"Is that the city called Colonia Agrippina?"
"Yes yes, that's the one. Since our discussion broke down, it became a battle between me and the Roman army. It ended up something like me driving them out of the city by force."
"Using 'ended up' is totally wrong!"
"So, hearing that I took the city, the Frankish tribes gathered here from all over the place. Right now, they're preparing for round two against Artio. Since I was too bored, I took some troops and went out to scout, resulting in yesterday's battle."
After learning of the situation, Godou sighed.
"Don't go changing history so easily, okay?"
"Oh well, I just went with the flow!"
"No matter how radiant a smile you make while speaking, idiotic words are still idiotic words... By the way, I've got a question. Why did that goddess called Artio curse the Franks?"
After admonishing Doni who was making a thumbs-up, Godou changed the subject.
Perhaps because he felt compelled by a sense of duty to say something constructive.
"Perhaps she bears some kind of grudge against them?"
"Now that you mention it, what could it be?"
"That's the most important point, you idiot!"
"Uh, lemme think, during the earlier duel, Artio did say something. I remember it was something about her being summoned by the resentment of the people of Gaul who died from Frankish attacks."
"The people of Gaul—Their resentment?"
But the Franks were also inhabitants of Gaul, right?
Godou did not understand what it meant. On the other hand, Doni was uninterested in the meaning of those words. However, the third Campione reacted differently from both of them. Madame Aisha murmured slightly sadly.
"The goddess named Artio... She's probably a Celtic deity."
"What does that mean?"
"Summarizing the essentials, although ancient Gaul was part of the Roman Empire's territory, its inhabitants, the Gauls, were mostly tribes of Celtic descent."
That was who the Celts were, inhabitants of ancient Europe.
Godou knew these facts roughly. They were an ethnic group that had no written language, worshiped nature and were adept at using iron tools. However, they were supposed to have gradually fallen into decline as history transitioned from the ancient to the medieval period.
"I think I remember the Celts losing in their battle to resist the Germanic peoples and were driven out of their lands. Then they crossed the Strait of Dover and migrated over to Britain, right?"
"Yes, that what is believed. Also, the Germanic peoples include the Goths, the Lombards, the Burgundians, the Franks who later founded France, and others."
"Ah..."
"The Franks invaded various places in Gaul over a long period of time, looting and killing repeatedly."
"So the victimized peoples' curse summoned that goddess huh..."
"This could be the result of a magical ritual to summon a [Heretic God], performed by magi or priests inheriting Celtic bloodlines..."
A rise and fall story of earthly impermanence. Viewed from a modern perspective, the Franks' current predicament, attacked by the goddess, could only be described as their comeuppance.
That said, intervention from the authorities of Heretic Gods did factor into the human world's rise and fall.
As one may expect, this was not entirely out of place.
In the end, Godou was nothing more but a modern visitor in passing. Whether the Franks or the Roman Empire, he had no intention of aiding either of them. However, Godou believed that as a human, first and foremost, he was at least obliged to repel the pursuing goddess...
"Well, even if I'm doing it, I'm definitely not going to use Doni's approach..."
"Hey hey, don't say it like I've been doing something stupid."
"'Like' doesn't even cut it. You are currently doing stupid things, in the present continuous sense. I'll figure out a way to deal with that goddess, so you should take a break for now."
"No no, I've got an idea about this matter, actually."
Godou proposed his correct opinion, but Doni objected frivolously.
"Kusanagi Godou and Salvatore Doni, let's see which of the two Campiones will defeat the goddess first—We should have a contest between the two of us!"
"This guy still likes to talk nonsense as always..."
Godou muttered while trying to think.
Letting Doni do whatever he pleased was definitely out of the question. But trying to imprison him somewhere also posed a challenge. Why not go along with him to act as someone to monitor him and stop him from continuing to act stupid?
Was this where he should compromise? Sighing from the bottom of his heart, Godou spoke:
"It can't be helped. If I agree to your idea, you must stay within my sight at all times, okay?"
"Oh, so you're saying that stealing a march is forbidden. Then before the battle against Artio, we might as well have a duel between you and me first, to decide who gets to challenge the goddess, how's that?"
"Shut up. As if anyone's going to do something so tiring!"
Worn out from dealing with Doni, Godou noticed something by chance.
Madame Aisha was staring at him intently. Her gaze also seemed to be expressing disapproval.
"What's the matter, Aisha-san?"
"Oh nothing. Kusanagi-san, didn't you just say something like 'you must stay within my sight at all times'? It sounded almost like a speech of courtship..."
"Please don't misinterpret. Because I'd like to request the same from you, Aisha-san."
"Eh?"
"Absolutely do not leave my sight—Please stay by my side."
Since it would be bad if she only paid lip service, Godou tried to plead in as sincere a tone of voice as possible. As a result, Madame Aisha began to act awkward for some reason, nodding vigorously.
"R-Really, it can't be helped. Since you've already said this much, Kusanagi-san, I will try my best to do that..."
