"Do you remember in the third year of middle school, your very intimate classmate Kyouno Emili?"
"Kyouno... There was someone called that, a girl with a poor memory, always forgetting to bring textbooks, so she frequently combined desks with me and shared mine. She was always inexplicably friendly to me, and started conversations for no particular reason, probably because we were in the same class."
"Then what about Kyouno Emili's close friend, Uchida Kyouko?"
"You mean that very quiet and proper fellow, always sticking together with Kyouno. Extremely quiet. Now that you mention it, she did write me a 'can we be friends?' letter, so I became friends with her."
"One more person I must confirm, who is Tokunaga Asuka?"
"She's an old friend who lives on the same commercial street as me, didn't you pass her by many times already, Liliana? Her personality is very strong, and often complaining, but sometimes she would act so friendly it makes me feel uncomfortable, like suddenly forcing a lunchbox onto me, saying 'I made too much by accident, so here you go!' Things like that."
And then Liliana continued to list out a series of names.
Endou Maya, Narasaki Sayaka, Nakazawa Kaori and many others. Listing out all these people whom Godou only retained vague memories, it took a lot of work to recall them all.
"So, you even made marriage promises in your childhood... And that is the situation, Kusanagi Godou."
"Eh? We were all friends in the past. What do you mean by 'and that is the situation'?"
As Godou tried to object, he noticed that the Mariya sisters were staring at him strangely.
"I-I never thought, Godou-san would have relationships with so many people..."
"Amazing, Onii-sama! Popular with the ladies just as the rumors say, what a true man!"
Yuri was surprised by revelations of 'eh, this person actually had such a past!?' and showed troubled eyes. On the other hand, Hikari was looking at Godou with eyes of pure admiration.
"To have so many girls distressed over you, and yet you remain completely unaware... You were born with a lady-killer's disposition. I, Liliana Kranjcar am impressed from the bottom of my heart. Kusanagi Godou, you are like a sleepwalking serial murderer, a rare and unaware lady-killer!"
Liliana declared her conclusion in very stern tones. How was that possible, I, Kusanagi Godou, am not that popular a man.
But Yuri over there was nodding repeatedly, and Hikari was going "wow, this is an adult's story" while looking over with eyes of worship. They both agreed. What on earth was this!?
"So I rudely followed you today, in order to prevent the young innocent girl from being captured by your poisonous fangs -- no, sorry, it should be your charm instead."
"Wait a minute, Liliana, I never had any immoral thoughts about Hikari ever!"
"Correct, you are right. Your sense of righteousness is strong, and very noble, unlike those despicable people harboring sexual desires towards underaged girls, and you would never see this kind of underaged girl as a candidate for romantic pursuit. However, look at this girl here."
"?" Liliana pointed her finger at the younger Mariya sister, puzzling Hikari.
"Mariya Hikari is already completely taken by admiration for you. Do you not see the dangerous situation?"
"Ah? She's just acting friendly towards her elders, right?"
"Normally, that explanation might be correct. But you have no self-awareness as a lady-killer... So that is why I have speculated on future developments."
Godou recalled Liliana's interests. The fairy-like and beautiful young lady of Eastern European descent, was an aspiring author of daring romantic novels. This gave Godou a very ominous feeling.
"Right... First comes the fateful beginning with this childhood admiration, Mariya Hikari begins to have a minor crush on you, and then she will offer her untainted innocence to you. As the inexperienced and fearless love begins to sublimate to the next level, she will wish for her heart and body to become your possessions. In the beginning you will rebuff her using the age difference as an excuse, but soon enough immoral thoughts will surface, and you decide to pluck this lovely little flower, and seize ownership--!"
"Is that so... One day I will be serving by Onii-sama's side too..."
"N-No way! Your older sister will not allow such a thing!"
Liliana's problematic speech sent the Mariya sisters into turmoil, as Godou kept his distance away from them, he began to whisper to the blue knight one on one.
