Ludwig Volume Three Part Two Ludwig II Part Ten: Evergreen Oak of Judgement Hello again, and welcome to another long-awaited instalment of Ludwig! How's that for a snappy introduction? I suppose I could start with my usual warnings about how I'm not fluent in Japanese and so there are bound to be mistakes in here, but I'll spare you just this time ^_~ *groan*. Anyway, sorry for the long wait. Some parts here I wasn't sure who was speaking, so I put both (eg., Hornig/Rudolph) so you can either make up your mind yourselves, or tell me who it should be. ^_^;; Page 9 Evergreen Oak of Judgement Page 14 Man: Shhhhhh. Walk softly, walk softly. Don't make a sound. Man: I'm wearing felt-lined shoe. Yeah, they don't make a sound. Man: The king wishes for silence. He said "With all the people one by one gawking at my facial expressions with opera glasses, I can't enjoy the play." It's an opera performance for one. Man: In the dead of night, he's the only audience in the theatre, with no one else there. Page 15 Man: That's the Mad King of Bavaria we boast of, Ludwig II! Kaints: Fuee--- Finished, finished. (I'm beat). Man, don't all those dark black empty seats give you the creeps! Man: Ah, no, Mr Kaints! We're not supposed to move until the King stands. Page 16 Kaints: Why? Kaints: It doesn't matter since the curtains are down, does it? Man: He is ruminating on the reverberations of the play. Man: As though returning to reality was painful. Kaints: Wow. I guess it's tough being a king. <> Main: (Mr Kaints, please keep your voice down~~~) Hornig: Is Mr Joseph Kaints who just played the part of Didie here? Page 17 Hornig: My name is Hornig, I am head of the palace stables and secretary to the king. King Ludwig thought the performance of tonight's Didie was really wonderful and directed these to be sent specially to you・lt;BR> Kaints: (Incredible, a real diamond----) Hornig: In addition, the king also said that by all means he would like to invite you to Lindahoff castle. Kaints: Huh・really!? Truly!? Me・I mean, *I* go to the castle? <> Page 18 Kaints: Iiiiiyahooooooo Man: Please forgive him, Kaints is just like that. He is very good as an actor, though. Kaints: Please tell his majesty that by all means, I definitely kindly accept his invitation. Hornig: I will wait for you, Mr Joseph Kaints. Hornig: % If he can relieve the king's feelings even just a little, I will put my hopes on this youngster・lt;BR> Page 19 Hornig: % That the king won't fly high away from this real world which just tries to pluck his wings. Hornig: I swore that I would become those bonds. For that sake, I would do anything. Even if it means I am separated from your thoughts---- Man: How cool is that. If things go well, you could become the king's favourite---- Man2: It's your chance, don't ya think? Your shout, you little bastard. Hornig: % Even if it means I'm torn from your thoughts----- Page 20 Lindahoff castle. Kaints: I'm later than I planned, and I missed one train・lt;BR> Guard: The king is waiting. Please come this way. Kaints: Huh・? But now it's 2 o'clock in the middle of the night・ Does he see people no matter what time it is・(are you serious?) Guard: The king is active from now. Hornig: I will guide him from here. It's my duty. Kaints: Ah, Mr Hornig ---- good morning. Page 21 Guard: But Hornig, but if you do, even more you'll・lt;BR> Hornig: It's okay. Kaints: ? Guard: % The fact that the king doesn't like woman and has Hornig as a lover is an open secret. Even so, he has to take to him a candidate for another lover. It must be painful・lt;BR> Guard: % That's what you call a loyal subject. Hornig: This way, please. Take care not to be impolite. Page 22 Hornig: Your majesty, I have brought Mr Kaints. Kaints: % Not normal. This isn't normal. Kaints: Um・lt;BR> Kaints: % Inside a light that changes from red to blue・all sorts of colours. Kaints: % A reflecting gold boat・swans・twinkling water surface. Kaints: % Music of the masters echoes from high・lt;BR> Ludwig: Welcome, Master Kaints. Page 23 Kaints: % This man isn't human. Kaints: % He's a demon who resides in the