Ludwig’s Rumination
It is important to recognise one’s responsibilities. It is crucial to be aware of your role in a particular place, in a structure and in personal relationships and use everything you have, all of your abilities and strengths to do what needs to be done.
Ludwig believed that the moment such a goal was achieved, one felt a sense of accomplishment that far exceeded any feelings of exhaustion.
He usually felt that being a vassal of the Empire’s wisdom, Mia Luna Tearmoon, was a position in which it was quite difficult to discover such moments.
After all Mia-sama was a person, who needless to say was beyond reproach in terms of her intellectual wisdom, but also in terms of her moral fortitude. She was some kind of perfect superhuman who was both wise and personable. Around her, even the slightest incompetence could render one inconsequential.
If someone displays a lack of wisdom, you should offer suitable advice. If someone makes a moral mistake, you should not hesitate to reprimand them and present a way to rectify their mistake.
But what counsel could one really offer to somebody who made both morally impeccable and highly rational decisions?
Since Ludwig had started working under Mia, he had developed a habit of always asking himself, “What role am I expected to play?”
So it was easy for him to understand the meaning behind Mia’s earlier gaze and also to sense what was expected of him.
I see. Given the current members present, I should definitely speak on Mia-sama’s behalf as her representative.
He realised this and slightly adjusted the position of his glasses. Ludwig once again reflected on the fact that devoting all of his energy to do what needed to be done was indeed a source of happiness.
Well then, what is it that Mia-sama is looking for? Simply put, it is “the presentation of the benefits in an objective manner.”
In other words, it could be said that she is looking for “the reasoning that could convince the Fire clan’s elder, Roufa.”
It takes courage to accept a helping hand that is offered out of goodwill or compassion.
That is because you never know when that help might be withdrawn depending on the benefactor’s whim, and there are no guarantees.
Moreover, there could easily be some malicious intent hidden under the facade of aid. Anyone with even a slight bit of intelligence would realise this. There is always a flip side to any deal that seems too good to be true. There is nothing more expensive than something free. If a deal seems to be excessively in your favour, it is right to be cautious and natural to consider it carefully.
That is why, I am going to explain the rational benefits for the ones who are providing the aid.
It was important to make elder Roufa aware of this. However, even if elder Roufa already knew, it was necessary to inform her that we were also well aware of the benefits.
Of course, Mia-sama herself must be aware of those benefits. In some cases, she might have assessed them even more accurately than I.
However, it would be inappropriate for Mia-sama to speak in those terms. The reason being that the bond between Mia-sama and Aima-san is that of friendship and is not based on mutual interest.
Ludwig recalled the events of last night when Mia-sama had stated quite clearly,
“Could you please stop talking about things that don’t matter?”
So what exactly is “a thing that doesn’t matter”?
Is it about the self-introduction of the Fire clan elder? No, it’s probably not that. Mia-sama is definitely not the kind of person who would do something so disrespectful. But if she did, then I would definitely need to admonish her.
Ludwig felt a little strange as he imagined a scene where he was admonishing Mia.
It was definitely impossible that something like that had ever happened, yet he couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and smiled wryly.
And then, he thought again.
What did Mia-sama mean when she said “ things that don’t matter”… it wasn’t the “content of the conversation” that elder Roufa was trying to say, but the social etiquette and decorum of the thought that “I have to introduce myself.”
What Mia-sama did not care about and had deemed “something that doesn’t matter” was the excessive politeness and courtesy that she received as the princess of a large and powerful country,
Mia-sama wanted to convey that she had not come to this place to receive any expression of gratitude. That she had come merely as Aima’s friend, all for the sake of their friendship. And that the etiquette bestowed upon a princess was not needed.
Wasn’t that what she wanted to convey?
Mia wished to be involved in this matter purely as a friend. That’s how Ludwig saw it.
In that case, Mia-sama could not state the advantages and disadvantages to both parties. That would indeed muddy the bonds of friendship. She probably did not wish for something like that.
It is easy to convince someone to enter into an alliance when both parties’ interests are aligned, but such an alliance could easily be broken. That is because the situation could easily flip due to a conflict of interest or a rational judgement.
However, judgments based on emotions often transcend reason.
Even without guarantees or immediate benefits, help can still be given and received—that’s the essence of friendship.
That’s probably why Mia-sama wanted to keep her connection with Aima in that form.
No, that way of thinking is also biased. It could simply be a judgement that stemmed from Mia-sama’s individual personality.
Ludwig smiled wryly once again as he recalled his master’s somewhat good-natured side, realising that he liked that aspect of her.
Anyway, I suppose the same could be said for Lord Malong and Rafina-sama.
Lord Malong was moved by brotherly affection, and Rafina-sama by her faith. They both have their own reasons. However, since their personal interests are intertwined, self-interest could cloud their intentions.
Therefore, there needs to be someone who can objectively explain the merits of helping the Fire clan.
In other words, that was precisely the role that was expected of him. Ludwig realised exactly what it was that he was supposed to do and raised his voice.
“Excuse me. Mia-sama, may I have a moment?”
Mia was silent as if she was carefully considering, and then replied, “Then, Ludwig, please take care of it.” Mia nodded deeply, as if leaving everything up to him.
Ludwig felt that it was a sign of complete trust in him and became a little happy, perhaps a slight touch of hubris on his part.
As if switching his mode of thought, Ludwig adjusted the position of his glasses and let out a deep breath. Then, once again, he turned his attention to everyone present.
