Alec had been observing events in Japan during the commotions caused by the Great Sage Equaling Heaven and Lancelot.
As a result, he had gained a clear understanding of the Campione Kusanagi Godou.
"Furthermore, his ability to deceive women is unparalleled. I don't know how he did it, but he seems to have won the demonic cult leader's approval, and become her sworn little brother..."
"As befits one of Alec's peers."
As Cecilia concurred, Alec frowned slightly.
"Don't even think of comparing me with those other guys as if we're in the same category. There's actually nothing similar, for I am different from those who act impulsively without thinking."
"Alec, you should pay more attention instead. Try not to be in denial over your own nature, okay?"
"Nonsense. I am a rare person who has thoroughly grasped his own strengths and weaknesses."
"Is that so? By the way, I was thinking..."
Alec's confident protest was simply brushed aside by Cecilia with indifference.
Hmm. The furrow on Alec's brow deepened.
"Such a troublesome character. Even if we do not recruit him as an ally we should not make enemies out of him. But Alec, you always look like you are taking a battle stance. Clearly you're lacking in caution."
"No. That idea of yours is very flawed. It pains me to say this, but your perception is lacking."
Alec shook his head at the clever but inexperienced Cecilia.
"Flawed? How so?"
"The fact that you keep thinking of them as normal people. Listen well, when dealing with people beyond common sense like Campiones, be sure to abandon naive notions such as 'negotiations can bring peaceful resolution,' 'the other party is human too,' or 'humans can reach mutual understanding.' These people should be understood as 'ferocious beasts' instead."
"...Really?"
"Ah yes. It must have been seven years ago, when I was on an expedition in California. I met Los Angeles' John Pluto Smith. Even as a Campione, that guy was predisposed towards rationality, so I thought I could develop amicable relations easily. At least, it shouldn't become hostile. Consequently, I couldn't even voice out one tenth of the thoughts running through my mind when I met him."
"...What were they?"
"Thoughts like 'you're an adult and you still haven't graduated from your masked disguise phase?' 'Always using playacting speech and behavior to garner attention like some kind of narcissist.' Also 'Making others wait every time in order to arrive fashionably late,' that kind of stuff... And much more. I'm sure anyone who met him has had all kinds of thoughts like this."
Recalling the past encounter, Alec explained.
"However, all that effort turned out to be a waste. We had clearly established friendly relations already, but a week after our encounter, Smith and I had an all-out fight. It pretty much reached a stalemate..."
"How did it come to this?"
"Maybe the timing of our encounter wasn't right, or perhaps I can't keep up with that overly egotistical personality of his... In the end, we had a ceasefire and signed a non-aggression pact, agreeing to keep out of each other's affairs."
"The one with the greater ego should be you, right..."
"Anyway, that was it. I've experienced many similar incidents in the past."
Interrupting Cecilia who seemed to have many opinions to offer, Alec asserted:
"When the opponent is a Campione, conflicts will arise if they are coming, while peace talks will occur naturally only if they are possible. Consequently, trying to change anything only results in wasted effort."
" "......" "
Without reaching any consensus, Alec and the silent girl stared at each other.
Anyway, has she been convinced to change her inappropriate views? Just as Alec puzzled--
"By the way, are things over at the 'island' fine?"
Cecilia changed the subject. Perhaps she had grown tired of the fruitless discussion.
"No problem. An alarm will be transmitted here if anyone approaches that labyrinthine sea. If anything happens, I can return immediately."
The "island" which was the legendary Avalon, or perhaps known as the Floating Island.
The ancient island raised up by the Heavenly Reverse Halberd in the waters near Yokosuka. Using the authority of divine speed to turn into lightning, Alec could fly there in an instant.
"That island is the place where King Arthur... No, his prototype the war god sleeps, right? He should be embracing that [Sword] called the whatever divine sword of salvation while sleeping there, right?"
"Exactly."
Answering Cecilia's question, Alec sipped a mouthful of soup.
"If that was the way it should be, Alec, why did you have to use that artifact? By common logic, should that island not exist originally?"
When Alec went to Los Angeles, he had ordered Cecilia to retrieve an artifact.
Asked about the secret treasure that Alec had discovered on an Indonesian island and assigned to a local trusted acquaintance for safekeeping, Alec replied indifferently.
"But of course, it is more than necessary. It is the crucial item needed to summon that Guinevere to this island. Predicting it would surely come in handy at some point, I had the foresight to keep it hidden rather than displayed at headquarters."
The museum at St. Ives was where his stronghold was located.
It was the place where Alec often exhibited the things he discovered or borrowed.
However, everyone knew it was the Black Prince's home. None of his subordinates who frequented the place were weak in combat. As a final safeguard, Sir Iceman was stationed there, but Alec still would not keep any item there which would attract truly dangerous enemies.
"True. But Alec, it is very hard to believe how you came to be so certain of something that should be there but was not there."
"On the contrary. Precisely because it is the resting place of the 'King of the End,' that possibility is very unlikely instead. For that island is the place the Divine Ancestors have sought in vain over the past millennium and more."
Thinking of Guinevere, Alec continued.
