Ludwig Volume 2: Chapter One Translated by Tae-chan/Tokimaru % = thoughts $ = flashbacks Please forgive the mistakes. There was plenty of difficult stuff in here, especially all the political stuff which I don't understand very well, so probably made a hash of translating -_- But enjoy the presence of Hornstein! What a card he is! ^_~ Quite an amusing villain - the best type - and so *fetching* in a cow suit! Thanks go to Akiko who helped with some translations for me! --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lohengrin Illusion Tale Page 5 Lohengrin: Your majesty, I have brought some light. Page 6 Lohengrin: I have brought some light, your majesty. Ludwig: ---- you are… Page 7 Lohengrin: You must know me and ---- been waiting for me. Lohengrin: Yes ----- from long in the past. Page 8 $ Young Ludwig: Hey nurse, Who is that man? Yes ---- from long in the past $ Young Ludwig: That man in the middle of that big painting ---- page 9 Gently ----- Yes ---- like a lover’s caress “fate” appeared, wrapping around me with a gentleness that stimulated the senses. 1861, Munich, Royal Theatre page 10 Such a mysterious horror attack?---- Gentle demon power is capturing people’s hearts whether they’re willing or not. What a beautiful, noble form! That knight was sent to us through a miracle! From Wagner’s “Loengrin” First Act. Page 11 Nurse: That’s Loengrin, Ludwig-sama. The Swan Knight. Nurse: He rides a small boat which is pulled by a swan and appeared from far away. He’s a hero called the saviour of people. He's the legendary knight of the holy grail sent to us from God. Hot things which are putting the pressure on Is it lunacy or love ---- Inside the entrancing shining imitation light Only his existence was reality…. Page 12 Inside this magnificent sound’s undulation Page 13 From inside my heart I entrust my body to the fascination and pleasure which satisfy my whole body ---- Page 14 It’s like A virgin having her body opened for the first time by the man she loves---- Page 15 Angel: Your majesty… Angel: Your majesty! Angel: You must not go there! Page 16 Angel: If you go that way Angel: ---- we’ll never again ---- Page 17 Loengrin: Your soul can find relief only in the light of the moon, your majesty. Loengrin: You surely understand that yourself. Page 18 A child of dreams. You have been determined by fate. You are a jewel born from a drop of the moon. That soul is as clear as crystal. Not a speck of cloud resides there. If a wedge by the name of reality were to drive into your heart In a moment a fissure like a spider’s web would cover you and your body would probably break into little pieces. Therefore you will look at reality more than anyone And then ---- Page 19 You won’t be able to endure it…! Hornig: ---- Your majesty Hornig: I brought some light. Hornig: ----- Is something the matter? ----- Are you feeling ill or something…? Ludwig: Hornig it’s you huh? Hornig: When it gets to twilight it gets pretty cold doesn’t it. I’ll light the fireplace. Ludwig: Ah, thanks. I was daydreaming because of the headache medicine I took. It’s already this late, is it? Page 20 Ludwig: I---- Ludwig: I wonder if I can continue on with you, Hornig… Hornig: Your majesty? Loengrin: I am here waiting for you… Loengrin: ---- So return to my side… my beloved child---- In this work I used a part of “Loengrin” (Takatsuji Tomoyoshi / translation Shinshoukankan) Page 25 Hornstein: ::sigh:: It’s really raining terribly in Munich. Is Sir Ruitpolt in? Servant: A… well, if you wouldn’t mind waiting a moment. Ruitpolt: We haven’t seen you around for a while. Where have you been? You really are an elusive guy. Hornstein: Nah, I just had some minor business in Berlin. Page 26 Ruitpolt: By “Berlin” you mean Prussia’s capital city, don’t you. In our country now, the anti-Prussia trend is at its peak. Ruitpolt: What the hell are you choosing to go there for, at this sort of time! Hornstein: There are the words, ‘Wrap it up in something long’. The era is certainly is guiding towards chance of victory for Prussia. Things like public opinion don’t matter in the face of thrusted reality. Hornstein: In other words, Prussia (Bismark) is thinking with disgust of Bavaria which is always unseparated from Europe and always unflooded. Hornstein: -You- could find a way out of this present situation. I believe that. Hornstein: Is it not so, Sir Ruitpolt Page 27 Ruitpolt: What is it you’re trying to say? I… I… don’t know… Hornstein: Well, it doesn’t matter. I’ll see you