Vol 14 Chapter 6 (1/2)
Chapter 6 - Captivity in the Devil King's Castle
Part 1
Before the whole commotion, Salvatore Doni had challenged G.o.dou, ”let's
play a game!”
Viewing things through those words of his, they were now heading back to
the game's starting point. G.o.dou was currently entering the forest where
Uldin's castle was located.
Sunlight streamed through the foliage, projecting sparkling radiance while
a comfortable spring breeze blew past.
Were this the modern age, it would be a trek through a beautiful Swiss
forest. However, this place was currently ancient Gaul and the forest was
even a terrifying lair belonging to divine beasts.
”It said I'm welcome to visit any time I want...”
The content of the invitation letter could be described as rather ordinary.
Basically, something like 'Greetings comrade. If you happen to be currently
living in that town there, then it's perfect. Please visit me any time you
want. I will offer the best hospitality within my ability.'
Neither time nor place were decided. How enviable the lifestyle of an idle
nomad.
G.o.dou stepped into the forest which had neither entrances nor signs.
Taking a carriage took roughly a day to reach here. Since there were no
roads for the carriage to pa.s.s through the forest, G.o.dou had to continue on
foot from this point onwards.
In any case, the Rhine's sh.o.r.e was his target. G.o.dou walked casually for
roughly thirty minutes.
During this time, he sighted divine beasts twice. Those black dinosaurs
resembling Deinonychuses. Despite their seven-meter-long, ma.s.sive
bodies, they moved quite nimbly as they roamed the forest.
Without exception, they panicked and fled into the forest's depths as soon
as they saw G.o.dou...
”Isn't this treating me like a bear?”
Just as G.o.dou shrugged, he heard the rustling of leaves.
Some kind of giant organism was pus.h.i.+ng its way through the vegetation to
approach him. Probably another Deinonychus? Indeed, the result was just
as expected.
It was walking upright on two legs in its characteristic posture with its head,
back and tail in a straight line.
With viciously hooked talons on the hind legs and a ma.s.sive black body,
the divine beast made another appearance, quite a familiar sight by this
point. However, this time there was someone riding in the saddle on its
back. Not Uldin.
”Greetings to you for the first time. You seem to be the other G.o.dslaying
monarch similar to my lord. Or am I mistaken?”
”Yeah, I am. That'll do for now. I am Kusanagi G.o.dou.”
Due to the other person's politeness, G.o.dou bowed his head in modern
j.a.panese etiquette.
The rider on the black Deinonychus was a blonde woman, clad in armor
and leather with a helmet. Adorned with feathers on two sides, the helmet
looked quite magnificent.
Furthermore, she was a great beauty with a slender figure and face and
incomparably graceful airs.
”My name is Clotilde. Let me show you the way to my lord's castle.”
She gave off a vibe like an elegant female warrior. G.o.dou answered
”Thank you” to accept her offer. The forest was mostly likely under
surveillance and the appearance of an intruder had been reported.
”If you are not opposed to the idea, please ride behind me.”
”Eh, is that really okay!?”
G.o.dou was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected suggestion.
Riding on a dinosaur's back would be a rare experience indeed. Helped by
Clotilde's hand, he mounted the back of the crouching Deinonychus.
During this time, the Deinonychus remained still and acted quite
obediently.
Unlike the other ones earlier, it was not afraid of G.o.dou. Hence, he was
able to mount the saddle effortlessly.
Naturally, Clotilde was the one sitting in front of him. She had quite a tall
figure for she was only slightly shorter than G.o.dou whose height was
180cm. Speaking of which, she was quite strong despite her slender and
delicate physique.
”Are you ready? Then we'll set off.”
Issuing the command to start moving, Clotilde kicked the belly of the
dinosaur that was no horse.
The Deinonychus stood up and began to run. Due to its long strides, it
moved very quickly. Also, the motion was less rocking than G.o.dou had
expected, so the ride felt quite nice actually. This divine beast must be a
type of creature that was quite talented at maintaining balance.
As a side note, Clotilde's feet were firmly planted in the stirrups.
