The King in the High Castle

Halt. Beyond here is state-owned land.

Retreat immediately, and submit an enlistment form to the United Western States Army Mechanized Infantry Corps.

...Tch, they're bloodthirsty. Is this what you'd call a dystopia? Makes me nauseous.

Hmm, I rather like it. It's a good thing when peasants follow the rules.

Yeah, yeah. I've always been part of the resistance, anyway. But it looks like we can't fool our way through any further.

Master, we need to break in!

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Whoa, as I'd expect, Master! I see you're enthusiastic.

Begone! There are patients waiting!

Yes, such encouraging words...

If she wasn't kicking opponents around while saying that, it would sound even better!

...Hm? What's this, a burst transmission? Huh? What?

Wh-Wh-Whaaaat!?

Doctor!? Doctor, please respond... Doctor!

Why you... How could you give in to the Celts! And you call yourselves heroes!?

Above all, my Madonna, my Crimean Angel... To think someone with your ideals wouldn't share my own!

This is a huge disappointment! I haven't been this sad since the unemployment rate hit 30%!

Disappointment? No, there is still hope. We haven't betrayed you.

Furthermore, us joining the Celts... That's a joke gone too far.

You fought your way into here, yet you say that?

According to intel, your assassination of Medb failed. It's rather unnatural that you're still alive.

You must have begged for your lives, and joined the enemy. Isn't that the normal way to see it, Florence?

What did you say? Begged for their lives, and joined the enemy?

You've got to be joking! She'd never be up for something like that!

Sorry, I must have stepped on a dragon's tail. If I hurt your feelings... No, that was rude of me. Sorry.

It looks like they're merely losers. I don't see any signs that they've joined the Celts.

What? So they were simply defeated? Then did they come here to ask for our protection?

I can feel that lust for blood! Oh Angel of Crimea, why do you point your gun at me!?

...An angel, you say? True, I was called that before.

There's nothing more painful than being compared to a creature as gentle as cotton candy.

King of Inventions, Edison. After seeing you like this, I understand.

Hm, what is it? Have you finally realized my greatness and my intelligence?

You're ill. You must receive treatment immediately.

What...was that?

Ahh... You've said it right to his face...

How rude. What part of me is ill?

These strong limbs. This sound body, bursting with health. This sharp and honed intellect.

Everywhere you look, it's so standard!

Be quiet. What's so rude about telling a patient that they're ill?

If you want to be pampered, go ask your mother or wife.

You have the power to save the world, yet you're trying to bring the world to ruin.

How is that anything but an illness?

You're wrong! I'm

I'll attend to you right now. Just keep quiet, and rest in bed.

What!? Huh? I-I finally got through the hacking.

Th-That's good. I couldn't communicate with you for a while... What happened?

I-I'd expect no less from Edison. To think he could cut into our communications after just that one peek last time...

No, we've been really careful about security, you know!?

It's just, well... Uh... This is Edison we're talking about, so it wasn't much use... Hahaha.

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So shooting a gun stops hacking? I'll remember that, Master!

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O-Okay, I'll forget it. ...So that's no good?

We don't have time for idle chat. Now, we must break through.

So you've come.

Of course, Karna.

You're also ill. Withdraw at once, you shouldn't be here.

There's something you desire, after all. I recommend recuperation in a remote place.

...You might be correct. I'm infected by an illness called loyalty.

Instantly realizing what I desire... Is that due to your occupation as a nurse?

No, you're simply easy to understand.

... ...I see.

Um, Karna seems somewhat depressed.

Thank you for pointing that out. However, I cannot surrender this path to you.

The King of Inventions asked for my aid, after all. He kneeled before a worthless man like me.

He was the first to ask. That's more than enough reason to oppose you.

...Also, one more thing. Edison resembles a friend of mine.

A man clever, yet foolish. Proud, yet full of charity.

There was once a king who called me friend. A king who saved me.

Edison resembles that amiable man well. To put it simply, I cannot leave him be.

How surprising. To think someone like you could smile like that.

Even I'm human. I have emotions, like any ordinary person. However, that's enough talk.

The first time was testing the waters. This is the second. Show me just how much you have improved!

Hah... Hah... Hah... Y-You're good!

Stand back. You're at your limit. Umm... Redhorn?

Oh shut up! Some things I just can't give up as a fellow Lancer!

Lancer!? Weren't you an idol?

I'm taking a break from my idol activities. Right now, I don't have a choice, so I'm holding this spear!

