“Where is that girl heading?”
“Eh, yeah, Natale is fast approaching. In order to let her celebrate the holidays together with her family, I granted her a vacation for this special occasion. After finishing her preparations she will head back to her home country.”
This so-called Natale was actually Christmas in Italian. In contrast to Japan, most people in Europe would spend the holidays with their family. This was probably the reason why she showed such consideration towards her.
Going back to what was said, the sound of the Christmas’s footsteps were gradually drawing closer. Were they capable of finding the solution to this problem before the arrival of Christmas......?
Part 3
It was currently December 18, the time of year was fast approaching Christmas.
The graduation ceremony will commence in three days from now, therefore the Jounan Academy seniors only had morning classes. However, today Liliana was absent in class.
This was why after Godou finished his classes, he went straight to her home without even eating lunch.
After pressing down on the gate’s doorbell, the sound of Liliana’s voice came across the intercom.
‘The door isn’t locked, please come in.’
Since Godou was paying a visit to a girl’s house, he felt very embarrassed as he pushed open the door.
Moreover, the exclusive maid of the house had already returned to her hometown in Italy. The owner of the house resided here by herself for the time being.
Godou concealed his slightly wavering feelings as he entered the living room.
Liliana was currently here engaged in work. The reason why she was absent from school was for her to finish the magic preparations.
“Please be careful to avoid entering the center area of the map. Sorry for the inconvenience.”
Every place in the living room, including the tables and couches, was tidied up. The object expanded across this spacious room was a huge aerial photograph taken from the skies overlooking Tokyo. Its dimensions were probably around three meters in length and four meters in width. Liliana was crouching down on one knee over the map.
Godou noticed the location on the map where Liliana was situated was the Bunkyo region.
It was Bunkyo Dangozaka on the map——Liliana was crouching over the coordinates to this house.
Furthermore, it felt like there were quite a few incantations instilled within this Tokyo district on the aerial photograph.
“You used some kind of magic on this right?”
“Yes, searching magic......I guess you could say that I carried out these preparations in order to utilize this magic.”
Liliana maintained her crouching position as spoke.
She extended her right hand and moved the fingertips of her index finger and middle finger towards the map. Liliana, who was a Templar Knight and witch, released an incantation from those fingertips.
“If it is precisely as we said yesterday in which the red lacking Santa Claus is an existence related to earth’s bountiful harvests, this existence might discharge a slight upsurge in spiritual energy at the location where the phenomenon happens. I plan on releasing a hunting dog to confirm this.”
“Liliana, you raise that sort of thing?”
“Of course this is accomplished by employing a familiar called forth through summoning magic. We witches are the miko descendants who serve the goddess of the sky and earth. The attribute to summon a beast and commanding it to pursue the spiritual energy of earth isn’t really an arduous task.”
Princess Alice, Lucretia Zola, and Liliana Kranjcar.
These were the three witches Godou knew. It is said that they benefited from being naturally gifted with manipulation magic unaccessible to normal female magicians (for example those like Erica).
The scope of this type of magic was precisely witchcraft. Erica had raised this subject at some point in the past.
She said ‘even though I really don’t want to admit it......but for the sky and earth, in other words, magic involving the elements of nature, Liliana far surpasses me’.
Except why was he unable to recall when it happened and where it took place?
“However, if we choose to execute in this manner we must send the hunting dog sprite toward Tokyo. Doing this will require time and effort......I guess you can say that like anything it will have its dangers.”
“Well, we can’t just release those monster-like beings and not look after them.”
Godou had previously battled a magical beast familiar summoned through the use of magic. Even a small causal disturbance could result in fatal injuries towards humans.
“Hence I added voodoo magic to this map of Tokyo. When the hunting dog is released on this map to conduct its probing, it enables a much quicker result that is equivalent to actually being within the capital Tokyo.”
As she finished speaking, Liliana moved her fingertips away from the photographic map. It seemed like she finished casting her magic.
This so-called voodoo magic was a term from folklore. Say for example, a person who was detested had their hair buried inside a doll that was to be burned. In that case, the detested person himself would be burned to death. Of course the result from this kind of incantation when one wishes to exert supernatural properties on an object is akin to the object becoming a replacement for the target itself.
“Are the preparations ready? Where is the hunting dog?”
“The preparations are already finished. This is it.”
The object Liliana took out was a pig which she set down by her foot.
It was a doll in the shape of a pig. Two days ago, Liliana won this toy at a video game center. It was designed to be palm sized, a style that allowed it to be rocked about, but it had quite a sinister expression.
“......But upon inspection, it’s just a pig doll.”
“This pig doll is infused with spirit from the essence of earth. The reason why I previously stated it was going to be a hunting dog was merely so you could easily comprehend. I thought since we must pursue spiritual energy, a spirit pig, an animal which avidly uses its sensitive snout, would be the best choice. I’m about to start.”
