Campione 15

by Son of the Goddess

  Chapter 1 - Campiones in Ancient Gaul

  Part 1

  "In other words, reopening Aisha-neesan's corridor would be very difficult. As always, she's so adept at causing trouble for others..."

  Thus sighed Saint Raffaello.

  The female knight stared at the pile of English documents in her hand. This had just been delivered from the England's Witenagemot in Greenwich using the magic of [Mailing].

  Recorded in these documents were the terrifying authorities of Madame Aisha.

  "I have a feeling that depending on the phase of the moon, the 'corridor' could be opened using the spells of witches like me and fairy doctors. However, doing so would still require gathering dozens of experts for it to work."

  Clicking her tongue with a worried expression, Liliana stared up into the night sky.

  The midwinter night sky was virtually cloudless for miles. The crescent moon's brilliance was clear and dazzling.

  This was the night when Kusanagi Godou, Erica Blandelli, Seishuuin Ena and Salvatore Doni had gone missing, sucked into 'Madame Aisha's corridor.'

  "In that case, full preparations would require a substantial amount of time."

  The beautiful face of the Japanese Hime-Miko, Mariya Yuri, was shrouded by a layer of gloomy worry.

  They were currently in the garden of an ancient castle hotel, located in the Casentino area of Italy's region of Tuscany. This was where the battle against the deinonychus divine beast had taken place during the daytime.

  Liliana nodded at her companion's words and sighed.

  "The chances of success are definitely not high. I find it doubtful that highly suitable solutions are actually available."

  They were sitting on wooden chairs at the front of the hotel garden, surrounding a round table.

  Everyone was holding a copy of the documents sent from the Witenagemot. Upon hearing that one of Madame Aisha's authorities was to blame for the incident, Liliana had proceeded to contact Greenwich.

  "Considering the Witenagemot, they should possess unpublicized information regarding Madame Aisha, so I tried to make a request... Looks like I made the right decision."

  Liliana murmured while casting her gaze upon the documents.

  Capable of opening portals to alternate realms was [Beyond the Timeless Horizon]. Bringing either healing or death was [Live or Die]. The authority of charisma, [Charm and Curse]. Furthermore, there were the authorities of [Grand Luck], [Jabberwock Slayer]...

  Just the terrifying authorities known to the Witenagemot already numbered this many.

  "By the way, I can't believe that those stubborn fellows would actually provide their precious investigation report. Isn't this classified so only those geezers, the first-class members, are authorized?"

  "This is all thanks to our close relationship with the former spokesperson over on that side."

  Saint Raffaello remarked, quite impressed. After answering, Liliana noticed something.

  Sitting next to her, Yuri was also reading the same documents, but for some reason, she seemed quite agitated.

  Was there something to be concerned about? Yuri was looking up from time to time and checking out their surroundings.

  "What is the matter, Mariya Yuri? Is there anything concerning?"

  "Oh, not at all. I simply keep getting a strange feeling after reading these documents."

  Yuri answered after getting startled by Liliana's question.

  "Somehow, I keep getting the feeling that these documents would serve as an impetus for some kind of unexpected event. However, the reasons are completely unclear."

  The Hime-Miko was renowned for her exceptionally potent spirit vision powers. Whenever she said "felt something," Liliana knew very well that it must not be overlooked. Did something happen? The moment Liliana braced herself, she instantly understood the reason.

  Voices were heard. Two people had apparently arrived at the garden.

  "Hey Paolo. Why am I getting the feeling that you don't seem happy at all about our reunion? I hope I'm just imagining things. Or am I actually correct?"

  "Of course not. There's nothing of that sort, Princess."

  It was the voice of a slightly displeased noblewoman. A beautiful voice, filled with masculinity, answered her respectfully.

  "Encountering you again... Your knight, Paolo Blandelli, feels nothing but utmost joy. Nevertheless, the following thought does occur to me on occasion."

  While speaking eloquently as befitted his identity as Erica's uncle, the knight of knights also brought up his opinion with some displeasure.

  "Hoping for a noble princess to show greater prudence and restraint in her actions, I am quite positive this does not overstep a knight's bounds."

  "Well, aren't you describing me like a mischievous little child? You're really quite something, Paolo."

  "Then I shall be blunt, Princess. This sort of matter should not require your personal presence, should it?"

  "Now that would be an absurd assertion when clearly there is such a perilous crisis here. Personally, I cannot stand back and observe while remaining uninvolved whenever acquaintances are plunged into world-level crises. Verily, apathy is the world's greatest vice. I now feel compelled to revise my opinion of you."

  "Unnecessary curiosity can also be said to be one of the root causes of turmoil disrupting the world."

  "Paolo, I can't believe you're still so stubbornly rigid as always."

  "Please allow me to take that as a compliment, Princess Alice."

  Making their arrival was the princess with the beautiful platinum-blonde hair along with the knight who seemed as strongly built as the statue of David.

  Princess Alice was dressed in a light-gray fur coat with black skinny pants and a pair of boots whereas Paolo Blandelli was in a dark gray suit. However, he was holding his jacket in his left hand while his tie was slightly loosened at the collar.