...Mm. Return? What an odd order.

ButI see, He wants to decide with his own hands. That's rather arrogant, but perhaps it cannot be helped.

What? Are you running away!? With the win!?

I don't think I've won yet...

I have orders from my lord to return to the throne. I'll be waiting for you, up ahead in the throne room.

Along with this nation's finest... All three of us.

This nation's finest... That means...

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Seems about right. Earlier we were speaking over the comms, but I imagine Edison wants to speak in person.

...Regardless, it looks like we can't avoid battle before talking to him.

...True. I don't think Edison will come around unless he is knocked down once.

Let's get things ready first, Master. Then we'll head out.

Nowentering!

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...Yes!

How dare you come here! You reprehensible traitors!

Why can you not believe in my righteousness? Are you drowning in conspiracy theories?

Like "Edison was the embodiment of capitalism itself!" and "True geniuses do not idolize business!"

Mr. Edison. I believe you're the one easily swayed by conspiracy theories.

While I have not sensed a sliver of intelligence from you, I do know that your inventions are indeed amazing.

Which is why I have diagnosed that you are ill based on something other than such rumors.

Argh! I have no idea what kind of nonsense that is! Nightingale, pioneer of statistics!

Why did you materialize as a Berserker? I have no intention of speaking to an unintelligent beast!

...Well, aren't you a beast yourself? I mean, you're a lion...

...Sigh. Your fever is indeed getting to you. What a waste of intelligence.

Mmm!? Lady Nightingale, what did you just call me!?

...Pardon me. Slip of the tongue.

Master. Please prepare to operate. First, we need to have him rest on the bed, and make him hear what we have to say.

You're rather aggressive, Florence. Are you implying you're going to fight him and win?

Yes, I doubt he'll listen to us any other way. So we'll fight, we'll punch, and we'll win.

I like stuff like that. Very straightforward.

I don't like fighting... Nor am I good at it. But I suppose I can set aside those feelings for now.

Mr. Edison, are you ready?

Y-Yes!? Yes, I'm ready. I'll engage them with all the electricity available!

Then they will truly know... How amazing inventions from this King of Inventions are!

Direct current is just the way to go!

...So you still ARE fixated about that!

Ooooooooh! Not yet... I have not lost yet! I will not surrender!

If I do not suffice as a soldier, then I shall give up this body of mine to science!

Time for Thomas' great transformation, the big remodeling! I shall cast away this humanoid gentleman's form!

Now it's time for a beastly boost! I'll transform into Thomas Mazda Edison

Gah!? Wh-What was that for, Karna? How dare you throw my superhuman elixir on the floor!?

Sorry, Edison. But this ends here... I cannot let you walk the path of destruction any further.

Besides, first and foremost, that medicine is bad for your body.

No! Good medicine is always bitter to the taste. I can withstand my heart exploding! I'll show you!

If I don't hold my ground here, who is going to protect this nation!?

Protect, you say? For someone trying to protect, you have a rather illogical method of fighting.

What... D-Did you just call me...illogical?

Yes. Extremely illogical.

I am always logical! Both this nation and I are children of logic.

It can't possibly be illogical

...We can't win.

...What?

Those Celts are monsters who spend all their time fighting, from birth to death.

People of this era are already falling behind, right at the starting line.

Moreover, the revered Queen Medb possesses the Holy Grail, allowing her to create soldiers infinitely.

That's why we can't win. There's simply no way to win.

The Holy Grail is the only resource they need to reinforce their army. The idea of strength in numbers was a mistake to begin with.

But you didn't let up your ground. Rather, you didn't want to give up that system.

Because

Mass production. Cheaper, more efficient production. That was what you, Thomas Edison, were ingenious at.

But those aesthetics strip you of the intelligence you originally had.

You thought, "I cannot lose on my home turf." And subconsciously, you got worked up over it.

And because you kept grumbling like that, you were corrupted by such an illness.

Erm... W-Well, but... But... Why... I cannot deny that...

True, I was fixated on productivity. Even if we run out of resources, as long as we obtain victory at the end...

Indeed. There's no point winning in just the field of productivity. BUT! MOST! OF! ALL!

The biggest mistake is your body itself!

There are no records that indicate Edison had the head of a lion.

Furthermore, it is impossible for you to have such strength.

That means you possess power that doesn't belong to you. That is the dream pushing you to become "king."

Um... isn't that the Holy Grail?

No. It is not the Holy Grail.

The Holy Grail can only grant wishes. It does not manifest them.

