"What a mess... Who could expect things to have ended like this?"
"No, Sir Knight. Guinevere believes this result is absolutely not unfavorable."
Just as Lancelot shook his head ruefully, Guinevere answered, having returned by flight magic.
At the bottom of the crater-like depression marring the Thracian plain, the knight and the girl faced each other.
"Athena seems to have devoured the Holy Grail in order to suppress its effects. However, Guinevere does not believe this is enough to halt the functioning of the life-absorbing Grail."
Guinevere spoke as the one with a mysterious bond with the Holy Grail.
The divine artifact created by the matriarch deity of all the earth goddesses through sacrificing her own immortality and divinity. As long as that Grail remained active in the earth, it was forever indestructible.
"Even if we just let it be, by this point it must have stored up a substantial amount of magical energy. No matter what happens, from now on there is a connection between Sir Knight's divine sword and Athena's grail."
"Wielding the steel that splits apart the stars, is that so?"
Lancelot muttered. In the battle just now, he merely used it as a bladed object.
The steel known as the legendary Excalibur had yet to exhibit its true worth...
"But before that form can be attained, will she manage to remove the Grail from her body?"
"Even if that happens, it may be just as well. Having swallowed the Grail into her body to suppress it, Athena's return will not take more than half a month's time"
"Then Athena will die, is that so? In that case, it might not be so bad."
Lancelot nodded.
A "way" always appeared in the end.
Whether abandoned somewhere or separated by any distance, as long as the Grail existed on earth it would continue to absorb Athena's life.
The divine artifact created at the cost of immortal life —
This was its truly terrifying aspect. The wisdom and prayers of the goddess of death, had yet to be carved into the deepest reaches of the earth. On the other hand, the Grail's powers extended to the furthest ends of the earth.
"In that case, girl, Athena is of no concern for now?"
"Yes. Guinevere will now go to Japan, the island where master sleeps. Please grant your protection."
Lancelot silently grasped the reins of his beloved horse, flying towards the sky which had recovered its brightness with the departure of Athena. Still unaccustomed to the conditions of the earth, the full-powered attack just now had already exhausted his divine power.
He must take a good rest amongst the thunderclouds once again.
Heretic Lancelot —
Despite his overwhelming power of destruction, still could not be considered fully revived at this point.
Chapter 2 - Devil King and School Festival
Part 1
The great god-slaying Devil King.
In addition to that identity, Kusanagi Godou was also a high school student.
Thus it was only natural he would be participating in the school festival held at Jounan Academy where he studied.
Godou's class had decided to put up posters in the classroom about the local history of Bunkyo ward — a rather easy and uninteresting activity.
Hence, Godou was originally supposed to be relatively free after completing his assigned duties at the festival.
However, he never expected to be roped into helping friends out with their "shop" project.
The day before, he spent the first day of the festival helping the shop at the kitchen and procuring supplies. He was also supposed to be helping out on the second day which was also the last.
However, the planners of the project, Nanami, Sorimachi and Takagi (unofficially known as the Three Idiots) suddenly changed their minds in regard to Godou who was helping out despite having no original involvement with the "shop."
"Take the day off... That's what they said to me, but what was that about?"
On the first day of the festival, Godou was on the road home from school.
Making his way through the streets at night, Godou was deep in thought.
It would be a shame to waste a rare opportunity of leisure.
"In that case, why not spend tomorrow experiencing the school festival together with me, Godou-san?"
Mariya Yuri extended an invitation as she walked beside him on his left.
A soothing smile appeared on her beautiful gentle face.
The way she carried herself was the embodiment of the perfect Yamato Nadeshiko; with long lustrous hair tinted a shade of brown, her striking beauty contrasted strongly against her conservative and prudent personality.
"My duties at the tea ceremony club will be finished in the morning... In that case, it will be fine. Hikari will be coming in the afternoon as well. It will be more lively than going around alone—"
The young high class lady lowered her gaze slightly after mentioning her little sister's name.
"I-I feel that it would be most delightful if Godou-san could accompany us..."
Yuri added shyly. Her appearance and manner of speaking were most adorable.
The sheltered young lady who was not only prim and proper, but also solemn and serious, noble, and sometimes angry.
Godou found her frequent bouts of shyness extremely adorable.
"I see. Well then, let's go together tomorrow."
Thus he went with the flow and accepted immediately.
Somehow, Godou felt a kind of guilty feeling that "it is embarrassing to be together with girls."
"In that case, Kusanagi Godou, will you allow my accompaniment as well?"
"Of course, I can't leave Liliana all alone."
Godou also readily accepted the request of the girl on his right.
Liliana Kranjcar. A fairy-like beauty of Eastern European descent. The one who called herself his knight and grand chamberlain.
...Completely unaware he had just set himself up for the situation commonly known as "a lady on each arm," Godou continued on his way.
Thus began the second day of the school festival.
Meeting before his house at 10am sharp, Godou and Liliana set off for school together.
