Campione 05

by Miko of the Sword

In response to the contents of Ena's question, Liliana glared with dangerous eyes at Erica who was leaning against Godou, while Yuri nodded sorrowfully.

  For some reason, Godou felt like he owed everyone an apology, but he had no choice but to make a decision.

  "Ah, about this... I don't actually want to be alone with Erica, but due to some complicated circumstances, I have to go out with this fellow here tomorrow..."

  Godou explained in a soft voice that could barely be heard.

  Embarrassed and hanging his head, his neck was embraced by the blonde beauty.

  She was smiling like an angel but, to Godou, she was truly the devil.

  Part 4

  That night, Erica was lying on the bed in her own room relaxing as she reached for the cellphone.

  The first person to contact was Liliana Kranjcar.

  "Hello, Lily, can we talk about tomorrow?"

  'You deceived my master, and intend to plan shameless lechery for tomorrow. ...Fine, how do you plan to explain to me?'

  Liliana answered most unhappily.

  "I don't need to explain anything. For two people in love, a time and place not to be disturbed by others is necessary, so I would like to make a suggestion for you."

  'Suggestion?'

  "Yes, after all, you will insist on being the bodyguard and secretly follow, but that will tastelessly spoil the mood, so could you not come along? That is my request."

  'T-that I cannot agree. Protecting the safety of Kusanagi Godou is a necessary measure.'

  "There are no safety issues if Godou is with me. If you decline this request then it's a real shame. Your latest work will be published to the world through the internet. The whole world will know of Lily's talents."

  'My latest work? How do you know of such a thing?'

  "What kind of story is it, that novel, eh? Leaving her home in the quaint French countryside to go traveling, a girl was captured by a handsome Sicilian mafia boss, and became his maid and lover. Remember to keep that piece of dialogue: 'I will make you unable to live without my body from now on...'"

  'Ooh, stop! No more, please!'

  "Lily you sure are daring, even I felt embarrassed just by reading it. Because of that, I still haven't finished the whole thing. Right, let me read to the end tonight."

  'Please do not continue reading it! I will stay home tomorrow and not go out, is that fine?!'

  Liliana roared as if she was about to cry.

  'You devil! How on earth do you do it, always knowing my secrets!?'

  "No comment. Trade secrets."

  Erica answered casually. Apparently, Liliana also suspected a traitor in her midst and had put more thought into both the location and the means to conceal her creative notebook. However, Karen has stayed a step ahead of her, successfully sending copies every time.

  Ending that conversation, Erica called Yuri next.

  'Hello, I am Mariya. Erica-san, how do you do?'

  "Are you free right now? About tomorrow, have you and Ena considered following me and Godou tomorrow?"

  The kind-hearted Hime-Miko did not know how to lie.

  Certain in this belief, Erica asked directly. However, Yuri's response was rather emotional.

  'I-I will definitely not do something so despicable!'

  "Then let's not talk about Yuri, but it is possible that Ena-san will follow us."

  'No, I do not think that Ena-san will consider such details.'

  "So in conclusion, she does not rely on wits, but is someone who acts on impulse and instinct."

  Normally, such a mindless opponent would not be worth fretting over, but when rare people possess such wild beast-like instincts, they prove to be formidable foes impossible to predict with common sense.

  Regrettably, Seishuuin Ena was one of them.

  'By the way... Erica-san.'

  "What is it? Relax, I know you're bound by many restrictions, Yuri, so I approve of your presence by Godou's side and I won't cast you out due to that kind of girl's arrival. Like your feelings for Godou, at the appropriate time, I will help you and Godou get together."

  Yuri was the girl who possessed the miko disposition that she lacked, as well as an extraordinary level of spirit vision.

  To Erica, Yuri was the best supporting candidate she found in Japan.

  Liliana once bragged that she could apply herself to all sorts of situations, but the partnership of Erica and Yuri greatly surpassed her in overall ability.

  In order to oppose the versatile blue knight, it was necessary to avoid distancing Yuri.

  Since other than her precious abilities, this miko had other qualities that did not lose to Lily.

  "I, Erica Blandelli, will never abandon those I have taken care of. If you believe in me, I will be very happy."

  'I-I know I make things hard for Erica-san sometimes, but I feel that Erica-san is someone who can be trusted.'

  Yuri was exceptionally adorable when she acted shy yet honest.

  'However, Ena-san has been my important friend all these years... I hope that you two can get along better.'

  "I don't plan on escalating things, but everything started with her."

  'I am sorry... From a long time ago, that person has always loved playing practical jokes...'

  "It's fine, so long as Ena-san shows a friendly attitude. I don't want to be in conflict with her either."

  'Thank you, then we have chatted for quite a while. It is almost time to hang up... Ah, finally may I make a suggestion?'

  "Please."

  'Umm... though Erica-san said earlier you will help resolve the awkwardness between Godou-san and I, but you do not need to worry too much about that. Because if it is really necessary, I will work hard to find a solution myself!'

  Yuri went silent after saying those words, perhaps due to embarrassment, she must have been trembling all over on the other side of the line.

