"So the one you've been worried about all along... was that guy?"
After returning to the house, not only was Erica present, but even her maid Arianna was next door in her maid outfit, preparing food.
However—judging by the black smoke drifting out from the kitchen and the bowl of unknown substance labeled Soup that she carried out.
Satsuki immediately understood why this maid was reputed to be somewhat lacking when it came to Food and Driving.
Fortunately—she did not need to eat in the first place.
Hearing Satsuki's words, Erica, who was changing her shoes at the entryway, cast her a complicated glance.
"But I truly did not expect that you would defeat him in swordsmanship—perhaps no one anticipated such an outcome."
Both Erica and Lucretia had only known that Satsuki might possess extremely high attainments in magic.
That much had already been evident throughout the entire incident on Sardinia.
Especially Erica. She still clearly remembered how Satsuki had told the King of the Gods, Melqart, that she disdained taking advantage of a god in peril.
To maintain such composure before a high-ranking Heretic God—if she was not insane, then she was unquestionably powerful.
However, to defeat the King of Swords in the very field he was most confident in—swordsmanship—such a result felt dreamlike even after it had occurred.
Although Erica had witnessed the process through a magical device, she still found it difficult to believe. Yet one fact was certain.
"Now that you've defeated the King of Swords, you'll find yourself at the center of attention for every magical organization. Are you prepared for that?"
"It doesn't amount to much for me."
Satsuki simply did not care about such trivial matters. In more than one world, she had already done things far more shocking.
Erica let out a soft hmph. "Lord Salvatore is not the type to give up so easily. Especially when he encounters someone like you—someone capable of defeating him in swordsmanship—he will certainly seek you out again."
"Then let him come."
Satsuki spoke calmly, yet her words carried unmistakable dominance as she walked toward the living room.
Having finished changing her shoes, Erica froze for a moment. A fleeting trace of 'infatuation' flashed across her expression as she looked at Satsuki.
Before the blush could rise to her cheeks, Erica forced herself to calm down. After a brief pause, she looked at Satsuki, who had already taken a seat.
"About those clumsy assassins—you have nothing to ask?"
"A very crude probe. Aside from exposing that members of the Copper-Black Cross might have a talent for filming comedy, I can't see any significance in it," Satsuki's sharp tongue activated again. "In terms of lethality, that bowl of Soup is probably far more dangerous than those people."
"About that... I truly apologize for subjecting you to such a clumsy assassination attempt."
Erica could not help but laugh at Satsuki's response, though she could also tell that Satsuki genuinely did not care about the matter.
The atmosphere fell into momentary silence.
However, Erica quickly found a new topic.
"I heard from Shizuka that you joined the tea ceremony club?"
"Yes."
"From the school's reputation of you, I assumed you were the sort of person who stands apart—someone who wouldn't join these childish club activities."
As she spoke, Erica suddenly asked in a probing tone, "Why did you join the tea ceremony club?"
"For someone. You've met her before." Satsuki casually poured herself a cup of tea. "That shrine maiden."
When she heard the name Yuri Mariya mentioned, Erica's heart gave a sudden thump, and her tone became slightly unnatural.
"You know about my meeting with her?"
"It wasn't exactly a secret. In Japan, she has never tried to conceal her identity. And as a Godslayer, once you arrived here, she was bound to seek you out. However, when it came time for her organization to place its bets, they lacked her courage."
Before Yuri Mariya approached Erica, the Godslayer, she had already prepared herself for the possibility of being killed for provoking her.
Although a Shrine Maiden held a high position, if she were killed by a Godslayer who stood as a Campione, then so be it. No one would deliberately provoke a Godslayer over her death.
She herself understood this clearly.
Thus, in terms of courage and willingness to sacrifice, that beautiful and earnest girl was more than worthy of the title Shrine Maiden.
In contrast, the Committee for the Compilation of True History behind her seemed somewhat lacking.
During her clash with the King of Swords today, both she and the Campione had sensed more than one force secretly observing them. The Committee for the Compilation of True History was certainly among them.