Judging from the riding equipment, it seemed to be in the style of
equestrian tribes. Hanging on the saddle were also a small bow and a
quiver of arrows.
”We're about to take flight. Please hold on tight!”
Clotilde suddenly announced when they reached the Rhine's sh.o.r.e.
Although surprised for an instant, G.o.dou immediately understood. Like
riding behind a motorcycle driver, he wrapped his arms around Clotilde's
waist.
Then immediately, the Deinonychus' short front limbs turned into wings.
Spreading its wings, the dinosaur took flight.
Thus the flying began. The height was probably thirty, forty meters or so.
Roughly at the speed of a horse's gallop, the Deinonychus flew over the
grand river of the Rhine.
The castle was already visible several hundred meters ahead. It was
surrounded by walls on all four sides.
From the air, it could be seen that the castle was built in the same Roman
army style as the stronghold at Raurica.
”So that's the fort Uldin annexed from the empire...”
G.o.dou nodded. There were two Deinonychuses swimming leisurely on the
surface of the water below. One easily got the impression of eels because
only the slender outline from head to tail was visible.
”Do these things really like water?”
”Yes. Although their movements are not impeded in drier places, they do
become more nimble and lively near sources of water.”
G.o.dou recalled the incident of slaying the divine beast at the Arno River.
According to Clotilde's explanation, these beasts really had an affinity for
water.
”By the way, how many of these beasts are there roughly?”
”Probably ten at the moment. I'm not too sure about the exact number.”
The number of divine beasts could be regarded as Uldin's combat
potential.
G.o.dou simply asked without expectation but Clotilde answered with
surprising readiness. Did she have no intention of keeping the information
a secret, or was she providing false intelligence? Which was it?
During their conversation, they had already reached the airs.p.a.ce above
the castle before G.o.dou realized.
Indeed, the structure was similar to the stronghold at Raurica. There were
roughly five long and narrow buildings with a plaza and headquarters in the
center.
Controlling the pterosaur, Clotilde descended slowly to the plaza.
As the hind legs landed with a ”clang,” the two wings shrunk back into the
short front limbs. The dinosaur divine beast maintained its crouched
posture to allow its rider and G.o.dou to dismount.
A black-haired man approached with a smile on his face.
”You've finally arrived! Hahaha, let us drink heartily throughout the night
until dawn!”
Naturally, the man proposing such nonsense in broad daylight was the
G.o.dslayer Uldin.
”I asked you to tell me your name the next time we meet. Come, comrade,
time to fulfill that promise!”
”Kusanagi — G.o.dou.”
Uldin's cheerful temperament was unconcerned with formalities and his
magnetic personality felt rather charismatic.
Admitting to himself that the man did possess a certain charm, G.o.dou
briefly introduced his own name.
Uldin ordered a long table to be brought out to the plaza.
The Hunnic G.o.dslayer Uldin declared generously:
”Today we have a special guest here! Bring out all the food and wine!”
The people who appeared to be servants began to work efficiently upon
hearing his orders.
A table was moved outside and chairs were arranged neatly with a clatter.
Then with highly experienced motions, they laid various objects onto the
dining table: jugs of wine; plates of meat; bowls of fruit such as
pomegranate, peaches and figs; wheat bread; large amounts of cheese;
roasted onions; etc.
Did they hold banquets like this often? These people worked with great
familiarity.
The men and women working as servants numbered roughly thirty. When
G.o.dou tried asking Uldin, the answer he got was that ”Rather than selling
them, I think it's better to have these guys work for me.”
Confronted with the fact that this man's occupation was ”invasion and
plundering,” G.o.dou frowned.
Then he asked about something that occurred to him by chance.
”So, is this forest the place used to raise these dragons?”
”Yeah. These beasts don't live too long. They mostly die after one or two
years. I need to constantly replace them.”
Supposing Uldin was not lying, he had just divulged a major secret.
The so-called equestrian tribes were nomadic peoples after all. Since they
were apparently steeped in the ways of raising animals, G.o.dou tried to
ask —
”So, there may be cases when they might run away unnoticed...”
