Campione 15

by Son of the Goddess

  He looked out the window where no glass was installed.

  There seemed to be many deciduous trees resembling oaks. It looked like quite a green area...

  Seeing Godou perplexed, Liliana smiled at him.

  "Actually, Princess Alice of Greenwich and His Highness of Los Angeles did everything they could to send us here."

  "Alice-san and that man!?"

  The two companions took turns in explaining their circumstances.

  This included everything that had happened until they embarked on the journey across time. He was told that the old man encountered in the Netherworld had requested Yuri and Liliana to keep their eyes closed temporarily.

  When they opened their eyes, they had already arrived near the battlefield where the "King of the End" had manifested.

  When the Divine Sword of Salvation exploded with a flash, Liliana instantly used flight magic to fly together with Yuri, picking up the unconscious Godou along the way.

  "So the blue I saw at the end was actually you two..."

  "However, because I used flight magic without deciding on a place to land beforehand, the control was less than desirable. We ended up in the predicament of flying to this place without meeting up with Erica and Seishuuin Ena... I am very sorry."

  As Liliana bowed her head, Yuri spoke up beside her.

  "However, Liliana-san later scouted the area and discovered that this would be the western part of modern-day Germany."

  "Don't feel bad about these kinds of things. It's thanks to you two that I'm still alive."

  When using the witchcraft of flight, Liliana must first decide on a destination.

  Flying directly without doing so would result in a runaway flight.

  Godou nodded and explained roughly about his affairs. Then trying to stand up without thinking—He was taken by surprise. His body felt heavy to a scary degree. Even so, he tried his best to steady his legs and managed to stand up. Nevertheless, he could only walk unsteadily.

  Liliana instantly drew near to support Godou's swaying body. Frantically, Yuri also came to his side, opposite to the silver-haired knight, to support Godou as well.

  "You had a tough time sitting up just now too... Despite using the [Ram], why is this happening?"

  This would be considered quite an abnormal case given that the incarnation's effects were capable of healing severe injuries from the verge of death. Godou mustered his strength to stabilize his legs while standing, but clearly to little effect.

  Hence, Liliana gazed intently at Godou and said:

  "You said you were struck by the Divine Sword of Salvation, right? Kusanagi Godou, an arrow apparently wounded your chest... I saw it."

  "Eh?"

  Out of the control back then, the Divine Sword of Salvation had caused a downpour of lightning where iron objects were mixed in.

  Despite Godou not mentioning to Liliana about the arrow inside the lightning that had struck him, she still murmured indifferently:

  "Divine Sword of Salvation... A weapon that gathers the weapons of numerous warriors. The symbol of the power of salvation. Glory's last hope. Although just a sword, hidden within it are the characteristics of all weapons..."

  Halfway through her speech, Godou realized it was an oracle from spirit vision.

  However, he still felt that the Hime-Miko was supposed to be the one telling him this instead. After all, Mariya Yuri was the spirit vision user of the highest class.

  Perhaps due to noticing Godou staring wide-eyed, Liliana turned her gaze away in embarrassment.

  "Ever since visiting Plutarch's Residence three days ago, my spirit vision ability has improved unbelievably... I should say that it is much more sensitive than before."

  "Yes, indeed. Liliana-san's sensing is definitely much sharper than before."

  Happy for the growth undergone by her companion with the same powers of sight, Yuri spoke with elation.

  "Stepping into that sanctuary has stimulated the senses of spirit vision, so it feels like our powers have strengthened to a new level."

  "Eh... That's really amazing. But you said three days?"

  Despite feeling impressed, Godou was baffled at the same time.

  "When using the [Ram] to revive, it used to take only half a day or so for me to wake up..."

  "Well... This time, you slept for three days straight."

  "I think you were unfortunate this time. The lightning that attacked you, Godou-san, was very likely the embodiment of a poison arrow, even capable of corroding the resilient vitality of Devil Kings..."

