After passing through the cave exit, the view suddenly opened up. The Reverse Boat emerged on this massive lake, with a huge city ahead. The whole world was like a gigantic circular basin—this was the dog kingdom, a lost little world cut off from everything else. We disembarked from the lake and looked around at the city: ancient structures, enormous waterwheels, and wooden houses. It felt like we'd stepped into the Middle Ages.
As we were walking, we spotted a group of knights approaching from afar.
"Quick, hide!" Prince Kuntakku said seriously. We all hurriedly found places to hide. The group was a knight squadron made up of dog-headed people, riding creatures that looked like kangaroos, clad in armor and holding spears. They rode off after seeing no one.
After they left, Doraemon asked the prince, "What's going on? Spot?"
The prince replied, "This is why I asked you to come help me. They are the subordinates of the minister who seized my father's throne—Daburanda. They are terrifying enemies with evil intelligence, and currently, this country is under Daburanda's rule."
When he mentioned Daburanda, his tone got angry, losing that elegant vibe he had before.
We all understood—it sounded like one of those prince's revenge stories! Helping him didn't seem like a bad idea. Doraemon asked proactively, "Where are we going now?"
The prince said, "Let's head to Brus's residence first! Brus is my father's personal guard captain and the most trustworthy person in this kingdom."
So, we cautiously avoided more patrolling cavalry and headed toward Brus's residence.
When we carefully got there, the gate was destroyed.
"Brus!" Prince Kuntakku rushed in worriedly. We followed him. Inside, everything was ransacked—stuff scattered everywhere in a mess. Suneo couldn't help but say, "It looks like no one's living here!" The prince clenched his fists in anger.
"I think he was probably captured by the enemy!"
Doraemon asked, "Then do you have anyone else you can trust?"
The prince's expression grew gloomy. "If even he was captured, there's no one left who can stand with me!"
I was speechless. An entire kingdom with only one supporter—how bad is your popularity! From what I remember from history class, that usually means the other side has the people's support, and you're the villain. With a prince like this, only a few supporters, and the army not listening—if it weren't for us showing up, he'd be better off just abdicating.
Doraemon asked the question I wanted to know too: "What exactly happened?"
The prince took the chance to rest and slowly recount everything. "Over five thousand years ago, our kingdom had a more advanced civilization than now. Our ancestors used scientific power to invent steam trains, flying ships, and other extremely terrifying weapons. But the wise Bauwanko the 1st realized that endlessly inventing new weapons would lead the world to destruction, so he ordered a ban on weapon research and sealed all the research records. In addition, he ordered the construction of the giant statue to serve as the guardian deity of our kingdom. After five thousand years, although our scientific power has declined, the kingdom has maintained peace."
"But the minister who usurped my father's throne, Daburanda, has evil ambitions. He unsealed the ancient weapons and plans to invade outside countries to strengthen this nation."
Hearing that, I got why no one supported the prince. This small world had been peaceful too long, with too many people, so they needed to expand and grab resources. A prince against that wouldn't get much love, especially from the army—they'd want war for promotions and loot. To them, he was like a traitor—a dog traitor!
But it was ridiculous. With that old tech, invading the outside? They'd barely bully some natives. A modern army could wipe them out with one company!
Giving up your own weapons? Not smart. Science and tech are key!
I kept quiet and listened as he continued.
"The incident happened the day before my wedding ceremony with Princess Spiana. At that time, the minister suddenly reported that there was a problem with my father. Without thinking, I rushed into my father's bedchamber, but I didn't expect that to be the beginning of the misfortune! When I burst in, I saw my father collapsed on the ground, with smug Daburanda and Professor Kos beside him. They were holding the cup I had given my father, saying it had poison on it, and framed me as the murderer who killed my father. Then, they had their army rush into the palace, taking control of the entire palace. Under their attack, I had no choice but to flee immediately. Then, I was wanted nationwide as the criminal who murdered my father."
"During my escape, because the kingdom's strongest knight, Saber, personally intervened, I was beaten without any chance to fight back. With no other way to escape, I fought while retreating until I was cornered at a cliff. Luckily, there was a lake below, so I pretended to be knocked off and fell into the lake. That's how I was swept out by the underground river, intruding into the human world for the first time. Bewildered, I hid on a ship docked at the port, but it turned out to be a cargo ship traveling between Africa and your country. I've always wanted to find a chance to return home. When I was helpless, I met Nobita and saw his abilities. The second time, he rescued me when I was weak! That's my entire experience!"
The prince said it all with emotion. "But if we don't defeat Daburanda, our country has no future! Everyone, I know this is imposing on you. But please, lend me your strength, won't you?"
He got agitated, pleading with us.
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