again. Ruitpolt: An uncanny man. Page 28 Chief Secretary: Richard Wagner! Ha! He’s quite the uppity fellow these days!! Man: What’s the matter, Chief Secretary sir? CS: Just take a look at this. The total amount spent on that opera! Your eyes will bug out. Man: 45800 florin!? <> CS: That’s not all. The cost of his lifestyle. The King is assisting in every other area too! CS: I’m so astonished I can’t say anything. Wagner is a parasite on the national treasury! CS: When the disturbance of his immoral affair with his student Beuro’s wife Kojima was criticised in the papers the king lent him his power and tried to have the rumour squashed. CS: The king doesn’t think the guy is a swindler. He believed they guy when he said that it was just a fabrication. But everyone knows of Wagner’s and Kojima’s affair. The king is the only one who remains ignorant. Page 29 CS: Nah, he probably found out about it unexpectedly but is acting as though he didn’t notice. CS: He’s that sort of person---- Woman: Ah, Your Majesty, to think that something like this is inside the palace! I just can’t believe it. It’s like we’re in Alhanbra. Woman: It’s as though we’re in a dream! Ludwig: Does it strike your fancy, cousins? Page 30 Ludwig: Then, shall I show you another piece of magic? Woman: Ahh Man: Ooh… Someone: The anti-Prussia trend is gradually rising. Page 31 Hornig: This isn’t good. I was utterly late. His majesty said he would be remove to his cottage in the mountains during the night. Hornig: I’m late. I have to take care of his majesty’s carriage. (Take the back street). Someone: The pro-Prussian prime minister Hoenroe will probably be deliberated in the Upper House sooner or later. Of course, the Upper House is an Anti-Prussia den - he has no chance of winning. Hornig: % People’s voices at this hour…!? Someone: Hoenroe’s resignation is inevitable. And doubts will also be held for the policies of the king himself…! Well, that’s just what we want. Page 32 Someone: These days the conditions of Prussia and France are strained. Germany needs to be unified. Hornig: % It’s too dark to see their faces properly. I have to get closer. Someone: It’s all about thinking of Bavaria. We can’t entrust this country to that spineless king. Hornig: WHAT!? Someone: For our future prospects, you will become the king ---- Hornig: % Damn! Someone: WHO’S THERE!? Page 33 Someone: W…wait Ruitpolt: I wonder if we were seen. Someone: <>: No, he couldn’t have seen us in this darkness. I remember seeing that stable man before. Someone: Yes ---- It must have been…. Hornig: % What the hell were those two ---- Page 34 $ For our future prosperity, you will become the king Hornig: % Shit, if only I’d seen their faces properly. Hornig: Your majesty Ludwig: Ah, Hornig, I know I said that I would go to Yamagoya, but… I take it back. Ludwig: I got a little drunk. Hornig: What’s the matter? For you to drink that much… Page 35 Ludwig: I was ruminating on my cousin’s surprised faces. Surprising people really is fun. Hornig: (Ah, he opened a bottle of wine.) Ludwig: Then illusionary world through illumination becomes just a rude artifice when it becomes morning. Ludwig: The far off eternal orient sky, is a painted picture on a wall, Ludwig: The river that is thought to continue on for far away, ends at around 70 meters at the most. A rainbow is just an illusion shown by a slide projector. Ludwig: (And the goose ate the flowers) Hornig: % ----- You majesty… Ludwig: But you know Ludwig: When I close my eyes everything retains its grandeur, it returns to inside of me. Page 36 Ludwig: % Inside of me it changes to an eternal myth---- Ludwig: Hornig Ludwig: I knew it – that scar remained… Hornig: I’m sorry Ludwig: Don’t be. Page 37 Ludwig: You’re always carrying that key aren’t you. I gave it to you… in the past. Hornig: It’s my treasure. Page 38 Hornig: % The king is hurting… Hornig: % Wagner, for the sake of that honour, for the sake of the child that Kojima carries, and Kojima’s husband Bieuro for the sake of fame, they had to be pure. Even if they twisted the truth, and deceived the king. Hornig: % The child inside Kojima’s belly must not be Wagner’s. Kojima: King Ludwig, Please listen to me, slander like this is groundless. Kojima: If it’s from your mouth and you tell everyone so immediately, then the citizens of Munich must also be silenced. Kojima: On our honour, we have done nothing to be guilty about ---- your majesty! Ludwig: % What a dirty race…! Page 39 Ludwig: I understand. I’ll