Campione! - Volume 18 - Chapter 1

Chapter 1 - The Hime-Mikos and the Seventh Campione 

"The word Campione corresponds to the English word 'champion,'" said the black-haired girl—Seishuuin Ena.  

Her carefree tone of voice was a clear expression of her cheerful personality.  

"Just think of it as something like a king or a warrior. It's a name given by the Italians to set these people apart from ordinary humans, magi and users of spiritual powers."  

"It does sound like a word from that language."  

Mariya Hikari nodded and concurred.  

Ena, the one explaining, was aged sixteen whereas the audience, Hikari, was a twelve-year-old sixth grader. With a slight gap in age, there was seniority relationship between them.  

They were known as "Hime-Mikos," special users of spiritual powers dating back to ancient Japan.  

Hikari's elder sister was also a Hime-Miko and had a close relationship with Ena. This was why Ena, known as the "Hime-Miko of the Sword," could casually visit the Mariya residence as she pleased.  

Tonight, she had suddenly shown up, saying "let me stay for a night" with a smile.  

This was a day when their parents were returning home late and Hikari's elder was about to prepare dinner. The elder sister greeted the sudden guest with a smile and instructed her younger sister:  

"Hikari, please keep Ena-san company until dinner is prepared."  

That was what happened.  

The elder sister—Mariya Yuri—was a kindhearted and elegant young lady whose refined airs far surpassed that of the younger sister in the same household.  

(However, she's more than just a gentle lady. As her sister, I know that very well.)  

This elder sister was unbelievably good friends with the lively and cheerful Ena despite their contrasting personalities.  

Hikari loved both older girls very much. Hence, she was quite happy to keep Enaneesama company.  

While chatting, Hikari suddenly asked a question.  

What kind of people were the so-called Campiones? What kind of person was the one causing commotions near the Mariya residence in the past few months— More specifically, around her elder sister.  

"But Ena-neesama, Campiones, these great godslayers, exist outside of Italy as well, right?"  

As a Hime-Miko in training, Hikari used polite language to refer to the Campiones.  

Ever since she was young, she had been educated that they were conquerors, sovereigns and Devil Kings.  

Campione was the word referring to slayers of gods, superhumans who had usurped divine authorities. They were holders of powers to oppose gods. They were kings who had transcended human boundaries.  

"Yes. Although there have been who knows how many dozens of them if counting from ancient times, they were born in countries all over the world and civilizations in various places. There have been centuries when not a single one came into existence and times like the present when a number of kings vy for supremacy."  

Ena prattled on and on.  

"Of course, they were born in the East as well as the West. There were apparently cases arising in America and the Pacific islands too."  

In fact, Seishuuin Ena surpassed the Mariya sisters on being a well-bred young lady.  

Her ancestor was even born in a prestigious daimyo family from the Warring States period. Although it was hard to imagine from her upfront style of behavior, Ena was actually a very educated girl well-versed in all kinds of traditional arts.  

"A godslayer was recently born in Japan, apparently. But actually, it might not be surprising for Japanese godslayers to have existed historically, except that there are no records. In fact, there are records of Devil Kings crossing the ocean."  

The Chinese literary culture sphere, which includes Japan, had recorded Campiones since ancient times as Rakshasa Kings, Devil Kings, etc. Naturally, these were codes used in secret between those in the know.  

"It was roughly two hundred years ago when an Italian mage wrote the first book about Campiones."  

"A book!?"  

"Yes. Hence, the decision was made to call them Campiones. They are such terrifying characters who must not be disobeyed under any circumstances— Something like that."  

Ena recounted while making a look as though recalling poignant memories about an acquaintance.  

"What did it say? Serving at a Campione's side for decades, he slaved away laboriously at his lord's beck and call. Seizing the chance when his lord had died in battle somewhere, he wrote everything he knew into a book or something. His aim was to sound an alarm for the world."  

"Slaved away?"  

"Because Campiones are ridiculous people. Although Ena finds them very interesting, ordinary people can't run away fast enough."  

Hikari felt troubled.  

Seishuuin Ena was known as the unprecedented premier Hime-Miko. And yet she called these Campiones ridiculous characters. They were extraordinary people who even killed gods.  

Sure enough, serving these kinds o fpeople must be extraordinarily tough.  

Reportedly, there were a total of seven Campiones in the present world. Hikari recalled their names.  

Summoning storms, the wolf king of the Balkans, Marquis Dejanstahl Voban.  

China's strongest martial hero sovereign, the most powerful Daoist priestess with full mastery over Chinese magic, Her Eminence Luo Hao.  

The mysterious queen of caves, Madame Aisha.  

The nobleman of divine speed, adept in stratagems and exploration, Black Prince Alec.  

The masked hero with five different metamorphoses, John Pluto Smith.  

The King of Swords possessing a trenchant blade to slice through all creation and a body of steel, Salvatore Doni.  