"Hey, Liliana, you overthought things way too much... Rather, I should say your delusional imagination is too vivid. Hikari is even younger than my sister Shizuka, how could I possibly harbor these strange and immoral thoughts against such a small girl?"
"The problem is the girls will automatically approach you. From the past examples, there were quite a number of confirmed cases."
Even though she brought up so many things that happened in the past, Godou was still unable to comprehend what was so objectionable. Seeing Godou so troubled, Liliana smiled and said:
"But I do believe you are not the type to toy with young girls... I got it now, let us have a wager. Whether Mariya Hikari will become captivated by Kusanagi Godou or not."
What? Unable to understand the meaning of the knight's proposal, Godou was unable to answer.
"If the second daughter of the Mariya family does not develop romantic feelings towards Kusanagi Godou, then it is your victory. I will admit that you are a man who can control his charms. Regarding this issue, I will swear not to mention it ever again. But if she ends up wishing to stay by your side, and serve you--"
Liliana decisively spoke with great sternness:
"At that time, please grant me the right to manage your chambers."
Chambers, that meant something like bedroom, right?
"Recently I've been troubled by this, for Erica and Mariya Yuri have been competing as lovers, while I, Liliana Kranjcar, can only stand aside as your knight. Is that really for the best? I think this is the answer I have been looking for. Kusanagi Godou, I will not only be your sword, but assist in your personal life as well. If I win the wager, I will become your irreplaceable trusted adviser, close friend, housekeeper and subordinate, as well as maidservant. Please consider this for me, I will do everything I can in your best interests."
Godou began to consider, perhaps this was a wager he could easily win?
Watching Hikari in the distance, the girl who was the subject of the wager did not appear to have any signs of falling in love on first sight, or having secretly admired him from a long time ago. Hence, this girl definitely will not be infatuated with me. No problem.
Thus the troubled Yuri also declared she would never let something like that happen. Liliana was just digging a grave through strange delusions. I am sorry, but how could I miss out on such an easy wager?
"...I agree to this wager, how about a time limit of a month?"
"Acknowledged. So Kusanagi Godou, regarding how to solve this problem. Please allow me to offer my advice."
Liliana respectfully responded to Godou who had agreed to her proposal.
"About the Saitenguu issue, why not chat with someone more in the know? If you inquire using your stature as [King], the other party should not refuse you."
Now that it's mentioned, Godou had almost forgotten. The suggestion made Godou feel like he suddenly saw the light.
Part 3
After making an appointment, Godou and Liliana went together to the Sayanomiya residence on the street of Sanbanchou in the Tokyo special ward of Chiyoda. Due to duties or being in training, the two Hime-Miko remained at Nanao Shrine.
Entering the study, the person they wanted to see had been waiting for them.
The Tokyo Branch Chief of the History Compilation Committee, namely, Sayanomiya Kaoru, was wearing a grey dress shirt with a tie, as well as a men's suit. As always, the cross-dressing Hime-Miko was as beautiful as ever.
As a side note, her subordinate Amakasu Touma was wearing a
worn-looking suit, on standby in a corner of the study.
"You already know about us, the Four Families, right? The Sayanomiya, Seishuuin, Renjou and Kuhoudzuka families leading the Japanese wizardry world. Each family has their own duties, and the Kuhoudzuka are responsible for guarding the Saitenguu at Nikkou's Toushouguu. This shrine was originally built to venerate the [Divine Monarch] in the early Edo period."
Sayanomiya Kaoru explained in a very clear voice.
"Oh." Standing behind the sofa couch Godou was sitting on, Liliana responded to the mention of the divine monarch. Apparently, she was more knowledgeable about Japanese culture than Erica.
"Saitenguu is the divine monarch's temple that is protected by a strong barrier and sealing spell. Following the orders of the Kuhoudzuka family, a Hime-Miko can use disaster purification to weaken the seal. Doing so allows the family to obtain the might of the divine monarch -- in other words, they can wield the divine monarch's power."
