Kino no Tabi:Volume3 Frontispiece

My name is Riku, I am a dog. My master, Shizu, is a traveler. This is a story about a

certain time in a certain country.

"What is that" From the driver's seat of the buggy, Shizu sounded surprised as the country came into view.

Usually a country will barricade itself with castle walls to protect itself from foreign

enemies; however, this country had nothing but a small fence to keep animals in. Shizu met

with the leader, and asked if there were no walls because the country had an unmatched army. "Such barbaric things are not in our country" said the leader with a sinister grin. "Then how do you protect your citizens?" Asked Shizu somewhat shamelessly. As expected of

the 元王子様 (original prince?). "You're too old fashioned," said the leader with a condescending tone. Shizu asked if up until now there's been any attacks. "This is only my personal experience, but more than I can count on my hands. Despite this

all matters were resolved peacefully, and it will stay that way. We have no need for

murderous groups or walls that will hinder the natural scenery." Then the leader said this

with a dubious looking face, and his chest stuck out. "We have a "Love and Peace song". If

we sing it, we can defeat our enemies without fighting."

"without closing the door, they seem to be at ease. It's worrying." "Let's stay in this country" is what Shizu's face was saying. He had wanted to leave, but

because the buggy needed repairs, we decided to stay. That morning, the entire country was making noise. Word came from across the plains; a

neighboring country's army would be attacking. The enemy army sent a messenger, who said

that tomorrow morning a general offensive would be launched. The Leader came to see Shizu with a pleased face, and said almost sarcastically, "Well then

traveler, I'm going to show you a beautiful spectacle. Tonight will be fun."

It became night. Beyond the fence, light from a campsite could be seen. On our side a

bonfire was lighting up a large stage which had been prepared. Wearing his favorite sword at

his side, Shizu was beckoned by the leader. Shizu sat in a seat on the side of the stage,

and I settled between his legs. The enemy army formed its ranks and began marching until

they were lined up in front of the stage. "Look at these fools only capable of violence. Even still, they will lose to us again." The leader scornfully laughed and gave his subordinate a direction. Shizu whispered to me

"When it's time to run, stick to the usual plan." People gathered on top of the stage, and no matter how you looked at it, they seemed like a

chorus group. Matching the rhythm of the conductor's baton, they suddenly began singing. It

was a gently hummed melody. Before long a beautiful woman in a flashy dress appeared on the

stage. Accompanying the back chorus, a lovely voice began singing. The lyrics were love and peace are best, fighting is foolish, kindness deep down in your

heart, throw away your weapon and pick up a farming tool, etc. Shizu looked like he had

overslept and had a headache.

Suddenly, the enemy soldiers who had just been staring at the spectacle started to change.

Everyone put their weapons at their feet and happily joined in with the song.

Still working... probably -Quincy (pester me about it and I'll do more)