Third chapter!
Let's go!
I do not own Campione!
31 July 20XX
After I had left Doni and Perseus, there was really nothing better for me to do than return to the Bronze-Black Cross Branch. Godou nii-sama really went all out with that [Boar], the whole place was a mess. It would seem that Godou nii-sama's skill list doesn't allow him a choice other than totally overpowering his enemies now does it?
I finally met Doni tonight. Should have known that something like that would have happened during the moon's waxing period.
To think that I had actually called that sword-wielding fool my big brother, just thinking of it makes me want to hang myself by my tongue, nonetheless it was but the truth and I had no choice but to accept it.
Getting into a fight with my older "siblings" this early in the game would do no one any good.
Nope.
Not a single bit of profit can be reaped from that.
Nii-sama probably is already tucked into a bed somewhere in the building while nee-sama works out and settles the issues with Bronze-Black Cross HQ. The experience of a battle as a Campione, even if was only as a spectator, really was different from when I was just a normal human. But then again it could have just be that I had killed off Heretic Odin too quickly to actually get to feel what an actual fight between a God and a God-slayer feels like?
Fighting Perseus would without a doubt cost me at least half of my [Shroud] count but the major problem was still the talk with my new Grandfather. Lily nee-sama said that he had allowed me to join his family but I doubt that he would permit such a thing so willingly to a stranger that he had never heard off.
Probably would send me off to some unpopulated place as soon as possible then send an assassin to kill me. Wouldn't put that past an old man well versed to hiding magic from the world.
Dying in the middle of an assignment, a very likely way to die considering what we dabbled in. Lily nee-sama might feel a bit sad and maybe shed a few tears but that would most likely be the extent of her reaction, not that i can tell for sure what might happen if I die.
Leaving behind those grim thoughts, I found myself already back at Branch building. Surprising, Lily nee-sama was outside with a cross look across her fairy like features, crossed arms and was rapidly tapping her right foot against the group. I could tell tat she was angry but surely I did not do anything to further anger her, did I?
"Where were you?! I tried finding you after Kusanagi Godou had defeated Perseus and you nowhere to be found!" She shouted when she noticed me, marching straight up to me.
"Tha-" I tried to explain to her my reason for being late but was swiftly cut off when nee-sama started pulling my ear.
"This is the last straw! I will properly educate you on the manner and actions befitting or a Kranjcar or my name is not Liliana Kranjcar!" I think I did not think out this one properly when I went to look for the weakened Perseus, I mean how was I to know that Lily nee-sama would take her role as my sister so seriously? Yup, I definitely did not think out this one.
It looks like Lily nee-sama had decided to combine this lecture and her promised punishment for me all into a single package, Taking upon herself to educate me on how a Kranjcar should behave while having me kneel in the seiza position, something she learned when looking up on information on Godou? I'm surprised that Godou nii-sama did not wake up during the entire commotion and then there was Karen standing in the corner with that Chesire smile on her face.
Though thinking back to what Karen had said earlier on, about how Erica Blandelli got along well with Liliana.
Erica Blandelli, the Diavolo Rosso.
She pose a threat to my plans that I can not just deny. Erica would find out about my aims sooner or later if I would to follow Godou to Japan.
Should I take my chances and leave her be or should I arrange for her death as soon as I see her?
My actions these two days have caused my fate to be intertwined with that of Godou, Liliana and anybody I would meet after this. No one other than perhaps Apollo can tell whether this is going to end up well for anybody at all but this was the only way for me to meet her while still being able to retain my freedom.
"-You got it? Joel?"
"Uh...Yes, Lily nee-sama?"
"Is there something the matter? You look troubled."
"Oh...It's nothing to worry about...Just thinking about what is going to happen from now on. I mean I am now a Kranjcar and a member of the Bronze-Black Cross, that in itself has its own set of responsibilities and rules to abide by, I don't know if I can meet up to the expectations of those two names. I just plunged myself into the situation without caring for the consequences and now I am second guessing myself. I really don't know what to do about it."
