Vol 15 Chapter 1 (1/2)

Chapter 1 - Campiones in Ancient Gaul

Part 1

”In other words, reopening Aisha-neesan's corridor would be very difficult.

As always, she's so adept at causing trouble for others...”

Thus sighed Saint Raffaello.

The female knight stared at the pile of English doc.u.ments in her hand. This

had just been delivered from the England's Witenagemot in Greenwich

using the magic of [Mailing].

Recorded in these doc.u.ments were the terrifying authorities of Madame

Aisha.

”I have a feeling that depending on the phase of the moon, the 'corridor'

could be opened using the spells of witches like me and fairy doctors.

However, doing so would still require gathering dozens of experts for it to

work.”

Clicking her tongue with a worried expression, Liliana stared up into the

night sky.

The midwinter night sky was virtually cloudless for miles. The crescent

moon's brilliance was clear and dazzling.

This was the night when Kusanagi G.o.dou, Erica Blandelli, Seishuuin Ena

and Salvatore Doni had gone missing, sucked into 'Madame Aisha's

corridor.'

”In that case, full preparations would require a substantial amount of time.”

The beautiful face of the j.a.panese Hime-Miko, Mariya Yuri, was shrouded

by a layer of gloomy worry.

They were currently in the garden of an ancient castle hotel, located in the

Casentino area of Italy's region of Tuscany. This was where the battle

against the deinonychus divine beast had taken place during the daytime.

Liliana nodded at her companion's words and sighed.

”The chances of success are definitely not high. I find it doubtful that highly

suitable solutions are actually available.”

They were sitting on wooden chairs at the front of the hotel garden,

surrounding a round table.

Everyone was holding a copy of the doc.u.ments sent from the

Witenagemot. Upon hearing that one of Madame Aisha's authorities was to

blame for the incident, Liliana had proceeded to contact Greenwich.

”Considering the Witenagemot, they should possess unpublicized

information regarding Madame Aisha, so I tried to make a request... Looks

like I made the right decision.”

Liliana murmured while casting her gaze upon the doc.u.ments.

Capable of opening portals to alternate realms was [Beyond the Timeless

Horizon]. Bringing either healing or death was [Live or Die]. The authority

of charisma, [Charm and Curse]. Furthermore, there were the authorities of

[Grand Luck], [Jabberwock Slayer]...

Just the terrifying authorities known to the Witenagemot already numbered

this many.

”By the way, I can't believe that those stubborn fellows would actually

provide their precious investigation report. Isn't this cla.s.sified so only those

geezers, the first-cla.s.s members, are authorized?”

”This is all thanks to our close relations.h.i.+p with the former spokesperson

over on that side.”

Saint Raffaello remarked, quite impressed. After answering, Liliana noticed

something.

Sitting next to her, Yuri was also reading the same doc.u.ments, but for

some reason, she seemed quite agitated.

Was there something to be concerned about? Yuri was looking up from

time to time and checking out their surroundings.

”What is the matter, Mariya Yuri? Is there anything concerning?”

”Oh, not at all. I simply keep getting a strange feeling after reading these

doc.u.ments.”

Yuri answered after getting startled by Liliana's question.

”Somehow, I keep getting the feeling that these doc.u.ments would serve as

an impetus for some kind of unexpected event. However, the reasons are

completely unclear.”

The Hime-Miko was renowned for her exceptionally potent spirit vision

powers. Whenever she said ”felt something,” Liliana knew very well that it

must not be overlooked. Did something happen? The moment Liliana

braced herself, she instantly understood the reason.

Voices were heard. Two people had apparently arrived at the garden.

”Hey Paolo. Why am I getting the feeling that you don't seem happy at all

about our reunion? I hope I'm just imagining things. Or am I actually

correct?”

”Of course not. There's nothing of that sort, Princess.”

It was the voice of a slightly displeased n.o.blewoman. A beautiful voice,

filled with masculinity, answered her respectfully.

”Encountering you again... Your knight, Paolo Blandelli, feels nothing but

utmost joy. Nevertheless, the following thought does occur to me on

occasion.”

While speaking eloquently as befitted his ident.i.ty as Erica's uncle, the

knight of knights also brought up his opinion with some displeasure.

”Hoping for a n.o.ble princess to show greater prudence and restraint in her

actions, I am quite positive this does not overstep a knight's bounds.”

”Well, aren't you describing me like a mischievous little child? You're really

quite something, Paolo.”

”Then I shall be blunt, Princess. This sort of matter should not require your

personal presence, should it?”

