Vol 8 Chapter 4 (1/2)

Chapter 4 - Black Prince, White Witch, and the

Hero's Attendant

Part 1

Cretan legends are a particularly famous category of Greek mythology.

For example, there was the Minotaur, the half-man half-bull monster born

from an affair between the queen and a bull.

The Greeks were obliged to regularly offer their young children as

sacrifices to this monster imprisoned in an underground labyrinth.

The young warrior Theseus entered the labyrinth in order to slay it —

This is the well-known story of the ”Labyrinth of the Minotaur.”

In order to imprison the monster, King Minos ordered the construction of a

labyrinth. Trapped by a maze of intersecting pa.s.sages, outsiders were

eaten by the monster as soon as they stepped foot into the labyrinth. Later

on, Minos ordered King Aegeus to make tribute of seven pairs of youths,

male and female, once every nine years to be sent into the labyrinth to be

sacrificed as the bull-headed monster's food. The Athenian prince,

Theseus, decided to go to Crete to kill the Minotaur in order to save the

young men and women of Athens. King Minos' daughter Ariadne fell in

love with Theseus and gave him a sharp sword and a ball of yarn. Thanks

to these items, Theseus finally killed the Minotaur and escaped the

labyrinth with the Athenian youths and Princess Ariadne.

”The key to this myth is the Minotaur born from the queen and the bull's

affair.”

Alexandre Gascoigne spoke thus. His current location was Cornwall.

Also called the Black Prince Alec, and known as the n.o.bleman of G.o.d

Speed. In fact, he was also a [King] widely versed in myths originating from

all over the world.

Although he was not an elite mage by training, nevertheless, he still

mastered all sorts of spells.

He became a Campione at the age of sixteen.

In the four years after that, he was in conflict with the Witenagemot 1 J ,

known as the organization of top experts in the realm of magic. Traveling

all over Europe to look for mysterious treasure, he fought against G.o.ds and

magic a.s.sociations from all over the world.

Very likely it was during this period that his abilities as a first cla.s.s mage

were gradually honed.

”Ever since ancient times, the bull was a symbol of abundant harvests.

Hence, the Cretans equated the bull as being divine. Conversely, this also

establishes a parallel interpretation of the queen being a miko.”

Perhaps the following was the background prototype for the legend of the

Minotaur —

In the early days of the Greek city states, the island of Crete in the

neighboring sea had a powerful and flouris.h.i.+ng civilization. These islanders

would regularly demand the young children of the Greeks as tribute to be

sacrificed. These children were live sacrifices to be offered to the island's

G.o.d of harvests.

The ”G.o.d of Harvests” that desired young children, was served by the

queen who acted as a miko —

”Well, it's not without archaeological basis...”

There was also the Cretan prehistoric civilization: the Minoan ruins where

large amounts of human bones were discovered, speculated to be the

remains of the people who were offered as live sacrifices.

Alec usually explained these kinds of topics when facing subordinates who

had little knowledge of magic.

The a.s.sociation he founded, [Royal a.r.s.enal], recruited all sorts of talent

and its ranks not only included powerful magi but also occultists who

focused purely on research, commoners who sought revenge against

sorcerers for deaths of relatives, and even street hoodlums, con artists and

unrepentant thieves. As long as they knew the existence of G.o.ds, even

ordinary commoners were included.

These were people who hoped to follow Alec and oppose the elite magic

a.s.sociations led by the Witenagemot. Perhaps this was the only point of

commonality between the members of [Royal a.r.s.enal].

This was why their levels of competency and expertise were extremely

varied.

Hence it was necessary for Alec as their leader to start giving lectures on

what magi would consider common sense basics.

Trusted subordinates — especially Sir Iceman, had advised many times

that it was not necessary for their commander-in-chief to give lectures

personally. However, Alec did not mind looking after his subordinates.

