Then she commissioned me to create a new perfect state, a Free Republic.

Mr. W, ardent patriot with tight spats, gray hair and just as much spirit, sitting at his regulars’ table, was loudly ranting about Countess Ermesinde of Luxembourg. Countess Ermesinde ruled the counties of Luxembourg and Namur in the 12th century. She was a very progressive regent for her time and had a significant influence on the further development of Luxembourg into a politically independent and eminently important country for Europe. 

Not so long ago, the “founder” of Europe, Robert Schuman was born in Luxembourg. Through these and other politically highly groundbreaking events, which we lack the necessary space to list here al, Luxembourg can certainly be considered as the country of invention of Europe. Now, the Luxembourgers are in principle a relatively unwarlike people, and as a result of this, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg has lost some of its geographical size in the course of history, due to unfortunate circumstances. The patriotic annoyance of Mr. W is to be blamed on such a circumstance (border shift). Our good Countess Ermesinde has found her last resting place in a small chapel in the beautiful village of Clairefontaine, which, due to such a border shift, now lies in the state of Belgium, 2 kilometers next to Luxembourg. Mr. W’s – rather suffering, patriotically drenched – suggestion was, one would have to reclaim this piece of land from the Belgians, so that the countess would lie again in native soil!

By this unintentionally humorous demand – I had followed Mr. W’s views standing at the bar, interrupted by frequent drinking breaks and new orders – my interest in the reign of Countess Ermesinde was aroused. During a following visit of her grave site in Clairefontaine an apparition overtook me out of the blue!