#Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Strategy!

[owls-gamblegalaxy]

Kirby: King Dedede’s Great Escape Strategy!

"King Dedede, Waddle Dee, and Kirby depart for the sand planet, Minore, to participate in a festival where a huge feast will be served! However, King Dedede and Waddle Dee are thrown in prison after being falsely accused of stealing the food meant for the event. To rescue them, Kirby and Meta Knight set out to investigate, but …?

Meanwhile, the King and co. carry out their great escape strategy with a boy of Minore, Ali! Find the real criminal and take the feast back!!! King Dedede is the star! The story of a great adventure!!"

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Note: Translator's notes (if applicable) are located in the tags of each chapter's posts. I know that's a weird place to put them, I'm just lazy about re-editing and reformatting everything. Please feel free to check them out if it's of interest to you! Some of them, like chapter 4, are especially interesting in my opinion.

Translator's notes:

大作戦 (translated as "great strategy") in this novel's title is shared with the Japanese name of The Great Cave Offensive (洞窟大作戦, with 大作戦 being localized as "great offensive"). I don't think there's any further connection than that, but it's something to note. I didn't translate it in-line with that localization because 大作戦 in The Great Cave Offensive is being used with a different definition under a different context.

This novel's title has a three d's alliteration. Romanized, it's Dedede Daiō no Dassō Dai Sakusen.

#king dedede #kirby #bandana waddle dee #meta knight #ali (kirby) #Kirby: King Dedede’s Great Escape Strategy! #kirby light novel #translations

[dededaio]

The New Kirby Novel Announcement might hint at the future of the series?

...or as I also would like to call it, yet another installment in the "Klu puts on a tinfoil hat in desperate attempts to predict Kirby's future" series.

So you might've already heard about the announcement of the upcoming Kirby Light Novel in the March of 2024. It's title is "The Dream Onsen is a Good Hot Spring" and If you aren't familiar with it's plot yet, here's the full synopsis:

At first the story doesn't seem too remarkable, there are no promises for new high-stakes adventures on a different planet like in Dedede-focused novel "King Dedede's Great Escape Strategy" or shocking twists like in "Meta Knight and the Knight of Hades", but then it hits you. This novel will feature Elfilin and Daroach. A lot of people who learned of these news did instantly become excited, but not a lot of people seem to have realized just how bizarre this is.

If you aren't familiar too well with the novels in general, their utilization of the extended game cast is quite similar to the way mainline games handle them. As in, they rarely if ever appear if their names aren't "Kirby", "King Dedede", "Bandana Dee" or "Meta Knight". If novels could help it, they only use the main four and occasional recurring enemy/helper like Burning Leo or Chilly (and Chef Kawasaki as a bonus) as the supporting cast. And if the original story requires more important characters, instrumental in the narrative, Mie Takase, novels' author, tends to invent entirely new ones instead.

So far there were only 3 types of novels that primarily utilized game-exclusive characters. I myself sorted them out by type, this is not an official classification or anything. Here's a nifty chart:

Remixes, as I like to call them, are quote unquote "original stories" that feature game characters like Magolor, Taranza or Animal Buddies. But while most of the plot seems original, more often than not it seems as a re-imagining of the actual game plots. Kirby's Labyrinth Rescue is probably the most egregious example, as it's an unholy amalgamation of Return to Dream Land, Triple Deluxe, Rainbow Curse and Amazing Mirror. While a lot of the story might be original, they are "based" on something from the games instead of being wholly original narratives.

AUs are interesting, because they do tend to have entirely new stories that utilize game characters, but this is only with an asterisk that they take place in entirely different world from the main novels/game-adjacent canon.

Adaptations speak for themselves. They might have an original character or two (mostly early on in novels' existence) but they are mostly 1:1 faithful adaptations with some omissions and additions that don't significantly alter the narrative (with sole exception of Planet Robobot's novelization letting President Haltmann live for some reason). Notable thing is, that in case of certain game-adaptations, like Merry Magoland or Kirby Fighters 2, mentions/appearances of extended game cast are omitted or heavily limited (In KF2 novel Magolor and Gooey don't appear or get mentioned at all, in Merry Magoland only Gooey is mentioned among masks of the characters that don't appear in the story in flesh).

As you can see, this newly announced novel doesn't fall under ANY of these categories. It's a brand new, seemingly slice-of-life-esque story, that just so happens to randomly include Daroach and Elfilin. This is highly unusual because novels rarely if ever take risks or go out of their comfort zone. They kind of established the rules and formulas of how they work for years now and it's been working out for them. So why anything would change now?

Well. Heh... What if this sudden change in direction is actually reflective of franchise-wide changes? Shinya Kumazaki talked about how Forgotten Land is going to be the beginning for "the new phase of Kirby". So far it's hard to tell what he actually meant by this. But I would argue that one of the aspects that could be true in this new "phase" is more frequent utilization of the extended Kirby cast.

Novels, in terms of franchise-wide hierarchy, some of the closest things to the actual games in terms of importance, mainly thanks to how much of a juggernaut in terms of sales they are within Japan. Across 10 years of their existence they managed to sell over 3 million copies of all books, which might not sound that impressive, until you realize that these are books for children that until recently were purely Japanese-exclusive endeavor.

These books are the only adaptations, to our knowledge anyway, that get special privileges from HAL themselves in terms of telling some plot and lore details that even fans aren't aware of. Shinya Kumazaki even directly supervised and helped to write one of the books (Return to Dream Land's novelization that came out in 2022). It doesn't mean that novels are canon, but it does mean that they tend to reflect the current status-quo of the series better than most other aspects outside of the games.

So this sudden inclusion of ensemble cast in a random story might signify HAL's willingness to do more with these characters. Elfilin alone wouldn't have been perhaps that surprising, as he was hinted to have more importance past his debut in how he passionately expressed that he wants to stay by Kirby's side forever, but Daroach's inclusion is puzzling because while he did appear in multiple games, he didn't get any merch or notable appearances lately.

Of course, this might mean absolutely nothing! But I feel like this is more notable than most people give it credit for. At worst, this means nothing except that novels will utilize game cast more frequently, which would be cool, at best, it means that HAL is opening up to the idea of returning past characters more frequently, which would be awesome. Let's wait and see, I suppose.

#kirby #kirby light novels #long post #klu.txt

[deafeninggardenerpanda]

about time i made a proper pinned post

art only blog ✨ kofi ✨ shop ✨ kirby discord server (17+ only)

Commissions Sheet -  Commission Status: CLOSED (0/0)

Kirby Light Novel Illustration Compilation (ill update this eventually i swear)

ramble tag: #*gardening noises* --- art tag: #my art

(if you’re coming from the kirby light novels masterpost and want to read the novels on my blog that look deleted, see below)

my translations, under the cut:

=============================

Manmaru Nikki:

Volume 2, Chapter 4

Volume 2, Chapter 7

Volume 2, Chapter 10

Volume 2, Chapter 11

=============================

Kirby Light Novels: (For the full experience, please view the cover, table of contents, and character introduction links before reading)

(important note, all three of my masterposts for the novels i’ve translated have been deleted due to copyright strikes. they can’t be reuploaded or i’ll risk getting my blog terminated. i’m currently working on a workaround, but for now the only way to navigate from chapter to chapter is by using the Next Chapter and Previous Chapter links at the end of each chapter. the chapters themselves are still fine)

Kirby: Search for the Dreamy Gears! (Link to the first chapter)

(Cover ⚙ Table of Contents [Image] ⚙ Character Introduction)

Kirby: Kirby Fighters the Destined Rivals!! (Link to the first chapter)

(Cover 🌟 Table of Contents [Image] 🌟 Character Introduction)

Kirby: King Dedede’s Great Escape Strategy! (Link to the first chapter)

(Cover 👑 Table of Contents [Image] 👑 Character Introduction)

#*gardening noises* #pinned

[friendship-ended-with-pokespe]

Kirby: The Great Bandits, Squeak Squad Appears! Chapter 6

Afterward, a few days passed without anything happening. Castle Dedede was at peace, with neither Daroach nor Meta Knight showing up. Enough for the three who were taking turns guarding over the egg to be in boredom. “Geez, are they still not coming?” Said Kirby while he lay sprawling beside the egg.

“They must have chickened out from our strength.” Answered King Dedede, also having a bored look. All three of them were fatigued from overstraining themselves in protecting the egg. Kirby yawned loudly. “It’d be great if they hurry up and come to steal it-.” “Kirby, if you say something like that......” Waddle Dee tried to rebuke him, but King Dedede said. “No, I get what Kirby’s saying. I’ll be bored to death if there’s nothing to do like this.” They cannot get plenty of sleep or go outside. Of course, they also can’t go out to play or even go for a meal at Chef Kawasaki’s restaurant. Apart from Waddle Dee with strong patience, it was natural for King Dedede and Kirby who get bored easily to whine. “How about we play a card game......” “I want to play Old Maid or even Sevens.” “A word chain then.” “What about a staring contest?” “It’ll be boring since I’m too good at it.” “Sigh......” Kirby and King Dedede drew a long, long sigh while rolling on the floor.

That night. As always, the three decided whose turn it was to be on the lookout by drawing lots. Tonight, Waddle Dee was to be the first person on duty. King Dedede and Kirby went to bed, where Waddle Dee stood up to keep watch. The king and Kirby fell asleep with little difficulty. In three seconds after having crept into bed, the sound of Kirby sleeping, and surpassing it, Dedede’s snoring could be heard. Waddle Dee sat down beside the egg while yawning. (......Pretty sure the Squeaks won’t come tonight either. Yawn......so boring......) To prevent himself from falling asleep, Waddle Dee brought his favorite picture book and started reading it. Normally, the time for them to change would come while he is immersed in his book, but...... His attitude was a bit strange tonight. (H......Huh......?) Realizing that he was unwittingly reading the same page many times over, Waddle Dee was surprised. (What’s this? The book is interesting, but......what does it say here......? I’m confused......) When he tried to focus on the book, the pages started getting blurry. His head became hazy, and an intense drowsiness stole over him. (I-I can’t. I’m on the lookout......) He couldn’t overcome the sleepiness, however. Waddle Dee lay prone on the book and fell asleep.

“......He seems to be asleep.” Concealing himself on the balcony, Daroach whispered while seeing how the land lies in the room. “That sleeping gas is very potent. The three will all be sound asleep until the morning.” Waddle Dee falling asleep was of course, his deed. The Squeaks’ combatants, the Squeakers stole into the attic and sent in the sleeping gas inside the room. Standing beside Daroach, Meta Knight said. “The three are alright, yes?” “Of course. They’re just asleep, and it has no adverse effect on the body. Their head will feel rather refreshed after waking up.” “That would be great if possible.” “Relax. You think I, Daroach, would choose a strategy that would hurt someone?” Daroach grinned boldly and opened the balcony window after covering his nose with a mask. The three were sleeping like a log from the effect of the sleeping gas. Where they wouldn’t wake up even if lightning, for example, was to strike close to their ears. Wearing masks as protection from the gas, the Squeaks boldly went inside the room without even bothering to quiet their footsteps. The egg is placed next to Waddle Dee, who fell asleep. The egg, as ever, is tied to the cushion with a thin string. Daroach shrugged his shoulders. “Why would they do this.” “It’s probably a precaution so the egg doesn’t crack.” “It’d be troublesome to take it off. Let’s just take it like this.” Daroach lifted up the egg along with the cushion. It was at that moment. Kirby, who should have been fast asleep, yelled suddenly. “We’re......having......DRIED SQUID!?” “......What!?” Daroach was so surprised that he almost dropped the egg. His men and Meta Knight all gasped and saw the situation on Kirby. Kirby mumbled something and fell asleep again. Daroach said while his heart throbbed. “......He’s sleep-talking? That surprised me.” “Boss, it’ll be troublesome if this guy wakes up. Let’s hurry up and take it out.” Whispered Spinni. “Yeah, you’re right......” Just then: Kirby again shouted aloud. “RICE! I love Rice Krispies!” Daroach and the others jumped up in unison. “......W-What!?” “Don’t tell me he’s awake......!?”  “You really think that's likely......” “There’s spicy!? I LOVE spicy ramen! I WANT SOME!” Kirby rose up with a hop, and opened his mouth wide. “He-He woke up?!” Shrieked Spinni, where Meta Knight said to him quickly. “No, that’s not it. He’s just half asleep.” “B-But he stood up and opened his mouth......” “He’s only dreaming about something to eat. Don’t make any sound. From here on, let’s quietly......” “Melts? Quiche? Mmm~, yummy~!” Kirby took a deep breath with his eyes closed. His inhaling power is super-powerful even with him half asleep. In an instant, a strong wind arose in the room. So much so that Daroach and the others cannot stand still. “A-Ahh!” “Oh no......!” Having a small body, Spinni was the first to fly in midair, and was about to be inhaled by Kirby. “Spinni!” Placing the egg on the floor, Daroach grabbed Spinni. Doc, Meta Knight, and everyone is getting pulled in by Kirby. Daroach shouts. “Everyone, grab onto Storo!” “Boss, the egg......!” Screamed Spinni. The egg is about to be inhaled by Kirby.

“Not a chance!” While clinging to Storo, Daroach desperately stretches his foot and pushes the egg beneath the bed somehow. “It’s regrettable, but we must evacuate. Let’s make a run for it!” In one group, the Squeaks and Meta Knight moved steadily and managed to reach the balcony. Climbing over the handrail, they tumbled down and succeeded in their escape. Narrowly escaping from Kirby’s inhaling, the whole crew drew a deep breath. “That was close......!” “What a terrifying dude......” Doc, Storo, and Spinni are all out of breath. Meta Knight looked up at the window on the second floor and said. “However, you’re all making a huge mistake if you think that was him being serious.” “What did you say......?” “Kirby was merely dreaming about food and was half asleep. If he makes a serious effort, it wouldn't just end like this.” “......Yeah.” As one would expect, Daroach too became pale. “I was convinced that I knew plenty about Kirby’s strength, but......I was naïve. His power is immeasurable.” “You get it now, yes? You should call it quits already.” Meta Knight said in an admonishing manner, where Daroach talked back to him without delay. “No.” “......” “To give up is a word that has no place in my vocabulary. I will get my hands on the treasure.” “......Fair.” “You don’t need to work with us anymore, Meta Knight.” Meta Knight answered Daroach’s word. “No. I haven’t fulfilled the promise yet.” “You rescued Storo. That much is enough.” “I’ve decided to work with you guys until the end. I’m not going to pull out of it halfway.” “......You have my thanks.” Daroach put his silk hat back on and looked up at the balcony. “Let’s withdraw for today. But just wait and see. The Squeak Squad will get their hands on the treasure......!” The Squeaks and Meta Knight disappeared like a wind.

