Campione 09

by Return of the Goddess

  Witnessing Asuka's familiarity with Godou, Hikari suddenly commented.

  "I can see that you are quite familiar with Onii-sama. In fact, once I'm a little older, I also want to stay by Onii-sama's side to receive his love. When the time comes, I will be in your care? ...Ah, but who knows, I might have more seniority by then!"

  She was displaying an innocent yet "womanly" smile.

  Hearing Hikari's statement, Asuka' face began to convulse.

  "......I-Is that so? Just to make sure, in what year is Mariya-san's little sister currently studying?"

  "Sixth grade. I will be entering middle school next year."

  "Oh, I see... Wait a minute, Godou! Are you going to let this complete mess develop further? You have truly overturned all of my expectations!"

  Godou answered Asuka's furious snarls with irritation.

  "Don't go accepting strange ideas so easily. Do I really have to take an elementary school student's words seriously? Use your brain a little. Hikari only says that because she looks up to me, that's all."

  "Yes. To me, Onii-sama is even more important than a real elder brother."

  Giggling cleverly, Hikari responded.

  Even though she sounded like she was hiding some sort of subtle hint, Godou was not concerned. She was just an elementary school child. It would be ridiculous to take her words seriously.

  Now that he thought about it, the other girls had also been more or less alarmed by Hikari previously.

  "Liliana also makes strange statements all the time. If you insist on interpreting things that way, Asuka, you're going to make Hikari and her sister Mariya feel uncomfortable."

  "Yes... Kusanagi Godou is correct."

  "Right. After all, Hikari is still a child, yes..."

  Liliana spoke knowingly as Yuri nodded in agreement with a conflicted expression.

  As the subject of discussion, Hikari smiled sweetly in response to the comments of the older girls.

  "Yes, I am still a child, so the future is far away. I look forward to receiving everyone's care in the future."

  Then Hikari leaned tightly against Godou. This was a rare display of open affection that felt a little different from a younger sister's.

  Godou stroked her head a few times. Hikari smiled in return.

  "...In three years, no, two years, that kind of future will be here."

  "...Actually, I would not be surprised if that stage arrives in two months."

  "...If the child has already decided herself then there is no helping it..."

  Asuka, Liliana and Yuri murmured softly amongst themselves.

  What do they mean? Godou was perplexed. Furthermore, for some reason the situation felt like an alliance was being formed between the three girls —

  Not too long after that, the group was finally able to enter the shop.

  "China Cat-eared Maid Cafe and Tea House."

  Despite the small budget, the interior of the classroom was well-decorated in Chinese style.

  Godou and his group were seated next to the window. They ordered Pu-erh tea[11] and several snacks according to their numbers.

  "Well then, Uncle, your order will be here shortly."

  The China cat-eared maid spoke cheerfully and returned to the kitchen.

  Of course, she was greeting Godou who had been helping out at the shop yesterday.

  "On further thought, this shop is really suspicious after all. The waitresses don't really seem like students and they look especially well-trained. Furthermore, that maid's Japanese is a little awkward, could she be Chinese or Korean?"

  Asuka calmly pointed out.

  Since she had been working at a family restaurant, she was probably familiar with the skills of the maid team.

  "Godou sure knows some really weird people. What kind of connections caused you to help out at this shop?"

  "Well, all kinds. It's purely by chance that I became friends with a certain someone who is bad news."

  "Ah, Onii-sama also helps out at this shop? I didn't know this shop happens to have connections with Hong Kong's Lu family."

  Hikari glanced repeatedly at the striking and elegant figures of the China cat-eared maids with great wonderment.

  "Could it be possible that Onii-sama has this kind of preference? Cosplay or the like!?"

  "No, not at all. I've never even paid attention to it."

  "Really? If you don't mind being honest, I can do it too. I can wear those outfits for Onii-sama to see!"

  Hikari's words nearly made Godou spit out his Pu-erh tea.

