Campione 11

  "First let's make a visit to the Palermo magic association, [Panormus]. This is the largest association on the island of Sicily. We have already contacted them yesterday through the commanders-in-chief we met at Cagliari. Palermo is also a city with intimate ties to the ancient Phoenicians."

  "Like Cagliari, could it be a city built by the ancient Phoenicians as well?"

  "Yes, that's right. Though the rulers have changed hands many times, its Phoenician origin remains historical fact. Since Sicily is the territory Melqart is most concerned about, let's start our operations with Palermo as our base."

  Saying that, Erica's face recovered her usual domineering airs.

  "Once we reach the harbor, members of [Panormus] should be there to welcome us."

  "Having people to receive us would really be a great help."

  At this time, a silver-haired elderly man approached.

  Godou was reminded of the famous movie, "The Godfather." Set in America during 1920s, it told the story of bloody struggles between violent gangs of Italian immigrants.

  The old man gave off an aura that clearly belonged to no respectable man.

  He was wearing what seemed to be a high-class suit. The cigar in his right hand also looked very high class. There was a unified sense of solemnity and criminality. Come to think of it, the mafia apparently operated on the island of Sicily... Just as these thoughts crossed Godou's mind, the man had already arrived.

  "Uncle Zamparini, were you traveling on this ship too?"

  "Ah yes. I remember we only met once, but what a great memory you have. Paolo Blandelli's niece is indeed as clever as rumored."

  He appeared to be an acquaintance of Erica's. But Old Man Zamparini's gaze soon shifted away from her.

  "My name is Walter Zamparini. Perhaps you may have heard of my name as the commander-in-chief of [Panormus]. We of [Panormus] are honored to welcome the youngest king. We humbly pledge our lives at your command."

  "Eh? But how did you get here? The ship hasn't even reached the harbor yet."

  "A trivial matter, it's actually very simple. After receiving news from Cagliari that Your Highness was coming to Sicily, I first took a plane to Cagliari and then boarded this ship."

  It only took an hour's flight from Palermo to Cagliari, so it was entirely plausible. However, why did the old man have to do that?

  "Thanks to that, I was able to witness Your Highness and Melqart in a conversation between a devil king and a god. I, Zamparini, am willing to lay down this life in service to Your Highness -- Kusanagi Godou."

  I see. Godou figured it out.

  Old Man Zamparini had boarded the same ship for the purpose of observing Godou. In order to discern with his own two eyes whether Godou was a god-slayer and whether he could duel a god or not. Having witnessed the events last night, he had confirmed that Godou was a real god-slayer...

  "There is no need to go that far for my sake. As long as you help handle Melqart's aftermath, I'll be really grateful."

  "Not at all. It is a mage's duty to serve a Campione. Please accept our assistance as much as possible... Ah, and Blandelli."

  Old Man Zamparini suddenly called to Erica by her family name.

  "Thank you for your efforts in serving the young king till now. However, your legal guardian, the [Copper Black Cross]' commander-in-chief Paolo Blandelli, has issued an order for your return. I shall serve in your place from this point onward, so please drop everything and hurry back to Milan."

  This announcement struck Godou and Erica like a bolt from the blue.

  Part 3

  Thirty minutes or so after meeting Old Man Zamparini, the ship reached the harbor of Palermo.

  Following the old man who looked and dressed exactly like a mafia boss, Godou and Erica got off the ship.

  "Automobiles have already been prepared. There, that one."

  Gazing into the distance at the harbor, one could see two BMWs in front of Zamparini.

  Gazing at the sturdy-looking exteriors of the luxury vehicles, Godou thought to himself. That's definitely bullet-proof glass in case of a shootout, right...

  One of the cars was white while the other was black. Either way you look at it, they did not seem like cars which normal people would ride.

  "The [King] and I shall ride this one. Blandelli, the other one will take you to the airport."

  Zamparini made his way towards the black BMW.

  Both cars had chauffeurs who were wearing sloppy looking clothes. They did not look like "professionals" but these men did have sharp glares...

