"You mean to entrust that 'Gorgoneion' to Lord Lancelot?"
By the rippling lakeshore, Erica stood with a look of astonishment.
She had chosen this campsite—a primitive woodland lake far from the city—specifically because of Melusine's "Dragon-Serpent" nature.
To find entertainment befitting the lady she served, Erica had put considerable thought into selecting this spot.
Not only did it have rich leylines and crystal-clear waters, but the terrain also ensured frequent gentle breezes—perfect for quiet contemplation.
For Melusine, it made an excellent campsite.
And indeed, Melusine had never really tried this activity before.
It wasn't that she'd never lived in tents outdoors, but when she'd done such things in the past, it could hardly be called camping.
During the Date A Live incident, it was more like training in a different location than actual camping, and in the Empire, it was purely standard bivouacking during military campaigns.
This was probably her first time experiencing leisure and relaxation without having to think about anything at all.
This kind of relaxation was actually quite nice.
Sensing Melusine's noticeably improved mood, Erica felt immensely pleased. Being able to bring comfort and joy to the lady she served—for Erica, this was unparalleled honor and satisfaction.
As for how she could detect such an obvious improvement...
Truth be told, the two had spent considerable time together by now.
Especially for someone as sharp as Erica, even with difficulties, about ten days of interaction had closed the distance between them, thanks in part to Melusine's deliberate indulgence.
This didn't particularly surprise Melusine.
In the original story, Erica had called Kusanagi Godou "My Campione" within just a few days of knowing him.
Presumptuous? Hard to say—it was ultimately the result Kusanagi Godou himself desired, and Erica, having discerned this thought, naturally climbed the pole he'd extended.
But that didn't mean she was merely calculating.
She was someone who would unhesitatingly face down gods for the one she served, who had pulled Kusanagi Godou from death's door several times, who would fight to the death for him.
This loyalty, this quality of offering everything for the one she served—that was her true essence, and the greatest reason she became the main consort.
So Melusine genuinely appreciated Erica as a person; these very qualities were why Melusine allowed her to draw close.
This camping activity even perfectly incorporated lessons from their previous fishing experience.
Whenever Melusine stood at one end of the lake, the small, terrified creatures would instinctively flee to the other end, where Arianna waited to easily catch them.
Finally, Erica—who had been diligently studying lately—would handle the cooking. It was all remarkably seamless.
Yet this leisure time, meant to be filled with peaceful joy, was shattered by a phone's ringing.
If Erica hadn't blocked everyone except for emergency calls during this special moment, she would have been furious. Even so, she felt somewhat irritated and repeatedly apologized to Melusine before answering.
Then came news that left her stunned.
"Uncle... if I remember correctly, that Gorgoneion is the divine artifact the Wolf King targeted after Princess Alice's prophecy, isn't it?" Erica frowned, barely containing her anger.
"Exactly." Paolo sighed. He understood Erica's frustration, but he had no choice.
"We can't let it fall into the Wolf King's hands, or the prophecy will surely come to pass."
Everyone knew the Wolf King's reputation—no benevolent gentleman, but the oldest and most vicious Devil King who actively demanded shrine maidens perform rituals to summon Heretic Gods for him to hunt.
His obsession with acquiring authorities was well known to all.
This was why he sought the Gorgoneion—to plunder the authority said to "lure the world into the underworld."
"But if the Wolf King meets Lord Lancelot, then...!"
"And who's meeting whom?"
Before Erica could finish, a familiar voice sounded behind her. Turning, she saw Melusine standing a meter away, dressed casually.
"Lord Lancelot..." Erica realized belatedly that Melusine's senses far exceeded normal human limits.
She hadn't intended to hide anything anyway, having pledged herself to Melusine. Still, having information she'd rather not share overheard directly was somewhat awkward.
Yes, Erica was certain—Melusine had definitely heard everything. The question now was merely prompting her to speak it herself.
"It's one of the six Campione I mentioned before... the Wolf King, Marquis Voban." The girl didn't hide anything.
"Bring me that stone."
"...Understood, Lord Lancelot." Erica sighed inwardly but made no attempt to dissuade her.
At that moment, the voice on the phone spoke again.
"Thank you so much for your kindness, Lord Lancelot!" Paolo's tone was respectful, beyond reproach.
"No need for formalities. I once received assistance from the Bronze Black Cross—consider this repayment for that matter," Melusine said.
Though that assistance had been practically useless, a promise was a promise.
She wouldn't quibble over such trifles, especially since she was genuinely interested in the Gorgoneion—or rather, Athena.
"I am deeply honored!" Paolo's voice immediately grew tense.
Before the Sword King's death, or before those two had fought, he wouldn't have been so humble—there was backing then.
But now, though the Bronze Black Cross was nominally Southern Europe's largest magic organization, they lived in daily terror, fearing when Marquis Voban might suddenly appear.
"To be able to assist you is the honor of the Bronze Black Cross and all Southern European magic societies! Should you have any needs, we will devote ourselves entirely to fulfilling them!"
Considering Southern Europe's precarious situation, Paolo ventured tentatively.
Erica instantly grasped his meaning.
She'd initially wanted the Bronze Black Cross to latch onto Melusine's coattails, but with the current chaos, she'd shelved that idea—and now was absolutely not the right time.
Paolo's intention was obvious enough.
Amber—Melusine—couldn't miss such cues at this point.
She'd somewhat anticipated Southern Europe's predicament, just hadn't realized, or rather hadn't considered, that things had become this difficult.
But thinking about the Gorgoneion being such a hot potato, their desperation made sense.
However...
"Having just lost your liege, you immediately seek me out..." Melusine's tone carried complexity and emotion, tinged with resignation.
After a moment, she added wryly, "Though I'll admit, that one lacked many qualities needed to be king..."
"Still, I have no obligation to protect you. If that's all you have to say, then withdraw, human knight."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.