The Kingdom Rises, Once Again

Thanks so much! Coming to you for help was definitely the right choice, Claude!

Books are such a hassle to preserve, what with all that paper... But I couldn't bear to just throw them away.

Please, don't mention it. I'm overjoyed to contribute to the preservation of such a precious collection. These tomes shall remain safe in my care in the school library. You needn't worry any longer.

That's great! I'm lucky I found such a competent librarian.

Your luck doesn't end there. I bestow upon you the honor of life as a subject of the Kingdom of Kelkale.

Uh?!

You'll have to swear fealty to me, of course... It's natural for loyal subjects to kneel before their king, after all.

Oh... Um... Maybe another time? If that's everything, I'm just gonna go now...

Hey, Claude. What was all that talk about libraries and librarians just now?

Well, if it isn't Aldo. Yes, I suppose such words must be somewhat foreign to you, coming from your time period.

No, it's not that. My friend Ashtear knows the Royal Librarian, so I'm actually pretty familiar with that kind of thing.

I just had no idea you did this sort of thing on top of all of your work for IDEA.

Well, I haven't officially been entrusted with this position. It simply fell into my lap, you might say.

While perusing the school's library, scouring over their vast inventory, I became acquainted with the director. Being short on hands, he asked if I might help out... Whenever I'm not reading, that is.

I see. So, you're a librarian now, huh...

Well, that makes sense. After all, you said before that reading books is your lifework, right?

Even so, I had no idea you were so into reading books.

Well, I initially began reading in order to gather information about the Kingdom of Kelkale... However, it would seem that I found something far more valuable nestled between the pages of my books.

My study of Kelkale drove me to immerse myself in physical media, and it became my life's work. Somewhere along the way, though, I realized that physical texts hold more value than simply the information they provide.

Lately, I've been visiting the other libraries Elzion has to offer. Not a single one of them is even half the size of the IDA Library, however.

It's tragic, though, that such brilliant works are locked away from the public. Such a shame...

Are physical books really that rare in this era?

In this modern age, the exchange of information is carried out entirely through data. Books, newspapers, magazines, flyers... Analog media is all but a relic of the past.

Really? Why do you still have libraries, then?

Well, these relics may have fallen from favor, but they have not been forgotten completely.

The scent of old pages, the way the ink bleeds, the texture of the covers... As time weathers them, physical books accrue a certain charm, something data cannot possibly reproduce.

As long as there exist people who know the true value of such charm, so too shall books exist, and the preservation thereof.

I guess you're right. A book is a book, no matter how much time passes.

Not that I'd know much about that, though...

Oh? Am I right to assume you're not an avid reader, Aldo?

Well, Feinne and Grandpa used to try to get me to read every once in a while, but...

I'd always end up using the books as a pillow, because they'd send me to sleep!

Using books...as pillows?!

......

So be it. I shall simply have to introduce you to the joy of reading!

R-Really...?

As luck would have it, I was just about to pay a visit to the Macminal Museum Library. Word has it that even the IDA Library's collection cannot hold a candle to the rarity of the tomes held there.

One can only hope that such a collection might yield even the smallest morsel of information on the Kingdom of Kelkale.

I would be grateful if you could help me in my search for such information. What do you say?

Tracking down info, huh? Sounds like fun! You can count me in.

But how am I supposed to know what to look for?

Oh, it's not particularly hard. You can start by looking for anything pertaining to the kingdom.

Got it! Even I can do that.

Ha ha... Let us make haste, then. Let us depart for the abyss we mere mortals know as knowledge!

Yeah! Next stop, Macminal Museum!

That was far more bountiful a search than I had anticipated. Thank you, Aldo. This is a staggering amount of new information.

I guess books are good for more than just pillows after all! Some of them were actually pretty interesting... Especially that "Kelkale Relaxation Exercises" one!

Well, I told you as much, didn't I? Such euphoria, feeling new knowledge take root in your mind with each page turned...

Truly, reading is quite the adventure! Nothing else can even compare to the thrill of a visit to a library!

Ha ha! You sure are passionate about books, Claude.

I really am surprised, though. The king who made that transformer lived a really long time ago.