  Liliana told Godou with a grave expression. Yuri followed with serious murmurs. This time, it looked like it was the Hime-Miko who received a spirit vision. She spoke an oracle and her eyes looked as though she were seeing into Godou's body.

  "Even as the king of recovery, the ram's authority was unable to heal you completely. That is how powerful the acute poison was. I believe that you still require further treatment for now, Godou-san..."

  "I can't believe I happened to get shot by such a dangerous arrow. I surrender."

  Muttering in this manner, Godou felt hopeful. With these two girls here, some of the puzzles he could not unravel may finally have a chance to be solved. This fact was confirmed once again.

  After that, Godou went outside of the cabin.

  As a test, he discovered that he was completely unable to walk.

  In the end, Liliana and Yuri had to support him from the left and right sides respectively to accompany him outside.

  Just as seen through the window, there were many trees around the cabin. Most commonly oaks, the numerous trees were flourishing.

  "This was originally a logging cabin in the forest."

  "It was Liliana-san who greeted people from a nearby village and asked them to lend it for our use."

  "We can even prepare food. Let us visit the village to buy ingredients later."

  "But what about money? If possible, let me pay for things."

  Freeloading off nobles by a stroke of luck. Working as bodyguards or mercenaries. Illegal activities such as theft or robbery.

  None of these seemed possible to connect to Liliana or Yuri. In response to Godou's offer to shoulder their finances, the serious girls shook their heads.

  "There is no problem at the moment. Liliana-san has been able to earn money just by selling witch's herbs in the nearby village."

  "I considered the fact that life in the ancient or medieval world should have needs for 'witches' and it turned out to be correct."

  Unexpectedly, the girls had already built up a solid foundation for living.

  Godou felt impressed. In terms of earning money, these two had done much better than the rest who had started living in the ancient world earlier.

  Speaking of which, the two girls had also switched to wearing ancient attire.

  Yuri was wearing a garment resembling a white one-piece dress whose lower hem reached down to her ankles, with a sash tied at her waist and a shawl of hemp on her shoulders. Feminine attire, apparently.

  On the other hand, Liliana was wearing the type of tunic resembling a t-shirt that Godou had seen before, along with a what appeared to be a man's overcoat.

  Furthermore, she had leather guards on her arms and a sheathed saber hanging at her waist. Judging from the design of the hilt, it was clearly the magic sword Il Maestro.

  "On the other hand, the issue is... The three of you Campiones. Since we need to wait for the time when the Madame's 'corridor' opens, it is impossible to return to the modern era straight away."

  "But we were asked to resolve the 'King of the End' problem before doing that."

  The two girls explained respectively from Godou's sides.

  Liliana was on the right while Yuri was on the left. Godou's body tensed up inexplicably.

  "The 'King of the End' has disappeared for now, right..."

  Godou lowered his voice to hide his discomfort.

  However, the pale-haired aristocrat had said "for the day of o
ur inevitable reunion." These words were impossible to ignore...

  Yuri and Liliana leaned close to Godou—in other words, they pressed themselves tightly against him—while speaking.

  "Unfortunately, the Netherworld's Venerable One talked about this. So long as the Divine Sword of Salvation remains in the goddess's hands, this commotion remains unquelled. In order to clean up this situation, the shining divine sword must be sealed away as decrepit remains... That was what he said."

  "Defeating the goddess, huh. So either way, it needs to be accomplished."

  "Umm... By the way, Godou-san, do you feel tired?"

  "Yeah, I guess it's time for me to return inside."

  "Also, you must eat things tonight to recover your energy."

  "Yes. Then after that, you need to sleep earlier and rest properly. With the two of us taking care of you, your wounds should be able to recover a bit faster."

  "...Uh, can I interrupt for a moment?"

  Still supported by Liliana on the right and Yuri on the left, tightly pressed against his body, Godou interjected.

  "I-I'm already okay, so I think it's better if you two kept slightly more distance..."

