Vol 13 Chapter 1 (1/2)

Chapter 1 - Rite of the Hime-Miko

Part 1

A simple party had been held on Christmas Eve.

The next day, in other words, on Christmas Day, Kusanagi G.o.dou's

companions gathered once again in the Kusanagi residence. Their mission

was to clean up the complete mess left behind by the party last night. Due

to the party persisting until late into the night, they had decided to leave the

cleaning up for the next day — now.

While the clean up was in progress, Mariya Yuri could not help but

murmur.

”By the way, s.h.i.+zuka-san looked quite troubled yesterday.”

The Yamato Nades.h.i.+ko quietly tilted her head as she brought up what

puzzled her.

As the elder brother of the person in question, G.o.dou shrugged and went

”I guess so” in response.

”That Yinghua... Always so intimidating but that's his personality, and even

though Hikari was cheerfully smiling as always, s.h.i.+zuka was probably

worried because of that.”

”By the way, even Your Majesty's childhood friend was frequently making

strange faces.”

G.o.dou's childhood friend — probably meant Tokunaga Asuka who had

joined in the party midway.

”Strange faces?”

”Yeah, looking like she was wondering 'What should I do from now on?' to

herself.”

”She probably had something on her mind. Maybe I should go ask her

tactfully?”

”Kusanagi G.o.dou. I have no wish to speak evil of you, but I would advise

you not to pursue that course of action.”

Sternly entering the conversation was Liliana Kranjcar.

”You should leave her alone is what I should say. At the very least, if you

try to get involved, you will only be pouring fuel onto the fire.”

”1-1 see.”

G.o.dou nodded with uncertainty.

As a side note, the one who took charge of clean up efforts and a.s.signed

roles flexibly to everyone was the silver-haired knight who had just offered

her counsel.

Yuri also displayed domestic competency rivaling Liliana's.

Although she was not directing others as conspicuously as Liliana, she

displayed tenacious effort true to her personality, making the Kusanagi

residence even cleaner and more organized than it was originally.

Even Ena was clearing things up with surprising familiarity and skill.

Perhaps this expressed part of the Yamato Nades.h.i.+ko's ”thorough

education since birth.”

Unwilling to let the girls shoulder all the work, G.o.dou also put his serious

personality to work, immersing himself in the clean up efforts. Thanks to

that, the entire operation was finished in short time.

On the other hand, a certain person's behavior exemplified the life of a

princess used to being waited on.

”Well, Asuka-san's matter will eventually resolve itself on its own, through

her making a choice — to distance herself from G.o.dou or the opposite. In

any case, this isn't something G.o.dou could help her with even if he wanted

to.”

Erica Blandelli spoke as she wiped the table with a damp cloth.

Though her movements were richly rhythmic, they were far from diligent.

Rather, she gave off a sense of elegant leisure.

Lacking efficiency in domestic ch.o.r.es, Erica was clearly unsuited to the

task of cleaning.

Furthermore, G.o.dou's younger sister s.h.i.+zuka had gone out at the

invitation of friends, having left the house early in the morning. Currently,

G.o.dou, Erica, Yuri, Liliana and Ena were the only ones occupying this

home. Just G.o.dou's companions.

With the cleaning accomplished, everyone gathered in the living room. As

everyone sat around the wooden table, each served with a portion of green

tea, Erica slowly began to speak:

”Well then, everyone. It's about time we reach a conclusion for that

outstanding issue from a while ago.”

”Outstanding issue?”

G.o.dou was bewildered. Was there such a thing?

”Yes, wasn't it mentioned before? I am planning on traveling to Switzerland

for the winter break. We can go skiing there, and Uncle Paolo should be

coming.”

”No no. It has to be j.a.pan. j.a.panese hot springs are the best choice.”

Ena instantly cut in.

”You know, there's an authentic secret hot spring in the mountains owned

by my family. We should all go deep into the mountains together and wash

out a year's worth of fatigue. It'll be great fun!”

Faced with Erica and Ena's competing proposals, G.o.dou could not help

but close his eyes.

Then he opened them and turned his gaze towards Yuri and Liliana. The

prim and proper Hime-Miko smiled helplessly, nodding in

acknowledgement. On the other hand, the silver-haired female knight

shook her head as if saying ”What an inane conversation.”

