Vol 10 Chapter 4 (1/2)
Chapter 4 - The Fall of G.o.dou
Part 1
Ever since the strange ”island” appeared in the sea of Edomae--
The panic surrounding Kusanagi G.o.dou had settled into a kind of stable
state instead.
Black Prince Alec was reportedly laying low in the Yokohama Chinatown.
However, Amakasu's face looked rather awkward as soon as he received
the report.
”That place, it does presents some difficulties. It is the location where
gangs of Chinese descent -- many secret a.s.sociations or the like are
hidden... In our field, it's known as a concession territory of lawlessness.
Any Committee member foolish enough to step foot there would be a
painted target, thrown into Tokyo Bay with their feet encased in cement on
occasion.”
”What if I go there directly...?”
”Of course it's fine for Kusanagi-san. Everyone will simply raise up their
hands, either to welcome or to surrender. But if two great Devil Kings
already embroiled in conflict were to have a close encounter in the center
of metropolitan Yokohama, I don't think anything pretty will come out of
it...”
It seemed to be a subtle situation.
Undoubtedly, Alec chose the place for the purpose of keeping the ”island”
in Tokyo Bay under surveillance.
Furthermore, Guinevere and Lancelot still had to be located. Regardless,
they were a partners.h.i.+p between a G.o.d and a Divine Ancestor, and due to
Alec they had become even more elusive. Without any way of finding them
other than through wizardry or spirit power investigation, it was not exactly
a favorable situation.
As a result, G.o.dou could do nothing but ”bide his time for the right
moment.”
A few days after the long weekend, all he could do was wait. Waiting for
Mariya Yuri to return.
It was a Friday in the latter half of November.
After school, G.o.dou was hurrying to Toranomon via the subway.
Last night, having reached Nanao Shrine where she was stationed as a
Hime-Miko, Yuri had called to inform him of her return. In order to recover
the fatigue of overusing spirit vision throughout her journey, she told him
she was going to apply for a week's leave from school.
”In terms of results, I was not able to discern Sir Lancelot's divinity
completely.”
Those were Yuri's first words after meeting G.o.dou.
They were sitting face to face in a room of a certain administrative building
within Nanao Shrine.
”Ah yes. You mentioned on the phone yesterday.”
G.o.dou nodded. Even with potent spirit vision, the mystery was still
unsolved.
He would be lying if he denied disappointment, but G.o.dou was happy and
grateful for the miko and the Princess' investigations.
Not able to discern completely. Conversely, it implied spirit vision had
discerned something to a certain extent.
”What did you find out?”
”After you left, the Princess and I went to Brittany, to visit the various
places the previous and current generations of Guinevere-sama had used
as their stronghold such as forests, towns, cities or former monasteries.”
”...Monasteries. Isn't that the place the group of people who compiled King
Arthur's legends used as their base of operations...”
Forests, towns, and cities aside, monasteries was a term that felt oddly out
of place. However, G.o.dou already knew the reason -- the medieval
conspiracy that Alexandre Gascoigne had elucidated.
”Then we went to Bulgaria.”
”Bulgaria? Why?”
That meant traveling from northwestern France to this Eastern European
country. Since both places were on the same landma.s.s, getting there
probably did not present too much difficulty.
But why go there? G.o.dou was puzzled.
”Not too long ago, Sir Lancelot had apparently descended upon the
Thracian plains. The Princess and I went there together to take a tour of
the crater carved out by Sir Lancelot's authority.”
Recalling war G.o.d Lancelot's galloping charge, G.o.dou nodded.
A direct collision could definitely create a crater or two.
”Why would he need to dig such a big hole in place like that?”
”According to history, ancient Thrace was within the Scythian and
Sarmatian spheres of influence. Perhaps for that reason, it became
a.s.sociated with Lancelot.”
Yuri was dressed in a traditional miko outfit with a white upper garment and
a red hakama as she explained about the foreign deity.