The next morning: Having woken up, Waddle Dee was shocked and yelled out loud. “W......Wahhh!? What the heck happened......!” Being awakened by that voice, Kirby and Dedede rubbed their eyes. “......Mmm......?” “What is it, Waddle Dee? You’re so noisy......let me sleep a bit more......” “B-Bad news......!” His voice was urgent. Kirby and the king were startled. “Bad news......?” “Don’t tell me......!” Having sprang to their feet, what met their eyes was...... The room in complete shambles. Just about everything was scattered about as though they were hit by a typhoon. Both the chairs and the tables are knocked over, and everything on the shelf has fallen to the floor. “How could this have happened......!?” Waddle Dee shivered. King Dedede grabbed Waddle Dee and bawled while squeezing him. “What the frick happened, Waddle Dee!? Weren’t you standing guard!? Why the heck didn’t you wake me up in the shift hour!” “I-I’m sorry, sire......I fell asleep carelessly......” “You think carelessly will cut it!? You dunce!” The king hollered at Waddle Dee. “Did the Squeaks come while Waddle Dee was asleep......!?” Said Kirby. “Is the egg alright!?” King Dedede looked for the egg, his eyes bloodshot. The egg wasn’t where they must’ve put it before sleeping last night. “It’s not here...... The egg isn’t here......!” “The Squeaks stole it!?” The three searched all over the room. Waddle Dee was the one to find the egg. “Ah, it’s here, sire! Below the bed!” Waddle Dee pulled out the egg and the cushion. Kirby and King Dedede sighed in relief. “Thank goodness!” “Why was it beneath the bed? Pretty sure we placed it around here last night.” Daroach pushed the egg beneath the bed to protect it from Kirby’s inhale, but of course, the three wouldn’t know that. “Something happened during the night, huh? The room became a gosh-awful mess, and the egg crawled beneath the bed......” Said Kirby. King Dedede also tilted his head. “This isn’t their doing......was this......from someone being half asleep?” “Half asleep?” “Exactly. I’m sure there’s someone in here who tosses about awfully in his sleep.” “But, sire. Something like that has never happened up to now. It’s odd for someone to have suddenly tossed about in their sleep.” “Hmm......right, wouldn’t someone have worried way too much about the Squeaks and dreamed about it? Someone dreamed that the Squeaks were raiding and tossed and turned wildly!” King Dedede and Waddle Dee turned their gaze on Kirby. Kirby opened his eyes wide and said. “Huh? You got it wrong. It’s not me. I didn’t dream about the Squeaks at all. I had a really good dream last night!” “Good dream?” “I don’t remember it well, but......the dream had stuff like dried squid, rice krispies, spicy ramen, sandwich melts, and quiche served......” Kirby put his hands together and had an ecstatic look. King Dedede gave his impression. “That’s such an incoherent menu.” “But it looked so yummy! I had a delightful dream and slept soundly. So there’s no way I was half asleep. Aren’t you the one that’s suspicious?” “Pshh, don’t be stupid. I don’t sleep talk either. A great ruler of Dream Land can’t possibly be half asleep. ......So that leaves us with,” King Dedede harshly turned his eyes on Waddle Dee. “It’s you.” “......Huh!?” “Waddle Dee! You must’ve been half asleep and made the room a mess!” “I-I didn’t......” “Are you positive that you weren’t!?”

Waddle Dee thought about it, but only had a vague memory of yesterday. After he started reading his picture book, a drowsiness suddenly came over him, where he lay prone and fell asleep. He slept soundly until morning without any dreams. He doesn’t remember tossing around, but cannot say for sure that he wasn’t. “......I’m not......sure......” “You dreamed about the Squeaks and tossed about in fear, huh?” “I-I don’t think I had......any dreams......although I don’t remember it very well......” “There you have it! You’re the one who made the mess of the room!” “T-That could have been......the case......” “You’re such a pain in the butt! Get moving and clean up!” “Y-Yes, sir!” Waddle Dee raised the furniture that had fallen over, and gathered the stuff scattered on the floor. Kirby said while giving him a hand. “Cheer up, Waddle Dee. Being half asleep could happen to anybody!” “S-Sure......thanks.” “Anyways, it’s a good thing that the egg is all right!” “Uh-huh! When I saw that the room was in a mess, I had butterflies in my stomach because I thought the Squeaks came in during the night!” “I’m not afraid of them. I wouldn’t lose to them even if I was half asleep!” “Ahaha, geez, Kirby!” “I’m joking!” The pair cleaned up the room, laughing cheerfully together.

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#kirby novels #kirby of the stars #light novel #translation #kirby #waddle dee #king dedede #meta knight #squeak squad #daroach #Kirby doesn't actually say Rice Krispies

[deafeninggardenerpanda]

The festival ended a great success. That night, King Dedede and the others were invited by Ali to stay at the royal palace.

Kirby and Bandana Waddle Dee were both in a great mood.

"The festival was fun, huh–! The food was so tasty!"

"Yeah, right. And I'm really glad that the incident was resolved. My heart was pounding when we were arrested, but thanks to Ali, we managed to escape ... "

"I want to hear more about that story," Holi said to Bandana Waddle Dee. "Security in the prison should have been tight, so how did you escape?"

"Of course, the great success was all me!" King Dedede butt in on the story. "Flinging the waves of soldiers out of the way, one after the other, and with Waddle Dee and Ali clinging to me with both hands, I heroically jumped out from the window ... "

"And went head-first into the river!" Ali clapped his hands and laughed. "It was dark out, we were soaked and hungry! It was looking really bad then!"

"But, I wasn't scared because the Great King was with us," Bandana Waddle Dee said.

"Hmmph, well yeah. As a Great King, you think I can let my subordinates feel scared!?" King Dedede threw out his chest.

"Allion was saved, thanks to you two," Holi said with a smile. "Not only that, it seems he’s been taught and received valuable preparation for being king. Thank you, really!" Holi bowed. "I'll do my best, as well, to support Allion from now on! Just like how Waddle Dee supports King Dedede, right?"

"Huhh–!? I ... I mean ... I really ... " Bandana Waddle Dee waved his hands, embarrassed.

King Dedede nodded in satisfaction, but, like he suddenly realized, said, "By the way, what’re you gonna do with the prime minister? What kind of punishment are you gonna give him?"

"Punishment ...? " Ali said with a formal look, "I’m not going to give him a punishment."

" ... What?"

"What he did was bad, but in the first place, it was all because of me. I slacked off and it didn’t rain, which was a major issue. If I were responsible, this incident would have never happened."

" ... Hmmm ... But that doesn't mean you should let him off scot free ... " King Dedede looked dissatisfied. "He stole all of the food and was gonna ruin the festival! And, he framed me and threw me in prison!"

"I know that. But instead of a punishment, I decided to give him a job."

"A job? What kind?"

"An important one for next year's festival, of course." Ali laughed. "While there's plenty of water in the City of Minoreze, there are a lot of distant regions that still suffer from water shortages. The minister will go to regions like that and work there. His job is digging canals that’ll carry water to the farms." 

"It's a good idea," Holi said, "but ... it’s pretty back-breaking work, isn’t it."

"Yeah. The prime minister was the one who suggested it to me, actually."

"Him?"

Ali nodded with conviction to the surprised Holi.

"It seemed that he finally understood, seeing the faces of the people enjoying the festival today. What he did and how bad it was. To atone for the crime of almost ruining this year's festival, he told me he wanted to work for next year's festival." 

"I see ... " Holi nodded, seeming happy. "He did bad things, but he’s a hard worker as well. If he can put his heart in the right place, I'm sure he will do a remarkable job." 

"Then, next year's festival will be a great success, too, huh!" Kirby shouted.

"Of course ... Well, that’s what I want to say, but." Ali looked at the Rain Call Crystal placed beside him. "In any case, we have to return this crystal to its former glory. If power is poured into it correctly, the crystal will make it rain without strain. If I keep doing that, I’m sure it’ll regain its former glory." Ali's eyes were filled with a strong determination. 

"I want to help too, Ali," Holi said.

" ... Huh?" 

To Ali who asked in response, Holi said powerfully, "If you try to take on everything alone, it will surely end terribly again. That’s why I’ve decided to support you, Allion, no matter what!"

" ... Thank you, Holi!" Ali extended a hand to him. Hands meeting and clasping together tightly, the two nodded. Ali said, "By next year's festival, the crystal will definitely be restored to its original self. And, I’ll make sure the festival is even more fun than this year!"

Bandana Waddle Dee grinned wide and said, "If it’s you, Ali, I’m sure it can be done. Because you swore to become a regal king, following in King Dedede-sama’s footsteps!"

"I think you chose the wrong person to follow in the footsteps of!" Kirby said. "King Dedede’s a carefree person who, everyday, only eats delicious food, sleeps soundly, plays a lot, and laughs like an idiot."

"And you only run your mouth–!"

King Dedede and Kirby began their usual scuffling. Ali was thinking while looking at the ranting King Dedede.

There were lots of places he wanted to follow in King Dedede’s footsteps, but there was just one that he hadn't told anyone. The greatest part of the Great King, Ali thought.

Was the part where he valued his subordinates.

King Dedede was typically overbearing and tough on his subordinates, but he knew from the bottom of his heart that Bandana Waddle Dee was very important to him. That’s why Bandana Waddle Dee, no matter what selfish orders were imposed, really respected King Dedede.

Ali thought of all of his subordinates around. He had thought they were just nagging, unpleasant adults. They got on his nerves and weren’t important to him at all. 

But, the subordinates didn’t value Ali little. The ladies of the court would yell at Ali when they were worried about his health. The diligently working officials lashed out. The prime minister targeted such weaknesses of the heart.

The same mistake wouldn’t be made again. From now on, he would confide in his subordinates and join forces with Holi to cherish everyone’s words and actions.

Just like King Dedede.

"Great King, Kirby, please quiet down! It’s late already! You’re bothering everyone in the palace–!"

Despite Bandana Waddle Dee’s shouts, it didn’t seem like they were going to settle down. Kirby and King Dedede noisily kicked up a fuss. Ali stood up.

"I want in on this too! The play fighting!"

King Dedede and Kirby shouted their retaliations at the same time. 

"We're not playing!"

"It’s a serious maaatch!" 

"Ahaha! Holi, you should join us too!"

"Huh? B-But I'm really not good at that kinda ... "

"C’mon–!" Ali threw a pillow at Holi.

"Ack! Now you’ve done it!" Holi’s face turned red. He threw the pillow back. 

With Ali and Holi joining in, the match heated up to a fiery intensity. The great uproar went deep into the night, until they were scolded by the, rushing in, head lady of the court.

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#kirby #king dedede #bandana waddle dee #ali (kirby) #Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Strategy! #kirby light novel #translations #👏👏👏👏👏

[deafeninggardenerpanda]

great escape strategy is now complete! thank you to everyone who’s been following along with the translation! 👏 👏 👏 

#kirby #king dedede #bandana waddle dee #ali (kirby) #meta knight #< i guess lol #my art #Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Strategy! #kirby light novel

[dededaio]

new novel illustration coloration moment

#king dedede #bandana dee #kirby #ali (kirby) #Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Strategy! #kirby light novel

[deafeninggardenerpanda]

King Dedede told everyone what he had heard at the royal palace.

"So it was that the minister threatened the innkeeper into giving a false testimony, huh. And the stolen food is in the freezer of the royal palace ...! " Bandana Waddle Dee said.

"Yeah, but that's not all," Ali said.

"Huh?"

"The prime minister has imprisoned the king in his room, and holds power. Maybe, it’s already been like this for a long time," Ali said flatly. Everyone looked at him with surprise.

"What do you mean by that? The king is imprisoned ...? " Bandana Waddle Dee said, confused.

"That’s right, and I don't think the people working in the royal palace are aware of it. The minister locks the king up and doesn't let anyone see him."

"That's ... That's strange!" Bandana Waddle Dee's voice grew louder. "Because, unlike the previous king, the current king has brought a lot of rain. The vegetables and fruits have grown well, thanks to that ... " 

"No, it’s not like that. It hasn’t been the king who’s been bringing the rain." 

"Huh?"

"The minister has been abusing the Rain Call Crystal to make it rain by force." 

"Rain call ...? "

"It's a treasure that’s been passed down through the royal family for many generations. Anyone who uses it can make it rain."

"Ali." The pointed voice came from Meta Knight. "Why do you know that?" Ali went quiet. Meta Knight stared at him as he stood, motionless. "I’ve been thinking that, perhaps, by some chance, Ali, are you ... "

"None of that kinda stuff about me matters!" Ali suddenly shouted and interrupted what Meta Knight was saying. "What does matter is exposing the minister's wrongdoings and making sure the festival goes off without a hitch!"

King Dedede and Kirby’s eyes lit up, hearing of the festival.

"Ohh, yeah, that's right! We’ll get back the stolen food!" 

"It's in the freezer of the royal palace, isn’t it! Let’s get going!" 

Ali shook his head. "No, it’s difficult to charge the royal palace head on. Instead, I came up with a good plan."

"What is it?"

"We’ll use tomorrow's festival."

"Use ...? " 

Ali nodded. "The festival ceremony is held in the square in front of the royal palace. It's a chance for the king to appear in front of the people." 

Bandana Waddle Dee said, "But the king is imprisoned, isn’t he ... oh!" It clicked into place. Ali nodded.

"That’s right, the king who will appear in the square tomorrow will be an imposter."

"The minister will be impersonating the king ...!? " 

"That’s how it’ll be. There’s a law that the King of Minore does not show himself in public. It's not hard for the minister to impersonate him."

"In that case ... " 

"We’ll need to catch the imposter king when he comes out into the square." 

Ali’s words were powerful.

"That's ... absurd. Security will be tight with so many people gathered in the square. You'll be arrested immediately if you try to approach him," Bandana Waddle Dee said, frightened.

"—No," King Dedede said. His face, which had been devoid of energy this whole time because of his empty stomach, at last returned with a strong expression reminiscent of himself. He raised his fist and said, "Absurd or not, we’ve gotta try! It's our best chance for the minister to come out of the royal palace. Besides, it's convenient that there’ll be an audience in the square, too. Won’t we be able to reveal the truth in front of everyone?"