  Imagining her state, Erica smiled, though this miko was sometimes a bit nagging, her nature was very kind, and she did things with great consideration. When acting together, she will most likely defer the role of leadership.

  And she loves Godou very much, so she will never betray him.

  As an ally for the rest of their lives, her character is flawless.

  Though from our respective standpoints we will be competing for Kusanagi Godou's love, it will be fine as long as I secure victory in a direct confrontation. Truly, it would be best to let Godou marry Yuri as a concubine after me.

  They will be the first and second wives, guarding over Godou by his side, and no other woman will be allowed to gain an opening. Occasional flirting is fine, but he definitely cannot be allowed to get serious with outside women.

  However, if it were women like Liliana with outstanding talent, exceptions could be made.

  But the first requirement is that they accept Erica's superior position.

  "I see, then let's do as you wish, I will cheer for you."

  Erica hung up the phone.

  Then, tomorrow will be the first date with Godou. She will try to let Godou decide their destination and the details of the activities; how will things end up? With great anticipation, Erica went to bed early—a rare decision indeed.

  Chapter 5 - Date Progression

  Part 1

  Godou was spending Friday night worrying in his room.

  A date. The first time in his life. And a date with the one and only Erica Blandelli.

  She had said 'Since it is a rare opportunity, Godou, show me your true worth. I leave all the details of tomorrow's planning in your hands... If I find it boring then it's not acceptable.'

  Girls were just so unreasonable—besides, where could he bring Erica that would satisfy her? Nothing came to mind at all!

  Then the ringing of a cellphone interrupted his vexation. Seeing the caller ID on the LCD screen, Godou could not help but be surprised. It showed a very nostalgic name.

  "It's been a while, Miura, how have you been?"

  "Yes, well enough, how about yo
u?"

  The one who called was Godou's middle school friend, back from the days when he still played baseball.

  Miura was one of the few famed fastball pitchers in Tokyo, and currently attended a high school there. Naturally, he joined the baseball club which was renowned for its strong team. They also participated in the National High School Baseball Championship this year.

  "So, Kusanagi, you've already seen that, right?"

  That? Godou had no idea what Miura was talking about.

  "Yes, that. How should I put it, me, my first appearance."

  "...Ah yes! Congratulations on entering the National High School Baseball Championship. So basically, you've stepped upon the pitcher's mound as a First Year, I didn't even realize that earlier."

  Though Miura's high school had qualified for the National High School Baseball Championship, their run ended in a second round defeat. It was during the last inning, when defeat was imminent, that Miura was sent to the pitcher's mound.

  "Uh, is that so? But I was certain I'd be able to play eventually, hahaha."

  His mood brightening up so suddenly, what a simple man.

  But when Godou had watched the live broadcast of that match, he could not think of any words of congratulations. Miura's appearance had not been able to reverse the defeat, and in the final moments...

  "No, it's wonderful that you got to play, but shaking your head at the catcher's signal resulted in a two point homerun that ended the match. You probably refused his suggestion of throwing a curve ball and decided to pitch a straight, right? Actually, your judgment was..."

  'Y-You're nagging too much! Since you're no longer a catcher, don't make a random guess!'

  It was not a random guess. Since Godou understood Miura's habits and preferences, he could tell from observation.

  Anyway, Goudou was happy to see his friend participating actively(?) in the sport.

  'Anyway, let's get back on track. Our school, which was fortunate enough to enter the Championship, is now restructuring the team in preparation for challenging the Championship again next year... And today, the coach's wife is having a baby.'

  "That's great news, but what does that have to do with me?"

  'Listen well. Due to this, to celebrate the birth of the child, there has been an amnesty. Tomorrow, I can finally take a break from practice. A whole day! I've never had a day off ever since I joined the club!'

  "Oh, that truly is amnesty."

  Normally, a sports club that aimed for the National High School Baseball Championship could not possibly take a break on a Saturday.

  Precisely because of that, Godou understood why Miura was so happy.

  'So, let's all go out and have some fun tomorrow! I already confirmed with Rui and Nakayama. That guy Rui said he had a great idea for something to do as a group. We should let loose together because we've been apart for so long!'

  "Rui and Nakayama are coming as well!?"

  Godou could not help but feel shocked, for those two were also friends from middle school.

  The four friends had played under the same uniform during the Tokyo selection even though they were in different teams. But just like Godou, Rui and Nakayama had since stopped playing baseball.

  It felt wonderful to meet his fellow baseball friends again after so long.

  Godou's shoulders slumped when his thoughts reached this point. No way! He had to go on a date with Erica tomorrow.

  However, let's listen to the details of Miura's planned activities before reconsidering.

  '...Something like that. I still want to find one more person, but everyone else is busy with baseball club activities and couldn't come. I guess we'll just have to find a random person to play...'

  "If that's the case, I have an excellent candidate. Leave the last person to me."

  Godou confirmed with Miura, and then took a deep breath.

  With that, the date tomorrow would not be a problem. Erica doesn't dislike playing sports and competing with others, so she should be happy, right? Finally, everything is resolved.

  —Of course, Godou did not realize that this was commonly known as digging one's grave.

  On the fated Saturday, after half past eight in the morning.