Edison. Your own desire did not stem from yourself.

...That's right. My name is Thomas Alva Edison.

I am the Presi-king of the United States of America. Past, present, and future...

The successive presidents of this nation granted me power. Because it was logical.

They came to the conclusion that even if they were all summoned as Servants, they would lose to the Celts.

So, why not concentrate all the power into a single person. Not a president, but a hero with international fame.

...They entrusted me with the future known as "America!"

The presidents... from the first to the last.

...Or rather, the thoughts of those who took up the mantle of president, or what you could call their grudges, had possessed him?

That is the illness. For us, it's not just about America.

We must heal, we must save this world. That is our Order.

E pluribus unum.

You are a state made up of many races, equivalent to being children of many nations.

Which is why you have an obligation to save the world.

Yet you divert your eyes and try to save only your own nationthat is why Edison suffers.

Hrng... Guh...

That is also whyyou were defeated by Nikola Tesla, your fellow inventor.

Gaohoooooooooooooo!?

(She landed the heaviest blow!)

(...I wish you pulled your punches...)

I-Is he okay? Mr. Edison, are you alive?

GAFU... GAFUUU!

Yes, he has a pulse, but barely. He's on the ground, but he is still twitching, so...

He will live. Edison, answer me.

What is it you want to do?

Urgh... Mm...

...Yes. I admit it, Florence Nightingale.

The successive kings granted me power, but logically that also pointed to the fact that I couldn't win...

I have strayed from my path just a little... It seems I was wandering in a maze of foolish thoughts.

Just a little... Just a little bit, was it... Very well.

To heal an illness, one must first admit that he is ill.

Being lost is fine. Because right now, you have returned to the starting point.

I see... Despite all the sacrifices the citizens have made... I am now only at the starting line...

This is rough... This is actually rough. What am I supposed to do now...

Huh? You mean you don't know, Edison?

Blavatsky... Are you suggesting you do? What I should be doing?

Simple. Do what you would always do. If you fail 3,000 times, you try again with attempt number 3,001.

You're never discouraged by failure, causing trouble for all those around you. You always find a way to get back up.

That's your life. Right, Thomas Alva Edison?

In the end... That was your ultimate talent, right?

Blavatsky... I am not sure if I should take that as a compliment or insult...

But thank you. You really are my friend. I just need to overcome it... That was my life's conclusion.

But I'm a loser. A coward. The King of Lawsuits. Leading a nation again is something I can't possibly

That's not true. Make no mistake, Edison.

You were lost, but you were headed towards the correct location.

Saving someone you don't know the name of, or trying to shine light into a world of darkness...

I can confidently say that those are desires you can be proud of.

No matter how much you blame yourself, or how much you hate yourself, or how you perform evil deeds out of being overly cautious...

Unlike heroes who can only save others by defeating something, you do it and have done it with your inventions.

As in, not with your words. ...Ultimately, you really became a light shining onto the world.

Feed off that hope, that accomplishment, and stand up. You're at rock bottom right now, but not all is lost, right?

Karna

Mmm. It is time to wake up, great King of Inventions. There are still so many gems hidden in that brain of yours.

...I see. Your world is far from seeing inventions, and vastly differs from mine, yet you still say that.

Babbage, my best friend, is telling me in Morse code... That I cannot lose until I am bankrupt.

In that case... Yes! The presi-king will never die! He must rise as often as needed!

The dream of bringing prosperity to the world has revived! Karna, Blavatsky! Sorry to have caused you trouble!

Don't worry. We're friends.

...Right. Though a bit pushy, after coming this far, I suppose we are friends.

Ha. I'm always blessed with such great friends.

Even that hysteric can't match me here. This is what I can call my own fortune.

...I also owe you an apology and my thanks, Fujimaru. And to all you Servants who support him.

Frankly, I still have no idea. I still don't know how to save the world, or how to defeat the Celts.

But

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I am grateful, and I'm counting on you. That's right, I have forgotten something very important!

The president always has a vice president by his side. At times, the VP is even more capable.

Mr. Edison, then you mean...

Yes. I am Thomas Alva Edison. One cornerstone of the foundation for American prosperity.

In that case, this time for sure... I want to create an invention that will save this world!

Of course, as your Servant, Fujimaru!

Yes! That's great news, Master!

Ahh, congratulations! Though, that role usually dies first in movies!

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I will now bestow myself and all that I have upon you, Fujimaru.

Will you save the world together with me? ...My Master.