"Much easier said than done," Meta Knight said, sighing. "You’ll be stopped by the guards immediately if you try to approach the minister, then end up arrested ... " 

"Even if it's tough, we’ve gotta try!" King Dedede stepped forward with a thump. Everyone took a breath, overwhelmed by his sheer determination. "The people of Minore have been waiting for this festival! There are tons of travelers who came from other stars, just like us! Are we gonna let all their anticipation be for nothing!? I will recover the stolen food, absolutely, without a doubt! And then, I’ll make sure the square gets their hell of a feast!"

"Great King ...! " Bandana Waddle Dee was deeply moved. His eyes filled with tears.

The king breathed in roughly and continued, "THAT OVERSIZED SPICY DELUXE STEAK IS MINE! THERE’S NO WAY I’M GOING BACK TO DREAM LAND UNTIL I HAVE IT—!" 

" ... Great King ... " Bandana Waddle Dee's tears slunk back into his eyes. Meta Knight turned away in dismay and Ali bit back his laughter. The only one who raised his voice, as if he was impressed, was Kirby.

"As expected, King Dedede! No matter how hard things get, we can't forget about what’s important—the feast! You’ve got my re–spect!" Kirby lept at him.

King Dedede swung Kirby around and laughed proudly. "Well yeah! Who do you think I am!? Once a Great King becomes a great person, he’s gotta commit to the act and stay with it ‘till the very end!"

"Me too! I want to commit to it ‘till the very end too! Let’s feast with everyone until our stomachs burst! Hohh—!" 

"Hohh—!" the two voiced together. 

"Good grief. When it comes to food, you two are like good friends ... " Meta Knight said. "Anyway, are you really going to do this, King Dedede?" 

"Don't make me repeat myself."

"Okay. Then I’ll prepare too." Meta Knight nodded. "First things first; a strategy meeting. To plan the strategy, we need information like a map of the square and details about the ceremony ... "

"I know those!" Ali raised his hand. "Tons of tourists flood the festival every year. It's not hard to disguise yourself as one and slip into the crowd ‘cause a lotta people cover their heads with a cloth to keep out the heat. Of course, it’s pretty risky with all the guards on the lookout." 

Everyone sat in a circle and listened intently to what Ali was saying.

"The ceremony begins with the king praying to God. After that, the king gives a message to the people, and then, finally, immediately returns to the royal palace." 

"We can’t interrupt during the sacred prayer," Meta Knight said. "There’s no choice but to wait until after the prayer is over to get closer, somehow or another." 

"How is ‘somehow or another’?" Kirby asked. 

Meta Knight replied, "Split up and approach slowly, without drawing attention. Then, reveal the identity of the minister impersonating the king."

"This is where I come in!" King Dedede shouted. The minister is a lil’ lowlife who framed me! I won’t show mercy! He’s gonna get what he deserves!"

"It’s not that simple," Meta Knight said. "If you get caught by the guards before you get close to him, there’s nothing more that can be done. They won’t accept any excuses from any of us. I bet we’ll all go to prison." 

His words were dark, but his voice had grown more and more excited. Meta Knight was just like King Dedede—the greater the challenge, the more his fighting spirit burned.

"Don’t worry, everything will work out! The God of Minore will surely be on your side," Ali said.

King Dedede laughed. "I don't really know about that; we’re just tourists. Well, you’re someone from Minore. Maybe just you will get a blessing from your god."

Ali nodded. His eyes shone, filled to the brim with a determined light.

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#kirby #king dedede #meta knight #bandana waddle dee #ali (kirby) #Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Strategy! #kirby light novel #translations #can't wait for all of the among us jokes with this //

[deafeninggardenerpanda]

Meta Knight and Kirby went to the soldiers' station next. The receptionist was surprised when the famous Meta Knight visited.

"Huhh!? The famous Sir Meta Knight!? How may I assist you!?" 

"I have matters to discuss about the pair who were arrested," Meta Knight said.

"Pair? May I have their names ...? " 

"King Dedede and his subordinate Waddle Dee." 

The receptionist’s face froze up upon hearing that. "King Dedede!? Why are you asking for that name ...! " 

"I want to prove his innocence. The innkeeper who witnessed King Dedede stealing the food; the thing that’s suspicious about his testimony is ... " 

The receptionist interrupted Meta Knight who tried to explain. "King Dedede and his subordinate Waddle Dee! Those two broke out of prison!"

" ... What!?" 

"They shook off the soldiers who tried to stop them and escaped from the window. We’re desperately looking for them, but even now, we still don't know where they are." 

"Escaped ... then ...!? God damn it, King Dedede ... you idiot!" 

Meta Knight sighed in frustration.

They would’ve been able to leave prison freely without needing to escape because he was able to get the true story from the innkeeper. With this, the situation was instead made worse.

"Sir Meta Knight, if you have any clues, please lend us your aid!" The clerk looked at Meta Knight like they were praying.

"Sorry, I don't have any. Apologies for disturbing you. Excuse me." 

Meta Knight turned his back on the staff and left the building with rough footsteps. He, along with Kirby, roamed around town aimlessly.

"Where could Waddle Dee and King Dedede be?" Kirby said, seeming worried. "We have to find them quickly."

"Sigh. But how do we find them ... " 

Then, they heard the sound of a bell from somewhere. The beautiful sound resounded throughout the city. 

"Ah, it's the bell that strikes noon," Kirby said, suddenly becoming full of energy. "Let's go back to Battleship Halberd for a bit, Meta Knight. I gotta eat lunch!"

"You already ate just a short while ago, and now you want to eat again?" Meta Knight was astonished. Suddenly, he raised his face. "A ... bell? Maybe it will be of use."

"Huh? What?"

"Let’s go, Kirby." Meta Knight spread his cape and flew up.

"Huhh? Where are we going?"

Kirby flew up unsteadily, still wearing the paper bag. Meta Knight said, flying at high speeds, "Don’t you think the sound of this bell is a little different from a normal bell?" 

"Huh? Is it?"

"This isn’t a normal bell, but probably ... "

Meta Knight flew towards the chiming of the bell. Gradually, the sound became louder. 

"Over there. That tall tower." 

Meta Knight spotted the clock tower and approached. The sound of the bell could be heard from the top of there, but this clock tower was a little strange. In the place where a bell would usually be hung, there was instead a creature that had an appearance like it was wearing a golden bell. The creature was making a ringing sound by shaking its body happily.

"Ah, it's a ringle!" Kirby exclaimed.

A ringle was a species that also lived in Dream Land. They could ring their beautiful bells and had gentle personalities, but if they got angry, they would ring their bells to attack. 

"As I thought. The resounding sound of the bell in this city is the ringing of this ringle," Meta Knight said. 

The sound of the bell stopped. Having finished its job, the ringle sat down comfortably and rested.

"Kirby, copy that ringle." 

"Huh? Why?"

"Won’t you be able to use the Bell Copy Ability that way? The sound of your bell will reach King Dedede and Waddle Dee ... " 

"Ah, I see!" Kirby shouted, understanding ​​Meta Knight’s idea. "I can alert them that I’m here, right? Waddle Dee and him will meet up with me!"

"Give it a try."

"Okay!"

Kirby gallantly flung off the paper bag. He flew straight towards the clock tower.

The ringle, who was sitting down and resting, looked at Kirby blankly when he saw him flying towards it.

"Mm? What, you. I haven’t seen your face around before. You have some job for me or ... " 

"Hi, my name’s Kirby. Please lend me your power!" Kirby inhaled deeply with all his might. Ringle was in a great kerfuffle.

"Hyuh!? S–Stop, what are you doing ... HYAAAAAAA!"

It struggled and tried to resist, but it was no match for Kirby's inhale. Flying through the air in the blink of an eye, it was sucked into Kirby’s wide open mouth.

Immediately, Kirby's appearance changed. He wore a bell-shaped hat on his head and he held a beautiful bell in each hand.

"Look! It's the Bell Copy Ability!" Kirby shouted, full of energy.

Meta Knight landed next to Kirby and said, "Try ringing the bell. It has a tone only you can make when you ring it. I'm sure King Dedede and Waddle Dee will recognize it." 

"Mm!"

Kirby shook the bells he held in both of his hands vigorously. 

"RING-DING-DONG!" 

A bright and powerful sound, different from the tone that the ringle was playing, rang loud and clear.

Shortly before then.

King Dedede and the others were about to have lunch; bread and soup that the store manager of The Plenty Pavilion provided them.

"I'm really grateful."

"Yeah. That store manager is a lifesaver." 

Bandana Waddle Dee and Ali gratefully ate piece by piece, but King Dedede swallowed his bread in one go.

"My appetite’s nowhere near sated with just this. Ahh, I want to eat meat! Meat! Meat!" 

"Stop saying, ‘meat, meat’. You’re hungry too much, you know that?" Ali scolded him. Bandana Waddle Dee broke the bread he was about to eat in half and offered a piece to King Dedede.

"Great King, I'm not that hungry, so here ... " 

But King Dedede said, rather annoyed, "You fool. Does a Great King take the food of his subordinates?"

"But ... "

"You’re weaker than me; you need the strength. If there’s an emergency, you’ll get caught up in something and drag us down." King Dedede, while lifting a cup of soup to his lips, grumbled, "But I can’t take meals like this any longer. Waddle Dee, how many days has it been since we came to this star?"

"Umm ... Today is ... " After thinking for a moment, Bandana Waddle Dee’s expression shifted. He jumped up. "The seventh day!" 

"Seven days? Aughh, I'm sick of this. Seven days with these meals and ... Seven days!?" 

King Dedede nearly spit out his soup.

"That means the festival is tomorrow!?" 

"That's right! The seven days of endurance end today, and tomorrow is the fun festival!" 

"What did you say—! I can’t believe I went through all that! I’m so hungry I can’t even think! C’mon, Waddle Dee! We gotta go rough up that innkeeper and get back the stolen food!" Ali stopped King Dedede from getting up.

"Cool it. You'll get caught the second you set foot outside. There are posters with your face on them all throughout the city."

"Shut up! Don’t stop me! We don't have time anymore!" 

"At least wait until it gets dark ...! " 

It was when King Dedede and Ali were getting into a quarrel—the sound of a beautiful bell was heard. Both of them stopped and listened to the tone. Ali tilted his head curiously.

"Wha? The bell for noon? Even though it just rang not long ago ... and the tone is different than usual. Is it a different bell worker this time?"

"Great King!" Bandana Waddle Dee shouted. "This bell is ...! " 

"Kirby!" 

King Dedede raised his voice in joy, but rephrased with a stern expression upon noticing Bandana Waddle Dee’s glittering eyes.

"I don't count on Kirby or anything, not even a little, but if Kirby rang the bell because he wants to meet up with me, I guess it can’t be helped. Do I go to meet him?"

"Yes, Great King!"

"Geez, what a pain."

Ali looked up at King Dedede, who had stood up, with surprise. "What is it? What's the sound of this bell ...? " 

"There's a guy who sent a signal ‘cause he wants to meet up with me, so there’s no helping it. I’m going to go meet up with him." 

"Wait a minute!" Ali hurriedly grabbed the hem of King Dedede's robe. "If you go out—! For sure this time, if you get caught, you’re done for! You’ll never be able to get out of prison again!"

"I won’t screw up and get caught. I’m going!"

"Great King, I'm going too!" Bandana Waddle Dee shouted. 

"You wouldn't be able to escape when it’s needed most. Wait here." 

Bandana Waddle Dee tried to say something back, but clenched his fists and nodded.

Certainly, it was as King Dedede said. He would end up a burden should he be found by the soldiers.

"Take care, Your Majesty!"

"Blahh, I won’t be long!"

King Dedede, shaking off Ali who was trying to hold him back, swiftly left the hideout. 

The people of Minore were in awe at the sound of the mysterious bell that was resounding throughout the city. Many residents left their houses and looked up at the clock tower.

"What’s happened? The bell for noon, even though it just rang not long ago ... " 

"And the tone is different than usual too. Did something happen?" 

What met the eyes of those residents was a mysterious silhouette flying toward the clock tower.

"What is that? A bird?" 

"Is there such a round bird like that? What in the world is that?" 

Of course, the soldiers also noticed this commotion. 

"Huhhh!? An unidentified object has been discovered in the sky! What is that!"

"Bring some binoculars! 

A soldier, leaning out of a window and looking through his binoculars, raised his voice and shouted loudly.

"Ooh!? That’s the escapee, King Dedede!" 

"What—!? Dammit, King Dedede! What are you planning!?" 

"Capture him! Air Brigade, move out, now—!"

The soldiers were in a great uproar. The bronto burt and birdon troops were dispatched with the wail of a piercing siren. Kirby noticed King Dedede flying at great, fierce speeds and stopped ringing the bell.

"Waah, King Dedede! It’s good to see you again! Um, what about Waddle Dee?" 

King Dedede, landing in front of the two with a whump, said, "Kept you waiting, huh, Kirby. Why is Meta Knight with you? What the hell, what did you come here for, friggin’ jerk ... "

"Hey, other than that, Waddle Dee ...? Where’s Waddle Dee?" 

Kirby crowded around King Dedede, but Meta Knight shouted, "Both of you talk later! Look!" 

They noticed the approaching Air Brigade drawing near. King Dedede looked over his shoulder and laughed fearlessly.

"They’re coming for me soon, huh. Mhmhm, as if they could capture me. Are you ready, Kirby, Meta Knight?"

"This isn’t good!" Meta Knight shouted at King Dedede. "If we fight the soldiers here, we won’t be able to find the true criminal! Let's go!" Meta Knight took off from the clock tower. 

"Ah, waait, Meta Knight!" Kirby also followed after Meta Knight. King Dedede reluctantly took off as well and quickly overtook the pair.

"It wouldn’t be smart to give away where my hideout is. Land in the opposite direction for a moment and give them the slip!" 

"Got it!"

"After me!"

King Dedede sped up remarkably. He was going to land somewhere far away from the hideout ... going to, but ... 

King Dedede did not have the strength to keep flying. After all, it had already been seven days since he’d eaten properly. Immediately, his speed stagnated, and he plummeted, dizzy.

"Wah–, hang in there, King Dedede!" Kirby and Meta Knight followed King Dedede to the ground. There, they were in a spacious park. Fortunately, it was mostly empty, but they would end up cornered soon, as it was. 

