"B-But, I'm sorry. I got carried away and said those things."
"It's fine, those things don't matter. I've long accepted that I can't play baseball any more, don't worry."
For a brief moment, neither of the siblings spoke.
Noticing Shizuka's depression, Godou not only said things he would never say normally, but also stroked her head all this time.
Her mood slightly restored, Shizuka's parting words could never be forgotten.
"Onii-chan, I'm not asking for something expensive, but just something you chose with care will do. Buy something that will make me happy. If you pick something without care, I won't forgive you!"
She clearly knew her brother did not have an eye for picking things, and yet she made such a demand?
Godou sighed deeply.
Kusanagi Godou was now fifteen years old, just graduated from middle school, and about to enter high school.
From elementary to middle school he had always been playing baseball.
During middle school, he was the starting catcher and fourth hitter for a certain strong youth team. He also had the experience of representing Japan in overseas games as well as the Tokyo Selection Match, a World Series competition.
However, during the summer of his third year in middle school, his shoulder was injured during a group training camp for the World Series competition.
A certain pitcher who threw fastballs that were difficult to control had struck Godou with the ball while he was running from third base to home. Due to the direct impact of the ball, both his back and his right shoulder were hurt.
Though the injuries have healed, his most important weapon as a catcher, the strong shoulder was no good any more.
Disappointed by the weak trajectories of his thrown balls, Godou began to worry about his future in high school.
Even though the shoulder was no good, there were still ways to continue playing baseball.
There were actually schools that appreciated Godou's batting abilities, and invited him to join their high school teams as a batter, but he refused them all.
—After all, he had already played for nine years, it was enough.
Thus, treating the shoulder injury as an opportunity, Godou began to tell himself it was about time to try new experiences. In fact, he had already convinced himself it was true.
His baseball playing was actually not that great.
The things he said to Shizuka, about half of them were actually serious.
Since Godou had the opportunity to play baseball at the highest levels, there were many opportunities to meet those with genius talent. Compared to those who possessed true talent, Kusanagi Godou was high average at best.
So it could be said that because he didn't have enough talent, he did not insist on pursuing baseball. Participating in other sports or even cultural clubs might be acceptable.
These few months, Godou had been studying and facing examinations with that kind of attitude.
'Hey, Godou, what about me who had always lost to you? You've got to give me a chance to avenge myself! Don’t you dare run away after you had won!'
This was what his friend Miura said when he came to visit at the end of the second term during middle school senior year.
'Even if I continue baseball in high school, I probably can't hit your balls any more. Unlike me, you were born for baseball, born to be a pitcher. I think you will soon leave me in the dust, so please give me a break.'
That was how Godou replied to Miura, the one who was rated the number one pitcher amongst the youth teams.
Though they were originally from different teams, they had been assigned to the same team during the Tokyo selection match.
'Bastard! Are these the words of the fellow who defeated me? In all our confrontations, I have never been able to get you out on three strikes!'
'No, for something that's akin to cheating, pay no mind to it.'
'Cheating? What are you talking about?'
'Yes, your personality is very straightforward, so I can tell at a glance what you are thinking. Back in senior year of middle school, whenever I saw your face, I could predict how you would pitch with roughly fifty percent certainty. This was taught to me by my grandfather once, in competitions and negotiations, understanding the opponent's personality and targeting their weaknesses will basically allow you to win seven times out of ten, so it doesn't really count as true baseball capability.'
Even so, Miura continued to pester him, saying things like "let's go to that school together" or "at least pick a school with a stronger baseball team"...
But Godou chose the high school section of the nearby Jounan Academy.
His younger sister Shizuka was studying in the middle school section there, and the baseball club at this school was abysmal, so he would have no wish to play baseball there.
Removing the option of baseball from his high school life in such a semi-forceful manner, how will things turn out?
After completing his preparations for going to Italy, Godou suddenly had a strange notion.
"If I think about it, travelling overseas during such a period, it really feels like a 'soul searching' journey."
Feeling that such a delicate term suited himself poorly, Godou naturally laughed wryly.
Part 3
Comparing northern and southern Italy, their inhabitants had completely different temperaments.
Of course, this was just a general stereotype. Due to the north being rich and urbanized while the south was relatively poor, people described those in the south as more modest and friendly.
Widely known around the world as a center of various areas such as culture, economy, fashion and sports, Milan was a metropolis that exemplified the north.
And anyone acquainted with Erica Blandelli would know that she was the girl who embodied the essence of Milan.
The young mistress of the prestigious house of Blandelli where all previous generations were Milanese. Beautiful and noble, she grew up with a strict upbringing starting from an early age, and was full of wit and talent.
The beautiful young lady glamorous as a blooming rose.
"Of course, my outstanding beauty is undeniable—"
Erica smiled elegantly.
However, her smiling face bore no resemblance to a pathetic flower, rather, a more apt description would be a she-leopard or a lioness.
