Chapter 4 - Conference of the KingsPart 1Magic originated in Europe.This was correct from a geopolitical standpoint, but not quite accurate interms of cultural anthropology.The strange techniques of magic and wizardry have existed in the cultureof every country in the world. The majority of powerful magic a.s.sociationsdid start in Europe, but that does not mean that their local magic is themost proper or mainstream.In fact, even in recent times, many western magi have devoted their effortsto researching eastern philosophy and civilization.Take for example yoga, the Indian mystic art which relied mostly onincantations. Chinese wizardry included Taoism, Feng Shui, or the doctrineof the Five Elements.j.a.pan, the land of the warrior, was also a suitable research subject thatenamored many western magi, and the eight million kami^ unique toj.a.panese spiritual faith was also a popular topic of research....Unexpectedly, the Mariya family also had close dealings with those kindsof foreign researchers.The Mariya family were originally courtiers in Kyoto, but due to vastdifferences in stature, they were neither prestigious nor wealthy.This blood line produced many women with exceptional spirit powers overthe generations.The current generation"s Yuri was also the same, and like the other girlswho were entrusted to shrines and monasteries to work as nuns or miko.This tradition had been going on for the past few centuries.Due to this blood line, the family had substantial influence in religious andwizardry related areas.Also during the Meiji and Showa eras, there was a Mariya family elder whowas granted the t.i.tle of baron, and was a socialite who took an interest inwestern culture.Westerners — had many dealings with those with knowledge about magic.The Mariya family provided hospitality to researchers who visited j.a.pan fortheir studies, and facilitated their research. If the guests came fromEurope, they would even take them out to tour and have fun if theopportunity arose.Hence, though it appeared that Yuri grew up in a traditional j.a.paneseenvironment, in reality she was well accustomed to interacting withforeigners.Daily conversation could be handled in English, and she had theexperience of visiting Europe a couple of times....Due to this family situation, it was somewhat ironic that it created anopportunity for her to be imprisoned by Sasha Dejanstahl Voban."It was four years ago when I invited you and the others to Austria, hownostalgic."Voban narrowed his eyes as he spoke.They were in the library reading room that he had taken over by force.Crossing his legs, he sat on a rough lead pipe chair. However, the way hesat was like a monarch sitting on a royal throne.Condescending and rude, arrogant and grand —"I was extremely bored that time, and was trying to get a good hunt,however, I seem to have become a little too famous, and the [HereticalG.o.ds] are not coming out. Unwilling to show themselves to me, this hasbeen one of my headaches."The only ones listening to him were Yuri and Liliana Kranjcar.Voban"s att.i.tude and tone were very calm, but his personality was theopposite. In fact, his actions were often extremely selfish and full ofblasphemy."I have several privileges, and one of them includes the right to choose myhunting prey... However, I have no interest in hunting rats. Only the strongare worthy of being hunted by me."He laughed.The Devil King who had slaughtered many G.o.ds was showing a hideouslydistorted smile with his lips.As terrifying power flowed out continuously from his tall thin body, lightflashed from his sharp emerald evil eyes like the irises of a ferocious tiger."A deity suitable to be my prey — this was a problem I had yet to solve thattime. The mysterious ritual to summon a [Heretic G.o.d]... If this ritualsucceeds, then I should be able to enjoy myself for a while — "The incident four years ago — recalling his anger when Salvatore Donis.n.a.t.c.hed away the summoned G.o.d, Voban"s smile disappeared from hislips.He turned his stern gaze towards empty s.p.a.ce."I now want to make the same challenge as four years ago, so just like lasttime I need your cooperation — ah, but you don"t have the right to refuse,because no one can refuse what I, Voban has decided."Four years ago, in order to complete the [G.o.d Summoning] spell whichwas regarded by many high level magi as extremely difficult, Voban hadgathered talented miko from all around Europe, and used their mikopowers to summon a G.o.d. Since it happened to be during the summerholidays, it turned out to be an unfortunate coincidence for the Mariyafamily who had been invited by friends in Austria.A miko of Mariya"s caliber was very rare even in Europe.Which was why the subordinates of Voban immediately discovered her intheir mission to capture talented miko, and determined her to be a worthysacrifice to offer to the Devil King."Hen, after all you won"t be able to escape, so just go with the flow andenjoy our hospitality, how"s that?"The Devil King"s evil eyes glowed with green light.Yuri felt terrified. Her legs — starting from below the knee were surroundedby a layer of faint