air, separated from reality. Page 24 Kaints: % A demon of・the night. page 25 Woman: Even in Vienna we hear lots of rumours, about "Bavaria's Fairytale King". Everyone talks about him as though he were queer. Elizabeth: But really he is just an extraordinary romantic・lt;BR> Woman: Elizabeth, a woman like you also attracts considerable gossip. They call you the wandering empress who is never in the palace. Now that the Emperor's mother Zofii has passed away, why don't you finally settle down? Elizabeth: I love freedom. I will never let myself be shut away in constricting places. Elizabeth Amelia Oigenye Austria's empress. The daughter of Bavaria's emperor married to the emperor Franz Joseph. Her beauty was called "The Rose of Vienna". She was the cousin of the Bavarian King Ludwig. page 26 Woman: I wonder if that's the fault of the Vittelbach blood. Rudolf also wasn't very mentally strong ever since he was small. Woman: Ah, that reminds me, I haven't seen him at all today, even though he rarely comes to this mansion. Elizabeth: He said he wanted to be alone and went towards the lake. Elizabeth: He probably feels ill at ease being with me. Even though he was taken from me against my will by Zofii <> ---- as his mother, I haven't done anything for him. I guess there can't be any parent/child love between us now. Woman: ・that's not true at all, between a parent and child. Not to mention he's still only a child of 15 going on 16・it must be the age they want sweetness most. Woman: But he's becoming an adult a little too early for his age. Sometimes I just don't understand that child・lt;BR> Page 27 Rudolph: No matter how many times you ask me to, I don't want to participate in a suspicious organisation like that. Give up, already. Man: Your future・for the sake of your future as emperor. Man: Austria as it is now is no good. If you were to study under our organisation--- Rudolph: Shut up and scatter. If you don't・lt;BR> Page 28 Voice: Waaa Hornig: Wh・what the hell was that. Rudolph: Still there! If you don't give up I'll really shoot! Page 29 Elizabeth: Oh, Ludwig! Welcome, it's really been ages!! Woman: You seem very well, your majesty. Woman: I'm so happy to meet you! Woman: Oh my, such a lovely thing to do for us・ Ludwig: I'd heard that Shishi had returned. I had to come and see you at once. Ludwig: As usual, my beautiful young cousin! Elizabeth: You wouldn't think I was already a grandmother! My daughter gave birth this year. Elizabeth: You've grown a little thin. I wonder if it's the fault of not being in the sunlight? Page 30 Rudolph: The king of the Alps, The Moonlight King---- You glide down the snowy mountains in a four-faced sled, they say. Where do you go every night? Rudolph: To the palace of dreams? Elizabeth: Rudolph! Rudolph: Excuse me. Rudolph: I've been hearing rumours of you for years ----- Uncle. It's an honour to meet you. Ludwig: Well well. I don't know what rumours are floating around about me, but Ludwig: I am also pleased to meet a boy as beautiful as you. Page 31 Rudolph: % Wh・what was that. I feel a climbing, unexplainable feeling coming from his whole body. It's close to the Image of Dealth I always feel. Ludwig: Next time I'll start an opera in the palace theatre for you. You seem to be the type to understand the magic that theatre holds, Rudolph. Woman: Well then, you have a lot to talk about, I'm sure, so shall we adjourn to the salon? Rudolph: U・um, is it okay if I give it a miss? I'm not feeling all that good・lt;BR> Rudolph: % That too is a unfathomable deepness. Rudolph: % --- I'll get drawn in to・lt;BR> Page 32 Elizabeth: Oh, Rudolph. (He's always like that.) Rudolph: Man, I didn't know you were that Hornig! The famous head of the palace stables! Rudolph: You didn't tell anyone about that incident at the lake ---- thanks. Page 33 Hornig: It's not my place to do so. Hornig: But if you don't mind me saying so, I can't admire you hanging around with suspicious characters like that. You are still young and there are other things you should be learning. Rudolph: Everyone always says that! "You're still young" "You're