Campione 14

by The Eighth Godslayer

  "Sure enough, because of the time of the year, pious individuals from a long time ago and nearby people would make a special New Year's visit to pay homage here."

  After explaining the situation, Yuri took everyone to a corner inside the shrine.

  Displayed on what resembled a folding table for sale were strips of fortune telling paper and decorative arrows for warding off evil. For Nanao Shrine, this was a rare sight similar to an ordinary shrine for once.

  Young miko were selling these things, working part-time for the short term.

  There was even sweet mild sake offered to visitors. Godou, Erica and Liliana all drank the warm, sweet, alcoholic drink, warming up their bodies which were cold from the chilly air.

  Then the group entered the worship hall to insert coins into the offering box, ring the bell and clap twice.

  Although it was just a casual shrine visit, it did count as finishing the New Year's homage. Godou felt rather satisfied with having completed part of the New Year's festivities.

  Then on the next day after the shrine visit, his little sister Shizuka returned to the Kusanagi residence. Coincidentally, grandfather Kusanagi Ichirou also came home on the same day.

  "This is a souvenir... But just to let you know, I bought it in Hawaii."

  "Uh, are Macadamia nuts really in season?"

  The grandfather mischievously took out a gift-box of snacks, causing Godou to smile wryly.

  In a situation like this, it was probably something of a Kusanagi family tradition to refrain from snide comments like "Weren't you traveling in Bhutan?" On the other hand, Shizuka inclined her head in puzzlement.

  "Grandpa aside, who had been overseas during this entire time..."

  Staring repeatedly at the face of the brother she had not seen for some time, she questioned:

  "Why are you tanned, Onii-chan? It also feels like you've gone swimming."

  The speaker, Shizuka, had also picked up quite a tan herself.

  She probably sunbathed quite a bit in the summer-like Caribbean. Godou really could not bring himself to say "I actually went to Southeast Asia."

  Godou tried to skirt the issue while under his sister's subtle gaze.

  "Oh... It's New Year, you see. A friend who lives in the south invited me over."

  "What is this!? So, Onii-chan, this trip wouldn't happen to include one of the girls from Erica-san's group, would it!?"

  "..."

  "Of course I'm right. Who was it!? Erica-san, Mariya-senpai, or Liliana-san? Or heaven forbid—All of them together!?"

  In the end, Shizuka discerned the truth through her mysteriously observant powers.

  Meanwhile, the grandfather had no intention of probing the issue. Winking to Godou, he entered the kitchen to prepare dinner. This was also part of the Kusanagi family tradition, indeed.

  After surviving various incidents, the third term of school began.

  Compared to the hustle and bustle in January, Godou's days were temporarily peaceful for now.

  Oh well, there were a few troubles too. Such as working as part-timers with Shizuka and going to Okutama to slay a divine beast. Although the latter turned into a predicament involving a duel with a giant centipede-like creature, at least the incident was resolved before it could turn into a serious affair.

  Just like that, the first month of the new year passed peacefully for the most part.

  Godou was also studying diligently for exams. During the third term, Jounan Academy eschewed midterms and held final examinations directly in early February.

  Thus, the first February school day came to an end.

  Godou and three classmates were putting in serious effort, sweeping the area around the school gates.

  This was because they were on duty. During this time of the year, fallen leaves were even more abundant than rubbish. The others on duty were Nanami, Sorimachi and Takagi—commonly known as the Three Idiots.

  Recalling a certain incident, Godou struck up conversation with his friends.

  "So, do you guys have any plans for Valentine's Day this year?"

  He merely posed a casual question. However, Godou suddenly jumped.

  Two seconds later, the former location of Godou's head was sliced through by a sweeping broom handle. This would be a full-powered sword strike unleashed against the upper region. An all-out attack from Takagi who belonged to the kendo club.

  "What the heck are you doing, idiot!?"

  "Sorry, Kusanagi, my body could not help but move on its own."