The proud and powerful queen of the beasts, that was how her assertive appearance was best described.
"But like the chocolate on a cake, there are many important elements adorning my being, but these alone cannot represent my complete self—so for this matter, I must decline, Uncle."
"If you put it that way, I have no choice but to consent, Erica."
The one who replied with a wry smile was her only relative, her paternal uncle.
Paolo Blandelli, whose figure could be compared to the Statue of David.
Even though he was pushing forty, he still possessed the youthful vigor of a young man, a face like a perfectly crafted sculpture, and an intellectual and noble presence.
And his perfect body was steeled through and through - as fitting for his title as the top knight.
Italy's strongest knight was the "King of Swords"—Salvatore Doni.
But the highest ranking knight was Paolo Blandelli.
There was no doubt about this fact, though the uncle humbly denied it, while the other person in question, Salvatore admitted it freely with a smile.
"I am flattered... But to make me a role model, who is the idiot who came up with this? I have no need to publicize my beauty, for there is no meaning in a pleasing exterior alone. External beauty has to be complemented by ability and insight from within. That is the true Erica Blandelli."
"I knew you would refuse like that, which is why I came to talk to you first. I don't think it's a foolish thing."
Smiling wryly as he faced Erica, the two of them were currently in a corner of a certain coffee shop.
They were family and
originally lived together in the Blandelli residence. Preoccupied with official affairs, the uncle had been away from home for many weeks, so they had not seen each other until now.
Suddenly communicating "it's been so long", they decided to meet here—
"Uncle, let's talk about something more meaningful, have you heard about the incident at Sardinia?"
"Yes, it seems to be real, the chance of a [Heretic God] descending seems likely. Our leader Sir Salvatore is in the middle of his expedition to South America and will take time to return, so it would be best to gather intelligence first, and investigate the local situation."
"Then please assign me reconnaissance duties. Uncle—No, Commander-in-Chief Blandelli of the [Copper Black Cross], the knight Erica Blandelli hereby petitions."
The Knights Templar organization had dominated Europe in the Middle Ages.
As the descendants of knights, the sons of god, as well as magi who served the demonic deity Baphomet, this dual origin was the true identity of Erica and the rest of her order. Though there were numerous magic associations which inherited the secret rites of the Templar Knights, the [Copper Black Cross], with its headquarters in Milan, was one of the strongest associations.
Unsettling incidents were occurring at Sardinia at the south of Italy.
This report arrived at the [Copper Black Cross] two days ago, brought by one of their members who happened to be there. This information likely had not spread to the vast majority of magic associations in Italy.
Which is what gave Erica the idea of petitioning to be sent there.
However, Uncle Paolo was shaking his head with a serious expression.
"You are my precious—a genius child who will one day stand at the top of the magic association. I do admit that is my personal wish. Anyway, you probably don't have any prior experience with gods, right?"
"Yes that is correct. Precisely because I have none, I want to gather experience this time."
Erica boasted without tact.
Absolute confidence in her ability was the root of that kind of attitude.
The martial arts personally taught by her uncle from a young age, as well as all sorts of magic inherited from the lineages of the Templar Knights from ancient Rome to medieval Europe.
There were very few people who could gain mastery in all these difficult techniques by the age of fifteen like Erica. In Italy, Liliana Kranjcar, also from Milan, was the only rival of the same age that Erica recognized.
"In the past, you allied with Princess Alice, ruler of the Witenagemot[9], to jointly oppose the Black Prince Alec. In recognition of your successes, you were bestowed the title of [Diavolo Rosso]. If I were to inherit my esteemed uncle's title, then I have a need to display my outstanding talents."
"I was already twenty-five years old back then, ten years older than your current age. Don't be hasty, there is still much for you to learn. If you want to approach gods, it's not too late to do so in a few years' time."
Possessing great foresight, the uncle tried to dissuade his niece with sincerity, but Erica did not accept.
"Too late. If I don't earn it now, the title of [Diavolo Rosso] that my esteemed uncle guards will be inherited by that crude and lowly Gennaro. I definitely do not wish to see the noble title of the [Copper Black Cross]' leader fall into the hands of that kind of man."
[Diavolo Rosso] was the title earned by Paolo Blandelli almost twenty years ago.
This was a title of honor possessed by the knight that represented the [Copper Black Cross] to outside parties. However, three months ago, her uncle had to relinquish the title due to finally ascending to the office of commander-in-chief.
It was forbidden to hold both titles of top knight and commander-in-chief, in other words, Paolo Blandelli has now retired from the ranks of knights in service.
Though Erica was known as a prodigy, she still lacked experience.
Neither her achievements nor her reputation were enough to inherit the title.
However, it would be different story if she earned accolades in the face of the greatest disasters appearing in this world—[Heretic Gods].
"...Erica, could you be intending to become a Campione?"