Apart from Erica and Ena, the other two girls apparently agreed with

G.o.dou. Hence, they were the majority faction in this 3 vs 1 vs 1 situation.

”About this issue, I think I'd better give my honest opinion while I'm still

alive... Well, here's my serious answer, Erica.”

”What is it?”

”Ultimately, spending winter break in the European Alps as a high school

student... Is way too extravagant. Seriously, there should be limits to doing

things beyond a normal student's means.”

”What does it matter? You are the G.o.d-slaying Devil King, after all.”

”Is that even a reason? Fine, supposing I relent, but we were so busy with

the Saturnus incident that we haven't even gotten the plane tickets yet.

Taking the bullet train isn't going to get us to Europe, right?”

”No problem. Taking advantage of cancellations is 100% possible, all it

takes is a bit of work.”

”No way, even if it's possible. I'm sure it's 100% illegal!”

Before Erica could lay out concrete plans, G.o.dou preemptively objected.

Next, he turned to Ena.

”Then Seishuuin, that whatever secret hot springs must be located deep in

the Chichibu mountains, right? Can you show me a mountain climbing plan

prepared for the journey up the mountain?”

”Uh, what?”

As expected, the Hime-Miko of the Sword was instantly at a loss for words.

”You've never heard of it? In case of emergencies, that write up we give to

family and the police before we climb a mountain.”

It was essentially a voluntary doc.u.ment. Since Ena called the place a

secret hot spring, it must definitely be deep in the mountains. If that was

the case, preparing for accidents was only a natural consideration.

However...

”It's okay. Ena has never written anything like that.”

Seeing Ena completely nonchalant, G.o.dou grumbled.

”Compared to Ena who has lived the life of training in the mountains, the

rest of us are simply budding saplings nurtured in city life. All other things

equal, we can't possibly climb that kind of mountain in winter...”

Excluding Yuri, the other three girls all possessed above average physical

capabilities. Nevertheless, keeping up with Ena whose legs allowed her to

jump around like a wild mountain monkey would be a tall order.

Consequently as the arbitrator, G.o.dou rejected the second proposal with

good reason.

”Summing up, the time before and after New Year's will be spent

peacefully resting.”

Liliana nodded in agreement as she spoke.

”Right... Based on my own family's customs, year end aside, New Year's is

quite a busy and lively time.”

”You also have a New Year's gathering?”

Hearing G.o.dou's mutterings, Yuri asked.

”Yeah. All my relatives, the whole bunch gathers from all over j.a.pan to

hold a New Year's party in Tokyo. Not only do they drink like mad, but

there's also that troublesome after party. This year, I'm definitely not

partic.i.p.ating again!”

”Isn't that a simple matter?”

Erica immediately smiled and spoke up.

”If all you want is to wait for the New Year's to pa.s.s, simply come over to

my home. Live there for a while and let us leisurely enjoy our privacy, just

the two of us, thoroughly affirming our love for each other. Hoho, isn't that

the most desirable manner to celebrate the beginning of a new year?”

”D-Don't talk nonsense!”

G.o.dou immediately rejected the devil's proposal.

”If it was a guy's place, then sure, but I can't possibly live in a girl's room.

Besides, Anna-san is currently on vacation, which means it really will be

just me and Erica alone!?”

”Hence there is no problem. G.o.dou, let us have a sweet and loving

vacation together?”

”E-Erica-san!”

”Wait a minute. If that is the case, coming to my house is also an option!”

”Even Liliana-san!?”

”It is a perfectly reasonable development for the king to stay at the

residence of the one who shoulders the duties of the premier knight and

grand chamberlain.”

Yuri's dissatisfaction with the red and blue knights' proposals was plain to

see.

However, the other Hime-Miko also brought up nonsense at this time.

”What are you talking about? If that's the case, His Majesty can also come

to the Seishuuin ancestral home. My house has plenty of rooms, you are

greatly welcome to stay.”

”Ena-san. Please refrain from such improper proposals!”

”Yuri should come too- It's been so long since Yuri last visited Grandma,

she misses you. This is perfect. In that case, how about everyone stay with

us until the end of winter break? I welcome Erica-san and Liliana-san to

come together too.”

