Campione 15

by Son of the Goddess

  "What... is going on here?"

  Yuri's lips parted from him and she whispered while staring at Godou's chest.

  Clearly she had just used spirit vision to see the situation inside Godou's body. Gently, she caressed Godou's chest then said:

  "I shall try to think of other methods. Sorry for failing to help."

  "D-Don't say that. I'm the one who's ashamed. Clearly, you've gone to such lengths for me already."

  "I do not mind at all. Because this is for your sake."

  Smiling gracefully, Yuri bowed her head and returned to her bed.

  The timing was just right. Liliana returned instantly right after this. Furthermore, she was unaware that Godou's heart was pounding violently inside.

  "Sorry for making you wait. Then let us rest."

  The silver-haired knight put out the light.

  Olive oil had been poured into a dish and lit to serve as lightning.

  But due to the moonlight streaming through the window, it was not completely dark.

  As the only man present, Godou slept in the middle with Yuri on the left and Liliana on the right.

  But due to what he was doing with Yuri just now, Godou's heart was still racing and he was unable to fall asleep.

  After a while, Yuri's breathing noises from peaceful sleep could be heard.

  I must sleep earlier—Just as Godou shut his eyes tightly...

  (Kusanagi Godou, are you still awake...?)

  Godou heard whispers from beside him. Liliana was lying in bed with her body turned towards him. Without sitting up, she had simply spun her upper torso to face Godou.

  Afraid of waking Yuri, Godou answered in quiet whispers too.

  (Yeah. What's up?)

  (Actually, something bothered me when I was giving you treatment.)

  (S-Sure.)

  (I intend to confirm it. Could I take a moment of your time?)

  (!?)

  Despite asking for consent, Liliana immediately came over to Godou without waiting for his reply.

  Still in a lying down posture, she shifted her body over, ending up lying on the same bedding as Godou's. Face to face, they were close enough to feel each other's breath.

  This was the kind of situation where one could not deny accusations of sleeping together.

  (This type of behavior... makes me quite nervous.)

  Knowing quite well how questionable her actions were, the silvered-haired girl whispered.

  However, Liliana quietly brought her face near Godou, bravely performing a lying-down kiss, in spite of Yuri sleeping no further than two meters away.

  Staying still, Godou and Liliana continued kissing in this manner.

  The kiss was not especially intense in movement. On the other hand, their tongues and lips were overlapping and entangling one another repeatedly.

  Smooch, smooch, the sounds of kissing echoed within the quiet cabin. Enjoying this fully intimate kiss that did not include intense actions, the two of them still did not separate their lips from each other.

  (After healing magic is delivered into your body, it definitely activates for only an instant... Looks like it is necessary to ponder the reasons why.)

  (I-I see.)

  Hearing Liliana's whispers, Godou nodded at her.

  In actual fact, he had already gathered the same impression from Yuri's treatment before going to bed. Unaware of that, the silver-haired girl smiled reassuringly at Godou before returning to her bed.

  Finally, I can sleep for real—

  Listening to Liliana's quiet breathing noises in her sleep, Godou slowly shut his eyes again.

  Erica Blandelli and Seishuuin Ena.

  These two girls had already established a "ceasefire agreement" before starting their life of cohabitation. Precisely because they regarded each other as rivals in both business and pleasure, that was why they had decided to avoid wasting time and energy on escalating competitive behavior.

  However, this sort of competitiveness did not exist between Yuri and Liliana.

  The atmosphere was calm and harmonious when the three of them spent time together, Godou included.

  Not arguing over which girl was staying by Godou's side, they respected each other and provided mutual assistance. Indeed, it was a reassuring relationship.

  But perhaps because of this, it would not occur to them to establish an agreement between ladies, right?

  Also, when faced with that type of ritual, Godou himself did not seem as resistant as before...

  Moreover, Godou was not currently in that cabin while pondering over these matters.

