Campione 02 Page 3

  "Ohoh, it's the battle between the mistress and the wife." "It must be time for Godou to confess his sins." "Kusanagi that fellow, when did he start getting so close to Mariya?" "Idiot, the two of them must be childhood friends." "Is that so? So because Mariya failed to recognize her feelings for Kusanagi, the result was the intrusion of Erica from Italy!?" "Choosing between the Japanese legal wife Mariya, and the Italian mistress Erica, what an ultimate dilemma!"

  Sigh, the cause of this misunderstanding has its reasons.

  Perhaps due to nationality, most people would think that Yuri and Godou knew each other first. However, the truth was the opposite, but jumping to conclusions could be a scary thing.

  "...This feels a bit noisy."

  "You still don't seem to understand what I am saying, why don't we change locations? To the roof then, a less conspicuous location."

  Noticing the people around Yuri discussing all sorts of theories excitedly, Godou made a proposition.

  It was already impossible to converse in such an environment, and Godou gave Erica a look. Truly expected of a comrade, she immediately understood and neatly wrapped up the food on the table.

  Godou took the hand of the miko-sama who seemed to be in a trance, and walked towards the classroom exit.

  "Ah?" While Yuri realized with surprise she was being led walking by the hand, Erica had caught up.

  —Recently, trying to eat lunch casually has become impossible.

  Godou complained in his mind as he bolted out of the classroom like an advanced attack party.

  Part 3

  It was quite chaotic on the roof during lunch.

  A few people were eating lunch in groups, while others were playing ball. It was rather lively.

  Unlike the classroom, Godou and his group would not attract attention here.

  "Should have come here from the start, finally some peace and quiet."

  "If it's just two people eating lunch normally, then it could be quiet anywhere, do not blame the reason on others."

  Yuri continued to oppose vehemently to Godou who had made the correct choice in location.

  She had also picked up her own lunchbox along the way when they passed by the 6th Class.

  "Today's weather is great, and being outside makes one feel at ease. Isn't this nice?"

  Erica began to eat her sandwiches while speaking indifferently.

  By the way, Arianna had prepared equal portions for both Erica and Godou. Incommensurate with her slim figure, Erica's appetite was extreme.

  "...So, how do Kusanagi-san and Erica-san usually eat lunch?"

  Yuri's lunchbox, on the other hand, was a normal girl's portion.

  As to her holding of the chopsticks, they were used in a most elegant manner. Perhaps she was well taught from a young age.

  "Usually I am being hassled by Erica while being talked about by others."

  "What hassling... Really, there are mountains worth of boys who want to eat lunch with me."

  To Erica who sighed as she spoke, Godou was staring at her with eyes of resentment.

  In reality, to this date, there had been quite a few people who tried to intrude in between the two of them. However, every time they were driven away by Erica who always guessed their intentions.

  ... Since she was a girl, they could not lose their temper and scold her.

  In these areas, Erica was completely flawless.

  Towards boys, she was entirely merciless. With an elegant smile she would say "You're in the way, could you please leave?"

  "If you already know you're popular, could you stop that Queen-like attitude? If you continue to do as you please, I have to take the brunt of the backlash."

  Even though Godou was very displeased, Erica only smiled in a relaxed manner.

  "Isn't that great? To be the exclusive recipient of my love. Aren't there many benefits?"

  "...Sometimes I really admire this self-confidence of yours."

  "If you could respond decisively, Kusanagi-san, I don't believe it would have progressed to this. First and foremost, one must always do things with determination."

  Yuri's voice was filled with thorns of disapproval.

  "Ah, yes." Without realizing it, Godou began to retreat.

  Perhaps it was due to her pointing out the truth, Godou felt like he cannot give a rebuttal. It was completely unlike those times when he argued with Erica.

  "Ah, yes, Godou. That matter, isn't it time for it to be determined whether it is accepted or not? The exact time will be today after school."

