“The Rose of Versailles”
－Fersen－ Based on “The Rose of Versailles” by Riyoko Ikeda
“The Rose of Versailles”
It is the late 18th century in France.
The story begins in January 1774 at a lavish masquerade ball held in the Paris Opera House, a venue filled with the splendor of rococo aristocratic culture. Hans Axel von Fersen, a Swedish aristocrat visiting France as an exchange student, is one of the attendees. Still unfamiliar with the customs and manners of the country, he is baffled by the mocking looks of the French aristocrats. Then, a lady kindly offers him her hand. As Fersen is about to take her hand, he is interrupted by Oscar Francois de Jarjayes, the captain of the royal guard. Surprised to learn that the lady is Marie Antoinette, the Dauphine of France, Fersen immediately apologizes to Oscar for his discourtesy. Fersen is deeply drawn to the beautiful Marie Antoinette. Likewise, Marie Antoinette, for the first time in her life, feels a crush on the dignified young man looking gently at her. Fersen’s noble demeanor also touches Oscar, who was born a girl but raised as a boy to become a soldier and now loyally serves Marie Antoinette.
In time, the Bourbon dynasty, which has long boasted unparalleled prosperity and power, begins to show signs of decline. Tensions rise between the royal court and the citizens, who are suffering under heavy taxation and rioting throughout the country. It is only a matter of time before the military and the people clash.
Despite these circumstances, Fersen and Marie Antoinette continue to meet in secret. The two are tightly bound together by the thread of fate through repeated reunions and farewells. Rumors of their forbidden love affair, however, reach the ears of King Louis XVI. Furthermore, the situation is so serious that the public condemnation is directed at Marie Antoinette for her repeated extravagances.
Anxious about the safety of both Fersen and Marie Antoinette, Oscar advises Fersen to end his relationship with the queen in order to save the country from its predicament. In response, Fersen stubbornly refuses, saying that he cannot leave her no matter what happens in France. However, after being persuaded by Comte de Mercy-Argenteau, who has accompanied Marie Antoinette since her marriage to the then-Dauphin of France, Fersen understands that leaving the queen will only be an act of true love for her. As Fersen finally decides to return to Sweden, Marie Antoinette, too, finally becomes aware of her true roles as queen, wife, and mother.
Oscar always cares about Fersen, but Fersen also knows that Andre Grandier has loved her since childhood. Fersen asks Andre to take care of Oscar before he sets off alone to his homeland with his memories of the queen.
After returning to Sweden, Fersen prays earnestly for the safety of Marie Antoinette and the stability of the Bourbon dynasty. One day, Oscar’s subordinate Girodelle secretly visits Fersen and tells him shocking news: the outbreak of the French Revolution, the tragedy that happened to Oscar in the middle of it, and the current situation of the royal family. Driven by an outpouring of passion to rescue Marie Antoinette at all costs, Fersen heads to France with his deep love for her.
“The Rose of Versailles”
Fersen:
Marie Antoinette:
Oscar:
Comte de Mercy:
Gustav III:
Madame Monzette:
General Bouille:
Louis XVI:
General Jorgen:
Comte de Provence:
Dugazon:
Madame Cissina:
Madame Calonne:
Armand:
Estragon:
Madame Noailles:
Vladimir:
Girodelle:
Rosalie:
Catherine:
Alain:
Andre:
Peasant man:
Mireille:
Nicolas:
Peasant man:
Charles:
Yves:
Maid:
Sylvia:
Peasant man:
Jean:
Romy:
Grand Chamberlain:
Maid:
Peasant man:
Jeanne:
Little lord:
Peasant woman:
Head court lady:
Head court lady:
Bernard:
Little lady:
Peasant woman:
Little lady:
Peasant woman:
Peasant woman:
Prince:
Princess:
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