Campione 07

by Great Sage Equaling Heaven

  What was Luo Hao going to do? Attack in rage? Generously yield the opportunity to him? Or make some kind of deal in exchange?

  All kinds of thoughts crossed Godou's mind as he gazed upon Luo Hao's body.

  "We'll do it this way, Kusanagi Godou. Please use the term 'Onee-sama' to address me from now on."

  "...What?"

  As developments completely defied his predictions, Godou's thoughts froze for an instant.

  "If I simply give up this opportunity because of a mere request, it would be a blemish upon the authority of I, Luo Hao. However, it would be different if the other party was related to me by a familial bond of a sworn pact."

  Luo Hao revealed her idea proudly with great satisfaction. Undoubtedly, the levels of her pride had reached unimaginable heights.

  "I was thinking, you are a youth who has gotten the better of me a number of times. Rather than eliminating you here like plucking a tender shoot, it would be better to cultivate you properly into a great hero. Such a course of action befits the Ruler of the Martial Realm... A-And besides, you and I have already reached the intimacy level of baring our unclothed bodies to each other."

  Luo Hao's tone of voice suddenly lost that fear-inspiring quality, and she covered her breasts as if suddenly realizing something.

  "As the saying goes, 'from an exchange of blows friendship grows,' which is why I will have a sworn pact with you, and I shall instruct you as your older sister. Dear adoptive little brother, in return you must repay me with utmost respect, and fulfill the duties of familial piety."

  In the Oath of the Peach Garden[60], did the words 'though born on different dates, we hope our lives will end on the same identical day' refer to something like this?

  Though this came out of the blue, Godou continued to listen, his paralyzed thought processes returning.

  "I will shower affection and protection upon my adoptive little brother, and respect your authority over Wakoku, refraining from vocal criticism that interferes in your affairs. How's that?"

  Luo Cuilian smiled faintly. It was a lovely smile much like the sun's reappearance after a violent storm.

  Though a sworn pact felt rather unnecessary, the accompanying condition seemed quite attractive.

  "Yes, very well. I am in your care, Your Eminence."

  Though Godou accepted very quickly, Luo Hao glared at him severely in return. What went wrong?

  "Little brother, how could you address your older sister like that? Correct yourself in the manner I already explained."

  "Uh, I...I'm in your care, Nee-san."

  Godou truly found himself unable to call her 'Onee-sama.'

  As a student who did not attend some sort of super high class young ladies' school, this was his absolute limit.

  "Your words should carry utmost respect to an ultimate older sister like me. Anyway I shall let it slide for today. You need to show improvement next time."

  What would count as improvement? Godou could not help agonizing.

  "Once again, I shall return to the stone prison and lie dormant for now. Little brother, stand up."

  As the two of them got up, Luo Hao kept her arm over her breasts while Godou covered his lower body with a towel.

  In the next instant, something happened that was even more shocking than the sworn oath of fraternity. Luo Hao leaned tightly against Godou and suddenly kissed him.

  "I am applying Daoist arts to your body, so do not move recklessly for now."

  "!?"

  "I am very impressed by your mettle, but your opponents are three gods. The odds are highly stacked against you. Your elder sister has used a Daoist art that will alert her, no matter where she may be, whenever your body is invaded by extraordinary divine power. When the decisive battle arrives, I will surely be present."

  The sensations of the small cherry lips and the pristine white skin pressing tightly against him, made Godou's entire body stiff beyond compare.

  This contact with the beautiful adoptive elder sister lasted for twenty seconds or so.

  "T-The action just now cannot be disclosed to anyone else. Though you are my little brother now, if rumors of contact with a man were to spread, I will be secretly criticized by others for acting in a manner unbecoming of a maiden. F-For the sake of my honor — you must agree to this."

  Having exhorted, Luo Cuilian's figure vanished like the glow of the setting sun.

  In order to cool off his boiling brain, Godou jumped into the cold water pool.

  Part 2

  Having gained a sworn elder sister under such unexpected circumstances, Godou returned to the main hall of the resort for dinner.

  With no one else other than his companions in this little inn that only had around ten guest rooms, they had essentially commandeered the entire place. All staff and guests had been transformed into monkeys and seemed to have run off to join their fellow monkeys in the main streets.

  Examining the kitchen facilities and food supply, Erica suggested something like "since the food will go bad eventually, and feeding monkeys would be such a waste, it would be far better for us to make effective use of it." Thus, Yuri and Liliana went to work with the cooking.

  After leaving their payment for staying and eating at the cash register, Godou decided to help out in the kitchen. Since Erica and Ena were no help at all, while Annie was a guest, this was the best arrangement.

  By the way... This American guest's gaze followed Godou all along as he busied himself.

  As if trying to verify the movements of a dangerous criminal, her gaze even showed occasional signs of wariness. Clearly, the notion that "Kusanagi Godou = public enemy of women" had become completely entrenched.

  Under her surveillance, Godou made a number of dishes. Though he had many specialties, these were mostly dishes that went along with alcohol because they were taught by his grandfather or mother.

  "...Seeing these dishes, really makes me want to have a drink!"