light, and as they rapidly turned white all feeling was lost.The evil eye authority which turned people into salt.Right now, she was being targeted by that power. By transforming just apart of Yuri"s body, it was as if Voban was trying to show off that hepossessed the ability to control this authority with precision."Marquis, this joke has gone too far! If this girl dies, there is no otherreplacement.""I"m not going to do something that stupid. But your suggestion has merit,to waste such rare excellent talent on a game would be a shame."Voban lowered his gaze the moment Liliana gave her warning.The legs, which had become white inorganic matter, immediately regainedtheir original color and feeling was restored. Yuri felt relief from the bottomof her heart."One would not immediately behead the chicken that laid golden eggs...You have such a valuable disposition that I can"t be sure how much willremain after your death, so please don"t force me to try such anunnecessary experiment."Voban smiled again.This was a smile with a kind of humorous feeling, a smile full of jeer."My servants are all residents of graves, you wouldn"t want to become likethem, right?"Voban whistled with his fingers.A figure suddenly appeared behind his back.Wearing a tattered jacket filled with countless open cuts. It seemed to be aonce ill.u.s.trious battle outfit, and there was some kind of crest embroideredon it.On the belt secured around the waist was a sabre.The helmet easily reminded one of a knight from the thirteenth orfourteenth century.However, the greatest characteristic was the pallor of death. It wasundoubtedly the face of a dead person, expressionless, hollow, andeyeb.a.l.l.s with dilated pupils. The only difference from a real corpse was thelack of a rotting stench.( — This is a [Dead Servant]!)Yuri recalled one of Voban"s authorities. The power to dominate those whodied directly by his hand to become completely obedient servants.If one were to resist him, that would be the end result.This was probably even more horrible than being turned into salt. A deadperson has no lifespan, and would never obtain peace once fettered bythis old Devil King."The G.o.d who resurrected from death — restoring the body that was tornapart, retrieving life, and descending upon the underworld..."Suddenly, words flowed out of Yuri"s mouth.The [Dead Servant] had provoked a reaction from her spirit sensingpowers. A G.o.d"s figure appeared from behind Voban"s back. It was acrowned G.o.d whose green skin was wrapped by many layers of bandages.Most likely, this was the G.o.d of life and death who was vanquished by thisold man.The G.o.d who ruled the cycle of life and was the consort of the mother earthG.o.ddess, and finally became the ruler of the underworld."Oh? You know how I usurped authority from this G.o.d?"Voban asked with his eyes narrowed."Try explaining it. Show me the level of your power.""No, no. She probably just suddenly thought of those words. Please don"tbe too concerned — ""I will be the one to judge that! Silence is forbidden! Speak!"Yuri"s body shook at the roaring reproach."...The G.o.d whose divine body was killed, I know his name to be Osiris andan Egyptian deity."Spell words were summoned by resonance between the powerful spiritvision and the G.o.d.Consigned into speech, the spell words revealed the G.o.d"s sacred name.Voban nodded, satisfied with what he has he heard."Truly amazing, choosing you was correct."Voban smiled as if he was very happy. Every time Yuri saw the figure ofthat G.o.d, she felt crushed by despair.Amongst the divinities of ancient Egypt, Osiris was considered one of themore powerful G.o.ds.The father of Horus, the G.o.d of the harvest for the previous generation ofkings. The G.o.ddess Isis who excelled at magic was his wife. Unable toreturn to the living world after his body was cut into fourteen pieces, hebecame the ruler of the underworld.How could one face a monster who defeated a G.o.d like that?Yuri could only feel despair, like a heavy burden weighing on herbody — then she suddenly remembered the words he said yesterday."If something like that ever happens again, please call me earlier..."The sincere and kind words from the youth whose existence was similar tothe old man before her eyes. He possessed the authority which allowedhim to fly to those in need who called upon his name.— But, no way.Yuri thought he did not have a chance of winning.Kusanagi G.o.dou cannot defeat Sasha Dejanstahl Voban. Yuri understooddeeply since she had made contact with both kings. Though both belongedto the level of Campiones, their difference in power was overwhelming.The old man had already mastered his special powers, but the youth wasstill unskilled.It would be like a kitten challenging a tiger, Yuri"s spirit sense declared. IfKusanagi G.o.dou fought with Sasha Dejanstahl Voban, the old Marquiswould be the victor without a doubt.In order to avoid getting Kusanagi G.o.dou killed, Yuri did not call out hisname.Part 2It was around dusk, and droplets of rain gradually began to fall from thecloudy sky.Kusanagi G.o.dou and Erica Blandelli were leaving Jounan Academy, andon