"Joel... No need to worry. As your elder sister, I will guide you through the way. I will make you into a person more than worthy of the name of Kranjcar and the Bronze-Black Cross."
It was the first time someone had said anything like that to me and I couldn't help but feel the edge of my lips lift into a smile.
"Thank you. You only met me yesterday and already you have made such a big decision for me. Thank you."
For all that will happen I am sorry but thank you for trusting me, even for a little bit.
1 August 20XX
Morning came around and everything or most of it was back to normal.
I did my morning routine and then headed back to Branch building.
What I did not expect to see was Yuri Mariya and that woman to be in front of the building.
Erica Blandelli and Yuri Mariya, are they here for Godou? They do know that they are in enemy territory, right?
"Excuse me, Is there a problem?" I asked in Italian. I needed to get the problem of Erica out of the way first.
"Yes, are you a member of the Bronze-Black Cross? We need to get inside as soon as possible." the blonde responded in a tone that would not find itself out of place within the circles of nobility.
"Is there a reason for your visit? If I am not wrong, you are Erica Blandelli and the person beside you is Yuri Mariya. While I would not have any trouble allowing Miss Yuri in, I believe that I would need a acceptable reason if I am to allow a member of the Copper-Black Cross into a Branch building of the Bronze-Black Cross, even if you are a Great Knight."
"Very well, I have heard that my King, Godou Kusanagi is resting in this building and as the person that will be his wife I demand that you allow me to see him."
"And if I tell you that the King is not here, what would you do?"
"I would not believe you, simple as that. While you seem to know me, I on the other hand do not know you and thus I have no reason to trust you." Crossing her arms beneath her bosom as she looked at me, no doubt analysing me at that very moment. Alas, only if I did not have another in my heart, I would tempted to relief Godou of his burden of the Diavolo Rosso.
"True. And if refuse you entry, how would you respond then?"
"I would beat into the ground for your impudence and call Liliana Kranjcar to allow me entry." without a single thought and without a single shred of hesitation she spoke her ultimatum.
I have no doubt that I would be able to win in a battle between her and me but I still preferred my identity as a campione to kept a secret at least until I have met my adoptive Grandfather or until I have gotten tired of sitting on the sidelines.
"Very well, follow me then. I will lead you to the King, Mariya Yuri-san and Erica Blandelli-san." the conversation now turned into one spoken with Japanese. It would not be right to leave Yuri Mariya out of the conversation since it now concerned her and since no more secrets would be spoken. Yuri Mariya seemed genuinely surprised that I know her name.
"Just a moment before we go, mind introducing yourself? I don't have a habit of following a person that I do not know the name of." As expected from the Diavolo Rosso, trying to get as much information on the target as possible.
"Oh you would have to excuse me for that. It completely slipped my mind. My name is Joel Kranjcar and it is my pleasure to meet your acquaintance."
"The pleasure is all mine." Yuri Mariya said hastily with a small bow. If only there were more people like her in the world.
"Kranjcar? What relation do you have with Liliana Kranjcar?"
"I am her husband." Let the games begin!
"HUSBAND?!" Wow...I got to see Erica Bandelli, a Great Knight of the Copper-Black Cross and Yuri Mariya, a prestigious Hime-miko, raise their voice. This is becoming more fun by the second and without a doubt, coming to Naples had just taken first place as the best thing that I had decided to do.
"Yes, her husband. We met one day and got along quite well, then she suddenly said she wanted to marry me so who was I to deny her that." I said matter-of-factly and shrugged my shoulders
"I can't believe that." Wow. Erica being shocked. Just keep the black-mail material coming in.
"Yes yes, I couldn't believe it at first too. Now, if you would follow me. I am sure that Lily would be more than happy to tell you about our marriage after you have confirmed the King's safety."
"Y-yes, I do believe that would be best for now." Erica lost of speech, print screen and saved as image. Yuri Mariya still had her hands clasped around her mouth in shock
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.
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"JOEL!"
"Yes, Lily nee-sama?"
"W-w-what were you thinking?! W-w-what h-h-husband?!"
