Vol 12 Chapter 2 (1/2)

Chapter 2 - Pursuing the Gray Mystery

Part 1

”Well, because the harmful effect turned all the Santa Clauses in the area

grey, many people are still suffering from these disturbances.”

The explanation was carried out in a composed manner from an old

acquaintance.

It was Amakasu Touma from the History Compilation Committee. He was a

young gentleman wearing a suit full of creases.

Their destination was located at the Nanao Shrine within the high grounds

of Toranomon, just within the borders of the shrine to be exact. This was

the shrine where Mariya Yuri was devoted to performing her duties as a

hime-miko. She was accompanying Amakasu at his side.

”Those who bought a Santa Claus mini-skirt costume for this special

occasion have no choice but to buy another one. The promotional items

specially printed with Santa Claus art must now be reprinted. The Santa

Claus ill.u.s.trations that the children personally drew from the bottom of their

hearts and were looking forward to gift have now been ruined by a bad mix

of colors. Things like these were numerous. However,”

Even if the situation was the same as before, at a glance, Amakasu was

clearly giving them a type of dejected appearance.

But this time, G.o.dou was naturally able to understand why.

He really believes the situation is harmless.

Yesterday, G.o.dou witnessed the strange phenomenon where a Santa

Claus costume turned into a grey color. After school was over, G.o.dou paid

a visit to the Nanao Shrine. Just when he was about to inquire with Yuri

about this matter, Amakasu showed up to explain the circ.u.mstances. But

while Amakasu was talking about the strange situation, his mood was more

relaxed than usual.

”Although it is a strange event, it is only so in this manner. It shouldn't be a

G.o.d stirring up trouble. Therefore, this inconvenience doesn't have nearly

enough significance for the necessity of a dignified Campione-sama right?”

”Since it would be Kusanagi-san's actions, it might instead cause the

strange phenomenon to go a step further and expand.”

The person who cautiously stated this was Yuri. This was the History

Compilation Committee's suggestion no, this was exactly what they

hoped for presumably. They are requesting him to not get involved,

obediently staying put.

A devil king Campione is a prestigious being who would cause the break

out of a fire setting everything in flames.

Who was the person that said this phrase before? G.o.dou pondered on this

indistinct memory while feeling this sort of prejudice against him was

unfair. I'm obviously different compared to those other guys .

”However, isn't it actually the breakout of an event?”

Putting those troubles aside for now, G.o.dou complained in the following

manner.

”Yeah. It wasn't just the lone occurrence witnessed by Kusanagi-san in

Ueno. Within these past four - five days, this incident has already

happened more than ten times. The locations of these incidents include

s.h.i.+njuku, Roppongi, Ikebukuro, Ueno, Otemachi, Ginza, s.h.i.+n-Okubo,

Ebisu, Sangenjaya well, there are other various spots too.”

”They are all places where there is a large flow of people ”

”Indeed. Some speculations can be established for this incident. But the

facts are basically what I have stated. I feel they are about right.”

”Hey, that's pretty impressive. Why is this happening though?”

G.o.dou felt admiration towards the capable Amakasu's special agent-like

rhetoric.

However, he instantly let out a 'hmm?' feeling puzzled.

”I'm afraid this is some sort of retaliation. This hatred towards Santa Claus

evolved from an unwelcomed cla.s.s of people who are administering

revenge against those who have attained happiness and fulfillment! Hating

Christmas as a result, they attempt to destroy the symbolic Santa Claus

figure where everyone can see! Something along those lines.”

”Sorry, but the explanation you just gave contain some ambiguous terms.”

”I agree. Whom does the so-called 'unwelcomed cla.s.s of people' refer to?”

After G.o.dou finished speaking, even Yuri, who spoke and conducted

everything with caution, raised a question.

Amakasu had this bad habit of unscrupulously using insider terminology.

”No, just hear me out. During Christmas there are numerous lovers who

appear to be br.i.m.m.i.n.g with happiness right? Among the people who see

this sight, those unwelcomed wizard related b.a.s.t.a.r.ds will be enraged and

be unable to resist what an unimaginable reality that would be.”

G.o.dou conjured a wry smile and once again inquired from Amakasu after

his explanation.