  "That matter... is it something that can be brought home?"

  Erica suddenly brought up something that immediately caused Godou agitation.

  Not long after Erica had transferred, she immediately made the request of meeting and greeting Godou's family.

  "In that case, didn't we talk about it already, so you still haven't given up?"

  "Of course. In preparation for the future, winning over Godou's family is a necessary prerequisite."

  Looks like joyfully talking about her deep scheming was one of Erica's most adept skills.

  To this exchange of words, Yuri frowned in a barely perceptible manner.

  "Shizuka-san seems to have heard about Erica-san, and is most wary in a serious state of alert. When this kind of female approaches her brother, it is only natural."

  The younger sister Shizuka was a 3rd year student in the middle school division.

  Since the relationship with the blonde beauty had become the gossip of the school, their relationship was already known. For the sake of harmony within the family, Godou had wanted to prevent this meeting.

  "Come on, visiting my home isn't that fun anyway?"

  "Even if it's not very fun, meeting the family of my lover, and having our relationship recognized officially is very important."

  To Erica's suggestion, Godou immediately rebuffed.

  "We are not lovers, and there is no need for official recognition!"

  "Then there's no other way. Imouto-san is also in this school, right? 3rd Year 2nd Class of the middle school, her register number is 9. Her seat is the second one in the row closest to the corridor."

  Unlike the innocent child this morning, this was the true horrifying face of the witch.

  A smile appeared at the corner of Erica's lip, completely expressing her malevolent intentions. Dominating Godou, causing him to admit defeat from the depths of his heart.

  "The grandfather who retired 6 years ago from the university position of professor of folklore studies. Living carefree nowadays and taking up all the chores of the household. The mother works at Yushima."

  "Why do you know so much detail about my family?"

  "Since Godou did not introduce them to me, I decided to investigate a bit. To suddenly visit and meet them would be quite strange, so I have been waiting for you to invite me... However, there are times when one must take action for oneself."

  Cornered by Erica, Godou only had two choices.

  To let Erica introduce herself in a situation when Godou himself was absent, or to bring Erica to the house, and face the family together. Which would it be? That was the question.

  "Sigh, I still can't think of a better solution..."

  Godou was becoming further agitated. Was there a less risky option—?

  Certain of her victory, Erica was chuckling proudly to herself. Was there really no trump card to reverse defeat—yes, there was a way.

  Right here beside them, was another girl.

  Godou looked at her frowning face full of propriety.

  "Mariya, would you happen to be free today after school? If it's convenient, could you come visit my home? Along with this girl—Erica."

  Godou tried to ask with total sincerity.

  Yuri stared at Godou with a lost expression.

  "For m-me to visit your... home, Kusanagi-san?"

  "Yes. If I bring Erica to my home, I cannot restrain her by myself. If it's possible, could you help keep an eye over her—"

/>   "I see... In that case, I do not mind."

  Yuri nodded as she glanced at Erica.

  "Indeed, Kusanagi-san, letting your family meet Erica-san would probably be a dangerous matter. A sudden visit to a boy's home is a little unusual. But given that is the situation, it cannot be helped. I have no choice but to accept."

  "Thank you, Mariya... You won't mind, right, Erica?"

  Counterattack success! Godou returned a smile of victory.

  Erica seemed slightly impressed. She smiled and nodded.

  "Godou... Do you really think your little trick can stop me? Do not underestimate this [Diavolo Rosso] so easily."

  "Hmph. I won't do as you wish forever, be prepared for that."

  At that time, Godou still had not realized he was digging his own grave.

  Part 4

  Uh, did he do something wrong?

  Watching the delicate expressions on Shizuka's face, Godou felt troubled.

  If it was just himself, he definitely would not be able to control Erica. With Yuri's help however, there should be a way.

  —Then what was the matter with this bad feeling?

  After school, Godou and Erica, as well as Yuri walked back to the Kusanagi residence.