"Ah...That was just a joke." Nee-sama being flustered like is so cute~Just makes me want to tease her more~
"J-j-j-joke?! Do you think that was funny?! What if word got out? Do you understand how my reputation would have been affected?"
"I will admit that it was very funny nee-sama *Snicker* Also at the time, the only presence within that area, magical or not was only me, Erica-san and Mariya-san. There was no trace of any reconnaissance type magic being used, thus I decided to play this little prank on Lily nee-sama to snap her out of her mood. Godou nii-sama will awake soon enough and it would not do you any good to run yourself into the ground waiting for him. Even if you do not believe me, at least believe in your King's strength as his Knight."
"T-that's true. Sorry to have worried you."
"Not a problem. It is the duty of the siblings to cheer one another after all. Besides, it can't just you helping all the time, I need to show my pride as a little brother, you know?"
"T-thank you then."
"So you're not really Lily's husband? What a disappointment, I thought I could tease Lily about married life."
"Erica?"
"Sorry Erica-san but I am the only one allowed to tease Lily nee-sama. That's a role that I would never give up, not that I would allow any guy to marry her on my watch, though if it was Godou nii-sama then I might consider it."
"Ho ho, what a protective little brother you have, Lily. But don't forget that I am Godou's first wife, so as long as you remember that fact then I would allow Lily into our little group."
"Of course, Erica-san."
"Can't you two stop talking as if I am not here?!"
"Ara, I was just getting to know your little brother, Lily. Why didn't you tell me you had a younger sibling before. Do you think that little of me?"
"I have nothing to explain to you. The forms were just formalized today, so technically I was still an only child till this morning."
"Sniff, does Lily nee-sama hate me that much that she did not want to consider me her sibling until it was formalized?" I think I got something in my eye, let me wipe away that tear there.
"T-that...Argh! I have had enough you two!" there she goes, stomping away. Ah~An angry nee-sama is cute also~
"Not bad, Joel."
"I could say the same for you, Erica-san."
"Just call me Erica. I think that we are going to get to be great friends in the future."
"Likewise, do look after me in the future."
With a handshake, the deal was done. I got on her good side now to just observe her and plan from there.
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.
.
"Ah Mariya-san, is everything to your liking?"
"Yes thank you for the hospitality."
Erica and Yuri were given some accommodation in regards to their status and it seems that the only thing missing was an awake Godou.
"Actually I have a question for you."
"A-a question?"
"Yes, forgive me if I am a bit blunt but I have noticed that you seemed to be avoiding me. Is there a reason to it? Did I do something wrong to upset you?" The situation was troubling. I needed to have good bonds with the people in the group and this just would not do.
"T-that..."
"Yes? Please tell me if there is something I could about it."
"I-it's just that I have getting a weird feeling from yo..."
"...Mariya-san..."
"A shroud of darkness, A spear that seeks and the wisdom of the ones above."
"!" Spirit Vision! Damn! Did she just figure out that I am a Campione?
"Ah..."
"Did you figure anything out, Mariya-san?"
"Unfortunately no. That Vision was definitely about Joel-san but it wasn't really informative but the weird feeling that I was feeling also disappeared."
"Oh. Well at least that is some good news to me. I wouldn't want to be avoided by one of Godou nii-sama's wives."
"Wives?!"
"Isn't Mariya-san another one aiming to become one of Godou nii-sama's wives?"
"How could you think that? As a Hime-miko why would I want to become that troublesome person's wife? Really, Godou-san just keeps on creating trouble for others."
"Well, then I am sorry for the misunderstanding. I will be heading to get some refreshments, would Mariya-san like me to get anything?"
"Then I will get a cup of tea if that is possible."
"Of course. Just wait in the study room. I will get Karen to bring it over to you."
Safe~That was really too close for comfort. Yuri Mariya, truly a person to look out for. That Spirit Vision of hers is going to get to the truth one of these days but there really isn't anything I could do till then. Maybe if I bring her and Godou together then perhaps her Spirit Vision will be focused on him instead. Well that's a plan that I can carry out, Erica also doesn't seem to mind though Godou and Yuri might have a different opinion on the matter.