"Get out of here ... " King Dedede said, out of breath. "Through the back alley ... to the hideout ... " However, they were found by the flight unit chasing them before they could get out of the park.

"We’ve found King Dedede! There’s a pink companion with him as well! And another friend who seems strong, somehow!"

"I'm not his friend!" Meta Knight shouted, apparently upset, but the soldiers of the Air Battalion didn’t take the excuse.

"Capture them—!" They were immediately surrounded. 

"Tsk ... So there’s no avoiding it. King Dedede, Kirby, we have no choice but to get through by force!"

"Alright!"

"Don’t leave even a scratch on any of these soldiers. Just break through!" 

"Let’s do it!" Kirby shook both of his handbells. "Just a teeny, tiny ... ring-ding!" It was a powerful move if one executed it with all their might, but Kirby made as little sound as possible. Nevertheless, it was enough to stop the soldiers in their tracks.

"Ugh! What is this noise!" 

"Get down! It’s dangerous if you’re in its path!" 

The soldiers faltered.

"Now! Go!" 

Meta Knight did not pull out the treasured sword Galaxia as he scattered and ran through the soldiers standing in their way. Kirby followed after him as the soldiers drew back at the sound of his bells. After that, King Dedede was out of breath. The three somehow managed to shake off their pursuers and fled into a narrow back alley. 

"After them—! They couldn't have gotten far!" 

"There are lots of empty houses around here! Search them all, one-by-one!" 

The soldiers went through the maze-like alleys, searching high and low for the great king and his companions. Then, a shrill voice rang out. 

"AHH—! There's a guy who looks just like the posters! You're King Dedede, that thief that stole the food, for sure!" 

"Nng!? That voice just now ...!? " The soldiers froze and immediately turned their attention to the direction of the voice.

"Someone, come—!" the shouting continued. "I found King Dedede and his allies! Ah, stop, they’re running! They ran towards the market! Stop—!"

The soldiers were in a frenzy. 

"King Dedede!?" 

"It seems they ran to the market!" 

"Don’t lose them in the crowd! Don't let them escape!"

The soldiers headed towards the market at full speed. When they couldn’t be seen anymore, King Dedede and the others—the three, together, came out of their hiding spot where they were concealed with a rummaging sound.

"We were saved. But whose voice was that just now?" Meta Knight said.

"A guy called Ali." King Dedede huffed, catching his breath. "He must’ve noticed the commotion and drew away the soldiers. Pretty smart!"

"Who’s Ali?"

"I'll tell you later. Anyways, let's head to the hideout." 

"Yeah!"

Kirby did a single spin, light on his feet. With that movement, the copy ability was given up and Ringle rolled out. 

It was in a daze, not knowing what happened. Kirby apologized. 

"Sorry for sucking you up so suddenly, but we were saved thanks to your help. Thank you!" 

"Haa ... aaa ...? " 

"See you then!"

Leaving Ringle staring confusedly, the party headed straight for the hideout where Bandana Waddle Dee was waiting for them.

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#kirby #meta knight #king dedede #bandana waddle dee #ali (kirby) #Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Strategy! #kirby light novel #translations

[deafeninggardenerpanda]

As usual, a fun tea party was being held in the lobby of Battleship Halberd. There, a bell dinged to signal an incoming emergency communication. Axe Knight, the person in charge of communications, hurried to his seat.

"Even though it's our important tea time ... Who could it be, jeez ... Yes, Battleship Halberd speaking!"

Who was displayed on screen was Kirby. But he looked completely different from his usual self. His body was fairly dirty all over, becoming a grayish-pink color, and he seemed to be a bit thinner, as well.

"Kirby!? What’s wrong!?" Axe Knight shouted in surprise.

"It's an emergency ... help ... " Kirby said in a frail voice.

"Pull yourself together! What happened!?"

"King Dedede and Waddle Dee were arrested."

"Arrested? ... Ah–, I see," Axe Knight said, shocked. "Anyhow, I’m guessing he stole some food ‘cause he was hungry? Hmph, that guy’s always been a glutton ... " 

"It’s not like that~!" Kirby mustered all of his strength and shouted. "Well I mean it is like that, but it’s not like that~! King Dedede wasn't doing anything wrong, but was falsely accused of stealing the food anyways. Please, help!"

"Well, even if you say that ... " Axe Knight said in an indisposed voice, "Sir Meta Knight is busy. You guys are gonna have to deal with it until he’s got some free ... " 

However, Axe Knight's words were interrupted by Meta Knight. 

"Seems like you’ve gotten yourselves into quite the pinch." 

Meta Knight stood behind Axe Knight before he knew it.

"Ah, Sir Meta Knight!" Axe Knight jumped and gave up the communication seat to Meta Knight.

"Kirby, where are you now?" 

"On a star called Minore, in a city called Minoreze. Meta Knight, please, help ...! "

Then, the screen was suddenly disrupted by static, and the communication cut off. 

"Good grief. Captain Vul, set a course for the star, Minore, immediately." 

" ...! " Captain Vul, who had bitten into a fruit cake, hurriedly swallowed it and said, "Are you going to go help King Dedede and the others, Sir Meta Knight?" 

"I can't leave them as is. And it wouldn’t be bad to have King Dedede owe us a favor." 

"Ha!"

The fun tea party was suspended, and Battleship Halberd set course for the planet Minore.

Caricatures of King Dedede and the others were hung up all over the city. They couldn’t go out carelessly as it was. King Dedede spoke as he paced around their small hideaway.

"Ughh, what do we do! In order to prove our innocence, we have to get the blame on the innkeeper, but we can't even get anywhere close to the inn!" 

"He'll be on high alert over there, knowing that you've escaped from prison. Staying put and waiting for an opportunity would be better," Ali said.

"I want to see Kirby again, one way or another," Bandana Waddle Dee said. "If it's Kirby, I'm sure ... "

"Hmph! Friggin’ Kirby, that pink lump can’t be relied on!" 

King Dedede’s mood turned sour. He flopped down and lay sprawled out. Immediately, loud snoring was heard. Ali covered his ears with both hands and groaned.

"How can he sleep so well, I wonder. And that snoring is something else!" 

"The great king gets tired. He has to rest often." Bandana Waddle Dee picked up the robe that King Dedede had removed and tossed aside and gently covered him with it. Ali lifted the hands on his ears as he watched Bandana Waddle Dee.

" ... Hey, Waddle Dee. Let’s continue our conversation from yesterday." 

"Huh? Conversation from yesterday?"

"Like we were saying? King Dedede eats delicious food and takes a nap every day and so on and enjoys life to the fullest." 

"W–Wellll ... '' Bandana Waddle Dee stared at him in puzzlement.

"And despite this, King Dedede is a regal king, isn't he?" Ali said with an earnest expression.

"Yes, of course."

"How? How can you say he's a regal king even though he lives so lazily like that?" Bandana Waddle Dee gave Ali, who asked fervently, a strange look.

" ... Ali ... Why do you want to hear that?"

"Huh? W–Why ... " Ali responded in a hurry. "I-It doesn't mean anything in particular, you know! I just thought it was strange. Is a lazy king really regal at all?"

"Hmm ... That's right, huh ... '' After thinking for a moment, Bandana Waddle Dee replied, "The great king can lazily enjoy himself because Dream Land is at peace." 

" ... Huh?" Ali tilted his head and looked at him. Bandana Waddle Dee smiled gently and continued.

"Everyone in Dream Land doesn't always respect him that much. Because it's normal for everyone to be at peace. But when hard times arise, or if there’s trouble, King Dedede rises up to the forefront for everyone and protects them." 

"Rises up ... to the forefront ...? " Ali straightened his posture and leaned in with an earnest expression.

"Yes. When that happens, everyone finally realizes how strong King Dedede is. But when it becomes peaceful again, they forget." Bandana Waddle Dee looked up towards the ceiling. "The times when King Dedede is lazy are the times when everyone in Dream Land is at their happiest. That's why I have a lot of respect for the lazy King Dedede." 

" ... Ah ... '' Ali lay on his stomach and mumbled in a small voice. "I see. So that’s it ... " 

"Hm?"

"King Dedede is lazy when there’s nothing wrong. Seeing that image, the people can be happy. However, he’ll stand at the forefront and protect everyone when needed. Everyone knows it, so they have peace of mind ... I see ... So that’s it."

"Um ... Ali?" Bandana Waddle Dee said. "What are you mumbling about? We should head to sleep too, now. We need to rest so we’ll have energy tomorrow."

"Ah, yeah ... The king's snoring is so loud that I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep, though!" Ali laughed, turned away from the king, and settled down.

A few days later.

Battleship Halberd landed in the sprawling desert west of the City of Minoreze. 

Captain Vul left the Halberd and looked around first.

"Only sand as far as the eye can see ... No, the City of Minoreze can be seen over there. There’s a tall tower poking out. It seems that it’s quite prosperous despite its location in the middle of a desert."

"Where is Kirby?"

It was when the Javelin Knight asked while looking around restlessly ... 

"Heey ... Heey ... everyone ...! " Kirby approached while staggering. 

He was even more dirty and sickly than when they saw him on the communication screen. He swayed on his feet, about to collapse at any moment.

"What happened, Kirby!"

"Hang in there!"

The Meta-Knights hurriedly rushed to his side. Kirby groaned weakly.

"Please ... Please ... Let me eat something ... Anything—!" 

Kirby boarded the Battleship Halberd and inhaled the food brought by the Meta-Knights one after the other. Usually, there would be a "Delicious~!" and a "Seconds, seconds~!" while he ate livelily, but today, the situation was different. He continued inhaling silently, as if it was a waste of time raising such a commotion.

"At this rate, all of our food stores will be eaten up," Captain Vul muttered with a sour expression.

"There’s no helping it. I'm sure he’s starving," replied Meta Knight. 

A short while later, Kirby stopped inhaling, seeming to at last be satisfied.

"Puha—! That was yummy! Thank you, everyone. I feel like myself again!" 

"–Can you tell me what happened?" Meta Knight sat down next to him. Kirby, who had at last regained his energy, began to speak.

He came to play in the City of Minoreze’s festival, but King Dedede was accused of and arrested for stealing the food for it. And that, in order to catch the true criminal, he was listening to the situation in the city.

"But there was no one who saw the true criminal. I tried to get close to the prison tower to help Waddle Dee and him, but I couldn't hover because I was so hungry ... I didn’t know what to do. We’re saved now because you went out of your way for us, Meta Knight." 

" ... I see." Meta Knight nodded.

"According to my sleuthing skills," Captain Vul said, "it’s clear as day this was the work of King Dedede. My guess is that he secretly left the room and sneaked into the food storehouse while Kirby and Waddle Dee were sleeping!"

"No, I doubt that," Meta Knight said. "Setting Kirby aside, Waddle Dee wouldn’t not wake up. Generally speaking, he’s quite perceptive when it comes to anything regarding King Dedede, you know."

"Hm ... That’s right, huh."

"Out of the list, the first thing to worry about is the innkeeper’s testimony." Meta Knight stood up. "The innkeeper lied and framed King Dedede. Why? Is he the true criminal, or protecting them, or does he have a strong resentment against King Dedede ...? " 

The Meta-Knights piped up all at once. 

"A resentment, huh!"

"There’s no doubt he’s got some kinda grudge!" 

"King Dedede’s got an easy personality to resent!"

Meta Knight quickly swished his cape. "I'm going to go ask the inn. Kirby, you wait here." 

"Huh?" Kirby hurriedly ran after. "Why? I’m going too!" 

"The innkeeper must know your face. It's too risky to come with me." 

"But ... '' Kirby noticed the paper bag the cake was in on top of the table and shouted, "If I wear this paper bag, we’re allll set!"

"The paper bag? With something like that ... " 

"It's o-kay, look!" Kirby slipped the entire large paper bag over his head.

"If you make a hole for the eyes, you can see right through! I promised Waddle Dee this. I have to help!"

Meta Knight sighed. Kirby and Bandana Waddle Dee were the absolute best of friends. It was well understood by him that it was not Kirby who could wait quietly when his best friend was in a big pinch.

So, Meta Knight nodded.

"Alright. Put on the paper bag and follow me."

"Will that be okay, Sir Meta Knight?" Captain Vul said in surprise. "It’s unmistakably suspicious. A paper bag disguise!"

"I'll deal with that when we get there. Kirby, not a word. Leave the talking to me."

"Okay!"

Kirby headed to the city of Minoreze with Meta Knight. When Meta Knight arrived at the inn, the innkeeper rushed over in surprise.

"You’re–You’re ... You’re Sir Meta Knight, aren’t you!? If you’ve come to make a reservation, welcome!"

"Heh. You know who I am?" 

"Of course! You’re famed throughout the galaxy, Sir Meta Knight! Let me prepare our finest room. Uhh ... and that one ...? "

The innkeeper gave a strange look at the paper bag standing next to Meta Knight. 

"Don't worry. My subordinate," Meta Knight said. "He’s rather shy, so he’s wearing a bag."

"Ah ... Alright, how many nights are you planning to stay ...? "

"No, I’m not staying. I have something I want to hear from you."

"Wha!? Sir Meta Knight, something from me? Why so?" 

"Why did you give a false testimony?"

Being asked so straightforwardly, the innkeeper’s facial expression became startled. 

"H–Huhhh? I–I’m not quite sure what you’re asking me ... "

"Are you trying to deceive me? In that case, let me be a bit more direct. The criminal who stole the food for the festival ... "

Meta Knight raised his voice as he said that. There was a crowd of guests in the lobby of the inn. The innkeeper interrupted Meta Knight's words in a hurry.

"H–Here is a bad place to speak like this, Sir Meta Knight!" 

"Then, let’s head somewhere a little quieter."

The innkeeper didn’t seem to like that, but Meta Knight’s intensity could not be opposed. Reluctantly, the two were guided to a back room.

When the door shut securely, the innkeeper laughed, trying to ease the atmosphere, and said, "There seems to have been a mistake, Sir Meta Knight. Why would my testimony be a lie? I only speak the truth ... "

"I know King Dedede well," Meta Knight quietly said to the pale innkeeper. "He's gluttonous, for sure, but he would never ruin a festival that everyone was looking forward to. He is not the culprit."

"N–No, no! I definitely saw it with my own eyes ... " 

"What, did you see, exactly?" Meta Knight pressed the innkeeper. 

"U–Um ... King Dedede snuck into the food storehouse and carried out a large amount of food ... "

"You’re not good at lying."