After that, they kept going on their journey while protecting the Franks.
By afternoon the next day, walking on a road along the Rhine's shore, Godou and the group could already see a large city ahead of them.
This was also a Roman colonial city built beside the great river. On the city's east was the Rhine. The remaining three sides on the north, west and south were surrounded by city walls. Defense on all sides was rock-solid.
This was Colonia Agrippina.
...The city that Doni had taken possession roughly a week earlier.
Part 2
Many modern European metropolises were originally ancient Roman colonial cities.
Apart from the few cities Godou had visited, this also included Bonna (Bonn), Lutetia (Paris), Portus Namnetum (Nantes), Lugdunum (Lyon), Genava (Geneva), Massalia (Marseille), Aquincum (Budapest).
All of them were cities that even a Japanese person would recognize and go "come to think of it..." upon hearing their modern names.
This was only logical, given the presence of aqueducts, road networks, public baths, and other infrastructure for living, as well as amphitheaters, arenas and other entertainment facilities. Also, there was protection conferred by standing Roman armies...
Presumably, all colonial cities offered all these things without exception.
Naturally, people would flock to the cities for their comfort and stimulating entertainment. The cities' subsequent development would then be inherited by the future world.
Later known as Cologne, the city of Colonia Agrippina was also perfectly equipped with all sorts of urban infrastructure. Life here for Godou was just as comfortable as in Augusta Raurica earlier. Furthermore, unlike that city, this one was defended on all sides by city walls.
At one point, Roman soldiers assuming the title of emperor had apparently used this city as the capital of their short-lived Gallic Empire.
"To think he conquered this place singlehandedly, what kind of heroic saga is that..."
Godou re
called what Doni had cheerfully talked about.
It was now two days after they had arrived in Colonia Agrippina. Godou's current location was in the courtyard of a vast mansion that the Franks had prepared for "the great chieftain's ally."
Salvatore Doni's only skilled weapon was the sword.
However, the sword was just a weapon wielded in "one-on-one" battles to begin with.
In the ancient Roman army, soldiers used spears and shields as their basic equipment, arranging themselves into formations to move en masse on the battlefield. Cavalry armed with bows and arrows were necessary to oppose them. Hence, these kinds of armaments and tactics on the battlefield were the most effective.
Conquering the battlefield with a single sword was not something a human was capable of.
Nevertheless, Salvatore Doni achieved it effortlessly.
More than likely, using the mystic sword skill he displayed in the battle where he annihilated the bears in one strike, he had blown away dozens if not hundreds of soldiers all at once, thus by his own very words, obtaining victory before he knew it. Absolutely ridiculous.
"Excuse me, master."
"...I already told you yesterday, could you not call me that?"
Godou instantly replied as soon as he was addressed.
Imperceptibly, a maid had arrived by his side. She was a roughly sixteen-year-old Frank with quite a cute face.
Offered to him together with the house when he was taken to "Kusanagi Godou's residence" yesterday, a servant—One of many servants.
"It makes me feel uncomfortable. Besides, I don't really need servants."
"What are you talking about? Master, you are exalted as the great chieftain's ally in addition to rivaling 'Tyr's Sword' Uldin in power. No one would object even if you had thirty servants or so. Rather, even double that would be fine."
"......"
Including this girl, Godou's residence had a total of thirty servants.
This was actually quite a pain and it was all arranged by the Franks.
Originally a Roman army officer's mansion, this residence was frighteningly vast. Even with thirty servants living together here, there was still plenty of space.
"Well, let's put that aside for now."
Godou could feel a shred of agony in his voice.
"Among those thirty people, what the heck is with all of them being young maidens!? With me as the only man in a house filled with women, I can't help but feel embarrassed! At least replace them with men!"
"Hoho, what are you saying now?"
No matter how Godou requested from the bottom of his heart, the maid remained smiling.
She had mentioned earlier that she was a daughter of Frankish nobles and already "used to" getting along with prestigious people. Perhaps because she was used to it, Godou could frequently see her acting "with too much familiarity."
Godou was almost about to scream "I get it" when she spoke up:
"I have heard how you lived in your previous city, master, surrounded by your two beloved consorts, building something like a nest of love. Furthermore, you got along well with His Highness Uldin who is known for his lust. The two of you even established an alliance of comrades as a result of your 'compatible taste in women'..."
"This rubbish must be coming from Madame Aisha, right!? Almost everything is false!"
It would not be surprising for rumors purely about Kusanagi Godou at Augusta Raurica to have spread all the way to Colonia Agrippina.
But information regarding Uldin's ties to the "great chieftain's ally" should be very sparse indeed.
Despite that fact, this maid actually knew of that event.
Apart from Madame Aisha who had come from Raurica together with him, Godou could not think of anyone else leaking such news.
On the other hand, faced with Godou's indignation, the maid gave a knowing look.
"Apart from preparing a residence worthy of your stature, we have also put in consideration in the choice of personnel to serve you. This is our tribe's hospitality, so please enjoy yourself without reservation."