Such fun!
Such fun!
Messing with them is really so much fun!
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Godou finally wakes up after so long, not that I can blame him or anything, fighting a god really takes a lot out of someone.
It was about time someone else dealt with the girls, it was a whole different sort of tiring and I was also pretty much burnt out. Erica kept on digging for information and I was kept on my toes as to not let anything slip. Yuri on the other hand was calm now but was a little too quiet for my liking, I genuinely wanted to get to know them better though.
"Don't be absurd! Why do I have to be treated this way!?"
"Ara, if I don't spell it out for you, you won't understand? ... You used the [Sword], right?"
- !? The shocked Godou sucked in his breath in a very audible manner. Ah~ I see they started the interrogation, poor Godou, sob.
"W-who told you that?"
"A very kind gentleman told us everything." Oh, that's my cue.
"Ciao~. Godou nii-sama, how are you feeling?"
"Joel? Just fine, I guess."
"The one who gave you the knowledge for the spell words was Lily, right?"
"That's correct. Because I'm the most suited person for doing that. The me who excels at the sword, who is proficient in magic, and also possessing spirit vision, my meeting with my lord, perhaps it might be destiny. If it's me, I will be able to assist my lord in any aspect."
"'My lord', did you say?"
"Yes. With this incident as a catalyst, I've decided to become Kusanagi Godou's personal knight, and I've even sworn an oath. Erica, even though you are my senior, but I do not intend on particularly respecting you for it. Because, if you compare the both of us, I think that in every single way I'm the more capable and talented person."
Liliana proclaimed thus, and...
Ah...Erica is smiling with a 'fufu', and Godou seems to breaking out in cold sweat.
"Really, such a hopeless person... Didn't I tell you that besides your legal wife, you could only have one lover? Furthermore, you didn't even get my permission before laying your hands on someone else. As I thought, I should give you a good stabbing, it's better if I teach you a lesson." Ah, the lecture of the wife.
"Don't use such a cute expression while telling such jokes, it's seriously scary!"
"Seriously, when I tell a joke, I'll at least be classier about it. Right now, I'm simply stating the things that are floating through my mind."
"Calm down and listen to me! Liliana doesn't want to become my lover, she wants to become my knight!" Ho, just look at that smile go on her face.
"Godou, those two phrases have the same meaning, you ought to learn some rhetoric and debating skills. These shallow excuses of yours for your infidelity, aren't interesting at all."
"What infidelity are you talking about! Mariya, don't just keep quiet, say something!"
"Does that look like a Knight's face to you in the first place?" Hiding your face behind your hands while blushing, how can my sister be so cute?
"Digging your own grave certainly applies in this situation. Doesn't it, Godou-san" Yuri is right, Godou in actual fact just effectively dug his own grave.
"Eh?!"
"That's true. Just as Erica-san has said, maybe if we let you get stabbed once, Godou-san might regret and repent for the sins he has committed. For the sake of doing battle with the Heretic God, that kind of reason, stealing a maiden's lips is simply too vicious, that kind of action is just like that of a sexual offender, a path of evil."
It would seem that Godou never expected Yuri to use Buddhist-like speech to reprimand him, but even so still decided to resist to the bitter end.
"B, but just think about it... Mariya and I... the time when we did that, isn't it the same as the situation that happened this time? Isn't it fine if you didn't describe it like that?"
"No. That time was a completely different situation."
"Eh? That's not it?"
"Definitely different. Anyway, your actions this time and our actions then are as different as the sky and the earth. The raving lies you are giving as excuses, are only to downplay the severity of your crimes."
"Oh? Godou nii-sama has received [Instruction] from Mariya-san before? Do tell do tell, this is something I want to know about."
"Joel-san!"
"Hai! I will keep quiet now." Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned and I knew when to stop.
