Campione 11

by The Second Tale

  "Oh well."

  Even though it was a long journey on foot, it would only take a brief drive by car.

  Godou began to imagine as he concurred.

  A western mansion built on a remote island in a faraway ocean, a mountain villa hidden amongst snowy peaks, isolated locales where locked room mysteries[18] could occur were surely to Erica's liking...

  "If it weren't for Godou saying no, I could've simply taken the car from the garage."

  "Then why did you say no when I asked if you could drive?"

  "Not an issue. You do know there are spells to make iron and metal move according to the caster's wishes, right? Given a car's scale and dimensions, no problem at all. It's simply an iron box on wheels with two people sitting in it. Then all I need to do is move the whole thing forward using my spells. I can't do any complicated maneuvers, but simply moving back and forth on a mountain path would not be a problem. Definitely."

  "To think the urban legend of the driver-less autonomous car was narrowly averted, let's not go there..."

  After hiking for thirty minutes, they finally reached the destination.

  It was a majestic stone-built mansion in the mountains.

  A cloister(!) surrounded a garden overgrown with weeds.

  The building's walls were almost a meter thick, with elaborate carvings on the top of the stone pillars. Based on the style of architecture, this place was at least eight centuries old.

  Especially the one-story lobby in the center.

  It had an atrium with a stained glass ceiling that one admired by looking up.

  Deep in the back was a platform resembling an altar, with a seven or eight-meter-tall statue of Madonna and Child.

  Basically convinced that this was no ordinary building, Godou spoke up:

  "This place, could it be some kind of especially ancient and precious building?"

  "Not precious, but ancient for sure. This was formerly a monastery built during the Middle Ages. Many generations ago, ancestors in the Blandelli family bought this place."

  "Using this kind of holy place as a personal villa would be sufficient cause for divine retribution!"

  "Oh my. This kind of villa, may not be abundant, but neither is it very rare. Other than wealthy descendants of nobles, many other people own similar buildings."

  "Ah... So these are villas where nobles live..."

  Catching a glimpse into the lifestyles of the European upper class, Godou exclaimed emphatically.

  "In this current time and age, there are no practical uses for these places other than converting them into hotels or museums. But this location at Lake Garda isn't very ideal from a business point of view, and it's rather doubtful whether the investment would pay off. Precisely because it's this sort of place, please use it any way you like. Any level of destruction is fine."

  Listening to Erica's generous offer, Godou surveyed the interior of the building.

  Considering the unreliability of his authority and the difference in combat ability between him and Doni, Godou wanted to avoid fighting in open country with nowhere to hide. On a battlefield without any cover, he would most likely be sliced to death in short time.

  Not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth, especially from Erica, Godou decided to make the most of it with gratitude.

  As Godou nodded, Erica responded with a noblewoman's broad-minded smile.

  "If you wish, Godou, I could also teach you basic swordsmanship. Even though a day's learning might not have much effect, at least it'll feel safer."

  "Really... But no thanks."

  Erica watched with an amused expression as Godou refused indifferently.

  "Just as you say, using a day to do things at the last second would not be very meaningful. Rather than that, it'd be more productive to consider more fundamental strategies."

  "Such as?"

  "Areas where that guy's sword cannot reach... However, that alone won't be enough to win either."

  As a batter, how to conquer a troublesome pitcher? As a catcher, how to guide the pitcher to defeat the batter? Godou began to ponder along these lines.

  Rather than using sword skills acquired last-minute, he was going to fight that idiot in his own personal fashion.

  This was the duel between high school student Kusanagi Godou and the monster Salvatore Doni. Hence -- this is going to be done my way.

  In order not to repeat the failure during Melqart's battle, he must remember to respond craftily and avoid carelessness...

  "How courageous! Fighting Europe's ultimate swordsman without even an inkling of how to wield a sword!"

  Saying that, Erica laughed delightfully.