  This morning, after setting off using Liliana's flight magic, two hours had passed already. Flying south from the cabin for nearly sixty kilometers, they arrived at a vast plain in Germania.

  Apart from a few scattered forests, this was a completely flat area of grassland.

  The current location was also quite near Colonia Agrippina apparently. Acting as the guide, Lilana had already kept her eyes shut for half an hour or so.

  Using her prided [Witch's Eye] witchcraft to send her vision far away, she was currently scouting for signs of unrest.

  "Thank goodness we have Liliana-san in times like these."

  "Yeah."

  Godou responded by nodding vigorously at Yuri who was praising with a smile.

  Having Liliana present with her talent in witchcraft meant that efficiency was vastly improved for movement and reconnaissance. Last time when they were wandering the goddess's island in the South Seas, life would have been much easier if they had her abilities to help them.

  "I have discovered something a little... No, greatly troublesome."

  Liliana slowly opened her eyes and reported.

  "It is not too far from here. I intend to head over for a look."

  "Got it, I'm counting on you."

  Obtaining Godou's consent, the silver-haired witch used flight magic.

  The blue light of flight magic enveloped the trio as they flew towards the sky. After less than thirty minutes of flying time, they landed at a small hill of rock, a couple dozen meters in height.

  Since they had not crossed the Rhine yet, this place was still within Germania.

  Wide open plains lay in all directions. Since they had landed on a high platform near the peak of the rocky hill, the "troublesome" thing mentioned by Liliana was immediately visible.

  On a vast plain down below, nearly fifty bears were gathered. Every one of them was a giant bear, roughly four or five meters in body length. Those giant bodies looked like houses from first glance.

  These were the goddess Artio's minions that Godou and the Franks had fought before. Furthermore, this group of giant bears had formed a circle, surrounding and staring at a single human.

  Also, the one standing in the circle's center was—

  "S-Sir Salvatore!?"

  Feeling shocked, Yuri whispered softly.

  Indeed, the person surrounded by the giant bears was Salvatore Doni.

  However, Doni's current face was filled with imposing dignity, shining brightly with a sense of intelligence exuding from within. Completely betraying the comment of "a handsome man who only looked good in face," his usual frivolity and idiotic temperament had vanished entirely.

  "Yeah, I thought I was mistaken a number of times. I'm beginning to wonder if I need my eyes checked..."

  "Sir Salvatore's face could not possibly show such a dignified expression. It must be someone who happens to look similar."

  "I-I think a little more tact should be exercised..."

  This was the godslaying Devil King whom anyone involved in Italy's magic scene considered troublesome to no end.

  On further examination, his clothing was different. On top of a simple, white tunic was a white cape. He was dressed completely in white, giving off a refreshing impression.

  Furthermore, he was carrying a long and thick blade on his back. A mighty sword measuring a meter in blade length.

  "My minions."

  Hearing
the voice coming from Doni's mouth, Godou was surprised.

  A woman's voice. Furthermore, it was that goddess Artio's voice!

  "Once sufficient numbers are gathered, we shall invade this human city to deliver divine retribution upon these barbarians, along with the abominable godslayer these foolish people worship!"

  After speaking loudly with Artio's voice, Doni drew the great blade from his back.

  As expected of a master swordsman, his sword drawing posture was quite experienced.

  Shining with the color of platinum, the mighty sword's blade shone with dazzling luster while bathed beneath sunlight. Undoubtedly, it was the Divine Sword of Salvation.

  "This goddess hereby swears upon this sword. To vanquish all godslayers on the earth to accomplish the great task of the world's salvation. Minions, offer your lives for this cause!"

  In response to the goddess's voice, the giant bear army began to roar.

  Aaaa— Rrrrr— Toooo— Sssss—

  Close to fifty giant bears were roaring together, sounding somewhat like a choir. Listening more carefully, it sounded like they were calling a certain name.

  Artos. The name that carried the name of "hero."