Recently, Godou found himself frequently spending time with her. The two of them would meet at his door without agreeing beforehand. It always felt like things happened naturally as a result of mutual desire.
Furthermore, the two of them had recently gained a kind of silent understanding requiring no words to communicate.
"In spite of everything, Japanese schools also have this kind of planned activity."
Liliana murmured to herself as she passed through the new school entrance.
This was a handcrafted entrance created specifically for the school festival.
"Schools in Italy would hold celebrations during Natale[3] and Easter, but never on this kind of scale. Though this kind of large scale activity takes a lot of time and effort to organize, I think the enjoyment of everyone is well worth it."
Liliana smiled. For someone who always insisted on being a "knight," this was a rare and gentle smile.
"Could it be that Liliana enjoys these kinds of activities very much?"
"Yes. I love decorating the home to make it all pretty for family parties and doing lots and lots of cooking. This festival is like expanding that kind of gathering to include all the students, right? I want to take part next year too."
The silver-haired knight spoke with a slight expression of delight.
It was unlike the occasional frantic expression she bore when faced with unexpected failure that broke her out of her usual solemn and imposing demeanor. Currently, Liliana's innocent expression made her no different from an ordinary sixteen-year-old.
"That's right. It should be very fun, isn't this great?"
Nodding, Godou recalled the other knight.
"A school festival... A festa[4] which student volunteers organize for themselves, ah... B
asically just having fun, that's the main idea, right? It doesn't feel classy enough to welcome a guest of honor such as Erica Blandelli."
That was what the red knight said a few days ago before she flew over to Italy to handle some matters.
Smiling wryly, Godou tried to explain.
"I can't say your description is entirely wrong. However, it's a rare occasion in a Japanese school so I think you should at least show up. It should be okay for you to postpone going back a little, right?"
Well, a relative in Italy fell acutely ill... That was her fabricated excuse for returning home.
Was there a serious situation over there? Godou refrained from prying.
"You do have a point. Even if I have to suffer through a meaningless engagement, or tolerate an uninteresting salon in a residence of philistines, as long as my adorable Godou is there, I feel like I can still make memories to savor after the fact."
Erica smiled as she pressed her bosom against him.
Displaying her glamor through unintentional acts like this must be one of her true qualities.
"However, I'm afraid I'll have to pass, because there is a meeting I wish to finish as soon as possible. If I don't go to Italy now, I don't know when will be the next time my wish could be fulfilled... So Godou, please endure the void of my absence that no other girl can fill."
"...That was what Erica had said."
"It cannot be helped. To Erica and me, that matter is an issue of life and death."
Godou entered the rowdy and bustling school festival together with Liliana as he recalled the red knight's parting scene.
"So Liliana knows something about why she has to return over there?"
"Ah well, the fact is... Erica will explain in full detail once she returns successfully. Please forgive me for now is not the right time to let you know."
Something like that could happen. Godou's eyes widened in surprise.
Though Erica and Liliana were rivals, their fates were frequently bound together as one in various ways.
Godou decided not to pursue the matter any further, turning his gaze towards the interior of the school.
The path from the entrance to the school building was transformed by the festival from its usual appearance. Snack stalls were tightly lined against the two sides of the road.
Beverage stalls sold chilled drinks. Food vendors sold takoyaki[5], okonomiyaki[6], roasted squid, crepes, fried noodles, baby Castella cakes[7], and various kinds of snacks. Furthermore, there were other stalls offering fortune telling, portrait sketching, photography, karaoke, flea markets etc.
People were really putting forth great effort.
Perhaps because Jounan Academy also included a university section, the high school's festival was influenced to some extent.
Walking further for ten minutes or so, weaving through a corner of the woods, they reached the destination.
The building known as the Japanese block.
"Last time we came here, Seishuuin Ena was also present. Will this occasion be the same?"
"Who knows? I tried calling her before the festival but couldn't reach her. Maybe she used up her batteries like always or went into the deep mountains with no reception again..."
Godou answered as he recalled the Hime-Miko of the Sword.
Despite being a high school student, she was a mysterious unpredictable traveler.
She could suddenly appear in unexpected places, but fail to show up when wanted.
The two conversed as they walked into the traditional Japanese room that was the size of twenty tatami mats.
This was the location for the "tea party" held by the tea ceremony club. Godou and Liliana entered after paying the entrance fee.
The room was furnished with a stove for boiling water and a few tea mats. The members of the tea ceremony club were serving customers with tea and snacks.
"Welcome to the two of you."
Yuri came over before Godou and Liliana who had sat down on the mats.
"My shift will be over soon, so please wait a while."
"Ah, understood... By the way, Mariya Yuri, so this is the attire of the tea ceremony club?"
The silver-haired knight spoke as if greatly impressed.
The members of the all-girls tea ceremony club were busy stirring and preparing powdered tea. This was a common club activity.
They were wearing kimonos rather than school uniforms as they sat on the mats.
"Yes, as a member of the tea ceremony club, I can only speak to you dressed like this."
Yuri replied slightly shyly.