Yet throughout the entire process—even during the initial probing by those clumsy fellows—the Committee for the Compilation of True History had remained silent, merely watching from beginning to end.
Although Satsuki did not consider herself Japanese, within the nationality framework of this world, her current identity was a member of the Kusanagi family. At the very least, on paper, she belonged here.
And yet, even after their base had been located and direct action had already been taken, the Committee for the Compilation of True History still did not intervene.
This could only mean one thing: the organization's scope and capacity were limited at best. At most, they could handle minor affairs.
However, what concerned Erica was not Satsuki's opinion of the Committee for the Compilation of True History, but rather her attitude toward Yuri Mariya.
Sensing that Satsuki harbored no particular thoughts, Erica's tone grew lighter.
Then, as if no one else were present, she delivered a startling piece of news.
"I am no longer a knight of the Copper-Black Cross."
Satsuki immediately understood. "Because you became a Godslayer?"
"Not only that. Actually, I... want you to join me—in the camp of the youngest Godslayer. Don't worry, I will take responsibility for you."
"!?"
Satsuki looked at her with a baffled expression.
"D-Don't misunderstand! I only mean that I'll take responsibility for resolving the future duels between you and Lord Salvatore. That's all!"
"Hmm~ Host, I think she's trying to cover it up." The system's voice sounded in her mind with an expression that seemed to see through everything. "According to the data I've gathered, Miss Erica is a classic tsundere. The more she denies it, the more likely it is to be true."
Satsuki was no fool, and this was hardly her first time facing such a situation. "I can handle this matter on my own."
"As a knight, I will protect my people—even if she herself is unwilling."
"I recall that someone, just a few sentences ago, said she was no longer a Knight."
"Did I... I don't remember saying that."
...
After dinner, Arianna began clearing the dishes. Fortunately, the only item on the table that was her creation was that bowl of soup—the rest had been prepared with Shizuka's help.
However, due to a suggestive spell cast by Erica, Shizuka was not present.
"So, regarding Lord Salvatore's future entanglements—what do you intend to do?"
Satsuki replied calmly, "I won't keep giving him opportunities like that."
"What do you mean by that?"
"It means that if there is a next time, he won't leave so easily."
During the daytime duel, Satsuki had only crossed blades with him using swordsmanship. As for the various Authorities entwined around him, she had already gained a certain understanding of their details.
Moreover, according to the system's feedback, although Godslayers were considered high-tier combatants in this world, they did not qualify as participants in the Divine Arena. Killing one would yield no benefit.
With that, the discussion ended.
Yet it was enough. The bond between them had, without their noticing, grown into one where even silence was enough to understand each other.
After finishing dinner, Erica did not leave. Using the flimsy excuse that "a knight must protect her people," she spread bedding on the floor of the dorm room and insisted on spending the night in the same room as Satsuki.
The next day, the two once again went to school together.
"To avoid being attacked by that idiot, from now on I'll stick to you at all times."
"I haven't agreed to join your organization as a newly appointed Godslayer."
"It doesn't matter. A Campione is a rough and solitary existence. As long as I acknowledge it myself, that's enough."
"Speaking of organizations, will the Copper-Black Cross you previously belonged to launch another foolish attack like before?"
Erica shook her head with certainty. "After experiencing that battle with you, Lord Salvatore will absolutely not issue such an order again. And Clarisse—my former colleague and uncle—already learned yesterday that I've become a Godslayer and intend to protect you. They should also understand your strength by now."
Satsuki could easily guess Erica's thoughts. She spoke as if casually, "I think the one he truly came to Japan to challenge wasn't me."
During her battle with the Persian war god, she had sealed off time and space entirely. No visual records could have leaked. And in the end, it was Erica who became the Godslayer.
From an outsider's perspective, whether in terms of value or strength—Erica, not some unknown passerby like herself, should have been the more eye-catching target.
The reason Salvatore sought her out first likely had something to do with that Witch of Sardinia.
