Vol 14 Chapter 3 (1/2)
Chapter 3 - A Tumultuous Opening
Part 1
Florence was once known as the city of flowers.
It was currently the capital of the Tuscany region. During the medieval
period, the Medici family ruled the city and led to its development into a
leading center of the Renaissance.
”There are quite a few tourist attractions. The must-see sights includes
palaces, churches, cathedrals, the Ponte Vecchio bridge over the Arno,
and the Piazzale Michelangelo square overlooking the entire city...”
Watching Erica introduce the city like a tour guide, Liliana chimed in.
”Speaking of must-see, visiting the museums is also a good idea. You get
to admire the works of great masters in history such as Leonardo da Vinci
and Michelangelo.”
”But I basically have no chance of seeing all this. Even though it's my
second time here.”
As the two girls introduced the sights fluently, G.o.dou muttered softly to
himself.
Everyone was currently sitting in the back seats of a black limousine.
The plane had arrived in Florence the previous night. After spending the
night in the city, this car came to receive them in front of the hotel at noon
the next day. Everything was arranged by the hosts.
The car was currently speeding its way across the Florentine countryside.
The destination was supposed to be one hour east of Florence.
Although G.o.dou could have chosen to find some free time to go
sightseeing, he decided against it in the end. It was impossible to predict
what would happen next, so it would be prudent to conserve his energy.
He also worried whether Yuri might collapse from exhaustion.
The limo's back seats were oriented opposite each other, so everyone was
sitting face to face.
”When it's time to go home, I really hope to go sightseeing for a day or so.”
”That's probably wishful thinking.”
Seishuuin Ena was the one who interrupted G.o.dou's mutterings.
After the trip to Malaysia, this was another overseas expedition.
Consequently, Ena was dressed casually instead of her usual uniform. Her
attire consisted of a checkered s.h.i.+rt, a black flounced skirt and leggings.
”After all, Your Majesty is going to cause another major incident on this
journey. A trip with time to spare is definitely not gonna happen!”
”The future is not set, don't go a.s.serting so strongly, Seishuuin...”
”Although what's gonna happen is unknown, don't forget that Italy's king is
over there as well. Things cannot possibly end well.”
Casually ignoring G.o.dou's displeased protests, the Hime-Miko of the
Sword smiled as she spoke.
Even Liliana and Erica nodded in agreement.
”Indeed. When two Campiones meet up, something will definitely happen.”
”Her Eminence Luo Hao and G.o.dou. Prince Alec and G.o.dou. All
encounters so far have followed the same mold. What remains are only the
questions of whether G.o.dou's presence spells fortune or disaster and who
is going to be affected.”
”W-Wait a minute. I came for the purpose of monitoring that guy Doni,
okay!”
Feeling compelled to object to the girls' preconceptions, G.o.dou interrupted.
Having said nothing so far, Mariya Yuri cast him a glance as though she
wanted to say something.
”What is it, Mariya?”
”Oh nothing. Of course, precautions against Sir Salvatore goes without
saying, but I believe that the saying, 'to go for the wool and come back
shorn,' often applies to you, G.o.dou-san.”
”G-Going for the wool?”
”Yes. In terms of pouring fuel on the fires of conflict, your accomplishments
are no inferior to Sir Salvatore in any way, G.o.dou-san.”
The graceful Hime-Miko expressed her opinion humbly.
”While taking up a monitoring role, G.o.dou-san, you may end up inciting
new commotions instead...”
”Mariya, you're saying you believe in that possibility!?”
”Yes.”
Hearing her instantly answer in the affirmative, G.o.dou went ”Gun” and
could not find words to answer.
Furthermore, the other girls were nodding away vigorously in agreement!
”Wait a minute! Saying that I'm equal to that guy or whatever, I definitely
cannot believe that!”
”G.o.dou. Could you please review everything you've done so far and say
that again with a straight face?”
”Ah, uh...”
He tried reviewing the past. Then G.o.dou amended part of his statement.
”Even so, it's still not to the level of equals. At most maybe three quarters
or so...”
