As the sliding door opened with a thud, everything did become clear after all.
Within Nanao Shrine, Erica was standing with a smile while Liliana knitted her brow. Most likely arriving directly from school, the two of them were still in uniform.
Part 2
"Just to be on the safe side, I'll say this first. I am not opposed to what you were going to do, okay?"
Erica spoke in a bright and clear voice.
"Yuri has been working hard these few days, so I can tolerate her stealing ahead a little. I've already told this to Liliana. I didn't come to the shrine for the purpose of disturbing you two."
"Even if you say so, the one who first made the accusation of stealing ahead was you, Erica."
Liliana retorted to her childhood friend and rival.
"After school, Kusanagi Godou had disappeared in a hurry. Then there is Mariya Yuri who had returned but was missing school. Putting two and two together, the situation was obvious. And there I was, trying to advocate 'this could possibly be an erroneous deduction.'"
"But the end result was exactly as I envisioned, right? See."
Erica pointed to Godou and Yuri in the Japanese room.
Finding their hands still held together, the two frantically withdrew them.
"Yuri, who has recently become a 'woman' completely, and Godou whose boundaries have grown increasingly lax. Under such conditions, would a private situation develop -- after all, a fully justified reason exists. Isn't this a simple formula?"
"...Well, my failure to notice that point is my stupidity."
Listening to the knights' conversation, Godou and Yuri exchanged glances.
They were both blushing and rather unsettled, agonizing over what they could say to lighten the mood, but completely stumped by the current situation.
"Kusanagi Godou, this is a perfect opportunity. I have things to say to you."
Hearing Liliana's stern opening line, Godou sat straight up.
"You should probably have realized by now, you are a playboy who pursues romantic relationships with multiple girls at the same time."
"W-Wait a minute! When did I become that kind of person!?"
Godou yelled from the bottom of his heart. Nevertheless, Liliana shook her head bitterly.
Erica simply went "Well, that's who he is" and shrugged, casting a meaningful glance at Yuri. Both of them seemed to disagree with Godou's protest.
"Please remain quiet. A person with multiple girls in his inner circle, yet answers 'all of them' without hesitation when asked who is the most important or deserving of protection, is disqualified from objecting."
"Uh..."
Liliana's frank advice pierced straight into Godou's heart.
With so many reasons, was this karma's payback...
"In my opinion, it is basically time to go with the flow and leave past mistakes alone. If unusual situations are left alone and ignored, that sense of dissonance will disappear over time, becoming as if it was normal all along. And that is clearly a rare talent possessed by you, Kusanagi Godou."
"L-Leave past mistakes alone!?"
"Yes. Well, since it is you, you would naturally go with the flow, completely unaware anyway... But it is certainly true that there are many current issues. Let me point out a few to you."
Liliana's face tensed in an instant.
That awe-inspiring sense of beauty made Godou swallow his words of protest.
"I will not express objection to you and Yuri performing that 'ritual.' However, once the deed is done... You must tell us everything in full detail."
"T-T-T-T-Tell both of you!?"
"Alternatively, hide yourselves in a more skillful manner so that you will not be observed clearly by us like this time. Otherwise, umm, no matter what, I cannot help but feel something akin to jealousy and other negative emotions unbecoming of a knight's position--"
Liliana said shyly.
An emotion akin to jealousy, was none other than jealousy itself. Her shy expression made things completely obvious. But giving only two choices, either telling everyone everything, or doing things in secret without leaking any clues--?
What a tough challenge.
Imposed by such a demand that no ordinary high school student could answer, Godou was stunned.
I don't think I have the talent to comply with such a tall order...
"One more thing. This concerns our families."
Liliana continued.
"Erica's uncle, Sir Paolo Blandelli. You have met him before, yes?"
"Uh yeah. That very handsome and cool uncle. I saw him once in Italy. Truly a great guy."
Godou had been overjoyed to learn that one of Erica's few blood relatives was a man, her uncle.
However, Godou was bewildered. Why mention him now?
"Umm... It is not really acceptable for you to have met only Erica's family. I would be most pleased if you could also meet mine. It does feel rather inappropriate after all, unless officially recognized by family..."
So what she wanted to say, was that? She wanted to introduce her family?
Godou began to feel anxious. But it's not like it can't be done, he thought. Might as well go with the flow to meet and greet the families of the many girls who had experienced so many trials with him. No matter what, this was the plain truth.
"Introducing Godou-san to my family...!?"
Next to him, Yuri was murmuring in shock.
"E-Even though you have met my little sister Hikari, you have yet to meet my parents or grandparents... But what should be done? The family will be in an uproar over a meeting with the current Campione. The Mariya family never possessed the proper prestige and stature in the first place..."
Wondering "What should be done?" with great worry, Yuri seemed to be voicing her thoughts in succession. Could this be the beginning of a meeting with her entire family?
Godou felt a chill spreading from his stomach--
Just as he felt trapped by a mysterious sense of stress, his cellphone received a message.
Opening it to check, it was from Asuka. 'Isn't it time you followed through with your promise last time? I am very free today.'
