Finally, with Revan gone, we can discuss the matter at hand.
"Have you recovered, Wald?"
"...I apologize for showing you such an unsightly display."
"Don't worry about it. Revan is all talk, so you don't need to pay him any mind."
Despite offering only a small piece of advice, Wald becomes agitated once more.
Come to think of it, I've never heard about his background or status. Perhaps he comes from a good family?
Right, let's stop talking about Revan.
"Now then, tell me about the stipend today. It's not simply a matter of receiving money, is it?"
Since I've never had one until now, I called Wald here today to first grasp the basics.
I understand budgets from my previous life, but the stipend might be different, so I should start with an explanation.
Until today, Wald has been sorting through items to be reimbursed from the unpaid stipend as expenses already incurred.
Speaking face-to-face like this had not happened since the greeting at the time of his appointment.
"Yes, exactly as you say. The stipend originated from when members of the Imperial Family conducted administrative duties without compensation."
Wald grows more alert with each word he speaks.
He returns to his previous expressionless and matter-of-fact demeanor.
Apparently, in the past, Imperial Family members could live without compensation.
Because they held some other status.
Even those born into the Imperial Family held noble titles in various kingdoms or served as lords, thus having income.
"However, this was turned on its head, as nobles began taking in young Imperial Family members with unstable incomes to incorporate them into factions, which was deemed dangerous. Additionally, those participating in important state conferences were leaving the Imperial Family due to financial hardship, so it was decided to establish the stipend."
Princes and princesses who learn from childhood the specialized knowledge of statecraft as Imperial studies.
Yet this was uncompensated, and as those with such specialized knowledge gradually left the Imperial Family, the system was reconsidered.
"Huh, so doesn't that mean it's for people of working age?"
"As it is provided for the maintenance and management of the Imperial Family, in principle the stipend is paid from birth. Furthermore, there are occasions for entertaining royalty and nobility, or making inspections as the Emperor's representative, and since children incur expenses related to their parents' duties, there is no age-based distinction."
"Ah, just participating once costs money for preparations."
In other words, it seems children receive stipends because they participate in public duties.
"But then, what happens to me?"
"As for Your Highness the First Prince, because you were not provided a stipend until now, the education that should have been provided was not given, and therefore it is determined that you cannot participate in public duties."
Furthermore, since no particularly necessary education will be provided, you may use the stipend as you please.
"Ah, yes. I see... So basically, they'll allocate a budget and maintain appearances, so I should just stay quiet and behave?"
"Your Highness, if you say that, His Majesty will weep."
As Wald freezes, Helkov gives a bitter smile.
Ikt states the practical situation without concern.
"However, in reality, they won't let you participate in public duties. Besides, while we speak of education, you already have private tutors, yet you remain isolated with just the two of you."
"I cannot teach Imperial studies. Furthermore, there is the matter of fundamental etiquette. Unless you master this, Lady Asha cannot participate in public duties as she would be deemed unqualified."
Wearrel also sighs, understanding the implication that while they provide a stipend, they offer no opportunity to utilize it.
"Hmm, at this rate, it will be difficult for me to use it. Wald, are there any other requirements or conventions for using the stipend?"
"There are those who save it to establish themselves after leaving the Imperial Family. This is a relief measure prepared for those with low succession rights. As long as one remains in the Imperial Family, obligations follow and one cannot establish oneself, so over time the stipend has come to serve as preparation funds for establishing oneself."
Indeed, since even I am treated coldly as unwanted, there must have been times when there were many princes with no place to work.
Having the marital family support living expenses upon marriage, or becoming penniless and wandering the streets upon renouncing princedom—these would be nothing short of Imperial scandals.
"But unnecessary portions of the stipend are cut. So how does one accumulate savings?"
"By purchasing artworks and jewelry."
Purchasing artworks is covered by the stipend as work for the preservation of techniques.
Jewelry can also be purchased with the stipend in anticipation of use during public duties.