"I am not that full of myself. Of course, if there was a chance, I don't mind becoming someone like Sir Salvatore Doni, but that's just wishful thinking... However, I do have some ideas on how to seal a god's existence or suppress them."
"Really! If you say so, then surely you have made preparations!"
Erica nodded in a matter-of-fact manner at her uncle.
"I knew such a day would come, so I've been working hard at studying the Golgotha[10] spell words and summoning ritual. If possible, I wish to display them right now."
"Mastering the holy spear of prayer and lamentation at such an age, what a scary little brat."
Sighing as he spoke, the uncle's facial expression changed.
It was now the face of the severe commander-in-chief of the fearsome organization of the crimson knights.
"Fine, Erica. Go forth to the land of danger. Displaying courage and might is a knight's duty. Once the words have been spoken, you must absolutely complete this challenge. Do you understand?"
"Affirmative. Erica Blandelli will now set forth for Sardinia to investigate and uncover the true identity of the [Heretic God] appearing there. I will try my utmost to seal this god and restore peace to the island. Await my good news."
The uncle nodded lightly at the respectful answer of the niece.
"Looks like, being born in this peaceful era, you sure have it rough. I really hope you will learn the difference between courage and lack of forethought. I pray that you will possess trusted friends and companions to walk along the knight's path together. I also wish your journey a success, and pray that you can give me peace of mind."
"Oh my, esteemed uncle, are you treating me as Hannibal[11]?"
Erica smiled.
Once upon a time, there was a famed general of Carthage who defeated the Roman Republic and marched into Italy.
As the greatest ancient military tactician, he was praised by the famous Roman general Scipio[12] before a decisive battle. Scipio's words were 'being born in this peaceful era, you sure have it rough.' In the ensuing Battle of Zama, the world class tactician general was finally defeated.
"Compared to the loser Hannibal, I fancy I am more like the victor Scipio—"
"This will be determined at the time when you meet the [Heretic God]. Then I shall depart first, and pray for the day we meet again after your survival."
Uncle Paolo rose from his seat, and left before Erica's eyes.
—Perhaps it was pure coincidence, but this was the same day when Tokyo's Kusanagi Godou made his declaration to go to Italy. Of course, she could not have known this.
Chapter 2 - Fated Encounters
Part 1
The Sardinia autonomous region consists of the island of Sardinia and the surrounding islands.
The capital city Cagliari is a port located on the south of the island, and was first constructed by Phoenicians in the eighth century BCE.
Even in Europe which had incomparably many ancient capitals relative to Japan, ancient streets dating back to such historical origins were very rare.
This was a relaxing street in the countryside, near the calm Mediterranean.
This was also Godou's first impression of Cagliari.
"...I'll have a stroll in this little town for today, then take the train tomorrow to the town where Lucretia-san lives."
Godou was at the hotel room booked by his grandfather in Japan.
Though it was just a little three-story inn, its facilities were well-provided, and extremely clean though not very luxurious.
Godou sat on the bed, browsing webpages for maps and travel guides about Sardinia, making his plans for the next few days.
The town where his grandfather's 'friend' lived was located in the center of the island. Godou decided to take a break here for today, since his body neede
d time to recover from the jet lag and the fatigue from air travel.
Having thus decided, Godou looked out the window.
It was slightly after one in the afternoon, and the Mediterranean sun gave off bright rays. The clear blue sky had not a single cloud. This kind of wide unrestricted view was not something that can be found in Japanese scenery.
If he didn't go out to enjoy the scenery, it would be too much of a shame.
As excited as if he was witnessing a sunrise, Godou decided to walk out the door and leave the room to have a look.
If he wanted to rest, he could do that in the evening. After all, he already came all this way, why not go outside and have a look?
Leaving his luggage in the room, Godou left the inn.
In order to dispel the sleepiness, let's first find a coffee shop (the Italians seemed to call them cafes) and get a coffee and some snacks. Thinking that, Godou surveyed the surroundings, but all the shops in view had their doors shut.
Just as Godou was feeling puzzled, he suddenly remembered.
Now was the time for siesta—the afternoon nap. Though the practice was no longer common in cities like Rome and Milan, it wasn't so in a place like this.
Still, not all shops were on break.
After walking a little more, a coffee shop open for business was found on a little street.
Godou's Italian consisted of the basics he learnt from the tourist guide he read on the plane, or rather, the vague impressions he retained from that.
But Godou was not a person who fretted the small details, and it was pointless to be scared in this place. Besides, staff in this vacation spot should be used to travelers, so Godou boldly stepped into the shop.
...It happened once before, at a little stall in Thailand. Godou had unwittingly ordered and eaten some super spicy fried noodles. It served as a memory of his travels.
The decor of the shop was rather plain.
There were only six or seven customers, all middle aged men or older.
No one dressed fashionably and they all had casual attire and looked very relaxed.
They were gathered in the interior of the shop, watching a broadcasted football match on an old CRT television.
Godou walked towards the bar.
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