The genius negotiator, the [Diavolo Rosso], shrugged.
No matter what, ignoring the little sister too much was a bad idea. What should Godou do?
Wednesday arrived the following day, but Godou had yet to come up with an explanation for his sister.
Godou went to visit Seishuuin Ena.
Having fought desperately on her own in the battles a few days ago, Ena was about to return to her ancestral home at Chichibu for recuperation. Godou had heard that her body had accumulated an extraordinary amount of fatigue and injury due to overusing divine possession.
"Yes, even though it's true my body continues to feel quite heavy, it's still barely okay, and I'm fine with going along with Your Majesty. But I can't believe everyone wants to lock up poor Ena in the old home!"
The Hime-Miko of the Sword voiced her displeasure to the visitor Godou.
She was on a hospital bed.
"Seishuuin, you worked very hard already and should rest properly now. Erica has returned so you don't have to worry about me."
"That may be true, but Ena still wants to stay with Your Majesty."
In a rare moment, Ena was acting cute like a spoiled child as she pleaded with Godou.
Maybe she was feeling lonely and worried due to her weakened body? Godou placed his hand on Ena's shoulder and persuaded her gently.
"If you force yourself too much and wreck your health, I will be very troubled. I want to be together with a lively and healthy Seishuuin. So please, get some rest obediently during this time."
"Mmm, come on... I can't believe you'd say it like that, Your Majesty is so sly."
Faced with Godou's sincere request, Ena pouted as she nodded.
"No matter how reluctant I am, this is the request of my husband after all. Ena will rest properly."
"I-I see. I'm sorry it has to be like this."
Even though Godou grew frantic at being called her husband, he smiled with reassurance.
"However, if there is a next time... Ena needs a kiss, oh? Otherwise, Ena will not listen to Your Majesty's orders ever again."
Shyly throwing a little tantrum, Ena was irresistibly cute. Nevertheless, that was a truly problematic demand.
Panicking as he tried to come up with an answer to muddle through ambiguously, Godou was instantly trapped by Ena.
"Because this is a promise. Keep your word properly!"
Despite the unexpected development, Godou managed to convince Ena to recuperate obediently without issue.
The remaining problem was Shizuka. He was in big trouble this time. Would he need to resort to departing unannounced? Godou continued to contemplate the troublesome issue.
Part 4
Thursday arrived at last, the day prior to departure.
Walking home from school, Godou had almost resigned himself to leave without telling Shizuka, but an encounter with the childhood friend changed the situation.
"Hey Godou, you came at the right time."
Walking along the shopping street in Nezu Sanchoume, he was stopped by his twin-tailed childhood friend with the forceful personality, Tokunaga Asuka.
She must have just returned from school as well, since she was still in Tokyo Metropolitan High's uniform.
"Early next month is Shizuka-chan's birthday, right? Have you prepared a gift?"
"...Now that you brought it up, yeah you're right."
Asuka instantly frowned at his answer.
"Look at you. You must have forgotten completely. Unbelievable! So of course, you still haven't gotten a gift, right?"
"Uh yeah, nothing at all."
"Oh come on! If you take such sloppy care of girls, even if it's Shizuka-chan, she will be angry for sure. You're a really useless older brother!"
As always, Asuka was scolding mercilessly.
"Taking care and whatnot... She's family, my sister, right? I shouldn't need to take great pains, right?"
"It's how you should act as a man."
Really? Godou began to ponder Asuka's words with a "Hmm."
"Well, fine. How about going shopping for a gift with me this weekend? Which day would be better for you, Saturday or Sunday? But I'll need to work on Saturday, so only the morning is free."
Making plans on her own before Godou could respond, Asuka proposed with great ferocity.
"Sorry, I've already got plans this weekend. Neither Saturday nor Sunday works."
Godou refused.
Since he had long distance travel plans, there was no time to spare for Asuka.
"Shopping only takes an hour or two, right? You can't even spare a little time like that?"
"I need to make a brief trip abroad... And all sorts of troubles will be coming up later. I feel like it'd be a disaster if I can't handle that guy properly, so I have no choice but to go."
Unable to give out any details, Godou could only word things ambiguously.
Will she accept this explanation? Just as Godou worried over what he should add to the explanation, Asuka sighed deeply with a great "hah~"
"Oh fine. Then let's go shopping the following week. That's not a problem, right?"
"Right. Nothing's planned. But I can't guarantee emergencies won't come up."
"Worry about it when the time comes. We'll just adapt flexibly as things change. Then let's decide the details next week."
Godou was amazed at the childhood friend's response. He could not believe she did not raise a fuss over his explanation.
Asuka was someone whose scoldings had always been as common as greetings to him. She proceeded to remark knowingly:
"Since you described it that way, you must be going on a trip for the sake of friends, right? All things considered, you were a guy who went all the way to Kanazawa to help out a friend in need back when you were only in sixth grade."
"Ah yeah. Now that you brought it up, something like that did happen."
It was a nostalgic memory he had almost forgotten.