”Now that would be an absurd a.s.sertion when clearly there is such a

perilous crisis here. Personally, I cannot stand back and observe while

remaining uninvolved whenever acquaintances are plunged into

world-level crises. Verily, apathy is the world's greatest vice. I now feel

compelled to revise my opinion of you.”

”Unnecessary curiosity can also be said to be one of the root causes of

turmoil disrupting the world.”

”Paolo, I can't believe you're still so stubbornly rigid as always.”

”Please allow me to take that as a compliment, Princess Alice.”

Making their arrival was the princess with the beautiful platinum-blonde

hair along with the knight who seemed as strongly built as the statue of

David.

Princess Alice was dressed in a light-gray fur coat with black skinny pants

and a pair of boots whereas Paolo Blandelli was in a dark gray suit.

However, he was holding his jacket in his left hand while his tie was slightly

loosened at the collar.

As soon as the voices were heard, the arriving visitors' high stature was

already readily apparent.

Let alone Liliana, even Yuri immediately stood up from her chair to bow

and greet the new arrivals.

”It's been a while, Yuri and Liliana. When Liliana made a request of the

Witenagemot, I was really taken by surprise. Furthermore, to think it would

concern Madame Aisha!”

Alice's voice was quite cheerful and filled with a n.o.blewoman's elegance.

Liliana instantly realized her oversight. When contacting the Witenagemot,

she should have expected Alice to make an inevitable appearance.

”Currently, with three Campiones on a journey in the past, any alterations

made to history would be no joking matter. One could call this quite a

serious situation.”

Alice was murmuring while making a face like a ”n.o.ble and intelligent

princess who truly worried about the crisis of the world's fate.”

That said, this situation alone should not const.i.tute enough reason for

Princess Alice to rush over personally to the frontlines. Coming out to

witness the commotion in spite of that could be taken as a glimpse into the

princess' true personality.

”I have heard stories before, but your morbid curiosity turns out to be just

as rumored.”

Saint Raffaello murmured as though surprised.

Such words were permitted only because of her past ill.u.s.trious

accomplishments, fighting alongside the oldest Campiones, sometimes

even fighting in opposition to them.

Princess Alice smiled in response to the heroic lady's remark.

”I have also heard much about the great name of Saint Raffaello. The

rumors you just mentioned could very well be traced to the fabrications of a

certain knight over there. Despite appearances, I actually do have

sufficient cause to come forth.”

In possession of a great many virtues and troublesome aspects, the

princess turned her gaze towards Liliana and Yuri.

”You reported that Kusanagi-sama's time period could be seen?”

”Y-Yes. One could say so.”

Yuri replied frantically to the princess' question.

”However, we are able to do no more than observing the situation on the

other side of the corridor... Even details such as the time period or the

location are completely unclear.”

”I believe it is an era even earlier than the Middle Ages.”

Liliana interjected as well. Back then, Kusanagi G.o.dou was fighting at a

place resembling a castle. It was most likely a facility built using

construction techniques dating back to before the Middle Ages.

”Princess, I intend to hurry over to G.o.dou-san and the others' side no

matter what it would take.”

Yuri tensed and showed a stern expression while pleading to the princess.

”Should you know how Madame Aisha's corridor could be opened, please

kindly provide your instruction. I implore you — ”

”Hmm... Indeed, there have been cases when third parties opened her

corridors through forceful measures.”

The j.a.panese Hime-Miko bowed her head deeply. In response, Alice

made a troubled expression.

”Even if you could reach the past in this manner, it's pointless unless you

can travel to the desired point in time. Just for argument's sake, suppose

the corridor's other end is connected to London in 1000 CE. However,

which month of that year you arrive would be completely dependent on

luck...”

”Is that how it works!?”

”Also, traveling back and forth in time recklessly like this and making

repeated changes to history in that era... Corrections for all that would

seem to be rather difficult. In my opinion, it would be best not to try.”

”Changes to history... and corrections?”

Hearing Liliana's question, the princess chuckled and smiled.

”In actual fact, a certain esteemed individual, one who is quite

knowledgeable in these issues, apparently wants to meet you two.”

Hearing this sudden announcement, Liliana and Yuri both could not hide

their troubled expressions.

The princess' next words proceeded to make them disregard everything

else.

”All sorts of difficulties are probably present in the place where this person

is waiting. Since you intend to rescue Kusanagi-sama and the others,

perhaps it might serve as the prime shortcut.”

Liliana instantly made her decision. Together with Yuri, she nodded.