She was wearing a beautiful kimono in the color of cherry blossoms. Frankly speaking, the other members of the club seemed to be unaccustomed to their attire and were quite stiff in their tea-pouring motions.
On the other hand, Yuri stood out with her natural movements and refined manners.
"I see, so it's like that... I was thinking why it was so strange."
Godou surveyed the place as the truth dawned upon him.
Offering only powdered tea and snacks, this place normally would not be popular with boys.
Nevertheless, one third of the current customers were young men. There were male students from Jounan Academy, male students wearing uniforms from other schools, and even older regular customers.
Naturally, their target could only be the girls dressed in kimonos.
It was an unpleasant thought...
Godou unwittingly reached this conclusion as he savored the taste of the powdered tea Yuri brewed for him.
Within the tea ceremony club, Yuri was also rather striking in appearance.
All else aside, she epitomized the term "beautiful young lady." It was apparent from a single glance that her graceful sitting form was in a separate class apart from all the other girls.
Kusanagi Godou was currently being served by such a girl, and had even brought along a silver-haired Caucasian girl.
"Is this the state otherwise known as overabundant self consciousness?"
"What's wrong, Godou-san? Does the tea not suit your tastes?"
"I, on the other hand, find the taste to be most exquisite... Or perhaps you are worrying over something?"
"Ah no, nothing much, don't be too concerned."
Though he forced a smile before the two observant girls, Godou shook his head.
Godou found his mind wandering into strange thoughts as a result of being accompanied by overly attractive girls. One should handle things with greater composure...
However, this thought was completely overturned within the span of a mere hour.
Part 2
"It truly was a wrong decision."
Godou grumbled with heartfelt emotion.
"What should we do now? How could this draw so much attention, I really don't get it... It's so vexing..."
Yuri, who was dressed in a kimono, carried a conflicted expression.
"We three should find a place to figure out why others are so interested in us. But even then, discussing furtively in secret is not an option, we might as well act with resolution."
Liliana stated with an awe-inspiring tone.
—Just before the lunch break, they had met up with Yuri at the end of her shift at the tea ceremony club. Yuri had appeared before Godou and Liliana in the same kimono she had been wearing at the tea party earlier.
"To create publicity for the tea ceremony club... The other members decided together that I should go outside like this..."
Yuri bowed her head shyly as she explained.
Since the school festival was in full swing, it was not particularly strange for people to be wearing exotic outfits. Nevertheless, Yuri in her cherry blossom-colored kimono was far too striking in appearance. Having Liliana by her side further exacerbated the situation.
Passersby were subconsciously or even overtly staring at them as they passed. Perhaps purely in terms of publicity, it was not a failure.
The trio went to watch drama and band performances, konto skits[8], friendshi
p matches held in the sports grounds by the athletic clubs. Within the school building, there were also exhibitions, shops and other performances, etc. Though there were still quite a few attractions they wanted to visit, it was already time for lunch so they decided to stop for a meal first.
And so, the trio went over to the food stalls.
Godou: "(noticing Yuri's gaze of curiosity) Mariya you're actually interested in okonomiyaki? How unexpected."
Yuri: "Ah yes. Actually I have never eaten it before..."
Godou: "You can make it at home, right? I think for Mariya, it should be really easy for you."
Yuri: "(steady smile) "My mother made it before in her own home, and knows the method. As for eating this kind of food sold in festivals, I have yet to —"
Godou: "Never!?"
Yuri: "You are correct. When we were young, our parents never bought food at those kind of places because they were concerned with hygiene. So all this time until now..."
Liliana: "(looking like a know-it-all) It is true that one cannot expect too much in terms of hygiene. On the other hand, because it is this kind of place, that is why you can get a delicious taste that cannot be found elsewhere. If you do not give it a try, you will be missing out on one of life's pleasures."
Godou: "That's true. I often eat this during festivals like temple fairs."
Liliana: "Back in Italy I would frequent sandwich and crepe stalls. Eating on the roadside is nice sometimes."
Yuri: "Is that really true!? (frantic expression) T-Then in that case, now that there is this rare opportunity, I shall, umm —"
Godou: "(staring at the school festival program schedule) In the schoolyard there's Sanfu-sensei offering his hometown's Hiroshimayaki[9], and Ganba-sensei from Osaka with his takoyaki stall, wanna try them out?"
Yuri: "Yes, great!"
Yuri: "(violently knocked off balance by a passerby in the schoolyard)...kyaah!?"
Godou: "(catches Yuri in his arms) Are you okay, Mariya?"
Yuri: "(smiling in Godou's embrace) Y-Yes, thank you very much."
Godou: "(gazing at Yuri's smiling face) Oh that's good."
Liliana: "(began counting as the two of them remained tightly held together. 10 seconds, 20 seconds passed. Then she coughed deliberately) ...You two, do you not feel that your faces are a little too close? Kusanagi Godou, even though I know that you have an unusually deep relationship with Mariya Yuri, in such a situation could you not handle things in a simpler manner —"
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