Part 5
The boat's size was apparently large enough for ten adults to sit with room to spare.
Used to riding small wooden vessels, Ena initially took up the oars to row.
But she soon realized it was unnecessary. Even without anyone in control, the boat automatically remained balanced and evaded rocks on its own.
No mistake about it, this was all thanks to Clotilde's protection spell.
"This is so interesting and it's great that the speed is so fast!"
"This is much faster than riding galloping horses over the road. So Godou, have you made a decision regarding the earlier problem you were facing?"
"You mean how seriously I should fight Uldin?"
Sitting with Erica and Ena and facing the wind blowing across from the river's shore, Godou began to ponder.
The Hunnic godslayer Uldin was believed to have certain connections to the barbarian king, Attila, who was about to enter the historical stage in the near future. If he were killed, or simply injured seriously, there could be serious effects on the future.
And even from a modern perspective, one might find him sympathetic in a certain way.
Rather than tyrannical, he was more of a man who caused trouble for others.
However, if Uldin, who treated "invasion and plundering" as his daily life, were left to do as he pleased, the twenty thousand inhabitants of Augusta Raurica were going to be swept into a tragic fate.
Even though such tragedies were probably quite common in the ancient world—
In the end, Godou could not stand back and feign ignorance. Hence, he spoke with certainty.
"It's okay. If anything bad happened... History's corrective force will find a way to resolve it!"
"As expected of Your Majesty. Now that's the way to go!"
"Somehow I get this feeling that things have calmed down somewhat when they're supposed to calm down..."
Ena offered her support with a cheerful smile while Erica shrugged rather sardonically.
"Well, I think I now understand the grounds for Madame Aisha's hypothesis, so let's look forward to that unknown power for now."
"Yeah, it's all thanks to Ruska-san."
After all, Godou was not going to gamble to such an extent purely on hope and speculation.
Hence, he was filled with gratitude for his good fortune to be able to meet an accomplished spirit vision user in this era.
Furthermore, he recalled his companions in the modern era who were not present—Yuri and Liliana.
If only he could return to the modern world to reunite with them as soon as possible...
Meanwhile, his two companions were discussing the upcoming battle that would take place several hours later.
"Well then, let's discuss battle tactics against Uldin-san."
"He is a Campione who possesses a number of combat authorities, or more accurately, authorities suited for combat... In terms of the inclination of his powers, he's actually quite similar to Marquis Voban. However, he's much younger than the Marquis."
Ena suggested and Erica followed.
"Based on age, I'd say the experienced Marquis would be stronger. However, in terms of bodily strength, Uldin should have the upper hand."
"Also, he is someone who has defeated a Hindu god and a Mesopotamian dragon."
"Don't forget about the war god Tyr. That authority is apparently his trump card."
"...? When did you two find out about all this?"
The two girls were talking about Uldin's authorities as if they already knew everything.
Struck with a sense of dissonance by this conversation, Godou questioned only to receive a nonchalant answer.
"Ruska-san told us when we were retrieving the luggage just now."
"As part of the terms for sending you to fight, we demanded that they provide full support for Kusanagi Godou's victory, remember? As one of the conditions, I asked her to tell us the three authorities he used the most frequently."
"...That's really quite clever."
On this trip, Godou found himself encountering too many things that struck too close to home for comfort.
Since Uldin brought it all upon himself, Godou did not pity him. Nevertheless, Godou still felt a chill down his spine.
"So Godou, just as a safety precaution, let me use [Instruction] magic to inform you of the many things I found out from Ruska."
"The myths of the gods that Uldin-san defeated... Those that people sing about in this age. It would be a problem if the stories are different from the modern ones."
Godou was currently sitting on a wooden barrel that served as a chair.
Erica approached and sat down on the same barrel, ending up with their bodies pressed intimately together. Then the blonde beauty even went as far as to lean the weight of her self-indulgent body tightly against him.