  Walking for roughly ten minutes from Jounan Academy, they reached the shopping street in Nezu of the Bunkyo ward.

  In that area was a closed down Japanese book store and the home of the Kusanagi family. Godou led the two girls into the living room.

  "You're home, Onii-chan. Yes, listen to me. Grandfather said that tonight's dinner is hand-rolled sushi—Anyway... let's go shopping together..."

  They were greeted by Grandfather Kusanagi Ichirou and Shizuka who had already returned from school.

  After half a day, her mood seemed to have improved, and the younger sister's speech had become more relaxed—however, her state was rapidly deteriorating mid-sentence.

  The grandfather calmly smiled at the two girls his grandson brought home.

  "Ah... what should I say, you even brought some friends."

  "Yes, all sorts of friends..."

  As she finished speaking, Shizuka finally greeted Yuri as her senior in the club activities.

  "Hello, Mariya-senpai. And that one over there must be Erica-san who has a close relationship with Onii-chan? I already know... from rumors."

  "Hello Shizuka. Haven't I introduced myself on the phone before? A pleasure to meet you, grandfather. I apologize for my sudden intrusion today. There are things I must talk to Godou's family about, if I may?"

  Erica greeted them with a most lady-like smile.

  When she acted like that, one cannot help but marvel at what a perfect high class lady she was.

  "Hoho... Let's take your seats first, I will prepare the tea."

  And so, everyone came into the living room of the Kusanagi family.

  Around the large table sat Godou with Erica on his right and Yuri on the left. Opposite was Shizuka with an intense glare, while the cheerful grandfather sat on the side.

  Somehow it evolved into an awkward atmosphere along the likes of "hopeless, you rascal." Why was that?

  Grandfather suddenly addressed Yuri.

  Perhaps it was because Yuri spoke less than Erica, so he became a bit curious.

  "Yes, I am Mariya. My utmost apologies for today's sudden intrusion. Shizuka-san and I both belong to the same tea ceremony club."

  "Then that means you're Shizuka's senior, right? Did you become friends with Godou due to Shizuka?"

  Grandfather nodded at Yuri's earnest greeting and thoughtlessly asked.

  However, the one who answered this loaded question was Shizuka.

  "That has no relation to me whatsoever. Onii-chan and Mariya-senpai's relationship suddenly became close at some unknown point in time, and they even met secretly behind my back during weekends."

  Godou began to realize the mistake he had made.

  Although the overall strategy was correct in bringing Yuri as an ally, the unexpected result was greatly increasing the battle spirit of the adversary (the younger sister).

  However... it was still too early to write it off as a failure.

  With his will to fight rising, his targets have also increased to two. However, if the will to battle has increased, but the targets have doubled, then it will still be tough to handle.

  "When did Onii-chan and Erica-san meet is also a mystery as well. When we talked on the phone last time, no one would have thought she was foreign due to her excellent Japanese. Onii-chan and Erica-san's relationship seems to be extremely close? It's already the talk of the school."

  Shizuka also began to direct her enmity towards Erica, and started a two pronged attack.

  Now was the key moment, and Godou immediately responded.

  "In truth, Erica should be the one closer to me, but that's it. Even for Shizuka, you must have many close friends, right?"

  "Yes, I have many friends. However, I have never had a friend who made an engagement-like declaration on the first day of transferring into the school."

  Shizuka rebuked her brother's question flawlessly with another reference to Erica.

  It would be necessary for evidence to be provided by this blonde witch in order to prove his innocence. Godou made a decision as he waited for her to speak.

  ...Erica showed what seemed like a smile of pity.

  As if boasting she can win as a challenge, Godou suddenly felt very displeased.

  "I am very sorry that the matter of Godou and I has created such kind of rumor."

  "There is no credibility coming from the person who created the rumor. Isn't the one who forced me into all this trouble you yourself, Erica?"

  "Don't, don't say it like that... there was no forcing at all."