young" ---- they treat me like a child. Hornig: What are you doing, your highness? Rudolph: Those characters are called the "Freemasons" --- you've probably heard of them. Rudolph: Right now they're secret organisation spread over the centre of Europe. If it were known that the crown prince were associated with them, things would get complicated. Looks like I'll have to silence you. Page 34 Rudolph: Either that or me instead. I wonder if that would solve the problem. Hornig: Stop playing around! Hornig: Have some courage - the courage to live. This enthusiasm for facing destruction, Hornig: Is just too sad. Page 35 Rudolph: It was just a joke. Rudolph: You had such sad eyes・lt;BR> Rudolph: That speech, it was something you wanted to say to him, wasn't it? Rudolph: My uncle ---- King Ludwig II, I met him for the first time today, but he's not just anybody. Rudolph: I hear that you're his lover. Rudolph: You love him don't you・I'm kinda envious. I've never had love since the day I was born. Rudolph: A child who was never loved by anybody can't love anyone. Page 36 Hornig: There is no such person. Hornig: There must be someone near you who is confused about how to love, just like you. Rudolph: You're really confident for someone who doesn't even know me・ Hornig: I can tell just by looking at you. And I also know what kind of person your mother is. Rudolph: That scar・you got that protecting my mother didn't you ---- Undoubtedly・lt;BR> Rudolph: You are --- strong・lt;BR> Page 37 Rudolph: Since you're strong, I put my respect in you---- Kaints: "Oh quietly! If I had been born of a woman, I would most likely have been a lowly, vulgar human." Page 38 Kaints: "But, if the man who made advances to me were an honest man, how could I not say, "I am this sort of woman!"" Kaints: "I would not accept the man gladly, and I would tell him that my beautiful crystal eyes are imitations" Kaints: "Digging your own grave with your own claws is better than being an unfaithful and corrupt woman." Kaints: "My heart is a wonderous mirror which reflects you. In your wisdom, you shattered that mirror." Page 39 Kaints: "You want to be there pure, beautiful and sparkling. Oh, Woman!" Ludwig: What is it, Kain. It's completely different from last night; it was a splendid recitation. That's my "Didie". Kaints: Thank you. Mr Hornig came to my rooms and gave me some advice. Ludwig: Hornig did? Kaints: He said that your evaluation of me would depend on whether I could recite as if I had become the character from the bottom of my heart. Kaints: So today I tried to become "Didie". Ludwig: I see. Page 40 Kaints: He really is wonderfully devoted person isn't he. And with that figure he's like an angel・lt;BR> Ludwig: An angel・yes. That's certainly true. Ludwig: Therefore to someone like me, spellbound by demons, he's somewhat too bright・that man・ Kaints: Why would you be spellbound by demons? As the king you would have no restrictions・lt;BR> Ludwig: Being the king isn't as privileged as it appears・lt;BR> Kaints: Then why don't you abdicate? Page 41 Ludwig: From now on・don't ever speak in that way ever again・ Ludwig: Ever・ Ludwig: % Abdication・I can't do such a thing・If my younger brother・Otto at least was unhandicapped・lt;BR> Ludwig: % This is the only path open to me. For a king's pride. Ludwig: % To <> the image of an ideal king, I personally have been bound to the throne・ Page 42 Hornig: You called me, your majesty? Hornig: Your majesty・What has happened? Hornig: Your majesty Page 43 Hornig: Your ・ Hornig: Your majesty・ Page 44 Ludwig: Hornig, you probably think I've become ugly now, don't you? Hornig: What are you saying? You haven't changed at all. Ludwig: My mind is devestated. If evil dreams were reality, then this whole world would be a dream. Ludwig: To me, my own from looks like an imprisoned demon, drowning in a quagmire of vice and hatefulness. ---- I think that's my true form・lt;BR> Ludwig: Can you see that thing standing there? Page 45 Ludwig: That is "insanity". It's the hand that captured Otto and is now eagerly preparing to entangle me in its claws. Ludwig: The white hand of insanity is stimulating my senses・lt;BR> Page 46 Ludwig: I cannot resist becoming enraptured. Page 47 Ludwig: Hor・ig・ Hornig: Your majesty. Hornig: Please look at me. This is the body you loved. Page 48 Hornig: All of it is yours, down to the last drop of blood. Hornig: Shall I open my chest and show you my heart? Hornig: You must know that it beats because of you・ Page 49 Ludwig: You said that you were mine. There is no deceit in those words, is there・lt;BR> Page 50 Hornig: Your majesty・lt;BR> Ludwig: Call Kaints! Kaints: Um~~~ Your majesty~~~~ Can I help you with anything・ Ludwig: Please enter, my "Didie". Ludwig: What's wrong? Please come in further. Page 51 Ludwig: Hornig. Please show him ::that path's:: first lessons. Kaints: Huh?・Um・What!? Ludwig: You accepted him. You're prepared for this much, aren't you? Hornig: Wh・? Why such a・ Page 52 Ludwig: I can't stand your intolerable radiance. Ludwig: It's come home to me, that darkness is as deep and thick as the light is strong・ Ludwig: So begin. Hornig: Your majesty! Hornig: Come here. Page 53 Ludwig: Hornig, spread your legs wider and invite him. That way he'll get more in the mood. Hornig: Come・ Kaints・lt;BR> Page 54 Hornig: Please・excuse me. Kaints: U・umm・your majesty Ludwig: That's enough・return to your room. Ludwig: Didn't you hear me tell you to return!! Kaints: Hiyaaaaa, Please excuse me! Lohengrin: It's useless, your majesty. Page 55 Lohengrin: You've started to walk the path of destruction, and you don't want to have to make him accompany you any further --- Hornig realizes that this is your clumsy way of treating your love. Lohengrin: No matter how much you thrust him away, he'll follow you. You are embarrassed because you love him too. Lohengrin: Oh, but you poor thing, your majesty. You already belong to me. Page 56 Lohengrin: You can't run away. It's your fate・lt;BR> Woman: Heavens, he's troublesome to the king too. Patronising and taking in any sort of actor. He's got his thoughts too. I'll do it gently・ Woman: Hm? Hornig・ah, the head of the stables・lt;BR> Woman: I don't know, Isn't he at Berk castle? Rudolph: Something・is worrying me. Page 57 Rudolph: %---- I wonder what he's feeling now・ Rudolph: % There's a rumour going around about him and the actor who was taken all the way to Poshi mansion. (Possenfohen - the place where Elizabeth was born). It's the latest scandal. Rudolph: % What is that beautiful person thinking・lt;BR> Rudolph: Missing・ Guard: Yes, since yesterday. It's the first time something like this has happened. Guard: For him・I wonder what's happening? Rudolph: % Not only is love an uncertain thing, it's a fabricated strength ---- a fragile thing. Is that all it is after all・ Page 58 Rudolph: Who's there? Men: Crown prince, regarding that Hornig you are looking for, we have some information you'll certainly be interested in hearing・lt;BR> Rudolph: % --- These guys are Freemason・lt;BR> Rudolph: Sorry, uncle. I was being selfish. Rudolph: I really wanted to see tonight's performance of "Lohengrin". Ludwig: It's good that you've developed an interest in the theatre. And I promised to introduce you. Page 59 $ Man: There is eyewitness testimony that Hornig has joined the anarchist movement. And at the same time there's worse news・lt;BR> $ Man: He's become an actor in the king's private performance of "Lohengrin" coming soon and there's a plan to shoot the king. Hornig is someone the king trusts, so for that sake isn't it thought that he's the most competent man to bring? Rudolph: % ---- How can it happen・ I don't believe it, but----- Rudolph: % I have to find out・the truth. Rudolph: Oh, so this is the stage door? Is it okay if I go take a look around? Man: Ah--- It isn't the sort of place a person of your status should enter, Prince. Prince!! Rudolph: I'll come back once I've had a tour. Rudolph: You go on ahead of me. Rudolph: % It's something suspicious guys said. I have to move discreetly. They probably plan to throw everything into confusion・lt;BR> Page 60 Rudolph: Man, this is total chaos. Crowd: Geh--- this wig doesn't fit