Margins of History

Palsifal Palace was a truly fascinating place. The country was so different from the Miglancian era.

It's just a shame that the king had passed away before I was able to meet him.

Still, the country didn't seem in disarray. He must have been a good king.

I'm glad you liked it.

Honestly, I was kinda surprised when you suggested touring the kingdoms through time to gain kingly wisdom.

Do you think it will help in your rebuilding of the Kingdom of Kelkale?

Yes, it was a rare experience. I was lucky to have it.

But, can I ask you something? You said that you wanted to restore your kingdom so that everyone would remember it existed. So why did you want to learn from kings of the past about how they ruled?

Well, when I actually saw the Kingdom of Kelkale in the flesh, I guess I got a little greedy.

I started to hope that I could genuinely rebuild my homeland, in a truer sense of the word.

I see... And I guess, you did promise the king.

To prepare, I wanted to learn from my predecessors. But books covering that era are few and far between.

I did hear that paper books were incredibly rare these days... But aren't these things recorded digitally instead?

Sure, the network has a huge amount of information available to read.

But without the documents and materials on which that information is based, you've got nothing.

Oh. I always thought anything was possible in the future.

That is all thanks to the efforts of the people who emigrated to the skies.

These cities of the skies were built to escape from the contamination on the surface. History and culture had to be left behind, to lie dormant, forgotten on the surface.

Oh, I see... So that's why you infiltrated the Xeno-Domain to get the records on the Kingdom of Kelkale?

Sorry. That was insensitive.

Nonsense. If something is dormant, we must simply wake it up again.

Wake it up? So you want to go to the surface?

Eventually, yes. But it's not something that will happen overnight.

First, I shall move steadily forward.

And how will you do that?

I will learn how to be king, and I will get the Kingdom of Kelkale's name out there again!

In more concrete terms, I'll do some PR! I will create a website and market the history of the kingdom!

That's surprisingly straightforward. I was expecting something a little more flashy from you.

Even the grandest of performers do not miss rehearsals. Think of this as preparation for the spotlight.

If you say so...

Neither a country, nor its history, is tangible. They exist because people recognize that they do so.

So I must make people remember my kingdom's name! I must make them recognize that it exists!

There you are!

Hey, I remember you! You're Claude's friend, right?

I've been looking all over for you.

Sorry about that. I felt like going out and about in Elzion. So, why were you looking for me?

I have something for you.

You do?

Has it finally arrived?

That's right.

At long last!

This has sure made you happy. You must really want...whatever this is.

Apparently, this item is connected to the Kingdom of Kelkale.

Apparently?

A few weeks ago, there was a post on an urban legend site that a jewel of death would be put up for auction. My friend told me that this jewel looked just like mine.

And yours is a part of the dragon's soul that protects the Kingdom of Kelkale, right?

Yes. I don't yet know if this thing is the real deal or not. But I'll find that out soon enough. I just need to try out the ritual.

Right...

You seem like you're not entirely with us. Are you just tired or something?

Maybe... I've been looking for such a long, long time...

...... You must have put a lot of effort into this.

So, where is said jewel?

Here.

Whoa! It really does look exactly like yours, Claude! You'd swear it was the same thing!

The magical pulse I felt when I first touched it is certainly similar to my ancestral stone.

I have my doubts about why another would exist, but no doubts that this is a piece of the dragon's soul.

So Kelkale slumbers within this jewel as well?

......

Well, something's certainly in here. I have no choice but to check. But just to be safe, we shouldn't do this in the city. We have no idea what will unfold...

Last time, didn't you summon the Guard Beast on the IDA School roof?

Yes, with so few people around, situations are a lot easier to handle up there.

And if something bad did happen, everyone from IDEA would be there to help.

Indeed. Well then, let's go to IDA School.

Phew, looks like no one's here.

That is good news. With no prying eyes watching us...

We can find out who has taken possession of my dear friend's body.

Huh?

Pretending to be a human child is no task for someone not human themselves.

Oof...

Hey! Are you okay?!

Looks like he fainted. But...

Are you...Kelkale?! B-But Claude's friend, how did you, A-And how are you free to walk around here? I thought you were sealed within the jewel?

If you have to ask that...then you're not the Guard Beast I encountered here before?

Hm? The king did say that his family cut off part of the soul in order to seal away the dragon...

The truth? What truth?

Claude, your jewel!

Be careful, oh king of mine. That being was formed from resentment. It is the cursed me, the evil dragon defeated by Siegmund. It burns with hatred, yearning to destroy your kingdom and your people.

I see. So this was what was sealed in the other jewel.

Oh dragon parted by my ancestors. Might I ask what your intentions are?

Do not pay heed to his fallacies!

I made an oath, an ancient oath to watch over the Kelkale family.