Meta Knight’s quiet voice was immeasurably intense. The galaxy-famous Meta Knight—the innkeeper knew his strength well. He trembled violently, recalling the many legends about him.

"I–I understand, Sir Meta Knight! Forgive me, I'll tell you the truth. But ... what I’m about to say ... please ... please keep it between us."

"—Talk."

The innkeeper hung his head, despondent, and said in a small voice, "The criminal I saw that night ... wasn't ... King Dedede ... "

"Then who was it?"

"It was ... um ... " While shaking and rattling, he shut his eyes and shouted, "It was the prime minister!" 

" ... What?" 

"I couldn't sleep that night, so, by chance, I opened the window ... and I witnessed the prime minister taking bags from the food storehouse."

"The prime minister ...? " Meta Knight breathed in, hearing something so unexpected. 

The innkeeper shook and clasped his hands. 

"The minister noticed that I saw him and said, ‘If you say a word of this to the soldiers who come to investigate, your life is over.’ I had to frame a suitable culprit ... and, furthermore, he appeared the next morning to ascertain whether I would follow his order. The minister glared at me, unable to tell the truth. So, as instructed, I gave a false testimony ... "

"Meta Knight!" Kirby shouted. "Let's catch the prime minister! Waddle Dee and the king will be saved that way, right!?" 

" ... Wh–wh–huhh!?" The innkeeper’s expression shifted. "I recognize that voice. Is it not most certainly a companion of King Dedede ...!? " 

But Meta Knight quickly interrupted. "Apologies for taking up your time, Innkeeper. There won’t be a word of this."

"Um ... Ah– ... Huh ...? " 

"If you keep going on about such trivial things, you’ll be prosecuted for lying during your testimony. Farewell."

Meta Knight swished his cape and quickly disappeared alongside Kirby, still wearing the paper bag.

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#kirby #meta knight #captain vul #meta-knights #king dedede #bandana waddle dee #ali (kirby) #Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Strategy! #kirby light novel #translations #more translators notes :) #both meta knight and the innkeeper change their speaking styles when speaking to each other #the innkeeper uses the extremely formal 1st person pronoun watakushi #and is excessively formal in general #for reference he didn't even use those when speaking to the prime minister #and meta knight refers to the innkeeper with 2nd person pronoun kikou #which in this case is used to address inferiors #he doesn't usually address strangers with that

[deafeninggardenerpanda]

Fortunately, the food was protected thanks to the actions of the guards. It was carried out into the square, one after the other, from the dolly. Vegetables and fruits, huge chunks of meat, fish on ice ... The people gathered in the square cheered.

"Incredible! This is going to be the best festival ever!"

"I want to eat as soon as possible! Chefs, if you could!"

"Understood! Please look forward to it!"

The Minore cooks eagerly started preparing. Many kitchens were built in the square, and they began making their specialty dishes with the finest ingredients.

Among them was the store manager of the Plenty Pavilion. 

"Alright, let's get started. My specialty dishes are the Oversized Spicy Deluxe Steak: a Plenty Pavilion Special, plenty of shrimp and fish made with a gorgeous marinade, and a traditional dessert made with strawberries and cream!"

Bandana Waddle Dee rushed over to the cheerful store manager who began cooking. "I'll lend you a hand, Ms. Store Manager!" 

"Oh? You are ... " The store manager smiled sweetly. Bandana Waddle Dee bowed politely. 

"Thank you so much for your help!"

"I should be the one thanking you. Thanks to all of you, the case was resolved and we can cook for the festival. And ... " The store manager whispered in a hushed tone. "You lot saved the king of our country. I couldn’t believe that that boy was the king ... I'd never seen the king's face until now, so I didn’t realize at all. I was surprised."

"We didn’t know in the slightest either."

"I said bad things to that child, didn’t I ... " The store manager’s face clouded. "I bad-mouthed the former king right in front of him. I did something terrible."

"No. I think Ali was shocked, but it’s good that he can understand the true feelings of all of you. And ... " Bandana Waddle Dee smiled widely. "Above all, Ali is incredibly grateful! You shared some food with him, Ms. Store Manager!" 

"That’s right ... " The store manager seemed a bit more at ease. "He will return to being king again, won’t he? I wonder what will happen ... Will it rain enough this time, I wonder?" 

"Surely ... it will ... " Bandana Waddle Dee looked around for Ali, who was supposed to be somewhere in the square.

The dishes were completed in quick succession, and delicious smells filled the area. The people chose and took a plate of their favorite dishes and brought them to their mouths.

"Wow, delicious! I’ve never had a steak as delicious as this!"

"This heavenly spiced fish dish is the best too! As I thought, you can’t leave the festival of Minore without it!"

Voices of satisfied people were heard from to and fro.

Who were especially noisy were Kirby and King Dedede. They ran around the square while picking up every single little bit of food and raised voices of deep emotion.

"Woooow, this steak is so delicious! Another ten, no, another twenty servings!" 

"And for me, for me, can I get the Oversized Spicy Deluxe Steak, and fried shrimp, and nikujaga, french fries, fried chicken, beef stew, gyoza, cream puffs, ice cream, and, and ...! "

Two voices called out to where they were eating in a trance. 

"Here, please have my Special Steak too!"

"My Deluxe Hamburger as well! I insist!"

King Dedede and Kirby looked over their shoulders while chewing. Several chefs were standing, each waiting with a plate of their own dish.

One chef stepped forward and said, "Thank you, King Dedede, for your help!"

"Mmm? What did I ... Ahh." ​​King Dedede nodded, finally remembering. "You’re the chefs who were about to be done in by that guard."

"Yes! We weren’t injured, thanks to you protecting us, but that wasn’t the only thing we wanted to thank you for."

The chefs spoke all at once.

"The food was able to be recovered, thanks to you, Great King!" 

"The festival is a great success. We were all able to cook our specialty dishes!" 

"THANK YOU SO MUCH, KING DEDEDE! HOORAY FOR KING DEDEDE!" 

Surrounded by the smiling chefs, a wide grin came to King Dedede’s face. 

"Huh ... Hahahaha ... It feels good to be adored by people. As a great, Great King, I’ve never been happier! But, well ... " King Dedede ruminated on it seriously. "I’m the ruler of Dream Land. Even if you told me to take up being King of Minore, I couldn’t. It’s tough to live up to all your guys’ expectations ...! "

"Hey, hey. Nobody’s expecting anything like that." 

Then, there was a voice that sounded astonished. 

It was Ali. And next to him was Holi. The chefs hurriedly drew back and bowed their heads. King Dedede, while biting into a Deluxe Hamburger, said, "Ali? Rest assured, I'm not looking to snatch up the throne of Minore. The people of Dream Land are eagerly waiting and longing for my return, after all. I’m heading home as soon as the festival’s over."

" ... Hehe–!" Ali laughed as mischievously as ever. "I feel relieved when I talk to you, King Dedede."

"Mm? What do you mean?" 

"Because your attitude doesn't change even though you know I’m the king!" Ali shrugged. "Everyone gets their pants all twisted, knowing what I am. It's strange to be called ‘Your Majesty Allion’. Compared to that, you don’t throw your face to the ground over and over, even when you’re right in front of me, so I feel comfortable."

King Dedede threw his chest out. "Well, yeah. I'm a Great King. It's a step above just a regular king."

"Ahaha! That's right!" Ali laughed loudly. Immediately, he subdued his laugh, and with a bit of a renewed voice, continued, "I've decided to go back to being king."

"Hm?"

"I was worried about whether I'd be up to the task, but Holi encouraged me, so I made up my mind." Holi at Ali’s side nodded. Ali continued, "And I got the courage when I remembered the time I spent with you."

"Me?"

"Yeah. I want to be a king like you."

His words were clear. The humble chefs’ faces raised in surprise. Ali continued with a serious expression.

"Past me used to think that carrying out my role as a king was a huge bother. I wanted to keep playing, but because I became King, I couldn't do anything I wanted to do. ‘This isn’t fair. I’m miserable’ ... Those were my thoughts, then."

Everyone listened to Ali's words in silence. Before they knew it, Meta Knight and his subordinates, and Bandana Waddle Dee and others, also surrounded Ali. 

"But, I was just wrong. I'll be like you."

" ... What?"

"Every day, take a nap whenever I please, sing when I want to sing, and dance when I want to dance! Everyday, have fun and smile!"

The people stirred. Some whispered with a rush of anxiety. 

"What does that mean ...? Does he mean to skip work and slack off again?" 

"Then it won’t rain again. That’s ... "

But Ali said, "For me to smile, everyone all throughout the country has to smile. I’ll stop shutting myself up in the royal palace, go out under the sun, and look around with my own eyes. Is everyone smiling? Are you all eating delicious food ‘till you’re content? Are you singing and falling asleep whenever you please?" Ali pounded his chest. "I’ll sleep soundly when I want to sleep as well, and play to the fullest when I want to play. I’ll keep my power in reserve, so that, when it comes down to it, I can protect everyone with all my might. I want to be a king like that." Ali looked at King Dedede with sparkling eyes. "What made me feel this way, was you. Thank you, King Dedede."

" ... M ... Mmm ... " King Dedede nodded with his face a jumble of emotions. "Is that so. Mm ... Well, it's nice that you’re following in my footsteps."

"Yeah!"

"I think you’ve still got a long way to go before you can rival me, but keep at it. Eventually, the day will come where you’ll catch up." King Dedede proudly threw out his chest.

The Meta-Knights exchanged hushed whispers amongst themselves, listening to the talk.

"Hey ... Has King Dedede been a regal king like that or?" 

"Not at all."

"King Dedede sleeps, eats, and dances whenever he wants, only for himself, having nothing to do with the people, doesn’t he."

"That little king, he’s terribly mistaken."

But great applause started up that negated their whispers. It was Bandana Waddle Dee who was clapping his hands with all his might.

Bandana Waddle Dee’s eyes watered, being overwhelmed with deep emotion. "As expected of Ali ... No, His Majesty Allion!" he said. "You’re responsible, taking in His Majesty King Dedede’s teachings! I’m confident Your Majesty Allion will be a regal king that’ll make everyone in Minore happy!"

Ali laughed like he was flattered. "Geez, Waddle Dee. Just Ali is fine!" 

"Ah ... Okay! Your Majesty Ali!"

"Just Ali!"

Laughter arose from the people surrounding them. The store manager of the Plenty Pavilion, standing next to Bandana Waddle Dee, clapped her hands with a radiant expression.

"How wonderful. I can’t believe I can hear words like this from the king himself!"

Holi clapped his hands too. The chefs also chimed in, applauding all at once. The resounding applause and cheers spread all throughout the square.

"Great! You got this, Ali!"

"I’m rooting for you, Your Majesty Ali!"

"Hooray for His Majesty Ali!"

Receiving the warm reception, Ali shouted brightly, "Thank you, everyone! God bless all the people of Minore!"

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#kirby #king dedede #bandana waddle dee #meta-knights #ali (kirby) #Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Strategy! #kirby light novel #translations

[deafeninggardenerpanda]

Finally, it was the day of the festival that the inhabitants of Minoreze had been looking forward to.

The square had been packed with many citizens and tourists since morning. But it was not as lively as previous years. The people exchanged quiet whispers.

"In the end, they couldn't find the stolen food."

"Does that mean there’s no food for this year's festival?"

"That’s right! What was even the point of the endurance for these seven days!" 

There were many chefs wearing white hats among the complainers. For them, the festival day was their chance to show their skill. Everyone was upset that their big moment to be in the spotlight had been ruined.

"I had an extraordinary idea for a recipe ... I wanted everyone to eat it!" 

"I as well! I was looking forward to everyone's delighted faces!" 

"It's because of that Dedede or whatever his name was. Absolutely unforgivable." 

Two people, completely covered in heat-shielding cloths, eavesdropped motionlessly on the conversation. The shorter one was Ali, and the taller one King Dedede.

Ali nudged King Dedede and whispered, "No matter what they say, you can’t get mad. Endure it."

"I know." King Dedede’s face scrunched up under his covering. "I'll reveal the truth without delay. And then I'll eat up absolutely every single one of the chefs' prized dishes." 

"That’s the spirit." Ali clenched his fists and nodded.

The duo were in the eastern corner of the square. Mixed in with the western corner were Meta Knight and Captain Vul. Captain Vul, wearing his covering low over his eyes, was grumbling and complaining.

"Geez, this whole mess is all the Great King’s fault!" 

Meta Knight, wearing a cloth as well, chided Captain Vul in a low voice.

"Same as usual, really. Just think of it as one of our training sessions." 

"What are we training for, exactly!? The last thing I want is to become a wanted man."

"I know. I’m not going to put you or the men, or even myself, at risk." 

And Kirby and Bandana Waddle Dee were wearing matching cloths in the southern corner of the square.

"It's a festival, but it's depressing that there aren't any food stalls ... " 

Bandana Waddle Dee comforted the sad-faced Kirby. "Don’t worry, the Great King will definitely solve the case as planned. Then you can feast as much as you’d like."

"Yeah. At festivals there’s stuff like candied apples and grilled corn ... and you can't pass by the takoyaki and chocolate dipped bananas ... and the shaved ice, grilled sausages, yakisoba, crepes, buttered potatoes and, and ...! " Kirby drooled and drooled. Bandana Waddle Dee wiped Kirby's mouth.

All of the Meta-Knights, also posing as tourists, were littered about the area. Eventually, a ringle appeared in the center of the square, and the sound of a bell that signaled the beginning of the ritual rang out. The clamoring crowd quieted down into a deafening silence.

A person covered head to toe in a golden veil appeared on the stand built in front of the royal palace. The people gathered in the square bowed deeply. 

"What an outrageous veil!" King Dedede muttered in a low voice.

"Shh. Because that's the law of Minore," Ali said. "The king wears a bright, shimmering veil to show his authority ... "

"It's way too plain! This is a greatly anticipated big event. If it were me, I’d sew jewels on the veil, bedazzle it with sequins, and stick a big feather decoration on it!"

" ... Ah, uh-huh." Ali sighed, astounded. 

King Dedede’s complaints continued. "He can pass as an imitation because he hides his face with something like that. Those who are kings have gotta show their face to everyone with confidence, like me!" 

"The king’s very existence is sacred in Minore. That’s why there’s a rule that he doesn't show himself to the public."

"Hmph. What a load of baloney."

Then, the imposter king opened his mouth. 