At the same time, Ena also came to Godou's side. Although she did not press against him, she was within arm's length.
"So this is how it goes. Who will you entrust with this task... Hurry up and decide."
"Yes yes. Whether Ena or Erica-san, either of us can pass on the knowledge to Your Majesty. So, either side is able...?"
Erica was teasing with a slightly miffed expression. In contrast, Ena was asking shyly. Forced to make a choice, Godou stared wide-eyed.
Naturally, he understood what they were proposing, but his thoughts froze.
Then Erica continued:
"Of course, since Ena-san is perfectly capable of fulfilling this role, I will respect your decision, Godou? However, I do hope you can show me some consideration."
"Con... sideration?"
"Yes. No matter what, I am the one who stands as Kusanagi Godou's lawful wife. I am the woman who has shared the greatest number of your trials and tribulations. Hence, it is my wish that you could respect me a little more."
Erica continued to show anger on her face.
However, Godou realized that her rage was actually directed at herself. She was probably angry at herself for relying on past merits to coerce Godou's decision instead of using her own attractiveness.
This was nothing like Erica's usual confidence. This was the kind of unease she was feeling.
Erica understood that she could no longer maintain a clear advantage against a rival as formidable as Seishuuin Ena. Currently, Erica was sitting on Godou's right, leaning tightly against him. However, rather than seducing him, it felt more like she was trying to hide her own unease.
In fact, since earlier, she had been holding Godou's hand tightly with an insecure expression.
Witnessing Erica's superficially aggressive stance, coupled with the vulnerability she normally did not display, Godou felt a sense of dizziness. If any man could still refuse her harshly at this juncture, then rather than being resolute of will, he must be completely lacking in sensitivity.
"E-Ena hasn't spent a lot of time with Your Majesty like Erica-san, however..."
Godou felt his left hand being pulled. Ena had clasped his hand with a troubled expression.
The Hime-Miko, who should normally be cheerful and lively, was holding Godou's left hand with unease.
"Ena still hopes Your Majesty could really choose her in this kind of situation. To compensate for not being able to accompany you every single moment, Ena hopes to serve Your Majesty whenever by your side..."
Was it because Godou's attention had been diverted towards Erica?
Although it was only for a brief moment, Ena showed an uncharacteristically gloomy expression. Her confidence had fallen greatly. Was it really because of having Erica Blandelli as her opponent in a one-on-one contest? Consequently, Ena's usual optimistic cheerfulness had weakened.
"S-Sorry. If Ena were carrying Your Majesty's baby in her womb now, Ena would be able to act more calmly. But that's already decided to be delayed for the future."
Probably because of her loss of composure, Ena spoke shocking words.
However, her flustered behavior was quite adorable. G
odou could not help but recall the words they exchanged during that particular night they had spent alone together. Ena's behavior back then had also strongly stimulated Kusanagi Godou's desire.
On his right and left respectively, Erica and Ena were urging him to make a choice. This situation—
Godou's mind had already lost all sense of calm.
In any case, more than a week had passed since they arrived in that land of Gaul. Thanks to Erica and Ena's "prohibition of stealing ahead" agreement, the two of them had been repeatedly flaunting their appeal at Godou every night—
There were many sleepless nights. Godou was almost reaching the limits of his patience.
"Ho... Hohohohoho... S-Speaking of you two, ever since we arrived here, you've been acting as you pleased, willfully trying to incite me..."
"Godou?" "Your Majesty, what's wrong?"
Ignoring their concerns, Godou broke into laughter.
If anything, it was a state of mania very similar to how one felt after staying up all night. Realizing he could not endure any longer, Godou suddenly changed in attitude and allowed his emotions to explode.
"I already told you before, I'll never do anything like imposing a ranking on you girls!"
"Kyah...!" "Ahhh!?"
Godou first gripped Erica's hand hard in return. Then he pulled Ena's body to his side and made her sit on his lap. The two girls were very surprised as a result.