  Ena murmured as she looked at the tray Godou balanced on his hand.

  There was sashimi and salt-roasted rainbow trout. By lightly salting the skin and roasting a little, a completely new delicacy was created when eaten together with salmon. Other than that, Godou made Italian pasta with shrimp sauce, using garlic, chili and olive oil to sautee many small shrimps and garnishing with a dash of parsley to produce an excellent specimen of maritime-style cuisine.

  "Come on, you're not Erica, please don't say strange things like that. I never thought Seishuuin would also be an accomplished drinker..."

  "Ah, I originally wasn't planning on drinking because of the upcoming battle, but this taste would really go well with Japanese sake or white wine, though beer would not be bad either."

  Listening to Erica's additional comment, Ena nodded frequently.

  Godou deeply regretted not having learnt any homemade dishes that would be appropriate for a normal highschooler's lunchbox. On the other hand, Liliana and Yuri's serious efforts produced dishes such as trout meunière[61], deep fried fish, as well as mountain vegetable rice.

  Godou did not reveal the fact that he had a conversation with Luo Hao.

  After all, for something like that to happen in the bath, Godou found it difficult to explain. Furthermore, there were more pressing concerns to discuss.

  "By the way, Liliana, is that visual investigative spell still blocked?"

  "No, since we have entered the Great Sage's territory, there should not be any problems using it from within. Do we still need that spell?"

  "I want to use it to locate the Great Sage."

  Godou turned to Yuri after replying to the incredulous Liliana.

  "My body has already recovered, so there is no point in delaying the battle with the Great Sage. However... the [Sword] is needed to fight him."

  "Which is why we must carefully discern what kind of god the Great Sage is, correct?"

  Yuri spoke softly.

  "That's right, I have been thinking over many things since yesterday."

  "A
nnie Charlton, may I have a word with you for a minute?"

  The redheaded American woman showed surprise as Erica suddenly singled her out.

  "Though we have teamed up temporarily, it doesn't mean that we must share all information. Rather, it should be stated that certain critical facts must be prevented from leaking out. What do you think?"

  "...Looks like my presence is an inconvenience for certain discussions here."

  The sword of spell words was Godou's trump card. Understanding Erica's intentions of safeguarding this secret, Annie got up and left them to discuss in private.

  "Since yesterday, I have been thinking about how I should get along with everyone from now on — Erica, Mariya as well as Liliana."

  After the guest had left, Godou explained cautiously.

  "In other words, you wish to clarify our relationships with you?"

  "Finally some decisiveness, Godou, and your conclusion is?"

  Liliana and Erica's answers were full of determined confidence.

  "Yes, after all sorts of troubles, I have finally made a decision."

  "Looks like it's time to determine who is the principal wife and who will be the concubines! What about Ena and Yuri? You will be marrying the two of us after all, right?"

  "E-Ena-san, please do not ask about such matters, it... it is not very proper."

  "...Seishuuin, what are you talking about?"

  As Ena showed an expression of excitement, Yuri frantically admonished her.

  Seeing everyone's solemn gaze focused on him, Godou stood motionlessly and stared blankly with a perplexed expression.

  "To this day, I have always tried to avoid battles with gods as much as possible, but now the time for an unavoidable fight has come. Basically, I am going to become no different from other kings — detestable beings like Voban or that idiot Doni. This morning Mariya already said to me, who knows how many more gods I will have to fight over the rest of my life, and who knows when my life will be extinguished, therefore—"

  As Godou expressed his innermost feelings, he felt fighting spirit flow out from within.

  That's right, this is my true nature. This battle began far earlier than the moment of becoming a Campione. The humans who possessed the unrelenting will to oppose and defeat gods, were precisely the ones who gained such power to resist them.

  "Even so, in my battles against gods, whether Erica, Liliana or Mariya, everyone... Everyone has been essential to me. For the sake of staying together with me, your lives will always be in peril. Will you continue to be my partners in spite of all this?"

  Somehow Godou made a smile.

  It was a slightly grotesque smile like a wild beast's, with the corners of his lips slightly upturned.

  It was the mark of a king, the smile displayed when the joy of battle could no longer be suppressed.

  "Protecting you all and never letting you die — those are words I will never say even if my mouth is forced and torn open. The most I can say is this: if you are going to die, I will die together with you. Furthermore, when receiving everyone's help, that certain behavior will have to be performed as usual."

  The girls were shocked into silence. It was only natural. Godou felt that it would be unbelievable if a boy made such stupid requests without being hated, but he was determined to clarify things.

  It wouldn't do to be passively caught up into things step by step like the current incident. That was what Godou felt deeply about.

  "I know very well that my demands are very off-putting. If anyone feels repulsed, they can depart from here immediately, and leave my side for now."

  "Godou, is this what you mean by something important you had to tell everyone?"

  Erica pursed her lips and frowned with displeasure.

  "Didn't I swear an oath already? Even until the final moments of the world's destruction, I will forever stay with you."

  "I will also follow you for a lifetime as your knight, and offer my undying loyalty."

  "I already said this morning, I hope that Godou-san and I will be together as long as our lives endure. I am still waiting for your answer. What are you talking about at this time?"