the road home.A few days ago during gym cla.s.s, when Erica was playingbaseball — rather, Erica had awakened her love for baseball by striking outall the boys. And then today after school, dragging the unwilling G.o.doualong, she made an a.s.sault on the baseball club." — Come make a bet and see if any of you can hit a ball pitched by me!"Erica challenged the official players of the baseball club loud and clear.G.o.dou pitied from the bottom of his heart the baseball club memberswhose curiosity was roused by the challenge.Furthermore, the famed starting catcher of the baseball team was going toact as Erica"s a.s.sistant today. In other words, Erica could pitch as much asshe wants. The weak baseball club, which always lost in the first match inthe qualifying rounds of the National High School Baseball Championship,had zero hope of winning.G.o.dou decided it would be safer to accompany Erica rather than go off todo something by himself.Finally, he decided to step in by the time he witnessed Erica successfullystriking out the eighth player in a row."Subst.i.tution! I will replace the next batter!"G.o.dou shouted at the ninth batter who was walking towards the battingposition with tears in his eyes."Oh my, G.o.dou, I feel like you are plotting something.""Your atrocities stop here. Let me show you that an amateur is nothing butan amateur!"Smiling on the pitcher"s mound, Erica fearlessly faced G.o.dou who pickedup a metal bat.The one-on-one battle between the pitcher and the batter —First was a foul. Second was a strike. The third was caught by the catcher.The fourth was a ball.Erica who had insisted on throwing straight pitches till now, suddenly threwan outcurve pitch. Furthermore, it was a high speed outcurve pitch as fastas a straight pitch!Even a baseball club pitcher who set their goal on the NationalChampionship would not be able to throw such a curveball so easily.Though he was surprised by Erica"s atypical athleticism, G.o.dou still hit theball. A sharp hit sending the ball flying beautifully between the third baseand the shortstop....In reality, G.o.dou had already predicted such a ball midway.This morning, lying beside the pillow of the sleeping Erica, was a baseballcomic based on real techniques. In addition, the comic was opened on apage which described the outcurve pitch in rigorous detail.— Still, what if she really succeeded in that kind of pitch...If she entered sports seriously, she would probably reach world cla.s.slevels. What admirable talent.G.o.dou thought as he watched the dissatisfied face of Erica."G.o.dou you broke my hard earned winning streak, can"t you read themood?""For someone who has played baseball seriously for nine years, I couldn"ttolerate watching that any further! Even though I fully understand you arean amazing fellow, but please behave yourself."The two of them held an umbrella each as they walked home under therain.Before, they were only acquaintances during a visit to Italy, but it hadbecome much different now. By the time G.o.dou noticed, it had alreadyprogressed to a relationship where they saw each other throughout the dayand walked side by side. The feeling of ill fate was clearly increasing.Lately, G.o.dou had many secret worries.There were times when Erica"s presence had a kind of femininity whichexceeded all other girls from the same age. This feeling only happenedwhen G.o.dou was by her side.As light as wind, without a single worry, a feeling that being together wasthe most natural thing in the world.This was a bad omen. Perhaps if this situation with Erica became evenmore intimate, without warning there will come a day when G.o.dou wouldno longer be able to refuse her advances..."What is it now, G.o.dou, you suddenly look so distracted, did you discovermy new allure?"Erica smiled all of a sudden.A gorgeous and charming smile like a blooming flower of j.a.paneseCamellia. It"s true, such frequent close contact isn"t going to work. G.o.doutook a step to the side and decided to keep his distance away from Erica."No, it"s nothing. Don"t make random guesses.""Oh, nothing huh? Ah, that"s right, I just thought of something nice."Erica gazed as G.o.dou as if she had ulterior motives, and suddenly spoke.Closing the umbrella held on her right hand, she snapped the umbrellawith both hands."Oh no, the umbrella is broken, what shall I do?""Hey! Didn"t you just break it yourself, what are you talking about!?"Erica was trying to lean close to G.o.dou and take shelter from the rainunder his umbrella.G.o.dou wanted to push her away, but realized it would be impossible toaccomplish by strength alone. Desperate resistance would be futile. Ericahugged his left arm tightly and whispered in his ear."Isn"t this great? Two lovers sheltering from the rain together like this isquite nice? Unless you actually want to see me wet?""Til lend my umbrella to you! Go away quickly!""But in that case, wouldn"t you get drenched? Please hold the umbrellaproperly. Ah, the rain has dripped on my shoulder, could you come a bitcloser?"Without waiting for G.o.dou"s response, Erica leaned even closer.G.o.dou felt desperate as the warm