(As a side note, this aspect of his personality had been criticized by the

maiden, his eternal rival, as 'cautious and unexpectedly lacking in

boldness.' In response, Alec had replied dejectedly that 'providing

guidance and education to subordinates is the duty and responsibility of

the leader.')

It happened two days before the lecture at the Cornwall stronghold.

A museum situated in a quaint peaceful village... Was the concealed

headquarters established by Alec's subordinates where precious foci and

treasures acquired from the British Museum and the British Library were

housed and displayed, along with mountains of grimoires. These various

artifacts were stolen on impulse a year ago when the conflict with the

Witenagemot had peaked with great intensity.

But anyway, Alec was currently in the deepest level of a ma.s.sive labyrinth.

”Kukukuku... Foiling the final step of the grand designs of my return to

earth? So be it! Delightful!”

Echoing as if coming from underground, it was the deep voice of a [Heretic

G.o.d].

The voice came from the bull-headed giant lying on the ground. Its body

was roughly 30m in length.

The muscle-bound gigantic body was wearing a short tunic weaved from

palm fibers along with a red cape. A normal person would probably kneel

down and swear allegiance on sight, and obediently commit suicide even if

it commanded.

The ferocious [Bull] deity embodying powerful dominance.

The Cretan G.o.d of harvest that appeared in Greek myths of King Minos in

the past. Or perhaps it should be called the Minotaur?

However, even such a solemn and mighty appearance was for naught —

”Young G.o.d-slayer... The warrior sparkling with the light of thunder! Takest

my blood, flesh and strength as thy sustenance! Swallowest me, steppest

over my corpse, becomest even more powerful! Heaven and earth! For the

sake of I, who has been slain, open the road to h.e.l.l as an offering to the

king!”

”...Tsk. Even on your death throes you still need to chant insulting

verses...”

The dying giant bull-headed G.o.d.

Alec was crouching down beside it, making heavy breathing noises.

As the result of an intense battle that exceeded his limits, his brain was

now struck with pain akin to being sawn apart; the body was severely

injured, especially with pain in the internal organs and that pounding

heartbeat. Capillaries all over the body as well as a portion of the arteries

and veins had burst, causing internal hemorrhage.

Then he spat blood. Bones were probably broken all over his body.

This pitiful state was the result of being struck by the bull-headed G.o.d's

angry roar. In truth, he almost died.

”So farewell, G.o.d-slayer! May endless curse and conflict accompany thy

remaining life!”

In other words, a declaration that disaster will fill the rest of his life.

Leaving behind these last words, the G.o.d's body dispersed like smoke.

In that very instant, Alec felt a great weight on his back.

It felt like a new authority had been obtained.

”I came to investigate partially due to pure curiosity; coming here with a

relaxed and leisurely mood, this was the result...!”

My life exactly. Even without a curse it was full of disaster.

Alec smacked his lips and turned his head.

Whether friend or foe, he absolutely could not let anyone else approach.

For the sake of vanity, he was concerned about his current poise and

appearance.

However, there were no others in this vast empty s.p.a.ce. Things should be

fine after a bit of rest.

...The deepest level of the expansive underground labyrinth.

This circular hollow had a diameter of almost 1 0km.

Bare ground and ma.s.sive empty s.p.a.ce. In the central area were an altar

and a throne for wors.h.i.+ping the bull-headed deity.

Whether the labyrinth or the circular s.p.a.ce, neither of them existed on the

island of Crete a week ago. This location was born from divine authority

with the manifestation of [Heretic Minos].

Dragging his battered body, Alec finally returned to the surface.

(The labyrinth that manifested somewhere on the La.s.sithi Plateau of Crete

could very well be discovered one day, becoming a tourist attraction that

reminded people of the Minotaur's legend. However, I couldn't care less at

this moment.)

The authority of G.o.d speed was activated briefly.

Enveloping himself in a flash of lightning and feeling with his body the

pa.s.sage often-odd seconds, this was enough to reach the hotel located at

the coastal beach resort area.

