Campione 09

by Return of the Goddess

  Godou: "(frantically separates from Yuri) —!"

  Yuri: "(gazes wistfully at Godou)......"

  Godou: "W-What nonsense are you saying, I only caught her because I happened to be next to her, it's not like that."

  Liliana: "Is that so...? My apologies. Regardless of your intentions, it is clear that your natural instinct is to eliminate distances between you and other females..."

  Godou: "As if that kind of instinct actually exists! By the way, if it was Liliana instead, I would have done the same."

  Liliana: "Eh?!"

  Godou: "It's obvious. If I saw a friend in danger, I will surely offer help straight away."

  Liliana: "(putting up a stiff front but appearing to be very happy)......"

  Godou: "Well anyway, actually it's Liliana who always protects me instead."

  Liliana: "T-That's right. Hypothetically, if such an emergency occurs, I do not mind being saved by you."

  Liliana: "(having bought Hiroshimayaki) With such large portions, let the three of us share it together. Come try this, Mariya Yuri."

  Yuri: "Thanks. (looking at the massive Hiroshimayaki) You are right, I would not be able to finish this alone."

  Godou: "Certainly, this is a portion size more fitting for a male."

  (The trio began to use their chopsticks to eat sliced pieces of the Hiroshimayaki.)

  Godou: "(accidentally dropped his chopsticks on the ground) Ah, damn it. I'll need a new pair."

  Liliana: "No need for that. Just share mine."

  Godou: "Uhh, sure — (realizing this is an indirect kiss) W-Wait, that's not very appropriate."

  Liliana: "D-Do not be concerned. Just like your relationship with Mariya Yuri can be described as unusually deep, the same can be said for our relationship as well..."

  Godou: "※☆♂♀!?"

  Yuri: "E-Excuse me! If that is the case, then you can share my chopsticks too!"

  Godou: "※☆♂♀○×口!?"

  (All of a sudden, the trio was caught in a three-way dispute.)

  Godou: "Fine, in that case, I will humbly accept your wishes with thanks... (ended up alternating between using Liliana and Yuri's chopsticks to eat the Hiroshimayaki)"

  Liliana: "Exchanging chopsticks repeatedly is a bit troublesome. I-If you do not mind then I shall feed you personally. (using chopsticks to bring Hiroshimayaki to Godou's mouth) T-This might be better."

  Yuri: "N-Now that you brought it up, that is right... (with shy awkwardness) Uh, umm, if Godou-san wishes, I can also do the same... P-Please open up and enjoy."

  Godou: "I'm not a child in kindergarten! I can eat by myself!"

  Suddenly, they noticed that a crowd had gathered around, staring at them.

  Due to it being the school festival, not only were there students from the school but also those from other schools as well as all kinds of residents from the neighborhood — male and female, old and young. This was the nature of the crowd gathered here for a spectacle. They were watching with shocked expressions that seemed to be saying "this is really novel" and were whispering to one another and secretly laughing to themselves.

  "Isn't this getting a bit too crowded...?"

  "I do not think that we were that loud, right..."

  "Why are so many people gathered here to watch? We cannot be that interesting to them, right?"

  At some point in time, some of the surrounding people started tailing Godou's group and maintaining a certain distance.

  The most obvious group was all male and composed of youthful schoolboys. Bearing rude and hostile glares with impatient expressions... These were all signs that betrayed the negative emotions swirling in each one's heart.

  Godou pondered with uneasiness. How exactly was this commotion caused? He'd better reflect well on it.

  "For some reason we seem to be causing trouble for others. We should pay more attention."

  "But Kusanagi Godou, even though I believe your behavior just now could do with a little improvement, you have done nothing wrong. So what should we do now?"

  "Liliana-san, perhaps it is something we failed to be aware of? ...Ah, maybe eating like this on the roadside obstructs traffic, and causes trouble for others?!"

  "There are many others eating the same way like this. I really doubt that possibility... Anyway, let's be more mindful, and go to the cafeteria —"

  The three of them finished buying food and made their way towards a little unoccupied space beside a corner of the stalls.