  At the public sports ground in the Adachi ward, in an indoor soccer field. Today was the opening of the amateur indoor soccer tournament. In such a facility—

  Erica Blandelli was sighing in a most depressed manner.

  "I know I was the one who let you make all the decisions, but still..."

  The blonde Caucasian beauty was wearing a sporty and casual short-sleeved outfit that accentuated her graceful figure, making her stand out very much.

  "After hearing we had to meet in sportswear and bring a change of clothes, I already had an ominous feeling."

  That was the message Godou left with Arianna when he called that morning.

  Complaining repeatedly, Erica was displaying a tone of mockery more vicious than she had ever used.

  "Even if I were to take a step back, and play your soccer tournament with you, it should not be like this. It should have been impossible for this to happen. Underestimating your inability to read the mood was my mistake."

  After much complaining, Erica glanced at the friends Godou had not met for so long.

  The first was Miura. Pretty well-built for a high school first year. Very capable fastball pitcher.

  Next was Rui. Slender build with very cute face despite being a man. Former second baseman and first hitter.

  Last was Nakayama. Puffy hairstyle and strongly-built body reminiscent of a wandering warrior.[28] Former left outfielder and strong hitter.

  They too were glaring at Godou with reproachful eyes. The joy of the old friends' reunion was all but gone, as if facing off against a troublemaker—

  "Clearly all I wanted was to have a date with Godou alone, but you went ahead and invited three interlopers. Virtually impossible to comprehend. Are you really unable to read the mood?! I am completely aghast!"

  "To get a girlfriend before me, who entered the National Championship... And a foreigner to boot..."

  Next to Erica who was scolding Godou, Miura was muttering like he had lost his mind.

  "Kusanagi-san was always like this. He acted as if he didn't know how to get along with the opposite sex, but then the cutest girls would keep pestering him. This hasn't changed at all."

  Rui simply shrugged knowingly.

  "You traitor..."

  Even Nakayama was crying a river of tears. Despite his wild appearance, he was actually a crybaby.

  Finally, everyone but Godou breathed a deep sigh.

  "Really, that is why I say Godou is no good. Slow, dense, and doesn't know how to catch the mood!"

  Erica declared as if representing everyone else, while the other three boys nodded vigorously in agreement.

  Why? Godou was completely baffled, why was everyone talking about him like that?

  "Whatever, since I'm here anyway, and this is a tournament, running away doesn't suit my style. Fine, indoor soccer? You guys make sure you don't drag me down. I, Erica Blandelli, can tolerate the incompetent, but will definitely not forgive anyone who hinders me."

  Erica changed her mood and declared.

  This instigating tone was just like their first encounter. In a certain way, these were her true colors.

  "Kusanagi, your girlfriend is so arrogant! What's going on!?"

  "S-Sorry, because she's still angry at me, so excuse her mood. However, she is one to stick to her words, so please do your best... Also, she's not my girlfriend, just an ordinary friend."

  Godou quickly apologized for the blonde beauty's arrogant words which displeased Miura. Watching this unfold, Rui laughed awkwardly while Nakayama continued to mutter to himself.

  "I knew Kusanagi would suffer due to girls one day, it's exactly as I imagined."

  "To build close relations with pretty girls, how nice..."

  And so, the five high school first years have gathered.r />
  The one who proposed entering the amateur indoor soccer tournament was Rui.

  With great aptitude for sports, he not only excelled in baseball but also displayed outstanding talent in soccer and basketball. After graduating from middle school, he switched to indoor soccer.

  By the way, for some unknown reason, Nakayama choose to join the fishing club in high school.

  Other than Rui, everyone else was essentially a newbie. The opposing teams were mostly composed of university students and those who have entered the workforce, as well as former soccer players, so the level of competition was quite high.

  Before the five participating teams started the tournament, Erica announced:

  "Your jobs will be to defend and gain possession, then pass the ball to me. I will then score. Understood?"

  Another delivery of grandiloquence.

  Teammate Miura was very angry, Rui simply forced a smile, while Nakayama was happy for some reason.

  Even though Godou insisted that teamwork was very important, Erica ignored him. Usually this would have been fatal, but with these teammates, they ended up winning repeatedly and obtaining second place.

  Truly, the athletic ability of all the team members was nothing to sneeze at.

  Erica required no explanation, while the remainder were all strong healthy youths and official athletes. They were all highly selected elites gathered together, and most importantly, they were young and vigorous.

  As matches reached the latter half, those in the workforce who lacked regular exercise had to stop running.

  And so, the tournament lasted from nine in the morning to one in the afternoon.

  ...In a corner of the public sports ground, Godou was merrily chatting with his old friends when his shirt collar was grabbed from behind.

  "Hey, Godou, fun time is over. Do you really think you can just put me aside? What you should do next is take your beautiful lover on a date, right?"

  Erica had returned at some point after going off to take a shower.

  "Hey, you have to watch the situation. My friends are here, so..."

  Not only was her attitude dismal, but fire also seemed to be emanating from her eyes.

  Godou felt himself huddling in fear. Erica's imposing presence was currently most frightening.