  Takagi declared boldly with an expression like a wandering swordsman from historical novels.

  The slicing attack was performed quite proficiently. Were Godou not accustomed to battle already, he could not have dodged it.

  "But forgive me, it definitely was your fault just now..."

  "Yeah, Takagi is right..."

  "You just committed taboo, so don't complain if you get killed..."

  "What's the matter, guys?"

  Not only Takagi but also Sorimachi and Nanami were all bearing grim expressions.

  Godou was troubled by the trio's eyes that glimmered with subtle, murderous intent. Why would they be this angry? Incomprehensible.

  "You just committed what a socially fulfilled person should never do. February 14—Together with December 24, these two dates should be listed as taboo judgment days in modern Japan which has been corrupted by love-capitalism. Even if the gods are willing to forgive such atrocities, we shall not."

  "Yeah, absolutely unforgivable."

  Sorimachi's gaze expressed agreement with Nanami's performance while Takagi questioned Godou as if performing a forceful counterattack.

  "By the way, how many guaranteed offers of chocolate do you have!?"

  "I get one from my sister every year at least. There are no other guaranteed offers."

  Troubled by the Three Idiots' reactions, Godou replied.

  "Shizuka—my sister—would suddenly make a very displeased face after counting the courtesy chocolate I receive. So there's nothing to be jealous about."

  "Gah, not only do you receive massive amounts of chocolate, you even have a tsundere little sister!"

  "Furthermore, you deliberately omitted Erica-sama and the others!"

  "No, it's true that I'm good friends with them, but that doesn't mean they'll give me chocolate for sure. That girl Erica doesn't care for these things in particular, so she'll simply overlook them inattentively."

  Although Godou did not hate sweet things, he did not especially like them either.

  Not really caring much about chocolate, Godou continued to the main topic.

  "So, for this year's Valentine's Day, I know someone who is holding a chocolate-eating gathering for those who are ditching girls. You guys wanna go?"

  "WHAT!?"

  For some unknown reason, Nanami reacted to the invitation with shock. So did the other two.

  Puzzled by the trio's responses, Godou continued to sell the idea.

  "My acquaintance is quite the popular person and wishes to hold an event for all the guys to take care of the mountain of courtesy chocolate."

  " " "........." " "

  This was the plan concocted by Sayanomiya Kaoru, the young member of the History Compilation Committee's core leadership. Kaoru had already extended her invitation to ten-odd acquaintances, "eligible bachelors" from among subordinates who were single, Amakasu, and others.

  The venue was going to be Lu Yinghua's shop, a place which the Three Idiots already knew about. The "Peerless Statesman" maid cafe in Akihabara.

  Compared to the expected amount of chocolate, the numbers set to attend were currently not quite enough.

  "A-Are you going too, Kusanagi, no way...?"

  "I don't have anything scheduled that day, so that's the plan for now. You guys can come too, how about it? It'll be like Christmas, wouldn't that be nice?"

  " " "........." " "

  "Oh yeah, however, the event organizer did mention that it'd be better if I don't attend.
That said, I have no idea why I'm being excluded."

  While Godou muttered to himself, the Three Idiots suddenly became despondent, having suffered a serious blow.

  "Bastard, to think you'd join this kind of planned event on February 14..."

  "Th-This must be the difference between the desperate and the complacent..."

  "Anyway! How popular is the guy who planned this ridiculous event in the first place!?"

  "Eh? Well, that person's popularity level is a little exaggerated, but you guys probably won't believe it..."

  Godou faltered as he found himself confronted with a fundamental problem.

  Briefly considering the person named Sayanomiya Kaoru, she was still quite a presence even if one were to ignore her membership in the History Compilation Committee. After all, she was as handsome as a character taken out from shoujo manga.

  How should he explain to the Three Idiots? Godou began to agitate over the issue.

  Part 2

  "Something relatively easy to make... You could do a chocolate and espresso style tiramisu."