  "I-I really appreciate your offer, but it's not going to happen."

  "What's going to happen? Then it's really true after all?"

  Asuka interrupted with skepticism.

  Treating me like some sort of eccentric again — Godou decided to just ignore her.

  "Hmm, Tokunaga Asuka, can you tell me the reason you think that?"

  Suddenly, Liliana began to pursue the matter.

  "It had already occurred to me before, that you seem very familiar with Kusanagi Godou's past. What is the basis for your judgment? For example, did he ever display an obsession over any type of clothing or the like?"

  "Certainly, I have also had my suspicions."

  Even Yuri was nodding in agreement.

  "Like Liliana-san said, Tokunaga-san is someone who can offer special insight into Godou-san's personality. If you do not mind, pray enlighten me."

  Yuri and Liliana were consulting Asuka together!

  Why? Godou was shocked. In this gathering here, why was there a certain sense of consensus appearing in the eyes of the childhood friend, the Hime-Miko and the knight —?

  "Eh, well it's not really definite proof..."

  Suddenly faced with these requests, Asuka seemed to be in doubt.

  "But I get the sense that he keeps changing his mind rapidly for things he claims to have no interest. Whenever he says 'isn't this fine?' I keep wondering if he actually thought before speaking?"

  "...No, the ability to make bold decisions is one of Kusanagi Godou's strong points after all."

  "...I agree. Godou-san's reaction speed towards changing circumstances is exemplary."

  Asuka's words seemed to have struck a deep chord with Liliana, and Yuri murmured in agreement.

  Could this encounter turn out to be highly unfavorable for me? Godou was beginning to feel a vague sense of unease.

  Part 4

  The second day of the school festival had finally reached dusk.

  Since dusk had arrived, it was time for the usual campfire and evening festivities. The packed and eventful schedule included folk dancing and the announcement of the Miss High School winner.

  ...As a side note, this year's winner of the Miss High School title was Erica Blandelli.

  Hearing the announcement, Godou was completely bewildered.

  Obviously, she was not going to appear here, having excluded herself from participating in the school festival. Even when asked earlier, she had replied:

  "If you really miss my beauty then be my guest and use photos or whatever... But I'm not going to do anything troublesome. I participated in a similar event once in Italy and found it completely tiresome."

  That was how she had declined.

  Along with the participants gathered on the stage, the screen was playing a video of Erica that was clearly filmed in secret. (As another side note, Erica had been recommended by an acquaintance to enter a regional preliminary round of the Miss Italy competition. Though she qualified straight away, she grew impatient and left halfway through the proceedings.)

  In spite of all that, she still won by a landslide.

  On the other hand, this could also be attributed to her rivals Yuri and Liliana's resolute refusal to participate. Still, it was rather telling that a voyeuristic video was able to overwhelm all the other competition.

  Godou marveled in amazement at Erica's ridiculous exploits as he climbed the stairs, finally reaching a door at the top.

  "That
guy must be up here, right?"

  Beyond the door was the roof which had been shaded orange by the setting sun.

  A cursory glance found no one there. It was still early so the late night festivities had yet to begin. Otherwise, the movement of lively fire light would have been visible from participants surrounding the campfire below.

  Godou had received a text message earlier that told him to wait on the roof.

  "My apologies for calling you here, Honored Uncle."

  The greeting arrived with the wind.

  What an incredible voice. It almost sounded as if the autumn breeze was whispering in his ear.

  This was a technique of qigong masters. By infusing "qi" into their voice, they could converse with cult members across vast distances.

  Godou walked to the center of the roof and looked around... And finally found him.

  Standing in a corner was the young master of Hong Kong's Lu family, Lu Yinghua.

  "Sorry to have you wait, Yinghua."

  "No, not at all. Compared to Honored Uncle giving up time that could be spent with the various Nee-san, this is nothing."

  Lu Yinghua smiled with candor. Despite his handsome youthful appearance, it was a rather acute smile.