and soft body pressed upon him.Those proportions like a G.o.ddess and the stimulating sensations from theshape of the body transmitted through the school uniform. Furthermore,the breath blowing at his ear hinted how close her lips were.Under such an atmosphere, Erica could very well be aiming for somethinglike a kiss. G.o.dou must escape as quickly as possible!"Hey, stop it, Erica. This is in the middle of the road and there are manyobservers. Don"t you think it"s inappropriate for high school students on theway home from school?"Since force will not work he had to try some other method, thought G.o.douas he frantically spoke."For lovers, this kind of behavior is perfectly acceptable. Ah, a kiss in therain, it will be my first time. Same for G.o.dou, right?"An opponent that cannot be handled by little tricks.Erica approached with her lips as she ardently spoke in a soft voice. Justas G.o.dou made the decision to struggle from this witch and escape with allhis strength."If you don"t have enough umbrellas, how about I give you a ride? In return,I do hope you two can listen to my request."Interrupted by a calm voice, Erica immediately separated herself fromG.o.dou"s body.A battle stance — G.o.dou felt surprised that Erica had switched to a highstate of alert. It greatly contrasted with her appearance of a girl who mightcook while humming a tune.Her gaze was directed towards a young man standing before them."My name is Amakasu Touma — have you heard of the History CompilationCommittee? I do errands for that organization, pleased to meet you."A man wearing a creased suit and carrying a black umbrella.Wearing gla.s.ses, he gave off a "good-for-nothing" kind of feel."Actually, we have a working relationship with Mariya-san. Last time duringthe incident with Athena, we provided a lot of help and support from thebackground."G.o.dou nodded.The battle with Athena had plunged Tokyo into darkness and destroyedmany public facilities. G.o.dou had heard from Yuri that the HistoryCompilation Committee had been busy throughout and after the incident,trying to control the spread of information."Uh, what do you mean? I don"t quite understand, however, what is it thatyou want to ask me?""G.o.dou, please don"t act so friendly, he is probably one of those peoplewho want to make use of your power.""Well, that goes the same for you and me. We"re both birds of a feather.Also, this time our interests are aligned."Amakasu forced a smile at Erica"s accusation. However, his expressionbecame serious immediately."It"s an emergency situation and time is of the essence. We wish to borrowyour power — Mariya-san has been kidnapped and the culprit is SashaDejanstahl Voban. Are you aware of this?""...What!?"G.o.dou felt deeply shocked by this unexpected news. The name he heardmentioned yesterday and the fact that Yuri was kidnapped."Marquis Voban? I can hardly believe it. It would be plausible for him to goto China where his enemy Luo Hao was located. But coming to this islandnation in the Far East, isn"t that too strange? And what reason does hehave to kidnap Yuri?"Erica"s tone of voice was contemptuous and clearly full of suspicion."It"s not entirely without cause. That young lady actually knew the MarquisVoban from a long time ago. There was once an incident... Anyway, it isurgent right now, can you please put aside your doubts and come alongwith us?""Ok, where are we going?"G.o.dou answered immediately to Amakasu"s humble request, without aninstant of hesitation or pondering."Yes, I hope you can understand this sudden and suspicious request — theonly one who can battle with a Campione is another Campione.""I will help, so let"s go to Mariya"s location immediately.""Uh, it"s really ok?"Amakasu felt surprised by G.o.dou"s immediate answer, as he was preparedto continue his words of persuasion.G.o.dou nodded, but Erica beside him frowned."G.o.dou, please don"t take in such lies so easily. Would you show a little bitof wariness please.""I know. But how can I stay calm knowing that a friend is in danger?"Erica"s warning was correct. Though he didn"t admit it, G.o.dou agreed withher.No matter what, he also had the "news" provided from last night."Actually last night Salvatore Doni that brat called me. That busybody toldme about the Marquis Voban coming to j.a.pan, and though he was talkinglike an idiot the whole time, I"m sure Erica knows he is a guy who doesn"tlie, right?""Sir Salvatore?"Though he was a problematic character, but Salvatore Doni was not a manwho lied.A man who was totally useless when faced with deceptive situations. Acomplete failure of a man who would try to solve every problem with asword."Well, if that"s the case, then there should be no mistake. If that personrevived then who knows when he might be coming to trouble G.o.dou, don"tbe careless...""Yes, Erica. It might be troublesome if you got caught up in another conflictwith a Campione, why don"t we part ways here?"G.o.dou made a suggestion to the companion chattering away.Last time the fight with Doni seemed to have brought Erica much trouble.After all, he had become enemies with the Campione who was known asthe [Chief] in Italy. The Copper Black Cross she belonged to had orderedall a.s.sistance provided to G.o.dou to be terminated, but Erica ignored it.The issue was not resolved, and the relationship with Doni entered astalemate.It could end up being another huge issue. The Balkan Devil King probablyhad a strong influence over the Copper Black Cross as well.That place was unexpectedly close to Italy. However, Erica shook herhead."G.o.dou do you plan on abandoning me this number one knight and goingto meet a Devil King? I will not follow such a stupid order. You are stillunfamiliar with these matters, so why don"t you just accept my helphonestly?"G.o.dou scratched his head at that arrogant face.Whenever Erica spoke like that, it was usually feigned stubbornness thatstemmed from consideration for him. These feelings contained shynessand grat.i.tude."Amakasu-san, right? So this is the plan, take us both to where that oldman and Mariya are located. We will try our best.""Thank you, King. Your a.s.sistance is greatly appreciated!"Amakasu glanced at G.o.dou and Erica separately, and lowered his head ina very pretentious manner.It was almost like the motion of a comedic actor.Part 3Amakasu drove G.o.dou and Erica to Aobadai.A library located in a quiet residential neighborhood.G.o.dou felt perplexed that Voban and Yuri were at such a place. Whywould it be a library — was his honest feelings about the matter.Deciding to let Amakasu stand by in the parking lot, G.o.dou and Ericastepped into the library.— A sudden attack.A figure clad in tattered clothing slashed at them with a sword."An enemy!""Leave it to me, G.o.dou you go ahead."It was the entrance to the library.To be attacked at such a place by some weird swordsman, G.o.dou felt thathis life was still full of trials and tribulations. G.o.dou smacked his lips as hetried to discern what kind of enemy it was.Erica summoned her beloved sword Cuore di Leone and elegantlychopped down her opponent.It was a man wearing some kind of long-hemmed clothing on his uppertorso with a cape-like jacket. He was using a broad longsword skillfully likea master, but the face under the helmet completely lacked spirit andambition.Almost like a dead person — this thought made G.o.dou shudder with horror.In reference to games and movies, "zombie" might be an apt description.Having thus named the new monster —Another swordsman appeared before G.o.dou."Oh, another one!?"Wearing the same attire as the first, another corpse-like swordsman wascharging towards them.Erica only gave a glance.When she knocked down the first one, Erica held the advantage, but shedid not expect things to end so quickly. As expected, another one camealong attacking.She successfully dodged using pure reflexes, but could not evade thesecond strike of the tachi^!G.o.dou believed so as he kicked forwards.G.o.dou used the essential actions of a forward kick to send the (clearly)dead person"s body away. As he faced the second attacker, G.o.dou feltdisgust at the increasingly powerful defensive and offensive capabilities ofhis own body."G.o.dou, please hold on for a while, I will take care of them soon enough.""Then I"ll thank you beforehand... To be honest I don"t think I can take anyof them alone."G.o.dou answered with a troubled expression to Erica"s encouragement.This was because the authority obtained from the G.o.d of war Verethragnacould not be used without numerous troublesome conditions.A sword master far beyond his own capabilities, but was not someone withunnatural strength like a brown bear, or several tons of heavy body ma.s.s,and definitely not an evil criminal oppressing the populace.In such a case, G.o.dou had no chance of victory.G.o.dou hurriedly retreated, planning on maintaining a distance.Only a few steps away from the sword. The instant deciding whether towait or to go on the offensive."Death knight who possesses an extraordinary history, please forgive mypointing my blade at you — however, that important person there is the kingwe magi respect, and no amount of insolence will be tolerated."The girl"s awe-inspiring voice resounded.A cute but non-seductive voice full of sweetness, it reminded one of qualitysteel — tough yet flexible."The crownless king engaging in suspicious investigations, please listen tothe pledge of the knight Liliana Kranjcar."The owner of the voice was a young maiden, approaching with casualfootsteps.She possessed a silver ponytail, and a rigid beauty like a western doll.Furthermore, her slim figure was like a beautiful fairy. A girl who carried asurreal atmosphere around her."I am the inheritor of the berserker"s stone tablet, the descendant of thecrusading knights. My heart speeds across the sky. Winged king of theknights, appear in my hand with the essence of dreams!"A silver sabre appeared in the hand of the girl who introduced herself asLiliana.The sword was slender and elegant, drawing gentle curves."Come, the foundation of my might, II Maestro!"Wearing a cape with blue and black vertical stripes, her blue and blackbattle outfit greatly resembled the red and black upper garments worn byErica.Liliana exhaled and stepped