Indeed. It seems that Kelkale didn't use Xeno Prisma, but an entirely different sort of technology. They may not have had the scientific capacity for Xeno Prisma, but they were highly proficient with natural energy. Kelkalans loved nature, and sought to protect their environment, or so I've read. Everything the kingdom did came from its love for the land, and for its subjects. You've seen as much yourself, haven't you, Aldo?

Yeah. We only saw the Kelkale in a different world, but it was really an amazing place.

In any case, they began to pursue flotation due to an increasing level of pollution on land, it would seem. Unfortunately, such dreams were never realized. They were wiped out by a neighboring state not long after.

It's crazy, though. Did you know there was a king who invented the technology to turn sunlight into magic power?!

Indeed. It seems that Kelkale didn't use Xeno Prisma, but an entirely different sort of technology. They may not have had the scientific capacity for Xeno Prisma, but they were certainly proficient with natural energy. Kelkalans loved nature, and sought to protect their environment, or so I've read. Everything the kingdom did came from its love for the land, and its subjects.

Wow... It sounds like a really great place.

In any case, they began to pursue flotation due to an increasing level of pollution on land, it would seem. Unfortunately, such dreams were never realized. They were wiped out by a neighboring state not long after.

That's awful...

...Well, that's all in the past now. It won't do to dwell on it.

That being said, there was one phrase that caught my eye. "Our royal family will use their magic alone..." Maybe I'm mistaken, but could that indicate a betrayal of an allied state?

But the King didn't seem like the type to do such a thing.

No, he wouldn't have... That part is the same, even here.

But he was a man who would have done anything to protect his people, even so.

...No, it doesn't matter. We've found more information that I could ever have imagined. Let's head back. I need to upload all of this to the database.

But...

What is it, Claude?

Oh, no, nothing... It's just that these books are in such disarray. It looks like nobody has tidied this library in ages. I'll just straighten a few things up...

What the, ?!

Goodness me... Time to rise already?

What are you doing here, Cynthia?!

Oh... Why, if it isn't Lord Aldo! Was it you who awakened me, by any chance?

...Do the two of you know each other?

Yeah, kind of...

Goodness me... Time to rise already?

A girl came out of the book! Claude, how is that even possible?!

Oh, my! There are two of you?

Which of you awakened me from my slumber? ...Oh, goodness, wherever are my manners? You may call me Cynthia.

My sincerest apologies, fair lady. It appears it was I, Claude, that disturbed your repose.

You must forgive my candor, but our meeting feels rather like a fairytale... A princess trapped in an eternal slumber, waiting for a gallant prince to come and save her. Isn't that how the story goes?

Knock it off, you sound like a creep... Besides, you're a king, not a prince, right?

Hmph... I suppose you're right.

*gasp* Pray tell me...you spoke of a prince, or perhaps even a king, did you not?

Indeed we did. I am a bona fide king, the royal descendant of a long-lost nation. A king without a kingdom, you might say... Sad, isn't it?

I... I...

I found you! I finally found you!

Wh-What the?!

So long have I been searching for you, my prince, but at last, I've found you!

My prince... Nay, my destiny!

You were searching for me...? What in the world are you talking about?

Worry not, for I shall explain everything in due course! You must first accompany me to the promised land...

Yes, yes! The Last Island awaits us!

It all begins there!

What? Hey, wait!

So... What now?

I'm not exactly sure what's going on... But there's a lady waiting for me, and I mustn't disappoint her.

What are you waiting for? Hurry, let us be off at once!

I was just saying as much. Let's do as she wishes, Aldo.

...Sure, I guess. Let's head to the Last Island, then.

Blue skies, white sands, ocean waves... This is the promised land, the Last Island! Ahh... Isn't it simply marvelous?

Now, my lady, perhaps you might grant me an explanation? Who are you, and why did you appear from inside a book? More importantly, what did you mean when you said you'd been searching for me?

Wait no longer, my prince, for I shall tell all. The truth is...

I, Cynthia, have been sealed away in that tome for an incredibly long time!

What do you mean by sealed?! Can't you come and go with us as you please?!

I shall explain everything, but you mustn't interrupt, Lord Aldo!

O-Okay...

What?!

Now, however, I'm free to wander wherever I please.

