Fated Encounter: 1-6 Afternoon Tea Crisis

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A surprising guest arrives for afternoon tea. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, Marie is picked upon and reprimanded by Madame Adelaide...

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Style: Recommended: Ode to Grace Set Rewards: 3,000 , 600 , 3 , 1 , 1 , Blueprint: Parting Oath

Parting Oath

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• For several days afterwards, I don't hear any news about Fersen.
• I think he may have left Paris. At last, I'm able to set aside my worries and return to normal life.
• But I can't shake a feeling of loss. A seed of regret takes root and grows inside me.

• Madame Deniau: Good morning, Your Highness. It's time to rise.

• You: Good morning, Madame Deniau.

• Madame Deniau: I have the schedule for today.

• Madame Deniau’s tone is as stern as ever. And today’s schedule is as unexciting as it always is.
• Until…
• Madame Deniau: At three in the afternoon, you'll have tea with Monseigneur Ie Dauphin, Madame Adelaide, and Count Fersen.

• You: What?

• Madame Deniau: Have you forgotten, Your Highness?

• You: No, Madame, it's just.. I thought it would only be the Dauphin, Madame Adelaide, and myself…

• Madame Deniau: The Dauphin happened to encounter Count Fersen at Comte de Noailles's residence yesterday. He invited him to join today's afternoon tea.

• Madame Deniau: Count Fersen is a fine gentleman. Both the Dauphin and Madame Adelaide like him a great deal.

• You: (So, he hasn't left yet.)

• You: (After our last encounter, how can I possibly speak calmly to him again?)

• Madame Deniau: Are you listening, Your Highness?

• You: Ah, yes, Madame. I understand.

• Madame Deniau: Then allow me to help you change. Then we'll go to the dining room for breakfast with the Dauphin.

• After I change, Madame Deniau carefully straightens my dress and reminds me once more of the rules of etiquette I must follow.
• Madame Deniau: Your Highness, you represent the royal family of France. Please watch what you say and do.

• Madame Deniau: At all times, there are countless eyes watching you.

• You: Yes, Madame Denaiu.

• In Madame Deniau's company, I pass the first half of the say without issue.
• Finally, it's time for afternoon tea.

• When I arrive at the parlor, Fersen is already there.
• Fersen: Good afternoon, Your Highness.

• You: Hello, Count Fersen. It's good to see you again.

• Fersen: The pleasure is all mine.

• After exchanging greetings, we both fall silent.
• You: (Why is Monseigneur le Dauphin not here yet?)

• I have no idea how to make small talk with Fersen. The rules of etiquette don't say anything about how to handle a situation like this.
• I can only silently pray that the Dauphin will arrive soon.
• Fersen: Good day, Madame Adelaide. What an honor to see you again.

• Madame Adelaide: Good afternoon, Count Fersen. It's a pleasure to meet a gentleman like you again.

• Madame Adelaide: On the contrary, Madame Ia Duphin does not seem very eager to attend today's afternoon tea.

• You: Greetings, Your Highness. Please forgive my rudeness.

• You: (I can't believe I didn't notice Madame Adelaide's arrival.)

• You: (I'm certain she'll criticize me later for my poor etiquette.)

• Louis XVI: Good afternoon, Aunt Adelaide, Marie, and Count Fersen.

• You: Good day, Your Highness.

• Madame Adelaide: Good afternoon, dear Auguste.

• Fersen: Good afternoon, Your Highness.

• Maids serve us strong black tea and pastries. The parlor fills with a sweet aroma.
• After we've settled down, the Dauphin and Count Fersen naturally begin discussing recent events in Paris.
• Louis XVI: I hear many foreign artists have arrived in Paris. Have you met any of them, Count Fersen?

• Fersen: Naturally, Your Highness. I would not want to miss such a rare opportunity.

• Fersen: Paris truly is a magical city to be able to draw so many artists.

• Louis XVI: It's always been my wish to make France an ideal country for artists and inventors to live in.

• Louis XVI: I hope that in the future, this great country will attract more gentlemen like you.

• Louis XVI: Count Fersen, do any of these artists impress you?

• You: (How unusual for the Dauphin to bring up this topic on his own.)

• You: (He usually talks to Fersen about history or astronomy.

• Fersen: I've met several talented artists, but the one who impressed me the most..

• Fersen: …was a composer from Austria.