Judging from the fact that even the cautious Hime-Miko from j.a.pan was

able to decide so effortlessly without hesitation, one could tell how firmly

committed she was to setting forth on the journey.

Part 2

Roughly 410 CE or so, that would be the early part of the fifth century,

would it not?

Kusanagi G.o.dou was currently stranded in this approximate time period.

The location was the province of Gaul within the Western Roman Empire's

territory, on the eastern most edge.

”Now that I think about it, we really did arrive in a faraway place, on a

totally different level...” Muttering poignantly, he was looking out towards a

grand and majestic river.

G.o.dou was standing by the Rhine's sh.o.r.e.

Across the 200m wide river, the eastern barbaric lands of Germania lay

further beyond. This was within the sphere of influence of the fierce

equestrian tribe, the Huns.

On the other side of the great river, vast pastures stretched far and wide

with lush forests up ahead in the distance.

”In the twenty-first century, this area should be near the Franco-German

border...”

G.o.dou and his entourage were currently staying at the city of Augusta

Raurica.

According to Erica, this place belonged to twenty-first century Switzerland,

in the vicinity of the city named Basel. Advancing north along the Rhine,

one would reach the famous city of Strasbourg on the Franco-German

border. Then continuing north, there was Cologne... No wait.

These were all names of modern European cities.

G.o.dou had heard that during the fifth century, Strasbourg was called

Argentoratum while Cologne was known as Aggripina. These were all

Roman names that sounded like tongue twisters.

”So you're here, G.o.dou!”

”We're looking for you, Your Majesty!”

His two companions had arrived from the castle.

Erica and Seishuuin Ena. Both of them were riding horses and dressed in

this time period's clothing.

They were wearing tunics on top, a simple type of clothing similar to

t-s.h.i.+rts. On the bottom, they had slender pants with cloth wrapped around

their waist like miniskirts, a display of women's fas.h.i.+on.

”Yo.”

G.o.dou waved his hand in response to Erica and Ena's calls.

Located roughly two kilometers away from the city of Augusta Raurica was

a Roman army's fort.

Currently, G.o.dou was at the midpoint between the two locations. Like the

girls, he had traveled by riding a horse, which was currently grazing by the

river beside him. Living in ancient Gaul, horse riding could be used to get

around various places by himself.

”What happened? Is that Uldin guy here again?”

The deadly duel against the Hun G.o.dslayer had taken place four days

earlier.

Furthermore, after the intense battle ended with a ceasefire, they had

received a certain report. Allegedly, Salvatore Doni had united the Frankish

tribes' warriors and conquered Aggripina.

”Or is there more news on that guy Doni?”

”Mmmhmm... It's related to that as well.”

”This matter must be resolved. That was what Madame Aisha said,

apparently.”

Ena murmured while Erica shrugged.

G.o.dou sighed as he turned his gaze towards the two girls who were

approaching on horseback.

Madame Aisha seemed quite motivated. G.o.dou felt sorry for her but could

not stop himself from imagining dark and ominous futures.

”Looks like we must ask her what she wants to do. Is she at the castle?”

”No. She went back roughly an hour ago.”

”Those soldier guys pulled out a carriage and escorted her home.”

G.o.dou answered ”I see” and nodded while approaching his favorite horse.

Compared to English thoroughbreds in modern times, ancient horses were

generally smaller in build. Putting his hand on the horse's neck, G.o.dou

mounted the saddle in one swift motion.

Even though he found it unfamiliar in the beginning, G.o.dou had now

gradually grown accustomed to the movement.

”So, let's head over to the church to have a look first.”

Had it been the twenty-first century, they could have contacted each other

by cellphone.

However, this was not possible in ancient Gaul. Having decided to pay

Madame Aisha a visit at the church in the city that served as her residence,

G.o.dou instantly brought his horse to a trot.

Erica and Ena also followed on horseback. Judging from the speed, they

were traveling at roughly seven or eight kilometers per hour.

Even horses would rapidly tire out if they had to gallop continuously for

long periods of time. In actual fact, bicycles would be even more

convenient and faster as a mode of transportation in comparison.

To begin with, the ancient world was blessed with many products of

civilization.

The road being trodden by G.o.dou and his companion's horses would be a

perfect example. With a surface paved with gravel, it was quite a

well-maintained road.

Like the blood vessels of a circulatory system, Roman roads formed a

network within the Empire.

In addition, Augusta Raurica was a typical colonial city in the Empire, fully

equipped with facilities such as aqueducts, public baths and arenas.