  Erica swiftly held out her hand.

  By the time he realized it was no good, it was already too late—Godou's right hand on the table had been clasped by Erica's right hand.

  It wasn't exactly fast.

  Rather, it was a slow, elegant motion. However, Godou still wasn't able to evade.

  ...When one skilled with swords chops down with a shinai (bamboo blade), even a fierce warrior will not be able to escape. This is truly one of Erica's amazing skills.

  "Anyway, about that, why don't you answer properly, Godou. You're just not being forthcoming enough. But then again, this is one of your cute points."

  Shizuka's gaze was beginning to look as if it was colder than freezing temperature.

  The obvious reason was the pair of hands which appeared to be harmoniously holding each other.

  "No, it's not like that. Do not misunderstand. It is Erica's brute force which is holding my hand down."

  "Onii-chan is the worst! Your denials are futile."

  Godou was trying with all his strength to extract his hand from Erica's grip.

  However, this blonde devil easily suppressed it with a relaxed expression upon her face. Not only that, she was acting as if lovingly caressing Godou's hand, trying to intertwine their fingers intimately together.

  Godou truly hated the magic which granted this woman such demonic strength.

  What if he tried to stand up with all his might, would he be able to escape from such a skill?

  No, he would not.

  There was one time when he had been in a similar situation. He ended up losing balance, falling to the ground, only to be hypnotized and played around with. At times like these, this witch only knew how to press her advantages to the limit and pose with perfect victory.

  "Erica-san, please have some restraint with your pranks!"

  Godou felt relieved from the loud cry which echoed. Truly, bringing her here was the right decision.

  "Shizuka-san and grandfather, please allow me to explain the situation. Perhaps you may find it completely unbelievable and a pack of lies to cover up the truth. However, Erica-san and Kusanagi-san are not in a boyfriend girlfriend relationship."

  Yuri's voice was awe-inspiring, and truly reliable.

/>   Sounding like the clear pure tone of a bell, even Shizuka began to focus her attention on her senior's face.

  "Before, Kusanagi-san has sworn in front of me—that he definitely is not going out with Erica-san. Should this oath be false, he will gladly submit to death without a word of objection. I, at that time did believe that Kusanagi-san was not lying. No, I wanted to believe."

  ...It was a month ago, the night Athena was defeated and repelled.

  In order to convince Yuri who insisted that Godou and Erica terminate their unhealthy—no, lover's relationship. Godou had come up with this solution, and even swore an oath with his life as forfeit.

  The result was, at the very least Yuri acknowledged Godou's opinion.

  "Admittedly, these two people have a very unhealthy relationship, and it is completely unacceptable. However, it is due to Erica-san's despicable attempts at seduction, that Kusanagi-san has been hassled to within an inch of his life."

  Yuri's defense continued. Eh? Does this still count as defending?

  "To be honest, this person really tries hard, but always seems to be doing inexplicable things, and never considers the trouble he brings to others around him. He is hopeless, and a person who doesn't know how to lie. One would hope that he would strive to keep his promises, but the end result is he fails the majority of the time."

  Erica on the other side, was silently laughing away.

  Since her grip had relaxed, Godou hurriedly withdrew his right hand. But why? There was no feeling that crisis had been averted at all.

  "If he cannot prudently reject Erica-san's advances, then Kusanagi-san should show more determination in his contact with Erica-san. Waking her up every morning is spoiling her, and leaning your bodies close to each other, to be honest it is totally an eyesore. Though you have completely failed on all accounts, I believe you are innocent, even if it is not my intention."

  At that moment, Godou finally realized the error he had committed.

  Asking for reinforcements was correct. But this was Yuri, who always spoke truthfully without any knowledge of tact. Was she an appropriate ally in such a situation? The answer laid there.

  "How is it? Kusanagi-san and Erica-san are not going out, can everyone understand?"

  To Yuri's sincere gaze of questioning, Shizuka nodded her head.