  The two girls were acting as crutches to support Kusanagi Godou. This was very gratifying. On the other hand, it was quite normal for him to get a strange feeling from having two girls tightly pressed against him.

  One was so slender that she seemed as though her body might break easily, yet rich with a feminine suppleness and undulating figure. The other girl looked relatively demure in comparison to Erica and Ena, but in actual fact, there was no doubt at all that her body had reached sufficient maturity.

  These two girls possessed these types of bodies respectively.

  Seeing Godou stammering, the girls seemed to realize where the issue lay in the current circumstances.

  With a sudden shock, Yuri and Liliana both separated from Godou's body in a panic. Godou breathed a sigh of relief, intending to walk back by himself along the path they had taken.

  But he ended up falling. Hence, the two girls instantly came over to support him, returning to the previous state.

  "I-It's not necessary, didn't I say that just now?"

  "Nonsense. No matter how you look at it, your condition definitely requires the help of others."

  "Yes. So please do not try to act tough. Please rely on us without reservation."

  Liliana seemed slightly resigned while Yuri appeared a little miffed as the two girls spoke respectively.

  But in contrast to their tones of voice, they were carefully supporting Godou's heavy body on both sides, helping him to walk slowly. Godou felt embarrassed by the sensations of the two girls' bodies pressed tightly against him while feeling gratitude from the bottom of his heart.

  That said, he also discovered another problem.

  "In any case, starting tomorrow, there are many worrisome tasks that need to be handled."

  "Yes. I still wish to hear from you, Godou-san, how you and the others have been living your life over on this side."

  "Please recuperate patiently tonight before having a good chat with us about all the accumulated topics we wish to discuss."

  "Uh... As much as I'd like to have a good chat with you two as well... I think it's better if we slept in separate locations at night, right? Alternatively, I'm fine with camping outdoors too. After coming to this side, I've grown quite used to it."

  " "......" "

  This time, Godou tried his best to plead in an appropriate manner with the two girls who had shown their care to him through their words.

  Yuri and Liliana responded to Godou with a gaze that looked like they had something to say.

  "Th-That cabin is quite cramped, right!? Also, with two girls living in the same home to take care of a boy, it feels quite inappropriate in many ways—!"

  "Godou-san, what do you mean by this? I believe that such opinions are rather late in hindsight."

  "Also, after hearing your rough explanation earlier, there are a number of things I am curious about. During the half-month period in ancient Gaul, you were living harmoniously with Erica and Seishuuin Ena under the same roof—That is the impression that I gathered. Of course, this is merely my own casual imagination."

  "Oh right. Actually, I share the same feeling too, Liliana-san!"

  "You too, I see... Speaking of which, during your battle in the ancient world earlier, I remember Kusanagi Godou definitely using the [Sword]'s spell words at the time."

  "As one would expect, Godou-san must have performed that ritual with someone..."

  "I too, am quite curious about the identity of the partner in the ritual... Looks like there are many issues that must be pursued tonight after all."

  "Yes. So Godou-san, please accompany us obediently in a casual conversation."

  Godou was supported by the two girls, one on each side.

  Every time in the past, he would receive their assistance and guidance. However, due to the words "taken away" surfacing in his mind for a fact, Godou rather cautiously avoided objecting.

  Part 2

  And so, Godou and the two girls spent a night together.

  The girls pursued salacious matters rather relentlessly, demanding supplementary explanations whenever they deemed anything insufficiently clear. In the end, Godou had no choice but to beg them for forgiveness with a sigh. The situation was quite frantic.

  However, the two girls also took care of Godou's health with the same level of zeal as they had pursued certain matters.

  Consequently, Godou slipped into the realm of dreams with feelings of gratitude towards Yuri and Liliana's generosity. As for the ritual occurring just before the battle against Uldin, the fact that it was actually the three of them together... Godou was quite relieved that he had successfully guarded this secret.