”See, since there is 75%, it means you are confident that you have a
fighting chance of victory.”
”If you round it, the result is a similar number.”
”In terms of problematic behavior during everyday life, Sir Salvatore wins
hands down. But speaking of explosive power in the heat of the moment, I
find Kusanagi G.o.dou to be superior instead... Hence, equals after all.”
Erica jumped on G.o.dou's slip of the tongue and even Ena and Liliana
followed suit.
”G.o.dou-san, please pay attention and try to prevent this from happening.
We will do our best to help too...”
Seeing as even Yuri, the most rational one, said this, G.o.dou could not
muster any protests.
Dejectedly, he bowed his head.
While they conversed, the car continued to make its way through
Tuscany's agricultural scenery.
The surroundings were all endless plains and farmland with gently rolling
hills scattered throughout.
During springtime, the gra.s.s, leaves and budding shoots of greenery would
bring a dash of vivid color to the lands. However, the current season was
winter. The land's greenery was drab, mixed with the brown color of many
dead leaves.
Also, the peaks of the mountain range in the distance gradually entered
into view.
They had now entered the mountains. Then there was snow. The color
covering the land switched from mottled green and brown of dead leaves
to the pure whiteness of snow.
After that, the car finished its hour-long journey.
G.o.dou's group had finally reached their destination, a st.u.r.dy castle built
from stone.
This medieval castle had been converted into an old castle hotel. It was
supposedly rented to serve as the headquarters for the ”divine beast hunt.”
In the silvery world around the hotel, a great amount of snow had
acc.u.mulated.
Although the place was definitely not a land of snow, there had just been
snowfall on the day before. On the other hand, today's weather was bright
and sunny. The dazzling blue sky stretched endlessly above.
”Hey G.o.dou.”
”It's been a while.”
The two Devil Kings were reunited in the lobby of the old castle hotel.
However, everything that needed saying had already been covered in the
phone call a few days ago.
Doni laughed cheerfully while G.o.dou gave a simple greeting with a poker
face.
”Well, isn't this truly delightful? If possible, I really want another duel with
you.”
”Yeah, keep saying that and you'll find yourself in quite a fix.”
After this brief exchange, Doni headed over towards the corridor while
G.o.dou went to look for another acquaintance.
The one he needed to talk to was not the ”King of Swords” but the
organizer. Luckily, Andrea Rivera was present in the lobby and
approached G.o.dou as soon as he saw him.
”We have already sent out several knights. They are currently searching
for the divine beast in question.”
Through a simple conversation, Rivera informed G.o.dou of the incident.
It was said that whenever magi and knights were summoned in the name
of Salvatore Doni the leader of the Southern European world of magic, his
butler, Rivera, managed these organizations on behalf of his irresponsible
master.
Very likely, Rivera was the busiest person in the entire castle.
”Based on the reports so far, we can tell that the target is essentially
mild-mannered. However, its outbursts of violent aggression mean that we
cannot leave it alone.”
”Violent aggression huh? That thing I fought last time seemed quite timid.”
”I have heard of it too. Perhaps because it became used to it — The fear
towards a Campione, already carved deeply in the core of its being.”
In response to Rivera's ominous news, G.o.dou posed a question.
”By the way, Doni seems to have some kind of motive behind this hunt, do
you happen to know about it?”
”It's very unfortunate, but I do not know what that idi — my lord is thinking.
He seems to be hiding something from me and secretly making plans... But
just for the sake of caution, I already have surveillance arranged.”
Irreverence and insolence was packaged into serious and sincere words.
Having displayed this amazing skill, Rivera took a light bow.
”Food and drinks have been prepared in the hall over there. Please make
your way there and relax for now.”
He really must be quite busy. Rivera left as soon as he finished speaking.
Nodding to his four companions, G.o.dou headed towards the location
indicated.
The s.p.a.ce was once the castle's great hall. A buffet was already prepared.
Even though it was not even two in the afternoon, the tables were lined
with wine and beer.
In any case, it was a buffet party.
As the chair of the event, ”the highest ranking person” was currently
standing on stage.