After that, Godou confirmed with Asuka the meeting location and left Nanao Shrine.
Neither Alec nor Guinevere had showed any recent movements. It was still too early for Godou to enter the stage -- having concluded that, Erica and the girls saw Godou off.
'Well, it's been too busy recently anyway. Why not forget these troublesome matters for now and enjoy normal life for a bit? As long as you don't travel far, we can handle anything that happens.'
That was what Erica had said.
It was true. Staying on crisis alert was quite exhausting.
'By the way, why don't we all go together?'
Godou suggested cheerfully on impulse, causing all the girls to turn their gaze away. Was it an illusion or were they all sighing out of sight with an aghast expression?
'Even though it is a tempting invitation, I shall have to decline. Tokunaga Asuka would not be pleased.'
'Since it's her, you don't have to be concerned.'
'No. Last time when we met, she seemed rather wary of Erica and me.'
'By the way... Since we have the chance, I want to share my knowledge of Sir Lancelot with Erica-san and Liliana-san. Please go ahead and enjoy your time with your old friend.'
Hearing Liliana's rejection and Yuri's words which sounded like a newly married wife's advice of "you've been working hard lately, go take a good break," Godou accepted their well wishes and departed alone.
The time was 6pm on Friday night, the beginning of the weekend. The meeting place was in front of Ueno station.
Asuka and Godou were both residents of Nezu in the Bunkyou ward. If they wanted to go shopping, nearby Ueno (or Akihabara depending on what they needed to buy) was the top choice.
"Yo."
"Too slow. You're twenty seconds late."
This was the completely tactless greeting Godou received
at Ueno station.
Godou was unfazed as it was typical of Asuka to scold with acrimony for minor lateness. Besides, they were friends who knew each other inside out, which was what mattered. As a side note, the childhood friend was wearing a hooded parka, a knitted top and jeans. Totally lacking in fashionability.
On the other hand, were Asuka to make a sudden stylish appearance, Godou would be even more troubled instead.
"Then let's hurry and go shop. Have you decided on a gift?"
"No, not yet."
"What an unreliable guy. Then let's have a strategy conference first. Tell me what does Shizuka-chan like?"
"I'm not too sure myself."
"You've transcended unreliability, Mr. Useless Brother."
"...Wait a minute. Last time when my mom found a forgotten bottle of German wine of 90s vintage, Shizuka drank it happily with me and grandpa."
"Don't treat these anecdotes from the overly unusual Kusanagi household as typical everyday family life!"
Glared at by Asuka, Godou shrugged.
He silently emphasized the fact that he could do nothing about his ignorance. Even if he wanted to get her a memorable gift or some kind of surprise, he was completely helpless.
"No need for these strange investigations. Let's just pick something passable and be done with it."
"I can't believe you can be so popular with girls in spite of such abysmal character. In a certain sense, this is my biggest surprise of a lifetime."
Asuka sighed at Godou's conservative idea.
"I can't be that popular, right?"
"Shut up! Your declaration of unpopularity has zero credibility. This I've already known since kindergarten. Like grandfather, like grandson. Isn't that exactly what the saying describes!?"
"Like grandfather like grandson whatever. Don't jump to conclusions while ignoring my personality!"
"I didn't jump to conclusions! Whether Grandpa Ichirou or your old acquaintances, everyone says the same thing!"
The two were caught in a dialogue that sounded like exploding firecrackers.
It had been quite a long time since his last heated discussion with Asuka. Even though Godou had been in the same school with her up until the end of middle school, they had been separated since high school. After that, they never had another argument like this.
If he had to give a description, this resembled his casual arguments with Erica.
However, the crisp sense of no loose ends could only be felt when doing it with Asuka.
"By the way, I have a friend who's troubled by popularity, and is a real lady-killer. Should we get some advice from that person?"
Recalling Sayanomiya Kaoru's mighty exploits, Godou suggested.
Well, even if the person providing counsel was a "her" instead of a "him," this kind of gender issue should not really pose a hindrance, right?
"Your circle of friends have become more and more suspicious lately... Your idea is rejected. We have to do it with our own ability without borrowing suggestions from others!"
"Ah, but wait a minute. In fact I've already accepted some sponsorship."
After learning the whole story, Erica, Yuri and Liliana had offered tokens of financial support.
Hearing Godou's words, Asuka went "Eh?" with great surprise.
"They all know that I am meeting with Godou?"
"Yeah. I just told them."
"I-I can't believe you had the gall to say it..."
"What gall? They even cheerfully sent me on my way."
Well, they did show some subtle expressions, but nothing worthy of note, right?
Faced with Godou's response, Asuka could only reply "I-I suppose" with a stiff expression. Then she spoke with a stunned and thoughtful expression:
"I-In other words, they think I've fallen so far behind in the competition that they don't see me as a threat, deciding it's not even worth their while to interfere... Oooh, though it offers advantages in a way, I have such mixed feelings... But then again, competing with that Erica-san is totally impossible from the very beginning..."
Asuka hesitantly muttered to herself in a voice that Godou could not pick up.
"What's with you?"
"Mmmhmm, nothing!"