Ingesting the healing potion prepared beforehand in his room, he went to

bed and slept for six hours. It was already night when he woke up.

By this time most of the external injuries had already recovered.

”Still with this inexplicable body...”

The headache had not improved, however, so he should probably take it

easy for now.

Alec endured the nausea and headache as he tidied up his appearance.

Then he took a bath, had a shave and fixed up his hairstyle. He changed

into a new s.h.i.+rt and pants, even though upper garments were optional in

the resort area.

Still tired, but he will not compromise on personal style.

After having some completely unremarkable seafood at the hotel's western

restaurant, he found a bar outside with a quiet atmosphere and took a seat

at the bar table.

Taking a sip of the alcohol, his mood finally lightened up a bit.

Come on, why does every time have to be a brush with death?

”There you are, Alec. Ditching me at the airport, what a cruel man you are,

really...”

A greeting came from behind, carrying extremely sorrowful words spoken

by a very gloomy voice.

Without looking back, it was obvious it was Sir Iceman.

Alec waited until his trusted subordinate sat down beside him before

starting to grumble.

”I think it's about time for you to overturn the nickname of the 'Unflying

Dutchman.' After all, overcoming one's weaknesses is the privilege of

mankind.”

”Give me a break! Do I really have to overcome that chunk of metal!?”

Alec's follower was Sir Iceman, a Dutchman named Denis, age twenty-five

or six.

Nicknamed the Iceman because of his resilient and calm personality, he

was a mage who had been knighted in England and obtained the t.i.tle of

”Sir.”

Furthermore, he was also called the ”Unflying Dutchman” due to a severe

phobia of flying.

”I will gladly take on a hundred, no, a thousand men in battle, and even

follow you into a fight against G.o.ds. However, that lump of garbage metal

suspended in the air is the only exception. That thing is... the symbol of

human stupidity. Mankind should not challenge the skies...”

With meandering words, he tried to justify his stance.

On the other hand, Sir Iceman was a valiant warrior. His power made him

one of the few people who could stand toe to toe with the forces of Italy's

greatest hero, Paolo Blandelli.

Humans are never perfect. Alec shook his head.

”Well, it couldn't be helped. There were only thirty minutes left before the

last flight for the Dover Strait was going to take off, and yet you were hiding

in the washroom reluctant to come out... I believe a majority of people

would agree it wasn't my fault.”

”Refusing to admit your faults, how cruel. Fine, I'll forget about it.

...Anyway, Alec, you already fought, right?”

”What?”

”Yesterday there was a report of a [Heretic G.o.d] manifesting on this island

of Crete.”

He knew it would happen sooner or later but to be discovered so soon?

Alec shrugged his shoulders.

”Can you give me the details of the G.o.d fight? Don't deliberately do a lazy

job of reporting again just because it was your own battle.”

It was unacceptable no matter what. Besides, the other side also had

reasons that could not be disclosed.

Alec simply raised his gla.s.s for another sip.

G.o.d speed — which the Witenagemot had named the authority of [Black

Lightning]. Due to this being Alec's trump card, there were very few

comrades who were capable of supporting him.

Very few people could keep up with his speed. Rather than wait for back

up to arrive at the front lines it was easier to just fight alone.

”The sense of helplessness, from finding out they did not have the ability to

help, is always a painful experience. Thoroughly impressed we may be

with our king's sense of worry/concern, I still hope to know if you are safe

or not. As much as possible, please keep this in mind.”

Alec silently slid the winegla.s.s over to Iceman.

Though he had no intentions of apologizing, buying him a drink was

acceptable. Iceman in turn caught the winegla.s.s without saying a word,

and poured the amber-colored liquid into his own gla.s.s.

”By the way, please allow me to add a few words.”

”What is it?”

”Since we came expressly to Crete, why are you having a shot of

Bowmore? I love drinking too, and that aroma of the sea is simply

marvelous. However, that's still not enough reason to drink a cold climate

country's alcohol when we're in the Mediterranean, for goodness' sake.”