One day, Sister... Sophia released the seal on me. Maybe Sir Claude doesn't know, but she was so dazzlingly beautiful, more so than any flower I had ever laid eyes upon... She, too, had been sealed within a tome, just like me.

I was released once before, long, long ago. She who released me... She was so dazzlingly beautiful, more so than any flower I had ever laid eyes upon... She, too, had been sealed within a tome, just like me.

I see... Being sealed up in a book sounds rather troublesome indeed.

I'm interested to hear more of your story, if you wouldn't mind telling it.

Certainly. Long, long ago... My nation devised a plan to lift the land up and away from the rotting earth, into the skies. My role in this plan was to help perform the levitation... I suppose you could consider me to have been a key, of sorts.

But before X-Day was upon us, I fell into the hands of an enemy assassin.

A key... So, if the library's books are to be believed, that would mean you're royalty, too. Am I correct?

Yes... Exactly so. I am indeed royalty. At least, I was.

I remember it still...

Those strange travelers barging into the castle, and sealing me into that tome... *sniff*

So that's why...

By the time I was released...my era had long since passed. I was desperate to find as much information as I possibly could. I had to know what had happened to my kingdom.

To cut a long story short, the flotation plan failed. Of course it did... The plan required two keys, and one could not fulfill its role.

My home lay out there, once, beyond the fractured seas. It still would, were it not for me...

Lady Cynthia... What happened wasn't your fault. Those that sealed you away are the ones to blame.

B-But... *sob*

Furthermore... This is the promised land, yes? And there are two royals here right now... Two "keys," you could say.

Claude? You don't mean, ?!

Cynthia! It is time for you and I to fulfill our long-forgotten roles!

Oh, Sir Claude...!

Of course, we cannot bring back those who lived in your time... We will be greeted by barren land, and an empty throne. Restoring the kingdom to its former glory will by no means be easy.

But if you will have me by your side for this endeavor, I shall lend you my strength to raise our kingdom!

Oh, Sir Claude! I hoped so ardently that you might say that!

Truthfully, I had almost given up hope... I thought I would never see the day when two royals would stand here, side by side.

We cannot let this opportunity slip from our grasp! Together, we shall restore our land!

Very well said. Let us restore our kingdom to its former glory!

Now, to the matter at hand... The levitation ritual!

Levitate...? Here?!

Patience! Long ago, I was entrusted with a magic crystal, imbued with a guiding light. Now, show us the way...

Look! We must head east, along the coast!

I see... Then east we shall go! Let us make haste!

Aldo, Lady Cynthia, you must steel yourselves! The time of our revival is at hand!

This is it... This is where the levitation ritual was to be performed.

Sure, but where in the world is Claude?

Sorry to make you wait.

Claude? What's with that outfit?!

Claude? What's with that outfit?!

If I am to witness the revival of my kingdom, I must dress for the occasion.

My goodness! Why, you look so gallant!

This is the formal dress my royal ancestors would once have worn. I had it prepared long ago, in anticipation of this day. Furthermore...

This is the formal dress my royal ancestors would once have worn. I had it prepared long ago, in anticipation of this day. Furthermore...

I carry the keystone of our kingdom... My family's flag! It shall fly proudly atop the castle, as proof of our reign!

How marvelous! I have no doubt in my mind that you were my destined prince... And our future king!

Wow, Cynthia... You and Claude seem to be birds of a feather!

Now, my king! Let us greet our destiny!

Aldo! Bear witness as we turn the page on a new chapter in history!

Uh, sure! Wouldn't miss it for the world!

Here and now, in this promised land, we of royal blood command ye...!

Land of our fathers, slumbering in the depths!

Our motherland, wreathed in eternal darkness!

Heed our call... To the heavens shall ye rise!

Is it working?!

Yes! So long have I dreamed for this fated day to come!

Now... Show yourself! Let us once more know our kingdom!

Is that it?

What? But... It should have...

Wait! What are those?!

What are these things?!

Magic systems detecting unknown disturbance. Termination procedure activated.

Unknown disturbance?! B-B-But...!

The levitation ritual failed?!

We can think about that later! First, let's get rid of these tin cans!

Gladly! I cannot forgive anyone who dares disrupt our ritual!