forward.Holding her sword she cut her way into the s.p.a.ce between the seconddeath knight and G.o.dou."Ah Lily, when did you come to j.a.pan? It"s been so long!"Erica seemed to know the girl armed with the sabre.First using a feint with her sword to confuse the first death knight, Ericacasually sent a second horizontal slash at her opponent"s body.After receiving such a blow, the death knight"s body turned into ash andscattered upon the ground."Do not act so friendly, Erica Blandelli, I am not your friend, and there is noreason for you to call me like that."Though they knew each other, it seemed like they didn"t have a goodrelationship. Liliana was responding with an unyielding tone of voice."Are these dead people the servants of the Marquis Voban?""Yes, have you heard of [Dead Servants]? They were released by theMarquis to take care of intruders — knowing your existences, they willdefinitely come to you looking for trouble!!"While talking to Erica, Liliana continued to watch her own opponent withvigilance.The second death knight attacked her straight on. At the same time, Lilianaalso swung her sabre downwards in front of her.Sword struck sword violently.One would have expected the sword guards to clash, but it did not happen.Using some kind of technique, Liliana advanced forward while using hersabre to deflect the death knight"s sword.A flash of the sword.Slashed open by a diagonal cut, the death knight also turned into ash.Crumbling like a sand castle on a beach, he disappeared in a dry manner."...Thank you, I"m saved.""No, this level completely cannot count as a crisis for a Campione. I wantto apologize for making a [King] dirty his hands fighting a death knight.Please grant your forgiveness."G.o.dou wanted to thank Liliana who saved him from a tough situation, butended up receiving an apology.Erica laughed to herself from the side."What are you talking about, Lily, you probably joined in happily to relieveyour acc.u.mulated stress anyway.""Quiet, I do not have any acc.u.mulated stress. Do not make things up."Liliana frowned as she spoke.What kind of relationship did these two have? G.o.dou listened to theirdialogue with great interest."I know, you were at the place the Marquis lived, and likely came alongtogether, right? It is true that your grandfather is a worshiper of theMarquis, and to think he even sent his own granddaughter away so easily."Hearing Erica"s speculation, Liliana"s face changed. The hunch was likelyright on target."However, knowing your overly righteous att.i.tude and the rumoredcharacter of the Marquis, you definitely do not get along, and there aremany things you cannot speak out against. Isn"t that a lot of stress?""Be-be-be-be quiet! Do not talk like you saw it with your own eyes!"Liliana tried to prevent Erica from speaking further with a brusque voice....Perhaps, this girl was another victim who Erica played around with.G.o.dou couldn"t help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Liliana.Looking so innocent, it was clear that she was no match for Erica." — Kusanagi G.o.dou, there is absolutely zero basis in the things your loveris saying. Please forget them. Yes, I am the follower of the Marquis Voban,however, as a knight there is nothing dishonorable about it. No, without adoubt, absolutely none!""Ah, I get it."G.o.dou politely nodded his head at Liliana who was denying with her facered.He also tried to correct a point of concern."By the way, Erica is not really anything like my lover. That, truly isbaseless...""You do not have to cover it up. Our information network is already fullyinformed about your l.u.s.tful depravity — no, pardon me, intimate relationshipbeyond the bounds of normal friendship. Given the skilled techniques ofthat female fox, playing around with a young king is easy beyondcompare.""Don"t talk like I have been deceived by Erica, that information is wrong!"G.o.dou yelled reflexively in response."Excuse me. However, Sir Salvatore has stated "that girl has cut inbetween G.o.dou and I, and is very obstructive." Besides, your denial iscompletely unconvincing..."Liliana mentioned a name that could not be ignored.How much more will that idiot create trouble for me? In his heart, G.o.doufelt the rise of a sudden murderous impulse."So Lily, have you seen Sir Salvatore lately?""Do not call me Lily. Only on the day before I met the Marquis Voban — SirSalvatore was still recuperating, and described what transpired that nightwith great detail. In addition, he also talked about you with great pa.s.sion."You — Liliana threw a glance at G.o.dou as she spoke.It felt like the kind of revulsion a girl obsessed with cleanliness would feelafter seeing something hated."Ah, did that fellow say something strange?""