  Before Godou could object to the old man's orders, Erica had already lit the powder keg.

  "I'm sorry, but I cannot return to Uncle Paolo yet."

  "Such willfulness. Your legal guardian has already requested that you, a minor and a girl, be sent home. Besides, the organization you belong to has also issued orders for your return. Hence, Blandelli, you have no options left."

  Igniting the cigar on one end and placing the other end in his mouth, the old man spoke. Even though he looked very solemn as he puffed out blue smoke, Godou still felt compelled to speak.

  "Excuse me, Zamparini-san. Although Erica really should return, I will be very troubled if she's no longer here. At least let her accompany me until the duel with Melqart. It would be a great help to me."

  "I understand. Though Your Highness may be king, you are still young and inexperienced as a god-slayer."

  Exhaling blue smoke, Zamparini said.

  "I admit a capable person is needed to fill that role, but there's no reason it has to be Erica Blandelli, right?"

  "Eh?"

  "There is no need for a young girl like her to serve Your Highness who is about to duel a god... Though you may feel I am putting this cruelly, it is a risky and difficult mission after all."

  Risky? Godou realized his stupidity. Indeed, bringing Erica along would mean getting her involved with a dangerous god.

  However, he still had great need of Erica's support--

  "Hence, allow me to take over the role of serving the king as Erica Blandelli's substitute."

  "Eh? What are you talking about?"

  Hearing something unexpected made Godou pose a stupid question.

  "I, Zamparini, shall support you during battle. Hohoho, despite how I may look, I did survive many dangerous situations in my youth... So please, let me offer my utmost efforts."

  Zamparini's words were full of confidence.

  Godou imagined a scene with Zamparini dressed in a white suit, wearing a Borsalino hat, his neck wrapped in a stylish muffler, puffing away on a cigar, holding a machine-gun in one hand and dynamite in the other--

  Perhaps the truth might be unexpectedly close to his imagination.

  In actual fact, he could sense that the old man was far stronger than Erica. However.

  "No, even someone like you, Uncle Zamparini, cannot replace me. Fighting beside Kusanagi Godou and advising him is my job, Erica Blandelli's."

  Erica made a "partners" declaration.

  That's right, no matter how dangerous the situation, the only one who stood by his side in the face of gods was Erica. Due to her declaration, Godou realized once again.

  Just as Godou was about to request for Erica to stay -- at that very moment.

  "Let's put it this way, it is because I am already Kusanagi Godou's 'woman'... We are lovers. Capable as you are, Uncle Zamparini, you cannot pursue a romantic relationship with him, right? So please give up."

  What? Godou suddenly heard words he never expected.

  In any case, the issue of Erica's return was thus cast aside for now.

  Godou and the rest rode Zamparini's car and traveled across the city of Palermo. Even though Godou and Erica had the rear seats all to themselves, Erica stuck to Godou the whole time like lovers. Sometimes she would lean over, while on other occasions she embraced him, her body tightly pressed against him the whole time.

  Godou felt really dizzy.

  Though Palermo was an Italian ci
ty, it was heavily influenced by Islamic culture. Consequently, virtually all buildings in the streets had no windows visible.

  Godou was concerned about Erica's lie, but the sensation of her body tightly pressed against him felt really unsettling.

  That soft, supple skin of hers, gave off a sweet fragrance akin to perfume, making him feel warm and comfortable. The sensations of the beautiful young blonde sent Godou's mind into a daze.

  "Hmm, Blandelli... In other words, you and Kusanagi Godou are engaged in a relationship as a couple?"

  "Yes, exactly, Uncle Zamparini. So please don't do anything so inconsiderate as to try to separate us. It would certainly taint the name of Walter Zamparini, once renowned as the Hero of Sicily."

  "Well since it's been spelled out to this extent, my hands are tied..."

  Sitting on the passenger seat beside the driver, Zamparini conversed with Erica as she sat beside Godou.