  "I can see a woman's black shadow behind Sir Salvatore. Is that Artio...?"

  "Having lost her material body, the goddess possessed Sir Salvatore's divine body, controlling his mind... I am getting this kind of feeling..."

  Yuri had apparently received a revelation through spirit vision. Liliana and Yuri exchanged nods.

  The three of them were currently watching the commotion below from the hill of rock. Observing from a slightly closer position would probably result in goddess and Campione sensing each other's presence and entering a combat state.

  In choosing this spot to land, Liliana's astute judgment had helped greatly.

  Next, they should find Erica and Ena. Godou nodded at his two companions.

  Part 4

  Enveloped in blue light again, the trio flew towards the sky.

  In his current state, Godou felt grateful for the existence of flight magic more than anything else. Riding was too tiring and would cause a great strain on his wounded body.

  After leaving the place where Doni-Artio was witnessed, they flew for roughly thirty minutes.

  This was roughly the same speed as a car traveling along a main road. Once the Roman colonial city of Colonia Agrippina on the Rhine's shore entered into view, Liliana lowered their flying altitude.

  The city streets were on the Rhine's west bank while the east bank was a former Roman army outpost.

  Godou's group landed outside this outpost.

  After the great chieftain went missing, what happened to the Frankish warriors gathered here? The purpose of coming here was to ascertain this matter. A couple days ago, there were roughly three thousand men gathered here.

  "According to rumors I heard in the city, after Sir Salvatore went missing, serious disagreements began to appear among the Franks. This included disputes such as whether to continue fighting the goddess or to return to their homeland."

  "It would probably be best for those warriors if they simply withdrew their forces completely."

  "Well, even if they went to fight a deity, lives would only end up sacrificed for nothing. But this kind of development isn't supposed to happen, right?"

  After listening to Liliana's report and Yuri's opinion, Godou muttered.

  They were currently bracing themselves against bone-chilling wind in spring while making these prophetic statements. In fact, along their way here, they were already getting faint but ominous premonitions.

  Godou secretly glanced at the problematic outpost.

  In terms of outer appearance, it resembled Augusta Raurica's castle where Godou had battled Uldin previously.

  The north, east and south sides were protected by castle walls while the west side had the Rhine for defense. Also, disorganized cheering could currently be heard from inside the outpost.

  The two girls felt rather puzzled but Godou decided it would be easier for them to understand by seeing with their own eyes. Hence, he led them through the castle gates without offering any explanation.

  Wooooooooooooo—!

  Wooooooooooooooooo—!

  Wooooooooooooooooooooo—!

  At the central square in the outpost, the crowd was yelling loudly. Of course, they were the three thousand Frankish warriors.

  Their gazes were all focused on a certain lady. Standing on a podium was a graceful young beauty dressed in a white overcoat.

  "Everyone! By the recommendations of many various people among you, I have decided to assume my position as the new chieftain. As you can all see, I am just an ignorant girl, so I shall be in everyone's care!"

  Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo—!

  Only while she was speaking did the yelling pause temporarily.

  As soon as she finished, the shouts resumed. This seemed to repeat cyclically.

  "Unlike the previous chieftain, Doni-san, I do not have the strength to protect everyone. However, I shall heal those who become injured in battle."

  Wooooooooooooooooo—!

  "And if just for a little, I too, am capable of using power that even gods will fear. Consequently, the goddess Artio probably cannot ignore me. —Should she arrive to invade, I intend to engage her in dialogue, imploring her to have mercy on all of you, the Frankish warriors."

  Wooooooooooooooooo—!

  "Never fear. If we hold negotiations, we can surely understand each other. If that doesn't work, I will also try to come up with other solutions."

  Wooooooooooooooooo—!

  "For the sake of Kusanagi-san who died to protect me, let us try hard and do our best. Kusanagi-san must have turned into a star in the sky and is now watching over us—That is what I believe!"