The trusted subordinate was talking about a type of Scotch whisky

produced in Scotland. This strong liqueur was filled with the local flavor of

the tides of the Irish Sea.

”What's wrong with faithfulness to one's preferences? No matter what, the

most important thing is what one desires.”

”Still, this place is really too hot. How about having some local beer to wet

our throats?”

Iceman calmly suggested in the face of Alec's response.

On the calendar it was currently the middle of May. However, for the

Mediterranean island of Crete, it was already very hot, enough to wear

short sleeves.

Alec licked his lips, intending to retort.

In truth, I cared little for vacation sense or awareness of seasons.

However, I hate downing beer in ma.s.sive gulps like some kind of glutton. It

is truly imperative to maintain one's style and aesthetics.

Alec was just about to speak but he stopped —

A young Caucasian beauty was approaching.

She was rather young in age, about twelve or thirteen or so. Clearly not an

age that should be coming and going in a bar like this.

However, none of the staff or customers in the bar reprimanded her.

Everyone ignored her as if she did not exist at all.

”It must be a [Concealment] spell. She hid her appearance from everyone

apart from us.”

”Probably. This is a spell that certain fairies and witches are talented in.”

As Alec and Sir Iceman exchanged glances, the girl walked over to them.

”Salutations for the first time, [King] known as Prince. Allow me to greet

Your Highness.”

The girl in the white summer dress was stunningly beautiful. The very

image of a cla.s.sic doll made by a master craftsman.

Alec felt an unusual sense of intangibility from the young girl.

Definitely not an ordinary person no matter how you look at it. Very likely

no ordinary mage.

Though only based on instinct, it should not be far from the truth.

”If you have something to say, be quick with it. I am enjoying a private

moment and have no interest in a suspicious fellow like you.”

Alec was a handsome man with a tall and slightly slender build. Though he

was not actually a n.o.ble, his natural poise and dignified airs earned him

the nickname of ”Prince.”

Sir Iceman was also quite outstanding in appearance with solemn facial

features like a carved sculpture. He was even taller than Alec and looked

more strongly built with his wider shoulders. Even when wearing a ruffled

suit there was an air of masculine charm.

Whenever they sat together they were frequently accosted by women.

Standing out amongst the crowd was everyday life for them. However, this

young girl was clearly different from those women.

— How troublesome. Alec summed up curtly in his mind.

No matter how extraordinary a person, she was decidedly less than a G.o.d.

Completely uninteresting.

”Then I shall get straight to the point, Prince. Your Highness arrived at this

location in order to ascertain whether the G.o.d Minos of Crete was [Steel], is

that correct?”

Oh? Alec's curiosity was piqued.

Could this pa.s.sing girl have seen through his intentions from a glance?

”I feel that Your Highness' body contains a presence similar to the Chinese

[Steel], the bull-headed iron-bodied war G.o.d Chi You^, or j.a.pan's

Susanoo who is also known as the Bull-headed Heavenly King.”

Sir Iceman instantly signaled with his eyes, asking if he should handle it.

But Alec shook his head

”Wrong but close enough. It was a war G.o.d with the [Bull] attribute,

probably the evolved form of a G.o.d of the land like Minos — I was only

investigating when I suddenly encountered it.”

Well, choosing to go traveling on a whim and encountering a battle with a

heretic G.o.d was an unexpected bonus...

Rather than that, there were more interesting questions to interrogate this

girl.

”So, could you answer my question in return? Why are you asking me

about the subject of [Steel]? I am more commonly known as a seeker of

the Holy Grail. But there should be virtually no one who knows that I am

interested in the connections between war G.o.ds and the Holy Grail.”

The following year after becoming a Campione, Alec had gone searching

for the [Magic Holy Grail].

At that time, he had declared war on the English magi centered on the

Witenagemot. Furthermore, the gathering of high level magi in England

from all over Europe to become either Alec's enemies or allies erupted into

a great conflict — the Battle for the Magic Grail.