”Fortunately, I received a few hints. First of all, Sir Lancelot is the war G.o.d
wors.h.i.+ped by the Sarmatians. Next, Guinevere-sama's precursor was a
mother earth G.o.ddess who had been wors.h.i.+ped together with Sir
Lancelot...”
”Deities who were originally closely related, and still working together in
modern times, eh?”
”Should be something like that. Those two most likely descended to earth
as [Heretic G.o.ds], encountered each other and started acting in unison.
Then I used spirit vision to see the arrival of the 'King of the End,' and saw
those two joining under his command. However...”
Yuri paused slightly at this point.
”Even so, I was unable to see Lancelot's face. He was always clad in
armor.”
”He always wears stuff like armor?”
”Yes. I have basically seen what attributes he possesses as a G.o.d, but I
cannot do anything about what lies beneath the armor. On the other hand,
without knowing what is underneath, I fear it will be impossible to
understand his true...”
Yuri sighed mournfully as she explained.
”At least, no matter how slight, I wish I could catch a glimpse of his divine
appearance exposed from the armor.”
Lancelot was protected from head to toe by full plate armor. G.o.dou felt that
trying to take it off would take bone-breaking effort.
But there was no other choice. G.o.dou nodded and bowed, answering:
”I got it, Mariya. Thank you very much. Learning all this is good enough.
Next time I see that guy, I'll try to find a way to strip him of that white suit of
armor.”
Hearing that, the Hime-Miko chuckled and smiled like a delicate and
blooming cherry blossom.
”There is no need to thank me. I did it for G.o.dou-san... only for you.”
G.o.dou was filled with the desire to embrace this beautiful and adorable
Hime-Miko.
Due to the overabundance of attractive beauties around him, G.o.dou
deliberately maintained a mentality of repressed desire. Always warning
himself never to harbor indecent thoughts against them.
But on occasion, Yuri was able to crush this determination of G.o.dou's.
The Yamato Nades.h.i.+ko and young beauty displayed great gentleness
under most conditions, but was extremely stern every now and then.
Without provoking G.o.dou's wariness, she had been slowly and steadily
bringing their relations.h.i.+p closer.
Using the a.n.a.logy of a garden of flowers, Erica would be a gorgeous and
blooming camellia, overshadowing others to take center stage.
Liliana would be a pristine white lily with large petals.
Ena would probably be a wild orchid with bright and vivid colors.
Compared to other girls, Yuri was definitely not a flower that seized
people's attentions. Though there was no difference in her level of beauty,
she never emphasized her attractiveness and the wish to compete never
occurred to her.
Nevertheless, or perhaps because of that, it made her even more
charming.
Realizing this once again, G.o.dou began to blush.
”What is the matter, G.o.dou-san?”
On the other hand, Yuri was bearing a delicate and beautiful smile,
unaware of G.o.dou's thoughts.
”No, n-nothing really.”
”Good... Anyway, I have one more matter I wish to discuss, may I?”
Yuri suddenly changed the subject. Of course there was no reason to
refuse. G.o.dou immediately nodded.
” W-Well...”
But she was unable to express her words. Yuri seemed to be hesitating
and stuttering from embarra.s.sment.
”What's up? You don't have to hold anything back. Aren't we
companions?”
”1-1 am G.o.dou-san's companion...? Y-Yes. That is right.”
G.o.dou nodded to put his companion at ease.
Yuri's blush proceeded to extend all the way down to her neck, but still she
nodded. Avoiding G.o.dou's face, Yuri was staring downwards intently at his
cross-legged sitting posture.
As a side note, even though it was an informal conversation, Yuri naturally
maintained the formal sitting posture of seiza.
”My many apologies, for I was the one who brought this up... B-But, please
understand. This is something very difficult for me to talk about. Especially
since there is no particularly pressing problem or extenuating
circ.u.mstances...”
Mouthing her words in rapid succession, Yuri was incredibly cute.
However, she did not make any progress in providing further information.