”Can you really solely change the color of Santa Claus using magic and

such?”

”This foolish matter of people delving into those kinds of dreary magic

types, forgive me I have never heard of such a thing. In contrary to what

one might expect, this is a high possibility. However, well ”

Amakasu momentarily paused at this point during his explanation.

”Even the witch Liliana-san even with her keen senses she couldn't

detect the aura of the type of magic that was used. She was only able to

attain bits and pieces.”

Amakasu elaborated when facing techniques with large scale effects it is

comparatively easier to detect.

”There probably exists a user conducting some very clever concealment

tactics. Although, I can't figure out why someone would pull this kind of

idiotic prank and carry it out to this extent.”

”A prank ?”

”I can't say for sure but the criminal might also be taking this very seriously.

However if we simply look at this strange phenomenon, it's really quite

insignificant. This is something that can be cleared up as soon as we send

out Committee members to investigate. Since this case must be handled

before Christmas, my side will do everything it can to figure out a solution.”

Amakasu ensured G.o.dou would stay out of the way by using a nonchalant

way of speaking to decline him.

After leaving the Nanao Shrine, the color of the sky had already turned into

complete darkness. G.o.dou got on a tram at the Toranomon station, but not

for the sake of going home. He got off the bus at Ginza route's Ueno

station to return to the street he went to yesterday.

It was December, the end of the year. The streets were filled with a busy

atmosphere.

However, during this time period the one big event the high school

students were worried about, the final exams, had already finished. Every

year there would be final exams held during late December.

As a result, G.o.dou was able to stroll the streets worry-free every night.

”Why would they care so much ”

G.o.dou muttered while walking in front of Ueno station.

These streets were bustling with activity. There were the office workers

returning from work, students, young people dressed in casual etc., in

short the amount people outside were numerous. The night had just

begun. This time of the day served as the dividing line for the

commencement of formal nighttime activities.

Although it was already evening, the surrounding area was exceptionally

bright.

There were street lights, store lighting, bright billboards, the headlights

from the cars traveling along the road, etc. Thanks to all the illumination, a

person could easily survey this street. Well, Campiones have remarkable

night vision capabilities so regardless of whether or not it was completely

dark around him, there would be no inconveniences, even if the only

illumination source was from the evening starlight.

G.o.dou roamed the streets of Ueno while deeply in thought. Recently there

was no way to comprehend much about the situation. He was unable to

remember his plans around Christmas and why that Liliana person, who he

supposedly knows, is spying on him. Furthermore there was the

emergence of the grey Santa Claus drama. Granted if someone were to sit

back and watch without any regards towards these matters, it would looks

as if none of these issues were consequential.

His chest was burdened with a troubling premonition.

Using a game of baseball as an a.n.a.logy, perhaps the scenario's

development would be as follows.

In the first inning you score seven points thus leading by a huge margin.

However, the opponent nevertheless makes a comeback one point at a

time. On the other hand, your own side was unable to score any more

points. Without realizing it, the score had already caught up to a mere one

point differential just like that.

”No matter how I go about it, I still can't seem to understand.”

Being a healthy male, Kusanagi G.o.dou's physical endurance and his leg

strength in particular, was far greater than his intelligence. With that being

the case, visiting the crime scene 100 times, like in those cop flicks, to

continuously search that one location until finding the needed clues is not

necessarily a bad thing. In completing this simple task, he would put in his

utmost efforts.

Yesterday, Santa Clauses were being greyified on the street in front of the

station.

However, the Santa Claus figures, pictures, drawings, and outfits that were

all contaminated with the color grey have been disposed of a long time

ago. The streets were once again covered with the reds and greens of

Christmas.

Everything was returned to its original condition due to the laborious work

from these justifiably proud j.a.panese people.

However, right now G.o.dou felt really infuriated towards this. He was

unable to find other clues just when he started pondering over the

current situation, his cellphone's ringtone sounded.

After retrieving his cellphone, he looked at the bright display screen and

saw it was Liliana calling him.

”Speaking of which, why do I have their phone numbers registered?”

