Campione 10

by War God of the Lance

  '...Also, protests against your activities have been received from those working under Japan's Campione. They demand us to disclose the whereabouts of Alexandre Gascoigne which we don't even know. We managed to contain the situation for now.'

  "Ignore them. I will handle it directly later."

  To be on the safe side, Alec quickly added:

  "Just handle things at headquarters as usual. If Kusanagi Godou intrudes in a rage, retreat immediately. There is no need to directly confront disasters such as god-slayers. As much as possible, just let him waste his energy."

  'As you wish. With the leader absent, that's the best we could do anyway.'

  Alec retorted coldly in reply to Iceman's sarcasm.

  "Don't say it like that. In order to permanently sever this ill fate with Guinevere, taking back what is owed is only right. It would be stupid to waste an opportunity to lay a trap for that woman. So let me act as I wish for a while."

  This was late at night on Thursday in Los Angeles.

  At the same time, it was early Friday evening in Japan due to the time difference. Furthermore, the Campione who lived in the east had already begun his move.

  Part 3

  One week had gone by since Athena had passed away in Japan.

  During this time, the world's busiest Devil King was Alexandre Gascoigne. On the other hand, Japan's Kusanagi Godou carried on with his ordinary life.

  No matter what, he was still a student. Going to school was his duty.

  However, that did not mean he was leading a peaceful life. In fact, it could very well be described as the opposite.

  The upcoming Saturday and Sunday were part of a long weekend along with Monday. During this time, Godou had been making preparations with great determination. The entire detailed story follows.

  It was the following night after Godou had fought Lancelot and seen Athena off as she passed away.

  Godou was greatly surprised to read the arrived letter.

  'Seeing as this object piques this humble servant's interest, one shall retain custody for now. By this simple expression of borrowing intent, your consent would be most desirable. The object in question shall be returned after thorough experimentation. Should the object in question be deemed to require our protection, the experiment could possibly be extended, one humbly prays for your understanding — Alexandre Gascoigne.'

  This letter had been delivered to the History Compilation Committee.

  Signed Alexandre Gascoigne, the Campione who had taken the Heavenly Reverse Halberd by force. Godou recalled that the guy was nicknamed something like Black Prince Alec.

  "...In other words, he's saying 'I borrowed it because it interested me, so don't be offended if I happen to decide not to return it.' What the heck, this guy!"

  Godou objected as he finished the letter.

  It had reportedly been sent via magic to the Sayanomiya residence at Sanbanchou in Tokyo's Chiyoda ward.

  After returning from Kisarazu, he did not head home immediately but visited the Sayanomiya residence to examine Alec's letter and discuss their next move.

  "So this is Black Prince Alec's infamous 'borrowing note'? This is my first time seeing one."

  The one grumbling was the next Sayanomiya family head, Sayanomiya Kaoru.

  Occupying the drawing room in the house were the three: the cross-dressing beauty, Godou and Erica.

  A three-person emergency meeting. Ena had been forcibly hospitalized for overuse of divine possession. Yuri and Liliana were still at the hospital undergoing examinations for sequelae from the petrification. Amakasu had also gone out to oversee the handling of the aftermath.

  "That guy has apparently done this kind of stuff many times, right?"

  "Yes, that person has plundered sacred treasures and divine artifacts collected by various European magic associations. His explanation is always 'Now this is interesting, let me check it out.'"

  Erica shrugged as she answered Godou's question.

  "He prefers dramatically penetrating heavy security to steal after a prior declaration of intent. Unless there was no opportunity to put on a good show, then he simply leaves a borrowing note and takes by force. Also, items of particular significance are never returned but kept and displayed at his association [Royal Arsenal]."

  "It's said he boasts of imitating the style of traditional British imperialism."

  England's pride, the British Museum.

  Within it was displayed a multitude of artifacts plundered from various places around the world, a rather well-known fact...

