by Heretic God
"Who? I mean, who is she? I don't think I know anyone by that name."
"Are you really telling the truth? …Well, I'll go on for now, we can continue that part of the interrogation later."
My dear sister… the way you casually talk about 'interrogation' is way too frightening.
"Onii-chan, do you know who the most beautiful person in your high school is?"
"I don't… know? Something like that isn't that important anyway. Beauty isn't something you should go around ranking people by."
"You're right, but on our campus, there's someone who's so superior there's no need to compare with anyone else to make a verdict… and that's Mariya Yuri-senpai."
Godou and Shizuka were studying at the same institution – Jounan College had both a high- and middle-school division.
Both portions were on the same campus, and so the two siblings often walked to school together.
The walk would take about twenty minutes, which was very convenient.
But Godou was originally studying at a normal, state middle-school. At his high-school entrance examination, he was lucky to make it into Jounan, and began studying there at the start of this spring. In contrast, his sister Shizuka had been studying at the college ever since the beginning of her junior-high years, and so naturally had been studying there for much longer, and understood more about things and people at school.
"She's my senpai from the tea ceremony club, and is also a first year student like you in high-school. She was well known as a beauty ever since she began in junior-high, and also extremely smart; she is always ranked in the top five each year."
When she said that, Godou vaguely recalled that his sister was a member of the tea ceremony club.
Apparently at Jounan College, it was quite common for both junior and senior high school students to join and participate in the same clubs.
And so, if this 'Mariya Yuri' was both a senior from the same club, and an acquaintance since junior-high, there was nothing strange for her to be calling her. So why did he have to kneel here?!
"And so? What did this Mariya-san say?"
Godou asked with a tinge of asperity. He had no idea how her phone call had anything to do with his current predicament.
He vaguely recalled hearing the girl's name before.
More often than not, it came from the mouths of the boys of his class, but the topic was apparently popular even amongst the girls; saying that she was cute and other things of that sort.
"Alright, I'll get to the main issue. Mariya-senpai, although she thought it was too presumptious of her, would like to meet and chat with you, onii-chan… And Mariya-senpai is not only beautiful, but very intelligent, and also an ojou-sama."
"…Does that have anything to do with her invitation?"
"Of course it does! Onii-chan, could you possibly have taken advantage of the fact that she was an innocent, pure maiden, and so smooth talked, lied and then played around with her?!"
Hearing Shizuka accuse him of so many strange things, Godou instantly retorted:
"How could I have done something like that to someone whom I just put a name to?!"
"So then why did she call our house, and ask to meet you, Onii-chan? That's just too suspicious!"
Even Godou couldn't deny the truth in what she just pointed out.
"But there's something weird about that. If she wanted to find me, isn't it just as strange that she asked you to deliver the message? Since she called, wouldn't she just talk to me directly."
"Maybe it just didn't occur to her? After all, she's a true ojou-sama. Although senpai is very smart, she doesn't usually think about efficiency— and besides, she probably felt nervous talking to a boy over the phone— The point is, senpai is really amazing— when she says goodbye, she can even say 'I hope for your continued well-being' completely naturally."
"…This Mariya-san, does she live in the Twelfth century?"
Amongst the girls that Godou knew personally, no one would greet people that way.
However, the girls around Erica were a definite possibility.
No matter how you put it, it was undeniable that she was a precious daughter of the Blandelli family. She didn't have to try; if she thought about it, she could emanate the whole 'ojou-sama' attitude in waves.
"She's not outdated, just a descendant of an ancient and noble family. Comparing our Kusanagi name to their family, we're just commoners. There's no connection between us at all…"
"And now I'm getting even more confused— why would she want to look for me? Maybe she found the wrong person?"
The more Godou heard about it, the more he came to believe that she was from 'the other side'.
Apart from the sorcerors whom he befriended in Italy, Godou's relationships were all completely normal and even boring. He just couldn't remember what he could have done to come to the attention of a lofty princess like Mariya.
However, Shizuka just coldly glared at Godou and said,
"…Is that so? Recently all of Onii-chan's actions are suspicious. For example, just like the matter about Erica-san."
"…I already said, she's just a normal friend."
"Oh, that's right. Mariya-senpai also said… she wants to see the thing you brought back recently. What is she talking about?"
Having heard that, all the questions he had were answered.
Other than the Gorgoneion, Godou couldn't think of anything else.
—— So that was it. If she had something to do with those mages, it wasn't strange no matter how outdated you sounded; actually you could probably say it was the natural course of things.
Godou finally realised. Even though he had just returned home, he had already been flung into another complicated situation. He just became depressed again.
Nanano Shrine: 七雄神社; literally ‘shrine of the seven heroes'.
Ante-hall: The technical term is 前殿, and should technically be called the pronaos, but Asian temple architecture is hard to describe in western terms. It is the first, smaller hall (usually with statues or pictures of guardians of shrines and religion) before one enters the great hall itself.