At the time, a friend of Godou and Asuka's had run into trouble after transferring to Kanazawa (the one in Ishikawa prefecture, naturally)... And Godou departed after leaving a voice message of "Just gonna have a look."
Godou had originally planned to go alone, but Asuka went along because she was worried.
The Tokunaga family went into an uproar, believing "Could they have eloped!?" As a side note, the Kusanagi family seemed to have reacted with "Nothing special really" in complete nonchalance.
"Those fleeting footsteps of yours really scared me. And I was completely awed by your savings which did not match your identity as an elementary schooler. By the way, I've heard about your victories in the strange contests held during the Kusanagi clan's New Year gatherings, who knew you could gamble and win money from that..."
"......"
It was true indeed. The entire travel expenses of the two elementary schoolers were borne by Godou alone.
Asuka had not brought enough money but Godou turned out to be rather well off.
Every New Year's, the entire Kusanagi clan gathered for a banquet followed by a mix of oriental and occidental games including Hanafuda, cee-lo, backgammon, poker, mahjong. Children were supposed to be forbidden from participating, but somehow Godou was able to slip past that restriction at the age of six.
In the beginning, he participated mostly for fun.
However, after trying it out and winning big, he was forced to participate every year thereafter as the adults said "this year you will be defeated" in their quest for restored honor. Godou's successes were probably thanks to the tricks taught by the elderly distant relative who had been the subject of the legend of Kantou's strongest gambler in his youth.
Godou kept his winnings as rule-breaking "New Year's money" and saved it all up. This became something of a tradition.
Next New Year's, it's probably time they start giving me a break, thought Godou.
"So, make sure you're free next Saturday. Since her birthday will be here soon, do try to be more mindful of Shizuka-chan's affairs, okay
?"
Asuka went home after offering this advice.
Well, Asuka's not that bad after all. Godou once again reaffirmed the qualities of his childhood friend.
Arriving back home, he found Shizuka who happened to be drinking tea in the living room.
"Ah, Onii-chan. Welcome home. You came back early today."
Seeing his sister, Godou suddenly had an idea. Why not try out Asuka's advice for once?
"Hey Shizuka, I'm going to be spending this coming weekend at a friend's place, so I probably won't be home from Friday to Sunday."
"Eh!? Onii-chan is staying outside overnight again!?"
As expected, Shizuka entered a rather dangerous mood.
"I'm sorry, there was something planned last week that couldn't be cancelled no matter what. However, I will be free on the 3rd of next month. Where should we go out for some fun? Let's also ask Asuka out as well since it's been a while."
December 3rd was the birthday of Kusanagi Shizuka.
Shizuka was unimpressed by Godou's sudden proposal.
"W-What do you think you're doing? Could it be, you are trying to use this to hide something!?"
"There's nothing to hide. Since I've been away from home so much recently, we haven't had as much time to spend together. Wouldn't it be nice once in a while?"
Godou recalled his childhood memories when the two of them would often play together.
Since both parents were always busy with work, the mother had moved back into her old home after the divorce, and so the grandfather became the "guardian," resulting in a decrease in opportunities for the siblings to spend time together alone.
This was one of the reasons why Shizuka was overly sensitive about her brother's conduct.
Perhaps in her mind, the brother was the only one who would never leave her side. But that was too naive a notion. Hence, Godou would try as much as possible to show her some care.
Finding her brother slightly repentant, Shizuka angrily turned her face away.
"Onii-chan is really terrible, saying something like this, you don't treasure me at all. I have plans too, so don't just suddenly say this kind of stuff."
"Suddenly? Isn't this advance enough in notice?"
"Despite how I look, I'm actually quite occupied. However, if Onii-chan repents your infamous poor conduct by that time and goes out with the little sister for some joyous fun, it's not like time can't be squeezed out from her schedule."
In other words, going out together was fine?
How troublesome of her. But then again, this style of speaking was very much in Shizuka's character. As he pondered how this obvious lack of honesty made her unbelievably cute, Godou replied:
"Ah yes, I've repented and changed my ways, so let's make things like old times once in a while, okay?"
"Hmph, suddenly saying something so reasonable, it's very suspicious. But it would be a shame if Onii-chan's repentance were to be wasted. Let's spend this year's birthday together. But you have to remember! If your conduct becomes strange again, I will mercilessly ignore you next year!"
The little sister declared as she furiously continued to keep her face turned away.
Godou replied "I'll remember." At the end of his wits, he displayed a smile at the same time.
And so Godou finally resolved all the pressing personal problems, and was prepared to set off.
At last, the weekend arrived — it was Friday after school.
Kusanagi Godou brought his luggage and left for Haneda Airport.
Accompanying him were the three girls, Erica Blandelli, Mariya Yuri and Liliana Kranjcar.
The destination was England's Heathrow Airport. Plane tickets and other preparations had all been arranged through the History Compilation Committee's hospitable efforts.
Towards London, for the sake of meeting the witch of the highest rank, Princess Alice. A journey began once more.
Chapter 2 - Affairs of the English Devil King
Part 1
The flight from Japan to England was more than twelve hours in duration.