“Nah, it wouldn’t have mattered whether it was a dog or pig.”
Godou went on to state. Verethragna’s authority, the [Boar], is also categorized as a type of pig.
“For objects that are specially applied with some sort of wizardry magic, I actually feel like compared to a doll, using something similar to a small prop would have been better......”
“T-This happened to be the only thing I had on hand resembling a pig!”
Liliana seemed slightly embarrassed as she retorted.
“If we are able to confirm an upsurge in spiritual energy, then let’s first try heading towards the actual location ok? If there happens to be Santa Clauses being grayified or if it already happened, there is a high possibility it could be much more frustrating than a prank carried out by a magician somewhere.”
Regardless of which, the searching magic had already been applied without a hitch.
On the large photographic map that Liliana had prepared, the pig doll was slowly moving at a speed of around one or two centimeters per three minutes.
As expected, no one was shifting the pig around, it was independently crawling.
“However, waiting around is quite monotonous, how about we go eat lunch?”
Godou brought up this suggestion. It had already passed noon a long time ago and his stomach was still empty.
“Ah, no thanks. If possible, please help yourself since my undertaking requires me to maintain the voodoo magic on the map."
Liliana replied in this manner towards Godou’s lunch invitation.
“Then I’ll probably just go buy something. Liliana, is there anything you want to eat?”
Since his partner was preoccupied, he wanted to go run an errand for her. From Godou’s perspective this was a rightful concern that was to be expected in this situatio
n.
Liliana revealed an unhappy expression on her face. She frowned in a way as if she was preaching something.
“Didn’t I say this yesterday? The fulfillment of your role as a devil king Campione remains significantly inadequate. This is the first time I’ve heard of a devil king going out to buy lunch.”
“That has nothing to do with it. I am different compared to guys like that old timer Voban. I’m going shopping at a supermarket anyways, so I can pick up some bread while I’m at it.”
Godou shrugged his shoulders after he finished speaking. Liliana’s expression changed to that of complete astoundment.
“You should also find a butler or maid in order to distance yourself from these miscellaneous tasks since you are one of the seven Campiones in this world.”
“A high school student having either a butler or maid following them, I haven’t heard of such a thing before either.”
“Well then, Kusanagi Godou is certainly a godslayer. That being the case, this moment makes for a great opportunity. Please begin slowly adapting to the pleasures of being attended to by other people ok?”
Because of the perplexing words Liliana stated, Godou questioned her with an ‘eh?’.
To maintain the voodoo magic, the only necessity was to supply the incantation while being within close proximity.
As a result, during that period of time a person is free to do other activities without a problem——. Liliana put on her commonly used apron and entered the battlefield that is a kitchen. Prompted by the replacement of her sword with a kitchen knife, chopping board, flat frying pan, ladle, and things of that nature, she was struggling.
“I-Is there anything I can help with?”
“No need to worry. As the king you should just relax and wait over there.”
The well-intentioned proposal was outright rejected.
Godou could only watch from the kitchen entrance as the proficient cook Liliana prepared the dishes. Having a girl cook for me personally is really——。
What seemed to be a vertigo of mixed emotions and confusion had hit Godou.
Liliana wore a black sweater along with blue jeans. After adding the apron, a sense of determination could be perceived from this appearance. This sort of adjustment gave him a very distinct feeling of having entered a girl’s personal domain.
The Godou as of now was neither a godslayer nor a Campione. Continuously standing there in fear, he was simply a man who was still unaccustomed to girls due to having no girlfriend experience at his age.
After waiting approximately thirty minutes, Liliana was finally done cooking and had swiftly cleaned the cooking utensils. Lunch appeared to be ready.
However, right now the pig was still in the living room traversing around on the map.
“Want to go outside and enjoy today's beautiful weather? Despite it being a tad cold, at least there is no breeze.”
Liliana had suggested this and proceeded towards the courtyard with the plates containing the food she cooked.
In that direction was a circular wooden table with two wooden chairs. Originally this set was most likely used frequently during the warmer seasons. However, today was precisely as Liliana had said, the temperature could be considered quite warm for the month of December. It seemed like there would be no issues eating here in the courtyard.
Afterwards, the dishes were set on the table.
There was bologna pasta, warm vegetable salad, a piping hot bean soup, as well as black tea stowed inside a thermos.
“Since I didn’t head out to buy anything, I felt quite unprepared. There is a possibility that it won’t be compatible with your tastes......”
“I completely don’t get which of these dishes were unprepared for. Especially the pasta, it is very delicious.”
Godou felt that the notification Liliana gave in advance was unfathomable. The noodles and pâté were considerably rich in taste.
He actually thought they were those instantly made food products since Liliana rapidly made these dishes within ten minutes.
But the gratifying taste was actually created through diligent cooking and stewing for long periods of time.
“Actually, those noodles were prepared using the utmost simplicity since I only recooked yesterday's leftover beef stew with a few added seasonings. After that I just re-added some more minced meat......”