• You: A composer from Austria?

• Fersen: Yes. Although he has just began his career in music, he is exceptionally talented.

• Fersen: In Austria, he was once taught by Mr. Haydn. I'm certain he will become a great musician.

• You: I heard from Miss Martinez that Mr. Haydn is an excellent musician, and a great teacher as well.

• At the sound of a familiar name, I can't resist joining the conversation.
• You: My mother likes Miss Martinez very much. I imagine the gentleman Count Fersen speaks of is highly gifted.

• I think of Miss Martinez's beautiful singing voice, and I can't help but smile.
• Madme Adelaide: Madame la Dauphine!

• Madame Adelaide's shrill voice interrupts my reminiscing. I suddenly realize I've broken another rule.
• You: S-sorry, Your Highness. I was just remembering something…

• Madame Adelaide: Your Highness, you have lived in Versailles for so long, I'm certain Madame Deniau has taught you our customs.

• Madmae Adelaide: Please remember that you are now the Dauphine of France, not an Austrian princess.

• You: I…

• Madame Adelaide: I've also heard you still keep in close contact with the Duchess of Polignac. When she came to the palace a few days ago, the two of you spoke of cooking Austrian food.

• Madame Adelaide: Please do not forget your position, Your Highness. And keep your distance from those who do not behave like nobles.

• Madame Adelaide is so forceful, I don't know what I should do.
• Fersen: Madame Adelaide, I am the one at fault.

• Fersen: It was inconsiderate of me to say something that caused the Dauphine to miss her homeland.

• Madame Adelaide: Count Fersen, this is not the first time Her Highness has not behaved like the Dauphine of France.

• Madame Adelaide: How can she become a good Queen of France if she never stops thinking of Austria?

• Fersen: I believe the Dauphine valuing her hometown and her friendships will help her better care for the French people.

• Fersen: As the future Queen of France, Her Highness should better understand France's allies.

• Fersen: And she should forge close relationships with both nobles and commoners. Then she could better help the Dauphin govern France.

• You: (Count Fersen…)

• Madame Adelaide's criticisms of me are always harsh. At times, even the Dauphin can do nothing to stop her.
• I didn't expect Fersen would stand up for me.
• Madame Adelaide: My lord, you…

• Louis XVI: Dear Aunt, please say no more.

• Madame Adelaide: Do you also believe the Dauphine has done nothing wrong, Auguste?

• Louis XVI: It was inappropriate of her to bring up memories of Austria in Versailles, but I'm certain Madame Deniau will teach her again later.

• You: Please, I'm so sorry.

• Louis XVI: It's not an inexcusable mistake.

• Louis XVi: Aunt Adelaide, we're lucky that Count Fersen has joined us for afternoon tea today. Please don't spoil the mood.

• Madame Adelaide: Auguste, the Dauphine is careless because you indulge her!

• Madame Adelaide: She no longer pays attention during her etiquette and scripture lessons. She's even forgotten how to greet those who rank above her!

• Louis XVI: Aunt Adelaide, really.

• Madame Adelaide: Since you feel I'm spoiling the mood, I won't stay any longer.

• Madame Adelaide: Monseigneur Ie Dauphin, Madame Ia Dauphine, Count Fersen, if you'll excuse me.

• Madame Adelaide rises and leaves the living room.
• I breathe a sigh of relief.
• Louise XVI: Marie, are you all right?

• You: I'm all right, Your Highness. It was my fault…

• Louis XVI: I'm sorry, Count Fersen. My aunt has always been quite stubborn, and she's particularly strict with Marie where etiquette is concerned.

• Louis XVI: I only wanted to talk about something that Marie finds interesting so she wouldn't be bored sitting with us.

• Louis XVI: I never thought my aunt would criticize her in front of you.

• You: (The Dauphin did that, for me?)

• Fersen: There is no need to apologize, Your Highness.

• Fersen: I know Madame Adelaide means no harm. She simply hopes the Dauphine will become a good Queen.

• Fersen: I am the one who should apologize.

• Louis XVI: Why do you say that, Count Fersen?

• Fersen: I know little of the royal family's etiquette. I did not think it inappropriate to speak of Austria with the Dauphine.

• Ferson: I am also a foreigner. I think it commendable for the Dauphine to demonstrate love and longing for her homeland.