At this point, Kaoru giggled audibly with a mischievous smile which was also unusually seductive.
"Or put it this way, the Kuhoudzuka is a family that cannot complete their own mission without a Hime-Miko. Though it's not enough to make them lose their position, but it is definitely a massive embarrassment. Mikihiko-san is already confirmed to succeed the family next year. If he is able to fill the Hime-Miko vacancy during this time, it will add a lot to his reputation."
Hearing this explanation, Godou spoke out about a point of concern.
"By the way, so the divine monarch is a deity after all?"
"A god, yes, no mistake about it... Apparently an extremely troublesome deity."
Kaoru answered readily, while her trusted subordinate waiting on hand added:
"Yes, it is a great spell that required a life's work from our predecessor, a great figure who converted the heretic [Steel] into a sword protecting the nation, and then sealed it at Nikkou. Do I need to explain further?"
"Ah... No thanks, because I don't want to know too much about things involving gods."
Godou shook his head to reject Amakasu's offer.
He didn't expect it would be [Steel]. Hearing that term, it made him especially agitated.
"Thank you both for the detailed explanation. I'm sorry for suddenly bothering you all."
Kaoru and Amakasu were older than him, so Godou very naturally employed a respectful tone of voice.
"Not at all, for this kind of trivial task, we will answer you no matter the number of questions. For you are the devil king secluded in this world."
Kaoru smiled wryly. Though her choice of words was similar to the Kuhoudzuka gentleman's, there was no feeling of unnatural stiffness.
Her every motion was extremely natural and beautiful. Even a frivolous conversation would turn into a stylish joke. She was someone who possessed an incredible charisma, this androgynous personality.
"However, it is a position that has been vacant for almost a century. Whether the divine monarch truly exists, no one has confirmed directly, so it is very hard to judge."
Kaoru smiled mischievously.
"Despite Hikari's appearance, her personality is actually just as serious as her sister's. 'As long as it is within my ability, I will try my best... Even though I am a bit scared.' Something like that. So she is probably in a quandary right now. To be honest, I feel it is too risky. It is better to reject the offer. Sometimes it is necessary to protect oneself."
"Though sealed, this vacant position does require a miko to serve a [Heretic God]."
As his master explained with levity, Amakasu chimed in casually.
Godou nodded, after their explanation, the matter was easily understood. The Kuhoudzuka family directly started the recruitment process without detailing the risk of becoming the 'divine monarch's Hime-Miko' or the importance of the position.
In that case it was very difficult for Hikari to make a decision, and similarly he found it hard to make a suggestion.
"Is it possible... to have a trial run there and try it out first?"
Godou proposed his idea. Even a middle school third year baseball youth aiming for the National Championship would first make a visit to the high school of their choice. Letting Hikari try something similar, it was a very simplistic notion.
Hearing Godou's suggestion, Sayanomiya Kaoru burst out laughing loudly.
"Allowing someone other than the succeeding Hime-Miko to enter the forbidden depths of Saitenguu to try things out? That will definitely bring about divine retribution. Mikihiko-san is a very serious person, and he will definitely be offended. Your idea is perfect!"
Realizing his suggestion lacked common sense, Godou felt greatly ashamed.
If it was possible to have a trial run, then the Mariya sisters would have done it already.
"It's no good after all?"
"Normally, it will never be permitted, but in this case, it's the [King]'s decree."
With heart-felt joy, Kaoru took out her cellphone.
Finding the number from amongst her contacts, the call soon connected.
"Hey, is it Mikihiko-san? I am Kaoru. Actually I have something to discuss with you. That's right, about the Hime-Miko matter. After that, Hikari's guardian made a proposal... Yes, of course it is that esteemed one."
Secretly laughing to herself, Kaoru's voice was exceptionally serious.