As a result of her naturally open and cheerful personality, the Hime-Miko of

the Sword offered a new suggestion.

Erica and Liliana's expressions changed immediately. Their faces seemed

to be saying ”Rather than taking independent action, let us join forces

together instead...” as they planned their next move.

Facing this unstable situation, Yuri objected alone.

”This is so lacking in common sense... For such a large group to suddenly

rush there without notice.”

”No problem there. Even for an illegitimate child left behind by my

deceased grandpa, as soon as grandma found him, he was immediately

taken in to live with us the next day.”

”N-Now that you mention it, I do recall such an event...”

G.o.dou was rather shocked by this exchange that suddenly revealed the

private affairs of another's family.

On the other hand, Yuri fell silent as if vaguely acquiescing.

Glancing at the other's faces from time to time, she seemed to be

pondering something. Speaking of which, she was a high-cla.s.s young lady

who easily blushed unexpectedly due to the synergistic effect of her docility

and inexperience in worldly ways.

No good. If G.o.dou did not try to stem the current tide of opinion, things

were going to develop in a most unfavorable manner!?

Just as G.o.dou was about to speak up frantically, Yuri went ”Ah” and spoke

quietly.

”Ena-san, it does not work out. We have to attend the Great Purification

Rite the day after tomorrow.”

”Eh?”

”Furthermore, starting from New Year's Eve, I have to be at Nanao Shrine

for three consecutive days. Even Ena-san will be obliged to go forth to

some village and work at the shrine there.”

G.o.dou realized from Yuri's reminder. Now that he thought about it, the two

girls were miko after all.

The period before and after New Year's should be one of the busiest times

for them. However, the premier Hi me- Miko clutched her head in her arms

in shock.

”Eh, even Ena is required to do that?”

”After all, this is our duty and obligation as Hime-Miko...”

”Annoying. In past years I was always training in the mountains and

completely forgot about it!”

Ena screamed towards the heavens. Then Liliana asked:

”Mariya Yuri, what is this Great Purification Rite?”

”It is a purification ritual held during the year end when all of us Hime-Miko

belonging to the 'East' gather together. But to be honest, given a choice I

would prefer not to partic.i.p.ate. At least, not for this year...”

Yuri sighed with a gloomy expression.

Just as G.o.dou was surprised by the negativity displayed by the

dependable high-cla.s.s young lady, he suddenly heard a cellphone's lively

ringtone. The sound came from Yuri's bag.

”Excuse me.” Apologizing, Yuri took out her cellphone and took the call.

The conversation lasted for a couple of minutes. After the call, she put her

cellphone away.

Then Yuri slowly spoke to G.o.dou.

”The call was from Kaoru-san. Basically, regarding the Great Purification

Rite we were just talking about, whether we should invite G.o.dou-san to

come along or not.”

”Me? Joining a gathering of the Hime-Miko?”

Yuri explained the situation as G.o.dou listened in surprise.

I see, if that's the case — after hearing the reason, G.o.dou nodded

immediately.

Part 2

The morning after Christmas, G.o.dou suddenly informed his sister:

”By the way, I have to go out to do something tomorrow, so I probably

won't be back until late.”

On the breakfast table there was no one else but the two siblings. s.h.i.+zuka

went ”Huh” as she sighed with worry.

”Are you going with Erica-san and the rest of the group?”

”I knew it. Onii-chan really did achieve explosive growth over the past half

a year. Rumors have already spread all around the neighborhood.”

”Saying I'm very similar to Grandpa again...?”

”It's gone beyond that level. 'Already like this in his teens, he'll probably

surpa.s.s his grandfather by the time he's in his twenties!' was what the man

at the commercial a.s.sociation said. Very unlike Grandpa in the way you

went for foreign girls, that was what everyone discussed with great

interest.”

”W-What is everyone saying!? This is completely unfounded!”

”In that case, you should show a little restraint in the way you suddenly

bring home all these girls from who knows where. And on Christmas Eve,

you even invited Mariya-senpai's younger sister — an elementary schooler.

Furthermore, you even said you were going on an expedition with that

popular-looking handsome guy to pick up girls.”

Apparently, s.h.i.+zuka had judged Sayanomiya Kaoru's gender to be male.