"My request is very simple. Uldin's fight is coming up next. You two, just assist me as usual. Thanks."
Asserting his will clearly, Godou gazed intently at the two girls before his eyes.
His eyes probably looked as if he wanted to counterattack in full force. Godou could feel himself glaring at the girls more intensely than usual. At the same time, he continued to gaze at them in this manner.
Ena hesitated for a moment in the face of Godou's unusual forcefulness.
Involuntarily, she was intimidated by his vigor and revealed her habit of wanting to retreat from this type of situation. On the other hand, Erica relaxed herself completely in spite of the hesitation she felt.
Gently, she gripped Godou's hand in turn and lowered her gaze as if nodding in consent.
There was no need to listen for her answer. Godou drew his face near and took Erica's lips by force.
"—Mmm!?"
Surprised by Godou's forcefulness, Erica let loose a light moan.
She kissed Godou as if touching their lips together lightly. Unconcerned, Godou continued to seal her mouth with his lips. This continued for seconds, minutes—
Running out of breath, the two released their lips for an instant.
During this moment, Godou and Erica swiftly recovered their breath and began kissing again.
This time, both sides were full of vigor and ended up clashing their teeth together.
"Mmm—Seriously... T-Too much force, Godou... If you don't be more gentle—"
"Sorry. But you two are at fault here. Constantly provoking me..."
"Since you were going to change your attitude suddenly, if only you did it earlier... Oh well, whatever. I gladly accept my punishment. Let's continue, okay...?"
This time, the pair exchanged whispers as if engaging in pillow talk, taking longer than when they were catching their breath previously.
Invited by Erica, Godou immediately started kissing again. Erica used her own tongue to search for Godou's tongue, boldly entangling it and feeling about.
Rather than displaying delicate technique, this kiss was performed with daring passion and impulse.
Although Godou was already very used to this, he also recalled the first kiss he shared with Erica, undertaken with reckless abandon. Erica also seemed to be thinking the same thing, judging from her blissful smile and mesmerized gaze as the Latin girl again released their lips that were intimately pressed together.
However, there was also a tearful girl present. Obviously, that was Ena.
Having lost the first opportunity to a moment of hesitation, Ena was now sitting motionlessly on Godou's lap without a sense of purpose.
"Seishuuin—"
"Ena-san... Please join us if you may, for our king wants you too."
Faster than Godou, Erica urged Ena to join in.
Indeed, this was very much in the style of a noble salon mistress.
Despite being the girl known as the devil, Erica was simultaneously capable of exuding an aura of maternal instinct whenever she showed care for her companions. This was how she was acting now.
Hearing her call, Ena immediately brought her face close to Godou's.
"Jeez... All Your Majesty and Erica-san care about is enjoying yourselves on your own... Ena hates being left all alone like an outsider."
"Sorry. I couldn't suppress myself no matter what."
"Even Ena can kiss intensely with Your Majesty, you know? Ena doesn't want to be left out..."
Ena pleaded as she went "smooch" with a kiss, pecking Godou's lips lightly. But after repeating this motion a number of times, she started showering a rain of kisses upon Godou's lips nonstop.
In a forceful kiss, Godou covered up Ena's lips and stopped her. Then the Hime-Miko obediently accepted and leaned herself against Godou's body.
Now the situation evolved to one where Godou was pressed intimately against Erica with Ena's weight on top of him.
Sandwiched between the two girls, one on his right and the other in front, Godou could feel through his skin the two girls' equally matched suppleness and weight. At the same time, he kissed with Ena.
Tearfully, Ena responded to Godou as if dispelling her loneliness. When Godou inserted his tongue, she would receive him with her own tongue. When Godou pecked her lips, she would peck Godou's lips in turn.
Furthermore, she would press her weight on him with all her strength. Seeing her act this way, Erica also entrusted all her weight to Godou's body.