The great devil king, vicious beyond compare, ordering the holy sanctum to be opened up for the sake of his beloved's younger sister. If Kuhoudzuka Mikihiko agreed to such demands, his situation would become precarious, but for the sake of national security, he would have to endure no matter what --
"Sayanomiya-san, I never knew you were someone like that."
"Yes, that is the kind of person she is, who loves to play pranks and tell lies, as well as being the champion of playboys three times in a row."
Speaking of such uncertain facts, there were threats at times, and tears on other occasions.
Godou and Amakasu sighed lightly as they looked at the cross-dressing beauty.
"Yes, as expected he couldn't agree immediately, but from the feeling I got just now, there will be an answer in three days. Kusanagi-san, you can leave this matter to me, Sayanomiya Kaoru!"
"Your concern... I thank you greatly."
Godou expressed his gratitude briefly to the History Compilation Committee leader whose spirits were rising to a peak.
Clearly she seemed like she was having fun, though she was also a very reliable friend. Anyway, let's wait for the good news. Godou got up from the sofa, and Liliana followed behind him.
As they were about to leave, Amakasu suddenly spoke:
"By the way, Kusanagi-san. If possible, could you pass along a message to Erica-san?"
A message? Godou was greatly surprised by this unexpected request.
"Two days ago, the young master of the Lu family from Hong Kong was sighted at Narita airport. I have not been acquainted with this gentleman, so if possible, I was wondering if she could help introduce us."
"The young master of the Lu family -- is that Lu Yinghua!"
Before Godou could answer, Liliana spoke out excitedly.
"Yes, Cult Leader Luo Hao's one and only direct disciple. Erica-san has met him before in Hong Kong. Could Liliana-san have met him too?"
"No... However, I have heard about him many times."
The sudden exchange made Godou a little concerned. Whose disciple was this guy?
"That whatever Cult Leader, is that a devil king like me who lives in China?"
"Yes, do you still remember, Her Eminence Luo Hao, leader of the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains, the Campione who resides in China. One who rarely makes an appearance, a person impossible to judge."
Amakasu happily showed off his knowledge.
"In addition to Daoist and martial arts[30], she possesses god-slaying authorities... A super monster who happens to be on poor terms with Marquis Voban... Furthermore, the one who was trained in the martial arts of this great devil king, is
the young master of the Lu family mentioned just now."
"I have often heard of his exploits, for he is famous as a most capable figure in Erica and my generation."
Liliana added.
"Actually within Japan, he is even more well-known than Erica-san and Liliana-san. After all, China is much closer to Japan compared to Europe. He is renowned for his outstanding qinggong[31] and powerful palm strikes."
In other words, he was extremely agile and a famous martial artist whose style featured palm attacks, explained Amakasu subsequently.
Godou sighed. He really didn't want to meet anything troublesome, but as luck would have it, he heard this hated kind of news.
"But after he left Narita, his trail was lost. If he plans on staying in Japan for a while, I think it's best to give him a greeting."
"Got it, I will let Erica know, but there's one question."
"A question? Be my guest, ask away."
Amakasu laughed "hoho", and once again, Godou found this man completely incomprehensible.
"I don't think you need to send a message through me. Wouldn't it be faster to contact Erica directly? It's not like you don't know each other."
"No no, my relationship with that lady should be limited to contact through either you or Yuri-san. That is enough. Of course, I will still contact her directly when necessary, but unless there was no other way, I shouldn't get too close to her... Anyway, thank you for doing this on my behalf."
The young man, who was a ninja descendant, bowed his head to Godou.
Part 4
Roppongi was in the Minato ward of Tokyo.
Standing amongst the headquarters of television stations and other skyscrapers was the Roppongi Tower.
With fifty-four stories, its full name was the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower and it stood two hundred and forty meters tall. The highest landmark in the area, even the rooftop of a twenty-one-story luxury hotel didn't seem very high in comparison.
At such a place, a young boy and girl were lying in wait.
With a fearless and dissatisfied face, the youth was standing on the edge of the roof.
It was ten minutes past midnight.
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