”Uh, everyone. Thank you all for answering my summons here (rustling) I,
Salvatore Doni, express my sincere thanks to everyone's courage and
spirit of sacrifice... (rustling).”
On stage, Doni was openly reading out the contents of a piece of notebook
paper.
He was still dressed casually in a long-sleeved, unb.u.t.toned s.h.i.+rt and
cotton pants.
The paper's rustling was being amplified by the microphone.
”Although there are still many thanks I'd like to express... Let's end them
right here.”
Doni suddenly threw away the piece of paper and ended his speech.
”Etc etc. I hope everyone can enjoy their brief time here. That's it!”
Swiftly, he went off the stage and retreated into the depths.
G.o.dou was marveling at the discovery that Doni was capable of delivering
speeches, but seeing this, he understood. ”Ah I see.”
”To think he dared do that so openly.”
”For the people present, I'm sure everyone is already used to this type of
behavior from Sir Salvatore.”
G.o.dou turned his gaze towards ”the people present” that Erica mentioned.
Roughly twenty people were gathered in the great hall. Their age range
was quite broad, covering people in the twenties up to their forties. All men
without exception. These were reportedly the Great Knights who had
responded to Doni's summons.
Most of them were wearing suits but a few were dressed casually in
jackets over t-s.h.i.+rts.
”Since this is a gathering of Italian knights, Ena originally expected people
with getups like matadors or that phantom of the op-something or other.
How disappointing.”
”Do not confuse this with the Carnival of Venice, Seishuuin Ena. Besides,
there is probably no need to get dressed up here.”
”Indeed... We are not much better ourselves.”
Looking at the attire of their own group, Yuri nodded.
Yuri was wearing a black, silken one-piece dress, stylistically much more
mature than her usual daily wear. Erica and Liliana were wearing black
leather pants along with the usual capes they used in battle.
Ena had not changed. G.o.dou was also dressed in an ordinary s.h.i.+rt with
jeans.
”Then I shall take my leave, G.o.dou, for I have preparations to make.”
”Yeah, thanks.”
G.o.dou nodded and Erica went through the crowd in the party.
She was making her way to the great hall's exit. However, she suddenly
stopped because along the way, she ran into someone she knew. After a
brief amiable exchange, she continued on her way.
”Her social circles really are quite broad.”
G.o.dou felt impressed but he also left his seat to call on an acquaintance.
He was the magic a.s.sociation [Capital of Liliesj's premier knight whom
G.o.dou had met at the Roman Colosseum last time. G.o.dou had been
greeted by him earlier during their reunion in the great hall.
This prompted the successive arrival of Great Knights greeting G.o.dou in
their first encounter.
Naturally, this was not because of the name of Kusanagi G.o.dou but his
Campione t.i.tle. Once this wave of greetings subsided, someone not in a
suit, a hotel attendant, came to G.o.dou's side.
His whispers informed G.o.dou that his companion was calling for him.
Erica's preparations were apparently ready.
Taking his leave from the other girls, G.o.dou followed the attendant.
He was led to a room inside the ancient castle.
As soon as he entered the room, G.o.dou was welcomed by someone he
knew.
”It has truly been quite a while, G.o.dou. I am very happy to see you again.”
For G.o.dou, this was the first greeting he received in this hotel that was
filled with cordial affection.
Reuniting after nine months, the man instantly walked over as soon as he
saw G.o.dou's face and patted him on the shoulder.
”Or perhaps, in light of your recent leaps and bounds in growth, you may
find this familiar tone of voice disrespectful? Should that be the case,
please allow me to correct myself instantly.”
”No, this is good. More accurately, it'd be a great help if you keep things
this way.”
The one who elicited a wry smile from G.o.dou with a friendly teasing joke
was Paolo Blandelli, dressed in an impeccable suit. Being the busy man he
was, Paolo had made his late arrival only just now.
Naturally, his niece Erica was present as well.
This was the room she had reserved beforehand for G.o.dou and Paolo to
hold a detailed discussion.