Explaining the truth would probably complicate the situation further. G.o.dou

decided to not to correct that detail, but instead forced the conversation to

bring up another person.

”Didn't I invite another boy as well? Yeah, there was that dude with the

slightly fierce gaze, who may turn out quite handsome in the future.”

”Ah, you mean that boy whose face was filled with arrogance. Him...

Hmm...”

Speaking of Lu Yinghua, s.h.i.+zuka began to contemplate for some reason.

”What about him?”

”Actually, I did feel slightly concerned. Somehow I get a sense that he's

actually far more subservient than that look on his face would suggest.

How should I put it, a bit of an underling flavor to him. He looks kind of

used to bowing down to a superior...”

G.o.dou was shocked by s.h.i.+zuka's mumbling commentary.

His little sister here could very well be extraordinary. To think she would

discern the dark side(?) of his nephew on their first encounter... G.o.dou

secretly prayed for Yinghua, hoping he would not be ordered around like

an underling regardless of the circ.u.mstances which might bring him to

cross paths with s.h.i.+zuka in the future.

As the siblings' conversation reached the end of their meal...

s.h.i.+zuka's cellphone on the table began to vibrate. Apparently she received

a text.

”Ah, it's from Dad. Heh... Onii-chan, come and take a look.”

After checking her messages, the younger sister handed the phone over

and G.o.dou read content displayed.

'Dear daughter, I'm really sorry about earlier. By the way, Daddy is

planning to stay in the Caribbean to enjoy the sun and yachts for now.

Would you like to come over for winter break?'

s.h.i.+zuka's birthday was in early December. At the time, their father

originally promised to return home but did not come in the end.

Apparently he was trying to make up for it. For a middle-aged delinquent

father, such intentions were commendable. Furthermore, there was a

postscript addressed to G.o.dou.

'P.S. Dear son, I won't object if you decide to come, but be prepared for the

misery of being excluded from a heartfelt reunion between father and

daughter.'

Indeed this was typical of his father's speech. But more than that, G.o.dou

was impressed instead.

After all, the father was a terrible human being who could openly declare

'I'm not the type of person who could treat a useless son and a cute

daughter equally!' He was still the same as always, making no progress at

all.

”It's the Caribbean. Does Onii-chan want to go?”

Furthermore, before G.o.dou's eyes stood the little sister who openly

ignored the father's wishes. Indeed, she was an extraordinary character,

not one to be fazed by this level of occurrence.

However, thinking that it would be rather troublesome getting along with

this twisted father, G.o.dou immediately said:

”Why don't you go alone? I'm going to be staying over at a friend's place

for New Year's.”

”Why? If you're living in j.a.pan, there's no reason to stay over, right?”

”If I stay at home during New Year's, I'll be forcefully tied up and dragged

to that party by those relatives. I have resolved to cut myself off from

gambling matters this year!”

The Kusanagi clan and its branches always gathered somewhere in Tokyo

to hold a New Year's party.

The after party always held a crazy gambling carnival. For a good number

of years now, G.o.dou had been forced to partic.i.p.ate as the defending

champion. The only way to stop this ugly tradition would be to get away

from home.

But unfortunately, the grandfather was not home this year.

If he left the house during New Year's, s.h.i.+zuka would be left alone —

(Their mother did say she was coming, but it was uncertain when exactly

before or after New Year's she would arrive. Precisely because the mother

was a great fan of parties, she would often go around to attend various

parties during this time of the year. Consequently, G.o.dou felt a sense of

rea.s.surance at the thought of leaving his mother alone to handle the clan's

New Year's party.)

However, given their father's invitation, he no longer had to worry about his

younger sister.

As the elder brother resolved himself to go on a trip, s.h.i.+zuka eyed him with

suspicion.

”So the place Onii-chan will be staying at, wouldn't happen to be the home

of Erica-san or the others, right...?”

”Don't talk nonsense! I'm completely unlike Grandpa. I will never do

anything like that!”

In actual fact, he was inspired yesterday by Erica's suggestion of ”living at

a friend's.”

But he had no intention of living in a girl's home. G.o.dou strongly swore to

himself.

After that, the day arrived for the imminent Hime-Miko year end gathering.