  Godou nodded in agreement with Yuri's suggestion and Liliana's observations. At that very moment...

  "You people, what were you doing just now chattering away in some kind of discussion? Are you trying to perform some kind of three-man comedic routine?!"

  Godou was shocked to hear this authoritative voice. He never expected this girl to appear here.

  Turning back to look, he found his childhood friend, Tokunaga Asuka, standing before him with a furious expression.

  "I wasn't even paying particular attention, but you three have been displaying public affection... I turn my gaze for a moment and there you go starting to become even more intimate. Well, if it was just between an ordinary couple, it's not completely unforgivable. But what on earth is this? A lady on each arm? Or simultaneous two-timing? What is going on in your mind to flaunt this kind of ridiculous relationship out in public!?"

  Asuka expressed her displeasure, firing accusations like rapid fire.

  She possessed a prim and proper face as well as the twintails hairstyle she maintained since long ago. Like the Kusanagi household, she was also a resident of Nezu's Area 3.

  "Well, Godou, got any retorts to defend yourself? If you have any, be out with them."

  "What retort... We weren't doing anything intimate. It's just normal contact between friends, that's all."

  "Yes... My humble apologies, I cannot understand what you are trying to say."

  "It is true that there exists a strong bond between us that surpasses normal 'friendship.' However, you are mistaken if you believe it is of the sort of indecent relations you were insinuating."

  Yuri was perplexed. Liliana spoke with agitation. Godou nodded in complete agreement.

  After all, Asuka had always been the type to get angry over reasons that were far removed from the actual truth.

  "Really! Embracing each other in public, having indirect kisses and then being fed with 'yes, ah~' Well, since it's Godou, it's expected... Let me ask then, what are these people like normally?"

  Asuka turned to the people behind her.

  Standing there were Yuri's classmates, the girls Sawa-san and Miyama-san.

  "There had been some restraint before, but recently it's always been like this."

  "Yes yes. Previously, it's even worse when Erica-san was around. In fact, today's situation can be described as rather subdued instead...?"

  The lenses of glasses-wearing Sawa-san flashed as she spoke. With an immature face and undeveloped body like an elementary school student, Miyama-san responded with a question.

  Yuri nodded to greet her classmates who had suddenly appeared.

  But just as Godou was wondering why these two girls were together with Asuka...

  "Sawa-san and Miyama-san both work together with me at the same shop. Yeah, the family restaurant on the side of the main street. You should know it, right? Anyway, they invited me to the school festival today."

  Extremely observant, Asuka immediately explained for Godou. She was a girl with a strong intuition and quick wits.

  "Right, though Liliana-san had already been introduced to me at Godou's house, who is the beautiful lady here? She looks very graceful and lady-like."

  "Ah, now that I think about it, you two have never met."

  Seeing Asuka's slightly concerned gaze towards Yuri, Godou replied.

  "Mariya, this fellow here is my long time friend Tokunaga Asuka. We live on the same commercial street. She goes to school at Tokyo Metropolitan High which is closer to home. Also, this —"


  "My name is Mariya Yuri. It is my pleasure to be acquainted with Godou-san's close friends."

  Yuri, who was dressed in a kimono, calmly bowed her head.

  Though she was not particularly talkative, her greeting clearly displayed her excellent upbringing.

  "H-Hello, nice to meet you. The silver-haired foreigner, the super perfect high class lady, as well as the rumored blonde girlfriend, things are really developing towards complete despair for me... Truly an extraordinary fellow. As expected, I can't let you out of my sight — hmm, I cannot allow myself to become one of those old ladies crying tears of sorrow over grandpa Ichirou..."

  Backing down uncharacteristically, her mumbling speech after "nice to meet you" was difficult to make out.

  Being eloquent in virtually all situations was one of Asuka's qualities.

  "I think we should leave first. Being the center of attention is disruptive to the surrounding people, so let's go somewhere else."

  Wary of people's gazes, Godou made a suggestion.

  The interference of Asuka had only served to further garner the attention of bystanders.

