Though they knew each other, it seemed like they didn't have a good relationship. Liliana was responding with an unyielding tone of voice.
"Are these dead people the servants of the Marquis Voban?"
"Yes, have you heard of [Dead Servants]? They were released by the Marquis to take care of intruders—knowing your existences, they will definitely come to you looking for trouble!!"
While talking to Erica, Liliana continued to watch her own opponent with vigilance.
The second death knight attacked her straight on. At the same time, Liliana also swung her sabre downwards in front of her.
Sword struck sword violently.
One would have expected the sword guards to clash, but it did not happen. Using some kind of technique, Liliana advanced forward while using her sabre to deflect the death knight's sword.
A flash of the sword.
Slashed open by a diagonal cut, the death knight also turned into ash. Crumbling like a sand castle on a beach, he disappeared in a dry manner.
"...Thank you, I'm saved."
"No, this level completely cannot count as a crisis for a Campione. I want to apologize for making a [King] dirty his hands fighting a death knight. Please grant your forgiveness."
Godou wanted to thank Liliana who saved him from a tough situation, but ended up receiving an apology.
Erica laughed to herself from the side.
"What are you talking about, Lily, you probably joined in happily to relieve your accumulated stress anyway."
"Quiet, I do not have any accumulated stress. Do not make things up."
Liliana frowned as she spoke.
What kind of relationship did these two have? Godou listened to their dialogue with great interest.
"I know, you were at the place the Marquis lived, and likely came along together, right? It is true that your grandfather is a worshiper of the Marquis, and to think he even sent his own granddaughter away so easily."
Hearing Erica's speculation, Liliana's face changed. The hunch was likely right on target.
"However, knowing your overly righteous attitude and the rumored character of the Marquis, you definitely do not get along, and there are many things you cannot speak out against. Isn't that a lot of stress?"
"Be-be-be-be quiet! Do not talk like you saw it with your own eyes!"
Liliana tried to prevent Erica from speaking further with a brusque voice.
...Perhaps, this girl was another victim who Erica played around with. Godou couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Liliana.
Looking so innocent, it was clear that she was no match for Erica.
"—Kusanagi Godou, there is absolutely zero basis in the things your lover is saying. Please forget them. Yes, I am the follower of the Marquis Voban, however, as a knight there is nothing dishonorable about it. No, without a doubt, absolutely none!"
"Ah, I get it."
Godou politely nodded his head at Liliana who was denying with her face red.
He also tried to correct a point of concern.
"By the way, Erica is not really anything like my lover. That, truly is baseless..."
"You do not have to cover it up. Our information network is already fully informed about your lustful depravity—no, pardon me, intimate relationship beyond the bounds of normal friendship. Given the skilled techniques of that female fox, playing around with a young king is easy beyond compare."
"Don't talk like I have been deceived by Erica, that information is wrong!"
Godou yelled reflexively in response.
"Excuse me. However, Sir Salvatore has stated 'that girl has cut in between Godou and I, and is very obstructive.' Besides, your denial is completely unconvincing..."
Liliana mentioned a name that could not be ignored.
How much more will that idiot create trouble for me? In his heart, Godou felt the rise of a sudden murderous impulse.
"So Lily, have you seen Sir Salvatore lately?"
"Do not call me Lily. Only on the day before I met the Marquis Voban—Sir Salvatore was still recuperating, and described what transpired that night with great detail. In addition, he also talked about you with great passion."
You—Liliana threw a glance at Godou as she spoke.
It felt like the kind of revulsion a girl obsessed with cleanliness would feel after seeing something hated.
"Ah, did that fellow say something strange?"
"...'It was a night I will never forget for the rest of my life. I absolutely cannot forget the night so passionate like a dream, and blindingly bright as summer fireworks. I offered my all to him, and he responded with everything he had. At that time, it felt like the world only contained the two of us, and all else was irrelevant.' Something like that."
At that moment, Liliana lowered her gaze, her cheeks blushing slightly.
"I am not qualified to comment on two [Kings] having that kind of immoral relationship, but if permissible, what I wish to say is, those kinds of impure actions with Erica are very unhealthy for a male. As for this kind of dishonest two-timing behavior... Ah, please forget what I just said."
"Don't have such weird misunderstandings, all I did was fight the guy!"
Uninterested in Godou's yelling, Erica spoke.
"I told you before, you have too many openings, which is why you let all these strange fellows approach you? People like Sir Salvatore, you need to drive them away with determination!"
"I want to drive them away too, but if they keep coming back for trouble, what can I do!"
After answering, Godou took a deep breath.
Salvatore Doni was such an infuriating man. Anyway, that wasn't important now, just forget about it, and devote all attention to solving the task at hand!
Determined, Godou asked Liliana.
"Uh, so that old man named Voban is inside, right? Can you take us there?"
"That was what I came to do. Please come this way."
Liliana walked towards the depths of the library. The meeting with the oldest Devil King was about to begin.
Part 4
Godou reached the second floor of the library and walked into the spacious reading room.