G.o.dou left home at eight in the morning to meet up with Liliana. The two of

them walked to Erica's apartment and managed with great difficulty to

rouse the blonde beauty who always had trouble getting up in the morning.

Then the trio departed from Erica's apartment and took the subway train —

Walking roughly ten minutes on foot from the station, they reached a

twenty-story designer's mansion. Their destination was a unit in this

building, the gathering place for today.

”Welcome everyone!”

The one greeting everyone at the entryway was one of the inhabitants of

this unit, Mariya Hikari.

This place was another residence of the Mariya family's. Their ancestral

home was located in the Saitama prefecture, where the two sisters'

grandparents originally lived. However, to facilitate the sisters going to

school and the parents commuting to work, they had moved to live in

Tokyo.

”Is Seishuuin already here?”

”Yes. More accurately, Ena-neesama has been staying over in

Onee-chan's room for the past few days.”

Hikari replied to G.o.dou's question.

Starting from the day Ena came over from Chichibu, she had already

planned to stay for three days or longer.

”Could the Seishuuin and Mariya families be quite close in relations.h.i.+p?”

Liliana suddenly asked.

”Not really. There exists a wide gulf in prestige between my family and the

Seishuuins. You could even say that our families are not supposed to

a.s.sociate directly. But since Ena-neesama has that kind of personality, she

already became good friends with Onee-chan when they were small.”

Entering a childhood friend's home as naturally as if it were her own, Ena

became very familiar with the Mariya parents and grandparents, often

showing up suddenly without notice to renew her freeloader status.

”Even when Onee-chan is not home, Ena-neesama would play with me,

the little sister. She would also make my mother and grandmother spoil her

and ask for snacks. As time went on, she naturally became like a part of

our family.”

”That sort of scene is actually quite easy to imagine...”

Erica nodded, perhaps reminded of Ena's easygoing innocence.

Furthermore, Ena in turn, had invited Yuri to her ancestral home without

being concerned with any conventions. Thereafter, the Seishuuin family

had not minded the difference in family stature despite being fellow

Hime-Miko, and allowed their friends.h.i.+p to continue...

Hikari proceeded to explain the above to G.o.dou and the rest as she led

them to the living room.

”Ah, but Grandma Ran, the current head of the Seishuuin family, also

seems to like Onee-chan a lot. When Ena-neesama asked her if

Onee-chan could be adopted into the Seishuuin family, she answered 'No

problem' readily.”

”...Why would the Seishuuin family want Mariya as an adopted daughter?”

G.o.dou puzzled over this sudden question as he sat down on the living

room sofa.

Erica and Liliana also sat down left and right of him respectively. The

Mariya residence's living room had an area greater than ten square

meters. This s.p.a.ciousness, combined with the ample lighting from the sun,

made for quite a comfortable environment.

”It's because ever since Onee-chan decided to follow Onii-sama,

Ena-neesama worried that Onee-chan would be treated unfairly.”

G.o.dou went ”Eh?” in surprise. Why would he become the reason for that?

”Seishuuin, Sayanomiya, Kuhoudzuka and Renjou — amongst these Four

Families and their branches, although it's only a minority, there does exist

those who arrogantly look down on families of lower stature. Especially

those obstinate members of the older generation...”

Hikari spoke with a slightly troubled expression.

”Because Onee-chan is an official Hime-Miko, in theory she should

transcend those differences in family origins and be treated as 'Hime'

instead... However, there exists people who disagree no matter what.”

”I see. So that's where the 'adopted daughter' idea comes from.”

Hikari nodded vigorously.

”Just a formal process to allow women not of high-born blood to marry

royalty and n.o.bility. With that, the question of family stature goes away.”

”However, Yuri should be backed by the support of the History Compilation

Committee and Kaoru-san, right?”

Erica interjected as if she completely understood the situation.

”Not if a measure like adoption was not essential? In my opinion, success

should be guaranteed if these people resort to this.”

”Ah yes. It is exactly as you say. As expected of Erica-neesama.”

Hikari smiled with a giggle and replied cheerfully.

”Our family was also very surprised to find out that Onee-chan was being

officially recognized as Kusanagi G.o.dou-sama's partner.' This is no joking

matter after all.”

”A-About being my partner...”

Should he be happy for Yuri or should he be concerned with the problem

at hand? Faced with this agonizing problem, G.o.dou's face began to twitch.