G.o.dou was baffled. It wasn't just the phone numbers of Liliana, Erica, and

Yuri, their emails and addresses were already registered as well. He

believes his relations.h.i.+p with them would be incapable of having this kind

of exchange of personal information.

In short, he decided to first put aside his suspicions and answer the phone.

'Seeing you come over here too is quite unexpected.'

Liliana suddenly stated this. 'Too'?

'Please do the same thing you did yesterday, turn your head around and

look behind you.'

Surely she must be kidding. G.o.dou turned his head around and saw the

female knight, who was wearing personal attire for today, standing behind

him talking on the phone.

Part 2

The magic a.s.sociation Liliana was affiliated with was the {Bronze Black

Cross) .

As its name suggested, the blue and black were the symbolic colors for the

organization.

This was perhaps the reason why whenever Liliana wore her personal

clothing, the two colors blue and black were bound to be somewhere on

there. However, today she was dressed in an outfit that consisted of a

rarely worn white mono-colored coat paired with deep gray pants.

Nevertheless, G.o.dou noticed where they were.

It was on the scarf wrapped around Liliana's neck. The scarf's design

consisted of blue and black vertical stripes.

This applied to Erica as well. The European knight was surprisingly diligent

in this aspect. She would naturally display her own affiliation explicitly .

Liliana, who was secretly being admired by G.o.dou, stated her reason for

coming here.

”Regarding yesterday's situation where a Santa Claus changed colors, it

was a.s.sumably a prank devised by a magician somewhere. Disregarding it

would most likely be fine But then something else occurred to me.”

The two of them had kept their distance from the crowd of people

meandering about and proceeded to converse after arriving at a guardrail

alongside the road.

”In any case I'm also a magician. Even though I'm not on the same level as

Mariya Yuri, I'm still sensitive to the presence of magic. However, I wasn't

able to detect the bizarre event that transpired yesterday. Basically there

was someone very shrewdly concealing it I presume. Due to the

suspiciousness of going to this extent, I'm here to do a quick investigation.”

Using a resolute tone, she spoke of the same uncertainties Amakasu had

pointed out.

The diligent Liliana had not neglected this matter so perhaps that was why

she wanted to ascertain the answer.

”Well Kusanagi G.o.dou, why did you come back here?”

”For me it is although I have many reasons, ultimately it is probably due

to this gut feeling that I possess. I always felt very mindful towards this

situation and because of that I want to investigate its cause. I guess you

can say my intuition dictated so.”

G.o.dou stated his reply. Well, let's a.s.sume he did have many reasons.

However, regarding that perspective, they were changed to ”gut feeling”

and ”intuition”.

G.o.dou was worried she might be unable to understand this kind of

explanation.

”As expected of you, I get a sloppy animal-like reasoning.”

Liliana heavily nodded, indicating an expression of understanding. Was

she thoroughly familiar with what kind of person Kusanagi G.o.dou was?

Although G.o.dou wanted to press the matter, he felt questioning her would

result in an annoyed response.

”Hey, if you don't mind would you like to accompany me?”

”Accompany you!?”

Liliana suddenly went into a total state of shock.

”As in like a female escort accompanying a man!? E-Even though these

are the words spoken by a supreme Campione, this command is still quite

hard for a young girl like me to accept!”

”H-How did you construe it as that? What I meant was to investigate the

cause of yesterday's situation together.”

G.o.dou supplemented his explanation towards the fl.u.s.tered Liliana.

She was a strict and diligent knight. However, she seemed to be hiding a

very ordinary girl-like side of her. No matter what she encountered, she

would easily be side-tracked by romance.

G.o.dou felt slightly distressed as he wryly smiled. This aspect was perhaps

to Liliana's advantage.

”P-Pardon my loss of composure....

command as king?”

Liliana spoke after slightly blus.h.i.+ng.

Going back to what I said, is this your

”The investigation this time would be akin to individual research. If it is a

request proposed by a Campione, the king of us magicians, to jointly trace

this mystery no, even being the devil king's servant in investigating this

mystery is something I won't shy away from.”

Her serious demeanor made it feel like she was challenging a barbarous

tyrant, or perhaps testing a person's moral character. Within the words

Liliana had said, it felt like there was this subtle meaning.