Thousands of residences lined up along city streets provided an

impressive view, a far cry from a description of ”undeveloped land.”

Riding their horses, G.o.dou and his companions advanced slowly along

this type of urban road.

”...Hmm?”

G.o.dou felt a strange sensation. Not only could he feel himself being gazed

at, but these stares also came from quite a number of people.

Checking out his surroundings from atop his horse, G.o.dou could see the

citizens of Raurica hustling and bustling about.

Of course, compared to urban centers in the twenty-first century, the

volume of people would only reach the level of ”a crowded shopping street”

or so. But that said, there were still about a hundred people around him.

Without exception, they were all staring at Kusanagi G.o.dou. Rather than

curiosity, these people's eyes seemed more like they were filled with ”awe

or even fear.”

While feeling strange, G.o.dou continued to spur his horse forward.

Unlike modern streets for cars, this main road allowed horses, horse-drawn

carriages, cattle, humans and more to coexist and move along at a

leisurely pace. In spite of that, the people silently halted in their footsteps,

turning their fearful eyes towards Kusanagi G.o.dou while waiting quietly for

the twenty-first century j.a.panese to pa.s.s through.

There were no obstacles in his way.

Leading Erica and Ena, G.o.dou advanced casually along the main road.

”...What on earth is going on?”

”Well, it's because Your Majesty already fought that intense battle with

Uldin-san as your opponent.”

”Everyone knows all about it already. They know very well that a great

warrior, rivaling Devil King Uldin in power, is present in this city and

becoming their ruler would only be a matter of time.”

”Ruler!?”

Riding on horseback, G.o.dou was greatly shocked by the conversation that

Erica and Ena were carrying out behind him.

”I have absolutely no intention of becoming someone like that!”

”The most powerful soldiers would ama.s.s influence and seize the state.

That is what the present era's Roman Empire is about. Of course, there

are exceptions, but those people were probably put to death by emperors

who were suspicious.”

”Literally a world full of turmoil, that's what it feels like.”

Erica sounded exhausted while Ena nodded repeatedly to agree.

G.o.dou was quite displeased to hear about this disturbing subject of

history. But thanks to these troublesome rumors, their horses were able to

move with greater efficiency. As j.a.panese, G.o.dou and Ena looked quite

similar to the oriental Huns and stood out considerably in the Caucasian

city of Raurica.

Soon after, they arrived before a Christian church.

In this era, Christianity had already pa.s.sed its ”frozen period” when it was

suppressed as a heretical religion and had become the Roman Empire's

state religion. Hence, churches could also be found in colonial cities of

provinces such as Gaul.

After tying their horses outside the church, the trio entered the chapel.

”h.e.l.lo, Kusanagi-san. I see that Erica-san and Ena-san are together with

you as well. Perfect timing.”

Greeting them with affectionate smiles was a young and beautiful maiden.

She possessed l.u.s.trous black hair and delicate skin with an olive

complexion. Her attire consisted of a white one-piece dress from the local

time period. Furthermore, wrapped around her waist was a strip of white

cloth meant to be draped over one's shoulder.

Looking only seventeen-years-old, this girl was precisely Madame Aisha.

Despite appearances, she was the female Campione who had lived

through eons since the nineteenth century.

”Had I known you were coming, I would have prepared lunch beforehand

to welcome you all.”

”You're far too kind. Oh by the way, Aisha-san.”

Speaking of which, it was already lunch time. Noticing this, G.o.dou posed a

question.

His sworn elder sister, one of the Campiones from the old generation, Her

Emininence Luo Hao was an expert in cooking. Perhaps Madame Aisha

also happened to possess the same level of superb skill?

”Do you like to cook?”

”Hoho, I guess I can cook a bit after all. But sometimes, the food gets burnt

because the fire was too hot, or I forget to cut up the vegetables, but I can

a.s.sure you it's perfectly edible. I'm also quite confident in my ability to

handle cooking for many guests. Please allow me to treat you all to a meal

should an opportunity arise in the future^ 1 ”

Basically, her cooking skills were not ”bad.” Anyone could cook lots of food

simply by preparing more ingredients. G.o.dou refrained from making these

kinds of comments while cautiously stopping his nodding.

He was already used to the abundance of Madame Aisha's questionable

aspects.

”Hi Aisha-san. This is just something heard from the guys in the army.”

The one striking up conversation in a familiar tone of voice was Ena, of

course. Perhaps she was quite compatible with the forthright Madame

Aisha? This att.i.tude was as though they were friends already.