  Then night passed and the next morning arrived.

  "I will go scout the place where the 'King of the End' manifested as well as check out the situation at Cologne... or rather, Colonia Agrippina. In any case, I intend to return before dark."

  During the morning, Liliana set off on her own.

  As an oriental, Yuri drew resentful stares from people due to her resemblance to the Huns. On the other hand, Godou's condition was still far from ideal. Hence, it was probably more convenient for Liliana to act alone. Capable of using flight magic, she could travel back and forth from distant places much faster than horses.

  Hence, even when noon had passed, Godou was not particularly worried for her and still continued to rest in bed at the cabin. Instead, what he worried about was—

  "How are things on those girls' side...?"

  Godou stared at his right arm while muttering.

  His "partner" Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi resided in this arm. However, it was currently in a dormant state, most likely affected by Godou's ill state of health. Under these conditions, the divine sword was unable to communicate with Ena.

  Erica, Ena, Doni, Madame Aisha, as well as the hero and the goddess, what exactly happened to them?

  No idea at all. Godou felt anxious on the bed. But rather than sleeping with his head under the covers, he sat up cross-legged.

  "Unacceptable, Godou-san. If you do not lie down, it will affect your body's recovery."

  "Staying in bed doesn't suit my personality, Mariya."

  "Seriously... Unlike previous times, Godou-san, your rate of healing is relatively slow. You must be more careful."

  Yuri reprimanded him for lacking self-awareness of his wounded state. Then the kindhearted Yamato Nadeshiko suddenly smiled and said the following:

  "Whether Liliana-san or I, neither of us has received inauspicious revelations so far... Consequently, I believe that everyone should be fine."

  "That's true too... I don't really think Erica or Seishuuin will fight uncertain battles whereas the other two aren't gonna get killed that easily."

  Responding to her kindness of intentionally putting forth an optimistic viewpoint to ease his mind, G
odou relaxed his shoulders and lay down.

  However, he never expected to be spending time alone with Yuri in a cramped wooden cabin.

  Godou recalled the few days he had spent together with Yuri in a cottage on a remote island, feeling a little embarrassed. Speaking of which, the grain porridge he had eaten for lunch was Yuri's cooking, naturally. Even this aspect was the same as that time living together on the island. Furthermore, as soon as he realized this, Godou was able to relax for real.

  "Rather than staying cooped up in bed all day, I think getting a bit of physical activity would be better. Going outside for a bit should be okay, right?"

  "Here you go making this sort of reckless suggestion again..."

  Godou made his request to Yuri and waited for her serious answer.

  "Your wounds have not recovered. I will be very troubled if you do not rest properly."

  "Well, because I'm seldom sick in bed, I don't really know how to rest. Rather, wouldn't it better for my health if I went for a brief walk?"

  "Seriously... You leave me no choice, Godou-san."

  Sighing, Yuri nodded as though she were agreeing to the demands of a spoilt child.

  "However, please allow me to accompany you. Are you really not going to go far?"

  "Eh?"

  Thus, Godou was able to go out with Yuri together.

  Supported by the graceful Yamato Nadeshiko like the previous day, he stumbled around, using an oak branch he had just picked up to use as a crutch. Although he still felt embarrassed about leaning so tightly against Yuri, Godou could not go back since he was the one who requested the walk in the first place.

  Yuri brought the slightly blushing Godou to a nearby stream.

  The wooden cabin was located in a forest halfway up a low-altitude mountain. As one would expect, the stream flowing through this place was clean with transparent and pristine water.

  "Thank goodness there is a water source so close by. It is impossible to cook and do laundry without water."

  "I see... This kind of mountain isn't going to have aqueducts or public baths, I guess."

  Godou concurred with Yuri's comment, resonating deeply within.

  Naturally, ordinary villages and towns definitely did not have those types of facilities. This proved how extraordinary Roman colonial cities were in ancient times as civilized zones.