Berusaiyu no Bara The Rose of Versailles Riyoko Ikeda Shuueisha Translation by Emily Horner / Late summer 2000 Note: all page numbers refer to the bunko edition (paperback, 400 pages per volume) of Rose of Versailles, the edition I have and apparently the only one in print. The <> symbols which represent turning the page will remain consistent from edition to edition, I suppose, but the numbers will be different if you have a different edition. This is a preliminary, unrevised translation, and often I've made little mistakes where historical accuracy is concerned. I think I may well read a few books on French history and do a complete overhaul of the translations at some later point, but at this point I'll just leave things as they are. Though it's usually my practice to leave names suffixes such as –chan, -san, -sama, as they are, I haven't done so here, in the interest of giving the manga a more European flavor. I've tried to come up with fitting equivalents. Book One: Inside the Whirlpool of a New Destiny <> The year is 1755. In this year, in three different European countries, three people are born who will be fated to meet at Versailles, in France. In the Scandinavian country of Sweden, Hans Axel von Fersen is born as the oldest son of a member of the Upper House who himself came from a noble family. He was blessed at his birth with a vast fortune, a high social rank, and a quiet kind of wisdom, in addition to manly beauty that quickened the heartbeats of every noblewoman at Versailles. <> Oscar François de Jarjayes was born in a noble mansion not far removed from Versailles, in France. She was the last daughter of a distinguished family who had earned the trust of the royal family and control of the royal army. --Master! She's been born! She's a beautiful, angelic princess! --Not another girl! This makes six children, all of them girls! Is the house of Jarjayes cursed? Damn! Our family of generals who command the army and protect the monarchy does not need any more girls! --Master… --Waaaaaaaaaahhhh! --She certainly is bawling as strongly as a boy… --What do you think of her bright, beautiful face? How fine she will look, when she is grown! --I've made up my mind! Your name will be Oscar—a good name, is it not? --But—that's a boy's name! --I will raise you to follow in my footsteps and become France's greatest general—Oscar, my son! <> Finally, there is the tragic princess Marie Antoinette, cast into her destiny in the storm of history! <> Marie Antoinette Josephe Jeanne de Lorraine Autriche was born on November 2nd, 1755, the ninth daughter of Empress Maria Theresa of the nation of Austria, which rivaled France in power among European countries. <> Her mother, Maria Theresa, was a spirited woman with an unusually strong aptitude for government who set up a powerful government and firmly established the name of the Austria-Hapsburg dynasty. Marie Antoinette was raised deep inside Schönbrunn Castle as the imperial princess of Austria, and grew to be generous, noble, graceful, and above all else beautiful. <> --Your time is up, Miss Antoinette. Has your essay been completed? Miss Antoinette! Miss Marie! Ah, Miss Marie! <> --Miss Marie! Please stop at once, your dress--Oh my, if your mother found you like this, I would—Miss Marie, please do not turn any more of my hair white! You told me you could not write your essay unless you were alone, and then— <> Marie : I'm very sorry, Marchioness. My sisters just looked so happy playing there…please don't think that I didn't want to write my essay. --I know that very well! You just do not feel like studying history, or French, or piano, or singing. Marie : I would truly like to make amends for neglecting my essay, but next I have piano lessons with Herr Gruch. Would you ask him to let me write my essay now instead? --What touching words! Please wait a moment, I am certain that Herr Gruch would put your lesson off for a day. Marie : Thank you, Marchioness. <> --Are you saying that the piano is more important than an essay? Do you not care about Miss Marie's skill in her own native language of German? --But it was your responsibility to make sure she did her studies within the allotted time! --I thought that her next class was French! --Miss Marie said that she wanted to do her reading first! --What in the world is going on? --She's tricked us all again! --No one has any chance against Miss Marie's sweet words! <> --If any person exists who would not have his heart stolen by Miss Marie's charming smile… --Then his heart would surely be made of stone! When Antoinette was seven years old, the musical genius