"By the way, last time when you met Erica, you were acting really strange?"
This childhood friend was a "cool fellow," while Erica was also a social expert.
Wondering if they might be harboring some past grudge, Godou asked just in case:
"Do you hate Erica perhaps? Even though she loves being the center of attention and she's quite striking in truth, she is in fact quite an interesting and thoughtful girl. I think she can get along with you quite well."
"Ah, not at all. I don't hate Erica-san, not one bit."
Asuka seemed to be panicking as she randomly waved her hands in front of her.
"Let's put it another way. She has a 'good character,' right?"
Asuka was a "good fellow" while Erica had a "good character," that was correct.
What an apt description, Godou was impressed.
"I agree that getting to know her will be very interesting. Simply looking at her face or attire and I'm guaranteed not to be bored. Also, I think the only teenage girl in the entire world who can rival Auntie Mayo is Erica-san."
"Hmm... Pretty much."
His mother, Kusanagi Mayo. Godou nodded at the mention of her name.
"Whether Mariya-san or Liliana-san, neither of them can match your mother. In that sense, I believe Erica is very interesting. But well, how should I put it..."
Stopping there, the childhood friend showed a slightly sad expression.
"I knew it, only girls who transcend common sense would be hanging around a guy like you, right? I've thought over this a lot, but that's all. I don't hate her, and next time we meet, we'll surely become great friends."
"...I see?"
"These are the subtle stirrings of a maiden's heart that you haven't a single clue about. Anyway, a budget increase is good news after all. It's about time to accomplish our mission."
Asuka's crisp tones spurred Godou into action.
In the next two hours, the two of them wandered through the shops in Ueno.
They ended up buying a perfectly sized handbag. Since the design was not overly extravagant, it was appropriate for all occasions.
Abandoning clumsy surprises, the duo aimed for unambitious but guaranteed success.
Rather than Godou, they decided to have Asuka keep the item instead.
If kept at the Kusanagi home, the gift's existence might possibly be discovered by Shizuka. Thus they decided not to ruin the little surprise.
"Since it's already this late, let's grab a meal somewhere? As thanks for helping me, let it be my treat."
"Sure, but no need to treat me. I won't be able to sleep at night if I owe you a favor."
"Fine, no treat. How about that curry shop we haven't been to for so long?"
"You mean the one we visited so often back in middle school!?"
"Yeah. The one opened by the Pakistani who knows my grandpa."
"I'll pass! That's the place where as long as you or your grandpa show up, they start speaking freely in Urdu, taking out the hidden menu normally shown to Pakistanis only, and serve super spicy authentic native cuisine. It's way too international for me!"
"Those are its strong points. Isn't it a rather unique shop?"
"No thanks to that type of individuality! I don't need any special treatment, just mild curry properly catered to the Japanese palate please!"
Arguing amongst themselves with impunity, they bickered acrimoniously.
On Friday night, the streets of Ueno were rather lively.
A place with many foreigners. Consequently, a Caucasian girl with honey-colored hair and sky-blue eyes would not be considered a particularly wondrous sight. Nevertheless, she was clearly different from all the rest.
--Beautiful. She was a girl in her late teens with an outstanding sort of otherworldly beauty.
>
Her shaggy honey-colored hair was not very long. Tall slim build. An exquisite face like an angel's, displaying all-surpassing purity.
There was a natural impression of transparency, incongruent with the prosperous streets at night.
Like a cool breeze blowing across pastures, or perhaps, streaking across the deep blue sky.
Such was the atmosphere surrounding this beautiful face. Furthermore, she was dressed rather bizarrely -- her entire body was wrapped in a slightly dirty cloak down to her boots.
However, this vagabond attire only served to further contrast with her outstanding beauty--
It seemed only natural, but why? Godou thought incredulously.
"Hey Asuka. Do you know that woman?"
"Eh, who? ...Ah, isn't she so pretty? Wow~"
This was on a main street near Ueno station.
The exceptionally cool Caucasian beauty was waiting for the lights to change at the intersection.
Only when Godou looked at her and commented did Asuka notice the girl's existence. Furthermore, no one else in the surroundings seemed to be looking at her. On further thought, these people could not have abandoned the chance to stare at this otherworldly beauty, but rather, they did not notice her.
People looked at her like a roadside stone.
The same way no one would focus their gaze on the blowing wind.
No one glanced at the girl deliberately. This strange phenomenon -- could she be one of them? But Godou did not feel any battle spirit rising up from within, nor did his body fill with power.
In other words, he had not met a god.
Then she was a girl, right? Godou stared at her as she waited for the traffic signal to change.
Immediately following--
The girl suddenly turned her head and her eyes met with Godou's.
She smiled. Smiling like a breeze blowing across pastures mixed with sunlight, she walked towards him.
"We finally meet. You, my destiny."
The girl murmured with a refreshingly cool voice that matched her overwhelmingly transparent beauty.
Part 3
"Man of my destiny. The youth whom ought to partake in our shared fate... Now I am most certain, my journey's only purpose was to encounter dear sir."
The cloaked beauty was speaking in fluent Japanese.
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