"—People of Minore. I have something to tell you before the ceremony begins." The gathered residents looked at each other in shock. 

Ali whispered, "Hm? This is kinda weird. Normally, he would begin with offering a prayer to God. Speaking to the people should be after that ... " 

The fake king said, in a sad-like voice, "There is no food prepared to offer to God this year. The God of Minore is very angry with all of you."

The people were astir. "Such a thing ... It's not our fault there’s no food."

"Why are we angry?" the fake king continued in an extraordinarily loud voice. "Silence! God has been listening to the tidings that the food has been stolen by a thief. But that is not an excuse for why there is no offering to God!" The stir of the people increased. With a voice that drowned it out, the fake king said, "You must work harder to quell God’s wrath. From now on, you must work twice as hard to produce twice the amount of vegetables and fruits. And, from now on, cook twice as much as before to offer to God!"

The commotion only grew louder and louder. One woman stepped forward and raised her voice.

"Your Majesty, that's absurd! Even now, we are still working hard! Double the amount, it's impossible for us to ...! "

Then, "Enough!" the fake king shouted.

At that same moment, a bit of lightning flashed over the woman’s head. 

"KYAAAAA!" She cowered with her head in her arms. The people in the square who saw it ran away in fear.

"This lightning is ...! God's wrath ...! " 

"We need to get out of here—!"

Ali shouted during the great chaos. "King, that person is ...! "

"Yeah!" King Dedede also realized and ran, pushing his way through the crowd. 

The woman who had collapsed was the one who shared food with King Dedede and the others—the store manager of the Plenty Pavillion.

"Are you okay!? Hang in there!" King Dedede picked up the store manager in his arms.

Fortunately, she hadn't been injured. She just seemed to have collapsed because she was frightened by the thunder.

The fake king shouted, "Did you all forget? The former king made you suffer because he couldn’t make it rain. Who saved you was me. Who brought the blessings of rain was me. If you dare oppose my utterances ... how’s this!"

Strikes of lightning flashed and thunder reverated throughout the square. Both the Minore residents and the tourists were in a great panic. The fake king’s laughter rang out.

"Did you understand? If you want to live happily, listen to what I have to say. Work harder and harder, and offer more and more—a greater and greater amount of food!"

It was then. Ali, who was treating the store manager along with King Dedede, let out a shout at the top of his lungs.

"SHUT UPPPP—!" 

King Dedede startled. Ali threw off his cloth grandly, revealing himself, and glared daggers at the minister. The people who were running away stopped in their tracks and fell silent. The square itself became dead quiet—all except for Ali's booming voice.

"What is this ‘king’! What is this ‘wrath of God’! Using the treasure of the royal family to make everyone suffer ... absolutely unforgivable! BASTARD! SHOW YOUR TRUE IDENTITY!"

"Y ... You’re ...! " the king shouted, faltering. Ali pushed through the crowd and headed straight towards the pedestal.

King Dedede was in a panic. "H–Hey, wait, Ali! Get a hold of yourself ...! " 

The strategy that they planned last night—the moment the fake king descended the pedestal, King Dedede was to give a command for everyone to surround him all at once ... it was supposed to be like that. However, Ali was so furious that it completely left his mind.

"D–Dissenters! Seize them!" the fake king shouted.

The guards, who were left flabbergasted, returned to their senses. They tried to capture Ali, wielding weapons like swords and spears. King Dedede kicked off the ground, rushing out. 

"Get back, Ali! Leave this to me!" King Dedede swung his arm around with a whoosh. With that single blow, the guards were blown away. However, more guards set out to attack one after the other from behind. The moment King Dedede stood at the ready, lightning flashed and thunder rang out.

"WAAAAH!" King Dedede, Ali, and the guards all toppled over at the same time. 

The fake king’s laughter reverated. "Hahahaha! Has it set in now, imbeciles!? Next, an even bigger lightning strike ...! "

It was when the fake king was about to unleash another attack. 

"Hey—! Stop—!" 

Shouting as he flew over the people's heads—was Kirby. At the same time, Meta Knight, Bandana Waddle Dee, Captain Vul, and the Meta-Knights all ran up to the pedestal all at once.

"King Dedede, take this!" Axe Knight threw the hammer he was hiding. Standing up, King Dedede caught the flying weapon one-handed. His whole body was numb due to getting hit by the lightning strike, but power coursed through him as soon as he took hold of it.

"As long as I have this, I won’t lose! Everyone, on me—!" King Dedede took on the guards while swinging his hammer around.

The square was in great pandemonium. The guards let out a yell and headed straight at King Dedede and his companions. Among them, one particularly violent guard shouted wildly while swinging around a long staff.

"Out of the way, street rats! We'll arrest those who hamper as fellow dissenters!" He was about to drive off the chefs, who had huddled together and were shaking. 

"HYAAAAA!"

"H–Help!"

Who quickly sprung out in front of the screaming chefs was King Dedede! 

King Dedede stood in the way and spread both arms to protect the chefs. The staff swung by the guard struck King Dedede's arm, but the Great King stood, unyielding. Glowering at the guard with eyes alight in fury, he shouted, "Keep the chefs outta this—! What will you do if they can't cook!"

The guard’s menacing disposition faltered. "W–What ...? " 

"The less cooks there are, the less feast there’ll be! Don't you get that, ya nincompoop!? Take this, GIANT DEDEDE SWING!" King Dedede swung his hammer around livelily. The hammer rotating at high speeds slammed into the guard!

"WHAAAA~!?" the guard cried out and soared into the air. Where he landed was Kirby.

Kirby had continued fighting with air bullets, but gradually lost his physical strength; his movements growing dull. His eyes sparkled when he peered at the guard and said, "You o-kay? Huh ... That staff is ... " Kirby's eyes were shining. "Waah, I’ve got a good idea! Lend me your power, okay!"

" ... Eh ... P–power ...? " The guard staggered as he tried to stand up. Kirby took a breath, full of energy, and inhaled. " ... W–w–what the—!?" The guard flew through the air and into Kirby's mouth all at once. Just as he did, Kirby's appearance changed.

A golden band was on his head, and he clutched a long staff in his hand.

"Alrightt! It's the Staff Copy Ability!" Kirby jumped up and shouted. He suddenly thrust out the staff and swung it around in a wide arc towards the incoming guards. "RAGING STAFF!" The guards were felled.

"Wawawawa—!?" One guard dropped the spear he was holding. Bandana Waddle Dee quickly lept at it and picked it up. 

"With this, I’ll fight too! Ei, MULTISPEAR ATTACK!"

Bandana Waddle Dee couldn't fight before, but these days, things had changed. He had been working hard to train himself in Castle Dedede’s training room. No matter how many waves of guards came at him, Bandana Waddle Dee impressively scattered all of them. The guards kept being overwhelmed by the might of Kirby’s group.

In the midst of the great pandemonium, King Dedede and Ali finally arrived at the pedestal’s base. The fake king tried to escape in a panic.

"Not so fast!" King Dedede jumped onto the pedestal and laid his hand on the golden veil.

"S–Stop! Stop it right now—!" the fake king screamed, tightly gripping his disguise. King Dedede and Ali pulled on the veil with all their might.

"Show your true identity—!" 

"Ngh–Ngahh—!"

He desperately resisted, but the fake king was no match for the power of the two. The veil was stripped away. What was exposed was the face of the prime minister, pale as a ghost.

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#kirby #king dedede #meta knight #bandana waddle dee #ali (kirby) #captain vul #meta-knights #Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Strategy! #kirby light novel #translations

[deafeninggardenerpanda]

A waiter, dressed in pure white, quietly placed a large platter covered with a silver lid onto the table. King Dedede, Kirby, and Bandana Waddle Dee—the three of them stared at it motionlessly.

"Here is today's evening meal. Half a slice of toast, a slice of ham, and some salt soup," the waiter said respectfully while taking off the silver lid.

" ... Is this it?" King Dedede asked in a disheartened voice. The waiter replied with their chest puffed out with pride.

"Not at all! Today, we’ve also included a marvelous, special dessert!"

"A dessert!? Wow, what, what is it!?" Kirby sprung up, raising his voice. The waiter placed three small plates in front of the trio.

"Today’s special dessert is ... a bite of apple!"

" ... Huh—!?"

"A bite!?"

Set on the plates before them were teeny, tiny cuts of apple. Kirby and King Dedede’s faces both fell into despair.

"I can eat one hundred apples in one bite! I want to eat one hundred apples~!" Kirby wriggled and shouted. The waiter shook their head dejectedly.

"I'm sorry, we can't give you that, sir. It's our Minore’s law." 

"But ... but ...! " 

"It’s only seven days until you’ll be able to savor the magnificent feast, just be patient! It’s not much longer! Come on, you can do it~!" The waiter left quickly.

A gloomy air hung over the group. King Dedede and Kirby sighed simultaneously.

"One small pancake in the morning, one bowl of rice porridge at noon, and this for dinner! I can’t believe this inn is the most well-known in town ...! " King Dedede said bitterly, picking up his sliver of toast.

"Just a little longer, Great King," Bandana Waddle Dee said. "On the day of the festival, you’ll be able to eat so much it’ll seem like your stomach will burst ... "

"Hmph! In that case, I should have just come the day of!"

"You couldn’t have, anyways. It’s the law of this star that those who want to participate in the festival have to refrain from eating for seven days ... "

"I know that! Aghhh~, annoying!" King Dedede swallowed his bit of toast and groaned. Kirby also bit into his piece with tears in his eyes.

This was the planet Minore. It was a harsh star with the majority of its land being desert. However, the capital, Minoreze, was prosperous, being blessed with abundant water.

A festival was held once every year in Minoreze to thank those blessings of water. On the day of, a feast that neither citizen, nor traveler, would be able to finish would be served.

It was Bandana Waddle Dee who first learned about this star. He was cleaning up the junk mail as usual when a travel pamphlet happened to catch his eye. Bandana Waddle Dee immediately passed on the information to King Dedede.

"What~!? A feast you can’t finish!? The planet Minore’s specialty dishes are the oversized Spicy Deluxe Steak seasoned with local specialty spices! Fish only caught on this star that, whether you have it as sashimi or baked, is so delicious your cheeks will fall off! A traditional dessert that uses lots of fruit and special cream—any gourmets must have it at least once while here—an exquisite among exquisite dishes ...!? " 

King Dedede’s eyes lit up as he read the pamphlet.

"Waddle Dee, arrange a trip immediately!" he ordered. "We’ll charge on the festival of planet Minore!"

"Yes, Your Majesty. But, just one thing I’m worried about ... " Bandana Waddle Dee took out a magnifying glass and examined the corner of the pamphlet. He read aloud a sentence written in small text. "’Those who participate in the festival must enter the country seven days in advance and may only eat as little as possible during that time. There is a strict law that you must endure your hunger so you can savor the feast to your heart’s content the day of the event,‘ ... that’s what’s written."

However, King Dedede, blinded by talk of a feast, didn’t hear that part. 

"Stop complaining so much. Get on it, Waddle Dee. Book a reservation at the finest inn!" 

"Y—yes!" Bandana Waddle Dee left the room in a hurry when he heard King Dedede’s voice behind him.

"A feast you can’t finish!? All riiight, all riiight! I'm gonna eat everything! Aah, I can’t wait!"

Who had just appeared, and who looked like he was going to drool at any moment, was Kirby.

"Kirby!? Before I even realized ... " King Dedede shouted, startled.

"I came to play. I called out a bunch, but no one answered, so I just came in! I'm going~ to a festival, festival!"

"It’s no fun if you come along! This is my elegant vacation ... " 

"I have to start packing ASAP! Hm, I have to prepare my clothes, a toothbrush, some snacks ... "

"What clothes, you runt! You don’t need them—!"

... And just like that, the three of them left Dream Land in a big commotion. 

Kirby laid down on the floor completely limp after returning to the room from the dining room.

"Tummy ... so hungry ... help ... Waddle Dee ... " he mumbled. King Dedede also laid face up and raised a weak voice.

"What a magnificent sight ... so, so hungry, I can see the mirage ... meat ... meat ... the oversized steaks are calling me ... "

"Please hang in there! There’s plenty of water, okay ... " Bandana Waddle Dee poured some water from a nearby pot into King Dedede and Kirby’s mouths. The two swallowed it, then started clamoring wildly.

"My stomach’s crying out only being fed junk like this—! Jeez, what's going on with this star!"

"For the seven days before the festival, anybody who wants to attend has to eat as little as possible. The meals served at this inn are still super-luxury ... "

"I can’t believe ittt—!" King Dedede thrashed his limbs about in a fit.

"But the feast the day of will seem extra delicious because of this hunger," Bandana Waddle Dee said with a troubled look. "It's a tradition of this star that’s been going on for a long time."

"So annoying! If I knew this star would be like this, I wouldn't have come!" 

"Me neither! I want to go back to Dream Land—! I want to eat Chef Kawasaki's lunch special! UWAAH!" Kirby had also become unusually fainthearted.

Already in such bad condition on the first day of the trip, they could tell it was only going to get harder from here on out. A whole seven days until the festival ... As expected, Bandana Waddle Dee wondered if they could survive. Then, King Dedede approached the window, staggering.

"Look. There’s a big building in front of us."

" ... Yes." Bandana Waddle Dee clambered up the window frame and looked out alongside King Dedede. A large building stood in front of the inn. It was made of brick and had no windows.

"That seems to be the food storehouse."

"Yep. They’re keeping the food for the festival there. It seems that everyone on Minore has been saving up for a year." 

"Even though there’s mountains of food in there, I can't mess with it ... " Thinking of the food sitting in the storehouse, King Dedede's stomach made a loud grrr that caused him to stand up. "Uurgh ... I won’t be able to sleep as is. Waddle Dee, I'm going out."

"Eh? Where?"

"I’m going to look for a restaurant. There’s gotta be a restaurant or two that serves better food than this inn."

"I’ll go too!" Kirby jumped up with a bounce.

"It's too late already. I think all of the restaurants are closed," Bandana Waddle Dee said, worried.

"You don’t know that. I have to look for them." The great king left the room, unsteady on his feet. Kirby and Bandana Waddle Dee also followed after him. It was when they went down the stairs and were about to head outside—

"Where are you going, gentlemen?" They were stopped by a low voice. The three looked behind them. Who was standing there was the owner of the inn.

"I'm starving, it’s unbearable. I’m going to a restaurant." The innkeeper shook his head when King Dedede replied.