me Crowd: Put this 'round the back Crowd: My greasepaint has run out, someone lend me theirs~~~ Man: Prince, you mustn't. Please return! Rudolph: % ---- Hornig・? Rudolph: Let me go already! Rudolph: % Damn, I lost sight of him・ Page 61 Rudolph: % But that was definitely Hornig. Man: Prince Rudolph, I am the director Pershal, and this is Joseph Kaints who is playing the lead role today. Kaints: In a small and shabby place like this・lt;BR> Rudolph: % I've heard of Joseph Kaints Rudolph: % The king's new partner! Rudolph: Can I see you for a moment? Kaints: Y・your highness Rudolph: So, you brought Hornig here? (Why is your face so red?) Kaints: Yes, I can't explain the reason, but he said it was something very important・lt;BR> Rudolph: % The starting bell - the curtains will be raised now・lt;BR> Rudolph: % Hornig, do you intend to become the archangel of death? Rudolph: % Your determination to send the king to his death ---- is it from hatred, or for money----? Page 62 Rudolph: % You yourself who told me that people could become strong because of love---- Rudolph: Kaints, get the other actors to help you. If Hornig makes any unexpected moves, restrain him. Kaints: Huh!? Rudolph: Don't ask me anything. Just do what I say without thinking about it. Rudolph: % Now what I can do is stop you from becoming a murderer. At the very least, because that time, I fell in love with you・lt;BR> Rudolph: % But, was I foolish for dreaming even a little?---- Page 63 Ludwig(?): This story's first act begins from the place of the holy aged tree "The Evergreen Oak of Judgement" Ludwig(?): The beautiful princess Elza was under suspicion for having killed her younger brother. Lohengrin appeared from the lake to answer her prayer. Page 64 Rudolph: Lohengrin - it has a beautiful ring to it, doesn't it. Ludwig: It's the name of a holy knight. Ludwig: I was captivated by him when I was your age. Ludwig: In the space between the dream of rapture and the reality of deceit. Page 65 Rudolph: % Hornig・lt;BR> Page 66 Rudolph: % Shit・so that's it・ Rudolph: No, it's not Hornig Page 67 Rudolph: Don't hold Hornig back Rudolph?/Hornig?: Your majesty, get down Page 69 ---- The judged maiden was innocent ---- Director: We are prepared to be punished for a disgraceful affair like this. Ludwig: Whatever for? It was a spectacular performance this time. I would like a more orthodox performance more to my taste next time though. Director: Your majesty・ And the King played the part of Percival, "The Holy Fool". Director: (My neck is safe) Page 72 Hornig: The most important this is you're safe. Ludwig: ---- ・um. Page 73 Ludwig: We're going, Kaints. Tomorrow we go to Switzerland. Rudolph: % His eyes speak more than his mouth・ Huh? Rudolph: % There's lots I want to understand about the relations between adults・lt;BR> Rudolph: Sorry for suspecting you unfairly. They drew attention to you and used that opportunity infiltrated the real anarchist. Rudolph: Seems I was led a merry dance・ Hornig: Those guys from the secret society also came to my place. "There's a dreadful plot to assassinate the king," they said. But he's the kind of person who will sacrifice his safety if it's for the sake of his honour. Page 74 Rudolph (?): On the contrary, they saw through that didn't they. You can't underestimate the Freemason's power can you! Hornig: The king couldn't on his honour be swayed by uncertain information and stop a public performance. Therefore my actions were decided. Hornig: Whoever it is, I'll stop them. I'll protect you・I said! Rudolph: I wonder if the king realizes who his real Lohengrin is. Hornig: Prince Rudolph Rudolph: Even though you're right beside him・ Page 75 Otto: Blood! The punishment of blood. We're cursed. Otto: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Man: Otto-sama, please calm down, Otto-sama. Otto: We're all dead. All the Vittelsbah are cursed----- Kaints: Yy・your majesty・lt;BR> Ludwig: It's stealing up on me. ---- Can't you hear them, bit by bit・lt;BR> Page 76 Ludwig: They are the footsteps towards ruin. And the time is coming where all will be purified.