"That witch must have considered this a long time ago -- if the search continues to be fruitless, what could be the reason? Perhaps someone has cleverly concealed the master's location. The sleeping master, what ways could he have been hidden... Something like that."
It must have been the ancient members in the upper echelons of the History Compilation Committee. Apparently they saw the threat presented by the "King of the End" and decided to conceal his existence. If I were in their shoes, how would I hide him?
What Alec pondered from there was what Guinevere never considered. This was the difference in their thinking.
"Well, even if the conclusion is correct, I have no way of speculating beyond that. Simply considering the current situation, there are twenty possible outcomes. All I can do is set up a gambit which handles all of them. Simply stated, this is all in preparation for capturing Guinevere."
"...What are you planning?"
But at that moment, Cecilia said softly:
"Even though you are so talented... You must be quite a failure in dealing with 'women.'"
"Nonsense. I am completely different from Kusanagi Godou. I'm not going to obsess over women, nor am I going to regret my decisions simply because of getting duped by females. You owe me an apology."
Alec retorted angrily, but Cecilia shook her head vigorously.
"That's not what I meant. What Alec's plans incur, are likely the unpredictable thoughts and feelings of women, infatuation, obsession or the like. Because it is unconditional love, consequently, the type of enemies you have the most trouble handling are basically 'women.' That Princess is a very good example."
"Stop trying to find fault in strange ways. That type of women, I do not have any trouble at all."
Secretly reminiscing Greenwich's Princess, Alec exclaimed.
At this time, a "familiar" manifested on t
he table in the form of a [Black Calf]. However, it was only the size of one's palm. Its round eyes glimmered with definite intellect.
The calf which suddenly appeared out of space, sat next to the bowl of fried rice gazing up at Alec.
"A visitor?"
Alec puckered a smile. This was the familiar born from the authority of the ferocious bull god Minos.
It had manifested for the sake of managing and guarding the labyrinth Alec had created. Through eye contact with the calf, Alec instantly received intel.
(In the waters around the labyrinth, a strong magical presence has appeared.)
"Divine beast? Fake god? Or Lancelot?"
(Unknown. But not a [Heretic God].)
"In other words, it should be something above a divine beast. Looks like Guinevere has finally made a decision, cautious though she may be. I will go there immediately."
Alec leisurely spooned fried rice into his mouth as he spoke.
It was not so urgent that he did not have the leisure to fill his stomach or get a change of clothes. So, which jacket should he wear today? Alec pondered as he ate.
Today will probably be quite busy, unless time was used wisely--
Part 2
On the next day after the war god's ambush, Kusanagi Godou came to Shounan.
Outside the window was the vast and deep blue sea. The location was a seaside cafe.
Yesterday, Lancelot had enchanted Godou with a secret technique for making desires run amok. This resulted in the formation of an exotic partnership between enemies.
"Why must a meal be partaken at such a venue..."
Guinevere grumbled disapprovingly.
The Witch Queen who always kept a serious expression was showing such an expression for the first time. Nevertheless, Godou ignored her.
Satisfying my hunger is the most important thing right now. Godou took a huge bite from his sandwich containing chicken, organic vegetables and herbs. Tasty! The leafy greens of the rucola lettuce were very fresh, the thin slices of tomatoes were quite fragrant, and the salty taste of the chicken made it even more delicious.
"I won't stop you if you want to stay away from towns and crowds, but I'm not interested, nor do I share that preference. While on the move with me, do try to conform to my way of doing things, got that?"
Slowly swallowing his sandwich, Godou declared leisurely.
Sitting opposite Godou were two girls. Divine Ancestor Guinevere and cool-looking Lancelot with her short honey-colored hair.
Guinevere was rather striking in her usual black formal dress.
Whenever a beautiful girl dressed up in Gothic lolita fashion, crowds of onlookers naturally gathered. Whether staff or customers, all were staring at Guinevere with admiration.
"In any case, this lowly establishment of philistines is inadequate for one of Guinevere's stature. Kusanagi-sama, given you are also one of high stature, do express some concern for a lady!"
Unsettled by people's stares, Guinevere spoke with her face all red.
On the other hand, Lancelot sitting next to her remained calm and composed.
"Is this not wonderful? To be an adorable child. Even alone in the wilderness, you will be gazed upon by the blowing wind and the constellations filling up the sky. Birds, bugs and beasts are all watching you. Humans likewise. Those of one's stature merely need to display corresponding solemnity."
Saying that, she raised her coffee cup to her lips.
Naturally, the Divine Ancestor and the war god did not have a clue about coffee etiquette. The coffee they were drinking had been Godou's judicious choice.
Lancelot had removed the slightly filthy cloak she was wearing yesterday and changed her clothes.
A white knitted sweater over a shirt together with black pants. Rather tasteful and conservative attire.
"But Sir Knight!"
"Hohoho. Being called that in this current state, is slightly embarrassing."
The short-haired beauty smiled at the furious one she protected.
In actual fact, Lancelot was drawing an equal amount of attention. As a knight she openly accepted it all, letting everything meld into the scenery of the cafe.
Nevertheless, these words of advice failed to appease Guinevere's indignant emotions.