”I feel that if it is some outsider who doesn't know anything about magic

raising this request, I'll have to give it some thought. Being on the move

individually is comparatively more convenient since having to explain this

specialized knowledge would become very troublesome.”

”1-1 guess you're right.”

In short, the meaning behind her words pointed to a ”hindering outsider”,

causing G.o.dou to cower.

Indeed this was the case. The specialist Amakasu should have already

started his inspection. The talented witch Liliana was also on the move in

order to investigate.

There were no particular justifications for admitting a clueless outsider.

If a battle against a G.o.d did not occur for Kusanagi G.o.dou, there were no

other uses for him. Compared to a normal person, he only had the

advantage in terms of physical strength. Well, if the opportunity arises in

which a heretic G.o.d does appear from this strange phenomenon, then it

would be a completely different matter. However, nowadays even that

situation would hold little significance.

Even so, he felt that he had to unravel this mystery of the grey Santa

Claus.

So wasn't it already mentioned before? There was the option of stating 'this

is an order from a Campione'.

After G.o.dou deliberated over this enticing offer for about ten seconds, he

instantly gave up on the thought.

For the men who would say these words, as a devil king this would be a

different issue, but as a human being they would already be hopeless.

”I understand, I will find a way to do this myself then. I'm sorry for bringing

up a strange request.”

After G.o.dou made a candid apology, Liliana let out a sigh.

”Kusanagi G.o.dou, during times like these you should proclaim 'this is an

order from a Campione'. By the way, you should've also punished the

disobedient Great Knight who didn't show respect towards the king No

matter what the situation is you never resemble a devil king!”

In the end, she actually spoke in a startled tone to scold him. Furthermore,

she was resolute in her a.s.sertion towards the matter.

”However, fortunately I'm also an Italian knight. Despite the numerous

problems the devil king I pledged my loyalty to has, I have already adapted

to being an a.s.sistant. From now on when I am giving instructions no,

when I am talking, please listen carefully.”

”Eh?”

Her nationality was Italian but she actually has Croatian blood since she

emigrated from Eastern Europe. The fairy-like maiden with a complicated

ethnic background had a mischievous expression while making a

comparison between two Campiones.

G.o.dou was astonished at Liliana's slight act of mischief and replied:

”Are you saying you will work together with me?”

”Yup. From the moment we convened I already had this intention.”

” Then, why did you say all those things!?”

”About that why did I do it? It appeared as long as I pressed on in this

manner, you wouldn't be able to give out commands as a king that's

how I felt.”

Liliana suddenly revealed a gentle smile.

That was not her usual sternness, but rather an occasionally seen natural

side of her. Her innocent smile suited that of the girls around her age. For

some reason, this sort of smile made G.o.dou feel very nostalgic. Br.i.m.m.i.n.g

with loveliness, his heart could not help but skip a beat.

”As a result, I wanted to give it a shot. I'm very sorry.”

This type of apology presented no sense of regret. However, G.o.dou was

actually incapable of saying anything in response.

”Didn't you discuss this with the History Compilation Committee just

recently? Ultimately it was impossible for you to adopt that hardline att.i.tude

Amakasu has, thus you came here by yourself right?”

”Uhh ”

G.o.dou was at a loss for words after she saw right through him. How did it

turn out like this?

The relations.h.i.+p between Liliana and him was not even that close.

However, it was quite unimaginable as to how she understood what type of

person Kusanagi G.o.dou was. G.o.dou also had a very clear grasp on the

temperament of Liliana Kranjcar.

This was all really hard to comprehend, but this realization would actually

make anyone happy.

All in all, G.o.dou did get himself a capable helper.

”The part that I am concerned about is the phenomenon of Santa Clauses

changing color.”

Liliana spoke while setting a teacup for black tea in front of G.o.dou.

After they met up in Ueno, the two of them went to a single-family house in

Dangozaka. This house, which was Liliana's temporary dwelling while she

was in j.a.pan, was fairly close to the Kusanagi household in

Nezu-Sanchome.

The two of them were residing in the living room which had windows along

the southern side. The suns.h.i.+ne seemed quite breathtaking.

”Are you referring to the color change from red to gray?”