Target threat level assessment: A Rank. Safety protocol disengaged.

What in the world is that energy?!

Are they going to self-destruct?! This is bad! We gotta run!

Aldo! Lady Cynthia! Get behind me, quickly!

Of course!

Neither man nor machine shall sully the pride of my kingdom!

Did that flag protect us?!

This is no mere decoration. It is another of my family's most prized artifacts, it protects against those who would harm us.

The flag the King had! So that was passed down too?

That's amazing, Claude! Looks like Duon Helios wasn't the only thing you had up your sleeve!

But I couldn't possibly break my vow.

Despite our royal blood, we could not restore our kingdom... How could this be? My lineage is unmistakable... After all, I am Princess Cynthia la Magnolia...

And as the heir to the throne of Kelkale, I too am of royalty...

Wait... What?!

Magnolia?!

Kelkale?!

You have different names? So that means... You two are from totally different kingdoms?!

Whaaat?!

I... I don't understand...

How could you not notice, even after he waved that huge flag around?

Well! N-Now that you mention it...

That crest was all wrong, but I didn't give it a second thought!

You have to be kidding me...

Actually...

The crest embroidered on your cloak isn't Kelkale's at all!

You too?! You really are birds of a feather! Are all royals like this?!

*sigh* I can't believe this... I'm such a fool, going on about "princes" and "kings" and "destiny..."

That's it... I'm done. I'm going home.

Cynthia, wait!

We should return to the Macminal Museum. We must see Cynthia home safely, and deal with this situation. A good king is never bested by defeat.

Sorry for making the two of you carry out such a pointless effort... This is too embarrassing to bear. I would be sincerely grateful if you would just forget all about this...

This turned out poorly for the both of us, but... Giving up now would sully the honor of your family's royal name. I truly hope that another from the Magnolia line will appear before you one day.

Sir Claude...

However... It seems that I may now owe you an apology, Princess. According to the "Flotation Test Reports," our kingdoms appear to have shared technology.

Ah! You mean...?

That being said, there was one phrase that caught my eye. "Our royal family will use their magic alone..." Maybe I'm mistaken, but could that indicate a betrayal of an allied state?

From what I can gather... My kingdom attacked yours, and aided those ruffians who ransacked your castle.

......

No, that's not what happened. That report was written from a Magnolian perspective.

...Huh?

Of course... It said "Kingdom," but it doesn't actually say Kelkale anywhere.

Your kingdom was so technologically advanced that your surrounding nations attacked, fearing your power. We failed to realize what was going on... Before we knew it, Kelkale was little more than a smoking crater.

Upon hearing the news, the report was frantically changed so that we needed only Magnolian royals to trigger it. So, it is actually I who should be apologizing...

I see.

Well. I must thank you for your honesty. I'm sorry we kept you from your rest. Please, sleep well, Princess Cynthia...

Thank you...

I wish you the best of luck in restoring your kingdom, Sir Claude.

So... That's the end of that, then.

I'm sorry how things turned out, Claude.

Yeah.

But it's just like you said...there's gotta be another way to restore your kingdom, right? Don't let this get you down!

You really think I'm sad about this?

Hah...

Wrong, Aldo! On the contrary, I feel invigorated!

R-Really?

I unearthed information about my kingdom I was previously unaware of, and even came to know one of our trade partners!

I'm going to have to re-examine every piece of information I've found up to this point. Things I thought to be irrelevant may actually have something to do with Kelkale after all... And now I must research Magnolia as well!

You're going to research Cynthia's kingdom?

I want to upload any useful information I find to the database, so that she might use it when she restores Magnolia. As the King of Kelkale, it is my royal duty to support our allies!

Now that everything is settled, I must get to work! I won't stop until I've turned every page of every book in this library!

Every single one?!

What? This is the least one could ask of a kingdom's monarch.

So Aldo, how about it? Will you dive into the ocean of knowledge with me once more?

I, uh... Oh, man, would you look at the time? I'd better go...

Hahaha! No need to hold back! After all, we're good friends, you and I!

If you get tired, you could even try out some Kelkale exercises! I intend to do the same myself!

Now, I'll start from back there! You take care of this section!

Ugh... I've had enough of books for the rest of my life!