  So that Campione was deliberately imitating it. Godou was reminded of the description "the eccentric man with dismal character" that he had heard before.

  "The English Campione, no mistake about it, right?"

  "Yes. It is often rumored that amongst the seven Devil Kings, his interests were slightly different from the others."

  Kaoru answered as she gave Erica a glance.

  "Regarding this matter, shouldn't Erica-san be particularly informed?"

  "That's right. We European magi have been greatly troubled ever since that particular person became a Campione twelve years ago."

  Erica began to lead the conversation.

  "Marquis Voban, Her Eminence Luo Hao, Sir Salvatore, John Pluto Smith-sama, and Kusanagi Godou. These five are all 'warriors.' They only shine with true radiance and feel satisfaction during battle. But limited to gods or other Campiones as opponents, of course."

  "...Can you stop grouping me with those people so easily?"

  Even though Godou complained about the inappropriate example, Erica continued unfazed.

  "Since the Black Prince is a Campione after all, I believe he has to be a 'warrior.' But from the way he acts, he is also an 'explorer' and an 'adventurer' at the same time."

  "Explorer and adventurer...?"

  Godou began to ponder the unexpected description.

  "So you mean that guy not only lives to fight, but also seeks meaning in life by challenging mysteries and dangerous things?"

  "An apt description. Indeed it is so. Thus resulting in this note we were talking about."

  "It's not that different from that idiot Doni who keeps saying 'have a little duel with me, please'..."

  Godou continued to grumble as he looked at the note Erica was referring to.

  "However, why did he steal the Heavenly Reverse Halberd? Could he intend to give it to Guinevere's gang?"

  "I consider that extremely unlikely. The Black Prince has been enemies with Guinevere for many years."

  "If that's the case, then let's just put aside for now the issue of that Gascoigne guy."

  Hearing Erica's answer, Godou remarked.

  "If the Heavenly Reverse Halberd is in his hands, Guinevere and her group's attentions should be focusing on him, right? Then during this time we can prepare for other things."

  "Other things?"

  "Yes. To prepare for the battle against that guy — Lancelot."

  Godou asserted in response to Kaoru's question.

  Hearing the war god's name, both the cross-dressing beauty and Erica nodded.

  "Even though it is baseless intuition... I believe that guy will come to Japan again for a fight. I want to be ready when the time comes."

  Lancelot du Lac who had killed Athena.

  Without even thinking, Godou had declared he will fight that god again. Furthermore, his heart believed that day would not be far away.

  Or perhaps, it was a god-slayer's instincts that made the prediction.

  In that case, forging the [Sword] in preparation for Lancelot's duel was imperative.

  The following day was Monday.

  Yuri and Liliana missed class because their checkup at the hospital had been extended.

  Then came Tuesday. Assured that they were fine, the two had returned to school.

  On this day, Godou and the rest were having lunch in the courtyard.

  Even though they had been meeting for lunch on the roof all along, it was now th
e middle of November.

  The blowing wind had become rather chilly so they changed their lunch location to the courtyard. Since the surroundings were enclosed by the buildings' walls, it was quite warm as long as there was direct sunlight.

  Having sat down for lunch, Godou received the report of "Black Prince Alec, whereabouts unknown."

  "Godou, you asked me to express your displeasure concerning this incident, right?"

  "Ah yes."

  "Hence, [Royal Arsenal] had been contacted. As their second-in-command, Sir Iceman acknowledged the Black Prince's appearance in Japan which occurred two days ago."

  Erica reported with a glum expression.

  "They expressed ignorance as to the Black Prince's current whereabouts."

  "Normally, when an organization's leader is absent, shouldn't they know exactly where he is instead?"

  Godou exclaimed in surprise.

  Where did Black Prince Alec disappear to after stealing the Heavenly Reverse Halberd from Amakasu? The History Compilation Committee's special agents also seemed unable to find out. What a mystery.

  "In actual fact, Sir Iceman happens to be acquainted with my Esteemed Uncle since childhood. Here are his exact words."