Ngh!

Kelkale!

Claude, your jewel! It's cracked!

You want revenge. I understand that. But...

I have a wish to fulfill! This is not my time to die!

Right! If you're planning to get your vengeance out on Claude, I'm going to stop you!

What will I achieve? Why, I will bring it back to its former glory! I will let it bask in the golden sun!

......

Nhh!

Claude? What's wrong?

Hey! What did you do to Claude?!

What?!

......

Claude?

Claude! Claude! Snap out of it!

Claude? That dragon is...Claude?

Isuka...

Wait! Claude!

Aldo, I really don't think it's a good idea to chase him without having some kind of plan first. IDEA will help. So tell me what's going on here.

But...

IDEA's eyes are all over the city. Don't worry. And Hismena and Saki are on patrol today. They'll contact if anything happens.

Okay. Well...

Where am I?

This is the spirit world. The physical manifestation of your mind.

Kelkale... You seem weak.

You jewel... What you call the dragon's soul...is my soul.

Now that it is damaged, I won't last long. To cut a long story short... The other me used your blood to manipulate you and turn you into a dragon.

Just like King Claudio? I am of his blood after all, so I guess it's not impossible...

The other me is a discredit to the name Kelkale. He wishes to turn your pride to shame.

The dragon said he would burn my country and kill my people...

As king and member of IDEA, I cannot let that happen. My dragon, if you know how to stop him, please tell me.

He has taken over control of your physical body, but your spirit remains alive, here. So you need to take back control. The power of the dragon is not about dominion, it is about sharing. Use that to take power away from the other me. I shall give you the power to do so. You just need to accept it.

The robes and sword you gave to Khajemis?

The name of the sword is Hyperion. It is a sword of radiant light, made of my own claws. You can use my power of sharing through this blade.

Your power?

What was that?

You saw the world through the other me's eyes, just for a moment.

If that's what's going on in the outside world, I need to get back to myself as soon as possible!

Yes, but take care. The other me will try to steal your spirit. Expel him, and you shall regain yourself.

I shall not fail.

I've yet to achieve a single thing for my homeland.

I can't waste here. Not if my dream of rebuilding my homeland is ever to become reality.

Very well. Then I wish you luck. My friend. My descendant.

My dragon. I thank you.

Is that...a young me?

It's about to eat me up! Not if I can help it!

This place...

That's my great-grandfather!

Huh? You sold the sacred artifact?

I heard on the news that there was a fire at the Delta District factory. So I decided to sell the artifact and donate the money to help the victims.

It was a valuable antique, so it sold for a good price. It should go far to help them.

And didn't you sell your ring to help the old man next door?

Yes, and he was able to use that money to get his much-needed surgery. You and his grandchild play together, don't you?

Yeah. We're friends, I think.

Hey... Why d'you do so much for other people? I thought you used to be a king So why?

Well, that is most likely why. Because I was king.

I don't get it?

If you had plenty of bread and you saw someone hungry, what would you do?

I'd share, of course.

Yes, you would. Because you're kind, my boy. And a king will always have a lot of bread.

Those blessed with plenty should share with others, not hoard it away for themselves.

I believe that making everybody happy is key to being a good king.

But then...who shares with the king?

Well...

Okay, when I'm king, I'm gonna share with you. And I'm gonna get back the kingdom, and the sacred artifacts! Everything!

Heheh, thank you my boy. I'm sure you'll make a great king. The greatest ever.

Great-Grandfather...

He was always so generous, giving away all that was important to him.

If I'm to become a king like him, I must regain myself.

Is that...me, just before I joined IDEA?

Dragon, I'm sorry, but I can't give you me.

Another nostalgic sight...

I did hear there was a student who wanted to join IDEA. So it was you, Claude?

I am honored that you, busiest in the whole school, should know my name.

Well, if some weirdo goes about claiming to be a king, you're going to remember him.

Besides, I was planning to talk to you anyway. I just didn't expect you to visit the operations room before we'd actually invited you.

I apologize for visiting without an appointment.

But I was growing impatient, so I decided to come here to sell myself.

He's talking like he's here on business...

You seem proud of your lineage, but does it also come with skill?

Why, yes. If he who wears the crown has no power, no one would follow him.

Hmph.

I have the power to protect the weak. That is why I wish to join IDEA. Having the strength to fight, yet not fulfilling your duty is negligent, nothing more.

That is the duty of a noble person. You clearly have both strength and will.

Welcome, Claude. You are just what IDEA is looking for.

My ancestral dragon, fearsome though he is, will be no match for Isuka and Hismena. Both are friends I trust with my life, and rivals whose competition only betters me.

Those two will never lose, no matter the opponent.

I have slain the dragons, but still there's no response. Is it because this is a spirit world? Or because it exists elsewhere?