  (...Umm. Isn't Godou-san clearly alive right now?)

  (...Indeed. When was Kusanagi Godou killed?)

  (Basically, she's the kind of person with excessive enthusiasm. She even gets along with Doni quite well. I also find her airheaded and prone to causing misunderstandings.)

  She was making her speech in an adorable voice, amidst noisy and astounding cheering and shouting.

  Godou and his companions were whispering in a conversation at the very back of the crowd. Yuri and Liliana were both making a speechless face while staring at Madame Aisha who was giving her speech on the podium.

  "Oh, so this concludes the chieftain inauguration speech. But I suppose it would be better if I said a little bit more?"

  Wooooooooooooooooo—!

  "Well, let me think... My name is Aisha. My hobbies are reading, traveling, embroidery and cooking. Age—Age is exactly seventeen years old!"

  (...Hey hey, it feels like she is starting to go out of control.)

  Godou disregarded this fraudulent report of age while beginning to ponder.

  Reportedly, neither Erica nor Ena were in the city—They were nowhere nearby, at any rate. Without anyone supervising her, once again, Madame Aisha had "spontaneously become the idol worshiped by the crowd."

  ...No wait, perhaps "once again" doesn't quite cut it.

  During an era of turmoil and war, she has been like this "all along," right?

  People could not help but feel drawn to the seductive charisma exuded by Devil King Aisha, worshiping her as their leader, seeking salvation from her.

  Driven by her congeniality, she easily agreed to people's requests, then proceeding to run out of control...

  This was very possible indeed.

  "She is a Campione too, after all..."

  Godou patted the shoulder of a Frankish warrior nearby to make him turn around. This was for directing the man to call Madame Aisha.

  "Oh my!? You're still alive, Kusanagi-san!"

  "Since this is critical, I'll repeat myself. Don't go writing me off as dead so carelessly."

  Godou's first words to Madame Aisha on their reunion was an instant objection.

  Aft
er the chieftain inauguration speech, they were now meeting in a building that served as the Roman army headquarters.

  "I-I'm very sorry. After the battle ended, you went missing so I naturally... O-Oh right, Doni-san has been possessed by the goddess's ghost, this is terrible."

  "I know already. Speaking of which, what happened to Erica and Seishuuin?"

  While the Madame tried to hide her embarrassment with an affectionate smile, Godou moved on to his next query.

  Since Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi still had not awakened from its dormant state, Godou was unable to use it to contact Ena. This matter was what he wanted to confirm the most.

  While Godou was worrying about dire possibilities, Madame Aisha smiled gracefully.

  "Ah yes. Both of them are safe and sound. After the earlier battle, my consciousness grew hazy again then I received their help."

  "Then where are they now?"

  "I haven't seen them since two or three days ago. I was wondering if they might have set off in search for the missing Kusanagi-san."

  The Madame's speculation was most likely correct. However, was going off without saying anything really the way those two girls went about doing things—especially Erica?

  While Godou was thinking, Madame Aisha suddenly turned her gaze to behind him.

  "By the way, who may these two be?"

  "Oh, here are my companions who chased after us from the present due to various reasons..."

  "A pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Mariya Yuri."

  "I am Kusanagi Godou's knight, Liliana Kranjcar. It is an honor to meet you."

  After the Madame shifted the conversation to them, the two girls spoke for the first time.

  Yuri bowed her head politely while Liliana greeted with dignified politeness. No matter how friendly or casual the Madame behaved, they probably intended to adhere strictly to etiquette for Campiones who stood as monarchs.

  On the other hand, the one whose position would be called queen—

  "No, the pleasure is all mine... B-By the way, sure enough, both of you are also Kusanagi-san's l-l-l-lovers... Isn't that the case?"

  In the middle of her greeting, her voice suddenly became very quiet.

  Completely taken by surprise with the Madame's remark, Yuri and Liliana simultaneously went "Eh?" quietly.