And the youngest of the seven, the first godslayer born in Japan, Kusanagi Godou!  

"S-Serving that kind of person, I guess Onee-chan really has things tough after all!?"  

Several months earlier, her elder sister, Mariya Yuri, had become Kusanagi Godou's helper.  

However, what kind of work did it specifically entail?  

Since the elder sister did not talk about it on her own, Hikari had no idea even now.  

Furthermore, all sorts of rumors had reached her as a Hime-Miko in training. Such hearsay of indeterminate truth further stimulated her unease.  

"Well, although King Kusanagi is a nice person, he is a Campione after all."  

"K-Kusanagi-sama is still a high school student, right?"  

"Yeah, that's right. He's the same age as Yuri and Ena. First year of high school."  

"Apart from Onee-chan, he has attendants from Italy, right?"  

"Yes. Well-versed in swordsmanship and magic like Ena, these two magi serve him at his side from day to day. Yeah, they're called Templar Knights."  

Ena answered Hikar's questions clearly.  

Templar Knights. They were wielders of special powers dating from medieval Europe who were both knights and magi. It was said that their descendants established magic associations in Europe and were still active in the present day.  

Recalling this knowledge, Hikari nodded firmly.  

"One of them is Erica-san. Not only a powerful fighter but also extremely smart. The other is Liliana-san, who's a witch in addition to being a knight. Purely in terms of magic, Erica-san is probably slightly stronger."  

"...Th-Then is this really true!?"  

Hikari leaned forward, planning to ask a question that had troubled her for a long time.  

"Onee-chan and those two—Are the three of them Kusanagi-sama's 'lovers'!?"  This was an unbelievable rumor.  

No, seeing as he was one of the Devil King Campiones after all, ordinary morals were worthless before them. Doing something of this level would not be ridiculous.  

But to think her elder sister Yuri was the Devil King's lover...  

To the younger sister, this was impossible to believe.  

The elder sister was raised as a sheltered young lady with almost no experience in male intimacy. Although there was contact with older men as part of her job as a Hime-Miko, it was purely work-related.  

Conscientious and noble-minded, the very image of a Yamato Nadeshiko, to think her elder sister would—  

Nevertheless, in the past few months, Hikari had heard many rumors about her elder sister, Mariya Yuri, becoming the lover of Kusanagi Godou the Campione. She had tried asking her sister directly.  "G-Godou-san and I are just ordinary friends."  

She always looked down and denied.  

However, her face at the time always went red during her denial.  

That was not anger but clearly blushing from embarrassment. Furthermore, it was quite shocking for her elder sister to address a boy directly by first name.  

She looked a bit happy when speaking that name—That could not be more obvious.  

"Wrong, wrong. It's not three lovers."  

"R-Really? I knew it couldn't be true."  

Hearing Ena refute the notion so simply, Hikari felt relieved. However, Ena's next sentence turend the whole world upside dwon.  

"Ena became His Majesty's woman recently too. So four is the right number."  

"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!?"  

Incomparably shocking news. Hikari could not help but scream.  

"E-E-E-Ena-neesama joined in too!?"  

"It's a long story but that's pretty much it. Oh, but don't worry. Ena asked His Majesty to prioritize Yuri for stuff like having babies that are part of a woman's job."  

"B-Babies!?"  

"Because this kind of thing needs more consideration."  

"B-B-But, Onee-chan is only in the first year of high school!"  

"Right. Already sixteen, so she can get married. But His Majesty hasn't reached eighteen yet, so they can't marry immediately. Oh, but laws don't apply to Campiones, so there's nothing to worry about."  

In ancient times, fifteen or so would be considered adult, Ena mentioned in amusement.  

Judging from her tone of voice, Hikari understood it was not a joke. Her sister 

Yuri and Seishuuin Ena both shared an extraordinary relationship with the Campione named Kusanagi Godou!  

"Th-Then Kusanagi-same might possibly become my brother-in-law in the future..."  

"Not possibly but absolutely definitely. Although it's unclear who will become the official wife. After all, His Majesty won't irresponsibly abandon Yuri and Ena."  

Secretly confident, Ena asserted.  

"He's definitely like that. Unable to be open about those whose hearts are connected to him, he's excessively righteous and loves looking for trouble. What could one say? King Kusanagi is probably someone very generous but with flaws."  

With feelings of love and affection, Ena subtly criticized Kusanagi Godou's character.  

Seeing Ena acting this way for the first time, Hikari felt surprised from the bottom of her heart.  

The Hime-Miko of the Sword, Seishuuin Ena. Capable of wielding the exceptional spirit power of [Divine Possession], she was a rare talent unique in the world. In order to hone this ability, Ena frequently went deep into the mountains to cleanse her body and mind in nature.  

Precisely because of that, she was quite animal-like in character.  