It seems that once converted to items, ownership becomes mine.
"If that's the case, I'd like to cover the material costs for practicing alchemy with the stipend."
"In that case, there is an item for academic research."
When I muttered this, Wald informed me of the applicable usage.
Apparently, learning and acquiring knowledge and skills, regardless of field, falls within the operational scope of the stipend.
Come to think of it, in my previous life, budgets had training fees and lecture fees too.
"However, you must produce results regarding the use of the stipend."
"Results? Do I submit things made through alchemy?"
When I asked, Wearrel answered.
"Lord Asha, in such cases, it would be a thesis, a progress report on research, or a presentation on future prospects."
"I was wondering, does His Highness do that himself? A normal ten-year-old wouldn't do such things."
At Helkov's question, Ikt looks at Wald.
"That's why he has a finance officer, isn't it? Compiling such reports is also part of the duties."
"No, for academic matters, unless we receive documentation from the person himself or the private tutor, we cannot file the application."
Apparently, Wald can answer smoothly and without hesitation when it comes to the scope of his own work.
And it seems that if I use the stipend for alchemy, some kind of report is mandatory.
However, it doesn't need to be a thesis; apparently writing a report on a single sheet of paper suffices.
"Then, Your Highness Asha, how about an analysis of the Emerald Tablet?"
"That sounds good. It is famous and abstruse; if you could write a commentary at your age, it would count as an achievement."
"No, conversely, that would go against the purpose of keeping His Highness quiet and docile."
As the retainers debate, Wald furrows his brows.
"Speaking of the Emerald Tablet, is it not said to contain the quintessence of alchemy recorded through allegory?"
"Ah, you know of it?"
"As I was to be assigned to Your Highness the First Prince, I anticipated being consulted regarding the use of the stipend for alchemy, so I briefly consulted reference materials on the subject."
He's serious.
Wald is supposed to be reluctant, yet he's incredibly serious.
Perhaps that's why he was sent here—to not show deference to me?
"Can you write a commentary? No, do you understand the meaning?"
"Roughly speaking, yes. However, I probably won't write a commentary. If you actually did what is written there, it would ultimately lead to nothing but great destruction."
Wald is speechless, but this time Wearrel, Helkov, and Iktu also close their mouths.
"...Why is that?"
Wearrel, representing the group, asks while twitching his green ears.
"Because it's the quintessence and the truth, but ultimately what's written is an extreme theory that is difficult for living beings to execute?"
"Ah, could it be that knowing the truth of alchemy allows one to create worlds or become a god?"
Helkov asks, having heard rumors.
Apparently, such extreme theories exist in alchemy.
Well, since Sephiroth was created, I can't deny the possibility that it can't be done.
"Hmm, perhaps it's about remaking the world. If you destroy everything completely and leave only the primordial, purest, and strongest force, you can recreate the conditions of the world's beginning and remake the world, something like that?"
In other words, the beginning of the universe, the power of destruction and creation that brings something from nothing—the Big Bang.
"Wouldn't that... destroy the world?"
Iktu asks with a serious expression.
"Yes, it would be destroyed. It's like turning paper back into fibers and squeezing it out to concentrate it, just to turn ink-written characters back into ink. Well, the scale is too large, so even if you understand the theory, you probably can't reproduce it. But humans are creatures who realize things they imagine might be possible. Therefore, it's better to let such dangerous truths sleep within mysteries."
I wonder if the creator of the Emerald Tablet thought the same.
Regular update
Next: Changes in Circumstances 4
I should make sure the formatting matches the original with paragraph breaks.
One final check on "小雷ランプ" - "Small Thunder Lamp" or "Lesser Thunder Lamp" or "Minor Lightning Lamp". I'll go with "Small Thunder Lamp".
"ディンカー" - Dinker.
"ウェアレルが濁す" - Wearrel speaks vaguely/ambiguously.
