Harmony amid Chaos/Ferdinand: Noblest of Nobles


Ferdinand	I don't believe I've ever seen so many nobles gathered in one place. I think I like it here, `【Summoner】`. Yes, this is a gathering not merely of noble blood, but of true heroes. Nobles among nobles! Now, I know what you're thinking. Surely, if I've been summoned here, I must take my place among them. That's very flattering, but I'm afraid I'm not yet worthy of that descriptor. It is true that I am a noble's heir. Indeed, it is my birthright to become Prime Minister of Adrestia. All that is due to my father, however. His vassals, his land, his power...it is all the fruit of his achievements. I've yet to carve out a niche of my own. I am a mere student, with no grand accomplishments to my name. Wait! You are acquainted with many of the nobles here in this world, are you not? You have connections! Perhaps you could...speak to some of them on my behalf? Put in a good word for me? Yes! I just know this is the path I am destined to take! With your help, I can become a noble among nobles!


Ferdinand	Thank you for the introduction the other day, `【Summoner】`. It was...interesting. I know the lady is the esteemed daughter of a Marquis, but... Well, forgive me—I still have a hard time believing that she is a noble. Her fighting and riding styles have as little in common with nobility as her demeanor. She is...wild! She looses arrows like a hunter. On her horse, she is like a native of the plains. And with a blade, she's... She's lovely, all right?! Unbecoming as it may be for me to say, I was quite taken with her. Alas, it is not to be... Graceful and deadly impressive as she is, she lacks the bearing that I yearn to see in one of status. How can I explain to you the feeling I have when I see Edelgard swing her axe? Her refined poise is just...noble. Still, I did appreciate the introduction. She did very much impress me, and I am a connoisseur of such styles. I believe I've found myself a new training partner, so in that sense it was a fruitful endeavor. I look forward to meeting whomever you have in mind next. Don't let me down, `【Summoner】`!


Ferdinand	I freely admit I have no good cause to say this, but...I disliked that man intensely, `【Summoner】`. The truth is he quite reminded me of my father, and to see such a man in another world shook me to my core. I don't mean a physical resemblance, either—though they do have similar hair...or lack of hair, as it were. No, it was something else about him... something that made me feel as if my father himself had been summoned. It's a sense of superiority over others, I think. But while the man I met today boasts mostly of his appearance... My father brags ceaselessly of his wealth, influence, and power. I can recite his tirades from memory. "Don't you know who I am?! My name is Ludwig von Aegir! You stand in the presence of greatness!" You may think I exaggerate, but that is exactly how he sounds. It boils my blood even to think of those words! Ah, forgive me—I lost my temper for a moment. The past is behind me now. I should not get so worked up over it. If you'll allow me to take my leave, I would like some time alone to compose myself. Thank you for your continued efforts to introduce me to influential nobles. I hope the next occasion is happier.


Ferdinand	Ah! I've been looking for you everywhere, `【Summoner】`! I wanted to thank you for introducing me to so many fascinating nobles from such widely varying realms. Some have lost their homelands and live destitute lives, with only their loyal servants for company. Others adore conversation, but only about their subjects of choice, and care little for complex debate. One had even confined himself to an arena to seek physical perfection in the swing of an axe. A rare sight. For all their differences, though, each rose to meet the obligations of station in their own way. Whatever their background, wherever they come from, that is what sets true nobles apart from the rest. It is not the will to command, nor a yearning for power. It is a sense of responsibility for the people. That is what it truly means to be a noble among nobles! I still have a great deal to learn if I am to aspire to that. Fortunately, I am surrounded by brilliant instructors. When I come into my own, one name will preoccupy the lips of the people when they speak of great nobles. And that name shall be none other than Ferdinand von Aegir!