  Yuri and Liliana immediately nodded in agreement. Sawa-san and Miyama-san were also planning to leave, having made their greeting.

  — But then someone stopped them. Of course, the one calling out was Asuka.

  "W-Wait a minute. Are the three of you planning to continue your flirting elsewhere!?"

  "Like I said already, what flirting! You're always trying to find strange bones to pick."

  "Still completely oblivious... You really are a great big idiot who makes me want to despair!!"

  Still as sharp-tongued as ever. And scolding all the time.

  However, witnessing the familiar antics of the childhood friend gave an oddly reassuring feeling.

  Godou wryly went "So, see you later" and continued walking ahead.

  "No other way, with agonizing contemplation I have made my decision!"

  Thus, Asuka declared out of the blue.

  "It looks like I can't limit supervision to just the school festival. Sawa-san, Miyama-san. I am very sorry but there are things I must do. Please allow me to remain behind and act independently — I have the duty to keep this idiotic man under surveillance!"

  Part 3

  Thus, Tokunaga Asuka added herself to Godou's entourage and they entered the school building together.

  In contrast to Asuka's complete hostility towards Godou, Liliana and Yuri were acting in a subdued manner.

  "Listen to me, Mariya-san and Liliana-san."

  Asuka chatted eloquently as they walked.

  "Even if this guy frequently speaks of 'common sense,' don't be taken in by those lies. He is completely untrustworthy. I will help and support you girls if you tell me you were victims of his deception. If you run into any kind of trouble, feel free to discuss with me no matter what."

  She showed concern for them with great gentleness while disparaging Godou at the same time.

  "Is that so? Rather, I feel that Godou-san is a person who works hard at acting sensibly."

  Yuri objected with a conservative description.

  "If Mariya-san really believes that, then I have nothing further to say. Or perhaps you might recall all sorts of little things? Once anyone gets into a certain level of familiarity with him, I'm sure they will notice something is amiss."

  "...Nothing like that. Right, Liliana-san?"

  "...Ah. The nobility of Kusanagi Godou's character and behavior is fit to be a knight's role model. I think you are slandering him most inappropriately, Tokunaga Asuka."

  Repeatedly questioned, Yuri and Liliana seemed to be responding hesitantly for some reason. Not only did the two of them avoid making eye contact with Asuka, the one posing the questions, but also with Godou as well.

  The atmosphere turned awkward and unpleasant all of a sudden.

  "Ah, isn't this Uncle? Good morning to you."

  A passing "maid" greeted him.

  In actual fact, she was dressed in a sleeveless mandarin gown with a frilled apron, a costume differing greatly from a traditional maid outfit. Furthermore, she was wearing cat-eared decorations on her head.

  "G-Good morning to you too."

  It was clearly noon already. However, there existed many service industries that used "Good morning" as a greeting regardless of the time of day.

  The China-themed cat-eared maid was running around dressed like that, carrying a stack of flyers, most likely trying to promote publicity.

  "...Wait a minute, Godou, what was that about?"

  Asuka immediately questioned him.

  "That kind of cosplay girl not only knows you, but even calls you 'Uncle'!?"

  "Hmm. It's a long story. There's a shop in the festival opened by some acquaintances. I helped out for a bit, so that's why they call me that."

  "What kind of suspicious shop is that!? I must check it out."

  "Eh? Now?"

  Asuka's threats seemed to be giving Godou pause.

  It's not a particularly strange shop anyway, so I might as well take her there. But that also meant taking everyone else along.

  "It is the shop opened with Lu Yinghua's support, right? I have no objections."

  "Ah, the one from Hong Kong... Right, I too, feel a little curious."

  Since Liliana and Yuri supported the motion, Godou yielded and nodded in agreement.

  They arrived at a certain classroom on the third floor of the school building.

  Nanami, Sorimachi and Takagi, backed by Hong Kong's Lu family, had opened the "China Cat-Eared Maid Cafe and Tea House" with business in full swing.

  "Business today is lively as ever."

  Upon witnessing the prosperity of the shop, Godou commented casually.