  Inserting biting commentary into a simple explanation. Pointlessly provocative. Eccentric and hard to get along with.

  However, from Godou's point of view, he was the arrogant and reassuring "nephew."

  It reminded Godou of the personality of the genius pitcher he had worked with back in his baseball days.

  "By the way, Honored Uncle, what do you have there?"

  "Hmm? Ah, Nanami lent this to me just now... No, actually he just shoved it over."

  Lu Yinghua had noticed Godou's paper bag which contained the game "English Proper Maid Story — Maid Amy."

  Opening the paper bag to have a look, the young martial arts master stared with dumbfounded amazement.

  "...I've actually heard quite a few rumors about this game."

  "Eh? Is it actually quite famous?"

  "Yes. Ever since the computer version was first sold at a doujinshi fair several years ago, its development has expanded over time to become a commercial success known all over the world. It has also become a consumer game. Last year it was even animated, with DVD and BD sales reaching ten thousand."

  "...Looks like Yinghua is quite knowledgeable about it."

  "Well, it is related to our business after all. I only started researching it recently."

  What would his master say if she knew her disciple had begun honing expertise in this area?

  Godou was reminded of his beautiful sworn elder sister.

  "Anyway, I plan on checking out the game's content to catch up with Honored Uncle."

  "But I haven't even decided when I'm going to play this. How about we start it together?"

  "Good idea. In that case, Amakasu-san appears to be an expert in this area, should we call him as well? As for the location, let me make the preparations..."

  As the casual male talk(?) reached a conclusion, Lu Yinghua brought up the next issue with unhurried words.

  "Actually, the purpose of my visit is to inform Honored Uncle about the Divine Ancestors."

  "...Ahah. The one called Asherah, right?"

  The witch who was mind-controlling the young master of the Kuhoudzuka family. Godou had completely forgotten about her.

  "I remember it was Liliana who told me. A bunch of eternally young witches who were transformed from goddesses of ancient times, and much stronger than ordinary magi?"

  "Yes, though they cannot compare to the various Campiones."

  Godou felt puzzled, was it because they were fallen goddesses?

  However, how did it come about in the first place?

  "Back then, I spent a fair amount of time with Asherah. She frequently contacted someone and I managed to overhear the name. Another Divine Ancestor called Guinevere. She is the mastermind who provoked the fight between Master and the Great Sage Equaling Heaven."

  "So that was what happened!"

  "It should be unlikely for this woman to embroil Honored Uncle in her schemes immediately, but I just thought it'd be best to report to Honored Uncle first."

  "Thanks. Sorry for troubling you with all sorts of things."

  "No, don't mind it. When I get abused — no, scolded... Or rather, when Master gives me special training, I hope I can depend on Honored Uncle a bit. It's good to know I have someone to rely on in case of emergencies. So anyway, you are really welcome!"

  Lu Yinghua spoke in a rare moment of passion.

  This guy admires and worships me for very practical reasons. Godou understood very well. It was only natural given the existence of a master like that. Oh well, I'll try to be as good an uncle as possible.

  Just as the thought crossed Godou's mind, Lu Yinghua suddenly perked up his ears.

  "Ah, I can hear Liliana-neesan and Yuri-neesan's footsteps coming from downstairs. Aren't they looking for Honored Uncle?"

  "That's some superhuman hearing... Even though Seishuuin can do something similar."

  "Compared to that Nee-san, my eyes and ears are still quite sharp."

  Hearing footsteps through thick layers of steel-reinforced concrete, and even identifying their owner from the sound —

  Lu Yinghua, the one who had showed off such ridiculous hearing, began to laugh.

  "By the way, I am stronger compared to Erica-neesan while my body is lighter compared to Liliana-neesan's. On the other hand, I cannot cast spells, so that means we're basically equals... Right."

  From the tone of Lu Yinghua's voice, it was clear he did not actually believe in his assessment of "equals." Seeing those eyes of disdain made Godou feel like objecting. What was this feeling that compelled him to defend his female companions?

