Campione 12

by Transient Holy Night

  “Ah, I didn’t intend to impress you with cleaning duties too!”

  “Don’t worry about it, the longer someone sees the stains in this house the more disgusted they would feel.”

  As soon as she finished speaking, Liliana swiftly commenced cleaning.

  She first tidied up the things scattered along the hallway, bed and so on. Afterwards, it was of course time for the vacuum and duster to take the stage. They could reach places to clean that was inaccessible to a cleaning rag.

  “No don’t, I didn’t intend to trouble you to this extent.”

  “Don’t worry, I might as well do it while I’m here.”

  Dressed up in a uniform and apron, Liliana was hard at work with the cleanup.

  This kind of routine-esque appearance gave people the impression that she was a newly-wed wife who undertakes the household duties all by herself. Not only that, a mysterious magical force arising from her enduring attitude made Godou’s heart skip endlessly.

  In short, he was unable to just let her clean alone.

  As a result, Godou also helped clean in all quarters of the Kusanagi household. In Godou’s point of view, Liliana seemed to behave as if she was instructed by the King’s request or something along those lines. Because of that, he decided to join her in the cleanup.

  During this occasional rest day, he sank into the awkward situation undertaking the role of a husband helping the wife of the house in tidying up.

  This type of impression emerged in Godou.

  At its conclusion, Liliana went home upon completing one hour of cleaning.

  “That said, people in Japan would thoroughly clean their house during the end of year......”

  In the end, Godou muttered to himself.

  Although she was still far away from the meticulously cleaned first and second floor of the Kusanagi household, Godou still decided to wait for the return of Shizuka inside the sublimely transformed house along with Liliana’s diligently prepared dinner.

  Soon after, the night had finally ushered in——.

  “Onii-chan......the situation regarding Mariya-senpai today was already a problematic issue and now you bring a girl home!? There’s no use playing dumb! Whether it’s the dinner or the house that has become sparkling clean, it’s obvious that it isn’t Onii-chan who did it! Who did you bring over? It was Mariya-senpai wasn’t it? Or was it another girl? It would probably be in your best interest to plead guilty!”

  That night, Godou’s house was filled with the affectionate conversation between brother and sister.

  According to Shizuka, the silhouettes of girls had recently congregated around Godou. Don’t be silly, I’m not the same as grandpa. Godou retorted in this way numerous times before finally driving away Shizuka.

  After returning to his room, Godou sighed in relief.

  At this time there was an incoming call on his cellphone. It was Yuri calling, Godou instantly picked up.

  “Hello, is this Mariya?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry for calling this late at night. If I may ask, are you free at the moment?”

  After the polite greetings the conversation got underway.

  This kind of etiquette and adherence to discipline is a trait of Yuri’s. Godou was surreptitiously happy to be able to talk to her.

  After hearing her voice through the phone, Godou immediately focused his attention.

  “In regards to that situation up until now, there is one thing to report.”

  “That situation concerning Santa Clauses turning grey?”

  “Yes, that phenomenon manifested itself this afternoon in the following seven locations which seem to have all been confirmed: Yotsuya, Mejiro, Nakano, Yoyogi, Roppongi, Nakameguro, Yurakucho......right now Amakasu-san is currently on his way to investigate.”

  “It’s still recurring?”

  In the end, the Grey One committing “suicide” at Odaiba did not conclude this matter.

  Plus the event had occurred in an imposing manner where it appears to be playing catchup for the last couple of days.

  “After whatever you did was all said and done, were there any breakthroughs? If only Amakasu-san had information to pass along......”

  “In regards to this situation, I have an idea what it is.”

  “Eh!?”

  Godou was stunned at Yuri’s sudden admission.

  “After hearing the reports, I was bestowed with a divine revelation through my spirit vision. At long last I saw it. Although, I’m not sure whether or not this is accurate......it’s Erica-san.”

  “Huh, why that person?”

  Could Erica really be the culprit? What does this all equate to?

  “Even though she is a bit deceitful, she isn’t the type of person who would carry out these sort of pranks.”

  “I agree. However, I have a very strong feeling that the crux for solving this situation at least focuses around Erica-san.”

  Erica Blandelli, out of all the people Godou knew, she was the most gorgeous and the most talented girl.

  What information was she withholding? Without any clues, Godou nodded his head. Either call it quits or go through with it till the end——no, since matters have reached this stage, it would be best to bravely advance towards the finale.

  Chapter 4 - Name of the God Heralding Midwinter?

  Part 1

  Subsequently about ten minutes after contacting Yuri, Godou got in touch with a certain someone.

  In fact, he notified her by saying ‘Santa Clauses are being greyified once again!’. He also wanted to utilize that familiar she used in the past to search for the culprit.

  However, he relinquished that idea after sensing there was some kind of indescribable danger.

  Viewing it from the perspective of a baseball team, expectations would dictate Kusanagi Godou to be either the fourth hitter or catcher. These were the positions he was accustomed to ever since he was a child.

  On offense, the pinch hitter was allowed to distance hit. On defense, the pitcher and outfielders would be instructed to set up a containment. There were no inconspicuous movements on his side.

