In less than twenty minutes, the door to the pub opened and a Caucasian woman in her latter thirties entered.
Wearing thin-rimmed glasses, her demeanor was the complete embodiment of a strict governess.
"I was invited to pay a visit. But how unexpected for His Highness the Devil King to come to London personally..."
The one greeting in a trembling voice, was Miss Ericson indeed.
She was the Chief Lady-in-Waiting employed in service of Princess Alice who lived in London's high class residential neighborhood. Last night, Erica had contacted her through her business cellphone, and set up an appointment in the name of Kusanagi Godou.
Also, the Princess who had given this phone number only disclosed her name.
"Kusanagi Godou-sama. For what purpose have you come to visit this land?"
Miss Ericson spoke as she glared at Godou.
What impressive boldness. However, a closer inspection revealed a certain stiffness in her expression, as if she was rather tense from having to engage a tyrannical(?) Devil King in a private conversation.
"Yes — nice to meet you. Actually I have a task I hope you could perform as quickly as possible. I'm quite sorry to call you out expressly..."
Godou answered as he secretly cursed his deficient acting skills.
Before they left the hotel, Erica had taught him "to speak this way." Without using too much acting, he was to take things cool and steady.
"W-We of the Witenagemot will not bow down to the tyranny of the Devil King Campione!"
"Is that so? But as you should know, such stubbornness, in regards to both our sides, will not result in a favorable outcome, right...?"
Godou spoke in a stiff tone of voice he rarely used.
Probably due to the awkwardness he was trying to suppress in his heart. He felt really apologetic for saying such things to someone in their first encounter. I really should find a time to apologize afterwards. Godou thought to himself as he continued:
"What I would like to say is this, I have actually not said anything too unreasonable. I just want to ask gently if you would kindly listen to our wish, that is all..."
As he finished delivering his dry speech, he found Erica had made her way behind Miss Ericson.
Standing at a spot out of sight from the strict Chief Lady-in-Waiting, Erica held up a sketchbook.
Something was written on it...
'You need to act more like a Devil King, show some majestic solemnity when you speak! Don't mess up this rare chance to debut in England! You have to announce to the world: I, Kusanagi Godou, have arrived!'
...I'm gonna ignore it.
Coughing to clear his throat, Godou asked "How about that?"
At this moment, a beauty's face appeared on the screen of the notebook computer at the cashier. In fact, it was a video conference program that had just started up.
The beauty possessing dazzling platinum blonde hair was Princess Alice, of course.
'Well! Why have you come to this place, Campione? Could it be that you have come all the way from Japan to cause chaos by destroying London!?'
Alice's beautiful face shimmered with awesome splendor.
She was really enjoying herself, playing the role of the "highborn princess who raged with a great sense of mission" perfectly.
...Or maybe, she should probably act with greater prudence.
'I will not tolerate such actions! Miss Ericson, please dispel the barrier at the residence immediately. I implore you to allow me, Alice Louise of Navarre, the former spokesperson of the Witenagemot, to have an audience with the Devil King in person to negotiate directly.'
The Princess commanded her Chief Lady-in-Waiting through the notebook computer over the internet.
However, this shout only served to return Miss Ericson to her senses. She calmly adjusted her glasses and said:
"...Princess. Why have you appeared during my meeting with Kusanagi-sama in what could be described as an unnatural manner with such perfect timing?"
'Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Worry about these minor details later!'
"These are no mere minor details. It is a most serious problem. Could it be possible that the Princess has made some sort of shady deal with the Devil King Campione!? First there was Alexandre Gascoigne, then Italy's Sir Salvatore Doni recently! How unrepentant!"
'Uhohoho, what was that? Well, Kusanagi-sama, tell me your demands. If you can spare London in exchange for my person, I will pay you a visit no matter where you are!'
"Yes, well... It's not like I want to do anything violent, but I would be most appreciative if you could come out to meet me."