Prioritizing sensibility over sense, she based her judgment more on intuition than logic.  

But conversely, this was what enabled her to sniff out the true nature of someone she had only met recently.  

Knowing this aspect of Ena's quite well, Hikari nodded deeply.  

"I thought a godslaying Devil King would be someone more scary..."  

"Fufu, if you run into any trouble, try asking His Majesty for advice. He'll definitely think seriously to find a solution for you."  

"R-Really!?"  

"You've got something? Then Ena can discuss with you too. Care to share?"  

"Oh okay. In that case, let's do that after dinner. But after hearing all this, I'm getting worried about something else."  

"Eh, what is it?"  

"My sister is serving Kusanagi-sama as his lover, right? But Onee-chan is not someone used to dealing with men, will things really okay...?"  

Hearing what Hikari was worried about, Ena chuckled.  

"Oh... Well, the situation is not too favorable if compared to Erica-san, but Yuri is already doing great."  

"Eh, you're talking about Onee-chan here!?"  

"Yes. Although Ena isn't very used to interacting with boys either, it's quite surprising to be overtaken by Yuri in those things."  

"Th-Those things!?"  

Hikari wondered while her own heart pounded.  

In her interactions with Kusanagi Godou, this member of the opposite sex, the serious elder sister had apparently surpassed the bold and fearless Ena. What specifically did "those things" mean anyway?  

No matter what, she must find out!  

"E-Ena-san, what on earth are you two talking about!? Please do not put strange ideas into Hikari's head!"  

Suddenly appearing, the elder sister, Mariya Yuri, discovered them.  

She had probably come over from the kitchen to have a look because Hikari and Ena were speaking too loudly.  

It was rare for the elder sister, who always behaved so gently, to raise her voice.  

Turned bright red in embarrassment, she looked quite frantic.  

Sure enough, this was a crucial matter of a lifetime to the elder sister. Hikari nodded her head while timidly raising a counterargument.  

"No, but since he's not an ordinary person, it's better for the entire family to be clear on the situation and prepared themselves mentally. Hey Onee-chan, there might be all sorts of problems in family relationships when you have your official wedding."   

The Mariya family's eldest daughter becoming the legal wife of the Devil King Campione. Or bearing his child.  

The Mariya family did not have enough "clout" to serve as Yuri's support if these developments were to come true. However.  

"You don't need to worry about that. When the time comes, just use the name of Seishuuin."  

Ena immediately chimed in.  

"If other clans have any objections, Ena's family will think of a way to deal with it. There's also the solution of adopting Yuri into the Seishuuin family. Kaoru-san of the Sayanomiya family is also an expert in these matters, so there shouldn't be a problem."  

The Sayanomiya family was renowned in the wizardry world alongside the Seishuuin family. Hikari widened her eyes.  

With both familes backing the elder sister, Yuri, she would be able to build an intimate relationship with the godslaying Devil King!  

"So, I guess I have an 'Onii-sama' now..."  

"Isn't that right, Yuri? You're no longer ordinary friends with His Majesty, right?"  

Hikari murmured and Ena asked.  

Seeing her sister and her friend's reaction, the Hime-Miko, Mariya Yuri said:  

"A-Although that may be true...! In any case, it is too early. Godou-san and I are still in high school and are not of age yet. I-I am going back to preparing dinner!"  

Frantic, head lowered, as though avoiding eye contact, she fled. Her feelings of embarrassment must have won over the urge to scold.  

"Maybe Ena said a bit too much..."  

Probably a bit embarrassed, Ena was stood up with an obedient look on her face that was rare to see.  

Then she went into the corridor to chase Yuri. On the other hand, having learned about the existence of the brother-in-law she had never met, Hikari made a certain decision.  

"Onee-chan and Ena-neesama's husband... I must meet him!"  

This determination would become a trigger that swept the Campione, Kusanagi Godou, into a commotion, but that would be yet another story.  

As a side note...  

If the person in question, Kusanagi Godou, were to hear what Ena said at the time, surely he would scream and yell on the spot:  

"Don't describe me as the kind of guy who falls in love with every girl he meets! Neither Erica, Mariya nor Liliana is my lover. Besides, Seishuuin, I don't recall you becoming my lover at all!"  

Etc etc.  

Objectively speaking, what both sides said approached the truth. Also, suppose the girls close to him were to hear such words from him...  

Erica Blandelli would grumble sardonically, "Saying something like that at this juncture would be quite an expression of his abnormality" whereas Liliana Kranjcar would criticize seriously: "As expected, he has no self-awareness whatsoever in matters concerning the fairer sex."  

Furthermore, Mariya Yuri would not argue against what Godou said, but perhaps lower her gaze and organize her thoughts and feelings internally.  

If Godou were to see her reacting like that, he might frantically blurt out "N-No, I guess it's actually quite different from ordinary friends..."  

All of the above are hypothetical situations.