Japan's time zone was nine hours ahead. When Godou's group departed from Haneda Airport, it was evening in Japan.
Having spent half a day rocking in a plane, they finally descended onto England's Heathrow Airport. However, it was still the same date as when they had left Japan.
—Leaving Japan on the 17:00 flight, they arrived in England at 21:00 on the same day.
Simply looking at the local departure and arrival times separately, it might appear to be a reasonable journey. However, this sort of troublesome time difference was shouldered by the travelers in the form of dizzying jet lag.
"No matter how many times I experience it, I still can't get used to it..."
Godou grumbled as he walked along the corridor in Heathrow Airport.
Due to jet lag, he was feeling dizzy and exhausted even though he had clearly slept throughout the flight.
All the travelers from east Asia to Europe experienced suffering. Amongst his fellow travelers, Yuri was exhausted to her limits, whereas Erica and Liliana were still functioning thanks to their superior physical endurance, but even they could not be described as especially energetic.
As a side note, London was extremely cold now that it was the latter half of November.
The three girls were all wearing winter clothing. Erica was dressed in a red collarless tweed coat and a tunic top with black leggings. Liliana was wearing a blue jacket, a short one-piece dress and black tights. Yuri was wearing a white duffel coat and dark gray pants.
"A hotel near the airport has already been booked. Let us head there to rest for today."
Liliana announced as she stood with her back perfectly straight.
Speaking in that stern tone no matter how tired she was, perhaps that could be considered one of her virtues?
"Let us rest well tonight in order to have energy tomorrow."
Godou nodded at Liliana's suggestion.
Whenever traveling long distance overseas, it was best to sleep according to the local daylight cycle in order to synchronize the biological clock and dispel the torments of jet lag.
"By the way, Erica-san, has permission to have an audience with Alice-sama — the Princess been obtained?"
"Yes. I already contacted her a few days ago."
Erica took out her cellphone as she replied to Yuri's query, most likely to check her text messages, and switched it on.
"Unless any problem arises, everything should go as planned. We will meet the Princess tomorrow... Oh my."
"What happened?"
"The Princess sent a message."
Everyone crowded together for a look at the screen of Erica's phone.
A message written in English. It must have been sent while they were on the plane.
'Oh what a disaster! Just when I received Erica's communication and was getting ready to convene with Kusanagi-sama (naturally I shall have to sneak out of the residence♪), Chief Lady-in-Waiting Miss Ericson was too vigilant.
I was originally in high spirits, but suddenly discovered she had cast a barrier around the residence to prevent me from escaping. Isn't that so mean!?
I must now revise my escape plans. Once I make a decision, I will contact you.
P.S. Why not simply have Kusanagi-sama destroy London? If such an event were to happen, I can immediately declare an anti-Devil King emergency at headquarters, thereby acquiring freedom of movement.'
"...She really sent this?"
Godou sighed as he recalled the dignified and lady-like impression he had of Alice.
As a message sent by a lady carrying the title of Princess, it contained way too many objectionable points.
Was her personality always this bubbly when online or sending messages? Or perhaps she simply forgot to maintain her usual facade?
"She's some sort of noblewoman from a duke's family... Right?"
"Yes. Her family is related to high ranking nobles on the European continent in olden days. She is also t
he renowned sage princess who has mastered the wisdom of the occult, with contacts amongst the descendants of druids as well as various magic associations descended from the lineages of the Knights Templar. She has also been described as Europe's highest ranking noblewoman, a woman who stands at the very pinnacle."
Pausing momentarily to recollect, Erica continued:
"Her health had always been frail, but her condition turned for the worse six years ago, so she resigned from her duties as the Witenagemot spokesperson to convalesce at a residence in London. Previously, she sighed to me that she could no longer leave the house freely due to her family's concerns over her heath."
"But last time with the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, she came to Japan using a method like spirit body detachment, right?"
"Very likely, the barrier she mentioned at her residence is one which seals the movement of ectoplasm. In order to prevent the Princess from escaping."
Liliana answered as Godou wondered.
I see. But then again, in that case, it's fine even if she doesn't leave the house.
"Why don't we go to her house instead. It's no big deal, right? Erica, ask her that in your reply."
"Well Godou, we made a promise with the Princess."
Despite the reasonable suggestion, Erica shook her head.
"The Princess stated already. Since she agreed to provide full assistance to Kusanagi Godou during his visit to England, the Princess expects us to do all we can to help her 'go out.' Those are the terms of exchange."
"The Princess wants to leave the house at all costs... Will that be detrimental to her health?"
Yuri spoke softly as she worried for Alice's health.
Beside her, Liliana sighed briefly and said:
"Well, I am also worried about that. With that body even more delicate than a noblewoman's, I really wish she could settle down and wait quietly for us to visit instead..."
"Perhaps because she has always been raised in a sheltered environment, she is showing rebellious signs..."
"Is it simply rebelliousness...?"
As Erica mused, Godou muttered softly.
"In any case, we cannot let Godou-san destroy London. What should we do?"
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