Kosode, Furisode, Hakama: Look it up, the explanation's sort of long winded: Kosode, Furisode, Hakama
Miko: Miko are usually Japanese shrine maidens. However, in this story the term also refers to a type of magic-user, and not all of those magical miko are shrine-maidens. That is why we left the term as miko whenever it shows up.
Hime-miko: Japanese for princess-shrine maiden. It is the name of a group of a people and as with miko, we decided to leave it as it is for now.
Rakshasa: Wicked and unrighteous spirits that wreck havoc in the human world. Rakshasa
Jinbocho: Well known as Tokyo's centre for used-book stores and publishing houses.
Chapter 4 – Enemy from Afar
Part 1
The minute Godou stepped off Shobakouen Station, he went looking for a map. That is, the 'YOU-ARE-HERE' sort that decorated the front of any passenger stop.
After the phone call yesterday, he found out the location for their meeting; it was quite possibly the most obscure Shinto shrine ever. At least, he had never heard it.
Although he had already made sure to know the closest bus stop and the walking route, it would probably still take him a long time to actually reach the shrine, it was that remote.
After confirming his destination again on the large map, Godou again set off.
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"Why a shrine? There are so many better places to meet… And since we even study at the same school, couldn't she just meet me at school?"
"Now that you mention it, I remember someone saying that she was working at a shrine somewhere as a miko. And that she wasn't doing it for money, but to gain some life experience in the 'real world'. So… maybe that's why she likes shrines so much?"
Last night, the brother and sister pair was considering the strange request.
After Shizuka told him t
hat, Godou's worries grew exponentially.
"Okay then, let's decide what you'll do tomorrow. Onii-chan, when do you plan on visiting? How about straight after school?"
"…Why are you arranging my schedule? I can decide by myself, thank you."
"Because Onii-chan is a boorish and insensitive boy, I can't let you go and meet a naïve and pure Ojou-sama, can I? So I'm going to go with you."
"That's enough, Shizuka— I'm not a primary schooler anymore, I don't need a chaperone."
"Hmm… What's wrong with me coming along with you? So, you're going to do questionable things to Mariya-sempai after all ——"
After a long and painful conversation, Godou finally persuaded the adamant Shizuka not to tag along.
————————————
In the end, Godou decided to first return home and change into casual clothes, then went alone to the meeting place. Of course, he also brought the Gorgoneion with him in a bag.
Perhaps that thing was even more dangerous than he imagined?
The reason why this Mariya wanted to talk outside school, was perhaps so that the other students would not get involved by accident… This was definitely not due to a sense of paranoia.
Godou felt justified in the end… He should never have let Erica force that bloody thing on him!
He once again felt a huge sense of regret as he walked on. Eventually, he arrived at the shrine entrance.
This long, arduous flight of stone stairs was his last obstacle.
Somewhat tired, he began his assault of the steps, and finally reached his destination —— Nanao Shrine.
Passing under the torii[1E 1], he entered the temple grounds.
The person who came out to greet him was a girl dressed in miko garments.
"We are immensely touched by your arrival to this humble shrine, Kusanagi Godou-sama. Your very presence is an honor to us. May you forgive me my insolence, in begging a respected, noble Campione such as yourself to step into this place."
The miko bent into a deep bow.
The brilliant contrast of a scarlet hakama and furisode worn over her white kosode dazzled and stupefied him. When she rose from her bow, Godou immediately understood why Shizuka constantly used 'amazing' to describe her.
"My name is Mariya Yuri. Concerning the phone call last evening to your honored person, I must sincerely apologize."
Her dark brown hair swayed as she moved.
Mariya Yuri – truly, she was as beautiful as the rumors said. And it wasn't just beauty; her face projected an air of refined nobility, her eyes shone with clear intelligence.
Of all the people Godou knew, Erica Blandelli was pre-eminent in her looks.
However, the maiden Mariya in front of him was certainly an equal.
If one considered Erica to be a large Camellia flower, this outstandingly well-mannered Ojou-sama would be a blooming sakura blossom, attracting the affection of others.
"You're also one of those sorcerers, aren't you? Just like the ones in Europe— but I have to say this is the first time I've met you guys in Japan."
"That is correct… Although I do not wish you to equate us with them, there is no severe difference between us two. I am assigned to this shrine, serving as a miko protecting Musashino, and although it is nothing more than superficial knowledge, I do know some magic."
In other words, she is working at this shrine after all.
Godou nodded his head and looked around.
"Err… Is Mariya-san the only one here? Is there anyone else?"
If possible, he would really prefer if there were other people present.
As far as Godou was concerned, it was far too difficult to be alone with such a beautiful girl.
"Your Lordship is most perceptive— I am currently the sole person at the place— and in like fashion, if I offend your honored person for any reason, it will only be me that is to be blamed. I beg your Lordship to forgive the inadequacies of my humble service, and assuage your dread rage on my body alone ——"
"…Umm, Mariya-san? Somehow, what you just said seems a bit strange?"
"My only wish is for a tyrant such as you to appease your anger with my death. I beg of you, please do not torture and execute hapless citizens at your pleasure. The display of compassion and tolerance is the only paragon for the noble Lord; whatever previous mistakes they have made, I am willing to suffer the punishment alone."