  A legendary knight on the same level as Erica's uncle, Paolo Blandelli.

  'My utmost apologies. Alexandre Gascoigne has completely ignored our efforts to contact him for the past few days, and his status is currently unknown. It is most regrettable, but it happens quite often unfortunately.'

  'In that case, the only option is to wait for him to contact us. Our chief's location, what he's doing, facing what kind of danger... We usually find out only after the fact. And this time, even Japan's Campione has expressed his displeasure. Really, my stomach pains are going to kill me...'

  Those were the words of the man known as Sir Iceman.

  Listening to the voice through the phone, Erica could not discern any intent to conceal the truth. Rather, it felt like she was catching a glimpse of a loyal vassal's troubles over an excessively unruly master.

  "I too, have heard stories of Prince Alec's excessive preference for acting alone, often leaving his subordinates behind. In that case, it could very well be the truth."

  Liliana spoke as she opened the lunch basket.

  "Of course, the possibility that he is deliberately hiding the truth remains. But still, their explanation is quite plausible."

  Liliana glanced at Godou as she handed the hamburger over to him.

  Held between two pieces of bread was a beef patty, tomatoes, lettuce, bacon, avocado, and cheese, secured with a plastic toothpick.

  Other than that, she had also prepared pickles, onion rings and more.

  Despite the sumptuous menu, rather than eating, Godou was more concerned about the knight's attitude.

  "What's with that strange look?"

  "Ah, no. I was just thinking whether all the various Campiones were natural troublemakers without exception."

  "It really is true. They are a group to whom common sense cannot be applied."

  Why was even Yuri gazing at Godou as she spoke?

  Recently, it felt like the girls around him were increasing the frequency of such biting commentary... It always gave Godou an uneasy feeling.

  "Anyway, it's unclear where in the world Black Prince Alec is currently located. That person has the ability to fly around like lightning. Even if he had been traveling from the Arctic to Antarctica these few days, it would come as no surprise."

  In a rare moment, Erica declared defeat as she gracefully received and sipped the tea handed to her by Yuri.

  "A genius who can move and act instantaneously in a composed manner. Acting as if the surrounding people would just get up and follow him. Had he been the boss of Amadeus Mozart, he would have made a really good role model."

  "Let's just put that guy's issues aside for now. No matter what, handling the problem of Lancelot would be the most practical course of action."

  "Heretic Lancelot is a very difficult to understand divinity."

  Liliana said to Godou as he pondered.

  "He only acts as a guardian for an extremely rare number of top witches, protecting them secretly. Neither Erica nor I know what his prototype is."

  "I have something to say to Godou regarding this."

  Erica interrupted.

  "If you want to find out the secrets of witches, just go ahead and ask a witch. Since this is a secret not even Liliana knows, the candidates for counsel are obviously limited, right? Hence, I've already attempted to contact that person, and received a response of 'I can offer assistance on a personal level.'"

  "That person?"

  "Yes. The highborn one in London."

  Godou nodded. After the battle with the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, he had heard about her origins. Amongst those he was acquainted with, the only witches surpassing Liliana were Lucretia Zola and that person.

  "That person also said, 'if you want to approach the mystery of Heretic Lancelot, bring the miko over.'"

  Hearing Erica passing along the message, Godou looked to the Yamato Nadeshiko sitting on his left.

  Miko. Of course it meant Mariya Yuri. Godou immediately spoke:

  "May I trouble you, Mariya?"

  "Y-Yes. Of course you may!"

  Yuri nodded and blushed for some reason.

  "As long as Godou-san wishes... No matter where, I will always accompany you..."

  "That'd be a great help. Thank you very much."

  "Even though it bears no mentioning, I will come as well. To take on the role of contacting that person, the prime candidate is obviously your knight, Erica Blandelli."

  "Of course. Things would be difficult without you there."

  Godou instantly agreed to Erica's interruption. The thought of the blonde red maiden not accompanying him never crossed his mind.