Clumsily reacting in concert with the Princess, Godou spoke emotionlessly.
In the end, under the Princess's threat of "the Devil King will attack London and bring chaos unless she is liberated," Miss Ericson relented with a bitter expression, thereby bringing the commotion to a conclusion.
Part 3
Dozens of minutes passed after Miss Ericson had left.
A dashing beauty made her appearance in the pub where Godou was waiting.
Wearing a white weightless-looking long coat, it was the princess with platinum blonde hair. Suffice to say, this was Princess Alice.
"Please accept my utmost gratitude for freeing up this time for me."
Alice greeted elegantly as she gazed into Godou's face.
Her current dignified presence was just as unbelievable as the enthusiastic display just now. Well, to be overly critical of that point would be a bit too tactless. Acting as if nothing had happened, Godou said:
"Is it really okay for your health if you visit personally?"
"Yes. As Kusanagi-sama knows, I am using that certain ability. My body remains at rest in bed, so don't worry."
That certain ability — spirit body detachment. Godou nodded.
Having revealed her secret, Alice grinned mischievously then turned to all the girls present to display a bright and cheerful smile.
"It's been quite some time, Erica! Of course I would never forget you all. Liliana of the Kranjcar family, as well as Kusanagi-sama's attendant Yuri. Fufufu, my memory's not bad, right?"
Greeted by the noblewoman, Erica smiled elegantly.
Yuri frantically shrank back and nodded in acknowledgement while Liliana silently bowed her head.
None of the three girls spoke. They were expressing their noninterference in Godou and Alice — the negotiations between the Devil King and the former spokesperson of the Witenagemot.
Furthermore, there was an implied expression of reverence for the one known as Europe's White Miko-Hime, the most noble celebrity in the magic world. No matter how cheerfully she had tried to strike up conversation, the difference in stature was obvious — this was the most likely reason for expressing respect.
At the same time, Alice very naturally accepted the respect offered by Erica and the rest.
This was not acting haughty or overbearing. For Alice who stood as a "Hime," it was only natural. Whether acting emotional and reckless on occasion, or upfront and straightforward on others, this was her character that accepted such offers of respect.
As befitted a princess, thought Godou, deeply impressed.
"By the way, Kusanagi-sama. I heard from Erica that Alexandre stole an unidentified divine artifact from Japan—"
Alice spoke as she walked over with Godou to a table and sat down.
The other three girls stayed by the cash register.
"Yeah. Anyway, I think I need to have a serious word with him after I take care of the Lancelot problem first... Perhaps, this could very well develop into an extremely messy affair."
An eye for an eye, wasn't that right? After all, the other guy was the instigator.
Kusanagi Godou was a pacifist. However, he was not a believer in nonresistance. Even if there existed an option of appeasement, he would not give up on retaliation.
"Well, it's expected of you. Yes, it wouldn't be interesting otherwise!"<
br />
"Eh?"
Hearing her jest-filled statement, Godou stared directly into Alice face.
At the same time, Europe's most exalted noblewoman smiled elegantly.
"No, it's just something on my side. Don't be concerned. Anyway, Kusanagi-sama, would you like to listen to my advice?"
"Yes, of course. What is it?"
Princess Alice possessed extraordinary spirit powers and insight. Godou had caught a glimpse of her talents during the fight against his sworn elder sister Her Eminence Luo Hao. He proceeded to adjust his sitting posture.
"Kusanagi-sama has either made friends with or already battled several of my friends... Sir Salvatore, Marquis Voban, Her Eminence Luo Hao, John Pluto Smith-sama etc. You should know very well what truly unreasonable existences Campiones are."
Definitely. Godou naturally recalled his fellow peers who all possessed way too much personality.
As Godou nodded, Alice spoke with slight concern:
"Compared to the others, Alexandre is decisively different. As a result, you may at first find him much easier to deal with compared to the other Devil Kings. However, please be careful for this becomes a trap when fighting him."