She finds things unbearable simply because of the crowd's stares? Godou found it rather incredible. He would have thought she was a woman less petty than that--
"Ah yes, really?"
Discerning the reason for Guinevere's displeasure, Godou could not help chuckling to himself.
"What are you laughing about, Kusanagi-sama?"
"Well, this. I think you are unexpectedly cute in certain ways."
"Cute? What are you referring to?"
"You should know very well, Guinevere."
"What!?"
Guinevere's face instantly flushed all red.
"Kusanagi-sama, exalted as you are as a Devil King, how could you speak so rudely to the Witch Queen? Please be mindful of your own behavior. Why on earth do you have to call Guinevere cute!?"
"Because you are very stubborn."
Godou smiled mischievously and teased.
"Since yesterday, I have taken all matters into my hands. Finding so many things inconsistent with the great Witch Queen's expectations, you are quite displeased, right?"
Last night, Godou had received Lancelot's curse.
Led by the beautiful war deity, Godou came to the seaside where Guinevere was waiting.
'Thank you for your patience, Kusanagi-sama. For you to accept our humble invitation, we are overjoyed from the depths of our hearts--'
Guinevere offered a welcome in her usual tones full of pretense. That child-like smiling face was overflowing with the Witch Queen's glee from having snatched a chance for victory. However, Godou declared without even looking at her:
'Whatever. I accept the invitation.'
Then he extended his hand towards Guinevere's face.
The one and only Witch Queen could not help but feel her body stiffen instantly. During this time, her slender chin was being clamped between Godou's index and middle fingers, forcing her to lift her gaze towards Godou's face.
'Remember this well. After I take care of Gascoigne, I will conclude matters with that Lancelot. I will not allow you to interfere. Otherwise, prepare yourself for the consequences. You do want to revive the one called the 'King of the End,' right?'
'Y-You are saying you will kill Guinevere...!?'
'Of course not. I won't do that. However, there are many ways to obstruct you from reviving him. You'd better not even think of going against me when I'm in top form."
Godou had been speaking softly.
However, he was now speaking in a voice so fearsome and solemn he himself could not believe it possible. Her spirit broken, Guinevere only nodded vigorously in earnest. Then she cast a helpless gaze towards her protector.
'Apologies, beloved child. One has enchanted Kusanagi Godou with [Insane Rush], a curse that allows him to fight Alexandre Gascoigne before dueling with this Knight. It is exceedingly simple... But as expected of a god-slayer, he possesses substantial dignity. Even under a curse, it would appear that forming an alliance of equals is impossible.'
'Equals? Don't be ludicrous.'
Hearing Lancelot's words, Godou ridiculed.
'Just leave everything to me from this point onwards. If an overcautious woman like Guinevere were to be in charge, even what is rightfully yours cannot be won back. Until the battle with Gascoigne begins, you are both under my command. Only this way can lead you to victory."
This declaration caused Guinevere's beautiful face to pale.
On the other hand, her beautiful guardian deity simply went 'Hmm...' and crossed her arms, muttering as she contemplated. In the end, no objections were raised. Deep down, she must have agreed with Kusanagi Godou's words.
Thus Kusanagi Godou became the leader of this impromptu alliance of enemies.
After that, Kusanagi Godou commanded
Guinevere to prepare food and lodgings using her magic.
Deciding during the night that "Tomorrow will be the assault on the island," he prepared by making detailed plans. A good night's rest to receive the morning, a good meal in preparation of the battle -- that was how things came to this.
Then he came to this seaside cafe with two beautiful girls in tow, thus leading to the present.
"What displeasure, there's nothing of that sort!"
Teased by Godou, Guinevere denied vehemently, her face flushed red with embarrassment.
But he had most likely hit the mark, for she clumsily turned her face away from his gaze.
"Hoho, don't be shy. Even as the Witch Queen, that's so childish of you. All I said just now was you're cute, right? That's not something I dislike."
"Eh?"
Godou's smile gave Guinevere a severe fright.
Even though decades had passed since her successful rebirth, the Divine Ancestor was still a pubescent girl. The Witch Queen held terrifying magical power and prestige. Nevertheless, Guinevere was now showing innocent fear as befitted her appearance.
"Children should act like children and let adults do the work. Even though I'm not really an adult, I should still be more reliable than you."
"What!? How rude! Guinevere is indeed the witch who was born countless years past--!"
"No matter how many years ago you were born, nothing has changed your child-like appearance. In any case, in addition to Lancelot, you now have one more person to rely on, at least until Gascoigne is defeated. I think it's fine for you to throw childish tantrums from time to time, right?"
Just like that, without even the passage of half a day.
Godou had already begun to understand the witch Guinevere.
In short, she was just a child. Although it was unclear whether Divine Ancestors had the same concept of growth or adulthood, at least it was apparent that Guinevere's mental development was not that mature. This was probably why her vision was so narrow and she did things overcautiously.
"I-In that case -- I will be very troubled. Guinevere has her dignity..."
"Well, go ahead and indulge your nature as you like. That's fine too. Stubborn and obstinate girls who don't think too deeply or try to be pleasing can be quite cute too."
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