The tall old man and the white-clad Yuri were there.
Unlike the rumors of a mad dog, the old man's appearance was very intellectual, with a wide forehead and deep-set eyes. Though tall and lean, his body did not give an impression of being weak. Perhaps it was due to the upright posture of his entire back.
Wearing a neat suit, he seemed like an old gentleman.
"Kranjcar, you were very violent towards my servant."
The old gentleman—Sasha Dejanstahl Voban suddenly spoke.
It was not a reprimand, but held more of a mocking tone.
"My apologies, as a knight, I incorrectly judged insolence against the [King] and raised my sword. I will accept any punishment."
"Those kinds of servants are a dime a dozen, take no heed of it."
Answering as if playing around, Voban looked bored and gazed at Godou.
It was the kind of gaze which seemed rather arrogant.
"You look quite young, but come to mention it, I also become [King] around your age. Name yourself, youngster. I suppose you know my name already, but I do not know yours."
"My name is Kusanagi Godou. Please return my friend."
Godou reported his name without using honorifics.
After hearing about the exploits of this old man, Godou had no intention of applying his usual respect for elders.
Godou glanced at Yuri's condition. She looked a bit pallid, but it did not seem like she had suffered any serious attack. She was watching Godou's face with a worried expression.
"Why!? Kusanagi-san. Coming to this place because of me!"
"What are you saying, wouldn't it be problematic if I didn't come? Anyway, are you ok Mariya? Have they mistreated you?"
"I will not do anything that stupid, this miko is very useful to me."
Voban cracked his lips open to reve
al a sarcastic grin.
"However, youngster, who is this girl to you? Family or wife? Or lover? I am sorry, but she will be mine."
"Don't joke around! If you want to summon a god, do it yourself! Don't involve others!"
Before reaching here, Godou found out the gist of things from Liliana.
Whether Voban's goal, Yuri's necessity, or the dangers of the [Heretical God] summoning ritual. There was no reason at all to let this old man continue with his heinous acts.
Thus Godou reproached him loudly.
Voban yawned as if bored, and was completely unaffected.
"Youngster, this is a gathering of kings. I apologize for the rudeness of entering your territory without consent. However, do not mistakenly believe that your words can change my intentions. If you request something from a [King], should you not prepare to pay the price?"
"Price?"
"Yes, a miko to replace this girl, and one that can summon a god to be my prey. Without this, there can be no deal."
The old man did not seem to want to waste words. It looked like negotiations could not continue.
Godou smacked his lips. Was there any way other than a show of force? According to rumors about Voban, he was a believer in [Power]. It seemed like there was no other way but to display the power he possessed—the authority usurped from the Persian Warlord.
Just as Godou was agonizing—
He noticed Yuri looking at him like she was begging him, as if silently pleading something.
—Was it due to anxiety?
Godou felt doubt, and released the right fist which had clenched subconsciously, and relaxed his shoulder.
Yuri nodded greatly, so the guess was correct.
(But then, how should it be done...)
Just now, the words 'use force' had crossed Godou's mind.
Was there no further meaning in talking with Voban?
Even if Yuri had not stopped him, it was something to be avoided.
He himself, the one who always preached to Erica about 'living a peaceful life with common sense,' should find an easier solution to the problem...
At this time, Erica took action.
Until now, she had been waiting in a corner of the reading room with Liliana. However, she seemed to have noticed Godou's hesitation, and walked over before the [King].
"...No good, the issue has become complicated, could you stand down?"
"No, my king. I apologize deeply for my tardiness. We better follow the advice of our ally Sir Salvatore—please be decisive."
With a glamorous smile refusing Godou's request, Erica provided counsel with the tone of voice of a loyal subject.
Voban immediately reacted to those words.
"Oh, an ally? This cannot be ignored, girl."
To the old Devil King who had taken a slight interest, Erica gracefully bowed and introduced herself.
"Honored to meet you. I am Erica Blandelli—the Great Knight of the Copper Black Cross, and the current [Diavolo Rosso]."
"Paolo Blandelli's successor? What was the meaning of what you just said? Could you explain it?"
"Yes, allow me to proceed."
Erica's pupils seemed to contain a certain brightness like a happy and naughty child.
Obviously there were no good intentions.
"I don't know if you have heard, but my master Kusanagi Godou and our Italian [King] Sir Salvatore had an intense battle that ended in a draw. Furthermore, this battle nurtured a bond of friendship between two [Kings]."
Godou could feel cold sweat from his back.
It was definitely said, that four years ago, the one who foiled the old man's plans was Salvatore Doni.
"Nothing was nurtured at all! We fought, yes, but there is nothing remotely similar to a good relationship!"
"Hoho, though my king says so, but he is definitely intimate with Sir Salvatore. Isn't that right, Liliana?"
"Why are you asking me? ...Yes, it is true."
Being asked so suddenly, Liliana answered rather displeasedly.
If you're not really friends with Erica then don't be so cooperative!
Godou yelled, but it was too late.