see to it as you wish. But please promise me one thing, Mrs Bieuro. Please do not leave Munich this winter. Hornig: % ---- Don’t pursue Wagner who went to settle in Switzerland… he was saying. Hornig: % The emperor insisted on choosing the pathway that turned himself into the clown. Man: Ha! The king officially denies Wagner’s scandal. Man: Jesus, what a moron our King is. He’s just being conveniently used! Hornig: % Furthermore he worried over them and counselled them. Hornig: % But that advice was ignored. Hornig: % Mrs Bieuro ran away to Switzerland where Wagner was waiting. Hornig: % And in June the following year the child was born…! Hornig: % It’s name was “Zigfried” Hornig: % The name of the hero of Wagner’s opera. Page 40 Ludwig: Y’know, Hornig Ludwig: The first time I was touched by Wagner’s works was “Loengrin” which I saw when I was 16. Ludwig: It was very beautiful. So beautiful I couldn’t think it was of this world. Ludwig: Yes ----- very… Page 41 Ludwig: It’s amusing ---- it was Ludwig: My first love. Hornig: % How can I tell him that there are people that are trying to plot against the king ----- Hornig: % I mustn’t make him any sadder ----- Hornig: % Than he already is ---- Page 42 Man: I’ll just deliver the milk for breakfast here. Hornig: Aah, thanks again. Man: Oh, Hornig-san your face looks pale. Is there something wrong? Hornig: % I stayed with him throughout all last night and ran around inside the mountain. Hornig: % (I’m sleepy) That matter caught in my mind and I couldn’t sleep, so it was perfect, though. Voice: Hyaaaaaaaaa Hornig - ::startled:: Man: This is bad. Someone’s fallen into the ditch we use to throw rubbish into. What an intelligent thing to do. Man: Not good. Page 43 Hornstein: ---- Ow ow, what the hell is a hole doing here. Hornstein: Uh, hey, someone pull me out of here please----- Ludwig: Ew… what’s with your appearance, Holstien? Hornstein: That’s not nice, your majesty, saying that to your friend who came all this way to this Yamagoya and everything. Hornig: % That’s right – I once caught site of Baron Hornstein at the palace---- Ludwig: Hornig, you can retire now. Hornstein: (He’s such a cutie) Page 44 Hornstein: Anyways, I too was entreated to by Hoenroe. Hornstein: I’ve come to understand how you feel. Hornstein: When the impeachment motion in the Upper House is approved, nothing can be done…. Hornstein: I was thinking that I really want you to lend me your power there. Ludwig: Impeachment motion, has been decided, you say? Ludwig: Are you saying that the Upper House is ignoring my opinion! Hornstein: Oh ho, you didn’t know? Well well…. Ludwig: Those fools… what will they accomplish advocating an anti-Prussia stance now. Ludwig: Bismark’s forces are strong now---- why can’t they understand that Bavaria’s isolation only is a present state of affairs that must be avoided. Page 45 Hornstein: What will you do? Ludwig: ….. I will have the Upper House dissolve. Hornstein: As you wish. Ludwig(?): Hornstein will remain in place as he is. Hornstein: It’s a good thing you’re an intelligent person. This time lets go hunting and I’ll show you a good out of the way spot. Ludwig: But Ludwig: It would be good if I had that much power but… Hornstein: What are you saying? You’re the king. Page 46 Ludwig: ----- Hunting. I’m talking about hunting… Hornig: Excuse me---- Hornstein: % Not only is he too clever but he’s also pitiable too… Hornstein: Thanks for before, cutie. Page 47 Hornig: % That voice, could it be… Hornig: U.. um, Baron Hornstein ----- Hornig: % I have to make certain…. Hornstein: Ah, that’s right, cutie Hornstein: I’ll give you some advice. It would be better if you didn’t get too far involved. /smirk/ Page 48 Milk man: Ah, so you were okay, man? I kinda feel like we’re related. Hornstein: Ah, geez, I’m not Holstain Hornig: % Baron Hornstein Hornig: % His voice sounds like the voice of the accomplice from that time. ---- But the isn’t the baron the king’s friend…?! Hornig: % Is it ….!? Page 49 Ruitpolt: Wha… what a thing to do. What a thing Ruitpolt: Isn’t that stable boy a favourite of the king? If by a chance the matter was discovered, it would be the end! Ruitpolt: Something… I gotta do something. Ruitpolt: If I don’t, I’m finished. Ruitpolt: Something…! Hornstein: /Hn/ %---- Coward! Page 50 Stableman: Huh? Silver, you’re returning alone? What happened to Hornig? Page 51 Thug 1: Ah, even though his face is like a woman’s, he’s a man after all. Thug 1: Open his legs wider. Thug 2: What, weren’t we supposed to kill him? Thug 3: My turn next---! Thug 1: Don’t freak. We’ve got plenty of time for fun first. What a jewel! Hornig: % A blue --- moon… Page 52 Hornig: % A pure blue shine, like you---- Hornig: % My blue moon king I can’t stop loving. Thug 1: What’s this? Hornig: % The key the king gave to me----! Thug 3: Hey, What the hell!? The guy’s really struggling. Thug 1: Shit, never mind, just strangle him. If you’d been good, I would have made you a little more fascinating. What a shame. Page 53 Thug 1: Sorry, we ain’t got anything against you, but we were employed by someone. Hornig: % ---- by someone…!? Hornig: % Those two who I saw at that palace… huh? Hornig: % Ah, I’m… /not/ going to die in a place like this. Hornig: % But… it’s useless… consciousness is… Slipping away… Page 54 Thug 1: I… is someone over there? Servant 1: Gunshots at this time of… Servant 2: Ah, that’s the king. He just left to go hunting with Hornstein a moment ago. Servant 1: I wonder if he intends to bag an owl or something? (even though he’s bad at shooting). Servant 2: Who knows. He’s a strange person, so it’s possible. Page 55 Thugs: Hyaaa…hyaaaaaaa Page 56 Thug 1: Hii..iiiii W… wait Hornstein: You musn’t, your majesty. Calm down. Ludwig: Lend me your gun, Hornstein! I’ll KILL THEM! Ludwig: You bastards… how…dare you Hornig: % ---- Your… majesty Page 57 Ludwig: Do you know what this is? Ludwig: That’s right, it’s a poker. Ludwig: In the middle ages, it’s said they used a soldering iron against guilty people. Ludwig: But this will do instead, don’t you think? Thug 1: Ple… please stop. I was just hired Thug 1: Pl… please save me. I couldn’t help it, I needed the money. P…please. Page 58 Ludwig: You were employed!? Who by…! For what reason did he do such a thing! Thug 1: I… I don’t know. Anyway, he just said to kill that man. Thug 1: I wasn’t allowed to ask any questions. I ask you please, he… GYAAAAAAAA Hornstein: % What a violent temperment. Hornstein: % Is that stableboy that important to him I wonder. Ludwig: USELESS! Page 59 Hornstein: Oh, he’s awake. Are you okay, babe. Hornig: Your majesty… Hornstein: Aren’t you gonna say something to him? Page 63 Hornstein: You’re lucky just to be alive, so I think you should hurry up and forget about it all. Hornig: ---- I lost the key. Hornstein: Key? Page 64 Hornig: I got it from… the king. Hornig: It was a very important ---- Hornstein: (I’m not very good at this sort of thing) Hornstein: % The so called proof of love type of guy, huh? Hornig: ---- Oh yeah, why are you here. Hornstein: I though I’d go hunting with the king. What, it’s strange me being here? Page 65 Hornig: % ---- This person is one of their gang, isn’t he? He tried to shut my mouth. Hornig: Baron Hornstein ---- then, the real meaning of “Don’t get involved” that you said to me---- Hornstein: Huh? What was that again? I completely forget. /smirk/ Hornig: % THIS MAN IS A RACOON! (Not a cow). Page 66 Ruitpolt: Who is it there!? Ruitpolt: How did you get here!? Hornstein: What are you flinching over? It’s me. Hornstein: I spoke to one of your people and they let me in. He’s our companion, isn’t he? Ruitpolt: You, huh…! Don’t surprise me like that. What’s up all of a sudden, at this hour. Hornstein: This is the thing that will take your life. Ruitpolt: A key…? What is the meaning of this. Hornstein: You acted on your own without telling me, didn’t you. Page 67 Ruitpolt: What are you talking about? Hornstein: Your plan failed. You thought to seal the stable boy’s mouth! Hornstein: Ruitpolt, this was given to the stable boy by the king. (Look, I’ts got the royal family crest on it, right?) A man was trying to sell it ---- George Muller --- do you know him? Ruitpolt: Muller!? Hornstein: The leader of those men you dispatched. The only man who had contact with you. Ruitpolt: Muller talked about me!? Hornstein: He won’t talk anymore. Well, read it in tomorrow’s papers. Hornstein: Learn your lesson from this and don’t be so rash. Page 68 Ruitpolt’s wife: What’s the matter, dear, you look so pale… Ruitpolt: No, it’s nothing. Ruitpolt: % --- George Muller died in a steam train accident. Ruitpolt: % Is Hornstein ----- the devil…! Hornstein: Yo, babe! Your injuries okay now? Hornstein: I want to see the king, though. Would you take me? Hornig: ---- I have an inspection of the stables to do, so please ask someone else. Page 69 Hornstein: What’s up with him? Servant: He’s always like that these days. The king hasn’t even said one word to him. I