The Unspoken Persecution

Ngh! A beast?!

Wait, no! He's not a beast!

If that is so, then what is it?

I am Lokido. I'm half beast, half human.

I see, my apologies. I've heard of you, Sir Lokido. Truth be told, I've been told to come look for you. You need to go to Miglance Castle to meet the captain of the guard.

What's going on? Why do they want Lokido?

That's all I've been told.

Anyway, you should head to the castle.

Okay. If I'm being summoned, it must be something important. I should go right away.

Ah, so you're the famed Lokido. Thank you for answering our call. You've saved me the trouble of having to bring you in.

What do you mean?

The reason we called for you is because we suspect that you have been spying for the beasts.

What?! Lokido wouldn't do that. A spy? Would a spy just turn up if they were called?

Well if he ran away it'd be as good as a confession. A spy wouldn't do anything to be suspicious.

I suppose looking like I do, that's a logical conclusion.

But, I hate beasts. I would rather die than do their bidding.

Just what a spy would say. You hate them, want to kill them, and so on.

No! The beasts are my foe! My mother was human, and she had to live with the shame of having a beast child.

She was eventually chased off a cliff by beasts and died. My mother's life was miserable, right to the end.

And it's all my father's fault. No! I don't want to give him legitimacy. Not my father, just a beast!

That is why I hate all beasts, even the beast blood that runs in my veins!

Lokido...

I had heard of your mother. That is why until now we had let you stay in the city.

However! We cannot turn a blind eye any more.

After the Beast King's raid on the castle, uneasiness has been spreading amongst the people. People have been starting to wonder about you.

In that case, I shall leave Unigan. And never return.

I see. A self-imposed exile. That could work.

Hey, wait a moment. I can't let you do that! Lokido's done nothing wrong, you can't just exile him. I won't let that happen!

Right, Lokido? You can't really be okay with this?

No, but...

You don't want exile? Then instead of exile, how about working for the Unigan Guard? The Unigan Guard took a big hit when the beasts attacked. We don't have enough people to patrol the city. If you can help us with that, we'll give you permission to come and go as you please.

Okay. I am always willing to help people. I will work for the city.

So what should I do?

We've had reports of monsters gathering on the Serena Coast. We'd like you to take care of it.

Okay. I'll head out there now.

I'll help. Let's go to the Serena Coast!

I sense something.

Ngh, they're here!

It's them! Let's take them out!

Right!

Graaaaaa!

Coast is clear. Let's go tell the captain.

Aldo, why did you help me out?

Because we're friends. That should be enough of a reason, shouldn't it?

You treat me as if I don't have any beast blood at all. That's not like anyone I've ever met.

I don't care about your blood. All I know is that you're a good man.

Okay, let's head back to Miglance Castle.

Aldo... Thank you.

So you've managed to take out the monsters on the Serena Coast.

We've helped you out. So now Lokido can enter the city without any trouble, right?

Do you really think I can give him that kind of freedom after just one job? Treason is a serious accusation, it'll take more than that to be cleared.

What?! That's not what you were saying before we went out!

It's okay, Aldo. There's no escaping my beast blood. It's only natural they're suspicious.

Still, Lokido...

Next we need you to go to the Karek Swampland. We've received reports of a monster that's causing trouble out there.

Oh, okay. We'll go check it out.

There they are!

Let's go, Lokido!

Okay, let's take care of business!

Shawaaar!

It's done. Now let's go report in.

Lokido, wait.

Is this really okay? Are you sure you're fine letting them think you're a beast spy?

It's just business as usual. This is how it's been my whole life.

You shouldn't just roll over like that!

They shouldn't...

...Aldo?

Lokido, what if there were false accusations aimed at me, with everyone mistrusting me? What would you do?

That would never happen. I would make sure the truth is known.

That's exactly how I feel, Lokido! I can't just sit by and watch people mistreat you just because you have a beast for a father.

Aldo...

What's more, when I see you look down on yourself, it makes me mad.

And sad. Can't you understand that?

......

Let's go report in.

Oh, you're done already? I guess that beast blood in you has its uses. You're pretty tough. Okay, next...

Stop right there! How much longer are we going to be doing this before you trust Lokido?

It's going to take some time. After all, he's an abomination, born of a mixture of human and beast.

It's only natural you don't trust me...

Just, please stop with the insults.

Wh-What's this?! You're getting mad at the truth?!

I'm not mad. It's just...

When I think of my friends, I can't just sit by and do nothing.

Hmph! You have quite a way with words for a beast!

...Very well. If you bring a human who can vouch for you we'll grant you access to the city. How is that?

I will vouch for him! Lokido is a very dear friend of mine!

This is useless. Someone so young... Your word means nothing. It needs to be someone that is known throughout the city.

Good luck getting someone like that to vouch for your character! Hahahah!

In which case, I shall vouch for him!

What?! Who was that?

Wha?!

Y-Y-Your Majesty!

Do I qualify as a person known throughout the city?

B-But! S-Sir, you want to vouch for this beast?

I take full responsibility for this...man.

A-As you wish! Now if you'll excuse me!

Now, Lokido, was it?

Y-Yes.

If Aldo here trusts you, then I feel confident saying I trust you too.

And you really have helped the city by taking care of the monsters. My citizens thank you.

I am glad I was able to have been of use in some way.

No one can choose in what manner they are born. That is something I know all too well.

But you have kept strong, you kept your integrity. I'm happy to have citizens like that.

You think of me as a citizen?

So that means I am free to come and go...

You can come and go as you please. You are under my protection now. You have the strength of the beasts and the wisdom of a human, that's something quite special.

Thank you so much, King Miglance!

Very well. I'll see you again.

Wow, that was lucky!

Thank you, Aldo. For King Miglance to go to so much trouble, to trust me. He's quite something.

That you fight by my side, it makes me proud.

What are you saying, Lokido? The feeling is mutual. I'm just happy knowing there's someone out there willing to have my back!

I see... Well then, let us continue fighting side by side!

Of course!

Let's do this, Lokido!