G.o.dou placed his hand on her shoulder with a smack and said:
”Don't worry. I am very grateful for Mariya's efforts this time. I've also been
wondering what I could do on my end.”
”Y-Yes. Then I shall not hold back.”
Even though she said she would not hold back, Yuri still seemed rather
hesitant and reserved.
”Umm... Even though it is not complete, I think I have gained substantial
understanding of Sir Lancelot. S-So, what should be done?”
Yuri stuttered as she asked.
”What should be done?”
”In other words, w-when would be the time for instruction, is what I
mean...”
Instruction meant the transfer of knowledge through wizardry.
However, typical wizardry was ineffective against Campiones, which
included G.o.dou. Hence it must be applied through the mouth, by injecting
wizardry into the body via oral means.
Recalling this absolute rule, G.o.dou's face went red.
He remembered. When relying on Yuri's spirit vision, that was the final
unavoidable step.
”Ah, but if you haven't seen Lancelot's true appearance, then the [Sword]
can't be forged, isn't now a bit too early...!”
”N-No!? Who knows what could happen in the future!?”
Seeing G.o.dou retreat awkwardly, Yuri shouted in a rare moment.
”What if you begin a battle with Sir Lancelot and I happen to be absent
from the scene...! I believe being prepared beforehand is only natural!”
”1-1 guess. But using magic to transmit knowledge will quickly disappear
from the mind, right!?”
No matter how you looked at it, this was a sudden act of impulse. G.o.dou
and Yuri both leaned forward.
Before they realized it, their distance had shrunk substantially.
”I think if the knowledge dissipates, then I will just teach you again. Hmm,
no matter what, it is something necessary. For this cause I will labor
without any complaints...”
Yuri spoke softly, blus.h.i.+ng to her ears.
The subtle sense of desperation seemed to add a layer of allure to the
Hime-Miko. G.o.dou swallowed hard as he experienced in earnest the pleas
of the beautiful maiden of utmost purity.
And it was impossible not to respond.
Furthermore, the two of them were alone in the j.a.panese-style room with
the sliding door firmly shut.
It was customary for shrine staff to avoid this area during G.o.dou's visits.
Also, G.o.dou and Yuri's hands were separated by such a minute distance,
they were easily within reach.
As G.o.dou and Yuri's gazes fell upon the tatami floor, they noticed that fact.
”T-That's right. This is only for the sake of battle... Yes.”
”C-Certainly. I believe this is absolutely necessary...”
Whispering softly, the two gazed into each other's faces.
Their eyes s.h.i.+mmered with the light of recognition as accomplices.
G.o.dou extended his hand towards Yuri. Hand and hand came into contact.
Cheris.h.i.+ng the Hime-Miko's hand which had been moistened by nervous
sweat, G.o.dou held it gently as Yuri gripped his hand tightly in return.
”G.o.dou-san and I are companions, since that is true, this is fine... Right?”
”A-Ah yes. Should... be...”
As they drew their faces together, they seemed like lovers whispering
sweet nothings to each other.
Just when the two had closed their eyes and were about to affirm the touch
of each other's lips-
The sound of cellphones ringing. Both G.o.dou and Yuri's phones rang
simultaneously.
”It's Erica.”
”This one is from Liliana-san.”
As G.o.dou checked out the cellphone in his pocket while Yuri looked at her
phone which had been placed by her side, they read out the names of the
callers. No other way, let's pick up.
Due to G.o.dou and Yuri's serious personalities, neither of them could
ignore incoming calls. They each brought their phone to their ear.
”What is it, Erica?”
'Look outside. We just arrived.'
”...Arrived?”
'Yes. Just do as I say and things will be clear.'
It can't be... G.o.dou stared at the spotlessly clean sliding door. Having just
had a similar conversation, Yuri also looked with shock in the same
direction.
As the sliding door opened with a thud, everything did become clear after
all.
Within Nanao Shrine, Erica was standing with a smile while Liliana knitted
her brow. Most likely arriving directly from school, the two of them were still
in uniform.