2 August 20XX
Even with a Campione's level of healing ability and if what I was told was correct, healing from Athena, Godou still required the rest of the night and the morning to get back onto his feet, not that I am complaining or anything. Let him take as long as he wants to recover for all I care, no, I would prefer if he took forever to heal since it would mean that I would not need to go to the Kranjcar main house.
Oh yeah, yesterday I went to meet Perseus and through tears, blood, sweat and laughter and a healthy usage of 27 out of the 32 [Shrouds] that I had originally, I was able to beat that idiot. It was quite a thrill, thinking about my first actual fight with a Heretic God really gives me the chills. Hey, that rhymed! Anyway, it was quite a straightforward fight since I do not have as high a quantity of Authorities nor are my available ones able to be used for anything other than pummelling someone with brute force and power. I called [Gungnir] and cloaked it with [Shroud] while Perseus called his sword before we fought in close quarters combat. It was really quite a lucky shot on my part, I mean I was fighting a hero from ancient Greek myths and a chieftain god of the sun from Babylon all rolled into one, if you think I could have won through anything other than luck and determination, you are sadly overestimating me though I accept the praises nonetheless.
Rush the guy before he finishes his speeches and you have a high chance of catching him off guard when you just started the fight. Then the standard one on one fight between a semi-adept spear user and a master sword user then finally for the finale, a point-blank shot of [Shroud] when I had a chance and a newly cloaked [Gungnir] aiming for that idiot's heart while he is stunned by the earlier shot, I like to see someone stop that...Maybe I shouldn't have said that, I think I just jinxed myself...
Liliana was not happy at all when I returned in the dead of the night again. She had asked where I had been and in a moment of quick-wit I told her that I fell that long stairway that had led from the upper areas of Naples to near the sea after slipping on a banana peel where sent tumbling down into thankfully considerably empty trash can that had housed two very cats that scratched me to kingdom come before I pried them off my body when I was on my walk. It was tall tale but a probable one and it seem that while she was still suspicious, my sister had accepted my excuse. However that still did not let me escape from lecture she gave me after disinfecting my wounds and tying my more serious wounds a little bit too tight. I think she also spiked the drink that she had gave me caused I don't remember sleeping so soundly or till such a late hour, by the time I woke up it was already close to noon.
Returning back to today's agenda, meeting the current head of the Kranjcar family is a sink or swim thing. If it goes off well then the foreseeable future is clear and safe if not then I would be doing quite a lot of country hopping and I doubt my wallet can take another hit like going to another country. The stress was killing me! Big life-changing events tend to do that people.
The Kranjcar Family originated from Russia but did not like the idea of Communism and how it was spreading throughout the nation, thus they decided to migrate to another country in hopes of keeping their family strength and traditions. The head at the time, apparently Liliana and now my Great-grandfather, had a pretty hard time deciding where to move the family. He had to find a place that would be easy for the family to blend in but at the same time allow the secrecy to continue to practice their magic.
The countries around Russia at the time weren't too welcoming of the Russians even if they did not display animosity openly so that shrank the list by quite a large number. A few more were struck off due to how nosey the people could be at times while one had been discarded as a potential home due to how the family would have been attacked on sight. Eventually Italy was selected as their new home and the presence of magic cabals like the Bronze-Black Cross was an added bonus to the head.
This was the history of how the Kranjcar came to be in Italy and how they were apart of the Bronze-Black Cross, at least that was what I was told by Liliana.
The current main house was in the countryside and would take us half a day's travel from Naples by car. Godou and the others were going to back Japan as Godou and I quote, "need to get back otherwise Shizuka will nag again." A younger sibling of the King, even if she is not aware of her brother's status and place in society, and the brother seems to fear her, no it would be more correct to say that he just finds it troublesome to appease his sister's anger in this case. What a person I have to be related to.
Though the prospect of meeting a "normal" sibling in a sense does have a certain sense of allure to it. I am sure that once I have experienced a few months of magic and Gods, a place of normalcy would be the thing that gets a person across his everyday life. A person that is constantly highly strung is a person that will burn out very fast, it would do me good to learn to balance both the magic and the "normal" sides of my new life if I like to keep my sanity and my eyes on my goal.
