Campione 08

by Trials of the Devil Kings

  "Hey Gennaro, you should be a relatively sensitive person. Isn't this a wonderful occasion?"

  "So annoying! You are a little girl who chatters away without end!"

  Roaring at the graceful Erica Blandelli was the driver, an unrefined man.

  Gennaro Gantz.

  A Great Knight belonging to the magic association, the [Copper Black Cross].

  His massive bearded appearance was full of solemnity and completely concealed his mere age of nineteen. One could easily mistake him for twenty-five or six in age. He was not very tall but extremely well built. A patterned bandanna, wrapped around his head, made him look like a pirate who had jumped out from a movie screen.

  "If it wasn't our great leader Paolo who made the request, 'Please give my niece a ride,' and therefore impossible to refuse, I wouldn't have said something like 'Leave it all to me!' without a thought!"

  "Precisely, your inability to come up with a pertinent manner of refusal shows how slow-witted you are. Truly hopeless."

  Retorting at nineteen-year-old Gennaro, Erica was only twelve at the time.

  However, her adult-like beauty and slender figure as well as lady-like demeanor were not typical of her age.

  "Since I have no wish for you to drive and you don't want to be anywhere near me, look, our interests are aligned. But you have agreed to Uncle's requests twice already... How about it, let me give you a lesson on the basics of social etiquette right now?"

  "Give me a break, I'll never be able to remember your sharp-tongued manner of speech!"

  Erica was not sitting on the passenger side next to the driver but on one of the back seats.

  Obviously, it was to avoid sitting beside Gantz.

  Both of them were knights and members of the [Copper Black Cross].

  In the world of magi in southern European countries like Italy and Spain, "knights" meant Templar Knights. Of course, the real Order of the Knights Templar recorded in history — the "Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon" had already disbanded in the early fourteenth century.

  However, a small number of people survived.

  There were those who inherited their magic and martial arts, as well as those who inherited their wealth.

  These people, who continued to call themselves "knights," were not simply magi but also special ability users skilled in martial arts and priding themselves on their noble spirit of chivalry.

  (Originally, Templar Knights were supposed to be members of Christian monastic orders — commonly called monks, but this distinction blurred over time, allowing women like Erica to become knights. The original Knights Templar did not accept women as members.)

  Whether Erica or Gantz, both were comrades who aspired to the same ideals of chivalry.

  But their fundamental incompatibility could not be overcome.

  Born in Reggio Calabria on the southern tip of the Italian peninsula, Gantz was a wild and rough but good man with a kind heart. On the other hand, Erica was an elegant young beauty born and raised in the northern Italian metropolis of Milan, as well as being the little princess of the prestigious House of Blandelli (and even tracing their ancestry to a Devil King Campione).

  The difference in upbringing was an unbridgeable gulf.

  Furthermore, as the closest rivals, the two of them were inevitably going to compete for the [Diavolo Rosso] position. This was the title of the premier knight representing the [Copper Black Cross].

  They were members of the [Copper Black Cross], one of the top magic associations in the world.

  On the other hand, not all members were Italians.

  Particularly for talented members amongst the core leadership, many were recruited from various countries. However, it was customary for the commander-in-chief and the [Diavolo Rosso] to be selected from Italians. And amongst the young and talented destined to rise to ranks of the core leadership, Erica and Gantz were the only two Italian-born knights.

  This was the fundamental reason why they always maintained their distance from each other.

  The present generation's [Diavolo Rosso], Paolo Blandelli, was Erica's uncle.

  His request for Gantz to take care of his niece must have been an attempt to improve relations between the young candidates for core leadership... It carried such sentiments.

  — But anyway, the sports car driven by Gantz was now racing across the Tuscan fields.

  Their destination was a village roughly twenty minutes away from Florence.

  This was an old monastery probably established during the Middle Ages. Rumored to have been built as a stronghold, its surrounding stone walls were of sturdy construction.

  After Gantz stopped the car on the outskirts of the premises, Erica got off together with her baggage.

  "The means of return has already been prepared so there is no need for you to wait here. I wish you well, Gennaro. Though it wasn't a delightful journey, it is necessary to express thanks for your efforts."

  "If you want to say thanks, be more upfront with it! Bye!"

  Gantz left and drove off in a hurry.

  Erica walked towards the monastery.

  Her extraordinary talent had already been recognized at the age of twelve, and she had been officially awarded the title of "Knight" two weeks earlier. Receiving a blessing at this place was customary for new inductees like her.

  ...In that case, that other girl was likely here as well.

  She had heard that there was another who received the title around the same time at another magic association, the [Bronze Black Cross].

  "Just as I thought, exactly as predicted."

  A familiar girl was standing there in the garden of the monastery.

  The beautiful silver hair was kept straight and long. Delicate facial beauty made for a perfect combination with the slender and glamorous figure, producing an appearance akin to a fairy descending upon the mortal realm from the moon. However, the girl's profile revealed a stern expression. Despite her young age, her eyes shone with a resolute luster of knightly pride.

  Like Erica, she was twelve years old.

