Today's lesson will be a discussion about a certain problem.
I would like you candidates for the throne to answer as though you are king.
Let us begin.
I have some beautiful Venice lace here.
The sole specialty store in the kingdom that makes this lace
needs to be replaced due to the building's age.
However, the proprietor does not have the funds for it.
So, they have come to ask the state for a loan to finance the construction.
As king, how would you answer?
Hmm... I'd lend them the money.
Sounds like it wouldn't be much, anyway.
No, you cannot do that.
Why not?
By law, the state cannot give financial loans to private citizens.
That is correct.
Then why don't they all solve it together?
The townspeople could save up a little money each month, pool it together,
and lend it out when someone needs it.
I can only get one torte per day, so sometimes I save them up for ten days
so I can eat them all at once.
It would be like that, right?
That's our Leo and his crazy imagination.
Oh, no. I think it's a good idea.
Father?
In fact, insurance systems have already caught on in our neighboring countries.
It might be time for Glanzreich to consider such a system, as well.
Leonhard, I'm of a mind to present this opinion to the council.
Will you put together a report for me?
H-Huh?
Bravo, Your Highness. You have earned your father's praise.
Huh?
Amazing, Leonhard.
Congratulations.
Bruno... I did it...
I got lots of praise!
Thanks!
All of a sudden, those childhood memories are rushing back...
When I was small, I loved watching Father work.
The Whereabouts of a Dream
Here again, Bruno?
I'm sorry. Excuse me!
You can join me for a little bit.
Huh? I really may?!
Yes. Come here.
Would you read this to me?
Yes! May I?
Father's so amazing.
So this is the kind of work he does every day.
This was the moment that made me want to become a great king like Father
when I grew up.
Prince Eins, the eldest, is incredible. A true genius.
I heard he was studying at a seventeen-year-old level at the age of ten.
He's top of his class at military academy, he excels in literary and military arts...
He does say confounding things sometimes,
but he has an incredible imagination, persuasive powers, charm...
He'll be the next king. There's no doubting that.
No way...
I have to study more. I have to beat Eins.
I don't believe in geniuses!
I started studying as though my life depended on it.
Others began to praise me.
Yet the assumption that Eins would be the next king did not change.
Every time, I wonder... If there is such a thing as geniuses,
will any amount of my effort actually mean anything?
Even if I did catch up to my "genius" brother, I'd only be called a "genius," too.
I never noticed it before, but Leonhard...
If you are a born genius like Eins, then I...
Prince Bruno.
Is everything all right?
Master...
Do you feel unwell?
No, it's not that.
No? You did not seem yourself. I was concerned.
Concerned?
I-I made you—
My sincerest apologies!
How could I trouble my master in any way? I despise myself!
Come now. It's fine. Lift your head.
Forgive me.
Now, regarding this piece of writing.
How was it?
I'm to present it at an academic conference two weeks from now, at university.
Oh? Your Highness, you attend university?
N-No, not officially.
I visited the university when I heard that a scholar I respect,
Dr. Dmitri of Orosz, would give a lecture there.
Unfortunately, his schedule changed and it was canceled.
But I've been receiving private guidance from the university professors I met at that time.
My, my.
It is only to broaden my horizons. Your lessons are more important to me, of course.
You are my one and only master!
Ah... Thank you?
He didn't need to clarify so insistently...
My current paper has a difficult theme. I welcome your frank advice.
Then in my frank opinion...
It is incomplete overall.
Regarding ethnic issues, you merely rehash previous papers.
There is no new point of view here.
Also, the frequent misspellings are jarring.
I marked them for you.
Huh?!
Th-This is shameful...
Prince Bruno. Have you been anxious lately?
You are not yourself. Did anything happen?
I-I... Well...
I will not force you to tell me.
I understand that something is distracting you.
Be that as it may, you need to concentrate on this paper.
I'm embarrassed...
Let us do this, then.
You will complete this paper and show it to me
before your presentation in two weeks' time.
Think through what kind of kingdom you hope to create in the future.
And, if I am not satisfied with your paper...
I will release you from being my apprentice.
Frown
Although I do not remember ever taking you on as my apprentice in the first place.
It's the first time...
The very first time you've called me your apprentice!
To think you had such high hopes for me...
If I were struck dead at this very moment, I would have no regrets!
Wait, no. First, I must complete this paper.
Just you wait, Master!
I swear I shall not let you down!
All right! I can do this!