• Fersen: Your Highness, if a person is not attached to even her motherland, how can she love her people?

• Louis XVI: Quite right, Count Fersen.

• Louis XVI: I'm certain Marie will grow into a Queen loved and respected by the people.

• Louis XVI: It's a wish I share with her. Is it not, Marie?

• You: Ah, y-yes! Thank you, Your Highness. I'll do my best.

• The Dauphin gives a satisfied laugh.
• Louis XVI: Now then, Count Fersen, please continue. Tell us more about the excellent musician you mentioned!

• Fersen: Of course, Your Highness. I first met this gentleman at the Princesse de Lamballe's residence...

• Smiling, Fersen tells us of his encounter with the musician and of the music he's composed.
• After he finishes, the Dauphin cheerfully declares he'd like to invite this talented musician to join a concert at the palace.
• I sit beside the Dauphin, thinking of how to express my gratitude to Fersen.
• Fersen: It's late, Your Highnesses.

• Fersen: It has been an honor to spend such a pleasant afternoon with both of you. Now, if you will excuse me.

• You: Thank you for joining us today, Count Fersen.

• Louis XVI: It was a pleasure to have a gentleman like you as our guest.

• Louis XVI: Let's call it a day. Count Fersen, you're always welcome at Versailles.

• You: Goodbye, Count Fersen.

• Guided by a maid, Fersen leaves the living room. As I watch him depart, I feel my heart sink.
• You: (I didn't get the chance to thank him.)

• You: (I must express my gratitude properly the next time I see him…if I ever do...)

• Louis XVI: Marie.

• You: Yes, Your Highness? Do you have any further engagements?

• Louis XVI: No, and I'd like to return to my study.

• Louis XVI: A craftsman sent me some very interesting locks, and I want to examine them.

• You: (Of course he does.)

• You: Understood, Your Highness. I'll be in my room until dinner.

• Louis XVI: See you then, Marie.

• After the Dauphin leaves, I'm left alone in the living room.
• I sit quietly, staring at the cups on the table, until I hear a familiar voice.
• Madame Deniau: Your Highness, you should return to your room and rest.

• You: Very well. Let's go.

• Madame Deniau: Your Highness, I heard what Madame Adelaide said from outside the door.

• Madame Deniau: Although Monseigneur Ie Dauphin and Count Fersen understood your actions, you must be more careful from now on.

• You: I understand, Madame Deniau.

• Madame Deniau: We all sincerely hope you will become a Queen who's loved and respected by the people.

• Madame Deniau: Additionally, Father Vermond has told me several times that you haven't been paying attention in your lessons.

• Madame Deniau: Madame Adelaide's criticisms have some merit. I hope you'll think them over.

• You: Yes, Madame. I'm tired. Please allow me to rest a while.

• After Madame Deniau leaves, I sit alone by the window.
• Versailles is so beautiful, I'm arrested by the view outside my window.
• And yet, I feel like Versailles has rejected me.
• You: (When will Aunt Adelaide accept me?)

• Thinking of Madame Adelaide's criticisms, I sigh.
• You: (If Count Fersen hadn't been there, Aunt Adelaide would have criticized me even more harshly.)

• I think again of Fersen's earnestness on that day in the gardens.

• Fersen: I respect you. I hope your life will be a joyful and untroubled one.

• Fersen: You may always speak to me about the things weighing on your mind.

• Fersen: Whatever they are, and whenever.

• I can't help looking to the east side of the gardens.
• They white roses there are in full bloom. They look as if they're waiting for someone to come appreciate their beauty.
• You: Fersen…

• I whisper his name.
• The memories of our meetings flood my mind.

• Fersen: Perhaps I should thank God for his blessings and thank fate for allowing the two of us to meet in Paris.

• Fersen: You are the most beautiful and enchanting lady I have ever met. I hope you will not forget me after tonight has ended.

• Fersen: From the moment I met her, I believed she was my soulmate.

• Fersen: She is a delicate yet strong woman.

• Fersen: Though being far from home has brought her countless sorrows, she bears them alone, in order not to worry her friend.

• Fersen: I am also a foreigner. I think it commendable for the Dauphine to demonstrate love and longing for her homeland.

• Fersen: Your Highness, if a person is not attached to even her motherland, how can she love her people?

• You: Good heavens.

• You: (The harder I try to forget him, the more vivid these memories become.