There was also another person in the room, a woman whom G.o.dou did not
recognize. Her long black hair tied in a ponytail, she was a beautiful
woman with a lightly tanned complexion.
She was apparently of Latin birth with a strong-minded spirit visible in her
countenance.
”A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness the seventh Campione.”
The Latin beauty spoke with a slightly husky voice and smiled fearlessly.
”My t.i.tle is much more famous than my real name. Everyone always calls
me with that whatever 'Raffaello' name. Let's get along from now on.”
”This is the esteemed Saint Raffaello. She is one of the Templar Knights
holding the rank of Paladino.”
Erica added as a supplementary explanation.
”Sir Salvatore trained in swordsmans.h.i.+p under her in the past — She is his
master.”
”Eh? That guy actually has a master?”
G.o.dou was dumbfounded by this unexpected revelation.
Part 2
”Master whatever, it only lasted a month actually. The brat simply
disappeared on his own afterwards. He was already an incredible moron
back then, but he's risen to new heights now.”
Criticizing Doni harshly without reserve, Saint Raffaello conversed with
G.o.dou with much bravado.
She seemed to be a woman who was the polar opposite of serious.
Saint Raffaello, Paolo, Erica and G.o.dou took seats around a table and
began to discuss.
”I am the one who presumptuously invited Saint Raffaello here.”
Presumably planning on leading the conversation, Paolo opened the
discussion.
”This is because, excluding Sir Salvatore, she is Europe's strongest knight.
At the same time, she is also one of the rare few who knows Madame
Aisha.”
”Aisha? I recall something about her being one of my peers?”
”Yes. The Alexandrian G.o.dslayer. The Mysterious Queen of Caves.
Renowned as the Eternal Beauty, Madame Aisha. Indeed, that's the one.”
Erica swiftly explained to dispel G.o.dou's confusion.
Despite her eloquence, the Diavolo Rosso seemed to be taking only a
support role in this discussion. That was probably in deference to the
status of her seniors, Saint Raffaello and her uncle.
”Regarding this incident, we of the [Copper Black Cross] have also
undertaken investigations in many directions. For example, why is Sir
Salvatore so obsessed with this particular land?”
Paolo resumed.
”In the end, one thing was made clear. During spring of last year, three
months before you visited Tuscany, a woman resembling Madame Aisha
was allegedly sighted in these lands.”
”So basically, the woman Doni is looking for is — ”
”Yes. He should be looking for Madame Aisha, no mistake about it.”
Hearing Paolo's answer, G.o.dou tried to imagine.
He tried to imagine what might be going through the mind of Salvatore
Doni.
”So basically, that idiot is hoping for the seeds of conflict to break out in a
land where a divine beast and a Campione are lurking?”
”Fair enough. Perhaps the trick may have been discovered already.”
After making some kind of reference, Saint Raffaello turned to Erica:
”Do you know what kinds of authorities Aisha-neesan possesses?”
”No, like Her Eminence Luo Hao, Madame Aisha is a very mysterious
Campione. I do not have any details of her appearance or powers.
However, she seems to have the kind of authority that preserves eternal
youth and beauty...?”
”It's an authority nowhere near as simple as eternal youth.”
Saint Raffaello remarked with a sigh.
”Hers is an authority for creating holes. To create 'holes' in the ground
which connect to 'another world.' However, the holes are left intact until
Nee-san returns.”
”By another world — you mean the Astral Plane?”
This was the name of the otherworld G.o.dou had visited a number of times.
Hearing G.o.dou bringing up that name, Saint Raffaello smiled wryly.
”It'd be wonderful if it were limited to that. But no, in addition to that place,
even more worlds can be reached. More than anyone else, Aisha-neesan
is the most troublesome Campione among the seven.”
”She is number one among us?”
”Yes. Although Voban-niisan and Luo Hao-neesan are very talented at
causing trouble for others, Aisha-neesan is still top cla.s.s. She is the only
one I absolutely do not wish to hang around.”
Saint Raffaello spoke as if reminiscing past memories with deep feeling.