Anyone involved in the world of magic would have heard of this great

incident.

”The only ones who know about the connections between war G.o.ds and

the Holy Grail are a very small number of Templar Knights and witches.

...With no smell of iron from your body, you are unlikely to be a knight. But

you are no ordinary human — someone known as a Divine Ancestor,

right?”

Outstanding senses of smell and taste beyond normal humans were

several of Alec's little-known talents.

As well as a mind that maintained a delicate balance with calm and

insightful instincts.

Through logical thinking and a.n.a.lysis of instinct, the term Divine Ancestor

surfaced in memory.

The girl before his eyes should not be an ordinary witch or knight.

a.s.suredly.

”As befits the one known for being particularly wise amongst the

G.o.d-slayers, the truth really was discerned from my greeting. Very likely it

reflects development as a result of Your Highness' growth. I beg

forgiveness if I, Guinevere, have given offense.”

”A mere greeting?”

”Yes. Knowing Your Highness has slaughtered three G.o.ds, I felt that I had

to pay my respects no matter what.”

Then I shall take my leave — Leaving behind a smile and a greeting, the

young girl disappeared.

Taking only an instant, it was as illusionary as mist dispersing. Some sort

of transfer spell must have been used.

”That person called herself Guinevere.”

”Ahah. I wonder if that name was chosen as a joke or with special meaning

behind it, how mysterious.”

Once the witch vanished, Sir Iceman muttered as Alec shrugged.

”Hmm... By the way, Alec, I had a thought.”

Planning on making some kind of proposal, the trusted subordinate bore a

serious expression. However, somehow there was a detestable sense of

premonition.

”Regarding the one calling herself Guinevere, why don't we ask the most

accomplished witch about her? Particularly outstanding witches are

connected to special networks transcending a.s.sociations and countries. It

is very likely that the 'Princess' knows something.”

The most accomplished witch! Alec showed displeasure in his expression.

He understood Sir Iceman's reasoning, but he did not want to do as

suggested.

”Since you two are so closely bound by destiny, I think it's best to prepare

beforehand when something like this happens.”

”Stop the nonsense! There is nothing but ill fate between us! There is no

other significance!”

Part 2

The Witenagemot's headquarters were situated in Greenwich, London.

A four-story Victorian building constructed with red brick, very similar in

likeness to the government offices of Scotland Yard in Westminster.

The office of the Witenagemot's spokesperson was located in the depths of

the building's first floor.

In truth, all the past spokespersons had their offices on the top floor of this

building. However, the inc.u.mbent declared a relocation as soon as she

a.s.sumed her position, and the office was moved.

It was rumored that she said something like this:

The highest floor in a building with no elevators? Unacceptable!'

The graceful and gentle young beauty.

The Princess regarded as Europe's most aristocratic lady.

Unexpectedly more outspoken than what her appearance and t.i.tle might

suggest, the current spokesperson was ignoring the words of her

subordinate who acted as both secretary and governess.

”What is the [Magic Holy Grail]? It is the greatest treasure sought by the

Templar Knights — the successors of the twelfth century Crusaders who

attempted to take back the holy land Jerusalem from the Muslims. It is

commonly believed that it is an item that was born with the great land, and

stores a ma.s.sive amount of magical power.”

The one speaking was Patricia Ericson.

Hair tied up, wearing a thin-framed pair of spectacles, thirty years of age or

so.

”Since ancient times, appearances of the Holy Grail in this world have

been very rare. Records placing great importance on the 'miracle

manifested when the Holy Grail is found by the Sacred Chosen One' have

been left behind by many magi and seekers of the Holy Grail.”

Miss Ericson's stiff manner of speech lacked feminine gentleness, and

simply listening to her was tiring.

However, the Witenagemot's inc.u.mbent spokesperson listened silently

without a single comment, until she finally smiled calmly and spoke:

”Yes, I know. And it is still unclear what the 'Sacred Chosen One' refers to.