"Sir Salvatore is really concerned about Godou-sama's matters... Rather than an ally, perhaps he would be happier if it was described as something like a mutually loving or brotherly relationship."
From the sight of this, she must have been played thoroughly like a doll by Erica.
As he pitied Liliana, Godou raised his head and looked towards the sky.
"...Yes. To be confirmed by a knight of the Bronze Black Cross which is enemies with the Copper Black Cross, youngster—you are Salvatore's ally, there can be no mistake about that fact."
"In addition, there is one more thing about my master's victory a month ago. Would you like to know?"
Erica added more fuel to the fire.
Voban did not answer, but motioned for her to continue with his eyes.
"The goddess Athena—a powerful deity requiring no explanation. However, Kusanagi Godou fought and defeated her a month ago, but let her escape just before the very end, and did not usurp any authority..."
"Ho, even if you are bluffing, please do not overdo it."
It changed.
Unlike the rumors, the old man full of intellectual airs changed his attitude. That posture was as sharp as swords, and as ferocious as charging wild beasts.
Sitting on the chair as if it was a throne, he started to shake lightly.
Soft motions of the body, like those of a feline beast. It was unthinkable that an old man could be producing them.
"You say he fought Salvatore to a draw and defeated Athena! But he has not even slaughtered a single god! Hahaha, to have accomplished all that, fighting that stupid fool with no other tricks than his sword, and making an enemy of the ultimate goddess of darkness? [Diavolo Rosso], what did Salvatore really say?!"
The old Devil King asked as he laughed with great mirth.
"Yes. That was what he said. As [King] as well as the senior visiting personally from afar, the Marquis would definitely want to have a competition of strength. He even said something about understanding about an elderly body, and something about bowing down in service to the power of the young..."
"Never! No matter how much that fellow messes around, he would never say something so ridiculous!"
However, it was too late.
Voban looked very happy, and was smiling mercilessly.
"Good. To make an opponent out of a brat who has not even been [King] for a year was not my mission. However—feel honored, for I will play along."
The emerald green eyes, were flashing brightly.
Eyes of a tiger. Godou felt himself out of breath as he thought of such a description for the intensity of those eyes.
"Brat—as you have requested, take this girl back. However, in exchange, you and the girl will become the prey for my hunt."
Voban violently grabbed Yuri's arm and threw her towards Godou.
Godou frantically received her delicate body in his arms.
Yuri's body was trembling slightly, her face pale and bloodless, as if extremely frightened. Godou lightly stroked her back with his hand to comfort her.
"Thirty minutes. Take this girl, and go wherever you want. I will set off from here thirty minutes later to take the lives of you and the girl. You can hide anywhere you want. I will pursue to the corners of the world in order to hunt down and corner you. These are the rules of the hunt, understood?"
At this point, there was no other way but to play the game.
Godou prepared himself, and silently nodded.
Chapter 5 - Time of the Hunt
Part 1
The sun had already set, and night was falling.
Rain drops were falling rhythmically from the sky.
Godou supported Yuri and left the library with Erica, meeting Amakasu at the parking lot.
"It really did develop into this kind of situation... Anyway, let's get out of here for now, an
d plan as we move. Just sitting here is not going to solve anything."
Amakasu heard what happened, and urged Godou and the rest.
Developments have reached an emergency situation, will these actions turn out to be rash or foresighted?
Godou had yet to decide on a plan, so he went with Amakasu's suggestion.
"No matter what, things have gotten more and more troublesome..."
The domestic car aimlessly ran towards the Minato ward on the Shuto Expressway.
Godou sat in the front passenger seat and grumbled.
Obviously, Amakasu was in the driver's seat, while Erica and Yuri sat in the back.
"Let me make this clear, I only wanted to sum up the conversation quickly, and had no intention of putting Godou in danger. This matter should have been originally prepared for the battle against the Marquis Voban."
Erica said in a calm manner.
She was probably in a bad mood because Godou chose to sit in front instead of next to her.
"I know that, but there must be some slightly safer way to resist!"
Godou tried to change his mood as he spoke, as there was no point in regretting something that had already happened
Try to think of a constructive way to minimize damage to the surroundings.
"Sigh, grumbling is meaningless, let's consider our direction from this point on—how many authorities does that old gramps have in total?"
"...Is it seven or eight?"
"There are also reports of nine, or even ten and above."
Godou frowned at Amakasu and Erica's vague responses.
"Can you answer clearly? Aren't there magic associations investigating our abilities and making reports? That name is something like..."
"The Greenwich Assembly."
Amakasu answered while gripping the steering wheel.
"However, that group only started their activities in the latter half of the nineteenth century. That is why they don't have information on people who became Campiones earlier like the Marquis Voban. Thus, detailed information is only available on those who became [Kings] in the twentieth century or later, like Salvatore Doni and the Black Prince Alec."
"Information on Marquis Voban aside, even the god he first defeated is completely unknown. Some say that it is a god associated with wolves—probably a god with earth attributes."
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