  Similarly, she was a prodigy from a prestigious magic association based in Milan.

  Standing before Erica was Liliana Kranjcar whom she had already known for the past ten years.

  "Greetings, Lily. Truly, our fates are bound together tightly as ever."

  "...Please do not call me using such an intimate nickname. Furthermore, our meeting here is not coincidence. Instead, it should be described as inevitable. You too, came here to receive the 'sword'?"

  Her stiff manner of speech suited neither her age nor her gender.

  This was, of course, part of Liliana's personality, which Erica smilingly accepted.

  The silver-haired childhood friend was flawless in appearance and intellect, but lacked lady-like aspirations. She would make a good knight, a good wife and a good mother, but she would never become a flower of the court like a salon patroness.

  "Yes, it is exactly as you say, Lily."

  "Hmph... I already reminded you and here you go acting intimately without any mindfulness."

  Whether Erica, who never changed her ways, or Liliana, set in her displeased expression, both of them were here for the same purpose.

  It was customary for new knights in northern Italy to be bestowed their personal sword at this San Gilardino Monastery (of course, it was limited to just the knights of the seven prestigious magic associations).

  Weapons used by knights were all specially crafted.

  Taking steel smelted through alchemy, master craftsmen forged and polished them into blades further strengthened through alchemy — only such swords and spears were worthy of being treasured.

  Ever since ancient times, this monastery had been the holy sanctum where young knights were bestowed with weapons and blessed.

  It was said that the Medici family in Florence at the height of the Renaissance was already managing this industry.

  "Having been summoned here specially, allow me to
express my deepest gratitude. Erica Blandelli pays her respects today as invited."

  Noticing the approaching monk, Erica greeted gracefully.

  Since she was visiting as a knight, vulgar behavior would not be tolerated.

  Erica Blandelli's assertive yet graceful personality made her the center of attention in the vast majority of situations.

  "I am the eldest daughter of the Kranjcar family, Liliana. I shall be in your care."

  In comparison, Liliana's greeting lacked individuality and common pleasantries.

  Despite being a knight with a witch's disposition, as well as possessing great potential rivaling Erica's, she only applied herself towards being a soldier no matter what.

  "For a long time, I have heard much about you two prodigies of Milan."

  The monk in a black habit was a man in his prime who replied calmly to the two girls' greetings.

  Despite the loose fitting garment, it was apparent that the man's physique was very well-trained.

  From his approaching footsteps and the manner he carried himself, his extraordinary martial arts was readily apparent. As befitted the leader of the monastery of swords.

  "It is truly delightful to witness such outstanding talent from the two girls hailing from prestigious families. This monastery will perform the blessings for the award ceremony and bestow weapons worthy of chivalric honor. May you one day follow in the footsteps of our predecessor Saint Raffaello."

  "Yes, in order to become a praiseworthy knight, I shall strive to improve myself."

  Liliana bowed her head in response to the monk's polite words.

  Doing everything by the book was in her character. But acting in all seriousness did not suit Erica, who wanted to say something more interesting.

  "As newcomers like us, I am extremely touched by this rare occasion... By the way, speaking of following in the footsteps of Saint Raffaello, it would be most delightful if we can begin emulating with the "Blessing of the Sword" ceremony."

  "Oh?"

  The monk showed emotion for the first time, smiling wryly in response to Erica's politely delivered words of audacity.

  At the same time, Liliana was frowning beside her.

  "Wait a minute, Erica. What is the meaning of such shameless words?"

  "My, Lily, what adversarial interpretations. Listen well then, our esteemed monk here asked us to 'walk in the footsteps of Saint Raffaello,' right? That means learning from the great lady swordsman, the one who received the 'Position of the Knight of the Holy Grail,' as well as being the highest ranking Templar Knight."

  The title of the premier knight at Erica's [Copper Black Cross] was the [Diavolo Rosso].

  [Saint Raffaello] was also a title of similar nature.

  The Florentine association [Capital of Lilies] bestowed the title on the their most gallant knight. The present generation Saint Raffaello was a woman. Though she had retired from the front lines long ago, she was still considered Europe's strongest swordsman.

  "Due to Saint Raffaello's outstanding swordsmanship, a special exception was made and two swords were bestowed instead of one, becoming a legend passed down in this monastery."

  "That's right, it's the Twin Swords of the Lion and the Master Musician."

  Erica's eloquence forced the monk's wry smile to become even more severe.

  Finally, Liliana erupted in an expression full of anger and glared at Erica furiously.

  "So in other words, Dame Erica, let us imitate the story of Saint Raffaello and bestow you with two swords, how about that?"

  "Please do not joke of such matters! No matter how much you wish to follow in the footsteps of the great knight, going that far would be too disrespectful!"

  "—No, I was not suggesting that. Besides, it would be too impertinent."

  Met with their objections, Erica's beautiful face smiled like the devil.

  This was completely unexpected. This was Erica Blandelli, the one who always accomplished what no one could predict.