Come to think of it, Lu Yinghua had given a similar description once. As
G.o.dou recalled Lu Yinghua's words, Paolo nodded at him and spoke:
”Regarding the Madame, I have only heard rumors and never spoke to her,
which is why I invited Saint Raffaello over specifically.”
”However, I really don't want to reveal too much about her.”
”Why is that?”
Saint Raffaello answered G.o.dou's question with a depressed expression.
”Most people would have trouble sleeping peacefully at night ever again if
they heard the full story. This is a dangerous matter that could change the
world completely. In actual fact, it has already started.”
Change the world completely.
Even if these words were an exaggeration, it was still a troubling
description.
”Here's my opinion on the current situation. One of Aisha-neesan's holes
must have opened up somewhere in this land. My guess is that the divine
beast came through from there.”
G.o.dou was dumbstruck by Saint Raffaello's speculation.
”Oh, it's just you girls? G.o.dou's not here.”
”Sir Salvatore!”
Yuri jumped with surprise at the sudden voice.
Inside the great hall being used as the venue of the impromptu party, Yuri
was in a corner with Liliana and Ena. Salvatore Doni had walked over with
a gla.s.s of beer in his hand.
”G.o.dou-san and Erica-san as well as her uncle are currently talking in
another room...”
Yuri replied in terror.
She had first met Doni on the island of Sardinia. Last time, he had tied her
up on sight with a straw rope. Having exchanged few words, they could not
be described as familiar.
”You still seem quite insistent on Kusanagi G.o.dou as your opponent, Sir
Salvatore.”
Liliana interjected. Among the girls here, she was the one who had had the
most contact with Doni.
Not to the level of rudeness, but with subtle sarcasm, Liliana remarked:
”The Salvatore Doni I know is not someone I would expect to engage in
idle chitchat on this type of occasion.”
”Hey hey, even someone like me would still say hi to people I know.”
As Doni smiled, a lively melody was heard from his pants. A cellphone
ringtone.
Going ”Excuse me for a sec,” he took out the cellphone and took the call.
”Yes... Yes. Eh, that's really huge news. How unexpectedly early. Ah, sorry
sorry. Of course, I'm absolutely serious. Make preparations immediately.”
Salvatore Doni grinned as he conversed happily.
For some reason, Yuri felt uncomfortable and hunched herself tightly.
From the blonde Campione, she could feel something akin to fireworks
about to be fired off.
Meanwhile, Doni hastily ended the call and declared with a wide grin:
”Well then, I'll be off. Say hi to G.o.dou for me!”
The pace of his departure was unusually swift.
Once Doni was completely out of view, Ena suddenly asked:
”What's the matter, Yuri?”
”Ah yes. For some reason, I felt an ominous aura from Sir Salvatore's body
just now...”
Hearing this reply, the Hime-Miko of the Sword went ”Hmm” and began to
ponder.
”The person on the other side in that phone call sounded like the man
called Rivera who was talking to His Majesty earlier.”
Seishuuin Ena's five senses, including hearing, were as sharp as a wild
beast's.
She was indeed capable of hearing the other speaker's voice. Yuri nodded
without hesitation.
”So, Rivera-san reported that something was approaching the hotel so be
careful, and something about needing increased security...”
”From the way he looked, Sir Salvatore seemed completely
unconcerned...”
Ena and Yuri murmured. Liliana hugged her shoulders and began to
contemplate.
”Could it be that Sir Salvatore already has some sort of nefarious plan in
motion? Intending to enjoy a chaotic situation once everyone arrived...”
”Does Sir Salvatore play pranks of that level?”
Yuri's question was answered by Liliana nodding with a serious
expression.
”He probably did not think up a plan ahead of time. However, he would
adapt to the situation and flexibly use whatever is available. Sir Salvatore
is a very cunning man.”
”Is that really so? It is a little surprising...”
”I understand how you feel. In fact, I occasionally feel like calling him an
idiot directly.”
”L-Liliana-san, you cannot use that kind of word...”
”However, he does resemble a slow-witted person.”