W. A. Mozart, who was six at the time, came to Schönbrunn Castle for a recital in front of the Imperial family. It is told that Mozart proposed marriage to the charming Marie. Marie Antoinette's charm, which took prisoner each person she met, shined with a brightness that did not fade until her death. Theresa : Kaunitz, you must not be so upset! Kaunitz : Empress! As I have told you many times, the house of Hapsburg and the French house of Bourbon have been fighting for control of Europe for a long time. More war will do nothing but wear down both houses needlessly. Theresa : I myself am well aware that, rather than fighting with France, Austria should enter into an alliance with it. And so… Kaunitz : There is only one way to a peaceful alliance between the countries, and that is for them to be joined in marriage by sending your youngest daughter, Marie Antoinette, to France as a bride. Theresa : What? Antoinette? She hasn't even turned 11 yet! Send her to that Louis XV? That womanizing old man? Kaunitz : That is not what I meant, so please calm down… Theresa : …Louis XV's grandson? Kaunitz : The future Louis XVI. He is the Crown Prince of France, almost 12 years old. He is the ideal match. Theresa : The Crown Prince of France…the future King…and my Marie… Of course! Why had I not thought of that sooner? If she becomes the Crown Princess, then she can eventually become Queen…Is there any happier future for an Imperial Princess than to become Queen? Then the alliance between France and Austria will be assured! Kaunitz, contact the Ambassador to France at once and have him find out Louis XV's intentions! Kaunitz : Yes, Empress! <> Meanwhile, at the palace of Versailles on the outskirts of Paris, Louis XV and his court official Joiejour (?) are thinking the same thing as Maria Theresa in Austria: for the French Crown Prince, the future Louis XVI, to be married to the Austrian princess Marie Antoinette, one year younger than him. --You're still not throwing yourself into it enough! Your balance is off! That was too obvious! You're not putting enough of your weight in! Oscar : I've defeated you, father. Now let me have command of that platoon you promised me. <> Oscar : That was unfair! --Ha ha ha! That is what happens when you get careless. You're not alert enough to be aware of a mean trick like that. I can't yet leave you in command of a platoon, Oscar. Oscar : Damn! You still think of me as a kid and make a fool out of me! Well, just you wait! --Incidentally, Oscar…have you heard about the proposal for Austria's princess to come to France and become the Crown Princess? Oscar : Austria's princess—would that be Empress Maria Theresa's daughter? --Yes, she is Marie Antoinette, who is turning eleven this year. It is said that her beauty is such that it throws the entire Austrian court into confusion. <> Oscar : I've seen a portrait of her. She has those wonderful prim strong-willed lips characteristic of the Hapsburg family. --If she really does become the Crown Princess…you will probably become her protector, Oscar. From now on, you must work hard and put your heart into preparing for that day. Oscar : Yes, father! <> --Miss Marie! You may no longer fidget about trying to get away from the subject at hand! Marie : Sir, there are some beautiful violet flowers blooming in then northern garden by the stream. I'm sure that I could get some for you! And the weather is so lovely outside…may I go? --Well now… <> --Miss Marie, although you have an excellent mind, it is certainly regrettable that you hate to think deeply about a single thing! Oh, Empress! Theresa : You may continue with your lesson. Theresa : This couldn't be Marie's writing, could it? --In fact, it is… Theresa : Impossible! This is awful! She's almost thirteen, but even her German is, never mind her French! Her grammar, her spelling—how can she become the future Queen of France? Marie : Queen of France!? Theresa : Yes, Marie. Listen closely. I have just received a letter from the French ambassador. <> Theresa : That letter says that Louis XV, wants you to be married to the Crown Prince of France. Now, go write a thank-you letter at once! And bring together all those responsible for Marie's education! Marie : Me? Become Crown Princess of France? And finally… the Queen? Theresa : French…history…literature…piano! Singing! Dance! Theresa : Well, this is… --She is as airy as a butterfly! --As elegant as if she were flying with wings! Theresa : However… <> Theresa : She absolutely must become better at French! You must search all through the country for a more knowledgeable French teacher! Then there's the matter