  "But looking at your situation, perhaps that might turn out for the best. After all, simply using the [Camel] incarnation transforms yourself into a warrior even stronger than me. And unlike Sir Salvatore, you even possess incarnations with long range attacks... Furthermore, there's the [Sword] of spell words."

  "That so? But Doni and I are both Campi-whatevers."

  "Anyway, the fact that you both possess divine authorities remains the same. Two of Sir Salvatore's authorities have clear origins. The [Ripping Arm of Silver] usurped from the Celtic divine king Nuadha, as well as the [Man of Steel] from the Norse hero Siegfried."

  As Erica explained fluently, Godou nodded with a helpless expression.

  "Well... I was able to sever just Melqart's power of [Storms] last time. I should be able to do it again with the same sort of feeling."

  Verethragna's final incarnation, the [Warrior], wielded the blade of spell words. In order to obtain it, Godou needed to do that again with Erica--

  Pondering to this point, Godou fell silent.

  "That's... right. After all, I'm expecting..."

  Erica also seemed to have recalled the same thing and suddenly began to be at a loss for words. Their gazes meeting briefly, the two of them instantly blushed at the same time.

  "A-Anyway, let's prepare dinner first, it's about time to get back."

  "Y-Yes. Please indulge me with your cooking skills."

  Unable to dispel the awkward atmosphere, they continued their way down the mountain path.

  Godou's choice of dinner was curry.

  Considering this was the result of his careful selection in an unfamiliar repertory as he browsed through food corners in shops, it was passable. That was what Godou thought. But unlike shops in Japan, curry powder was not available.

  Stirring flour into a paste, he added all sorts of spicy seasonings into a pot, and adjusted the taste.

  There was one camp where they had run out of curry powder, and Godou ended up learning how to make it from someone.

  The other ingredients for the curry was chicken as well as spring vegetables he found in the supermarket.

  He also prepared a large plate of salad. Using olive oil and wine vinegar mixed with salt and pepper, he improvised a dressing. There was also bread with hard crusts. Bought cheese and sausages, etc.

  "...How unexpectedly ordinary, this food is so uninteresting."

  "Stop having these weird expectations in this area..."

  Bathed under the rays of the setting sun, Lake Garda was illuminated orange.

  Despite their differing views on the food, Godou and Erica finished all the prepared food without waste.

  Godou was not adventurous enough to expect Erica to do the washing up, so he cleaned up by himself. After that, there were no other chores to be done. They had already bathed before dinner. (As a side note, the villa contained two bathrooms, thus there was no need to take turns.)

  With nothing to do, the two of them sat down in the spacious living room of the villa.

  Recalling the "ritual" they had performed before the battle with Melqart, Godou maintained a slight distance from Erica. He had a feeling something strange was going to happen.

  Keeping his distance away from Erica who was sitting at a table, Godou sat down alone on a sofa.

  "The first god Sir Salvatore defeated was Irelan
d's Nuadha, the king of the Tuatha Dé Danann.[19] A god with a silver-crafted arm to replace a severed arm, he is a war god who wields the sword of light which slices through all existence."

  Erica suddenly spoke words of great learning.

  "The second one defeated was the hero Siegfried. Bathed in the blood of the evil dragon Fafnir, he became the invulnerable warrior. He is well-known in Richard Wagner's operatic works, so Godou should have heard of him, right?"

  Only on the level of having heard of the name. Godou listened silently as Erica proceeded.

  "Other than these two, Sir Salvatore also seems to have slain one or two more gods, but the details are unclear. Since his favorite authorities in battle are the 'magic sword' and the 'protection of steel,' it can be deduced that his remaining authorities are most likely unsuited for direct combat."

  "Eh? Those kinds of authorities exist?"

  "Prince Alec's labyrinth-creating authority would be a typical example... Anyway, Sir Salvatore's primary weapons consist of the 'sword' and 'invulnerability.' Given a choice of which one to seal, I'd choose the sword."