"A decisive difference?"
"Yes. The previous Campiones you have fought, each and every one of them is quite old fashioned — or rather, legendary. They are essentially mighty heroes who do not concern themselves with petty details. Though they may employ cunning tactics on occasion, ultimately they depend on natural instincts and impulses. They all harbor a bestial competitiveness that modern humans have long forgotten, a group of people who slays gods through momentary passion..."
Indeed, they were all people of that sort.
Alice's assessment of "old-fashioned." What an interesting perspective indeed.
"Hence, Alexandre is the only one who retains traits of modern humans. His neurotic personality obsesses over details. Naturally sharp instincts yet a strategist. Even though his extraordinary competitiveness drives him to hate failure with a passion, that kind of bestial feeling he gives off is slightly different."
Black Prince Alec and White Princess Alice were archrivals.
Recalling Erica's words, Godou concurred with a "uh huh." I see, since they had dealt with each other over such a long period of time, she could recall the details of her opponent's personality instantly.
"That man neither possesses the same magnanimity as Marquis Voban, nor Her Eminence Luo Hao's otherworldly logic, nor Smith-sama's sense of mystery. However, underestimating him based on these observations would be falling into his trap. He is a rare person who possesses a fine intellect but never uses it for anything proper!"
"But I think he saved you once before, right?"
Based on Alice's reluctant expression, it must be true.
The Princess seemed embarrassed by past shame, and nodded gently.
"I feel ashamed every time I recall it... Alexandre probably cannot reach the heights of Genghis Khan or King Richard the Lionheart, but he can definitely become someone like Napoleon Bonaparte. He also has a reputation like Arsene Lupin's. That is the kind of [King] he is. Please bear that in mind."
Godou understood what the Princess was trying to say.
The Black Prince could not indulge in merciless slaughter to become a great barbaric hero or a valorous king of knights.
On the other hand, he rivaled modern military geniuses and was a man who brought to life the archetype of the gentlemanly thief from adventure novels. What kind of Campione was he ultimately?
Imagining the appearance of this intimidating foe, Godou secretly trembled with excitement.
"Anyway, Alice-san, shouldn't we get to the main topic of discussion?"
Before everything else, Godou had another formidable enemy to handle first, so he changed the subject.
"If it's alright with you, please tell me about Lancelot. I heard from Liliana that he is the guardian god of witches like you."
"Yes. Kusanagi-sama came to visit for this very reason."
Alice pondered as she spoke softly.
"However, I must apologize. Indeed, he is the guardian deity of the highest ranking witches. However, this does not mean that we have access to the details of his origins."
"It's like that?"
"Yes. Starting from the Middle Ages, top witches established their own network and had regular gatherings like the "Walpurgisnacht."[5] The one who founded this network was the Witch Queen of that time, the previous generation's Guinevere-sama."
"Previous generation's Guinevere!?"
"Yes. The present Guinevere-sama, is the second generation reincarnated several decades ago."
"The first generation in the Middle Ages, and the second in the modern age... What a long interval."
"The rebirth of Divine Ancestors requires centuries to complete. That's probably the reason."
Rebirth required centuries. So the immortal witch apparently had a weakness.
As Godou noted to himself, Alice continued:
"The first generation's Guinevere was born several centuries after the prototype of King Arthur's legend, the 'King of the End,' went into dormant slumber. She was then murdered around the end of the twelfth century. As her protector, Lancelot also 'conveniently' guards top witches under her command."
"—Eh?"
Godou was shocked by Alice's calm disclosure.
Her statement just now, seemed to be filled with incomparably crucial facts...
"The 'King of the End' who was the prototype of King Arthur? Isn't he the mortal enemy of us Campiones, who manifests at the end of eras?"
"Well, if Kusanagi-sama already knows about him, this greatly simplifies what I need to explain. Much appreciated."
Alice smiled lightly.
