A Certain Multiverse's Holy Right

The History Compilation Committee was Japan's largest organization overseeing the Japanese magical world's order, formed through a collaboration between the government and various powerful mystical families. Its branches in Tokyo and Kyoto wielded the most influence within the committee.

In the Tokyo branch's office, a young woman who appeared to be no more than seventeen or eighteen sat at the head of the table. Despite her youthful appearance and short, boyish haircut, her aura demanded respect. Around her sat the heads of Tokyo's key departments, all focused intently on her.

This young woman, Sayanomiya Kaoru, was the heir to the illustrious Sayanomiya family and had recently ascended to the position of Tokyo branch director. Today, she was convening an emergency meeting.

"Director Sayanomiya, we've just received urgent intelligence," reported Amakasu Toma, a man in his late thirties who carried an air of casual indifference. "The new King from the Vatican, Roy Crowley, has arrived at Haneda Airport. He's accompanied by his two knights and Alice, the White Princess. They're currently en route to the Ritz-Carlton in Tokyo by car."

Sayanomiya frowned slightly, her tone composed but tinged with urgency. "Amakasu-kun, didn't the History Compilation Committee send someone to greet the King?"

"The King didn't officially notify us of his arrival," Amakasu replied lightly, shrugging. "We didn't dare take the liberty of monitoring him. If he thinks we're keeping tabs, it could lead to... big trouble."

Sayanomiya nodded in approval. "A wise decision. If the King's knights didn't announce his arrival, it's likely because he wishes to remain undisturbed. That being said…" Her expression darkened. "We've received additional intelligence. The oldest King, the Marquis, has also arrived in Japan."

"What?! Why would two Kings suddenly come to our small island nation?!"

Amakasu's laid-back demeanor vanished instantly. Around the table, panic rippled through the room as the gathered leaders broke into anxious murmurs. Japan did not have its own Campione and the simultaneous presence of two Campiones, especially ones with fearsome reputations, was nothing short of a national crisis.

Sayanomiya raised her voice, silencing the clamor. "The Greenwich Assembly reports that Roy Crowley kidnapped Alice directly from the Duke of Gordon's estate. After that, he came to Japan. Meanwhile, the Marquis also made his way here. Considering the circumstances, Amakasu, I'm sure you've figured out their objective."

Amakasu took a deep breath, his voice tense. "It's Mariya Yuri."

Amakasu Toma holds a high position in the History Compilation Committee, and hence knows about the incident in Europe two years ago in which Marquis Voban summoned a Heretic God. And after gathering intel on the new King, he immediately guessed their purpose.

"Exactly." Sayanomiya's tone was grim. "The new King seems intent on replicating the Marquis's ritual to summon a Heretic God. On the other hand, the Marquis has long regarded Mariya Yuri as his personal property. There's no way he'll relinquish her without a fight.

"We can't just sit here and wait for death. This is shaping up to be the greatest challenge I've faced as branch director."

Sayanomiya's eyes glinted with determination as she issued her orders: "Amakasu, find Mariya Yuri immediately. Get her out of Japan—anywhere will do. Leave her in some remote wilderness if you have to!"

"You mean to use Mariya Yuri as bait to attract the attention of the two Kings?" Amakasu asked, his tone grim.

"Exactly. The Committee's priority is to protect Japan and its people. We lack the power to stand against two Campiones to protect Mariya Yuri. Our only hope is to ensure they don't clash on Japanese soil—especially not in Tokyo." Sayanomiya's voice was resolute, devoid of hesitation. "Compared to the safety of the nation, one miko, no matter how gifted, is a price we have to pay.

"…Amakasu-kun, don't hesitate, complete the mission immediately!"

Sayanomiya Kaoru gave the order in a resolute manner, while the other members of Tokyo branch maintained their silence. In their opinion, sacrificing a miko in exchange for safety of Japan was worth it.

Amakasu bowed his head, understanding the weight of her words. "Understood, Director. I'll see to it immediately."

…

On the top floor of Tokyo's Ritz-Carlton, in the luxurious presidential suite, Roy Crowley stood by a floor-to-ceiling window, his left hand pressed against the glass as he surveyed the cityscape below.

"Where are your two knights?"

Sitting at the dining table, Alice the White Princess was happily savoring an assortment of dishes. Her face was aglow with delight as she sampled bite after bite.

Having endured years of illness, unable to enjoy the pleasures of food, Alice relished the opportunity to taste the world's flavors again. Now, with her body restored, her appetite had returned with a vengeance.

"I've sent Erica and Liliana to fetch Mariya Yuri," Roy replied without turning around. "I don't trust Japan's History Compilation Committee. Those hypocrites might try to waste my time with pointless negotiations. It's far more efficient to simply take what I want."

Alice cut a piece of cake and placed it delicately into her mouth, her tone casual as she commented, "You're probably right not to trust them. Speaking of which, I have some news for you. The oldest Campione, Marquis Voban, has also arrived in Tokyo. And back in England, Alexander Gascoigne appears to be on the move."

The princess's refined demeanor didn't falter as she delivered the alarming report. As a former head of the Greenwich Assembly, Alice had access to some of the best intelligence and gossip in the world.

Roy smirked, his tone playful. "So, the Marquis is here to play the hero and rescue his 'damsel in distress', is he? That old wolf does enjoy a good spectacle."

He turned from the window, his sharp gaze falling on Alice's current attire. His eyebrow arched in amusement. "As for Alexander Gascoigne... if he saw you right now, dressed like this, do you think he'd lose his mind?"

Alice wore a sheer, translucent gown over a minimalist undergarment set, leaving little to the imagination. Her porcelain skin gleamed under the suite's soft lighting, her regal beauty as breathtaking as ever. And since this was a hotel, this would imply an intimate relationship between the two denizens.

Alice has an exquisite face, impeccable beauty, a natural aristocratic demeanour, and an amazingly slender figure. She is like a lily blooming in a royal garden that no man can ignore.

Alice raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by his comment. "I assure you, my relationship with Alexander isn't what you imagine it to be, King Roy. Please don't let your strange fetishes get the better of you."

"Then perhaps you should consider wearing more clothes," Roy suggested with a teasing grin. "There's a man standing right here, after all."

Alice met his gaze unflinchingly. "You've already seen everything there is to see. What difference does it make? For years, I dressed in heavy layers to stave off the cold. Now that my health has improved, I'd prefer to feel free for once."

Their banter carried on, light and unrestrained—more like old friends bickering than a captor and his hostage.

…

Then, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed from outside the suite.

Roy's playful expression faded, his sharp eyes narrowing. For the first time, his composure wavered.