Well, as long as he is motivated...
Do your best, Prince Bruno.
Forget about the throne for now.
I'll focus on the task at hand, and work as hard as I can.
This is no good.
This isn't right, either.
That's it!
I need to give exhaustive consideration to my ideal future kingdom, as Master said!
Good morning, Father!
Good morning, Leonhard.
U-Um, I know it's not great, but I did put together my opinion.
I see. I look forward to reading it.
Yes, sir!
It is the day of truth, Prince Bruno.
M-Master...
Your Highness! You look wretched.
Forgive my unsightly appearance.
Master. With this paper, I will prove I am an apprentice you can be proud of.
Oh? You seem quite confident.
No... Frankly, I am not.
But I can say with certainty that I did the best I could.
I will have a look, then.
A-Ahem...
How was it?
Excellent.
Frankly, it exceeded my expectations.
Your thoughts are deeper than before,
and your examination from diverse viewpoints taught me a few things as well.
Y-You learned from me?
Indeed. Present your paper proudly.
I am proud to call you my apprentice.
Of course, it is practically synonymous with student.
So, if you would call me "professor" from now on as everyone does—
Master!
Thank you very much!
Your apprentice will not embarrass you!
Goodness gracious. He is completely back to normal.
I'm still nervous to take the stage.
Please prepare yourself.
Of course.
My genius of a brother, Eins, would be confident even now, wouldn't he?
I realized something a long time ago.
If not for my title as the third prince, I would be an ordinary man, born with nothing.
That is why I must expend tens of times more effort than others,
or I will never become someone special enough to inspire others.
But for now, as a prince...
As Master's apprentice...
I must not embarrass myself.
Will that not become necessary to our kingdom?
That is all. Thank you for your attention.
Is an ordinary man like me not enough, after all?
I need to be a genius like Eins in order to...
Thank God. Thank God...
I did it!
That was an excellent paper, Prince Bruno.
Your Highness, would you give a lecture at my university?
Thank you.
One at a time, please.
Not to be rude, but who might you be?
Well, what a pleasure to meet you, Bruno!
You're quite the looker up close, aren't you?
Forgive me, but who are you?
Huh?
Your hair, doctor. And your glasses are crooked.
Oh, whoops!
Now, that's strange. I'd heard you were a fan of mine.
C-Could you be... Dr. Dmitri of Orosz?
That's me! And this is my assistant Smerdyakov. Hello!
Oof, I wouldn't want to be a strange old man
saying complete strangers are my fans...
I can't believe I'm meeting the great Dr. Dmitri like this.
Staring at Dr. Dmitri? How rude.
Now, now...
I heard all about you from an acquaintance of mine.
I was intrigued, so I came out here to hear your presentation.
Y-You came just for me?
Mmhmm, and it was fabulous.
How would you like to have dinner?
Yes, absolutely!
So, Bruno— Ah, is it all right if I don't call you Prince Bruno?
I'm not one of your subjects, and I'm not here to talk politics, either.
I do not mind.
Then I won't hesitate.
Actually, I've had the privilege of reading several of your papers.
I think highly of you.
Thank you.
So, I have a proposal.
How would you feel about leaving Glanzreich and studying to be a scholar with me?
Huh?
Prince Bruno is out quite late.
I'm sure he is safe with the guards, but it is odd.
Prince Bruno...
Prince...?
Prince Bruno returned quite late today, didn't he?
Pleased to make your acquaintance, Professor Heine.
I am Ernst Rosenberg, Crown Prince Eins' high steward.
This man is...
I spoke of Prince Bruno to an acquaintance of mine. A certain university professor.
He took an interest in the prince and came all the way from Orosz to meet him tonight.
And that is why he returned at this hour?
Yes. I should be returning to Prince Eins' residence at this hour, myself.
Excuse me.
How would you feel about leaving Glanzreich and studying to be a scholar with me?
What?
There can only be one king, yes?
Not that being a scholar is easy, but it's at least more realistic.
You could be a prominent scholar.
You need to go out into the world and broaden your horizons.
Make your talents blossom out there.
I'm flattered, but as a prince in the Glanzreich royal family's line of succession...
But you're the third son,
and your eldest brother is an excellent candidate for king, isn't he?
The probability that you could become king is, well, zero, isn't it?
The address of the hotel where we're staying.
We'll be leaving for Orosz one week from now, in the evening.
You should come with us.
But this is too sudden.
I'll be waiting for your "yes."