”Well, occasionally. Roughly a month earlier, two of them went missing.
They probably died somewhere in the forest.”
G.o.dou's prying attempts ended up obtaining information from Uldin that
could not be ignored.
Weren't there two Deinonychuses that had appeared in modern Tuscany?
This did match the facts. G.o.dou secretly nodded to himself.
While chatting over this and similar topics, the banquet's preparations were
ready. G.o.dou and Uldin sat together at the center of the long table.
Waiting on them, the servants stood quietly in the surroundings.
”This isn't lively enough. Whats-your-name over there, go fetch those other
fellows!”
Uldin called out again.
Several minutes later, fancily dressed beauties had gathered. There were
blue-eyed blondes, those bearing the Roman characteristics of black hair
and brown eyes, silver-haired women, and brunettes. There were even
black ladies and oriental women of Uldin's ethnicity. It was like a great
racial melting pot.
The beauties poured wine into two cups and handed them to the two
G.o.dslayers.
Taking the cup, Uldin took a great gulp in one breath. G.o.dou declined the
wine and asked:
”Are they all your servants? They're all quite beautiful.”
”No, they're not servants. They're all my women, get it? Basically what
people call lovers.”
Uldin's matter-of-fact answer caused G.o.dou to go ”What!?” and almost fell
over in his seat.
”Don't openly ask about this obvious-as-heck stuff, comrade. Isn't it a bit
awkward?”
”W-What is the meaning of this!? You mean every single one of these girls
is your lover!?”
”Yeah, of course. All twelve of them are my women. Well, I can understand
how you feel. You must have many questions.”
Nodding, Uldin finished his wine.
One of his lovers instantly refilled his empty cup with wine.
”For a man like me, this harem is a bit lacking in scale. That must be what
you're thinking, comrade? However, I don't want to be tied down too
much.”
Uldin's unexpected answer caused G.o.dou to be flabbergasted.
With a serious expression, Uldin continued:
”Rather than increasing their numbers meaninglessly, these women
represent the very best I've picked.”
”What kind of joke is this!? Twelve people are more than enough in scale!”
G.o.dou tried as hard as he could to retort against this tyrant who kept
downing wine, cup after cup.
Furthermore, wine during this time period was usually prepared by diluting
with water. However, judging from the intensity of the color and fragrance
of the wine, Uldin was clearly drinking undiluted wine.
He was apparently quite a drinker. On the other hand, G.o.dou simply drank
water.
Although he was currently in ancient Gaul, G.o.dou had no intention of
contravening modern j.a.pan's underage drinking laws.
Next, one of the many lovers brought forth skewers of roasted pork.
Feeling it would be rude to decline this as well, G.o.dou ate some as
appropriate. Although the pork was roasted with only salt for seasoning,
the taste was actually quite good.
Uldin continued to speak as G.o.dou stuffed himself with food.
”Hmm, well, to be honest, I do have other wives apart from these girls.
Comrade, now is a good opportunity for me to make introductions.”
Other wives apart from these twelve lovers? As G.o.dou watched in
surprise, Uldin waved his hand.
The one who approached was — Clotilde.
She was gallantly clad in armor, leather and a feathered helmet. Her
beautiful countenance carried n.o.bility and elegance. All this, combined
with her tall physique, contributed to airs like a queen's.
G.o.dou had only had a brief conversation with her, but her personality was
probably the very serious type.
It was quite surprising to find out that such a person was Uldin's wife.
Clotilde bowed to the surprised G.o.dou, then spoke to her husband:
”Uldin-sama, it's probably time I should...”
”Yeah, sorry my bad. I'll leave things to you.”
Was she entrusted with some kind of task? Clotilde departed the venue.
Mounting the pterosaur she had just ridden with G.o.dou, she took to the
skies once more. The banquet continued leisurely for almost an hour.
”By the way, comrade. I've got an important request for you today.”
Eating a pomegranate as he listened to the banquet's host, G.o.dou began
to get nervous.