"紐づけされる" - linked/associated/tied to.
"却下" - rejected/dismissed.
"エメラルドの間" - Emerald Room.
"サイフォン" - siphon.
"フリーズ" - freeze (stunned/shocked).
"定期更新" - Regular update.
"次回：環境の変化４" - Next: Changes in Circumstances 4 (or Environmental Changes 4).
The translation looks solid. I'll output it now. Finally, with Revan gone, we can discuss the matter at hand.
"Have you recovered, Wald?"
"...I apologize for showing you such an unsightly display."
"Don't worry about it. Revan is all talk, so you don't need to pay him any mind."
Despite offering only a small piece of advice, Wald becomes agitated once more.
Come to think of it, I've never heard about his background or status. Perhaps he comes from a good family?
Right, let's stop talking about Revan.
"Now then, tell me about the stipend today. It's not simply a matter of receiving money, is it?"
Since I've never had one until now, I called Wald here today to first grasp the basics.
I understand budgets from my previous life, but the stipend might be different, so I should start with an explanation.
Until today, Wald has been sorting through items to be reimbursed from the unpaid stipend as expenses already incurred.
Speaking face-to-face like this had not happened since the greeting at the time of his appointment.
"Yes, exactly as you say. The stipend originated from when members of the Imperial Family conducted administrative duties without compensation."
Wald grows more alert with each word he speaks.
He returns to his previous expressionless and matter-of-fact demeanor.
Apparently, in the past, Imperial Family members could live without compensation.
Because they held some other status.
Even those born into the Imperial Family held noble titles in various kingdoms or served as lords, thus having income.
"However, this was turned on its head, as nobles began taking in young Imperial Family members with unstable incomes to incorporate them into factions, which was deemed dangerous. Additionally, those participating in important state conferences were leaving the Imperial Family due to financial hardship, so it was decided to establish the stipend."
Princes and princesses who learn from childhood the specialized knowledge of statecraft as Imperial studies.
Yet this was uncompensated, and as those with such specialized knowledge gradually left the Imperial Family, the system was reconsidered.
"Huh, so doesn't that mean it's for people of working age?"
"As it is provided for the maintenance and management of the Imperial Family, in principle the stipend is paid from birth. Furthermore, there are occasions for entertaining royalty and nobility, or making inspections as the Emperor's representative, and since children incur expenses related to their parents' duties, there is no age-based distinction."
"Ah, just participating once costs money for preparations."
In other words, it seems children receive stipends because they participate in public duties.
"But then, what happens to me?"
"As for Your Highness the First Prince, because you were not provided a stipend until now, the education that should have been provided was not given, and therefore it is determined that you cannot participate in public duties."
Furthermore, since no particularly necessary education will be provided, you may use the stipend as you please.
"Ah, yes. I see... So basically, they'll allocate a budget and maintain appearances, so I should just stay quiet and behave?"
"Your Highness, if you say that, His Majesty will weep."
As Wald freezes, Helkov gives a bitter smile.
Ikt states the practical situation without concern.
"However, in reality, they won't let you participate in public duties. Besides, while we speak of education, you already have private tutors, yet you remain isolated with just the two of you."
"I cannot teach Imperial studies. Furthermore, there is the matter of fundamental etiquette. Unless you master this, Lady Asha cannot participate in public duties as she would be deemed unqualified."
Wearrel also sighs, understanding the implication that while they provide a stipend, they offer no opportunity to utilize it.
"Hmm, at this rate, it will be difficult for me to use it. Wald, are there any other requirements or conventions for using the stipend?"
"There are those who save it to establish themselves after leaving the Imperial Family. This is a relief measure prepared for those with low succession rights. As long as one remains in the Imperial Family, obligations follow and one cannot establish oneself, so over time the stipend has come to serve as preparation funds for establishing oneself."
Indeed, since even I am treated coldly as unwanted, there must have been times when there were many princes with no place to work.