”Not you as well, Ena-san, this is unacceptable!”
”No no, because Ena is about the same, so it feels like kins.h.i.+p.”
”On the other hand, Seishuuin Ena, you were inexplicably quiet when Sir
Salvatore approached just now. It felt as though you were avoiding him...”
Liliana wondered incredulously. In fact, Yuri had also felt the same.
The normally fearless premier Hime-Miko had acted as if she were
avoiding Salvatore Doni's gaze, as if she were trying to hide behind Yuri.
”Ah... Actually, Ena is not very good at dealing with that kind of
'enlightened' person.”
”'Enlightened'!?”
”Speaking of which, King Salvatore has disappeared again.”
This description did not resemble something the carefree child of nature
would say. It was completely shocking to hear her using the word
”enlightened.”
Ignoring Yuri and Liliana's surprise, Ena surveyed the party venue and
reported.
”He probably left already.”
”Although what he is planning is unclear, we cannot leave him be... Let us
go on a brief search. Come with me, Seishuuin Ena.”
Liliana spoke thoughtfully. Taking over as the leader in times like these,
this was a role reserved for none other but her as Kusanagi G.o.dou's
adjutant.
”Even if I carelessly release the [Witch's Eye], Sir Salvatore would probably
dispel it. Let us first find his location then tail him.”
”Sounds very fun. Of course, Ena will come along.”
The witchcraft of projecting sight through the air did not work against
Salvatore Doni apparently.
However, Liliana and Ena were both highly agile with keen sight. Given
these two, they should be able to investigate through tracking and tailing.
”Take care, you two!”
Naturally, given her lack of athleticism, Yuri could only see them off.
After Liliana and Ena left the venue, Yuri waited alone for her friends to
return. She was surrounded by lively people engaged in the party but there
was not a single person she knew.
Taking a break from the party and leaving the great hall, Yuri came to the
corridor.
As soon as she sat down on a sofa against the wall and exhaled —
”Sir Andrea's report has arrived. A divine beast seems to be approaching.”
”A knight sent out to scout ended up discovered by the divine beast
instead, which is now attacking. The other scouts are currently fleeing back
as fast as they can. Get ready to rescue them and counterattack!”
A number of knights were running along the old castle hotel's corridor,
yelling reports at the people around them.
Yuri jumped in surprise. In any case, this place was going to turn into a
battlefield soon. This was the report Salvatore Doni had received over the
phone!
Furthermore, was the crisis situation of the divine beast's arrival going to
be the impetus that sparks things off?
A clear image suddenly surfaced in Yuri's mind. Naturally, this was an
oracle brought by spirit vision.
However, what it showed was —
”How could this be!? Where did you go, G.o.dou-san!?”
Stunned, Yuri could not help but scream.
Part 3
In the lobby of the old castle hotel, Seishuuin Ena put on a white jacket.
Liliana also put on her usual blue and black cape. Since there was no time
to waste, they limited their winter gear to that and exited the hotel.
Outside, the view was dominated by a world of silver —
Stepping on this thickly piled up snow, one would instantly sink deep into it.
However, Ena was the child of nature capable of running around in the
deep mountains during harsh winters. Furthermore, she had also mastered
the art of Monkey Flight which conferred extraordinary agility in martial
arts.
Using this spell allowed her to walk over snow with great ease, leaving only
a trail of light footprints.
”You're not one to fear snow, are you, Liliana-san?”
”I am neither used to nor challenged by snow. Never mind me, just hurry.”
Born and raised in Milan, Liliana was not a heaven-favored child of nature
like Ena.
On the other hand, she was a witch whose lightness of body allowed her to
reach the domain of flight. As expected, she only left behind a faint trail of
footprints over the snow as she ran quickly to follow Ena.
”Sir Salvatore doesn't seem to be in the hotel...”
”He really did go outside, right?”
Ena and Liliana looked out into the distance together.
The hotel was built on a hill at a slightly higher elevation. It offered an
expansive, panoramic view of the surroundings.
