Meine Liebe – episode 5

[narcasse]

How incoherent can I sound in the early hours of the morning?

First off, Ludwig in his ‘eye-catching’ white suit... When he questions his father as to why the Duke is present in a tone that suggests that he doesn’t quite approve, I’d say he’s being a little harsh if I hadn’t done something similar myself (though it was an Ambassador at a wedding, rather than a relative of any monarch ^_~). It’s an interesting little glimpse at his background which also explains why when Edward later says that "a relationship without soul is easily broken" he doesn’t particularly respond. Love aside, it doesn’t actually matter as long as the girl in question is discreet about her liaisons and acceptable in public. At this point I’d guess that Orphe is quite naïve in the belief that he might stubbornly turn aside a political marriage in favour of ‘true love’. Orphe’s talk of ‘human dignity’ seems to forget that the standing of one’s family in such a situation is what’s seen to really count.
Naoji on the other hand is a sweetheart.
But that aside Ludwig’s statement that he acts only in his own interest I think isn’t quite as selfish as it first sounds. Yes, he’s acting in his own interesting in so far as a political marriage to a suitable woman would only be seen to add to his status but I suspect that the fact of acting in his own interest is synonymous with acting in the interest of his family and at that kind of level, in the interest of his country as well. Presumably since the girl is introduced to him by his father she would also be of the understanding that she would be playing a role in the grande drama of Kuchen’s aristocracy.
Later when some of the other students comment that with such a match it might then be possible for him to become Head of State it further adds to the argument that both sides are entirely aware of what they’re getting in to.
And in another complete aside, poor Naoji really is starting to sound like the rejected boyfriend that Ludwig is leaving behind. Though the whole Ludwig-tachi thing going on with Naoji and Camus is dead cute.
The business of uniting the two houses and certain fractions objecting now makes me wonder just whom Orphe’s sister was going to marry. Especially since at the beginning he does seem to suggest that it might be something other than an accident that she died.
I also suspect Camus of having Jedi mind powers. And yes, Orphe is entirely too compassionate.
Ludwig’s line of "I will not let go of the opportunity to elevate our status." is perfectly in keeping with his so called methods that Orphe doesn’t condone. It’s just... lovely. Let the squeeage commence!
And there is a sense almost that the son rules the father since other than set up the opportunity of a political marriage it’s Ludwig’s call on how they are going to deal with the aftermath rather than his father’s. Though there was a moment there when I wondered if Ludwig knew and had perhaps hoped to be killed but of course he nicely gets out of the engagement without loosing face or shaming the girl involved in the process.
The plot thickens. And just who is that Enzai-esque teacher anyway?

I suppose there’s quite a nice balance between Ludwig and Orphe really. Orphe is the idealist while Ludwig is a realist; just the sort of dynamic that would make them something of an unstoppable alliance, if they could just get on with each other. I think their headmaster has it right when he says "Your fellowship with your peers and companions will prove to be most precious to you in the future.", if the external forces should be worrying about anything it’s probably the alliances forged between Strahl candidates rather than any supposed capital bought through political marriages. Or at least, it’s something that they should worry about equally.

Interestingly though for some reason I don’t quite want to hit Orphe over the head with a clue-by-four with his whole emotional sensitivity and hopeless idealism, at least not yet. I suppose because he doesn’t come off as completely naïve, and as long as the Arslan-effect doesn’t kick in, I think I could easily come to appreciate his character.

And on that note, I shall squee off into the distance...

Comments

[nekonexus.livejournal.com]

squee! and also, that was incredibly insightful. ^_^ I agree with a lot (most? maybe. it's late and my brain has stalled) of your comments.

[reichsfreiherr.livejournal.com]

"...that was incredibly insightful."

Ah, good. I did worry that I was just stating the obvious there. ^_^;