Huh? That's...

I don't see a version of me anywhere. But I'll have to slay you anyway.

Where am I now? I don't remember this place... Then is this Kelkale's...

You are the evil dragon who stole the sun, I know it. Return it to the sky at once. My people are cold and starving.

If you won't return it, you leave me no choice. I shall slay you and return the sun myself.

Oh dragon slain by my father. My name is Khajemis. I came to talk to you.

No, such gore isn't to my liking.

I came to ask you to stop cursing our kingdom.

Maybe so. You have every right to hate us. So I have a deal for you... If you wish to take revenge, kill me. I am the son of your foe, after all.

Even if I may not have done anything myself, or may not deserve to die...

To save my beloved people.

And...because I was a little intrigued by you.

Yes. My brothers were trying to kill me.

A battle for succession, all because my father took a crown he didn't deserve.

I wouldn't say they love them. It's just...

They're scared by what they don't know. They don't know their enemy, or the future, and it unsettles them. Same as with you. If they just talked to you, they'd realize you're not bad at all. Yet, they insist on treating you this way.

That sounds horrible! I'd see all? Even if they're thinking mean thoughts about me?

No, no. I want it. I shall cherish this gift, dear friend.

And what about these white robes? Have they got some awesome power, too?

Haha! Very true.

I'm sorry. I wasn't able to keep my promise to you.

I'm far more timid than you think. I'm too scared to see people wishing for my death.

I am... So, I have a favor to ask. Watch over my family for me. Ensure they don't tread the wrong path, ensure they don't go to ruin. Please, choose them the right king.

Because...you're kind. I've come to see you so many times now, yet you never killed me.

How could my father have mistaken you for an evil dragon?

When...you're...so...kind...

Kelkale... "On the cracked bones of Kelkale. Insignia of our misdeeds." "Bestow unto us, drenched in the miasma of our sin, the fortuity of atonement."

I think I finally understand the meaning of the chant that summons you. You were our sin.

I wonder what you felt when you entrusted me with this sword.

Is that...Aldo?

......

Are you okay, Aldo?

Just about. But I can't keep this going forever. I mean, it's Claude in there! It's not like I can really attack him! I don't know what to do...

Isuka! Evacuation of the vicinity is now complete.

And all roads to Central Park have been blocked off.

Saki, Hismena, I'm so grateful to have you here.

That dragon's really Claude?

I know it's hard to believe, but I saw him turn into the dragon with my own two eyes.

So the king of a fallen kingdom can turn into a dragon now?

Claude? You've regained consciousness?

Easier said than done...

Of course I am. I am the finest lance wielder of IDEA.

Saki and I are here, too. So you've no need to worry. Just do as you like.

Then we shall endeavor to live up to that trust you place in us.

I'll make sure to surpass your expectations, Claude.

And I'll give it my all!

We've got this. So do whatever you've gotta do.

I will. Thank you.

There must be another dragon for me to face nearby. I'd best get exploring.

Kelkale said that this place was my own mind.

But that last memory I saw wasn't my own. So I must be getting closer to the dragon that stole my body.

And there was a dragon here not long ago. The boundary between mine and the dragon's heart must be around here.

In which case...

The gate has opened. The dragon must be through here.

It feels rude to enter someone's mind without knocking, but this isn't the time to be polite.

Doing nothing isn't an option for me, I'm afraid.

And furthermore, you're trying to harm innocent people. It is unbecoming of a king to sit and wait while his people are in crisis.

The dragon who protects me gave them to me, so that I could regain myself.

Mighty dragon, your vengeance was for your friend, wasn't it? Your hatred is understandable. But I am king. I should be the one to take your anger, your hatred.

But if you insist on involving the innocent people of this city, then I shall slay you with this very sword!

Yah!

I was sure that did something...

...... Ah, I understand. So... If I die, so do you.

Aldo! Can you hear me?

Claude! We're worried about you!

So what do we do?

You want us to kill the dragon? Are you for real?!

We can't do that! This dragon is...

How could you even say that? There must be another way. We've just got to look for it. Right? Right?!

This is a terrible thing you're asking us to do. But if I was in your position, I'd be asking the same thing.

......

I'll do it.

No! You can't!

Standing around here doing nothing isn't going to save Claude, is it?

Well, no, but...

Okay. I understand. But I don't approve!

None of us approve. But if we don't do it, we still won't save Claude, and a load of innocent people will get hurt. So someone has to do this.

As a fellow IDEAlist, if he has made up his mind, I will not let that go to waste.

I don't need your thanks.

I will. I'll try to make this quick for you.

No!

Your vengeance ends here. It must end.

Kelkale, you are a kind dragon. You truly loved your friend.

I know. I saw your memory.

I'm not sure what good that will do a dead man.

