The Great Leader Sent by the Heavens (Note: A Great Misunderstanding)
For Ludwig, the whole encounter was shocking.
Born as the second son of a merchant, he was a smart child from an early age. His eldest brother took over the store and the family business. So he directed his aspirations into becoming a government official. But soon after he began his studies, he realized how rotten the Tearmoon Empire was.
There were various reasons, but most of them came from the noble houses, of which the emperor’s own family was the most powerful. That’s why he has disdain on nobles and royalty; those of so-called high birth.
But one day, a girl suddenly appeared in front of him. She was Mia Luna Tearmoon. The first princess of the empire, a girl who is near the heights of the noble people. She came to him while shaking her beautiful platinum-colored hair that seemed to melt the moonlight.
“Help me rebuild this empire.”
The sparkle of intelligence she showed was just like the goddess of the moon. It was so dazzling… Ludwig, stabbed by that moonlight, still can’t stop his heart from pounding quickly whenever he recalled that meeting. Since that day, he has been working hard to live up to the trust that Mia gave to him.
Any oppositions from his superiors, he would quash it by using the name of the Princess. He assumes that his actions had reached Mia’s ears. But since she had said nothing, it means that he is probably acting the way that she wants him to. Perhaps she thinks Ludwig will move voluntarily after she had conveyed her thoughts to him about the empire.
Her stance was clear: she pointed the way, and he plotted the course. It was a textbook good leadership; once the vision was given, it is up to the front-line experts to worry about the details on how to achieve it. Though, it may seem simple, leaders who made it correctly were very few. Most poor judgements have led to downfall of countless kingdoms throughout the ages.
And here was a girl who was only twelve years old, and she already makes the correct decisions. Ludwig shivers just thinking about it.
“Could she be the great leader that is bestowed upon to the empire by the heavens?”
Ludwig thought with full reverence.
Of course, such a thing is nothing but a delusion.
“Hello Ludwig”
“Your Highness! Welcome.” Ludwig paused his work and stood up in respect. Mia raised her hand to stop him.
“Thank you for your hard work, Ludwig. Know that it is appreciated.”
“No, it is all thanks to you, Your Highness. Because of you, my work has been easier.”
Mia nods with a smile to Ludwig who bows his head. Ludwig was relieved. He took Mia’s actions as a sign that his actions were not misguided. After all, he is in the presence of someone whose wisdom was beyond himself.
“By the way, I came here because I need your advice on a particular matter.”
“Hmm, my advice?”
Ludwig thinks with his arms folded.
Looking at Her Highness, I don’t think she’s dissatisfied with my work… but maybe there’s something I’m not aware of.
After all, Ludwig figured, he is talking to a person whose wisdom is like that of a moon goddess. Ludwig’s evaluation of Mia is on a level that no longer touches the earth. It has flown up and away with no signs of landing any time soon… which is truly unfortunate.
“That’s right. Though we can have the discussion here, I’d prefer if you can escort me somewhere else.”
Mia said with a mysterious smile.
“Where might that be?”
“The Newmoon District …”
Ludwig was totally taken by surprised by Mia’s answer.
“–!? The slums? You want to go to the slums?!”
Newmoon District, the slums of Lunatear was located close to the ramparts. It was a place that ordinary people, never mind nobles and royals, wouldn’t even dare to step into. Ludwig himself has never been to that place, and never wished to go there. Even if the heavens and the earth are turned upside down, it is not the place where the first princess of the empire goes.
“Mia-sama, no! That’s going too much far!”
It was Anne, the personal maid, who voiced her distress of Mia’s plan. She thought that Mia’s plan was just to visit Ludwig. For a young maiden, like herself, Newmoon District was the place that she wants to avoid at all cost. It’s a place where parents say, “Don’t approach because it’s dangerous,” and she’s also telling her sisters and brothers.
But in opposition to the two, Mia just shook her head and said.
“It’s necessary. I want Ludwig to see it directly and tell me what he thinks about it.”
There was a resolve in her tone that told them that the discussion was over.
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