If one had to mention man-made structures, there seemed to be a little
town ten-odd kilometers ahead. The spa.r.s.e vegetation in the surroundings
consisted mainly of scattered cypress trees. Visibility was excellent from
the vantage point of the hotel.
The pure white plain of snow extended all the way to the horizon.
The current time was well into the afternoon, although dusk was still quite
some time away. There was a sunny winter sky without a cloud visible for
miles. Under this clear and bright sky, Ena used the [Eagle Eyes] spell to
enhance her vision.
Although Ena's eyesight was already excellent, using this wizardry allowed
her to literally see on the level of [Eagle Eyes].
Using a bird of prey's eyesight, capable of seeking prey from several
kilometers away, Ena carefully searched the snowy plain with its lack of
obstructions — Finally, a figure was found.
”It'd be great if that's really King Salvatore...”
”Rare is the busybody who likes venturing out in this land of snow. I
believe the chances are more than hopeful.”
Nodding to each other, Ena and Liliana began to run towards the figure's
direction.
Due to the excellent visibility, it should be quite easy for the target to
discover them as well. For the sake of caution, Liliana invoked the
witchcraft of [Concealment] to hide their figures.
This was a spell for concealing a person like camouflage.
”Come to think of it, you called Sir Salvatore an 'enlightened' person just
now?”
While racing over the snow as if flying, Liliana asked.
”I believe that description does not match Sir Salvatore's personality.”
”It's like this. That king looks as though he completely lacks desires and
worldly thoughts. Like a baby, his mind feels empty.”
”An empty mind. Is that what you meant by enlightened?”
”That's right. Enlightenment is attaining the level where one is released
from all doubt and anxiety. The state where great wisdom is masqueraded
as great foolishness. An empty mind without thoughts, as serene and clear
as a polished mirror or still water. Getting rid of all thoughts from the mind,
to be able to live leisurely in any situation. 'Sticks and stones may break
my bones, but words will never hurt me.'”
”I feel like I sort of get it but not completely...”
Chatting as they sprinted across the snow, the pair suddenly stopped
talking. Voices could be heard, carried by the wind. The two girls halted
simultaneously and listened.
'What on earth are you thinking, Sir!?' 'What's-your-face, hurry back to the
venue! Report to Sir Andrea— Oof.' 'Guh.' 'Mhah.'
'Sorry, guys. I've sent you all to sleep painlessly. Forgive me, yo.”
Then there were no more voices. All Liliana and Ena could hear was the
sound of the wind.
”...What's your take on this, Liliana-san?”
”...Sir Salvatore eliminated the surveillance team using physical force.”
Reaching the same conclusion, the two girls nodded at each other.
Instead of running, the two girls walked towards the direction of the voices.
They did so quietly and cautiously, as if holding their breath. After a brief
walk, they were met with the scene amidst some cypress trees.
Three men lay face down on the snow while Salvatore Doni was standing
around casually.
He was wearing a black coat with leather boots. Slung on his shoulder was
the cylindrical case.
”Well then, I think it's almost time it arrived. What's gonna happen?”
Muttering to himself, Doni turned his gaze towards the girls' direction.
Ena immediately ducked and lay on the snow. Slender enough, Liliana hid
behind a cypress tree.
However, this was worrying for nothing. Rather than looking at the two
girls, Doni was gazing towards the old castle hotel. Then he smiled with
joy. Following his gaze, Ena was surprised by the sight.
A ”dinosaur” had appeared before the hotel, roughly seven meters in body
length.
Its body seemed slender and agile. Ma.s.sive, hooked claw, tough hind legs.
Just as G.o.dou and Erica had described, it was a black, carnivorous
dinosaur.
Recent research had given rise to theories that this type of dinosaur was
actually covered in feathers.
However, the divine beast before them was only covered in st.u.r.dy skin.
Pitch-black like a raven, it stood in stark contrast against the background of
pure white snow.
”Goody goody. While Rivera and the others have their hands full, one task
is done.”
Doni smiled with satisfaction and began running over the snow with
movements as agile as a fox.
Towards the old castle — Not. He was going in the completely opposite
direction.