That's quite a harsh thing to say about a man rejoiced as a saint...

Heh...

My ancestor, my dragon. Thank you for watching over my family.

I promise, I will not repeat the mistakes of the past. I will rebuild our homeland. And I will tell everyone our true history.

History is the path we have walked, the proof we once lived. We must never forget a single step.

Have no fear, the true story of you and Khajemis will be told far into the future. So sleep, my dragon.

I see. Thank you for the report.

How are things over there?

No civilian injuries. Claude protected them.

Yes...

......

Claude... Everyone's safe because of you. But it's hard to feel grateful right now.

This is too horrible. He didn't think about our feelings at all.

I'm sorry. I don't want to be reproachful, but all I can think about is how mad I am...

Agh...

Claude?!

No way!

The return...of the king! You all... look terrible...

THAT'S the first thing you say? Really? How showy can you get?

I'm so glad you're okay! I was so worried about you.

Welcome back, Claude.

Thank you.

It seems I still have a lot to learn. A king shouldn't worry his friends and subjects so.

When a king dies, his people are in turmoil. You're far from a great king right now.

Ouch. I'm not used to seeing you so angry.

Well, we were really worried about you! I mean, your heart stopped beating.

So...how did you survive?

The dragon who hated more than any, yet loved more than any, told me that I should live.

Ah. Kelkale was your Guard Beast, after all.

Okay, I've called an ambulance, so let's get you to the hospital.

I'm most grateful.

It's no big deal, it was only calling an ambulance.

No, I mean. You accepted a role no one should have to take.

...... My friend showed resolve, and so I responded. That's all.

But...never again.

No. Never again.

Okay, here's the ambulance.

I'll go on foot. The ambulance can go to any civilians in need of aid.

Right now, you're the one most in need of first aid!

She's right. We'll go to the hospital later, so make sure you get seen to!

Very well. See you in ElziMed, then.

I think an IDA student named Claude was brought here... Do you know where I can find him?

What an interesting outfit. You must be Aldo. I heard about you from the patient. He said to tell you, he's in room 305.

Thank you. I'll head there now.

Claude, I'm so sorry. You got dragged into this mess all because of that jewel I found.

As my first vassal, you informed me of the existence of a national treasure. You should be rewarded for your great service.

But...

If you hadn't won the auction, I would have put my whole month's rent on winning that jewel. From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful that I have been able to eat more than dry bread for lunch.

Honestly... You really are a good king.

Aldo, I've been waiting for you.

How are you doing?

My wounds are healing faster than expected. Thanks to this blood flowing through my veins, perhaps. I'm perfectly healthy, but I've been told to rest all the same.

Well, yeah! You collapsed! You've gotta stay on bed rest for at least a day.

Indeed. Which has given me time to devote myself to my life's work.

And what's that?

This!

Erm... The History of the Kingdom of Kelkale?

Yes. I'm compiling a new history, based on the materials I've gathered and what I've experienced firsthand.

I've poured all of my knowledge and experience into this book. It will be sensational! Please, take a look.

A sensational history book? That would be a first...

Read it, and you'll understand.

Let's see... "The history of the Kingdom of Kelkale begins with the sin of dragon-slaying..." Wait...

Yes. It is our history that was buried in time and forgotten by everyone. Clearing his name won't change the fact that Kelkale was misjudged and denigrated by all as an evil dragon.

It is unreasonable to only record the history that suits my family. A truly great king is one who bears his sins and errors to the world.

I think it's good that you're recording the bad parts of history, too. But the account after that is sorta... Um...

After that?

He talks about a king befriending a dragon, a time loop in a parallel world, and all sorts of crazy things.

Ah, I see...

A little bit of added drama is to be expected, but this is way over the top! No one's going to believe it. If you publish this, people will think you're an author writing about a king, not an actual king yourself.

But it's all true...

*sigh* I've got places to be, so I need to go... But get rid of that passage.

Never going to happen.

You are right though. Few will believe. Many will laugh.

But I don't want to pretend that the things that happened, didn't.

Classic Claude. Anyway, see you at school.

Don't you think my friend makes an excellent retainer?

Most won't believe this history I've compiled.

Some will even doubt the very existence of the Kingdom of Kelkale. And he dutifully informed me as such.

He's looking forward to seeing the country you're going to create.

I suppose he is.

Ah... Let me correct one thing.

What?

A country is something created over a long time, by those who live in it.

Life is simply the smallest unit of history.

Comedy and tragedy, success and failure, happiness and unhappiness. Life contains both good and bad, and history is just a collection of those things.

Someday soon, the Kingdom of Kelkale will be restored. But I will not have created it alone. It will have been created by all of us, from the past to the future.

I see. In which case...

I'm sure it will be the most amazing country anyone has ever seen.