  As soon as the voices were heard, the arriving visitors' high stature was already readily apparent.

  Let alone Liliana, even Yuri immediately stood up from her chair to bow and greet the new arrivals.

  "It's been a while, Yuri and Liliana. When Liliana made a request of the Witenagemot, I was really taken by surprise. Furthermore, to think it would concern Madame Aisha!"

  Alice's voice was quite cheerful and filled with a noblewoman's elegance.

  Liliana instantly realized her oversight. When contacting the Witenagemot, she should have expected Alice to make an inevitable appearance.

  "Currently, with three Campiones on a journey in the past, any alterations made to history would be no joking matter. One could call this quite a serious situation."

  Alice was murmuring while making a face like a "noble and intelligent princess who truly worried about the crisis of the world's fate."

  That said, this situation alone should not constitute enough reason for Princess Alice to rush over personally to the frontlines. Coming out to witness the commotion in spite of that could be taken as a glimpse into the princess' true personality.

  "I have heard stories before, but your morbid curiosity turns out to be just as rumored."

  Saint Raffaello murmured as though surprised.

  Such words were permitted only because of her past illustrious accomplishments, fighting alongside the oldest Campiones, sometimes even fighting in opposition to them.

  Princess Alice smiled in response to the heroic lady's remark.

  "I have also heard much about the great name of Saint Raffaello. The rumors you just mentioned could very well be traced to the fabrications of a certain knight over there. Despite appearances, I actually do have sufficient cause to come forth."

  In possession of a great many virtues and troublesome aspects, the princess turned her gaze towards L
iliana and Yuri.

  "You reported that Kusanagi-sama's time period could be seen?"

  "Y-Yes. One could say so."

  Yuri replied frantically to the princess' question.

  "However, we are able to do no more than observing the situation on the other side of the corridor... Even details such as the time period or the location are completely unclear."

  "I believe it is an era even earlier than the Middle Ages."

  Liliana interjected as well. Back then, Kusanagi Godou was fighting at a place resembling a castle. It was most likely a facility built using construction techniques dating back to before the Middle Ages.

  "Princess, I intend to hurry over to Godou-san and the others' side no matter what it would take."

  Yuri tensed and showed a stern expression while pleading to the princess.

  "Should you know how Madame Aisha's corridor could be opened, please kindly provide your instruction. I implore you—"

  "Hmm... Indeed, there have been cases when third parties opened her corridors through forceful measures."

  The Japanese Hime-Miko bowed her head deeply. In response, Alice made a troubled expression.

  "Even if you could reach the past in this manner, it's pointless unless you can travel to the desired point in time. Just for argument's sake, suppose the corridor's other end is connected to London in 1000 CE. However, which month of that year you arrive would be completely dependent on luck..."

  "Is that how it works!?"

  "Also, traveling back and forth in time recklessly like this and making repeated changes to history in that era... Corrections for all that would seem to be rather difficult. In my opinion, it would be best not to try."

  "Changes to history... and corrections?"

  Hearing Liliana's question, the princess chuckled and smiled.

  "In actual fact, a certain esteemed individual, one who is quite knowledgeable in these issues, apparently wants to meet you two."

  Hearing this sudden announcement, Liliana and Yuri both could not hide their troubled expressions.

  The princess' next words proceeded to make them disregard everything else.

  "All sorts of difficulties are probably present in the place where this person is waiting. Since you intend to rescue Kusanagi-sama and the others, perhaps it might serve as the prime shortcut."

  Liliana instantly made her decision. Together with Yuri, she nodded.

  Judging from the fact that even the cautious Hime-Miko from Japan was able to decide so effortlessly without hesitation, one could tell how firmly committed she was to setting forth on the journey.

  Part 2

  Roughly 410 CE or so, that would be the early part of the fifth century, would it not?

  Kusanagi Godou was currently stranded in this approximate time period. The location was the province of Gaul within the Western Roman Empire's territory, on the eastern most edge.

  "Now that I think about it, we really did arrive in a faraway place, on a totally different level..." Muttering poignantly, he was looking out towards a grand and majestic river.

  Godou was standing by the Rhine's shore.

  Across the 200m wide river, the eastern barbaric lands of Germania lay further beyond. This was within the sphere of influence of the fierce equestrian tribe, the Huns.

  On the other side of the great river, vast pastures stretched far and wide with lush forests up ahead in the distance.

  "In the twenty-first century, this area should be near the Franco-German border..."

  Godou and his entourage were currently staying at the city of Augusta Raurica.

  According to Erica, this place belonged to twenty-first century Switzerland, in the vicinity of the city named Basel. Advancing north along the Rhine, one would reach the famous city of Strasbourg on the Franco-German border. Then continuing north, there was Cologne... No wait.

  These were all names of modern European cities.

  Godou had heard that during the fifth century, Strasbourg was called Argentoratum while Cologne was known as Aggripina. These were all Roman names that sounded like tongue twisters.

  "So you're here, Godou!"

  "We're looking for you, Your Majesty!"

  His two companions had arrived from the castle.

  Erica and Seishuuin Ena. Both of them were riding horses and dressed in this time period's clothing.