  However, the fourth hitter for some reason decided to bunt the ball.

  The catcher, who was supposed to be like a calm and unwavering central control tower, wanted to play in the outfield.

  This type of vulgarness was comparable to the current situation.

  Overextending oneself. The furthest thing from playing to one's talents. Didn't Amakasu mention earlier? "This is something that can be cleared up as soon as we sent out Committee members to investigate." Godou had no wish to trouble others even though the problem would be resolved without him doing anything personally.

  Why did they have to operate in this fashion? They were still far from having the right person in the right place.

  He felt profoundly dissatisfied——.

  This was why Godou was determined to get in touch with that person. During times like these, he......no, she should be someone he could rely on.

  Presently on the 20th of December, two hours had passed.

  Godou had avoided the gaze of Shizuka and snuck out of the house.

  He boarded Amakasu Touma’s car on Kototoi Street and headed off towards Area 3 of the Chiyoda ward. The setup of this ghost house-like western-style mansion gave the impression that they wanted to silently conceal themselves along this alleyway.

  This place was where the person in charge of the Tokyo division of the History Compilation Committee resided.

  To say that she was a beautiful girl would be too neutral and her voice was too thin to be considered a beautiful boy. Incidentally, this woman was very adept at fooling around and among strategists, she was quite problematic to deal with......

  “Thank you for being able to come my King. Today I, Sayanomiya Kaoru, a person of humble talent, intend to use everything in my power to assist Kusanagi Godou.”

  The person who greeted them at the front door was Kaoru who was wearing a formal black butler’s outfit
.

  She chose to speak in an incomparably exaggerated form, but the way she conveyed it was very natural.

  Her bout of courtesy was humorous but also very elegant. Chuckling, Kaoru seemed to be completely at ease when she gave her witty greeting.

  “I feel there is absolutely no need for this kind of flattery...... Why are you dressed up?”

  “Since Kusanagi-sama wanted to personally come for a visit, I wanted to try and spruce up a bit for the occasion. Let’s put this matter aside for now, please enter. Yuri and Liliana-san have already arrived.”

  Wearing a perfectly overdone men’s outfit, this girl emitted a frivolous expression towards Godou.

  After being invited inside her residence, two of his old acquaintances reappeared in the lounge.

  “Godou-san, we were waiting for your arrival.”

  “We heard that the phenomenon happened again.”

  Seeing that this more or less turned into a formal mission for the Committee members, Yuri wore her entire miko attire while Liliana was dressed in a blue vest with black pants.

  Godou and the others entered the spacious study together.

  This area was actually Kaoru’s office. It had also become the meeting room to assess countermeasures against heretic gods many times in the past. Godou proceeded to sit down on the couch. Afterwards, Liliana also sat down to his right.

  She was completely oblivious, sitting down as if it was her established spot.

  Their line of sight crossed paths. Liliana flashed an eye signal and Godou responded by nodding his head. It was finally time to thoroughly investigate the facts. The commencement of a critical juncture has initiated.

  “........”

  “? What’s the matter Mariya?”

  Godou inadvertently glanced at Yuri only to see she for some reason held a very staunch expression while gazing at him and Liliana.

  After questioning her, the hime-miko suddenly became flustered and sat down towards Godou’s left.

  “N-Nothing’s wrong. Speaking of which Godou-san, I’m not sure when it began but the relationship between you and Liliana-san has become much more intimate......”

  “Intimate——uh, well, compared to our relationship from before it has improved slightly. Right Liliana?”

  “Y-Yes I agree. Returning to that topic Kusanagi Godou, since when did your relationship with Mariya became much friendlier compared to before? As expected, this is probably the reason why there were rumors about you.”

  “Eh?” Godou was puzzled after hearing Liliana satirizing him.

  “Yes, that must be it. Despite having additional vacant spots, Mariya Yuri sat by your side without the slightest hesitation. This is something I never would have imagined until this day.”

  “——! ? T-This meeting is only to discuss matters regarding the phenomenon in detail with Godou-san.”

  While replying, Yuri completely lost her composure due to fear from this sudden criticism.

  “Also, it was Liliana-san who started this.”

  “I-I had the position of assisting Kusanagi Godou for this situation. Being his consultant, I’m only sitting at my natural post. And furthermore, even the way you address him has changed......”

  The latter part of Liliana’s words became a whining murmur that was difficult to hear discernibly.

  No matter how one looks at it, he was caught between the two girls. The atmosphere became a tad awkward.

  During this time, Godou coincidentally remembered something. Being able to strengthen his relationship with others was favorable. However, perhaps their relationship was a bit more unrestrained in the past......?

  “Hey. I see, so that was it.”

  On the other side, the calmly awaiting Kaoru who dressed up like a butler seemed to laugh out of amusement and nodded her head.

  They appeared to be waiting and watching each other’s responses. Just exactly what did she realize? Godou thought it was strange but also expressed gratitude towards Kaoru. All of the responsibilities for the arrangement at this location fell onto her.