..."It was a night I will never forget for the rest of my life. I absolutelycannot forget the night so pa.s.sionate like a dream, and blindingly bright assummer fireworks. I offered my all to him, and he responded witheverything he had. At that time, it felt like the world only contained the twoof us, and all else was irrelevant." Something like that."At that moment, Liliana lowered her gaze, her cheeks blushing slightly."I am not qualified to comment on two [Kings] having that kind of immoralrelationship, but if permissible, what I wish to say is, those kinds of impureactions with Erica are very unhealthy for a male. As for this kind ofdishonest two-timing behavior... Ah, please forget what I just said.""Don"t have such weird misunderstandings, all I did was fight the guy!"Uninterested in G.o.dou"s yelling, Erica spoke."I told you before, you have too many openings, which is why you let allthese strange fellows approach you? People like Sir Salvatore, you needto drive them away with determination!""I want to drive them away too, but if they keep coming back for trouble,what can I do!"After answering, G.o.dou took a deep breath.Salvatore Doni was such an infuriating man. Anyway, that wasn"t importantnow, just forget about it, and devote all attention to solving the task athand!Determined, G.o.dou asked Liliana."Uh, so that old man named Voban is inside, right? Can you take usthere?""That was what I came to do. Please come this way."Liliana walked towards the depths of the library. The meeting with theoldest Devil King was about to begin.Part 4G.o.dou reached the second floor of the library and walked into the s.p.a.ciousreading room.The tall old man and the white-clad Yuri were there.Unlike the rumors of a mad dog, the old man"s appearance was veryintellectual, with a wide forehead and deep-set eyes. Though tall and lean,his body did not give an impression of being weak. Perhaps it was due tothe upright posture of his entire back.Wearing a neat suit, he seemed like an old gentleman."Kranjcar, you were very violent towards my servant."The old gentleman — Sasha Dejanstahl Voban suddenly spoke.It was not a reprimand, but held more of a mocking tone."My apologies, as a knight, I incorrectly judged insolence against the [King]and raised my sword. I will accept any punishment.""Those kinds of servants are a dime a dozen, take no heed of it."Answering as if playing around, Voban looked bored and gazed at G.o.dou.It was the kind of gaze which seemed rather arrogant."You look quite young, but come to mention it, I also become [King] aroundyour age. Name yourself, youngster. I suppose you know my namealready, but I do not know yours.""My name is Kusanagi G.o.dou. Please return my friend."G.o.dou reported his name without using honorifics.After hearing about the exploits of this old man, G.o.dou had no intention ofapplying his usual respect for elders.G.o.dou glanced at Yuri"s condition. She looked a bit pallid, but it did notseem like she had suffered any serious attack. She was watching G.o.dou"sface with a worried expression."Why!? Kusanagi-san. Coming to this place because of me!""What are you saying, wouldn"t it be problematic if I didn"t come? Anyway,are you ok Mariya? Have they mistreated you?""I will not do anything that stupid, this miko is very useful to me."Voban cracked his lips open to reveal a sarcastic grin."However, youngster, who is this girl to you? Family or wife? Or lover? Iam sorry, but she will be mine.""Don"t joke around! If you want to summon a G.o.d, do it yourself! Don"tinvolve others!"Before reaching here, G.o.dou found out the gist of things from Liliana.Whether Voban"s goal, Yuri"s necessity, or the dangers of the [HereticalG.o.d] summoning ritual. There was no reason at all to let this old mancontinue with his heinous acts.Thus G.o.dou reproached him loudly.Voban yawned as if bored, and was completely unaffected."Youngster, this is a gathering of kings. I apologize for the rudeness ofentering your territory without consent. However, do not mistakenly believethat your words can change my intentions. If you request something from a[King], should you not prepare to pay the price?""Price?""Yes, a miko to replace this girl, and one that can summon a G.o.d to be myprey. Without this, there can be no deal."The old man did not seem to want to waste words. It looked likenegotiations could not continue.G.o.dou smacked his lips. Was there any way other than a show of force?According to rumors about Voban, he was a believer in [Power]. It seemedlike there was no other way but to display the power he possessed — theauthority usurped from the Persian Warlord.Just as G.o.dou was agonizing —He noticed Yuri looking at him like she was begging him, as if silentlypleading something.— Was it due to anxiety?G.o.dou felt doubt, and released the right fist which had clenchedsubconsciously, and relaxed his shoulder.Yuri nodded greatly, so the guess was correct.(But then, how should it be done...)Just now, the words "use force" had crossed G.o.dou"s mind.Was there no further meaning in talking with Voban?Even if Yuri had not stopped him, it was something to be avoided.He himself, the one who always preached to Erica about "living a peacefullife with common sense," should find an easier solution to the problem...At this time, Erica took action.Until now, she had been waiting in a corner of the reading room withLiliana. However, she seemed to have noticed G.o.dou"s hesitation, andwalked over before the [King]."