"It's too late already. There are no restaurants open at this time." 

"You don't know that, I’m going to search for them ... " 

"No, I do know. All restaurants in the city close early in the days before the festival. Because that is Minore law." 

"Even if the stores aren’t open, we still might be able to find something to eat," Kirby said. "The trees in the park might have some fruit on them ... " 

"You must not do that, sir. It is forbidden to eat in excess the week before the festival. Now, I have to close up. Please return to your room," the innkeeper said flatly and locked the doors.

"Grr ... this damn inn!" King Dedede cursed under his breath, but in a case like this, there was no choice but to stay quiet. The three dejectedly returned to their room. Both King Dedede and Kirby spent the night dreaming of the feast.

~~~~~

Finally, the end of the long night came.

"Surely this morning’s breakfast will be unbearably small too," King Dedede said in a drained voice as he got dressed. "No more than a piece of bread, a piece of bacon ... " 

"N ... mm ... mmmgh ... '' Kirby staggered, about to collapse at any moment. 

"At this rate, you’re both at risk of hurting yourselves ... Should we cancel plans and return to Dream Land ...? " Bandana Waddle Dee asked in concern. King Dedede shook his head weakly.

"No, I'm not going home. I've come all this way. I can't go home until I attend the festival and eat my oversized, spicy, deluxe steak!"

"Yeah ... " Kirby, while swaying as well, nodded. "I’ll also keep at it. I want to eat the festival’s feast!"

"But ... are you guys sure you’re okay? Kirby, you’re swaying ... " Bandana Waddle Dee held Kirby up.

"Even just a small breakfast is better than nothing. Let's head down to the dining room," King Dedede said.

The three left the room and went down to the first floor. Then—from the entrance, they heard a troubled commotion. Angry yelling shook the building, and the place was packed to the brim. The footsteps of who knows many people jumbled together into one noisy clamor.

Something happened that was causing everyone to kick up a fuss, it seems.

"Hmmm? What’s happened?" King Dedede said.

"There are people in armor. What could be wrong ...? " Bandana Waddle Dee asked worriedly, standing on tiptoe to watch the situation. The three headed towards the crowd together. 

The innkeeper was talking to several soldiers near the entrance. King Dedede and the others stood taut and strained their ears.

" ... I think it was just past midnight. I witnessed it by chance. Some ruffian-looking person was stealing large bags from the festival’s food storehouse! That person put the many bags on a moving dolly and immediately ran away." 

King Dedede, who heard the testimony, muttered with surprise.

"What! It seems like the food in the storehouse has been stolen!"

"The important food for the festival ... How awful." Bandana Waddle Dee frowned.

"What were the characteristics of the thief?" a soldier asked the innkeeper while taking notes.

"They were ... " 

—It was when the innkeeper said that, someone pushed their way through the crowd.

A fat, stout man with a fine mustache and beard revealed himself. The soldiers saluted in a panic. The man examined the innkeeper intently and called out to him. 

"Did you not see the thief’s face clearly?" The innkeeper jumped in surprise.

"The ... prime minister? W-why is the prime minister here!?" he shouted.

"Be at ease. I heard that all of the food in the storehouse was stolen. As Minister of Minore, naturally, this pains me deeply."

"Of course ...! " The owner of the inn bowed his head in respect.

"The minister has come out. It must be a big incident, huh," King Dedede whispered in a small voice. Bandana Waddle Dee nodded.

"Yeah, it must be. I hope the innkeeper can remember the criminal's face clearly ... " 

The minister gave the innkeeper a stern look and pressed closer.

"Testify clearly. What kind of face did the thief you saw have?"

"I-it ... it was ... uh ... " 

The innkeeper looked about the area, intensely flustered. His eyes met King Dedede’s, who was eavesdropping right nearby.

"That’s it, I remember," the innkeeper gulped and said. "Certainly, they were a larger person with what I think was a red robe. Their face was blue and they were wearing a crown with a white pompom!"

"That’s a really specific, distinct outfit. What a scary guy!" Kirby, listening to the testimony, murmured with a serious expression on his face.

"Yeah, right? What a bold crime." King Dedede nodded profoundly. 

"A red robe, a blue face, and a pompom crown," the minister said with satisfaction. "These are important clues. Soldiers, make a caricature immediately and hang it all over the city!"

"Hup!" 

It was when the soldiers saluted, the innkeeper abruptly, unnaturally, clapped his hands as if surprised.

"Ah, I remembered something even more important!" 

"What is it?"

"That thief, I think I've seen them somewhere before ... " The innkeeper turned around and pointed to King Dedede. "That’s the guy! He’s staying at my inn, he’s the criminal!" 

"What did you say ...!? " The soldiers immediately surrounded King Dedede and the three.

"A red robe, a blue face, a crown with a pompom! No doubt, he is the culprit! Soldiers, capture him!" the minister shouted triumphantly.

"Yes sir!" 

King Dedede, Kirby, and Bandana Waddle Dee didn’t understand what was happening at all. King Dedede was bound with rope while he stood, dumbstruck.

"What is this!? Why this tying up nonsense for me ...! " King Dedede finally snapped back. The soldiers approached and shouted at King Dedede with bloodshot eyes.

"Playing dumb, are ya!? Damn scoundrel, how dare you! What you did to the important food for the festival—!" 

"Everyone has been looking forward to it for the past year!" 

"Answer us, where have you hidden the stolen food!?" 

"King Dedede didn’t do anything! We were sound asleep in our room the whole night!" Kirby said in a panic.

Bandana Waddle Dee also desperately raised his voice and clung to the soldiers. "You’ve got it all wrong! Please let the king go! Untie the rope at once, please!" 

"Hey! If you keep getting in the way, we’ll arrest you too!" A soldier grabbed and picked up Bandana Waddle Dee.

"STOP!" King Dedede shouted angrily. "I won’t forgive you for being so rough to my subordinate! Hey, Innkeeper, what’s the big deal! Yesterday, you locked the doors and we went straight back to our room, didn’t we? Why are you giving false testimony!?"

"Hoho ... " The minister threw a glance at the innkeeper. "Is what this person says correct?" 

The innkeeper startled and spoke immediately without a second thought. "I wouldn’t tell anything like a lie! Last night, these guys tried to sneak out, saying they were going to a restaurant or something of the like. At that time, I was able to find and stop them, but after that, I'm sure they slipped past me and headed for the food storehouse!" 

"What are you saying! We went back to our room and went straight to bed!" King Dedede shouted loudly as he was hauled away by the soldiers.

"That's right! We’re innocent!" Bandana Waddle Dee's desperate cries did not reach their ears either. The minister spoke with venom in his voice.

"It’s clear as day how this crime took place; there’s no other explanation. Soldiers, lock them up!

"Yes sir!" 

"Stop, please—!" Bandana Waddle Dee, who clung to the king, was immediately tied up along with him.

"Wait! Hey, wait! Neither King Dedede nor Bandana Waddle Dee did anything!" Kirby pleaded with all his might.

"Shut it! Any more moaning about it and we’ll lock you up too!"

"That’s ... "  Kirby was at a loss for words. He stood in place, unable to move. 

"Kirby, please prove the great king’s innocence!" Bandana Waddle Dee shouted after him.

"Huh ...? " 

"Find the true criminal! You’re our only hope, Kirby!"

" ... Got it!" Kirby nodded. It was hard parting with Bandana Waddle Dee and King Dedede, but in this situation, there was nothing that could be done.

"I’ll find the real criminal, without fail! Wait for me, Waddle Dee!"

"I will! You got this, Kirby!"

King Dedede and Bandana Waddle Dee were dragged away. The minister turned to the innkeeper with a smile.

"The criminal was caught promptly thanks to your testimony. Take your reward, after this."

"T—thank you greatly." For some reason, the innkeeper’s face was pale.

"How awful! Neither Waddle Dee nor King Dedede are anything like a thief!" Kirby shouted, glaring at the two.

"Hm?" The prime minister stroked his beard. "Are you defending the criminals? Would you like to join them in prison too?"

"I ...! " Kirby balled up his fists. "I will find the real criminal, absolutely! I will absolutely rescue Waddle Dee and King Dedede!" he shouted.

Kirby turned his back on the two and ran away. When he disappeared, the minister grinned wide and laughed. He looked at the innkeeper.

"Your testimony came in much help. Well done."

"P—Prime Minister, sir ... i-is that ... why you’re here ... "

"Do you not know?" The prime minister brought his face close to the innkeeper’s. "I came to confirm what kind of testimony you would give. If something else came out of that mouth of yours ... well, you know what would happen, right ...? "

" ... Huh! The criminals were those travelers!"

"That's right. You're correct. The God of Minore will surely be pleased ... Hya hya hya!"

The minister laughed at the innkeeper, whose face had gone stark, and started slowly walking out.

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#kirby #king dedede #bandana waddle dee #Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Strategy! #kirby light novel #translations

[dededaio]

colored illustration from dedede novel

#kirby #king dedede #bandana dee #Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Strategy! #kirby light novel

[deafeninggardenerpanda]

The guards who were trying to protect the king and the people gathered in the square were all stunned.

"Huh ...? The prime minister?" 

"I can’t believe it ... that wasn't the king?" 

King Dedede looked around at the noisy crowd and raised his voice. 

"Listen up everyone! The true criminal of this incident is this man!" The square was dead silent. "The minister stole the food for the festival and pinned the crime on me!"

"Huhh ...!? "

"The prime minister!? Why would he do such a ...! " 

The square, once again, grew into a great uproar. King Dedede looked back at the minister and shouted, "With that said! Where is the king!?"

The minister answered while shaking violently, overwhelmed by the pressure on him. "I–In his room ... The king is resting in his room ... " 

"What's this ‘taking a rest’! I bet ya locked him in!" King Dedede’s anger did not subside.

"I'll go," Meta Knight said. "The king's room is ... " 

"On the third floor," Ali said while glaring at the minister with cold eyes. "There’s a big door up the stairs and to the right. That’s the king's room."

"I see now ... As I thought, you are ... " Meta Knight shot him a meaningful glance and nodded.

The prime minister clasped his hands together while trembling when he saw Ali. "I–I–I was ... I didn’t do anything wrong! I was only–only doing what I thought was best for the ...! '' Ali's face grew more and more intense. The prime minister sobbed. "I–I–I will reflect on this! Forgive me, please! Please, please ...! "

" ... Hm?" King Dedede stared at Ali’s face, confused. Ali was glaring at the minister quietly. King Dedede whispered, "Why is the minister apologizing to you? Who in the world are ...? "

"I’m ... No, I am ... '' Ali stepped forward with a shift in his tone. The people gathered in the square stared at him, dead silent. To the crowd with bated breaths, Ali announced powerfully, "I AM ALLION SUNDIAL MINORETTO VII—THE PREVIOUS KING WHO WAS BANISHED FROM THE ROYAL PALACE!"

The people in the square didn’t have much of a reaction. Everyone was dumbfounded. 

"Hey. Quit messing with us," King Dedede poked Ali's back and whispered. "We’ll be arrested again."

"It's not a joke, King Dedede." Ali laughed and looked around at the crowd. "I have to tell everyone. About what happened at the royal palace. It was just after last year's festival—" 

Last year's festival was a massive failure. It didn't rain much, so the vegetable and fruit harvest was poor, and they were unable to prepare food. The one responsible was the king—that was to say, Ali.

Ali succeeded to the throne, becoming king, after his father’s death. But Ali was a lazy person by nature, and hated boring things. For Ali, the job of a king was just dull. Every day, every day, he had to listen to the officials' reports and attend long meetings and so on and so forth to determine when and how much for it to rain. The rain ritual was very tiring, but no one would help him and he had to do it alone.

Ali became fed up with such a daily life and gradually began to skip work. The people who served under the king were extremely troubled and tried to make Ali do his job.

"The people are suffering because Your Majesty does nothing!"

"Compared to your regal late father, why is Your Majesty Allion ... "

"You have to perform the ritual today! Don't you understand the people’s sorrow!?"

Every time he was scolded like that, Ali became more and more bad-tempered. He was scolded because he was lazy. And because he was scolded, he grew so fed up to the brim with everything that, in the end, he didn't want to do anything at all. There was only one person who spent time with him on such days, giving him kind words.

The prime minister.

The prime minister, unlike the other adults, spoiled Ali. 

"Poor King Allion! You’d like to play, but you're only pressed to do things you don’t want to ... Why don’t you leave it to me. I'll take care of all of the hard work on your behalf, Your Majesty Allion!"

"Thank you, Prime Minister!" Ali left his guard down around the minister and placed his complete trust in him.

Without noticing even in the slightest what kind of motives the minister was hiding behind his kind words.

"I entrusted the treasured heirloom to the minister as he told me to. The treasure that has been passed down through the royal family—the Rain Call Crystal." Ali looked at the prime minister. The minister, while shaking and shivering, took out what he had hidden under his clothes. It looked like a big crystal ball, but was bluish-black and had a muddy quality to it.

Ali’s face clouded as he took the ball. 

"As I thought ... You misused the Rain Call Crystal and made it muddy." 

"I–It's not my fault!" the minister shouted. "I only kept making it rain for the people’s happiness!"

Ali nodded. "The thought behind it wasn’t wrong, but the manner you went about it was atrocious." 

" ... The manner ...? " 

"The Rain Call Crystal has to be used for the people of Minore to be happy. The king has been bestowed power by God in order to protect them." Ali stared motionlessly at the crystal. "But you kept using the crystal for your own desires. That's why the crystal is so muddy. If left as is, sooner or later, the crystal will crumble and the rain will not be able to be called any longer." 

Then, a voice was heard from behind Ali. 

" ... I’m sorry, Allion." 

Ali looked behind him. A boy stood, protected by Meta Knight and his men. He was thin with a face quite similar to Ali’s.

" ... Holi ... " Ali murmured.

"Who?" King Dedede asked him.

"The real king. My cousin, Holi."

"The king’s room was locked up tight. It couldn’t be opened from the inside by any means," Meta Knight said. "When I opened the door, he was so scared he couldn't speak. He managed to come out once I explained the situation."

Holi approached Ali while staggering. "I'm sorry, Allion. I've been at the minister's discretion, so ... you know ... " 

Ali held up the trailing off Holi. 

"The minister unseated me and instead made my cousin, Holi, the king," he said. "But of course, Holi was a king in name only. The minister locked him up in his room and he was the one really in power." Holi nodded bitterly. Ali continued, "And the minister put me behind bars. I finally realized his scheme, but by then, it was already too late."

Ali’s face darkened.

"My cries out didn’t get through to anyone. The prison guards were in the minister’s pocket. I had resigned myself to spending the rest of my life in prison. But ... " Ali shook his head. "I met King Dedede and Waddle Dee. They were taken in for false charges, even though they were travelers looking forward to the festival. I felt so bad for them that I became determined to help them escape."

Ali looked up at the sky.

"When I got out with the great king and his subordinate, I was able to hear the voices of the people for the first time. The people were happy that I was gone and a new king had taken my place."

The residents in the square gasped.

"With things as they were, I wanted to live life as just ‘Ali’. I thought that if the people were welcoming of the current king, there wasn’t a point in revealing the truth. However, I couldn’t not speak up. Because it became clear that it was the minister who stole the food for the festival."

The minister startled. Ali glared at him.

"He banished me, imprisoned the new king, and seized power. And he ruined the festival, insisted that this was God’s wrath, and used the crystal to threaten the people. To make everyone work harder than ever, then reap the massive reward for yourself—that was your plan!" 

"I ... I was ... I was ... " The minister shook his head weakly. "I was thinking on behalf of everyone. If His Majesty Allion had stayed on the throne as it was, the people would be much more discontent than they are now. It started to rain and the people became happy thanks to me. I was ... I was ...! " 

"Prime Minister." 

It was Holi who called out.

Stopping Ali who was about to say something, Holi continued, "Sure, you did something good. But, in the end, it was all for yourself. Abusing the crystal, ruining the festival; what you’ve done can never be forgiven." Holi kneeled in front of Ali. "And I’m just to blame. I took the throne just as the minister told me to. By the time I realized the minister's intentions, things had already gotten out of hand." Holi looked up at Ali. "Allion, please. I want you to return to the throne. You are the only right king in this country."

Ali shook his head. "No, Holi. You’re the king ... " 

But Holi said powerfully, "Please, Allion. I’m much weaker at using the crystal than you. Only you can bring the rain the right way." 

"Holi ... " Ali stared fixedly at the crystal in his hands. It seemed like there was still apprehension in his heart. He fell silent as he stared at the muddy sphere. 

It was Kirby's voice that broke the heavy atmosphere. "Hey, hey, there's something more important than that, isn’t there! C’mon, c’mon!"

"Ohh, that’s right!" King Dedede said. "Why don’t we save the yammering for later. Quickly, let’s take back the food!"

" ... Ah. Right, huh." Ali laughed with relief. "Let's start the festival! The freezer where the food is hidden is in the basement of the royal palace. Prime Minister, the freezer key."

The prime minister’s face twisted, but as it seemed he couldn't talk his way out any longer, he resigned himself. Quietly, he presented the key. 

"Woow! Feast, feast~!" Kirby tried to jump at the key, but King Dedede reached out and snatched it up in the blink of an eye.

"Wahahahaha! Score! Last one there’s a rotten egg~!"

"Ah, no fair! You’ll be the rotten egg!"

King Dedede and Kirby started running towards the royal palace as they bickered. Meta Knight shouted, in sudden realization, "That’s bad! Stop those two! The food will be eaten up if it’s left as is!"

"What!?" The guards hurriedly went after the two.

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[deafeninggardenerpanda]

"You’re safe, Kirby! Thank goodness!" 

"Waddle Dee! I was so worried!" 

Kirby and Bandana Waddle Dee hugged, happy to be together again. But Meta Knight spoke severely as if raining on the parade.

"You’ve gotten into a huge mess, King Dedede." 

" ... Hmph!" King Dedede leaned against the wall of the hideout and turned away. "I didn’t ‘get into it’; I was totally set up. The innkeeper accused me of stealing the food and ... " 

"About that," Meta Knight interrupted him. "Kirby and I questioned the innkeeper."

" ... What?"

"We found out that the innkeeper’s testimony was a lie."

"Really!" King Dedede clapped his hands. Bandana Waddle Dee suddenly brightened up as well. "Nice job, Meta Knight! Then let's catch that innkeeper right away!" 

"The story isn’t that simple. According to the innkeeper ... " 

"The criminal is the prime minister!" Kirby shouted, cutting in.

" ... Huh?" 

"The minister stole the food. And he threatened the innkeeper and ordered him to give a false testimony!"

" ... What ...? " Both King Dedede and Bandana Waddle Dee were shocked at the unexpected truth.

Then, a voice was heard a little farther away. 

"The prime minister? The true criminal is the prime minister?" 

It was Ali. He had returned to the hideout before they had realized, and was listening quietly to everyone conversing.

" ... Who are you?" Kirby asked.

"Ali was our cell neighbor," Bandana Waddle Dee replied. "We escaped together." 

"Ah, you’re the guy who saved us by yelling out a little while ago, right? Thank you! I'm Kirby!" 

But Ali was thinking, in a state like he couldn't hear Kirby's words. King Dedede left Ali and the others to their own and spoke to Meta Knight. 

"The minister turned up at the inn the day after the incident and gave all these instructions like this and that to the soldiers. I can’t believe he was the true criminal ... " 

Meta Knight nodded. "The prime minister threatened the innkeeper who had witnessed the incident and ordered him to give a false testimony. Then, the next morning, he came to the scene to make sure he was following that order."

"Grrrrr ... It’s an unthinkable big incident, isn’t it!" King Dedede rolled up his sleeves and shouted, "I'm gonna catch the prime minister and make him confess his crime!" 

"It's not that easy, you know. First, how will you get close to him ...? " 

"There’s no choice but to sneak into the royal palace."

Who had spoken decisively was Ali. Everyone looked at him. 

"That’s right," Meta Knight said. "But in order to sneak into the tightly guarded royal palace, you need to prepare. A sketch of the royal palace; you’ll also have to find out what times the palace guards patrol ... " 

"We don't have time for all that! The festival is tomorrow! We have until tomorrow! The festival is done for if we don’t put the screws in that minister, isn’t it!? Everyone is looking forward to it!" King Dedede said, frustrated.

"But ... " 

"I’ll charge the royal palace from the front. I'll make that prime minister confess at any cost!"

"What an idiotic idea. You’ll be arrested again and sent back to prison; the end. Unless you plan carefully here ... " 

"There's no time—!" 

Ali stopped the two who were on the brink of arguing. 

"Wait. Leave this to me."

" ... Huh?" King Dedede and Meta Knight looked at him.

"I know a secret entrance into the royal palace," Ali said with a serious expression. "I know the interior layout well, too, so we should invade tonight." 

"What ...? " King Dedede’s eyes widened. "Ali, why do you ... " 

"I've been inside the royal palace for a bit before. That's why." Ali locked eyes with him. "I'm going alone. I'll almost definitely be able to bring back some clues. You guys wait here." 

"That’s your reason for going!?" King Dedede immediately shot back. "I have to go in case he talks. It was me who had a rotten time because of the minister!" 

"But ... " 

"I’m not gonna leave it to you alone! This is where I come in!" 

Ali stared hard at King Dedede, then huffed with a smile on his face. 

" ... I see. You have that kind of personality, huh." 

"What?" 

"Nah, nothing. Alright, King Dedede. Let's go together." 

"I’m going too! And Waddle Dee and Meta Knight as well!" Kirby shouted.

Ali shook his head. "Nuh-uh. We’ll be caught for sure if we go as a group. We're not going there to fight; we’re going there for information, so the smaller our numbers the better. King Dedede and I are enough." 

"Yeah!" King Dedede nodded in satisfaction. "We’ll be sure to expose the minister's wrongdoings. You guys wait here."

"If it looks like a fight is going to break out, don’t do anything rash with just the two of you. Retreat at once and ask for help," Meta Knight said.

"Hmmph. We don’t need your guys’ help. Who do you think I am!" 

King Dedede threw out his chest. Ali had already turned his back on him and was on his way to leave the hideout. King Dedede hurriedly followed after him. 

"Wait. Don’t get too far from me. It’s dangerous if you’re alone ... Hey! Hey, hey! Wait! Wait a second, would ya—!"

Ali, who King Dedede went out and was trying to catch up with, hastened his pace. 

The royal palace was closely watched by many guards. As the sun went down and the moon rose, the guards did not show any openings in their defense. 

Ali approached the royal palace without hesitation. King Dedede started whispering quietly as he followed Ali, who was walking quickly.

"Hey, you'll be found if you get too close. This place is absolutely crawling with guards. Watch yourself ... " 

"It’s fine. Security is tight at the front and back gates, but there’s none over here. No one really comes or goes this direction." 

"What ...? "

"I told you. There’s a secret doorway over here. It's an emergency exit for if the king needs to escape during an emergency." 

"Hmmm ... " 

The two arrived at the empty location while they were talking. A tall wall covered in ivy stood before them. At first glance, there was no place where they could get through. 

"Here." Ali placed his hand on the wall without hesitation.

When he pressed down on it firmly, a part of the wall rotated silently, and a hole opened up, allowing them to pass through to the other side. King Dedede was stunned. 

"What ... Why do you know a trick like that ...? "

"Because I've been to the royal palace before. Let's go." 

Ali quickly went through the hole. Beyond the wall was a well-kept garden. 

"C’mon, over here."

He continued forward, never faltering. As King Dedede followed close behind, Ali suddenly stopped. 

"Guards are patrolling past here. Careful." 

"Y–Yeah."

Armed guards passed by before the two hiding in the bushes.

"We’re in the clear. Over here."

Ali bent down and ran through the gaps in the foliage. King Dedede followed him, also crouching, as to to silence his footsteps. The two finally arrived at a large building without being found by any guards.

"See the window with the light over there? That’s the minister's room." Ali pointed to a large window facing the garden. There was a dense tree growing in front of it. The pair stealthily crouched by it and strained their ears.

The window was about half open. Noises could be heard inside.

" ... King Dedede and the rest still haven’t been found?"

A low voice spoke in an arrogant and commanding tone. A weak sounding voice that spoke quickly swiftly followed.

"Well ... he was seen near the clock tower today, but escaped ... " 

King Dedede knew who was being discussed was himself. He leaned in slightly and Ali tugged on his robe. 

"They’ll see you if you lean in too far," he whispered. 

"I won’t mess up. This voice is the minister’s." 

"Mm. And the person he’s talking with is his subordinate." 

"Escaping—what a stupid thing to do. However, on the contrary, this may work in our favor. King Dedede's sins will grow ever heavier!"

"That's right. His caricatures are strewn up throughout the city. The citizens’ anger is directed at him alone."

"Hya hya hya. Things have gone well." 

King Dedede clenched his fists as he eavesdropped on this, repressing his anger. 

"King Dedede aside ... what matters is the other person," the minister said while pacing around in the room. "How has it been coming along? Were there any trails?" 

"Er, well ... We’re sure he escaped together with King Dedede. There were definitely traces of them, after that ... " 

King Dedede looked at Ali and tilted his head. Ali turned away as if this didn’t concern him. 

"Anyhow, find him quickly. If he brings out the truth in front of the people, I'm done for!" 

"Don’t worry. No matter what such a sloth like that says, no one will believe it. After all ... "

"No, we can’t let our guard down. Anyhow, we have to catch him quickly so we can have peace of mind." There was a thump sound as the prime minister sat back down in his chair. "By the by, is the stolen food safe?"

"The food has been packed and locked away in the freezer. No one can approach it. There’s no need for worry."

"And the king?" 

"Nothing’s changed. He’s still locked up in his room as before, but he’s been in a restless state. Tomorrow’s festival has been weighing on his mind ... "

"Such a waste. We don't need the power of the king; I have the Rain Call Crystal. The star of tomorrow's festival will be me! Hya hya hya!" The prime minister started laughing. 

"Did you hear that, Ali?" King Dedede whispered. "If the stolen food is in the freezer ... Mmm? Ali?" King Dedede noticed that Ali was pale. "What’s it? Not feeling well?" 

"Y ... Yeah. The prime minister’s scheme is just way too horrific." 

At that moment, there was the sound of the minister standing up. He walked towards the window where King Dedede and his companion were hiding. The pair clamped their mouths and curled in on themselves.

The minister, while looking around out of the window, said, "Is there someone there? I could’ve sworn I heard voices ... maybe it was just me." He drew back and closed the window. The duo breathed a sigh of relief. 

"Let’s go. I've got a general idea of ​​the truth of the case," Ali whispered to King Dedede. He quickly crawled out from the shadow of the tree.

"What did you get?" King Dedede asked while chasing him.

"I'll explain later. Let's plan a strategy once we meet up with Waddle Dee and the others again." The two went through the passage and left the royal palace. 