  In this chaotic situation, there was Yuri’s spirit vision and the mysterious trump card Erica held. These matters should be quickly sorted out. Out of everyone gathered here, the most suitable candidate to accomplish this was none other than Kaoru.

  Therefore, he used his cellphone to contact Kaoru. Within an hour he received a return call from her. At that time Kaoru straightforwardly told him “the location arrangements for the emergency meeting has been set, please head over at this time. Erica-san will be there as well.”

  Her ability and skill to get the job done were still as good as ever. If Sayanomiya Kaoru was born in the right time period, she would have the moral character of a ‘feudal leader’ or a ‘bishop’. Who made such a remark before?

  “Looks like I made everyone wait.”

  Moreover, this girl seemed to take the role of a person who enters the stage last. Her attire consisted of a red overcoat along with tight black pants, paying tribute by pairing up ‘red and black’ as usual.

  “After being contacted by Kaoru, I told Arianna to find the appropriate item. She went through the entire house, spending thirty minutes to find this. My maid, who also acts as my assistant, is really quite capable isn’t she?”

  Upon entering the study, she spoke with a tone of brightness. She didn’t even do anything but it was like a shameless admission nevertheless. She revealed a broad smile, as expected of Erica Blandelli’s temperament.

  Erica suddenly revealed her findings which was a plain wooden chest.

  The size of the cover attached to the top could fit into a person’s hand. It was black in color and looked quite decrepit.

  A click sound was made as Erica opened the lid. The contents inside were merely two, three dried up pieces of fruit that were about the same size as a ping pong ball.

  It resembled nothing other than some sort of dried up fruit.

  “Out of the magic related items I brought to Japan, this was one that I originally did not have on me at the time. It was not one of the items that came from Milan either. However, why would something like this be mixed in with the other stuff in my apartment? It is quite a peculiar predicament.”

  Erica was smiling while looking around inside the wooden chest. She had a brazen smile that was without fear, like a malevolent lion skulking around to get in front of its prey.

  “If you trust the note attached to the top of the chest, this box appears to be from the past——probably more than one hundred years ago. It was an object brought to earth by a heretic god appearing in Turkey. Recently there seems to have been various kinds of strange events occurring. In no way can the name of this god be just a coincidental match to what has occurred during these phenomenons."

  “......Quit posturing. Hurry up and say the name of the god already.”

  Liliana interrupted her.

  “What’s so awful about a climax of this degree, Lily? I will never flounder the chance to be on center stage. This stunt is something everyone should know about me, Erica Blandelli.”

  After leisurely speaking, Erica suddenly announced:

  “The name of the god is Saturnus. He was believed to be the god of agriculture in the Ancient Roman Empire. He is an existence who gave the populace crops and produce. Furthermore, he brought along the divine festival that Christmas originated from.”

  Liliana gently nodded. It looks like she recognized the name.

  Saturnus, it should be the first time he heard that name right? Godou felt slightly ill at ease.

  However, right now he had to ask about the doubts encountered from before.

  “The origins of Christmas?”

  “During the end of the year in Ancient Rome, they would conduct a grand festival for Saturnus every December. They dance, sing, drink wine, make a racket, and heartily cheer with merriment.”

  Erica spoke with her usual clear-cut tone.

  “The title of the god of agriculture originated from the app
reciation of the current year’s harvest and the festival where prayers were held for a bountiful harvest the following year. During this festival, there appears to have been some sort of social custom where people present tree branches and fruits as gifts to each other. After this social custom was popularized in Christianity, remnants of it remained in various parts of Europe and eventually transformed into a social custom where ‘gifts were to be exchanged during the festival hosted at the end of the year’.”

  “A couple of days ago I mentioned that Saint Nicolas was a Saint who brought the fruits of harvest. Saturnus was also a god of agriculture but he dates back much farther in time compared to the Saint of Christianity.”

  Liliana added on to that as if she was supplementing the explanation.

  “By around the 11th century, Christianity had extended throughout Europe. During a time much prior to that, Europeans worshiped Cronus[10], Freyr[11], Dagda[12] and other indigenous gods of agriculture. Nevertheless, following the popularization of Christianity, these ancient gods were replaced by Saint Nicolas. The birth of Jesus Christ served as a form of replacement for the social custom of the great winter festival.

  “Using our modern calendar, the harvest festival is held around December. This wasn’t a rare occurrence for those who engaged within the the realms of agriculture. This festival was even held in ancient Egypt.”

  “Erica-san......may I take a look at that thing?”

  Yuri shyly asked Erica who was recounting unexpected information. Her gaze was cast towards the contents from inside the chest that the blonde beauty held in her hands.

  “Of course, you didn’t have to ask. Perhaps if we rely on Yuri’s power we can see something that evades us.”

  Yuri walked towards Erica after leaving the couch.

  She extended her hand to borrow the wooden chest of hers. Her pale index finger and middle finger reached into the wooden chest, trembling with fear as she touched the dried fruits dating over 100 years old.

  Following that, Yuri’s facial expression suddenly became very stiff. It seemed like she had a pretty clear impression from her spirit vision.

  However, instead of being jubilant, Godou actually felt worried because Yuri’s expression became excessively rigid.