This was because of Uldin's personality. Although G.o.dou felt that Uldin's
welcome banquet might not have any ulterior motives, the opposite was
also possible as speculated.
However, Uldin's request was completely unexpected.
”Are you willing to become king as my proxy?”
”K-King!?”
”I have this fun little idea. To set up proxies as kings on occasion and let
them take over the country. Then I'll send them off to conquer other lands
to further increase the number of countries under my control.”
Uldin casually proposed ”taking over the country.”
If a normal person had said this, one would simply regard these words as
delusional.
However, this man was a Campione who commanded an army of dragons.
Furthermore, this was currently a tumultuous era in the ancient world. The
entry requirements for becoming a king were much lower than in the
modern world.
Considering Uldin, it was possible indeed —
”I established a country not too long ago in the east and even lent my
name to the chieftain I established there as my proxy. However, that guy
isn't very reliable so I foresee the country heading towards ruin on its own
in the near future.”
Uldin was talking about the rise and fall of countries as though he were
talking about developing business ventures.
He looked quite young in appearance. However, given the examples of the
sworn elder sister and Madame Aisha, a Campione's outward appearance
was not a good indicator of actual age.
Perhaps this man had acc.u.mulated decades of experience —
G.o.dou stared intently at Uldin, causing him to smile in the end.
”Indeed, if my proxy does not possess the requisite mettle, great things
cannot be accomplished. Hence, I want to entrust this role to you who are
my fellow G.o.dslayer. Become king as my proxy!”
”I can't possibly agree to such a request. Besides, why me?”
G.o.dou refused cautiously with a displeased expression at the same time.
They had only encountered each other merely by chance. Why would
things come to this?
”I am completely certain, because your taste in women is similar to mine.”
”Women!?”
”Yeah. The two girls you had by your side previously, they both looked like
indomitable broncos without exception. Despite your young age, you have
excellent taste, comrade. In fact, I love that type of women too. Women
who only obey subserviently are no fun at all.”
Erica Blandelli and Seishuuin Ena were exactly as he described.
To be able to discern that simply from their faces and appearances, Uldin
truly had an extraordinary ability. Could this man possess astounding skills
in the realm of female-related matters?
G.o.dou felt impressed at the same time as being surprised. Then he took a
deep breath.
This was for accelerating the gears of his mind and body. Although G.o.dou
had no intention of entering an argument with Uldin, he was prepared to
respond with force if the other side picked a fight. G.o.dou prepared himself
for that.
”I understand your well-intentioned invitation, but I'm sorry. I have no
intention of agreeing to your proposal.”
”Don't decide so quickly. Please enjoy yourself at this castle for a couple
months and consider my offer carefully. Despite appearances, I'm actually
quite a patient man. I'll give you plenty of time to think over things.”
”No, it's not necessary. Let's talk again some other time.”
Seeing G.o.dou stand up, Uldin waved his hand lightly.
Understanding his wishes from this single motion, the lovers and servants
all swiftly left the area. They must have smelt a fight brewing.
”You probably can't understand even if I tell you, but I'm a pacifist. I don't
like unnecessary conflict. Will you allow me to leave?”
”Hey hey, this is getting better and better.”
Uldin partially closed his eyes towards G.o.dou the pacifist.
”I, too, am a person who subscribes to a philosophy of avoiding
unnecessary conflict as much as possible. For that purpose, I prepared
something that has now arrived.”
Saying that, he looked up into the sky. As a member of an equestrian tribe,
did his sharp vision capture something?
All G.o.dou could see was a black dot flying in approach. After a while, he
could see it was a pair of winged Deinonychuses.
The two Deinonychuses each carried a rider. One was Clotilde while the
other was a black-haired woman.
G.o.dou focused his gaze. Apart from the dragon riders, there were
additional pa.s.sengers. Sitting in front of Clotilde on the saddle was Erica,
tied up in ropes. In a rare moment, she was biting her lip in an expression
of chagrin.
In addition, the black-haired rider was carrying Ena.
Naturally, Ena was also tied up, displaying a strange expression like a
playground bully who had lost a fight.