”Something about you wanting to meet the king who conquered the city in

the north, is that really true? I must resolve this matter personally — You

said something like that?”

Reportedly, Ena had heard these rumors from the soldiers in the Roman

army stationed in this city.

The soldiers' expressions and words clearly expressed their wors.h.i.+p and

praise for Madame Aisha as they chatted with one another in great

excitement. Aisha's charisma authority had probably made them her

captives.

”Oh yes. I definitely did say that.”

”Madame. This may offend you but please allow me to speak... It is my

belief that this undertaking might prove to be quite difficult.”

In response to the Madame's simple admission, Erica spoke respectfully.

Erica insisted on maintaining an absolute boundary between herself and

Devil King Campiones, one that she would never cross no matter how

much of a ”good person” the other party was. Well, acting less inhibited

towards G.o.dou was fine, on the other hand...

”Sir Salvatore is a powerful individual who regards combat as his only

raison d'etre. Furthermore, he is currently the [King] with the Franks under

his command.”

Salvatore Doni had conquered the city of Colonia Aggripina.

This was the bad news received four days earlier. In this land of ancient

Gaul, Doni had made himself the great chieftain ruling over one faction of

the Germanic tribes, the Franks. However, what kind of thoughts drove him

to suddenly conquer one of the Roman Empire's colonial cities?

Doni was currently at Colonia Aggripina, surrounded by Franks who had

gathered to wors.h.i.+p him.

”Regarding this fact, I have already resolved myself sufficiently. No matter

what, this is a job that must be done.”

Madame Aisha responded decisively to Erica's pet.i.tion.

Tensing her face to produce a commanding expression, she clenched her

fists and declared:

”Like him, I am also a Campione who came from the future. I cannot sit idly

by and allow Doni-san's high-handed behavior to continue unchecked!”

At this moment, Erica and Ena both directed gentle gazes towards

Madame Aisha.

The same thought was probably occurring to G.o.dou as well. In response to

Madame Aisha's righteous indignation, they were all thinking ”why on earth

is she throwing herself into the line of fire?”

G.o.dou could not help but ask:

”About the issue of disrupting the past, aren't you in the same boat as him,

Aisha-san?”

”U-Umm... Well, I do confess that I am aware of the validity of that

viewpoint...”

The Madame suddenly began to act fl.u.s.tered, shocking G.o.dou.

”You're actually aware of it yourself!?”

”Well, after all, it's still... So, it's a very important point.”

”Please elaborate.”

”Well, you see, I'm already used to traveling in the past. Although there

were times when I almost changed history inadvertently, but in the end,

everything still turned out fine. Apart from helping people, I try my best not

to do anything that interferes with history!”

”By the time an exception happens, it would already be too late to fix...”

”That won't happen. This world is more harmonious than you can imagine,

Kusanagi-san. Furthermore, a maiden's heart that respects love and peace

is always the strongest weapon at all times.”

In response to Madame Aisha's opportunistic views, G.o.dou concurred

indifferently.

”Is that so?”

”Yes. I have already faced those kinds of situations many times.”

”In other words, you've actually changed history many times...”

”W-What are you saying? Putting that aside for now, I do think that the

current situation is not too good, Kusanagi-san, what with extraneous

ent.i.ties like you or me intruding in this past era for example, or willful

individuals like Doni-san coming here.”

Understanding what Madame Aisha meant, G.o.dou nodded.

The one who told him about history's corrective force was Madame Aisha

herself. However, she was also secretly admitting that this force had its

limits, was she not? Hence, she intended to personally stop Doni's

atrocities before the corrective force reached its limit —

Thinking about things this way, the reasoning did seem correct indeed. As

a test, G.o.dou asked:

”But how do you plan on stopping that idiot Doni?”

”Honest sincerity. I will speak with him with my true and sincere feelings.

Please leave it to me, hoho.”

G.o.dou silently stared at Madame Aisha while she chuckled and smiled.

Right now, before his eyes was probably the smiling face of someone who

firmly believed in humanity's love and benevolence. Furthermore,

considering how inexplicably enthusiastic she was right now, it was very

well possible she could plow through the current crisis through

extraordinary virtues alone.

But this time, the opponent was an absolute idiot of the super heavyweight

cla.s.s.

Originally, G.o.dou was supposed to head over to the scene himself. In

addition, he was going to hold the idiot down by the neck and loudly scold

him ”Get a grip of yourself and behave, no matter how much of an idiot you

are, you idiot!”

But there were reasons why he could not set off immediately.