  After thinking briefly, that was Liliana Kranjcar's suggestions.

  The location was after school in a classroom. But rather than the Year 1 Class 5 classroom where Liliana belonged, this was Class 6 next door. This was the class of Mariya Yuri and the two others who had called them here.

  Currently, Liliana was teaching how to make western confectionery.

  "In addition to whipping egg yolk and mascarpone cheese to produce the cheese cream, you need chocolate that is not excessively sweet and espresso with the addition of white wine."

  "Hmm, it does seem quite tasty. However."

  "Instead of chocolate, doesn't this feel more like a cake?"

  The ones commenting were Class 6's Miyama-san and Sawa-san.

  "I have no choice but to close my eyes and think carefully at this time... Despite their pleasant appearances, chocolates sold commercially have lost much of the cocoa's flavor. I think handmade truffles and raw chocolate will taste much better than store-bought ones."

  "The way shop-bought chocolate is tempered would be no good..."[2]

  Liliana murmured as if coming to a conclusion. From the side, Yuri also remarked with a troubled expression.

  This lesson was the result of Miyama-san's search for advice.

  'Valentine's Day is drawing near, so I'd like to make some chocolate... But what's the best way to do it?'

  Known for her cooking skills and being in the same class, Yuri was the first person they consulted.

  However, Yuri was not as familiar with the preparation of western confectionary as she was with general cooking. Hence, she brought her friend—Liliana Kranjcar—who made cakes during holidays from time to time.

  "Because it's a rare chance to present something handmade, I can understand your feelings in taking a serious approach."

  Liliana nodded at Miyama-san.

  "In order to support your love, we also should craft a well thought-out plan while we are here discussing."

  "E-Ehhhhh!? N-No, that's not right. This isn't for confessing!"

  "Miyama only wants to make cakes because of club activities. She's actually part of the cooking research club. Then because Valentine's Day is approaching, their next club activity is apparently chocolate making."

  "What? Oh I see now."

  Petite Miyama-san was so flustered her face had become bright red. The glasses-wearing Sawa-san explained cheerfully.

  Liliana was quite disappointed. In order to prepare for the approaching "real battle" on February 14, she had been dedicating her efforts towards preparing her recipes. To think she had mistaken Miyama-san for a fellow comrade.

  "Liliana-san and Mariya-san... Neither of you asked in the first place. In any case, you're both going to give chocolate to Kusanagi, right?"

  "I-I am going to give Godou-san chocolate!?"

  Sawa-san shrugged as she remarked, prompting Yuri's sudden panic.

  "Umm, although I have never given anything like that to a male apart from my father and grandfather... I must try my best at this, I suppose!?"

  "What you do in this regard depends on how you feel, Mariya-san. We're not going to judge you."

  "I-Indeed you are right. Then I really must hurry with preparations..."

  Yuri whispered softly. Meanwhile, Sawa-san and Miyama-san's gazes met.

  "Kusanagi-san huh. Although he's a 'good fellow,' at the same time, he's also quite a 'good-for-nothing'..."

  "Strangely enough, there's something pimp or gangster-like about him. Maybe I really should try stabbing Kusanagi once or twice with a knife for real...?"

  " "......" "

  This time, it was Liliana and Yuri's turn to exchange glances. Moreover, the one making the radical proposal was Sawa-san who belonged to the drama club. Despite being just a first year student, she was a talented girl who personally took care of starring and production roles.

  Sawa-san apologized frantically.

  "Sorry, did I say anything to displease you two?"

  "No, no. We have prepared ourselves long ago, in the event that something like that might eventually happen to Godou-san... He really is incorrigible."

  "But it is quite surprising to find fellow students who are aware of that aspect of his."

  Yuri sighed as Liliana nodded in agreement.

  "I believe his problematic aspects as a person are difficult to understand in the eyes of others."

  "Godou-san has always been a strong and nice person."

  "Kind and responsible without prejudice. A person with a stable temperament."