In actual fact, G.o.dou had set off to Uldin's forest with two companions.
Their plan was to provide support to G.o.dou, who was inside the castle,
regardless of whether he decided to negotiate peace, run away or fight.
”As expected of my wives. Looks like it went off without a hitch. So that's
that. Why don't you enjoy your stay a while longer?”
Declaring arrogantly, Uldin cast his gaze towards G.o.dou again. Clearly,
the other side had captured hostages. Naturally, G.o.dou could not refuse.
”Just to be on the safe side, I resorted to a petty trick.”
Uldin motioned with his eyes. Clotilde jumped down from the back of the
pterosaur.
The tall, blonde beauty approached G.o.dou as she drew out a small,
bladed tool — a razor.
G.o.dou was surprised. He could sense divine power from Clotilde's razor.
Was this also something related to the G.o.ds?
While he stared in shock, Clotilde had already arrived before him, swinging
the small blade in a flash.
Confronted with the mysterious razor, G.o.dou perceived its incredible
sharpness...
Part 2
It was the next morning since G.o.dou was stranded in Uldin's castle.
The accommodations arranged for him here also consisted of quarters for
military officer. However, the quarters were surrounded by several guards.
Hence, G.o.dou was currently under house arrest.
Furthermore, G.o.dou was the only one detained here. His two companions
were not by his side.
G.o.dou had no choice but to kill time on his own. At noon, Erica came by to
visit.
”We were taken out by those two women.”
Erica explained to G.o.dou with a face full of resentment.
They were the only two occupants of the reception hall in the quarters.
There were no guards inside. Superficially, G.o.dou was a guest and not a
prisoner, hence he was still given the freedom of such meetings.
”Uldin's wives huh...”
”Yes. Without a doubt, they are powerful warriors who can rival those of
the Paladino rank. Even if my uncle or Saint Raffaello were here in
support, chances of victory would still be slim.”
G.o.dou had already expected Clotilde to be a female warrior.
Furthermore, Erica pointed out that she was apparently a master of ”this
era's rune magic.” In a direct confrontation of sword and magic, Erica and
Ena were apparently defeated in quick succession.
Moreover, they were clearly defeated in a merciful manner, unharmed with
only their weapons struck down from their hands.
”Is the other woman powerful too?”
”That's Ruska. She... I'm not sure of the details but she's probably a witch.
She apparently discovered our location effortlessly.”
In the face of such terrifying events, even Erica was showing a frightened
expression.
”If Lily and Yuri were here, perhaps we could still offer some resistance...”
Were those two girls here, perhaps they could have discovered the
enemy's a.s.sault using spirit vision and psychic sensing. Then using
witchcraft's disorienting effects to counter the enemy's strength advantage,
they might have escaped successfully.
Two were currently missing from the five-member team.
Feeling deeply the effects of that through this incident, G.o.dou and Erica
sighed heavily.
”What about you, G.o.dou? Are you still unable to use your authority?”
”Yeah. I never knew a tool like that existed in this world.”
Touching his severed bangs, G.o.dou muttered.
Yesterday, Clotilde had swung the razor to cut off a little of his bangs.
Immediately after that, he was unable to invoke his authority.
Even when he tried to summon Ama no Murak.u.mo no Tsurugi, it did not
appear in his right hand.
Despite his mental orders for the [Boar] to ”destroy this castle,” there was
no response whatsoever.
”I believe that razor should be a divine artifact related to Samson^, the
biblical judge from the Old Testament. However, discerning the artifact's
origins isn't going to recover your power, G.o.dou. How truly vexing.”
”How about you and Seishuuin? Did they do anything unusual to you?”
”Things are fine in that regard. We've been offered grand hospitality.
Clotilde, Ruska and the other women have been very cordial. Oh well, at
least from my perspective as a hostage.”
Erica replied in a slightly sardonic tone of voice.
G.o.dou felt relieved. If the two girls were to suffer inhumane treatment, he
would never forgive Uldin.
”That guy Uldin seems unexpectedly considerate in this area...”
