Annie Charlton arrived at the Nanao Shrine outside of Tokyo. She was here to assess what was going on with the Japanese Campione Kusanagi Godou. After the visit by Princess Alice of the Wizengamot, Annie was extemely annoyed with the situation. How could 1 man, Campione or not, even consider marrying multiple women. That was inconceivable in her mind. Also, she was somewhat vexed as she had some uncertain feelings regarding Kusanagi. She didn't really understand them herself, and didn't know what to do about them.
Upon arriving at the shrine. She was immediately stopped by Amakasu Tourma, who was lurking around the peremiter. "Annie-san, what are you doing here?" asked with a very puzzled expression on his face. Also, he appeared to be a little bit worried. Annie approached him and before replying, and scanned the area to make sure that there were no others in the near vicinty. "My campione has heard some rather interesting news about current events happening here regarding Kusanagi Godou. He has sent me here to verify things and see, what if anything, he needs to do about it," Annie replied non-plussed. As she was also the said Campione, she didn't mention that she thought she might need to stop things.
Amakasu sighed deeply. "What have you heard?" he questioned wearily.
"He heard that Kusanagi was planning to enter into marriage with all of the girls that follow him. This is inconceivable behavior in my opinion if it is true." Annie appeared to be quite vexed about it from Amakasu's observation. As this was Kusanagi's business, he didn't feel it was his right to explain it to Annie, but at the same time, he didn't want her to go barging up there to get answers. "Well, you have heard correctly. This is what is happening. However, at this exact moment, other things are happening that make it difficult for him to come explain it to you also. Could I get you to wait for me to find out when he is available to discuss it with you?"
Annie looked rather exasperated and said, "I am afraid I can't wait. I think I need immediate answers." She proceeded to start ascending the stairs to the shrine.
In desperation, Amakasu attempted to block her path. "Please Annie-san, do not approach the shrine. Currently the girls are undergoing testing and training and should not be disturbed."
Annie stopped at that. "Testing you say? Who is doing this testing?"
Amakasu looked around as if looking for someone listening in covertly, then motioned for her to come closer. Quietly he said, "It is the Campione Lou Hao of China."
Annie tried to look shocked since she had already knew that from what Princess Alice had told her. "Well, I am here on an inquiry from John Pluto Smith, so I will be going on in." She returned to climbing the stairs to the shrine. Desperately, Amakasu attempted to block her path, but she neatly side stepped him and quickly moved faster up the stairs.
"Please Annie-san, do not go up there." Amakasu pleaded.
"It will be alright. I will make a quick check and then report back to Smith-sama."
Annie continued quickly ascending the stairs with Amaksu following on her heals. As she reached the top and passed under the Tori of the shrine, she quickly looked around also using her campione abilities to sense the location of any others of her brethren. Instantly she headed towards the main shrines hall. She boldly walked up and opened the shrine door. Inside she saw Godou seat on the floor facing the girls. Interestingly she was expecting to see the 4 attendants of Godou, but instead saw 5 girls. Also, Lou Hao was seated on a throne like chair watching over all of them. In front of each of the girls were traditional Japanese tea sets. Lastly, she saw that there was another young girl with a very unpleasant expression on her face standing next to the throne of Lou Hao with had whip in her hand.
As she entered all eyes turned to her. Lou Hao immediately says, "What is the meaning of this interruption?"
Annie bows slightly and said, "Your Emminence, I believe we have met, I am Annie Charlton. I have been sent by my Campione John Pluto Smith to discover the truth behind some information he received regarding Kusanagi Godou and his attendants. Namely if it is true that he is going to marry with all 4 of his attendants."
Godou quickly arose and headed towards her, "Let us talk outside."
Lilianna's grandfather sat in his study in a foul mood. He absolutely didn't not want his granddaughter to marry that man. He had at first meant to go to Duke Voban to tell him about this, thinking that the Duke would attack Kusanagi thus removing that Campione from the world and ending the issue there. However, after some thought, he figured that the Duke would probably either just ignore him and the kill him for bringing what to him would be a trivial matter. So he decided against that plan. So he sat here pondering how to get Lilianna away from Kusanagi. He had been brooding on it for several days now, and could not figure out a way to get her to leave him.
While sitting there in his foul mood, a subordinate came in to mention a small case of an apprentice caught pillfering some food from the apprentice stores. *With all the weighty matters I am tied up with, such a petty crime as this is rediculous!*, he thought broodingly. Then, as if in answer to the very question he had been pondering, he knew what to do about his grandaughter. Immediately he got up and went to find his servant to get the ball rolling.