Does ので have the same meaning as のに in this sentence?


Judging from the context, it seems to me that ので in the following sentence
means "in order to", similar to のに, and not "because of". Can this be
possible?

> 過激派トップとされているが、実は本人はそのつもりはなく、ただ勝手についてくる者は不都合はないので側に置いているだけのこと。

Also, I don't get the general meaning of the second part of the sentence, in
particular who 勝手に relates to, the person in question or his followers? Here's
my attempt:

> He is considered the leader of the extremist faction, but that's not his
> intention, he has his volunteer followers around simply in order to avoid
> any inconvenience.

Thanks for your help!




ので still means "because" in this sentence. ただ勝手についてくる者は不都合はないので means "simply
because those who follow him of their own will are not inconvenient/bothersome
(to him)". The second は after 不都合 is contrastive (i.e., the followers are at
least harmless, if not helpful)

"simply in order to avoid inconvenience" would be "不都合がないよう(に)",
"不都合のないよう(に)", "不都合をなくすため(に)", etc.

勝手に modifies ついてくる and means "on one's own", "without asking/permission", etc.




ので still means "because" in this sentence. ただ勝手についてくる者は不都合はないので means "simply
because those who follow him of their own will are not inconvenient/bothersome
(to him)". The second は after 不都合 is contrastive (i.e., the followers are at
least harmless, if not helpful)

"simply in order to avoid inconvenience" would be "不都合がないよう(に)",
"不都合のないよう(に)", "不都合をなくすため(に)", etc.

勝手に modifies ついてくる and means "on one's own", "without asking/permission", etc.