At the same time, he was feeling increasingly apologetic.

”It's because of me that things have become so complicated. If only Mariya

had spoken out herself to let me know. Even someone like me should

perhaps start getting used to making use of my power and influence.”

”Ah, don't worry, Onii-sama.”

Hikari smiled without concern.

”Other than when she's lecturing, Onee-chan is a gentle person. Regarding

various issues related to family stature, or whether she would garner

jealousy because of her relations.h.i.+p with Onii-sama, Onee-chan does not

mind such matters. Because of that, I don't think Onee-chan ever felt like

she was suffering.”

”That's the Yuri I know. For better or worse, she is a girl unfamiliar with

worldly ways.”

Just as Erica nodded with a knowing expression...

Yuri and Ena — the two people in question, came out from their room, their

harmonious relations.h.i.+p clear to see.

As a side note, Yuri was dressed in casual wear with a white blouse, a

cherry-colored cardigan and long skirt. On the other hand, Ena was still in

her same old school uniform.

She was also dressed the same when she came to the Kusanagi

residence recently. Apparently, expecting this carefree and unfettered

Hime-Miko to choose other clothes would be quite a challenge.

”Ah... Originally I was thinking of taking everyone to watch the sunrise for

New Year's and enjoying Yuri's cooking, pa.s.sing time in a relaxed and

casual way. Flying some kites or something.”

”Well, rice cake soup and red bean porridge can be made any time of the

year, you know.”'- ^

”Really? Then can Ena do New Year's duty at Nanao Shrine together with

Yuri and Hikari? Going all the way back to Chichibu would be a pain.”

Yuri smiled wryly as she comforted Ena's depressed spirits.

”Well, rather than New Year's, our first priority is getting through today's

Great Purification Rite. Even Yuri hates this troublesome work, right?”

”l-lt is not really troublesome, but if possible, I would rather not

partic.i.p.ate...”

Yuri displayed a troubled expression in response to Ena's attempts to

recruit her as a spiritual accomplice.

Perhaps this was G.o.dou's first time to witness the Hime-Miko in this

manner. Just as G.o.dou felt intrigued, the cellphone in his bag began to

vibrate. G.o.dou took it out.

It was a call from the History Compilation Committee's agent, Amakasu

Touma.

He had arrived to pick them up.

”Hahahah, to think that the two premier Hime-Miko are thinking of slacking

off.”

After hearing about the matter, the person laughing frivolously was

naturally Amakasu on the driver's seat.

He was driving a minivan to pick up the Mariya sisters and Ena to

partic.i.p.ate in the Great Purification Rite, as well as G.o.dou, Erica and

Liliana who accompanied them.

Carrying everyone, the vehicle followed the Shuto Expressway's loop route

to head north to the Saitama prefecture.

”The two premier Hime-Miko? Amakasu Touma, if my memory serves me

right, that should be — ”

Hearing his statement just now, Liliana spoke up.

”I remember the t.i.tle of the premier Hime-Miko belongs to Seishuuin Ena

alone.”

”Yes. Up until recently, that was indeed correct. However, Yuri-san's

powers have rapidly developed over the past half a year, and more

importantly she is also one of the Hime-Miko with the closest relations.h.i.+p

with Kusanagi-san. Hence, Kaoru-san said 'Given these circ.u.mstances, it

is enough to crown her with any t.i.tle for a promotion stunt' and thus it was

decided with this reasoning.”

”1-1 had no idea all this was happening...”

As Amakasu disclosed this was what happened behind the scenes, Yuri

shyly lowered her head.

”A person of my position, is truly not worthy of such a grand t.i.tle...”

”What does it matter? This is part of Kaoru-san's open-mindedness.”

”B-Besides, for two people to hold the t.i.tle of premier, that is truly a strange

use of the j.a.panese language.”

”Hahaha, oh well whatever.”

Yuri voiced her objections as Amakasu laughed foolishly. Sitting beside

him, Erica spoke up and questioned:

”Could this be why Yuri does not want to partic.i.p.ate in the ceremony this

year? You're embarra.s.sed about the new t.i.tle?”

”That is also partially the reason.”

As Yuri bowed her head deeper, G.o.dou went ”Also?” in doubt.