  They were wearing tunics on top, a simple type of clothing similar to t-shirts. On the bottom, they had slender pants with cloth wrapped around their waist like miniskirts, a display of women's fashion.

  "Yo."

  Godou waved his hand in response to Erica and Ena's calls.

  Located roughly two kilometers away from the city of Augusta Raurica was a Roman army's fort.

  Currently, Godou was at the midpoint between the two locations. Like the girls, he had traveled by riding a horse, which was currently grazing by the river beside him. Living in ancient Gaul, horse riding could be used to get around various places by himself.

  "What happened? Is that Uldin guy here again?"

  The deadly duel against the Hun godslayer had taken place four days earlier.

  Furthermore, after the intense battle ended with a ceasefire, they had received a certain report. Allegedly, Salvatore Doni had united the Frankish tribes' warriors and conquered Aggripina.

  "Or is there more news on that guy Doni?"

  "Mmmhmm... It's related to that as well."

  "This matter must be resolved. That was what Madame Aisha said, apparently."

  Ena murmured while Erica shrugged.

  Godou sighed as he turned his gaze towards the two girls who were approaching on horseback.

  Madame Aisha seemed quite motivated. Godou felt sorry for her but could not stop himself from imagining dark and ominous futures.

  "Looks like we must ask her what she wants to do. Is she at the castle?"

  "No. She went back roughly an hour ago."

  "Those soldier guys pulled out a carriage and escorted her home."

  Godou answered "I see" and nodded while approaching his favorite horse.

  Compared to English thoroughbreds in modern times, ancient horses were generally smaller in build. Putting his hand on the horse's neck, Godou mounted the saddle in one swift motion.

  Even though he found it unfamiliar in the beginning, Godou had now gradually grown accustomed to the movement.

  "So, let's head over to the church to have a look first."

  Had it been the twenty-first century, they could have contacted each other by cellphone.

  However, this was not possible in ancient Gaul. Having decided to pay Madame Aisha a visit at the church in the city that served as her residence, Godou instantly brought his horse to a trot.

  Erica and Ena also followed on horseback. Judging from the speed, they were traveling at roughly seven or eight kilometers per hour.

  Even horses would rapidly tire out if they had to gallop continuously for long periods of time. In actual fact, bicycles would be even more convenient and faster as a mode of transportation in comparison.

  To begin with, the ancient world was blessed with many products of civilization.

  The road being trodden by Godou and his companion's horses would be a perfect example. With a surface paved with gravel, it was quite a well-maintained road.

  Like the blood vessels of a circulatory system, Roman roads formed a network within the Empire.

  In addition, Augusta Raurica was a typical colonial city in the Empire, fully equipped with facilities such as aqueducts, public baths and arenas. Thousands of residences lined up along city streets provided an impressive view, a far cry from a description of "undeveloped land."

  Riding their horses, Godou and his companions advanced slowly along this type of urban road.

  "...Hmm?"

  Godou felt a strange sensation. Not only could he feel himself being gazed at, but these stares also came from quite a number of people.

  Checking out his surroundings from atop his
horse, Godou could see the citizens of Raurica hustling and bustling about.

  Of course, compared to urban centers in the twenty-first century, the volume of people would only reach the level of "a crowded shopping street" or so. But that said, there were still about a hundred people around him.

  Without exception, they were all staring at Kusanagi Godou. Rather than curiosity, these people's eyes seemed more like they were filled with "awe or even fear."

  "......"

  While feeling strange, Godou continued to spur his horse forward.

  Unlike modern streets for cars, this main road allowed horses, horse-drawn carriages, cattle, humans and more to coexist and move along at a leisurely pace. In spite of that, the people silently halted in their footsteps, turning their fearful eyes towards Kusanagi Godou while waiting quietly for the twenty-first century Japanese to pass through.

  There were no obstacles in his way.

  Leading Erica and Ena, Godou advanced casually along the main road.

  "...What on earth is going on?"

  "Well, it's because Your Majesty already fought that intense battle with Uldin-san as your opponent."

  "Everyone knows all about it already. They know very well that a great warrior, rivaling Devil King Uldin in power, is present in this city and becoming their ruler would only be a matter of time."

  "Ruler!?"

  Riding on horseback, Godou was greatly shocked by the conversation that Erica and Ena were carrying out behind him.

  "I have absolutely no intention of becoming someone like that!"

  "The most powerful soldiers would amass influence and seize the state. That is what the present era's Roman Empire is about. Of course, there are exceptions, but those people were probably put to death by emperors who were suspicious."

  "Literally a world full of turmoil, that's what it feels like."

  Erica sounded exhausted while Ena nodded repeatedly to agree.

  Godou was quite displeased to hear about this disturbing subject of history. But thanks to these troublesome rumors, their horses were able to move with greater efficiency. As Japanese, Godou and Ena looked quite similar to the oriental Huns and stood out considerably in the Caucasian city of Raurica.

  Soon after, they arrived before a Christian church.

  In this era, Christianity had already passed its "frozen period" when it was suppressed as a heretical religion and had become the Roman Empire's state religion. Hence, churches could also be found in colonial cities of provinces such as Gaul.