Part 2
”Just to be on the safe side, I'll say this first. I am not opposed to what you
were going to do, okay?”
Erica spoke in a bright and clear voice.
”Yuri has been working hard these few days, so I can tolerate her stealing
ahead a little. I've already told this to Liliana. I didn't come to the shrine for
the purpose of disturbing you two.”
”Even if you say so, the one who first made the accusation of stealing
ahead was you, Erica.”
Liliana retorted to her childhood friend and rival.
”After school, Kusanagi G.o.dou had disappeared in a hurry. Then there is
Mariya Yuri who had returned but was missing school. Putting two and two
together, the situation was obvious. And there I was, trying to advocate
'this could possibly be an erroneous deduction.'”
”But the end result was exactly as I envisioned, right? See.”
Erica pointed to G.o.dou and Yuri in the j.a.panese room.
Finding their hands still held together, the two frantically withdrew them.
”Yuri, who has recently become a 'woman' completely, and G.o.dou whose
boundaries have grown increasingly lax. Under such conditions, would a
private situation develop -- after all, a fully justified reason exists. Isn't this
a simple formula?”
”...Well, my failure to notice that point is my stupidity.”
Listening to the knights' conversation, G.o.dou and Yuri exchanged glances.
They were both blus.h.i.+ng and rather unsettled, agonizing over what they
could say to lighten the mood, but completely stumped by the current
situation.
”Kusanagi G.o.dou, this is a perfect opportunity. I have things to say to you.”
Hearing Liliana's stern opening line, G.o.dou sat straight up.
”You should probably have realized by now, you are a playboy who
pursues romantic relations.h.i.+ps with multiple girls at the same time.”
”W-Wait a minute! When did I become that kind of person!?”
G.o.dou yelled from the bottom of his heart. Nevertheless, Liliana shook her
head bitterly.
Erica simply went ”Well, that's who he is” and shrugged, casting a
meaningful glance at Yuri. Both of them seemed to disagree with G.o.dou's
protest.
”Please remain quiet. A person with multiple girls in his inner circle, yet
answers 'all of them' without hesitation when asked who is the most
important or deserving of protection, is disqualified from objecting.”
”Uh...”
Liliana's frank advice pierced straight into G.o.dou's heart.
With so many reasons, was this karma's payback...
”In my opinion, it is basically time to go with the flow and leave past
mistakes alone. If unusual situations are left alone and ignored, that sense
of dissonance will disappear over time, becoming as if it was normal all
along. And that is clearly a rare talent possessed by you, Kusanagi
G.o.dou.”
”L-Leave past mistakes alone!?”
”Yes. Well, since it is you, you would naturally go with the flow, completely
unaware anyway... But it is certainly true that there are many current
issues. Let me point out a few to you.”
Liliana's face tensed in an instant.
That awe-inspiring sense of beauty made G.o.dou swallow his words of
protest.
”I will not express objection to you and Yuri performing that 'ritual.'
However, once the deed is done... You must tell us everything in full
detail.”
”T-T-T-T-Tell both of you!?”
”Alternatively, hide yourselves in a more skillful manner so that you will not
be observed clearly by us like this time. Otherwise, umm, no matter what, I
cannot help but feel something akin to jealousy and other negative
emotions unbecoming of a knight's position--”
Liliana said shyly.
An emotion akin to jealousy, was none other than jealousy itself. Her shy
expression made things completely obvious. But giving only two choices,
either telling everyone everything, or doing things in secret without leaking
any clues--?
What a tough challenge.
Imposed by such a demand that no ordinary high school student could
answer, G.o.dou was stunned.
I don't think I have the talent to comply with such a tall order...
”One more thing. This concerns our families.”
Liliana continued.
”Erica's uncle, Sir Paolo Blandelli. You have met him before, yes?”
”Uh yeah. That very handsome and cool uncle. I saw him once in Italy.
Truly a great guy.”
G.o.dou had been overjoyed to learn that one of Erica's few blood relatives
was a man, her uncle.