  "Yeah, I'd pick that one too. But isn't it meaningless to raise these hypothetical situations?"

  Unable to understand Erica's intentions, Godou felt troubled.

  It almost felt like she was making preparations to forge the [Sword]. In that case, engaging Erica in that kind of behavior was required -- no good no good.

  Godou frantically dispelled thoughts of temptation and spoke quietly.

  "I already have a basic idea on how to win this battle. So, let's retire early tonight for a good night's rest. How's that, Erica? You should be quite tired, right?"

  But no matter how early they should sleep, the current time had not even reached seven in the evening.

  Definitely too early. But there was no other excuse to end the conversation.

  "No, I'm not particularly tired."

  "I-I see."

  "Hey Godou, don't we currently look like we're eloping?"

  "Eh!?"

  Godou was rendered speechless by Erica's sudden description.

  "Ever since yesterday, we've been fleeing together just the two of us. Living under the same roof in a matter-of-fact manner. What else could you call this other than eloping?"

  "N-No, even though you could look at it that way, but we're not actually doing that."

  While Godou stuttered in denial, Erica had already approached. Swiftly, she sat down next to Godou on the sofa.

  "Isn't it more like friends or close comrades...?"

  "Yes. As well as partners for life. Lovers bound by promises of eternal love."

  What the heck was with this analogy!? Erica drew near as Godou entered a state of panic.

  "Godou, if you could come to a profound realization and regard Erica Blandelli as your one and only woman... I could consider staying with you forever and ever till death do us part?"

  Erica's beautiful face was approaching Godou head on from an extremely close distance.

  By this point, Godou finally realized. Or rather, he was forced to realize. Kusanagi Godou's destiny was currently at a major crossroad!

  Part 5

  "T-That's overly intense, I think we need to calm down and consider things carefully first."

  "Who do you take me for? Before speaking to you, Godou, I've already undergone careful consideration. Precisely because I understand the irrepressibly intense passion in my heart, that is why I am turning my feelings into action."

  Not only beautiful but also intelligent, the young beauty confessed clearly and directly.

  Why? Why was Erica saying such things to Kusanagi Godou!?

  "B-But no matter how I wrap my mind around it, we don't really match, right?"

  "Oh my, are you saying that I, Erica Blandelli, am not qualified to become the spouse of the seventh Campione, Kusanagi Godou?"

  "Idiot, I mean the opposite. I'm not good enough for you!"

  "In that case, you're the idiot. Foolishly worrying about the issue of matching when we should be softly whispering words of love and passion to each other. What a boorish person you are!"

  Finally, the words of love and passion came directly from Erica's mouth.

  At this rate, misunderstanding her was impossible. Erica smiled gently as she drew her face near the utterly shocked Godou's ear.

  "However, I happen to like that boorishness of yours. A different kind of fool from Sir Salvatore. Honest to a fault, clumsy, boorish, brilliant on occasion but essentially naive most of the time -- Kusanagi Godou, that is the man I love most of all."

  Despite the accusations of fool, these soft whispers were filled with loving passion.

  "On the other hand, trying to justify love with myriad reasons would be truly boorish instead. Hey Godou, have you always thought of me as an arrogant woman? I hope you can answer me properly and give me an appropriate response."

  "A-Appropriate?"

  "You could say things like 'I also feel the same way about you,' 'a woman like you is not my type,' etc etc. Regardless, please tell me in no uncertain terms whether you accept or reject my proposal."

  Godou almost fainted from these sweet whispers by his ear.

  "B-But this is too sudden. Something like this happening should be impossible!"

  "Really? I too, was previously unwilling to admit to my feelings no matter what. Indeed, I was not sufficiently forthright with my affections... But now that I have made up my mind, I can easily understand that sort of feeling. Besides, if I truly didn't like a boy, would I really offer my lips to him?"

  Even though Erica displayed slight embarrassment, she continued to talk happily.