"That's exactly why I feel embarrassed! It really makes me very uncomfortable!"
Godou was currently in the courtyard of his residence.
Thirty girls, ranging from early to late teens (most of them with pretty faces), were hard at work doing chores throughout the interior of the residence.
Unable to remain calm inside the house, Godou felt forced to come to the courtyard like a father going to the veranda for a smoke.
"The rumors turn out to be completely true. You are only serious in your words."
"I'm not lying, this is honestly what I think. By the way, did you have something to tell me?"
"Yes. Actually, there are guests to see you, master."
Finding their positions on parallel lines which would never meet despite any further discussion, Godou changed the subject. Then the maid left to bring in the guests. Several minutes later...
"I knew it was you two. Finally, we meet up again."
The maid had brought in his two companions.
Naturally, they were Erica Blandelli and Seishuuin Ena.
Although Godou had used Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi to transmit news that he was safe and had met Doni, it was impossible to hold conversations like a phone after all.
Godou was glad to be finally reunited with his companions.
As expected of Erica and Ena, they did not encounter any trouble on their way here.
However, the blonde Italian girl looked quite displeased. On the other hand, the black-haired Hime-Miko was making a face as though she had eaten something bitter.
"Why hello, Godou, it's been quite a while... Isn't it wonderful that you're still the same as always?"
"After parting for a matter of days, you've already established this residence, all filled with girls. Your Majesty truly isn't someone who can be left alone to do as you please."
The two girls had apparently toured the mansion thoroughly, witnessing how it was teeming with maids.
Erica was dripping with piercing sarcasm while Ena sighed mournfully. Godou objected in a panic:
"It's not like that. It's just those surrounding people who decided on their own to prepare this for me!"
"This sort of destiny should be called the Kusanagi Godou disease, I suppose. A disease that causes you to die unless you're surrounded by women."
"Surely Your Majesty must have done something to these girls all around you. Definitely."
Then the two of them sighed together.
"L-Let's put this aside first and talk about what happened while we were apart. We need to exchange information, right?"
"You're really poor at changing the subject, Godou. But no matter, indeed you are right. I'll let you off the hook this time."
"Well, after Ena and Erica-san fell off the ship, we quickly got back on land."
"Indeed, we did not suffer much hardship. As soon as the storm subsided, we resumed our journey."
Despite her anger, Erica still acted rationally. The forgiving Ena also did not look like she intended to pursue the matter further.
Gratified by his companions' consideration, Godou explained about Doni and Artio.
"...Then, that guy Doni is now staying with the Frankish warriors and living in what used to be a Roman army outpost."
Roman army outposts were military installations established at many Roman colonial cities.
Doni's subordinates were trying their best to gather Frankish warriors from nearby lands to Colonia Agrippina. Naturally, the outpost was the best location to shelter all these people.
"So, what about Aisha-san... She's also in this city, right?"
"Uh yeah, she's actually..."
"If you wish, should I go and call her here?"
Just as Godou hesitated in answering Ena's matter-of-fact question, the maid went ahead and made a suggestion.
Godou jumped in surprise. On further thought, he realized this matter could easily be misinterpreted. No,
he had not done anything against his conscience, so it should be fine—
While he was thinking, the maid left the courtyard to call Madame Aisha.
Then in merely three minutes, she rapidly arrived.
"Well I never! Although I've already heard that the two of you are safe and sound, it is truly wonderful that we are reunited again so smoothly without trouble. I am so happy! Hohoho!"
" "......" "
Coming here, Madame Aisha smiled warmly while exclaiming in joy.
However, Erica was glaring at Godou in terrifying manner while Ena was making a pained expression as though about to exclaim "This again." She replied to the female Campione:
"Yes. Ena and Erica-san are very happy too. But let's put that aside first."
"Oh sure. What may be the matter?"
"It feels like you took only a very short time to visit here, Madame. I was thinking it would take an hour at least, but unbelievably, it turned out to be instant..."
The Madame smiled cheerfully and answered Ena and Erica's question.
"Oh, getting here quickly is only natural. That's because I'm currently living in Kusanagi-san's residence. So if you call me, I'll instantly arrive."
Madame Aisha continued.
"Of course, I felt a little resistant against staying in a man's house, but this place turns out to be a huge mansion. Furthermore, Kusanagi-san threatened me, saying 'you must stay within my sight' with a horrifying expression... So I had no choice."
In actual fact, the Madame was the one who insisted yesterday on staying in this residence. But for some reason, she seemed to be admonishing Godou and he could notice her looking at him with a slightly shy expression.
In addition, even Erica and Ena were glaring at Godou again.
"As expected."
"Although I did consider the possibility of Godou playing around on occasion, it really did turn out this way."
"Ahhh, jeez. That's the kind of person His Majesty is..."
Ena's words were mixed with complicated emotions of anxiety and resignation. On the other hand, Erica sounded like a detective who had discovered important evidence.
Ever since Godou's duel against Uldin, the two girls had become inexplicably in tune with each other.
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