However, G.o.dou was bewildered. Why mention him now?
”Umm... It is not really acceptable for you to have met only Erica's family. I
would be most pleased if you could also meet mine. It does feel rather
inappropriate after all, unless officially recognized by family...”
So what she wanted to say, was that? She wanted to introduce her family?
G.o.dou began to feel anxious. But it's not like it can't be done, he thought.
Might as well go with the flow to meet and greet the families of the many
girls who had experienced so many trials with him. No matter what, this
was the plain truth.
”Introducing G.o.dou-san to my family...!?”
Next to him, Yuri was murmuring in shock.
”E-Even though you have met my little sister Hikari, you have yet to meet
my parents or grandparents... But what should be done? The family will be
in an uproar over a meeting with the current Campione. The Mariya family
never possessed the proper prestige and stature in the first place...”
Wondering ”What should be done?” with great worry, Yuri seemed to be
voicing her thoughts in succession. Could this be the beginning of a
meeting with her entire family?
G.o.dou felt a chill spreading from his stomach-
Just as he felt trapped by a mysterious sense of stress, his cellphone
received a message.
Opening it to check, it was from Asuka. 'Isn't it time you followed through
with your promise last time? I am very free today.'
After that, G.o.dou confirmed with Asuka the meeting location and left
Nanao Shrine.
Neither Alec nor Guinevere had showed any recent movements. It was still
too early for G.o.dou to enter the stage -- having concluded that, Erica and
the girls saw G.o.dou off.
'Well, it's been too busy recently anyway. Why not forget these
troublesome matters for now and enjoy normal life for a bit? As long as you
don't travel far, we can handle anything that happens.'
That was what Erica had said.
It was true. Staying on crisis alert was quite exhausting.
'By the way, why don't we all go together?'
G.o.dou suggested cheerfully on impulse, causing all the girls to turn their
gaze away. Was it an illusion or were they all sighing out of sight with an
aghast expression?
'Even though it is a tempting invitation, I shall have to decline. Tokunaga
Asuka would not be pleased.'
'Since it's her, you don't have to be concerned.'
'No. Last time when we met, she seemed rather wary of Erica and me.'
'By the way... Since we have the chance, I want to share my knowledge of
Sir Lancelot with Erica-san and Liliana-san. Please go ahead and enjoy
your time with your old friend.'
Hearing Liliana's rejection and Yuri's words which sounded like a newly
married wife's advice of ”you've been working hard lately, go take a good
break,” G.o.dou accepted their well wishes and departed alone.
The time was 6pm on Friday night, the beginning of the weekend. The
meeting place was in front of Ueno station.
Asuka and G.o.dou were both residents of Nezu in the Bunkyou ward. If
they wanted to go shopping, nearby Ueno (or Akihabara depending on
what they needed to buy) was the top choice.
”Yo.”
”Too slow. You're twenty seconds late.”
This was the completely tactless greeting G.o.dou received at Ueno station.
G.o.dou was unfazed as it was typical of Asuka to scold with acrimony for
minor lateness. Besides, they were friends who knew each other inside
out, which was what mattered. As a side note, the childhood friend was
wearing a hooded parka, a knitted top and jeans. Totally lacking in
fas.h.i.+onability.
On the other hand, were Asuka to make a sudden stylish appearance,
G.o.dou would be even more troubled instead.
”Then let's hurry and go shop. Have you decided on a gift?”
”No, not yet.”
”What an unreliable guy. Then let's have a strategy conference first. Tell
me what does s.h.i.+zuka-chan like?”
Tm not too sure myself.”
”You've transcended unreliability, Mr. Useless Brother.”
”...Wait a minute. Last time when my mom found a forgotten bottle of
German wine of 90s vintage, s.h.i.+zuka drank it happily with me and
grandpa.”
”Don't treat these anecdotes from the overly unusual Kusanagi household
as typical everyday family life!”
Glared at by Asuka, G.o.dou shrugged.