Ludwig’s Rumination
It is important to recognise one’s responsibilities. It is crucial to be aware of your role in a particular place, in a structure and in personal relationships and use everything you have, all of your abilities and strengths to do what needs to be done.
Ludwig believed that the moment such a goal was achieved, one felt a sense of accomplishment that far exceeded any feelings of exhaustion.
He usually felt that being a vassal of the Empire’s wisdom, Mia Luna Tearmoon, was a position in which it was quite difficult to discover such moments.
After all Mia-sama was a person, who needless to say was beyond reproach in terms of her intellectual wisdom, but also in terms of her moral fortitude. She was some kind of perfect superhuman who was both wise and personable. Around her, even the slightest incompetence could render one inconsequential.
If someone displays a lack of wisdom, you should offer suitable advice. If someone makes a moral mistake, you should not hesitate to reprimand them and present a way to rectify their mistake.
But what counsel could one really offer to somebody who made both morally impeccable and highly rational decisions?
Since Ludwig had started working under Mia, he had developed a habit of always asking himself, “What role am I expected to play?”
So it was easy for him to understand the meaning behind Mia’s earlier gaze and also to sense what was expected of him.
I see. Given the current members present, I should definitely speak on Mia-sama’s behalf as her representative.
He realised this and slightly adjusted the position of his glasses. Ludwig once again reflected on the fact that devoting all of his energy to do what needed to be done was indeed a source of happiness.
Well then, what is it that Mia-sama is looking for? Simply put, it is “the presentation of the benefits in an objective manner.”
In other words, it could be said that she is looking for “the reasoning that could convince the Fire clan’s elder, Roufa.”
It takes courage to accept a helping hand that is offered out of goodwill or compassion.
That is because you never know when that help might be withdrawn depending on the benefactor’s whim, and there are no guarantees.
Moreover, there could easily be some malicious intent hidden under the facade of aid. Anyone with even a slight bit of intelligence would realise this. There is always a flip side to any deal that seems too good to be true. There is nothing more expensive than something free. If a deal seems to be excessively in your favour, it is right to be cautious and natural to consider it carefully.
That is why, I am going to explain the rational benefits for the ones who are providing the aid.
It was important to make elder Roufa aware of this. However, even if elder Roufa already knew, it was necessary to inform her that we were also well aware of the benefits.
Of course, Mia-sama herself must be aware of those benefits. In some cases, she might have assessed them even more accurately than I.
However, it would be inappropriate for Mia-sama to speak in those terms. The reason being that the bond between Mia-sama and Aima-san is that of friendship and is not based on mutual interest.
Ludwig recalled the events of last night when Mia-sama had stated quite clearly,
“Could you please stop talking about things that don’t matter?”
So what exactly is “a thing that doesn’t matter”?
Is it about the self-introduction of the Fire clan elder? No, it’s probably not that. Mia-sama is definitely not the kind of person who would do something so disrespectful. But if she did, then I would definitely need to admonish her.
Ludwig felt a little strange as he imagined a scene where he was admonishing Mia.
It was definitely impossible that something like that had ever happened, yet he couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and smiled wryly.
And then, he thought again.
What did Mia-sama mean when she said “ things that don’t matter”… it wasn’t the “content of the conversation” that elder Roufa was trying to say, but the social etiquette and decorum of the thought that “I have to introduce myself.”
What Mia-sama did not care about and had deemed “something that doesn’t matter” was the excessive politeness and courtesy that she received as the princess of a large and powerful country,
Mia-sama wanted to convey that she had not come to this place to receive any expression of gratitude. That she had come merely as Aima’s friend, all for the sake of their friendship. And that the etiquette bestowed upon a princess was not needed.
Wasn’t that what she wanted to convey?
Mia wished to be involved in this matter purely as a friend. That’s how Ludwig saw it.
In that case, Mia-sama could not state the advantages and disadvantages to both parties. That would indeed muddy the bonds of friendship. She probably did not wish for something like that.
It is easy to convince someone to enter into an alliance when both parties’ interests are aligned, but such an alliance could easily be broken. That is because the situation could easily flip due to a conflict of interest or a rational judgement.
However, judgments based on emotions often transcend reason.
Even without guarantees or immediate benefits, help can still be given and received—that’s the essence of friendship.
That’s probably why Mia-sama wanted to keep her connection with Aima in that form.
No, that way of thinking is also biased. It could simply be a judgement that stemmed from Mia-sama’s individual personality.
Ludwig smiled wryly once again as he recalled his master’s somewhat good-natured side, realising that he liked that aspect of her.
Anyway, I suppose the same could be said for Lord Malong and Rafina-sama.
Lord Malong was moved by brotherly affection, and Rafina-sama by her faith. They both have their own reasons. However, since their personal interests are intertwined, self-interest could cloud their intentions.
Therefore, there needs to be someone who can objectively explain the merits of helping the Fire clan.
In other words, that was precisely the role that was expected of him. Ludwig realised exactly what it was that he was supposed to do and raised his voice.
“Excuse me. Mia-sama, may I have a moment?”
Mia was silent as if she was carefully considering, and then replied, “Then, Ludwig, please take care of it.” Mia nodded deeply, as if leaving everything up to him.
Ludwig felt that it was a sign of complete trust in him and became a little happy, perhaps a slight touch of hubris on his part.
As if switching his mode of thought, Ludwig adjusted the position of his glasses and let out a deep breath. Then, once again, he turned his attention to everyone present.
