it's all good, keep it up.”

”Is that so? ...Amakasu-san, things seem to have become a little unusual?”

Yuri became a little angry as she stared at the suspicious person in front of

her.

A strange premonition flowed into her heart. Unease, as well as a sudden

sense of accomplishment. Could this be some kind of prediction brought

about by the power of spirit vision?

”Anyway, let's talk about this in detail tomorrow. Take care... during this

wonderful evening.”

Waving his hand, Amakasu departed.

References

1 . t 2LDK: 2LDK is a j.a.panese shorthand for an apartment with 2

bedrooms and a combined living room, dining room, and kitchen area.

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