The ride itself was quite pleasant and the scenery that I had seen was really something I would not have seen ever if I had stayed in the rustle and bustle of city-life. We had been picked up by a black BMW 5 Series Touring and a butler from the main family, a nice but silent guy by the name of Andre. The car itself was something I had seen in one of my biological father's car magazines and it once piqued my interest as to why a person would want to read a magazine about cars and especially about cars that he knows are out of his reach and financial ability to get. But never mind about him, that part of my life already has no value and does not concern me in anyway whatsoever any more.
The drive was passed in relative silence, with only me asking a few questions about what I should expect or how I should act. Sadly to say, it would appear that Liliana also does not have a clue as to what to do in this kind of situation. My case of blackmailing a Great Knight and her family in such a way was something never seen before and Liliana is also unsure of what would happen when I reached the main house. Liliana had also put in some effort to get to know me better and I happily obliged, it was not as if the information that I was telling her could come back to bite me in the future, I personally made sure of that.
The two of us actually had some of the same interests and hobbies and the thought of reading and writing fiction together with someone made me quite happy to say the least, it was not what I would have called a well looked upon hobby where I use to live. My parents in the rare moments where they actually "cared" about me had decided that I should not be doing something like writing fiction since it would not help me in the future at all. Needless to say, I wasn't exactly thrilled to have something I wanted to looked down upon so I only wrote in secret when the two of them were not home. If I did not remember wrongly, the last time I had actually penned down anything was after one of Hecate's daily visits.
One day...Sooner or later but without a doubt, my goal would be accomplished.
By the time we had reached the main house the sun had already setted. The place was a European manor coloured in blue, black, white and gold in accordance to the colour scheme of the Bronze-Black Cross. I should have expected something like this coming from the leader of the Bronze-Black Cross. The front yard would have been quite a sight if I actually had adequate light to see them with, though I supposed that it would have to do tomorrow.
Reaching the entrance to the manor, we were greeted by only three maids in the same uniform as Karen. The place was surprisingly empty considering that it belonged to one of the most powerful man in Italy, I was expecting a lot more people under the employment of my Grandfather.
One of the maids took the small bag of luggage that I had with me while Karen and the other sorted out Liliana's stuff.
I could not help but let my eyes wander to admire the interior designs of the manor. The hall was covered with black and yellow wallpaper, dimly lit by the chandelier above our heads. Usually I would have said that the place was unwelcoming but for some reason I just felt that it was more homely then where I had ever lived before.
"Joel, follow me. We need to go and greet Grandfather and sort out the rest of the documents." said Liliana, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Hai, Lily nee-sama." Time to get my game face on. I have my entire script memorised and practised in my head and if everything goes according to plan, I would have one of the most influential magic cabals in the world under me.
The walk down the corridors that held several paintings and sets of armour to where our grandfather resided took longer than expected, clearly the place was bigger than it look from the outside. A permanent form of a spacial distortion spell cast upon the entire building perhaps? Quite a good way to deter and mess up the plan of anyone stupid or brave enough to dare and try to trespass into the place in any case.
Twisting and turning down the not-so-endless corridor we finally reached the throne roo- I mean Master study.
"Grandfather, it is I, Liliana. I have brought Joel with me." My sister said after knocking on the door three times.
"...Come in" came a gruff voice after a while, one that you would expect from a man in his fifties instead of one well into his eighties, going on nineties.
Pushing open the heavy oak double doors, I came face to face with what was perhaps one of the the healthiest elderly men in the world. Wearing a male version of what Liliana's battle uniform, he sat behind a large antique study desk in a leather chair with his hands resting on the armrest. Time had certainly dealt this person in front of me a good hand and he had aged very well. One would not be wrong to compare the leader of the Bronze-Black Cross to high grade wine that had matured over a long span of years.
I was still observing this old man when Liliana got onto a knee and knelt a distance in front of the study with one of her arm placed level to her nose as she looked down at the floor. This threw me off for a moment before I remembered where I was, who was this old man and how I was supposed to act. Keeping a poker face, I immediately knelt down on a knee a step behind her and followed suit.