”A description of daring would not be enough to encapsulate who he is. I
believe he is surely a man possessing the disposition to become a great
king. Hey G.o.dou, you must know the name of Attila, right?”
”Hmm? Yeah, that's the king who would unify the Huns later.”
G.o.dou knew the name from his World History textbook. Erica explained
about the man in great detail.
He was reportedly born in a barbaric equestrian tribe. Not only was Attila
skilled in war, he was also a great diplomat. He also employed talent
based on merit regardless of race.
His Hunnic Empire stretched from the Caspian Sea all the way to the
Danube River — covering the areas of western Russia, Eastern Europe and
Germany in modern terms.
However, his empire fell apart due to his sudden death. And with that, the
Huns disappeared into the annals of history...
Recounting the name of the great king of the barbarians, the Italian girl
spoke with a gloomy expression.
”This is what I suspect. In a few decades' time, Uldin will probably help
Attila succeed the throne to establish the unified empire of the Huns.”
”What are you talking about?”
”Didn't he propose to you, G.o.dou, to 'become king'? If Uldin continues to
survive, this enterprise will likely come into fruition.”
Making a rather bold hypothesis, Erica continued:
”Furthermore, there is a factual consistency that cannot be overlooked. In
the early fifth century, the Huns did indeed have a chieftain named Uldin.
In addition, there is also this legend about Attila, which calls him the bearer
of the sword that brings victory to its owner, the divine sword of the war
G.o.d Tyr...” [2]
Uldin had mentioned that he had lent his name to a man who was currently
king.
Furthermore, Uldin's nickname was [Tyr's Sword]. However, G.o.dou still
had yet to witness the Hunnic G.o.dslayer draw his sword in battle —
Just as Erica had pointed out, there was a consistency in facts that could
not be attributed to coincidence.
”Although Attila's active period was quite short, he left extremely deep
marks on European history. Whether his existence should be considered
good or bad, he was undoubtedly a super important figure in history.”
”If he disappeared, the effects on history would be unimaginable...”
”a.s.suredly. I am currently starting to consider the possibility of Uldin
becoming the future Attila. However, he seems to have said he had no
desire to become king...”
This speculation was fairly bold but also quite convincing.
G.o.dou began to agitate. Although he could not fight Uldin in his current
state, G.o.dou wondered if he should fight when he regained the ability to do
so.
”No one can guarantee that Aisha-san's idea of a corrective force is true. In
a work of science fiction, this would probably be a parallel world instead,
right? Yeah, so even if history gets changed, it'd generate a second world,
leaving the original unchanged.”
”In that case, have you considered this? The Madame did not tell us, but in
actual fact, she may already know something that could prove the
correctness of her hypothesis — ”
”I see. Deducing in reverse huh.”
”Your Majesty. Ena has brought something for you!”
Just as G.o.dou nodded in agreement with Erica, a cheerful voice called out
to him.
Ena happened to be entering the hall at this time. There was also
someone accompanying her. Like the j.a.panese Hime-Miko, she also had
black hair.
But unlike Ena's extremely long hair, hers was cut to shoulder-length.
The woman was the blooming beauty who had ridden a pterosaur along
with Clotilde yesterday. She seemed to be oriental in race, perhaps born
among the Huns or somewhere in Asia. G.o.dou greeted her:
”I remember you are Uldin's wife, is that correct...?”
”Yes. I am Ruska. Since he is not here today, allow me to care for your
needs. Are there any inconveniences you would like to be addressed?”
”I'd like to leave this castle.”
”Hahaha, unfortunately, this request is denied.”
Ruska was a black-haired beauty whose eyes gave off an air of weariness.
She spoke concisely and her mood seemed inexplicably depressed.
However, she reacted to G.o.dou with laughter and a low-tension. She did
not seem like a cold person.
Ena was carrying a large plate of fruit while Ruska held a jar of drinking
water in her arms.
”Ruska, where did your husband go?”
”No idea. He is a man who seldom leaves word on where he's going.”
”Ah, got it, got it. Ena is also the type who doesn't tell people where she's
headed.”