~~~~~

On the night road returning to the hideout. 

"The Rain Call Crystal ... I see," Ali murmured while walking a little behind King Dedede. "The prime minister stole that crystal and has been forcing it to rain ... With the king locked up in his room, he does whatever he pleases ... "

"Hm? Did you say something?" King Dedede looked back at him. Ali shook his head. 

"No. Nothing." 

"Ali, who are you?" King Dedede looked at Ali with sharp eyes. Ali looked back up at the king with his heart pounding.

"Huh? I'm just Ali ...? "

"Don't play dumb. The minister seemed to be looking for you in particular. ‘If he brings out the truth in front of the people, I'm done for!’, or something like that." 

"Huh? You think ‘he’ meant me?" 

"If you’re gonna keep playing dumb no matter what, my hand’s been forced. Your true identity is ... " Ali’s face stiffened. King Dedede said with full confidence, "The architect who built the royal palace!" 

" ... Oh?" Ali blinked rapidly. 

"That's why you know even the little things like the secret entrance and the location of the minister's room so well! And you were locked up so the royal palace’s secrets wouldn’t be leaked!" 

" ... Ohhhh?" 

"If you’re the architect, you know the location of the freezer well, too. That's why the minister is so antsy!"

Ali burst into laughter. 

"Ahahaha! You totally got me! Even though it was a secret I wouldn't tell anyone!" 

"Wahahaha! All secrets are laid bare when it comes to me!"

"I yield, I yield!" Ali, while laughing, started running. 

"Ah, hey, wait, Ali. What's so funny?" 

"It’s nothinggg!" 

Ali sped up, as if trying to avoid being asked in detail.

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#kirby #bandana waddle dee #meta knight #king dedede #ali (kirby) #Kirby: King Dedede's Great Escape Strategy! #kirby light novel #translations #i have translator's notes that apply to the whole book this time #it'll be in a reblog since its pretty wordy