"It's time that I also... I should demonstrate to you my undeniable magnanimity as the lawful wife, yes?"
Caressing Godou's face as he kissed Ena, Erica turned his head to face her.
Godou smiled wryly and leaned his lips towards Erica. A long-awaited kiss with someone other than Ena. As their eyes met the instant their lips separated, the blonde beauty chuckled with a smile.
Then it was Ena's turn to get in between them. Snatching ahead of Erica, she planted a kiss on Godou's lips.
Interrupting each other, the two girls opposed each other defiantly. Exchanging gazes competitively, they smiled wryly at the same time. They apparently reached a consensus for a ceasefire.
Bringing their faces towards Godou alternately, they composed their speech.
"The first deity that Uldin defeated was the Mesopotamian dragon god, Ušumgallu... The beast born as one of the familiars of Tiamat, the mother goddess of the ocean and the earth..."
"Yes, Tiamat. She granted fearsome power to this dragon and added it to the ranks of the gods..."
"The name Ušumgallu carries the meaning, 'the one and only, absolute king'..."
Via mouth to mouth, Erica and Ena offered knowledge and love to Godou.
After a while, they were no longer alternating but mostly kissing at the same time.
"In the ancient Indian sacred text of the Rigveda, Rudra makes his appearance... It is from this deity that Uldin usurped the authority of the [Bow]..."
"Rudra is considered the same deity as Hinduism's god of destruction, Shiva..."
"Although Shiva and Rudra are both gods of storms... Gods capable of summoning wind, rain and lighting... It is quite important to note that there exists a certain trait that Rudra possesses but Shiva does not..."
Godou pressed himself tightly against Erica while embracing Ena at the same time. Entangled with their burning-hot bodies, he engaged repeatedly in unending kisses.
Occasionally, his lips would overlap with Erica and Ena's simultaneously.
When Erica's lips were caught in Godou's suction, Ena would also slip her own tongue inside, ca
using all three people's saliva to mix together constantly.
Erica and Ena's tongues would also stir around inside Godou's mouth from time to time.
Every time this this happened, Godou felt an arousing sense of excitement that seemed as though it would numb his nerves.
—In the boat flowing downstream along the Rhine, the trio engaged in intimate contact. While the boat traveled over the flowing river currents, the blade for slicing Devil King Uldin apart was gradually forged.
Chapter 7 - Battle in the Ancient Past
Part 1
The dragons were swimming swiftly on the surface of the Rhine, illuminated bright red by the evening glow.
They were the three dragons that Uldin had brought with him. As for Uldin himself, he was sitting quietly beneath a large tree by the river side.
He was also gnawing on dried meat and drinking water from a leather pouch.
However, rather than Uldin needing a break, it would be more accurate to say that the dragons were resting. After all, these divine beasts and so-called "dragons" were apparently spirits of the water and the land. True to this nature of theirs, they desired water greatly on occasion.
Furthermore, they would become more energetic after absorbing life force and magical power from the water.
Furthermore, Uldin was the godslayer possessing the [Dragon Taming] authority, thus allowing him to keep herds of dragons and make them do his bidding. Currently, he had nine dragons prepared at his stronghold.
And out of those nine, only three of them were right here.
But that was just as well.
The more dragons he commanded at the same time, the more magical power they consumed. That would then prevent him from using other authorities.
In battles against gods and godslayers, enemy tactics cannot be predicted. Hence, in order to have various authorities available at his disposal for flexible usage, having three or four dragons was the optimum number.
"It's almost about time..."
The bright red and setting sun was sinking below the western horizon. Night would fall soon after. The dragons were also reenergized.
It was finally time to take the Holy Maiden—the godslayer beauty who stood as his peer—for himself.
Despite her graceful and beautiful appearance, looking as vulnerable as though she might break from the wind, she was quite a magnificent "bronco." This was precisely the type of woman Uldin preferred. If she relented, he would definitely marry her as his fifth wife.
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