...No good, the issue has become complicated, could you stand down?""No, my king. I apologize deeply for my tardiness. We better follow theadvice of our ally Sir Salvatore — please be decisive."With a glamorous smile refusing G.o.dou"s request, Erica provided counselwith the tone of voice of a loyal subject.Voban immediately reacted to those words."Oh, an ally? This cannot be ignored, girl."To the old Devil King who had taken a slight interest, Erica gracefullybowed and introduced herself."Honored to meet you. I am Erica Blandelli — the Great Knight of theCopper Black Cross, and the current [Diavolo Rosso].""Paolo Blandelli"s successor? What was the meaning of what you justsaid? Could you explain it?""Yes, allow me to proceed."Erica"s pupils seemed to contain a certain brightness like a happy andnaughty child.Obviously there were no good intentions."I don"t know if you have heard, but my master Kusanagi G.o.dou and ourItalian [King] Sir Salvatore had an intense battle that ended in a draw.Furthermore, this battle nurtured a bond of friendship between two[Kings]."G.o.dou could feel cold sweat from his back.It was definitely said, that four years ago, the one who foiled the old man"splans was Salvatore Doni."Nothing was nurtured at all! We fought, yes, but there is nothing remotelysimilar to a good relationship!""Hoho, though my king says so, but he is definitely intimate with SirSalvatore. Isn"t that right, Liliana?""Why are you asking me? ...Yes, it is true."Being asked so suddenly, Liliana answered rather displeasedly.If you"re not really friends with Erica then don"t be so cooperative!G.o.dou yelled, but it was too late."Sir Salvatore is really concerned about G.o.dou-sama"s matters... Ratherthan an ally, perhaps he would be happier if it was described as somethinglike a mutually loving or brotherly relationship."From the sight of this, she must have been played thoroughly like a doll byErica.As he pitied Liliana, G.o.dou raised his head and looked towards the sky."...Yes. To be confirmed by a knight of the Bronze Black Cross which isenemies with the Copper Black Cross, youngster — you are Salvatore"s ally,there can be no mistake about that fact.""In addition, there is one more thing about my master"s victory a monthago. Would you like to know?"Erica added more fuel to the fire.Voban did not answer, but motioned for her to continue with his eyes."The G.o.ddess Athena — a powerful deity requiring no explanation.However, Kusanagi G.o.dou fought and defeated her a month ago, but lether escape just before the very end, and did not usurp any authority...""Ho, even if you are bluffing, please do not overdo it."It changed.Unlike the rumors, the old man full of intellectual airs changed his att.i.tude.That posture was as sharp as swords, and as ferocious as charging wildbeasts.Sitting on the chair as if it was a throne, he started to shake lightly.Soft motions of the body, like those of a feline beast. It was unthinkablethat an old man could be producing them."You say he fought Salvatore to a draw and defeated Athena! But he hasnot even slaughtered a single G.o.d! Hahaha, to have accomplished all that,fighting that stupid fool with no other tricks than his sword, and making anenemy of the ultimate G.o.ddess of darkness? [Diavolo Rosso], what didSalvatore really say?!"The old Devil King asked as he laughed with great mirth."Yes. That was what he said. As [King] as well as the senior visitingpersonally from afar, the Marquis would definitely want to have acompet.i.tion of strength. He even said something about understandingabout an elderly body, and something about bowing down in service to thepower of the young...""Never! No matter how much that fellow messes around, he would neversay something so ridiculous!"However, it was too late.Voban looked very happy, and was smiling mercilessly."Good. To make an opponent out of a brat who has not even been [King]for a year was not my mission. However — feel honored, for I will playalong."The emerald green eyes, were flashing brightly.Eyes of a tiger. G.o.dou felt himself out of breath as he thought of such adescription for the intensity of those eyes."Brat — as you have requested, take this girl back. However, in exchange,you and the girl will become the prey for my hunt."Voban violently grabbed Yuri"s arm and threw her towards G.o.dou.G.o.dou frantically received her delicate body in his arms.Yuri"s body was trembling slightly, her face pale and bloodless, as ifextremely frightened. G.o.dou lightly stroked her back with his hand tocomfort her."Thirty minutes. Take this girl, and go wherever you want. I will set off fromhere thirty minutes later to take the lives of you and the girl. You can hideanywhere you want. I will pursue to the corners of the world in order tohunt down and corner you. These are the rules of the hunt, understood?"At this point, there was no other way but to play the game.G.o.dou prepared himself, and silently nodded.References1 . t Kami (#) is the j.a.panese word for the spirits, natural forces, oressence in the Shinto faith.2. t Tachi (i^JJ) is a type of traditional j.a.panese sword worn by thesamurai cla.s.s of feudal j.a.pan.