I know.
I know that me becoming king is unrealistic.
But I still...
What am I to do?
Father!
How was my report?
It had many misspellings and errors, but it was very well done.
You have a very flexible imagination.
I think that is a most appealing talent.
Keep at it.
Y-Yes, Father! Thank you!
It's been one week.
Perhaps the fresh air will calm my heart and bring things into perspective.
Master!
Ah, Prince Bruno.
I was walking Shadow. Doggies are adorable, yes?
It looked to me as though you were the one being walked...
What?
Ahem. Nothing.
You've been distracted again, Prince Bruno.
Is there something on your mind?
W-Well... No, this is something I must decide for myself.
That holds true for most worries.
However, speaking to others can sometimes help you sort through your thoughts.
I may not be able to offer much advice, but I will listen, if you wish.
Well... the truth is...
I am unsure if I should pursue the throne...
Oh? A scholar? A splendid idea.
Nonchalant...
Studying under a university professor would be a great opportunity.
B-But you are teaching me to groom me for the throne...
There is no reason for me to object so long as it is good for you.
Is that so?
So it is. Honestly, I also think that I should become a scholar.
I've studied for the throne because I look up to Father.
But I wonder if it would be better for the kingdom if my
distinguished eldest brother became the next king.
But you are distinguished as well.
That's...!
That's because I wanted to be, and acted in accordance.
I'm no one that special.
I've always held grudges and gotten jealous of others. I just don't show it.
I'm not even a good big brother. I'm not worthy of Leonhard's respect.
Prince Bruno.
You need a lesson.
Say you are on your deathbed.
As your consciousness wavers, you may think "I wish I had done that, back then."
But time will not turn back.
You have only one life, and it is yours alone.
Do you need a reason to live it as you please?
In short...
it depends only on your own resolve.
Whatever choice you make, I will be wishing for your continued health. Good day.
Wait!
I think that you have helped me sort through my thoughts.
I am grateful, Master.
Bruno!
Forgive me for keeping you waiting.
So, you made up your mind?
Yes. I gave the matter serious consideration every day.
Dr. Dmitri...
Please take me to your university in Orosz!
I see! Then—
But...
As a friend, in the future.
Huh?
What's this?
Copies of all the papers I've written thus far.
Please take a look at them if you have time.
The next time you are in Glanzreich,
I would be pleased if you would visit the palace and have a dialogue with me.
So you really do want to be king.
Yes. It's been my dream from a young age.
Hmph. Sophistry.
Now, now. By the by, what will you do if you don't become king?
It will be difficult to change paths later in life.
I'm well aware.
In short, it depends on my own resolve.
I made this choice. If defeat and disappointment await me, I will overcome them.
I am not the father I look up to, or my talented brother.
Because I have known setbacks myself,
I too could be useful to our suffering people.
With those feelings in this heart,
I will grasp the throne with the hard work I have always believed in.
That is my resolve to chase my dreams.
I see. If you feel this strongly about it, I guess that's that.
Although we would have liked to work with you. Isn't that right?
Huh?
He has a sharp tongue, but Smerdyakov here is a fan of yours. He reads your papers.
D-Doctor!
Come to Orosz someday. We'll take you to a place with the best borscht.
I will.
Ah, yes, about your presentation.
The content was excellent,
but I think the standing ovation also came
from the audience seeing how wise you are for a royal.
They might expect more from you than you think.
Let me brag about having you as a friend one of these days.
Yes, sir. I was honored by your invitation.
Thank you!
We'll have a nice, relaxed chat next time.
Master! What are you doing here?
I thought I would guard you from any dangers on the road.
D-Did you hear my conversation with Dr. Dmitri?
Indeed I did, though I did not mean to eavesdrop.
How embarrassing.
However, it impressed the sincerity of your resolve upon me.
Let us work together to make you a worthy candidate for the throne.
Yes, Master!
I will follow you for my entire life!
Not for your entire life.
Is that so?
Prince Bruno did not give up on the throne, either?
Perhaps we should move to eliminate him.
The royal tutor, Heine Wittgenstein.
Bring me a full report on his origins.
Like, Bruni, why are you always so stern with me?
Because you are always so slovenly, obviously.
Smack Smack
Be more aware of your royal station!
Oh great, another lecture.
Next time, "A Timid Heart"!
Next Time:
A Timid Heart
You aren't going to eat that apple pie?
Gloom
Don't mind if I do!
Did I not just tell you...?!