The article:
"What Louis asked for came as no surprise to those who knew him: he asked for a donkey-drawn carriage to aid him and his father in carrying out their water-carrying business"

My comments:
I am just wondering, The runner did not ask anything for His wife. But He asked for a carrier to Aid Him and His father.

In my opinion the runner is a real Hero. Specifically because, not asking anything on behalf of Him or His lover from the King.