"Is that 'King of the End' King Arthur?"
"No, he's not."
The question that cut straight to the crux of the matter, was nonchalantly refuted. What on earth was going on?
"When Heretic Arthur appeared six years ago, we were able to disprove the notion. Thanks to that, the second generation's Guinevere-sama entered a state of partial insanity, which is most terrible... When Alexandre's hypothesis that 'the King of the End is actually not King Arthur' was confirmed, that smug face of his was just asking for a beating, it makes me so mad every time I think of it!"
Clenching her fist, Alice grumbled.
At the same time, the girls who had been silent so far began to get excited.
"Did King Arthur really become a [Heretic God], Princess!?"
"And six years ago!?"
Erica and Liliana were shocked.
Not only as Europeans but knights as well, the importance with which they regarded the name of King Arthur was probably impossible for Japanese like Godou or Yuri to fathom.
Alice smiled mischievously as she explained to the red and blue knights.
"Yes. Since it's a long story, I'll show you later the report from that time. However, don't go telling anyone, okay? Even within the Witenagemot, only members of the Diogenes Club are privy to this secret."
"Understood." The knights replied with reverence.
Nodding in acknowledgement, Alice turned back to Godou.
"Let's get back to the topic and talk about the war god Lancelot. Amongst the stories of the Knights of the Round Table, Sir Lancelot's episodes were all creations based on the first Guinevere's knowledge of King Arthur's myth... In particular, a number of characters were added based on Chrétien de Troyes' works. As a result, these myths are completely unhelpful in regard to deciphering the original divinity of Lancelot."
The Princess nonchalantly entered the main subject.
Seeking her assistance was the correct decision — Godou was deeply impressed.
"How about this? Visit the lands related to him, to understand what kind of god he is — the best plan is to clear your thoughts and humbly open yourself to the truth. Kusanagi-sama, you already hold the corresponding trump card in your hand."
S
aying that, Alice turned her gaze to the girl who had maintained silence.
The miko with the highest level of spirit vision, Mariya Yuri. The beauty with the brown-tinted black hair nodded towards at the Princess' words. Only at this time did Godou suddenly notice.
Alice was English while Yuri was native to Japan.
Nevertheless, both of them gave off an aura that was similar in a certain way.
"Let's visit Somerset first, Yuri. Go there and feel those claw marks carved and left behind by the Witch Queen and Lancelot du Lac."
"Yes, I shall do as you suggest."
Yuri's unhesitating answer elicited a gentle smile from Alice.
"Hohoho, no problem. I'm certain you will feel something. I also plan on tagging along to provide assistance."
"Eh? Even the Princess herself!?"
"Ah, no need. You don't have to go so far."
Seeing Yuri intimidated, Godou hurriedly tried to refuse.
However, Princess Alice responded in a loud voice:
"No problem! If I had to articulate it, this is my personal interest. If I don't take a stroll once in a while, I feel like my bones are going to rot."
"Huh..."
"Actually from a while ago, I've been thinking of teaching Yuri some basics. Since this will be a good opportunity, let us get along well together during our travels."
She did not seem like she would take no for an answer. Godou had no choice but to accept her request.
"With regard to Guinevere-sama and Lancelot, I will also tell you everything I know about them... Well, even though Alexandre was the one who elucidated most of it."
Alice spoke with slight displeasure.
"Really, for that person to display exceptional talent in such an area. Pitting wits against him is always such a pain!"
Gascoigne again? Godou somehow felt a vague sense of uneasiness.
Campiones were god-slaying warriors. However, Black Prince Alec was different. He was the adventurer who had solved numerous mysterious riddles, and a resourceful strategist at the same time. A talented man who flew like the wind with thunderous ferocity and a genius who acted with decisive willfulness...
Godou had a feeling that he would one day suffer for it if Gascoigne was not dealt with soon.
However, his first priority was uncovering the mystery of Lancelot—
Campione 10 Page 6