”Yes Well, perhaps it might not be as simple as just changing the

eye-catching primary color into a dull color. There was also the scene from

the spirit vision bestowed upon me during yesterday's quick inspection.”

”Now that you mention it, there were quite a few things you referred to.”

”I envisioned for a brief moment that the scenery of the streets changed to

a scene similar to that after the harvest. In addition, there was some sort of

divine presence that pa.s.sed through and gathered what appeared to be

grain heads scattered along farmland after the harvest ”

”It seems to resemble farm work.”

G.o.dou spoke with very straightforward thinking.

”Yes indeed. If it is farm work, it would mean that the scene pertains to the

grace of earth. Perhaps the Santa Clauses losing their red color carries

profound significance.”

Liliana began to thoroughly articulate her explanation.

”The Santa Claus referred to in j.a.pan was originally Christianity's guardian

saint, St. Nicholas.”

”St. Nicholas and Santa Claus no matter how you sound it out they are

completely different.”

”The reason is simple. j.a.panese people must have learned about the

culture of Santa Claus through America. However this social custom was

actually brought to America by an immigrant from Holland.”

Liliana retrieved a notebook and began writing Latin characters on it.

”St. Nicholas is read as St. Nicholas when using a Dutch p.r.o.nunciation.

The American p.r.o.nunciation 'Santa Claus' resulted from what was

supposed to be p.r.o.nounced as 'Sinterklaas' through an incorrect accent.”

Saint NICOLAS Sint Nikolaas Sinterkla.s.s

After that, Liliana lastly added Santa Claus in conjunction.

”The image of Santa Claus spreading gifts to the children while riding a

sled driven by reindeers comes to mind when mentioning St. Nicholas.

This stereotype was established in America roughly around the 19th

century. The red outfit that became his raiment was inst.i.tuted during a time

period much closer to the present.”

”Ah In that case, the juncture was triggered by the Cola company's

publicity activities.”

After hearing Liliana say that, G.o.dou recalled something.

The color red had become a recognized color for the well-known North

American beverage manufacturing company since the 1930s when they

wanted to raise winter sales figures by publicly advertising through the use

of Santa Claus. His image would always appear on posters and as

expected the color of his outfit was in red.

The red outfit of Santa Claus coming from the red color of a cola can, this

reality sounded like a joke.

”Before the red outfit wearing Santa Claus became a prominent public

figure throughout the world, there wasn't this kind of modern saying that

Santa Claus was the same existence as St. Nicholas, rather his character

was more a.n.a.logous to some sort of fairy. During that period, the gifts he

dispersed were fruits.”

”So to sum it all up, it wasn't gifts of hope.”

”The fruits were ripened grains that were reaped from earth's bountiful

harvest symbolizing the grace of earth. Dating back its origin, this

so-called Christmas was known as the religious ceremony for the Saint

who descends upon the winter festivities to bestow bountiful harvests for

the earth. This could be traced back to rituals held during ancient times.”

”Religious ceremony ”

Even those refusing to accept the truth would be compelled to remember

the words ”heretic G.o.d”.

Overall, G.o.dou felt he was able to understand the issue Liliana was

worrying about.

”Is it that one? For the time being, regardless of the ident.i.ty of the current

Santa Claus, we should probably refer to him as St. Nicholas rather than

saying he is the Santa Claus from the time when red wasn't a.s.sociated

with him. Maybe that guy will become a heretic G.o.d after arriving here.”

”Not 'maybe', he will turn into a heretic G.o.d I presume.”

Liliana simply agreed.

”I'm afraid that St. Nicholas, who has arrived at these grounds, possesses

the earth attribute of the G.o.d of bountiful harvests and divinity deriving from

the Catholic Saints.”

”Is that really the case!?”

”Yesterday you couldn't feel the presence of a G.o.d. For that reason, I feel

like I might be overthinking this. But on the other hand, there is no way to

a.s.sert complete safety.”

”I agree. In the end, we should perform a quick investigation for the sake of

caution.”

G.o.dou and Liliana both nodded. During times like these, their equally

serious personalities allow them to communicate more efficiently.

”The person in yesterday's spirit vision wasn't St. Nicholas, maybe the

revelation is connected to the origins of earth's essence. Let's just first try

to investigate with these clues ok?”