  "I guess it can't be helped. As an elder of an association, I really should do as your uncle, Paolo Blandelli, requested. But as a man, I can't stubbornly refuse to think outside the box. Very well then, I will make things convenient for you and the young [King]."

  "Wow, I'm really grateful! Come, Godou, you thank him as well."

  "A-Ah yes, I-I'm really thankful."

  Erica suddenly dragged him into the conversation, causing Godou to offer his thanks frantically.

  "Not at all. As long as you're a man, who wouldn't want to enjoy themselves once or twice?"

  Zamparini's words made Godou freeze.

  If a guy like him could really become lovers with a beauty like Erica, it would certainly be worthy of celebration.

  "And Kusanagi Godou, it is rather good news to us magi that Your Highness holds a healthy interest in beautiful girls. After all, the current Devil Kings are all rather rigid in their thinking, with nothing to do with the pleasures of life."

  Just as Godou was surprised by this sudden topic, the car stopped in front of a seaside park.

  "Hmm... Let us take a break here for now."

  At Zamparini's orders, the car stopped. Presumably to dispel the awkward atmosphere.

  Given this unexpected free time, Erica and Godou took a walk in the park, holding hands.

  "What do you mean by this!?"

  "I couldn't help it. There was no other choice."

  The two whispered to each other as they watched the sea, hand in hand. Zamparini and his subordinates kept away tactfully, allowing them privacy to speak their mind.

  "Listen Godou, I will now explain in order. First, Zamparini holds you in high regard, probably because he eavesdropped on your conversation with Melqart."

  "Really? But I didn't really say much that time."

  "Are you stupid? Simply talking to a [Heretic God] as equals is already an accomplishment. Furthermore, you are a completely neutral king in the world of magic, with neither supporters, subordinates nor backing. Zamparini wishes to establish amicable ties with you right now."

  "I don't really mind if all he wants are amicable ties..."

  "If that's all he wants, fine. But supposing Zamparini wishes to become an adviser akin to being the 'right hand man' of the seventh Devil King, then it's not hard to understand. At least, I believe he is aiming for the lofty power and influence held by kings."

  Other than the fact that she was holding Godou's hand as she leaned against him, Erica acted identically as before.

  "Hence, Erica Blandelli by your side is an obtrusive existence to him, which is why he preemptively contacted the [Copper Black Cross] beforehand."

  "But what does becoming the 'right hand man' have to do with sending you back?"

  "You finally noticed the key point. Hmm, that's the issue."

  Erica seemed to have reached a conclusion, as she murmured towards empty space.

  "Although [Panormus] is the largest association on the island of Sicily, it only counts as mid to small scale on the entire European stage. But if [Panormus] obtains a Campione's protection, or even becomes his direct subordinate organization, then it can stand toe to toe with bigger and more prestigious associations."

  "......"

  "On the other hand, prestigious associations, like the [Copper Black Cross] which I belong to, will avoid developing intimate ties with individual [Kings] as much as possible. Of course, they will still offer their services with the greatest reverence, but they will not approve of acts such as having their commander-in-chief's niece and future commander-in-chief candidate become an immature Devil King's 'right hand man.' "

  "So why do you have to call yourself my 'lover?' "

  Godou exclaimed emphatically, for there must be other ways, right?

  "T-This couldn't be helped either. Apart from using the name of an association's mage, supporting you on a personal basis would be most ideal. Once a Campione declares 'I will not permit my woman to be taken away,' no one will dare drive me away."

  Indeed, as soon as she made the lovers declaration, Zamparini became understanding and accommodating.

  As befitted the passionate Latin nation, perhaps they were more lenient when it came to matters of love. However, Godou was a bona fide member of the Yamato nation!

  "Wouldn't it work if you said we are good friends?"

  "Idiot, that would only work to Zamparini's advantage!"

  As their argument escalated as they leaned their bodies close together, their voices grew louder and louder.

  "...Besides, I believe that a declaration of lovers would better protect my safety."

  "Why is that?"