Erica and Ena were already able to converse intimately with Uldin's other
wife. In this regard, they really had first cla.s.s social skills and natural
instincts respectively, having established excellent interpersonal
relations.h.i.+ps without any apparent difficulties.
”Anyway, Why is His Majesty unable to to use his power?”
”It's the divine artifact. Delilah's Razor.” [3]
Ena stared blankly in response to the curt answer, but Erica went ”just as
expected” and nodded.
”In the Book of Judges in the Bible's Old Testament, Samson was a man
with unparalleled, supernatural might. His source of strength, his hair, was
lost because he was betrayed by his lover, Delilah. So this is the divine
artifact that recreates this story?”
”Yes. Samson's head was shaved clean during his sleep, thus he lost his
power.”
Ruska gave a grinning smile to G.o.dou whose bangs were cut off a little.
”Uldin had suffered the same before. But he deserved it. Because that
razor is a tool that only women can use.”
”Was Uldin-san also betrayed by one who shared his bed?”
Ena stared wide-eyed as she asked. Ruska nodded in response.
”He's always behaved like that. Out of my sight, he'd immediately get
friendly with other women. On occasion, he'll even take them home and
add them to his troupe of lovers.”
”But provided it's only 'on occasion,' perhaps there's still hope for him.”
Chiming in sarcastically was Erica.
”A certain someone somewhere would 'always' make his target his lover...”
”Based on His Majesty's situation, it's not like his affections wander
wantonly. He's always very serious in each case. But only thanks to that,
Ena was able to get along so harmoniously with everyone as the fourth, so
no complaints there.”
In contrast to the critical gaze Erica was giving G.o.dou, Ena was smiling
somewhat wryly.
Nevetheless, both were acting in a way that would lead others to
misunderstand Kusanagi G.o.dou.
Just as predicted, Ruska's lethargic gaze turned towards G.o.dou as she
murmured.
”'Always'... 'The fourth'... Sigh, I knew it...”
”Oh no, that's not true. Although I have no idea why so many girls gather
around me, I definitely don't engage in Uldin's problematic behavior.”
”Hmm... You are very similar to him — Uldin.”
Finding Ruska's words shocking, G.o.dou went ”!?” and froze.
”Probably, your personalities are fundamentally similar. Bold and unusually
p.r.o.ne to willful unruliness, yet unexpectedly adept at taking care of
others... And skilled in reading people...”
Murmuring with a hollow gaze, Ruska's eyes turned into the color of gla.s.s.
G.o.dou was shocked.
This was a change that he had often witnessed in Yuri — a Hime-Miko who
had strongly inherited the blood of the Divine Ancestors. In other words,
Ruska was also a distant descendant of the Divine Ancestors!?
Erica and Ena exchanged glances. They must have realized it already in
the previous day's battle.
That was why Erica had said she was ”not sure of the details.”
”The number of girls accepted is different... The world you were born and
raised in is different huh. Hmm?”
Ruska murmured as if receiving revelations through spirit vision.
However, she was suddenly puzzled as she gazed directly into G.o.dou's
face.
”A man from a different world... A G.o.dslayer who could not possibly exist
here... Who are you?”
”Yeah, I came from somewhere quite far away.”
G.o.dou nodded emphatically to agree with Ruska's description that he
”could not possibly exist here.”
Indeed, he really should not linger too long in this era. Wasn't it the same
for Salvatore Doni and Madame Aisha?
Should he discuss this with her? — Just as G.o.dou wondered...
”So you're here, Ruska.”
Another person arrived. This time it was Clotilde.
”Uldin-sama cannot be found anywhere... Do you know anything?”
”No, I have no idea. No one has seen him since this morning.”
”Really? That guy came over to visit me early in the morning.”
G.o.dou recalled what had happened a couple hours earlier.
Morning came very early in ancient Gaul for there were many who rose
with the sun. Although Erica remained tardy in rising from bed, G.o.dou was
already accustomed to rising at 5am back in the modern world.
Nevertheless, there was nothing to do here even if he got up early.
Uldin had visited at that time. After a brief chat with G.o.dou, he had left.