  "Liliana, can I leave travel preparations in your hands?"

  "You, Erica and Mariya Yuri. That is three in number, right? ...Umm, can you tell me if you will be needing one more person...?"

  The one who called herself Grand Chamberlain, Liliana, answered rather awkwardly.

  "Isn't that a strange thing to ask?"

  "Y-Yes. Well then, it is decided."

  After hearing Godou's deliberately ambiguous response, Liliana immediately brightened up in mood.

  Travel preparations would be made for four people. Next they only had to wait for the day of departure — Just as Godou nodded to himself...

  "But Godou-san, are you planning to go this weekend?"

  "Ah yes, that's the plan."

  "You already spent last weekend away from home. Will everyone in the Kusanagi household allow this?"

  Only when prompted by Yuri's worried reminder did Godou finally realize.

  Last week he had spent two consecutive nights away from home on Friday and Saturday due to the battles with Athena and Lancelot. If he set off after school this Friday, it would be having excursions two weeks in a row.

  Any normal high school student's family would never allow such a thing.

  In this regard, the Mariya family which supported their daughter's responsibilities as a Hime-Miko, as well as the Blandelli and Kranjcar families which do not have guardians in the first place, were quite atypical. However.

  "I don't know if I should feel lucky or not, but the guardians in my family are quite unusual so there shouldn't be a problem."

  As he imagined the responses of the Kusanagi household, Godou explained without a worry.

  If his mother Kusanagi Mayo was being asked for permission to go on a trip:

  'Oh? Don't bother bringing back souvenirs. I'm not interested in food I don't like. If you insist on a gift no matter what, I'll only accept alcohol.'

  Something like that. She would answer without even caring to ask where the destination was.

  If his grandfather Kusanagi Ichirou was being asked for permission to go on a trip, he would probably smile suddenly and gaze at Godou like some sort
of accomplice.

  My legal guardians are truly extraordinary. Godou marveled in surprise as he imagined.

  "However, would your little sister Shizuka not say anything? Actually yesterday, during the tea ceremony club's activities, she was very angry because Godou-san spent the night outside without even telling her where you went."

  "...Eh? Her, something like that happened?"

  Little sister Kusanagi Shizuka. Godou was greatly surprised to hear the unexpected name.

  Now that he thought about it, she did complain to him when he returned from Kisarazu.

  "Right. She's the one person who belongs in the normal category."

  Godou muttered as he hugged his shoulders.

  Well, she was also the little sister who had shown remarkable potential during the Kusanagi clan's new year celebration by nonchalantly opening a bottle of whisky.

  "Man, I'd better find a suitable excuse, or else..."

  He could not let his family worry. Godou grumbled as he thought to himself.

  "So, would you like me to intercede with Shizuka on your behalf?"

  "Mariya?"

  "Yes. I shall tell her that a matter urgently requires Godou-san's assistance, and that you need to go somewhere a little far."

  Yuri suggested with a calm smile.

  That's right. Under the pretext of helping friends, perhaps Shizuka could empathize. Because the younger sister had such a competitive spirit, she loved making fusses over nothing.

  "That could work. Thanks a lot, Mari—"

  "I don't want to rain on your parade, but I would suggest otherwise. If you seriously go that route, it will only pour oil over the fire."

  "It is as Erica says. Please do not make unnecessary provocations towards an injured beast."

  Erica and Liliana both voiced their objections to Yuri's proposal.

  "Actually, I think if this reason was used, my little sister wouldn't object."

  "Yes. Little sister Shizuka is a person with a gentle heart..."

  Godou and Yuri were mystified.

  "Gentleness is irrelevant here."

  "The problem here lies in using Yuri to bail you out. Naturally, using either Liliana or my name won't work either. You're going to have to find a more effective excuse, Godou... Well, if worse comes to worst, you can simply leave without saying a word, thereby preventing any resistance in particular."