Having the marital family support living expenses upon marriage, or becoming penniless and wandering the streets upon renouncing princedom—these would be nothing short of Imperial scandals.
"But unnecessary portions of the stipend are cut. So how does one accumulate savings?"
"By purchasing artworks and jewelry."
Purchasing artworks is covered by the stipend as work for the preservation of techniques.
Jewelry can also be purchased with the stipend in anticipation of use during public duties.
It seems that once converted to items, ownership becomes mine.
"If that's the case, I'd like to cover the material costs for practicing alchemy with the stipend."
"In that case, there is an item for academic research."
When I muttered this, Wald informed me of the applicable usage.
Apparently, learning and acquiring knowledge and skills, regardless of field, falls within the operational scope of the stipend.
Come to think of it, in my previous life, budgets had training fees and lecture fees too.
"However, you must produce results regarding the use of the stipend."
"Results? Do I submit things made through alchemy?"
When I asked, Wearrel answered.
"Lord Asha, in such cases, it would be a thesis, a progress report on research, or a presentation on future prospects."
"I was wondering, does His Highness do that himself? A normal ten-year-old wouldn't do such things."
At Helkov's question, Ikt looks at Wald.
"That's why he has a finance officer, isn't it? Compiling such reports is also part of the duties."
"No, for academic matters, unless we receive documentation from the person himself or the private tutor, we cannot file the application."
Apparently, Wald can answer smoothly and without hesitation when it comes to the scope of his own work.
And it seems that if I use the stipend for alchemy, some kind of report is mandatory.
However, it doesn't need to be a thesis; apparently writing a report on a single sheet of paper suffices.
"Then, Your Highness Asha, how about an analysis of the Emerald Tablet?"
"That sounds good. It is famous and abstruse; if you could write a commentary at your age, it would count as an achievement."
"No, conversely, that would go against the purpose of keeping His Highness quiet and docile."
As the retainers debate, Wald furrows his brows.
"Speaking of the Emerald Tablet, is it not said to contain the quintessence of alchemy recorded through allegory?"
"Ah, you know of it?"
"As I was to be assigned to Your Highness the First Prince, I anticipated being consulted regarding the use of the stipend for alchemy, so I briefly consulted reference materials on the subject."
He's serious.
Wald is supposed to be reluctant, yet he's incredibly serious.
Perhaps that's why he was sent here—to not show deference to me?
"Can you write a commentary? No, do you understand the meaning?"
"Roughly speaking, yes. However, I probably won't write a commentary. If you actually did what is written there, it would ultimately lead to nothing but great destruction."
Wald is speechless, but this time Wearrel, Helkov, and Iktu also close their mouths.
"...Why is that?"
Wearrel, representing the group, asks while twitching his green ears.
"Because it's the quintessence and the truth, but ultimately what's written is an extreme theory that is difficult for living beings to execute?"
"Ah, could it be that knowing the truth of alchemy allows one to create worlds or become a god?"
Helkov asks, having heard rumors.
Apparently, such extreme theories exist in alchemy.
Well, since Sephiroth was created, I can't deny the possibility that it can't be done.
"Hmm, perhaps it's about remaking the world. If you destroy everything completely and leave only the primordial, purest, and strongest force, you can recreate the conditions of the world's beginning and remake the world, something like that?"
In other words, the beginning of the universe, the power of destruction and creation that brings something from nothing—the Big Bang.
"Wouldn't that... destroy the world?"
Iktu asks with a serious expression.
"Yes, it would be destroyed. It's like turning paper back into fibers and squeezing it out to concentrate it, just to turn ink-written characters back into ink. Well, the scale is too large, so even if you understand the theory, you probably can't reproduce it. But humans are creatures who realize things they imagine might be possible. Therefore, it's better to let such dangerous truths sleep within mysteries."
I wonder if the creator of the Emerald Tablet thought the same.
Regular update
Next: Changes in Circumstances 4