The summer sunset in London always carries its own unique charm. The bright blue sky transforms into a breathtaking painting, adorned with streaks of orange, pink, and gold. In the distance, the River Thames reflects the warm hues of the sky, creating a serene atmosphere despite the bustling city life.
"You live here, Ren-kun?"
Ichika couldn't hide her awe as she gazed at the magnificent castle standing before her. The castle looked like something straight out of a movie or fairy tale—with towering spires, sturdy stone walls, and a vast, perfectly manicured garden.
Standing beside her, Ren gave a faint smile. "Well, the owner of this castle is a noble duchess and one of Europe's most prominent witches. Come on in, Ichika-san."
Ichika remained spellbound, her eyes scanning every detail of the castle with admiration. However, Ren's voice snapped her back to reality.
"O-oh, right!" She said, quickly catching up to Ren as they walked side by side toward the main gate.
As soon as they passed through the grand iron gates, the atmosphere shifted. The butlers and maids working in the courtyard paused briefly, bowing respectfully to Ren.
Walking through the flower garden filled with vibrant roses and lavender, Ichika could hear the gentle trickling of water from a large fountain at its center. The breeze carried the floral fragrance, enhancing the elegant ambiance.
They finally arrived at the castle's main entrance. Stepping inside, they were greeted by an opulent interior—high ceilings with massive crystal chandeliers, gleaming marble floors, and walls adorned with ancient paintings and expensive tapestries. Ichika fell silent once again.
'So this is the residence of a true noble?' She thought to herself.
However, her attention was soon drawn to a platinum-blonde girl who suddenly appeared out of thin air.
"Welcome back, King. Did you enjoy your stroll through London?"
"As if you don't already know, Alice. I'm sure you've heard the report from the people you sent to tail me."
"Don't take offense, King. Alice did that to prevent some fools from causing trouble."
Watching their exchange in confusion, Ichika finally mustered the courage to ask,
"Ren-kun, who is she? Is she… the noble duchess you mentioned earlier?"
Before Ren could answer, Alice lifted the hem of her dress slightly, performing an elegant curtsy as she introduced herself with dignified grace.
"Good afternoon, Miss Ichika. My name is Alice Louise Ove Nafal, daughter of the Duke of Goddodin. You may call me Alice, as King Ren does."
"Huh? You know me?" Ichika was startled.
She hadn't expected a noble like Alice to recognize her. As a Japanese actress just beginning to build her career in the international market, Ichika didn't think she was famous enough to catch the attention of European aristocracy.
Alice smiled faintly, glancing briefly at Ren before responding.
"Of course. As the spokesperson of Witenagemot, we've investigated every Campione of this era—including their personalities, interpersonal relationships, and those close to them. It's necessary to avoid disaster by accidentally offending them."
Ichika fell silent for a moment at Alice's explanation. However, her awkwardness quickly dissipated as she tried to lighten the mood with a joke.
"So… Campione are really that scary, huh? They're like powder kegs ready to explode at any moment."
Contrary to her expectations, Alice responded seriously.
"That's a very accurate description. One wrong move, even something seemingly trivial, could provoke a Campione's wrath. And if that happens, an entire region—or even a country—could be destroyed overnight."
Hearing the gravity in Alice's voice, Ichika found it hard to believe.
"Isn't that an exaggeration? I can't imagine something like that actually happening."
Knowing Ichika was still an outsider unless directly involved with Ren, Alice patiently explained to the sister-in-law of a Campione.
"Miss Ichika, you have no idea how terrifying a Campione's power is. Major incidents involving them are not rare. For example, Marquis Voban in 1854 brought the port city of Zadar in Dalmatia to the brink of destruction by summoning a storm. Then, there's the more recent case where King Kusanagi Godou and King Salvatore Doni clashed in Rome, Italy, destroying numerous historical buildings and causing billions in damages."
Alice paused briefly before continuing, glancing at Ren.
"And let's not forget King Rokuhara Ren here. Not long ago, he challenged King Kusanagi Godou to a duel. That battle nearly wiped an entire island off the map. These are just a few examples. In short, Campione are walking natural disasters."
"Gulp."
Ichika swallowed hard. Her head felt heavy as she processed the information. Her previously simplistic worldview was beginning to crumble.
She didn't recognize names like Marquis Voban or Salvatore Doni, but Kusanagi Godou was a Japanese name. What shocked her more was the realization that her brother-in-law, Rokuhara Ren, was included in the list of "walking natural disasters" Alice mentioned.
'No wonder Itsuki didn't join the civil war over Fuutarou-kun in high school. Turns out her standards for men defy even the wildest logic.'
Ichika slowly turned to Ren, staring at him with mixed emotions. There was a deepening admiration, but also a faint trace of fear. Her feminine instincts yearned for a strong man, and now, after hearing everything, her admiration for Ren only grew stronger.
"Wait…" Ichika suddenly realized something. "Besides Ren-kun, there's another Campione in Japan?"
Alice raised an eyebrow, surprised by the question. She thought Ichika would know, given her connection to Ren.
"Of course. King Kusanagi Godou resides in Tokyo, Japan. He's known as one of the more peaceful Campione compared to the others. But even so, he's still a Devil King."
Ichika shot Ren a look of complaint, as if accusing him of keeping secrets like a husband hiding an affair.
"Ren-kun, you never mentioned this before."
Ren, who had been silent until now, simply shrugged casually.
"I didn't think it was necessary to bring up. Godou prefers a quiet life, and we rarely interact. Besides, I'm not the type to boast."
Not wanting Ichika to pry further into his duel with Godou, Ren changed the subject.
"Alice, is the magic ready?"
"Thankfully, I didn't disappoint you, King. The latest edition of the Heretic God Summoning Magic is complete."
"Good. Then let's proceed immediately. My intuition tells me trouble might come knocking soon."
"Could it be the Black Prince Alec?"
Alice was sharp. After analyzing Ren's premonition, she speculated that Alec was the trouble he referred to. As a rival competing for a decade, she knew the other party's ambition was to obtain the Holy Grail.
If Alec learned the Holy Grail was in Ren's hands, he wouldn't hesitate to come and take it.
"Forgive my presumptuous request, King. Could we perform it at the location I've prepared?"
Knowing the destructive consequences of a battle between Campione and Heretic Gods, Alice wanted to conduct the summoning ritual in a remote area.
"As you wish." Clearly, Ren understood the reasoning behind Alice's request.
"Thank you for your generosity, King." Alice replied cheerfully, pleased by how easily Ren agreed.
Meanwhile, Ichika could only stare at the two of them in bewilderment. The conversation was far too alien for her.