wonder if something’s happened, they were such good friends. Hornig: % This --- with this dirtied body Hornig: % I can’t be by his majesty’s side…! Hornstein: It’s unfortunate about your appeal, but it seems I couldn’t speak to the officials. Prime Minister Hoenroe met with a crushing defeat in the election…! We’re surrounded by foes. Ludwig(?): It seems that we couldn’t keep him in the Prime Minister’s seat for long. From now on it can’t be said that rubbing up national feelings the wrong way is the best policy. Page 70 Hornstein: Opportunism? Ludwig: Through time and circumstances! Hornstein: There’s heaps of stuff scattered over your desk but ---- what’s all this? Some kind of blueprint? Ludwig: That’s right… the blueprint of my dreams. I’ve had enough of this tedious world. Hornstein: This is a pretty big dream. Is it a “castle”? Oh yeah, the citizens made quite a disturbance about it, didn’t they. Ludwig: It’s a kind of opera. I will construct a magnificent epic on this mountain! Ludwig: When I do, my illusionary world Page 71 Ludwig: will become a reality on this earth…! Hornstein: Your majesty, shall we play a game? Hornstein: There are two glasses here. Hornstein: Inside them, sake is being filled to the brim. Ludwig: (Don’t go and open my wine without permission) Hornstein: Do you know this? It’s morphine. Page 72 Hornstein: It’s been developed recently. Even amongst nobleman, it’s been booming as quite a “medicine”. In other words, it’s “poison”. Hornstein: With just a drop, you become in a dream. Hornstein: But the dream can’t be taken in large quantities. There is death being risked for the dream. The so called fatal dose. Hornstein: There hasn’t been anything put in the right one. It’s just wine. This world’s reality, the truth of everything. Page 73 Hornstein: Following the Luxembourg problem and the relations between France and Prussia growing steadily worse. Through the 1866 military alliance we the southern part of Germany and various countries also being pulled into the vortex without reserve. Ludwig: If by chance Prussia and France were to battle or something…. Hornstein: You would have misgivings too, would you not your majesty? Hornstein: The time for a decision is likely already close at hand. At that time, how far can your opportunism extend? Ludwig: You go too far, Hornstein. Hornstein: Please excuse me. Let’s continue where we left off. Hornstein: And this right glass ---- Your majesty, this is your beloved country of dreams. Page 74 Hornstein: The German mythological world that Wagner is about to write – or the picture scroll’s Bourbon Dynasty where that Sun King reigned. Side note: I was fortunate enough to have the meaning of this passage explained to me by Akiko, one of the regular's of Higuri-sensei's message board who goes by the nickname "Panda". She speaks excellent english and told me the meanings of two old-fashioned words I didn't know. She also tells me, "The Sun King" means the famous French king "Luis the 14th " in the Bourbon Dynasty" I'm glad she knew - I know little about European history ^^; Hornstein: You cannot return to reality a second time ----but you will gain a release of the soul through it! Hornstein: So then, which one will you choose? Page 75 Ludwig: Do you intend to poison your king, I wonder? Hornstein: It’s your choice. Page 76 Hornstein: You majesty? Page 77 Ludwig: You too have a need to drink this wine, don’t you? You disrespector of the principles of reality! Page 78 Ludwig: For now I cannot drink this wine. Ludwig: Even if I wanted to! Ludwig: I gave this key to Hornig. Why do you have it? Hornstein: Heh heh heh. Hornstein: I got it back from the felons. (So, praise?) Page 79 Ludwig: Yeah, thank you! Hornig was depressed about it. Ludwig: You saved me! Ludwig: I have urgent business to attend to, so please stay as long as you like. Though unlike Berk, this place isn’t very comfortable! Hornstein: A… Your majesty!? Hornstein: Man oh man. Hornstein: % You really are a fascinating man, King Ludwig--- Hornstein: % It’s almost a pity we’ll be adversaries! Servant: Uhyaaa~~~~ Mountain weather really changes easily. Page 80 Servant: Hey, you haven’t seen Hornig!? Servant 2: I think he was just----- Servant: Hornig---- Hornig Servant: Here, this is from the king. He said to give it to you. Hornig: From the king? Hornig: % ------ ah Servant: What, what’s the matter? Servant: !? Huh----? Are you crying? Hey, what’s wrong Hornig!? ---- To my most loved one, again… [1] [1] [1]