However—after yesterday's battle, things were different.
Satsuki had effectively drawn the world's attention, which had originally been focused on Erica, back onto herself.
After finishing the morning classes, a figure suddenly entered the classroom.
It was Yuri Mariya.
Unlike last time, she first bowed to Erica in greeting before turning her gaze toward Satsuki.
"Um, excuse me... may I take a little of your time?"
Satsuki's golden eyes rested on her.
The shrine maiden was using honorific language. It seemed she had learned about the battle and its outcome. So—was she here to recruit her?
"I'm sorry, but I have no need—"
Satsuki had originally intended to refuse outright any overture from the Committee for the Compilation of True History.
"Satsuki~ perhaps listening might bring an unexpected gain," Erica interjected lightly.
Under the gaze of numerous students, the three of them made their way to the empty rooftop.
There, Erica spoke first.
"Miss Mariya, there is something I must announce. Satsuki is now one of my subordinates."
"Ah! But... last time you said..."
Yuri Mariya looked shocked, trying to protest.
"Yes. But I did not expect you to stand by and allow that King of Swords to fight Satsuki without making any move whatsoever."
Erica struck directly at the sore point. Hearing this, Yuri Mariya had no rebuttal.
Although she was not personally one of those monitoring Satsuki, she was not surprised that Amakasu Touma would take such action.
"Therefore, I, as Campione, confirm that the Committee for the Compilation of True History has no value as an ally."
Erica stated her opinion bluntly.
"...How could this be?"
Though Yuri Mariya was a spiritually gifted shrine maiden, her eloquence and negotiation skills were far inferior to Erica's.
Moreover, Erica now stood as the highest-ranking Campione, while Yuri's status as a shrine maiden carried no weight before her.
At this moment, Satsuki suddenly spoke.
"However, while the Committee for the Compilation of True History has no value, Miss Yuri Mariya—you yourself do."
Yuri froze.
Wasn't she the one who had come to recruit them? How had it turned into her being recruited instead?
Her upbringing and training made her instinctively refuse.
"I'm sorry, but please forgive me—I cannot have the honor of serving a foreign Campione."
Erica waved her hand dismissively. "Don't misunderstand. We're not asking you to betray your organization and join us. We only require your personal ability."
"My ability?"
"Don't think of hiding anything before a Campione~ especially when that Campione possesses the Authority of a War God. Gathering intelligence is one of my specialties."
Erica raised a finger and pointed toward Yuri's eyes.
"Miss Mariya, you possess the important ability to receive revelation from the Netherworld and perceive the essence and origin of Heretic Gods. Such an ability is highly valuable to us."
Faced with a Campione's judgment, Yuri could not deny it. And regarding her organization's earlier indifference, her shrine maiden's heart did carry a sense of guilt.
So she did not refuse. Instead, she asked, "What kind of assistance do you require from me?"
Erica's eyes narrowed into a crescent smile.
"I wonder, Miss Mariya—have you ever heard of the Gorgon Stone?"
"The Gorgon Stone?!" Yuri gasped. "I've heard of it. The Gorgon Stone is a symbol of the ancient Earth Mother. It serves as a guidepost leading many goddesses to descend as the Heretic Earth Mother. It's something akin to a grimoire."
"The Gorgon Stone itself is a fist-sized medallion made of polished obsidian. Its surface bears a crude carving resembling a human face, along with dozens of snakes. The serpents are depicted like hair upon the face in the image. Many parts around it are already blurred, and the stone itself shows considerable wear. Although it is a powerful magical artifact, it is also an extremely dangerous weapon..."
Erica smiled.
"Because it attracts the covetous gaze of suspicious goddesses—who then descend as Heretic Gods."
Hearing this, Yuri froze.
That detailed description had all but openly declared: the Gorgon Stone is in my possession.
"And the descent of a Heretic God..." Erica continued softly, "for a Japan that has no Campione to rely upon, would surely be quite troublesome, wouldn't it?"