...Hey, Miss Ericson, I don't really need to revise knowledge on the Holy

Grail, am I a bad student if I don't want to learn about things I already

know?”

Yes, Alice Louise of Navarre was an outstanding honors student.

Nicknamed Princess Alice.

Though the highborn daughter of a Duke's family, she was also a miko with

boastworthy spirit powers.

Becoming the spokesperson of the Witenagemot by recommendation at

the tender age of sixteen, she was extremely well-learned.

Perhaps it would be apt to say that she was a world-cla.s.s authority on the

subject of the Holy Grail.

”In terms of knowledge, true... But not in terms of putting into actual

practice.”

Miss Ericson spoke coldly as she pushed up the rim of her gla.s.ses.

These actions embodied the quintessential 'strict and upright female

private tutor.'

Precisely because of this, she had secretly registered herself as a member

at a marriage agency. Humans were truly interesting beings. (As for how

Alice came to know of this, she was using spirit powers when she peeked

into Miss Ericson's heart by chance.)

”Concerning the miracle of the Holy Grail, Princess, did you know there is

another legend pa.s.sed down the ages? Another important element for

initiating the Holy Grail miracle, the 'valiant and foolish child of heaven' of

rumor.”

Pertinently, Alice responded with ”is that so?”

Of course, she was fully aware but feigning ignorance. Furthermore, it

needed no mentioning that the ”fool” was a veiled reference to the Devil

King Campione.

”With all that said, in the end what are you trying to get at, Miss Ericson?”

”To sound the alarm against the multiple contact incidents between 'that

man' and you, the most suitable 'Sacred One' recognized by the world.”

It turned out to be this after all. Alice sighed.

”The miracle brought upon by the Holy Grail... No matter how

conservatively speculated, the effects of its manifestation must be no

different from the disasters brought by [Heretic G.o.ds]. Disregarding 'that

man' as the disastrous heavenly child, please do not forget you are the

spokesperson of the Witenagemot who is responsible for maintaining order

in the activities of the magical world. Please be a bit more mindful of your

ident.i.ty.”

”But it's very interesting. Oh my, I've got to go.”

”Princess!”

The highborn Princess had a weak const.i.tution. Due to this reason, Alice

was unable to leave the house casually as she desired.

However, when a 'major incident' involving the Holy Grail and the Black

Prince occurs, she just could not help but rush to the front lines to see how

the problem would be solved.

It was a bit unfair to Miss Ericson, but let's hope her anger will only be

temporary — no, rather, she could control her anger semi-permanently.

Besides, if this spirit power of flying all over the place could be reinforced,

perhaps the frail body might also be strengthened at the same time...

Clinging to the belief of opportunism, Alice pondered.

It was again time to meet that poker-faced and unfriendly Prince and sow

new seeds of discord. This young man pa.s.sionately devoted himself to

work, vigorously applying himself to the job of threatening the world as the

great devil king.

There will definitely be a response —

With this thought, a letter appeared on the office desk.

This was something sent over by the magic of [Mailing]. It was emergency

communication sent by a spy trained since childhood.

Trying to suppress the excitement in her heart, she quietly picked up the

letter.

'Black Prince Alec slew a G.o.d in Crete.'

One short sentence.

However, Alice was crying out with delight in her heart.

It's here! The expected person came at last. Also, this time it is the long

time unseen Campione. This was the perfect excuse for a long duration

business trip!

”Sorry, Miss Ericson, I express my utmost grat.i.tude to your kind advice.

However, I must leave due to some urgent matters. If I were to become

sickly and unwell again, please take good care of me then.”

She made her request with a n.o.blewoman's smile.

However, she did not wish to hear an objection. This was in reality an

order.

”What on earth is this emergency, Princess!?”

”Same old, a world crisis!”

Alice activated the power of spirit body separation.

Separating from her material frame, the astral body flew towards the sky.