"Liliana, it is good to see you again. How was the King, Godou Kusanagi?" His gaze was upon us and the pressure was only slightly less than one of a Heretic God, so this was one of the strongest in Italy. Such a person I doubt will make such a simple mistake of forgetting to ask of the well being of his granddaughter especially after a battle with a God. So one of the strongest in Italy was such a person?
"He was able to defeat the God Perseus without much trouble after I had used [Instruction] on the King. The King then took a night to recover and was heading to the airport to return to Japan since I last saw him."
"Good. You will be dispatched to Japan to try and persuade him to help our Bronze-Black Cross. You told me that the boy behind you wanted to join our family and our organization for his effort in helping you obtain the knowledge necessary in the defeat of Perseus and also to accompany you to help us in our effort of getting the newest King into our favour? Then why did I see hesitation in his motion of kneeling before his leader and the head of his family?"
Damn! I did not expect him to deal out a strike against me so soon.
"My apologies Grandfather, I will educate him properly!"
"Hmph...It better be so. Now leave us, I want to talk to the boy alone."
"Yes, Grandfather."
Leaving me to face my boss all alone to try and scare me? Bring it you old fart! Once Liliana had left and the doors were closed, I could feel his gaze intensify as if wanting to drill a hole through me.
"So...you wish to join my family and my organization? Rise and tell me boy, why should I allow such a thing?"
Lifting myself off my knee I stood at attention and returned his gaze.
"I promise not to disappoint you if you would give me the chance to prove myself, sir."
"Bah, many have said that and many more have failed. What makes you, a boy barely out of his diaper, more worthy than those that had more power and experience than you ever will but yet still failed."
"Because none of them was a Campione."
Materializing [Gungnir] so that it would be pointed directly at his heart and willing the [Wisdom] to flow, its mark appearing in my eyes, I replied.
"...A Campione, you say? You claim to have slained a Heretic God? So it was you who had got rid of the signal that had appeared briefly in Asia?"
That was never meant to scare a person of his strength but if it did, it would just been a bonus. As expected, the old man did not even flinch at his life being threatened.
"If you mean Odin then that would be the correct answer."
"Odin... Would it be safe to say that this spear is [Gungnir] then?"
"Again correct."
"Then humour this old man, Godslayer. Why choose my organization and family."
"Getting near to the Diavolo Rosso would have taken too much time and besides, she had already chosen to side with Godou. Other than that, it was because I wanted to, because I needed to and because I could."
"That is true but because you could? Explain."
"I have heard of how Godslayers are treated and with power comes certain perks, non?"
"There was no certainty that you would have gotten within a hundred kilometres of Liliana, so why did you choose her of all people to get close to?"
"Let's just say I have my sources and it was again because I could."
"I suspect that you wanted to keep you status under wraps. Is your goals that much of an importance to you that you are willing to risk being exposed to the world?"
"Yes and I tire of your questions. Now tell me, do you allow me to join your family and organization? A Campione tied to your organization and as your grandson, I would imagine that the honour that comes with it would be immense, non?" I tilted [Gungnir] so it allowed the moon light shining through the windows to glint off its blood red surface and neared it to his heart.
"Indeed, if it was ever known that is. You most likely want to keep your status a secret for now, am I right to say that?"
"Yes. And the truth shall only come to light when I allow it."
"Very well. Your wishes shall be followed and should we still continue to pursue Godou Kusanagi?"
"I don't see why not?" The deal was done, I gladly allowed [Gungnir] to return to wherever it came from and allowed my eyes to return to normal.
"Hahaha! Very well, King! I look forward to your accomplishments, though I would ask you to keep up the act in public if you still want to keep the rest of the world out of the loop."
"Just who do you think you are talking to, Grandfather? Of course, I would not do something as stupid as slipping up."
I notice that chapter one got a whole lot more reviews than chapter 2
Any reason for that?
In any case, please do read and review.