The Proud Noble

"Are you sure you've never played baseball before?"

"Yes, today is the first time, and it seemeth rather amusing."

As of now, Kou and the youth are playing baseball in a cornered of an empty field.

Earlier, while they talking to each other, the youth was able to make him agree to have a match with him.

…

"Yes, I am the victor. Victory is always in my hands. That is my nature. Facing any kind of conflict or enemy, unchangeable and unshakeable is my victory."

This extremely arrogant declaration was uttered from the youth's mouth calmly and simply.

"...Really."

This guy's speech is completely unpredictable. Though Kou was slightly taken aback, he also felt a little impressed.

"It is true, I have long sought the taste of defeat for all this time, but none hath ever prevailed against me. By the way, whenever I start fighting I lose myself, and cannot avoid getting all serious..."

Sighing as he gazed into the distance, the youth suddenly made a suggestion to Kou:

"How about it? Art thou interested in competing against me? Canst thou amuse me for a while?"

"Anything, as long as thou art good at it. Games, martial arts, a battle of wits, horse riding, anything. By the way, this place seemeth to be near Greece, I remember that country hath a kind of competition that made use of the entire body, rather interesting. Dost thou have something thou art good at?"

Issued a challenge like that, of course one couldn't back down. And so Kou and the youth began to search for a place that could be used for them to compete.

And the scene back to the top.

…

The result of the match was very surprising. Kou was able to hit the first few balls and was winning in the beginning, but he began to lose, all the way to the end.

The youth was throwing the white ball with a very sloppy posture. However, the balls flew hard and fast. In terms of control, their trajectories could also be described as no less than perfect.

By the way, the original Kou is a former baseball player in the middle school, even though he is only in the reserves, so he knows some basic knowledge of baseball.

The ball and bat that they use are borrowed from the Italian youths who presently playing football on the field however when they saw their baseball match, they can't help but be amazed and stop their game to watch them.

Kou and the youth decided to end their game since Kou is heavily defeated by him. At first, he doesn't want to end like this since he is a man too but after calming himself he was able to think straight.

After their game, the Italian youths invite them to play football. The youth immediately agrees while Kou is unsure about his decision to agree since he doesn't know the rules of the game.

But those Italian youths are very friendly so they help him until he comprehends the rules.

After that, they started to play football.

…

Soon, the sky gradually darkened. The slowly setting sun gave the harbor a shade of orange, and the two of them bid the Italian youths farewell.

The youth traded glances with Kou, and they smiled at each other.

"...Though it was a strange day, but I was very happy. How about you?"

"I too am happy. Such games are not bad once in a while."

Kou was surprised to find himself getting so familiar with the youth in such a short time, without even knowing his name.

However, it was not an unpleasant feeling. It felt like the days when original Kou was still playing baseball and getting along with this team mates... That was the kind of friendly feeling he got from this youth.

"I will be travelling inland tomorrow. What are you going to do next? If you plan on staying here for a while, let's meet again when I come back."

"Yes, I too have things that I must do..."

"Didn't you say you lost your memory, what are you planning on doing? What's the matter, just play football with those people just now. Or maybe even a proper baseball game with nine players on each side, but a much wider space than this pier would be needed."

"Oh? Thou hast lost the match, yet thou hast not learnt thy lesson?"

The two chatted and laughed together. Sunset on a harbor street. A little sea side road illuminated a bright shade of orange.

Much like he wanted to chat with the youth, he can't help but to notice the shadow in the road ahead.

This shadow was in the shape of a beautiful young lady. He didn't say anything and waited until the young lady began the conversation.

"Excuse me, the person who is walking there—I'm very sorry for the sudden intrusion, but I have something to ask."

It was being said in Italian. Of course, Kou completely understand, but at that moment his attention was completely drawn by the girl who appeared before him.

Just barely over 160cm, her height was not especially tall for European standards. However, there was a certain sense of dignity, how should one put it? Proud like a queen, standing there with such an imposing presence. Her long blonde hair fluttered against the sea breeze.

Dressed in red, under the glow of the orange sunset and in contrast to her long blonde hair, the impression of the red color was especially intensified.

Red like a burning flame and hair the color of gold, it was like the crown of a warrior, majestically perched upon her head.

However, all this aside—the most important feature was the girl's beauty, from which Kou could not tear his eyes away.

Beautiful features as if the result of delicate craftsmanship, better proportioned than any doll, livelier than any model or actress, and completely saturated with nobility and self-confidence, it was a face one could never forget after seeing once.

"Please tell me all about the god that has appeared on this island. My name is Erica Blandelli. Consider it a return gift, as there is no need for you two to report your names."

"…"