  "But last time, didn't you end with a draw against Liliana?"

  "Under those conditions, it was impossible to tell who would be the victor between Master and Honored Uncle. I couldn't commit the folly of unintentionally killing a Campione's close associate and incurring a king's wrath... Well, I did show my true skills back then and didn't make any mistakes, but I refrained from using any truly underhanded tricks of murder."

  Lu Yinghua had not reached Erica's level of subconsciously expressed arrogance. On the other hand, his personality did have calculating and tolerant facets. Godou found him to be an interesting fellow.

  "However, in order to face an unfair technique like Ena-neesan's divine possession, it's necessary to completely master a life-risking trump card. After all, Erica-neesan, she..."

  "What about Erica?"

  "That Nee-san is a true female fox and a real warrior. After all, she must have grasped the subtle truth and is now training accordingly. She's not a swan that shows off its appearance while struggling with paddling feet underwater!"

  Ultimately, was Lu Yinghua a genius who could analyze everyone to their core? Rivals who were constantly evaluating, contending, and sparring to gauge one another's ability. Realizing he was surrounded by an amazing group of people, Godou was deeply impressed.

  Part 5

  While Godou and the rest were enjoying the school festival —

  Erica Blandelli was at the ancient city of Siena in the northern Italian region of Tuscany.

  It was a little city with a long history of prosperity dating back to the Roman Empire. The remnants of medieval streets and historical areas were famous World Heritage Sites.

  Piazza del Campo was probably the most highly renowned of these sites.

  The plaza was built on a gentle slope and shaped somewhat like a bowl. It was surrounded by structures such as medieval palaces, water fountains, and bell towers.

  The world's most beautiful public square — indeed, that was what it was called.

  Erica's destination was a place near Piazza del Campo.

  A Sicilian gelato[12] store which must have been quite popular with the locals.

  However, no matter how delicious
gelato tasted, it was merely ice cream. Going home for this purpose would have been ridiculous.

  Of course, Erica was meeting a certain character well-known for troublesome antics and often criticized as a fool.

  "Vanilla, strawberry, pistachio, almond... I'm having such a tough time choosing the flavor. But if I eat all four, surely it's too much."

  "Having three in November is also too much."

  "I've always had a habit of visiting this street for gelato whenever winter approaches. It's like eating hot food in summer is good for the body, you should eat cold stuff in chilly weather to get used to the cold. If you do that, you'll avoid catching colds for the winter."

  "In short, you have further plans to visit other places to feast on frozen desserts, is that correct?"

  "Yup. Today I'll be going to as many shops as I can, so I'm holding back a bit at the first one."

  "...Did you know, Salvatore Doni?"

  "Know what, my dear and trusted friend, Andrea-kun?"

  "In certain countries, it is commonly believed that the ignorant do not catch colds. Perhaps that is the reason why you were safe...! Have you any idea how much your sudden notion to return home has disrupted the schedule!?"

  "Andrea, you're usually such a wise man! But 'Fools don't catch colds' has no basis, you know. For you to believe such a superstition, it looks like you're quite ignorant in certain areas!"

  "Stop spouting nonsense, you idiot!"

  It was a conversation that would give anyone listening a headache.

  Indeed, Salvatore Doni the "King of Swords" was a knight from Siena.

  Erica had hurried back to Italy as soon as she received news that he was returning to his home town under the supervision of his butler, Andrea Rivera.

  ...A short while later, a blonde young man stepped out of the store carrying a triple portion of gelato accompanied by a haggard glasses-wearing young man.

  "Eh, it's been a while, Erica Blandelli."

  "Oh, what a rare visitor. When did you return from Japan?"

  The two greeted Erica as soon as they noticed her.

  During their first meeting, Doni had completely failed to register Erica's name in his mind, but now he was able to greet her normally. This was not because he memorized her name after so many encounters...