  "A few years ago just before her retirement, Saint Raffaello paid this monastery a visit, bearing her two bestowed swords. Back then, she said 'rather than have these two swords accompany an old lady like me, why not give them a more befitting mission of helping young knights in their adventures?'"

  With that, she had returned the two famous magic swords.

  "Having learned of the above story, we, Erica Blandelli and her ally, Liliana Kranjcar, wish to come here as the new masters of the twin swords."

  With extravagant words, she expressed her wish.

  The elderly Saint Raffaello had exited the world stage a long time ago.

  (To be precise, she belonged to the same era as Italy's highest ranked witch, Lucretia Zola.)

  The anecdote of her retirement was picked up while researching the details of various top European magi.

  "Seeking to receive two swords at once like Saint Raffaello would, of course, be too impertinent. However, if we were each to receive one of the twin swords left behind by the great predecessor, there is nothing impertinent about inheriting her will. I implore you to satisfy my wish."

  After all, if a sword was to be bestowed, it was only natural to wish for a better one.

  Erica had planned this from the start. Taking into account that Liliana happened to be around to satisfy the requirement for the twin swords, it was perfect.

  However, the silver-haired childhood friend and rival still bore an expression of displeasure.

  She was struggling against opposing emotions — anger at being used by Erica's scheming on one hand, and intense temptation offered by Saint Raffaello's twin swords on the other.

  "I see. I now understand Dame Erica's wish."

  The monk went from a wry smile to a complete laugh. What was going to happen next?

  The famous "Twin Swords of the Lion and the Master Musician" reappearing in the world once more and bestowed upon new users — such an event could not possibly happen without widespread report.

  "However, in actual fact there are conditions here that you two may not know. The great one has retired in seclusion in the vicinity of Florence. In response, this monastery proposed to her the following — we entrusted Saint Raffaello with the twin swords again together with the task of personally testing prospective new users to see if they were worthy of receiving the swords and continuing her legend."

  So that was how things worked. It required meeting the legendary paladino for her personal approval.

  Erica nodded arrogantly, while Liliana suddenly became greatly emotional.

  "What... Not only do I get to meet Saint Raffaello, but also the chance to inherit her magic sword — What are you dallying for, Erica, hurry and let us set off now!"

  "What's come over you, Lily, with this sudden motivation?"

  The unexpected intensity of her childhood friend's enthusiasm seemed to be slightly ruining Erica's mood.

  "I have always wished to follow the same path as my admired idol, Saint Raffaello. Though it is with great reluctance that I yield to your conniving schemes, it is of no importance at this time. Let us go meet her immediately! Go!"

  "......Well, I see now."

  Once roused, Liliana's passion knew no bounds. The silver-haired childhood friend essentially acted in complete accordance with Erica's predictions.

  Though manipulating her was a simple matter, there were times when she exceeded expectations. In those occasions, even Erica found it difficult to keep her in check. It was exactly like the type of girl who is so simpleminded that she is impossible to understand and unexpectedly difficult to handle.

  "So, esteemed monk, where does Saint Raffaello live?"

  "For real...? Actually, we don't know either."

  The monk gave a perfunctory answer to Liliana's impatient question.

  "Saint Raffaello apparently thinks that this sort of information should be found out by yourself. That is why she disappeared into seclusion without letting us know."

  "Oh my... this turns out to be un
expectedly challenging."

  Erica smiled, intent on taking on the unforeseen challenge.

  There were many villages and roads scattered across the countryside in the surroundings of Florence. Trying to find a woman whose name and face were unknown would prove to be quite a troublesome chore.

  However, this was welcomed. This kind of trouble, I shall overcome as many of them as they present themselves.

  "Other than us, have there been any others who sought the twin swords?"

  Liliana posed another question to the monk.

  "Quite a few. However, almost all of them gave up because they were unable to locate Saint Raffaello."

  "Almost all... In other words, there were exceptions?"

  "Yes, one. No one could have expected such an idiot to succeed. However, that fellow was not seeking to inherit the twin swords. All he wanted was to meet Saint Raffaello."

  The monk cast aside his strict tone of voice for once, using the word "idiot."

  "His swordsmanship was truly exceptional. Yes, having witnessed the skill of so many masters, I've never seen anyone like him. However, he was a complete failure in magic. With such low ability, he was never regarded as a successor candidate in the first place."

  So that was what happened. Erica nodded.

  No matter what, it was useful to know that someone had once succeeded.

  In that case, surely she can do the same. Erica's lips naturally shaped themselves into a glamorous smile.

  It was neither a noblewoman's smile nor a devil's mischievous smile. Rather, it was more like a lioness' smile. An expression fitting for the beautiful female knight about to undertake a difficult and risky challenge.

  — At this time, an unexpected intruder appeared.

  A young man had squirmed his way through the gates of the monastery.

  He was a handsome man with well-proportioned facial features and messy blonde hair, but looked rather haggard and lacking in ambition. Despite his slim physique, it was clear that his body had undergone intense training.

  Around twenty in age or so, he was from the same generation as Gennaro Gantz. Dressed casually in a half-sleeved t-shirt and cotton shorts, everything was wide open and in a tattered disheveled state.