Rendered an empty sh.e.l.l, the real body slumped over but was caught by

Miss Ericson.

Well done. As expected of my private tutor.

The White Miko-Hime offered praise as her spirit body flew out of the

Witenagmot's headquarters.

Part 3

Thinking back four years ago —

Letting his body rock freely with the vibrations of the running train, Alec

reminisced.

As a side note, he was alone. Whenever he crossed seas, Sir Iceman was

always left behind to take a s.h.i.+p.

However, this time he was directly informed beforehand.

The other party also agreed with Alec's suggestion that having two battles

against G.o.ds within a week should be impossible.

...Come to think of it, the last time he enjoyed a train ride so casually like

this must have been how long ago?

After becoming a Campione, every single day of these four years had been

exceptionally busy.

Everything began four years ago.

Growing up in a town in the Cornwall countryside, Alec was introduced to

magical knowledge from a young age.

However, compared to magic he was more skilled in gambling and tricks.

Of course, he was not outstanding enough to be recruited by powerful

magic a.s.sociations or the Witenagemot.

The one who taught the knowledge of magic to Alec was his father,

someone who most people would call an occultist. The occult that he

sought until the day he died was the Magic Holy Grail.

His obsession with seeking the occult was the reason why his wife

abandoned him. As a result, he had to raise young Alec as a single father.

When Alec was sixteen, his father's dying words revealed to him a secret

code.

Thus began his adventures. Through good fortune and sharp instincts, he

faced off against the fallen angel Ramiel, obtaining the authority of divine

speed in the first battle...

How nostalgic to recall all these memories.

Soon after, he was embroiled in the battle for the Holy Grail. In order to

face the difficult battles arising from continued seeking of the Holy Grail, he

established [Royal a.r.s.enal].

If none of this had happened, he most likely would not have met that girl of

taboo.

The ”Princess” four years his junior bearing a delicate sense of hostility

towards him.

Alec smacked his lips.

Why would the face of that annoying girl he was about to meet suddenly

appear? It must the result of recalling those unpleasant memories.

”Yeah, I already know that popping up anywhere unannounced is your

special skill. But I hope you can learn to behave a little. In a situation like

this, it would be proper manners to greet first before taking a seat.”

”Oh well. When the terrifying Great Devil King starts explaining manners, it

must be an omen for a world-shaking cataclysm.”

Princess Alice's spirit body spoke nonchalantly.

There were no other pa.s.sengers in Alec's train car.

This was exactly why the spirit body of England's most accomplished miko

as well as one of Europe's rare witches had sneaked into the seat opposite

to him.

Did she detect my location as usual through magical information networks?

Speculating thus, Alec frowned.

...What ill fate, the bothers of this woman never end.

”Rumors say that you have successfully slain your third G.o.d at Crete. The

G.o.d dormant on that island... turns out to be the divinity of Minos after all?”

”I have no obligation to answer you. What a boring question.”

”There. Your habit of twitching your right eyebrow the instant someone

guesses correctly. It is Minos as expected... So what kind of authority is it

this time? It must be one suited to you, a power that is extravagant and

convoluted at the same time.”

A troublesome woman who always talked back with every sentence.

Their first meeting was when she was twelve. But even back then she was

not the least cute: a frail and sickly princess who proposed to the Devil

King terms of bribery and negotiation at the tender age of twelve.

Recalling the details of their unpleasant first encounter, Alec clicked his

tongue.

”...Come to think of it, historically there have been many members of the

English royal family originating from fabricated claims of kins.h.i.+p, thus

producing incompetent kings.”

A sudden change in conversation topic.

There was a need to make this troublesome encounter into something

slightly more constructive.

”That's an affront to England's hero of the Red Dragon...^ Though I can

understand what you are getting at. Disregarding the earlier half of his life,

he became rather amazing in the latter half.”

The girl with the graceful manners but surprisingly sharp tongue began to

launch into a speech.