On the contrary, Godou felt admiration towards Liliana after being informed that the cooking was simple.
This was the flavor of the dish wasn't it? By modifying the leftover food, a new delectable flavor was created. The amount of time and effort spent were both reduced. It indeed seemed quite reasonable.
Godou, who was a male in his teens, stuffed the food in his mouth as he wolfed down the cuisine personally prepared by Liliana.
Such actions were solely due to the delicious taste. Furthermore, he was eating face to face with Liliana, trying to find every possible way to hide his own embarrassment.
After he had his fill, he proposed to clean the dishes himself. However, he was actually denied from doing so.
Godou was unable to feel at ease when walking together with Liliana, who cleaned all the dishes herself, back to the living room. The pig on the top of the map had at one point stopped and laid there overturned.
Its abdomen was facing upward and it was trembling uncontrollably.
“It seems to have detected an upsurge in spiritual energy.”
Liliana spoke in a grave tone after looking at the hexagram images displayed from the magic she applied.
At that place was perhaps the next location where Santa Clauses devoid of red might appear.
The location was Odaiba——Today was nearing Christmas, that scenic gathering spot would without a doubt be filled with sweethearts.
“Well then, we should probably hurry over there and check it out."
Godou lowered his head in response to Liliana. This was probably expected from him.
In order to pursue the mystery of the gray Santa Claus, he had to journey to this scenic gathering spot together with an exceptionally attractive girl. Also it was still just the two of them. Godou felt inexplicably embarrassed toward this situation.
Part 4
They rode the JR tram to get to Odaiba.
After arriving at the location they would release the pig familiar allowing it to try to pursue the aura from the strange phenomenon.
This was the type of plan Godou and Liliana agreed on from inside the moving tram.
However, the situation surpassed their expectations; it transpired a long time ago and by then it had already concluded.
Facing the devil king and female knight who entered Odaiba, the culprit who initiated this disturbance had already called it quits.
The seaside that everyone was accustomed to had been created by using land reclamation. This area was now a very popular entertainment venue for gatherings and leisure.
Once they disembarked from the tram at Odaiba Marine Park station, Godou and Liliana trekked towards a nearby area that was brimming with liveliness. As expected, the number of large shopping centers designated for the young male and female visitors stretched as far as the eyes could see.
The strange phenomenon of Santa Clauses being greyified already manifested here. All the Santa Clauses located here were infected with the color grey. Their magnificent red color subsequently vanished.
Right now they had already lost the mood to confirm one by one whether or not all the Santa Clauses were greyified.
After Godou sent an eye signal towards her, Liliana retrieved the pig doll from her pocket. That familiar——was the so-called pig beast spirit of the earth.
Once the owner placed the doll on the ground, she began to recite spell words in a whisper.
“By the greed caused by the wild beast, go forth and pursue this suspicious aura!”
The pig seemed as if it was gliding along the surface as it moved.
In contrast to the time it was moving along the
surface of the map, the movement speed at present was comparable to a nimble mouse. At the same time, Liliana closed her eyes and used the Witch’s Eye to enable a vision transfer. The purpose behind doing this was to allow the Eye to follow behind the pig.
However, Godou believed this sort of method would not result in any important information. This incident will probably take some time to figure out. However——
“Kusanagi Godou…..I discovered something strange.”
Liliana reported what she saw. Ten minutes had gone by after that.
Godou squeezed himself into a large crowd of people and noticed it as well. Using the pig that was pursuing the strange phenomenon as well as Liliana’s Eyes, he was led to this location.
Within the meandering crowd of people——all of the normal humans were oblivious to that thing.
Even those who were directly facing this outlandishness were incapable of rationalizing the situation. This was because to ordinary people the best course of action would be to ignore it, hence the situation not being surprise worthy. However, Godou was perplexed.
That thing was walking amongst the crowd of people like an ordinary person.
The people within its vicinity were completely unaware of that thing's existence.
It resembled some aspects of a human figure. It was using two feet to walk, had two arms along with a head and torso.
In spite of that, the body was completely covered with what seemed to be a grey sailcloth. The underlying skin and face could not be seen at all.
“What is that? It doesn’t look like a god or divine beast.”
“Nor is it a magician. No matter how you associate it, it's impossible to classify it under the category of a human being. Perhaps it is a fairy or a spirit of some sort.”
Godou was flabbergasted as a result of Liliana's statement.
“In addition to gods, there are actually those kinds of guys roaming these grounds!?”
“It wouldn’t be on these grounds. They basically all reside within the Netherworld. Only in extremely rare circumstances would they go to the extent of coming to this side.”
Liliana fixed her eyes on the Grey One and paced around him while she spoke.
“It appears only Los Angeles’s John Pluto Smith-sama has the capability to transfer to the Netherworld and summon the residents from there for a short period of time due to the authority he usurped from Oberon the fairy king.”
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