Yuri thus declared in a respectful fashion.
…Could this possibly be words of advice? Wasn't it just like the scenes in period dramas[1E 2], where a loyal minister is willing to die so that his tyrannical or muddle-headed King can be persuaded?
Godou suddenly realized things took a turn for the worse, and hurriedly corrected Yuri:
"There are too many things to correct in what you said, but let's start with the first one— What sort of person do you think I am? I'm not Nero[1E 3], not Dong Zhuo[1E 4] and definitely not Oda Nobunaga[1E 5], I'm not going to kill anyone!"
"…So you mean that simply killing isn't enough to satisfy you?"
The beautiful hime-miko once again said something completely whacked out with a serious expression.
Why did things turn out like this?
This girl looked calm and intelligent, yet couldn't understand a word of what Godou said. She really was a high-born lady; her way of thinking truly was different from everyone else.
"That's not what I meant. Listen carefully; I'm a civilized person, and don't take pleasure in doing those sort of tyrannical deeds. I hope you understand what I mean by this."
"…Yes, I understand completely. However you wish to toy or violate me, I'm willing to acquiesce to my Lord's wishes. Your meaning was that you will not allow a quick death, isn't it?"
"You didn't understand at all! I really don't have some strange fetish of torturing girls!"
Godou suddenly realized something felt wrong.
Even if she was a sorcerer, very few people actually knew he was a Campione.
The grandmasters he met a few days ago in Rome were the same. Until he had dueled with Erica and displayed his strength, they all were suspicious about his claims to the contrary.
"How do you know that I am a Campione?"
"Because of my ability, these eyes of mine are clairvoyant, able to read the secrets of the spiritual plane. Once, long ago, I had the fate of meeting a compatriot of yours, the Marquis Voban. Hence I will never mistake a Campione – a Rakshasa Raja."
Yuri's words were filled with self-confidence.
Godou finally understood. So this girl had actually once met the legendary Devil King of Eastern Europe!
"Is, is that so— I've also heard his name before. He puts on an antiquated, tyrannical attitude, and is a stubborn and temperamental old man, right? I think he is the only Campione that acts like that, so please don't treat me the same way."
Godou himself knew another Campione.
He was an incorrigibly hopeless fellow.
On the surface, he looked like an open and carefree Latin knight; but he was capable of smiling broadly while seriously hacking at you with a sword. He was definitely not normal, but it had to be said that he was very good at dealing with people.
"Your Lordship is too humble. I am most clear as to your deeds at Sicily, Milan and Rome, done in rage; all those scenes of destruction could be nothing but the deeds of a Campione. Truly dreadful…"
"It, it's not like that, I really didn't do it because I got mad. Anyway, Mariya-san, can you please stop speaking so formally? We're classmates at school, so it's fine to simply talk casually— and I'll do the same."
To be addressed so respectfully by a girl for so long, Godou simply felt very uncomfortable. But Mariya looked flabbergasted at his suggestions.
"I am extremely sorry; it is because my speech fails to match my meaning. I am most apologetic… However, what is the meaning of 'simply talk casually'?"
What the…? Was it possible that in the world of princesses and high-born
maidens, there was no 'normal' way of talking?
Godou realized just how different their lives and worlds were from each other.
"I mean, stop using that respectful tone of voice. I'll just call you Mariya, and you can just address me by my name. I don't care if it's Kusanagi, or Godou, or you can even make up some nickname— anything is fine."
"How can I… I'm sorry, I can't do it. After all, your Lordship's station and mine are so different, and besides, I have never directly addressed a boy by name."
Yuri blushed and declined.
Godou only grew more certain that the two probably didn't even come from the same country.
"My station… who uses that word today? And I'm not some amazing person anyway. Forget it, if you're not comfortable with it I won't force you to— but please just relax when you're talking. And please, please stop calling me 'your Lordship'."
"Yes… I will make an effort… Kusanagi…-san."
Watching Yuri paying careful attention to her words, Godou nodded his head.
That was a hundred times better than seeing a girl his age calling him 'your Lordship'.
"I have something I would like to request of you, Kusanagi…-san. Could I please borrow the divine object you brought from Rome to look at it?"
Yuri recovered her serious manner and requested.
"I have no problem with that, but how do you know about that thing?"
"Kusanagi-san, you are too humble. Someone who could be a Campione went to the country of origin for all sorcery – Europe. To their colleagues in Japan, rather than saying that they are interested in what you obtained, it is probably more correct to say they were worried. That, of course, is natural."
"Worried… have I been watched all this time?"
Godou was genuinely concerned.
He never suspected that such a group existed.
"I don't know if they were actively trailing you, but I can at least confirm that there were Japanese investigators sent to Rome. According to the reports from the investigation, after they found out that the Italian mages pressed a certain object onto you; they sent their files to us."
"And who sent the investigators?"
"Of course it would be the History Compilation Committee… do you not know them?"