  "Although he does not like meddling in other people's business, he is very good at taking care of others."

  "Also, he has the kind of personality that makes it impossible for others to stop him once he gets worked up..."

  "But without all these qualities, he would not be Godou-san..."

  Liliana and Yuri spoke alternately, nodding to each other.

  Whenever the contradictory qualities of Kusanagi Godou were brought up, this was the inevitable outcome. Clearly a benevolent person who is conscientious about the greater good, but why did situations always turn out like that?

  But upon hearing Liliana and Yuri's worries, Miyama-san remarked softly.

  "Are you actually praising or complaining about Kusanagi-kun, I really don't get it..."

  " "!?" "

  "By the way, I've wanted to ask this for some time. During the winter break, did you all visit the beach together, somewhere south?"

  "Sawa-san, why would you ask that!?"

  "Very simple. It's clearly midwinter, but you all came back tanned."

  " "......" "

  With the critical fact pointed out to them, Liliana and Yuri were speechless. They had not expected to be found out in this manner.

  "Kusanagi-san's family went along as well, right? I've heard that his little sister, who studies in the middle school division, also came back with quite a tan."

  "Taking family and an army of girlfriends to the beach, that's really acting like a king."

  Although it was not entirely true, false achievements were being publicized and spreading around.

  In any case, that was how the gathering finally concluded. Exiting the classroom together, Sawa, Miyama and Mariya Yuri parted ways to head off to the activity rooms of their respective clubs. On the other hand, Liliana made her way to the school gates.

  It was currently dusk and both the school yard and the building itself were illuminated orange by the setting sun.

  "What a coincidence..."

  Seeing the boys at the front gates, Liliana murmured to herself.

  It was her lord, Kusanagi Godou. However, she also witnessed a strange scene. The trio of Nanami, Sorimachi and Takagi in his company suddenly raced towards the setting sun.

  With tears streaming down their faces, the trio resembled abandoned dogs.

  Meanwhile, Godou was left behind, scratching his head and going "What a pain." />
  Not long after the Three Idiots had sprinted off into the sunset...

  The silver-haired student came over to the side of Godou who had been left behind alone, dumbfounded.

  "Did anything happen, Kusanagi Godou?"

  "No, I'm not even sure myself."

  Naturally, the one asking incredulously was Liliana. She looked like she was just about to leave school to go home.

  The school gates was not a great place for talking, so Godou and Liliana walked over to the street and began to converse behind the gingko trees.

  "We were talking about plans for February 14. Right after I mentioned I had a very popular acquaintance, these guys looked like they had suffered a massive blow for some reason..."

  "Very popular—surely Sayanomiya Kaoru, right?"

  "Yeah. I think what I said about Kaoru-san was the decisive factor in their change."

  Godou had omitted her gender for now and tried to tone down his description of her as much as possible.

  Quite handsome in appearance, well-versed in both martial and cultural arts, popular with the ladies, etc. This resulted in the Three Idiots crying out simultaneously and cursing the world as they made a mad dash towards the setting sun.

  After listening from start to finish, Liliana murmured slowly.

  "Indeed it is quite a mystery. Why did they have to run?"

  "I didn't say anything bad, right? Anyway, I'll try talking to them again tomorrow."

  "I think that is appropriate. Indeed, confirming the way one another thinks is fundamental to interpersonal relationships."

  Liliana answered Godou's question with a serious, knightly expression.

  This was the kind of statement the Diavolo Rosso would never make. As expected of Liliana. Godou was impressed.

  However, the ponytailed female knight suddenly changed the subject.

  "By the way, there was something in that conversation that I cannot ignore."

  "Eh, which part?"

  "Naturally, the fact that your baffling plans are infringing on the sanctity of Valentine's Day."

  Liliana was scolding angrily.

  "This day is a venerable celebration of lovers. To be honest, I was quite surprised that it has even permeated Japan deeply..."

  "Is deeply permeated really a good thing? I think it's just troublesome."