  A continuous stream of customers had formed a long line at the entrance.

  The place offered brewed Chinese tea as well as Chinese dimsum delivered directly from the "main store" at Akihabara. The cosplay team of China cat-eared maids was standing on duty to serve customers. The mandarin gowns emphasized the curves on their body, and the high-slit dresses were quite daring and sexy.

  Authentic Chinese style. The reason for the long wait in line was obvious.

  The team of China cat-eared maids was composed of employees sent from the Lu family's maid theme park in Hong Kong (to customers they appeared to be girls studying at the school).

  The Three Idiots' original proposal of "Cat-Eared School Swimsuit Maid Cafe" was vehemently opposed by the girls, and was thus altered to the current form.

  "I knew it, wearing swimsuits when there's no pool would have been quite strange..."

  Godou concluded as he surveyed the surroundings.

  However, the girls eventually relented on the cat-ear issue as a result of the Three Idiots begging on their knees.

  "Not some kind of suspicious shop, right?"

  "It's really borderline... However, why are you the 'Uncle'?"

  Asuka glared at Godou as they waited in line.

  In truth, it was the maid team's boss, Lu Yinghua, who addressed Godou as "Honored Uncle"... However, let's keep quiet about that. Trying to explain the whole story would take forever.

  "Ohoh, it's my dear friend!"

  The one calling out was Nanami.

  He had just stepped out of the neighboring classroom they had borrowed to use as the kitchen and backstage.

  "Thanks to you, the shop's business is booming on its second day... Though losing the "Cat-Eared School Swimsuit Maid" concept is painful, we obtained the current overwhelming success instead. This is all thanks to your introductions — don't be modest, Kusanagi."

  "Hmm, well, it's good to be of help. But 'dear friend' is too much."

  "Kukuku... What a modest fellow you are. However, thanks to this I finally understand something. Kusanagi, your satisfaction as a riajuu[10] only runs skin deep — you are actually tired of plain and ordinary life, for you are a man who yearns for excitement and the extraordinary!"

  G
odou was shocked to hear his secret exposed.

  The deadly battles of the Devil King Campione were obviously unknown to Nanami.

  "I... As a fellow comrade, I understand. Kusanagi, your eyes swirl with dark burning flames only possessed by men who pursue the way of the maid enthusiast."

  "Ah, this? No, I don't have that kind of interest, you must be mistaken."

  "Hohoho, you have yet to realize it, that's all. I feel it is necessary to guide you along that path with something I have specially prepared. Here, borrow this for now."

  Nanami went back into the classroom and took out a paper bag.

  He shoved the object over. Contained in the bag was a handheld gaming device and a software package.

  "But I don't usually play games."

  Godou looked at the software. Its title was "English Proper Maid Story — Maid Amy."

  On the packaging was an illustration of a girl. Without particularly ostentatious colors, the modest yet subtle design somehow felt rather attractive.

  "Try playing it when you have the time. You should be able to experience the shocking revelation of a lifetime... Oh no, I was in the middle of going out to buy something. Sorry I have to go. See you later!"

  "You sure make strange friends everywhere..."

  Seeing Nanami leave noisily, Asuka was just about to have another outburst.

  "—Ah, Hikari. Yes, so you have already arrived at the school?"

  Yuri had taken out her cellphone to answer.

  She was giving directions to the China Cat-eared Maid Cafe.

  "Will little Hikari get lost? Let me go pick her up."

  "I believe she is very competent. Do not worry, we will wait for her here while we line up for the shop."

  Yuri offered her opinion with a gentle smile.

  It was true. Godou recalled Hikari's personality and nodded in agreement.

  After ten minutes, the Mariya family's second daughter arrived.

  "It's been a while, Onii-sama. Same for Liliana-neesama... Ah, I've never seen you before. Hello, nice to meet you. I am Mariya Yuri's sister, Mariya Hikari."

  Hikari not only greeted the people she knew but also bowed her head towards Asuka. Her attention to detail was well beyond a typical sixth grader's. However, her next words belonged to no ordinary elementary school student.