The Three Visits ~The Sage’s Examination~
Inside the Sealence Forest, a man entered where the Lulu tribe lives. His lustrous blond hair and brown eyes glittered with intelligence. He was the Scarlet Moon Ministry official working under Viscount Berman to oversee the construction of Princess Town. His name is Balthazar Brandt.
Born as the third son of an earl family, he was an old friend of Ludwig and also a fellow disciple. At the moment, he was walking down the narrow path that he had walked many times during meetings about the town’s construction. He was already familiar with the path; his thoughts sank deeper. He passed by the Lulu village but did not stop. He headed deeper into the forest until he arrived at a small tent.
Made of stiff, thick cloth, it was an impromptu dwelling usually used by the Lulu tribe. There was a familiar man in front of him and Balthazar gave a relaxed greeting.
“Hey, Ludwig. I was wondering where you were when I didn’t find you with the Princess.”
Ludwig turned around and gave a small shrug.
“There’s nothing I can do now. It is all up to her now.”
“What? Aren’t you pretty cold? Didn’t you pledge allegiance to that princess? I thought you would be buzzing always behind her.”
“I was being considerate. It was your first experience meeting her after all. I didn’t want to get in the way. So what do you think? She’s captivating, isn’t it?”
Balthazar smiled wryly at Ludwig, who had a mischievous smile on his face.
“Indeed. Her Highness is impressive. She stopped the construction of that giant statue.”
“That’s what you were impressed by? That was already to be expected. That would be too much of a fool for Her Highness Princess Mia.” Ludwig shook his head in amazement. “It’s natural to stop that. How much do you think it will cost? That wasn’t really that impressive.”
Baltazar shook his head at the old friend said something as if it’s a-matter of fact.
“No, it is. Historically, there are quite a few rulers who yearn for colossal statues. An inflated sense self-worth is characteristic of corrupt rulers. Plenty of nations have emptied their coffers to satisfy the unquenchable egos of their sovereigns.”
“I see, that’s certainly true… It seems that serving Princess Mia has distorted my perspective. I’m starting to base my standards to that of the Great Wisdom of the Empire.”
Ludwig acknowledged the truth of Balthazar’s words. There was a king who erected statues of himself throughout the land and commanded them to be worshiped at hourly intervals. There was an emperor who wanted the biggest statue in the world. The desire to venerate and deify oneself is almost irresistible for many rulers.
“At such a young age…and with such good looks, for her to be immune to the influence of pride and ego. Well, let’s just say that I know understand why you are so infatuated with her.” Balthazar crossed his arms and looked again at Ludwig. “By the way Ludwig, what are you doing here?”
“Ah, I was thinking of making an appointment in advance so that my master could meet with Her Highness, but…”
Ludwig smiled wryly and looked towards the tent.
“Apparently, he’s thinking about something.”
“I see, so he is on his do-not-disturb mode, huh?” Balthazar shook his head. “He really is a problem child, isn’t he? Or should it be a problem master?”
“He sure is.”
The two shrugged and exchanged a laughter.
“Ho, so you’ve got some nerve. Laughing at your master in front of your master’s dwelling.”
A third voice made both of them jump. They hurriedly straightened their postures and faced the old man that emerged from the tent. The old man had a beautiful long white hair and a prominent white beard. He looked at Ludwig and smiled.
“Damn, you’re making a fuss even though people are thinking. I can’t even concentrate in peace.”
“Long time no see, Master.”
Ludwig bow to which the old man returned with a bow as well.
“And I you, my disciple, Ludwig.” The old man said while lightly stroking his long beard that hung down to his chest. “So, what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? I thought I already told you that I’ve got nothing more to teach you.”
“Yes. You have told me. I did not come here for my own learning, Master, but to seek your help.”
“Fufu, my help? I don’t know what this old bone can do…”
“Please listen to me. Master. This is about the survival of the empire.”
Ludwig said in a serious tone. In response, the old man shook his head with annoyance.
“I’m listening. Ludwig, you seem to be serving the princess of the empire… Does this involve her?”
“Yes. I serve Her Highness Mia Luna Tearmoon.”
“The Great Wisdom of the Empire. I have heard enough rumors about her to last three lifetimes. I’m not really keen about this. You know that I hate nobles.”
“I do know that, Master. And still I make this request even with the knowledge of how you dislike nobles.”
“You would go that far, huh? What makes you think it is worth all this effort just to get me to talk to her?”
“I know I am now acting arrogant, Master. But she is the one whom I have sworn my lifelong loyalty.”
At those words, the old man narrowed his eyes slightly.
“Hmm, for you to go that far… That’s certainly interesting, isn’t it? Baltazar, what do you think?”
Balthazar replied with a nod.
“People are the castle, people are the walls…”
“Oh, she knows that proverb? She’s quite well-read for her age.”
Baltazar shook his head to the old man who nodded in admiration.
“No, she didn’t know the proverb. However, she firmly grasped the truth contained therein. It was not an allusion, but a conclusion. A fundamental truth discovered through pure reasoning. It was… impressive, to say the least. I am, therefore, of the same opinion. She does indeed deserve the title of Great Wisdom of the Empire.”
Balthazar remembered the appearance of Mia he had seen earlier, and felt a faint goosebump. He heard from Ludwig. However, the surprise when he actually saw it with his own eyes was exceptional.
“My teacher. Please meet Princess Mia. And talk to her. See that person with your own eyes, and if it suits your teacher’s heart, please help me.”
“Hmm… Well, it’s a request from my dear disciples. Why not then? As you know, I am a kind and accommodating person.”
Neither disciple remembered any remarkable displays of kindness and accommodation from their master. But they were prudent enough not to point it out.
“But that’s right… it is not that I don’t trust the two of you, but I prefer to test her myself… let me see… how about that ancient folklore in the eastern country… The three visits.”
Ludwig had a bad feeling about his master, who started showing a mischievous smile.