  Liliana declared with dismay while Yuri showed the angered look of a Yakshini[62], an expression she had not shown for quite some time. Ena also went "Ah~~ how disappointing" and shrugged her shoulders.

  "Ah, no, but in the past these things were said in desperate situations under great duress. I just want to reconfirm how everyone feels, and make sure once again..."

  Godou felt his determined spirit shaken by the unexpected responses, and took a few steps back in embarrassment.

  In his current life, Godou was already well aware that compared to gods, girls were far more terrifying.

  "Godou, may I ask you a question? The three of us... hmm, as well as Ena, will soon encounter a most desperate crisis."

  "Ah? Sure."

  Godou shrank back at Erica's sudden questioning.

  "If you could only save one of us, who would you pick?"

  "Hmm... Of course everyone, I will save everyone together."

  Although Godou answered quickly without hesitation, the three girls could not help but sigh at the same time. Only Ena was happily going "How befitting of His Majesty! That's the way things should be done!"

  "I already said, only one person can be saved. A choice cannot be avoided."

  "How could I possibly make such a choice? Isn't it better to save everyone? What a strange question."

  "Actually, Godou's lack of hesitation on the subject of selecting someone is even stranger. No matter, that is why you are our king."

  As Erica spoke, Liliana and Yuri nodded in agreement.

  "As mentioned just now, I have sworn eternal loyalty before everyone else and I am the woman who bears Godou's protection. This is simply acknowledgement of my earned merit as Godou's wife."

  "Protection? From the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi incident?"

  Liliana was very concerned after hearing Erica's statement.

  "The [Youth] incarnation used that time? When I asked Godou about the details he only stuttered with misleading answers, while Erica played dumb all along. In the end, it became some kind of secret—"

  "Rather than secret, it is better described as private."

  "Private!? Could it be, that Godou and Erica did something indecent again!? If that is the case, then the eternal loyalty mentioned just now was referring to that!?"

  Erica's smile carried mysterious airs, while Yuri looked shocked.

  Furthermore, Ena was throwing glances of "Wow! That's His Majesty! So very cool!" whereas Liliana bore an expression that seemed to say "You are that kind of person, no surprise there."

  "Back then, Godou was ferocious, forceful and very strong like the times when he is in battle. It made me feel like I could offer up this body for your pleasure. However—"

  Erica professed as if intoxicated, but quickly changed expressions.

  "Putting all this aside, there are issues I need to know. Godou, do you plan on taking Ena, Yuri and me into your embrace as lovers?"

  "No, I've never even thought about that..."

  Godou answered with irritation, but this provoked the Hime-Miko's displeasure.

  "Eh eh? Your Majesty is so mean! Didn't you say you were going to take care of me along with Yuri... Ah, I get it now. Sorry, looking back, it really was an unreasonable demand."

  Ena looked down as if she realized something.

  "Uh, you finally understand what I meant, right? Seishuuin."

  "Yes, but it doesn't matter. Ena will act modestly until Your Majesty comes to love Ena. But please summon Ena if you ever have the whim. Ena doesn't need the principal wife's position. Even as Your Majesty's secret lover that cannot be exposed to the world, I am fine with it. Please arrange things however Your Majesty finds convenient."

  "Don't speak like that when you are an unmarried maiden!"

  Ena's forthright attitude completely ignored society's moral expectations, and casu
ally spoke terrifying words.

  Godou clutched his head in frustration. It seemed like Ena had undergone Yamato Nadeshiko education like Yuri, which accounted for this anachronistically submissive conception of male-female relationships.

  "What do you actually see in me to say things like this!? Please, treasure yourself more!"

  "It is because I treasure myself that I wish to stay by the side of the one I love most — Your Majesty. Your Majesty is very powerful, very dashing, and very compatible with Ena, and also... The first for Ena to offer her kiss, and lay bare her naked body..."

  Ena's face went red as she confessed.

  In that instant, Liliana's face seemed to say "Are you still lacking in self-awareness?"

  "Listen to what has been said, Kusanagi Godou, this is the truth. You possess the unaware talent of gathering women. This is why you need someone by your side to offer reminders and advice."

  What was all this about? The original intention was to confirm their determination before the battle, and get everyone to unite.

  At this time, Erica gave yet another heavy blow to Godou who was already at the end of his wits.

  "If I'm not mistaken, I stated clearly before that Godou is only allowed two lovers — Yuri and me, but in this brief time just short of six months, you not only captured Lily but Ena as well, exactly like a Don Juan.[63] By the way, Godou, didn't you once say something like 'relations should develop slowly', is that correct?"

  "T-That's right."

  "If you also take Ena as a lover, it doesn't contradict your words, but even if you conquer her slowly, I will not accept it!"

  If you want to go out and womanize, you'd better placate the one at home first.

  Keeping the reins of the wayward husband tightly in her hands, was exactly the skill possessed by the principal wife.

  "I will not go easy on you if it really happens. But if you are determined to go through with it no matter what, I demand reasonable justification along the lines of affirming that I am the one you love most. Should you fail to do something like that, I will never accept Ena as your lover, got that?"