Vol 11 Epilogue (1/2)

Epilogue

Taking a rowing boat, Erica rescued G.o.dou from the lake.

However, he fainted soon after they reached the sh.o.r.e. Having been cut

by Doni's sword and suffering further injuries, he was on the verge of

death.

Thanks to the [Camel] incarnation, his ability to endure hits also seemed to

be strengthened.

Hence, once the incarnation was gone, G.o.dou was at his limits. Just

before losing consciousness, G.o.dou naturally used the [Ram] incarnation

in preparation for super recovery. Then the next morning arrived.

At the log house villa, G.o.dou regained consciousness under Erica's care.

Then he found himself dying of hunger. Consequently, he went outside

accompanied by the blonde beauty, going to the lakeside cafe to fill his

stomach-

”Yo, you guys are here too? What a strange coincidence.”

Inside the cafe, they met Salvatore Doni, bright red as if sunburnt.

Clearly it was still spring but his skin was fiery red. Erica almost fell down

with surprise for an instant. Shrugging her shoulders, she said:

”It's been a day -- or rather, a night, Sir Salvatore. You have returned

safely.”

”Yes. I almost thought I was a goner, but I survived after all. Ah, your name

is Erica Blandelli, right?”

”...Yes. May I ask how you came to remember my name?”

”Because you are my beloved G.o.dou's attendant. I still remember.”

Doni smiled nonchalantly as Erica displayed great surprise. The acuity and

valor he exhibited at the endgame of the duel last night had all vanished.

G.o.dou frowned as he interrupted the exchange between a king and a

knight.

”No, we didn't think you'd die like that either. But how did you survive?

Shouldn't there be limits to absurdity!?”

”Hohoho, listen well. I was thinking it might get dangerous if I continue to

be scorched like that. So I actually entered a state of suspended animation

to avert the brunt of the flames. After that, I used my steel body to run,

climb and jump across the bottom of the lake, finally reaching land!”

”A state of suspended animation, are you really a tardigrade!?”

Discovering his opponent's surprising mode of life, G.o.dou could feel a

headache coming.

”Indeed, a body of steel cannot float on water, but there's no risk of

suffocation or hypothermia either. The only troublesome thing is, once I

enter a state of suspended animation, this temporary death persists for a

while. Which is how I spent a night at the bottom of the lake. I finally

managed to wake up this morning.”

Smiling cheerfully, Doni recounted his ludicrous survival story.

Wait a minute, since G.o.dou also possessed similar survival abilities, he

could not comment as if it did not apply to himself as well.

”After all, even someone like me would be tired as h.e.l.l. I'm hungry and

covered with wounds. Indeed, I don't have the strength to fight you right

now. Let's call our duel yesterday a draw?”

”I don't mind at all... But I don't see any injuries on you?”

Other than sunburnt in appearance, Doni's body looked completely the

same as before.

G.o.dou questioned with an expression of suspicion.

”Well, look here. I'm afraid my skin might become rough or have skin

cancer or something, so I never neglect my UV care. But to think I'd get

scorched to this degree... Well done, G.o.dou.”

”Stop saying that with such a serious expression!”

Doni's face in a tense expression, G.o.dou naturally took a seat opposite

him at the same table.

An almost subconscious act. Erica also sat down beside him.

After ten-odd minutes, they began to eat the food that arrived.

Breakfast in Italy was usually a simple affair. A foundation of croissants

and bread with jam combined with espresso or cappuccino coffee.

However, this morning was an exception.

There was cream cheese made from goat's milk blended with black

pepper, as well as a large plate of pasta.

G.o.dou and Doni wolfed down all this food as if they had not eaten for

days. Also, Erica ordered a sweet cream croissant for herself.

”Hey you, don't take so much. Shouldn't you think about leaving some for

others!?”

”Hey hey G.o.dou, a ceasefire on the dinner table does not exist. This

should be universal. Survival of the fittest is the biggest rule here!”

”d.a.m.n it, in that case, I have my own methods!”

Wielding a fork on their right and holding a plate in their left, G.o.dou and

Doni competed over the abundant plate of pasta. With complete

seriousness, they started a contest to see who could eat faster and more.

Seeing them act in such a manner, Erica exclaimed emphatically:

”What should I say... You've become reliable in very short time, G.o.dou.

Standing up to Sir Salvatore and not losing in any way. Is this a Devil

King's disposition...?”

”Don't compare me with this idiot!”

”Please don't say something so cold. After all, aren't we similar in many

ways?”

”In no way are we similar!”

This scene concluded the final act of the duel drama between Kusanagi

G.o.dou and Salvatore Doni.

After separating from Doni who had called for a ride from his subordinates,

G.o.dou and Erica decided to return to the villa.

The two of them walked along the beautiful lakesh.o.r.e.

It was a warm morning in spring. The blue sky was clear and sunny while

the blowing breeze felt leisurely and comfortable.

Happiest of all, he had a thoughtful and understanding ”partner” by his

side.

G.o.dou felt a sense of fulfillment in his heart that he had never experienced

before.

Furthermore, he felt as though no reasons were needed.

Erica must have been thinking the same thing -- glancing at her as she

walked beside him, G.o.dou witnessed the beautiful smile of the most

gorgeous girl he knew.

”Although many things need to be said, let's start with 'Congratulations'

okay?”

Saying that, Erica leaned over matter-of-factly.

With her arms wrapped around G.o.dou's right arm, they looked completely

like a pair of lovers. Erica proceeded to bring her lips near G.o.dou's

blus.h.i.+ng cheeks and gave him a light kiss.

”E-Enough. I don't think this is very appropriate. We should get along as

friends in a more wholesome manner!”

If things really continued this way, he felt like he would be swept along

naturally by the flow.

However, G.o.dou desperately appealed as much as possible to his reason.

Once their relations.h.i.+p became too intimate, there would be no way out.

In this respect, perhaps this was the tragedy of a man whose age equaled

the number of years without a girlfriend.

”Hohoho, you're really cute when you're shy. However, please take a good

look around. There's no one here who would mind our behavior. We can

openly express and affirm our love for each other, you know?”

It was just as Erica stated.

The occasional pa.s.serby was completely unconcerned with their

horseplay. For a pa.s.sionate Latin country, this level of bodily contact was

considered only natural instead.

Kusanagi G.o.dou was the only one in doubt, hesitating, faltering.

He could not think of a single reason why he could not take the next step

forward. This was the beginning of a mystery that troubled G.o.dou until

Lucretia pointed things out frankly.

”In any case, the incident has ended. Erica, you should go back and

apologize to your uncle. Say sorry for the trouble you've caused. I'm sure

he'll forgive you, Erica.”

G.o.dou struggled to calm his heart and spoke out about what he worried

the most.

For his sake, she had left her a.s.sociation and bid farewell to her only blood

relative. He could not return to j.a.pan without resolving this matter. Luckily

there were still a few days remaining in his Golden Week vacation...

In order to be responsible for her to the end, G.o.dou spoke with utmost

sincerity.

”Ah, that's over already. Completely resolved.”