While the two of them were talking to each other, the door to the living

room was opened.

It was Karen Jankulovski, Liliana's exclusive maid.

This rarely seen outfit was not her maid uniform but rather it seemed to be

her personal attire which consisted of a blue coat and a black fur hat. Her

hand was dragging a suitcase with wheels attached, giving the impression

that she was about to go on vacation.

”Welcome Kusanagi-sama and welcome back Liliana-sama. I am very

sorry for being late in my greetings.”

Karen spoke while having her head deeply lowered.

”You still haven't left yet Karen?”

”Mhmm. On the account of some urgent matters arising right before I

intended to leave, I had stayed here up till now However, thanks to this I

was able to see some good drama, fufufu.”

Karen was snickering while chatting with her master.

”I never would have thought Liliana-sama would bring a male Campione

into her house while I was away. Even though it's hard to keep a person's

lips sealed, please don't worry, maids are very adept at maintaining their

master's secrets.”

”D-Don't get any strange ideas!”

”May the two of you slowly enjoy this evening. Well then, goodnight.”

After Karen snickered and bestowed a bit of courtesy, she left.

”Where is that girl heading?”

”Eh, yeah, Natale is fast approaching. In order to let her celebrate the

holidays together with her family, I granted her a vacation for this special

occasion. After finis.h.i.+ng her preparations she will head back to her home

country.”

This so-called Natale was actually Christmas in Italian. In contrast to

j.a.pan, most people in Europe would spend the holidays with their family.

This was probably the reason why she showed such consideration towards

her.

Going back to what was said, the sound of the Christmas's footsteps were

gradually drawing closer. Were they capable of finding the solution to this

problem before the arrival of Christmas ?

Part 3

It was currently December 1 8, the time of year was fast approaching

Christmas.

The graduation ceremony will commence in three days from now, therefore

the Jounan Academy seniors only had morning cla.s.ses. However, today

Liliana was absent in cla.s.s.

This was why after G.o.dou finished his cla.s.ses, he went straight to her

home without even eating lunch.

After pressing down on the gate's doorbell, the sound of Liliana's voice

came across the intercom.

The door isn't locked, please come in.'

Since G.o.dou was paying a visit to a girl's house, he felt very embarra.s.sed

as he pushed open the door.

Moreover, the exclusive maid of the house had already returned to her

hometown in Italy. The owner of the house resided here by herself for the

time being.

G.o.dou concealed his slightly wavering feelings as he entered the living

room.

Liliana was currently here engaged in work. The reason why she was

absent from school was for her to finish the magic preparations.

”Please be careful to avoid entering the center area of the map. Sorry for

the inconvenience.”

Every place in the living room, including the tables and couches, was tidied

up. The object expanded across this s.p.a.cious room was a huge aerial

photograph taken from the skies overlooking Tokyo. Its dimensions were

probably around three meters in length and four meters in width. Liliana

was crouching down on one knee over the map.

G.o.dou noticed the location on the map where Liliana was situated was the

Bunkyo region.

It was Bunkyo Dangozaka on the map Liliana was crouching over the

coordinates to this house.

Furthermore, it felt like there were quite a few incantations instilled within

this Tokyo district on the aerial photograph.

”You used some kind of magic on this right?”

”Yes, searching magic I guess you could say that I carried out these

preparations in order to utilize this magic.”

Liliana maintained her crouching position as spoke.

She extended her right hand and moved the fingertips of her index finger

and middle finger towards the map. Liliana, who was a Templar Knight and

witch, released an incantation from those fingertips.

”If it is precisely as we said yesterday in which the red lacking Santa Claus

is an existence related to earth's bountiful harvests, this existence might

discharge a slight upsurge in spiritual energy at the location where the

phenomenon happens. I plan on releasing a hunting dog to confirm this.”

”Liliana, you raise that sort of thing?”

”Of course this is accomplished by employing a familiar called forth

through summoning magic. We witches are the miko descendants who

serve the G.o.ddess of the sky and earth. The attribute to summon a beast

and commanding it to pursue the spiritual energy of earth isn't really an

arduous task.”