  "You must have felt it to some extent. Zamparini and his [Panormus] association are not just a real magic association, but also authentic Sicilian mafia."

  "He really is a Godfather!?"

  "If he deemed me serving by Godou's side to be a hindrance, ordering an assassination would just be everyday business for them. Particularly during a battle with Melqart, a bullet to the back followed by a cover up would not be surprising."

  "What a bunch of people..."

  "If you have the leisure to panic, why don't you put some effort into looking more passionate..."

  Erica finally concluded.

  "That is why I called myself your lover. As the girl upon whom the Campione bestows his full affections, I will be safe from their foolhardy attempts. Consequently, please treat me as your most beloved woman, understood?"

  And thus the secret conversation ended.

  The pair tried their best to look like "lovers" as they walked back to the car.

  Thereafter, Zamparini took them sightseeing to various attractions.

  Ancient Greeks, the Roman Empire, Arabs, Normans and various tribes had conquered Palermo in the past. Its history carried a certain exotic flair that distinguished the city from many others. Along the old city streets along the shore, there were many ancient buildings.

  Churches and chapels flashed into view. Then they were taken to the Palazzo dei Normanni -- a palace that was constructed by Arabs in the ninth century then later rebuilt as the Norman king's residence in the twelfth century.

  "Very well, time to go."

  It was 5pm when Zamparini declared in the car. Exhausted from all the sightseeing, Godou asked lifelessly:

  "...Where are we going this time?"

  "To my home, Kusanagi Godou. It's about time for Your Highness to rest. Tonight, please accept my invitation to be a guest at my home."

  Godou was shocked. Going around acting like lovers with Erica all day had completely drained him and he wished to have a good rest in a room by himself...

  Soon after, they arrived at Zamparini's home located in a high-class residential neighborhood within the city of Palermo.

  Numerous servants were hard at work in this spacious and luxurious mansion. All over the premises were people who appeared rather disreputable. They were most likely mafia as well as magi belonging to the [Panormus] magic association.

  Godou and Erica were taken to the most grand and luxurious room in the hous
e. That in itself was certainly nice, but Godou's problem was that he was not the only one sleeping there.

  With a matter-of-fact tone of voice, Erica informed Godou they will be sleeping in the same room.

  Part 4

  Night had fallen and dinner time had arrived. But the only occupants of the stately and magnificent dining room were the master Zamparini, Godou and Erica. Three people.

  It was not yet time to start eating, but the table was already piled full of high-class dishes and sumptuous offerings.

  Due to Erica's public declaration of a "lovers' relationship," Godou could only eat mechanically despite facing the most luxurious feast he encountered to this date. Thanks to that, Godou completely failed to register what he ate or what anything tasted like.

  Then Godou was taken to the bedroom.

  Naturally, Erica accompanied him. Willing or not, they could not tear their gazes away from the massive canopy bed. Obviously, there was no other bed either.

  "I-I'm gonna sleep on the couch over there."

  "T-That's right. Even if I declared ourselves to be lovers, there is no need to go so far."

  Just as they reached consensus, the telephone in the room started to ring.

  "This happens to be one of my hobbies."

  A massive bath was located in a corner of Zamparini's home. Thus declared Godou and Erica's host and master of the house, with great pride over the phone.

  "Often I feel that modern Europeans over neglect the customs of the bath... Hence, I decided to have craftsmen recreate an ancient Roman bath right here."

  Mesmerized by the sight of the bathing facilities, Godou answered with a simple "Huh."

  Inside were three massive bathing areas, each wider than any swimming pool Godou had ever seen. Two were filled with hot water while the third was cold. The place was filled with giant columns like the Parthenon temple in Greece, giving a serene sense of solemnity.

  Naturally, the facilities were also equipped with sauna rooms and a smaller Jacuzzi tub. Indeed, this massive bathing facility did feel like Roman baths from the times at the height of their popularity.

  "It must have been fate that allowed me the chance to entertain the young king and his lover. Surely, Your Highness and your lover over there should take the time to enjoy yourselves here."