Vol 9 Epilogue (1/2)
Epilogue
Alexandre Gascoigne was a very busy man.
To this description, the woman who was his enemy, once added most
redundantly, ”To be precise, his desire for work creates never-ending tasks
for himself.” In any case, he was very busy.
After all, he had a very ostentatious t.i.tle.
The G.o.d-slaying Devil King Campione, commander-in-chief of the secret
a.s.sociation, [Royal a.r.s.enal]!
Even though it was not a position he wished for, somehow it naturally
developed to this state.
A man above all peoples was obliged to display work ethic and behavior in
accordance to his stature. Such was his aesthetic ideal.
Almost twelve years had pa.s.sed since Alec had become a Campione.
During this time, he vigorously conducted his activities with such an intent.
Thanks to that, the name of Black Prince Alec was widely known as a Devil
King of the new age.
As a side note, he was nicknamed ”Prince” because of his obvious youth in
comparison to Devil Kings of olden days like Marquis Voban.
Nevertheless, even Alec would take roughly one vacation a year.
Wherever his destination, somehow he was always met with troublesome
conflicts.
Embroiled into the Divine Ancestor's conspiracies. Encountering [Heretic
G.o.ds]. Saving ordinary citizens who were about to be wiped out by
profound and magical secret arts. Stealing ancient treasures whose
existences he learned of by chance. Ha.s.sled by headache-inducing female
acquaintances.
Thinking back again, he had never had a peaceful relaxing vacation...
”Hence, I will change my way of thinking instead.”
During mid autumn, that was what Alec said to his trusted subordinate.
As a side note, European vacations were usually taken during the summer.
But due to all sorts of busy work and matters, his vacation had been
pushed back to November.
”Since troublesome things will happen anyway, I might as well go directly
to where trouble is brewing. I will make a brief visit to j.a.pan.”
”Oh. If I remember correctly, that is the place in the far east where you
went about a month ago.”
The other partic.i.p.ant of the conversation was Alec's bodyguard, Sir
Iceman.
A legendary knight without any flaws (aerophobia aside), having pa.s.sed
the age of thirty, his solemn face felt increasingly seasoned as time went
by.
”Yeah. There has been reports of Guinevere's secret activities. I think this
is a good chance to investigate that woman's plans. I'll rely on you to keep
watch here.”
”...Alec. I've held this idea from a very long time ago.”
This was the scene when Alec entrusted remaining matters to his reliable
subordinate and close friend.
However, Sir Iceman shook his head as if troubled by a dilemma, and said:
”The reason why you keep running into trouble lies here. Smothering the
embers of disaster with great effort each time, only to quickly encounter
another one, and even deliberately starting fires of your own, grumbling to
yourself as you try to put them out... That personality of yours is precisely
the number one culprit.”
”Wait a minute. Putting that aside, hasn't a certain person been causing
many troublesome incidents?!”
”In that case, you really should reflect on your choice of friends. I can see
no reason in maintaining ties of friends.h.i.+p all this time with people who
keep running into trouble.”
Sir Iceman objected with a disappointed face as he shrugged sardonically.
That Princess and Divine Ancestor, as well as that other group of shady
characters were not his friends. Alec wanted to shout that out, but for the
sake of his authority and dignity, he refrained.
Anyway, he was currently on vacation.
In order to avoid alerting those involved in the j.a.panese world of magic, he
needed to take precautions during entry. Using a pa.s.sport with a fake
name, he traveled like ”a king in disguise.”
...With regards to the outcome, this vacation turned out to be rather
peaceful.
Divine Ancestor Guinevere, Lancelot who had become a [Heretic G.o.d], as
well as the commotion caused by G.o.ddess Athena, none of them required
Alec to take action.
j.a.pan's Campione, Kusanagi G.o.dou, had undertaken everything upon
himself.
During this time, Alec was essentially observing as a bystander.
”Looks like Guinevere still hasn't given up on 'Arthur.'”
Having discovered the Witch Queen's plot, he quietly muttered to himself.
The king who manifests at the end of eras. The war G.o.d whose origins lay
in fantastic heroic legends. Due to his research and adventures for the
past few years, Alec's investigation about him had reached new depths.
”Were you hindered just as you were about to revive him successfully?”
The opinionated Guinevere's vision was actually quite narrow. Even
though Alec did not think she was able to solve the mystery easily, he still
had to take precautions...
At the same time, he did not forget his personal interests.
While hanging around Tokyo, he investigated the inner workings of the
History Compilation Committee.
Even though he had said he wanted a relaxing sightseeing tour of j.a.pan...
And tentatively still considering a tour like that, in the end, he prioritized
intelligence gathering. This was his workaholism at work — he would feel
anxious whenever there was no work or research to be done.
”As always, you're still leading a private life fatally lacking in delight,
glamor, or healing presences. Your future worries me so. Without any
family or lover to accompany your days, wouldn't your life end in lonesome
solitude?”
He was reminded of the pitying words offered by that long-time female
acquaintance who was definitely not his friend. In any case, Alec was still