  If everything was as she described, then Kusanagi Godou was truly blind and insensitive.

  "R-Really?"

  "Correct. So, I shall now pose a series of questions to Kusanagi Godou. --To you personally, am I special? Or in fact, you feel like I am no different from any other woman?"

  "T-That's not right. You are definitely special to me in all meanings of the word."

  Godou ended up confessing unwittingly. Erica instantly smiled tenderly. So cute!

  "Well answered. So, how was life in Japan without me by your side? Were you lonely? Did you recall each and every one of our exciting days together?"

  "I guess I did recall..."

  Another confession. Crap!

  "Here comes the final question! Do you like being together with me? Or perhaps not? Which is it?"

  "If I disliked you, I wouldn't have crossed oceans to see you!"

  Damn it. His thoughts revealed by that unruly tongue, Godou was filled with terror.

  This was a first experience. These words which his rationality forbade him to say, were all being uttered as a result of Erica's passionate advances!

  ...But wait a minute. Why did he even need to refuse?

  Godou suddenly realized that neither Erica nor himself had a predetermined lover. Even if they got together, there was nothing wrong with it.

  Ultimately, this was simply a matter of decision. He finally realized clearly.

  "Ah... But it's only been a month at most since we first met. Isn't it a bit rushed to make such a huge decision given so little time? Maybe we should spend more time to gradually confirm each other's feelings?"

  "Passion strikes like lightning, while love endures forever."

  Faintly smiling, Erica spoke poetic sounding words.

  "Even if all it takes is an instant to fall in love, the loving relationship can persist for the rest of our lives."

  Not good. This forthright blonde beauty belonged to the passionate Latin nation.

  In situations like this, the Yamato nation was completely outclassed in decisiveness!

  Not to mention Erica's overwhelming appeal. Those excessively direct words of courtship. In fact, Godou had secretly felt himself attracted to her ever since they met in Sardinia.

  He could not find any reason to refuse her.

  Nevertheless, Godou was not the woma
nizing type to enter a lovers relationship given such short time. Besides, it would feel kind of insincere to respond to Erica's promises of "forever" without a thoughtful answer.

  "Hohoho. If Godou cannot decide yet on our relationship, I won't mind for now. If my judgment is correct, you are acting the same way as I was yesterday. I can see that all you're lacking is the final resolve."

  Tenderly smiling, Erica casually asserted.

  Godou could not find words to refute her.

  "Then let's put the matter aside for now, and resolve the most pressing problem? In order to prepare for the fight against Sir Salvatore, we must forge the [Sword]."

  "W-Wait a minute. If that's the case, it means we have to do that again!?"

  "Certainly. But there's no longer any problem, right? No matter how our relationship evolves in the future, we have already confirmed the connection between the depths of our hearts. Without any awkward excuses, let us enjoy the ritual properly now?"

  "E-E-E-Enjoy!?"

  "Isn't kissing a loved one the most natural thing in the world? Hoho, to be frank, during the ritual last time, my heart was actually racing so fast, I completely lost myself. It felt like my mind became blank as I was brought to ecstasy by our kissing."

  "......!"

  "T-That was my first experience, you know. Hey Godou, could you bring me to ecstasy once more? For the sake of prevailing over Sir Salvatore, let us do our best."

  Saying that, Erica brought her cherry lips to Godou's mouth.

  Some time after dinner, she had reapplied lipstick. Those brightly lustrous lips held terrifying fascination. Furthermore, having fully savored the taste of kissing her lips before, simply recalling the memory further intensified the situation.

  Their lips were only one or two centimeters apart now. Godou felt his heart beating loudly like some sort of continuous alarm.

  The desire to respond to Erica's passion. The desire to understand Erica's determination. The desire to not lose against that idiot. All these desires mixed and scrambled together.

  He also noticed--

  Erica's offered her lips in a kiss and Godou accepted.