of a reply… --Yes. Theresa : Until we get word from France officially requesting a formal wedding, we must continue sending publicity to all of Paris! Send portraits and pamphlets showing just how beautiful and noble Marie Antoinette is. Show her slim body, her pearly white skin, and her tender heart! Theresa : Make sure that, through all of Europe, it becomes unthinkable that anyone other than Marie Antoinette could become France's Crown Princess! You lazy girl! Marie : Once I read in a book that a girl starts to want to be with one boy, then she should be his wife… --Why do you say that, Marie? Marie : Do I really have to go and get married to His Highness when I've never even seen him before? I'd like to fall in love…I'd like to stay here and play with everyone… --Your sisters all felt that way too. But if you become Queen of France, you can have anything you wish! It's something everyone dreams of! Now, come into the garden and play! It's so nice and warm! Marie : That's right! Thinking and worrying about it won't change anything! I should just be thinking about happy things! <> 1769…Maria Theresa finally received the formal marriage proposal that she had been awaiting from Louis XV. Marie Antoinette was a shining maiden, at fourteen years of age. --We haven't seen a wedding this big in a long time! --It's going to join France and Austria by blood! The year we've spent preparing has gone by before I knew it! --It's going to be in April next year! --I've heard it's going to be the most splending thing since history began! --Even we might have something to offer! All of Europe was excited, as if for a festival! It was said that every day brought new loads of gold, silver, jewels, and cloth to the castle. <> Marie : I'm completely transformed! --It will only be two months more! --Putting your hair up suits you so well! --Now you look as elegant as a Crown Princess should! Theresa : I decided on this union as the Empress of Austria, thinking only of my country's security and prosperity. Theresa : But is it really the right thing to do, for that innocent, frivolous, playful Marie? It's possible that the royal crown and the position of Queen will only bring misfortune to that spoiled, gentle girl who hates to think. Oh, I'm so uneasy I can't bear it! For some reason I feel a bad foreboding about this… <> Marie : Mother, dear! Theresa : Marie…for the two months from now until we are separated, you will live in my room with me. Marie : Why, mother? Theresa : I must teach you the gravity of the position you will soon accept, so that you will be a wonderful queen to France's twenty million citizens. Oh, my Marie! It's too soon to send you away! <> April 1770…the special envoy Du Lufour (?) is sent to Vienna to pick up the bride. It was a solemn procession that included 48 vehicles, among them two glass carriages drawn by six horses each. It was the beginning of a celebration that was to lead Marie Antoinette to her lifelong destiny. While the dazzling party passed from night into day, Marie Antoinette spent the ceremony by which she gave up all rights as ruler of Austria gravely, in front of a figure of Christ. Then came April 21st…the time had finally come for her to leave her beloved homeland. After this day, Marie Antoinette would leave Austria and turn towards her new destiny as Crown Princess of France. Theresa : Listen to me, my Marie. This letter of wisdom is my gift to you. Read it over again on the twenty-first of every month. Marie : Mother… Theresa : Promise me that you will, for I am sure that it will help you. Please protect these thoughts that I have written down for you. Marie : Thank you, mother! Theresa : Oh, my beloved Marie! Marie : Mother! My dear mother! <> Theresa : Farewell, Marie! Never forget your mother! Study well, to improve yourself and overcome your weaknesses, for only that will protect you! No matter how far apart we may be, until I draw my last breath, I will never stop worrying for your safety! <> --Good luck, Miss Marie! --Good luck! Marie : Goodbye, Austria, my homeland! Goodbye, mother, brother, and Schönbrunn, the beautiful spring, forever! <> Marie : For I am now the Crown Princess of France! The bride was formally transferred at an imperial villa that had been built on the shores of the Rhine river that flowed between Strasbourg and Cologne, on the national border. --Miss Marie, the ceremony will begin soon. Please accept our services. Marie : Must I take off my clothes now? --You mustn't have even a thread of clothing that was made in Austria. Please change into clothes made in France. Marie : Everything? --Everything; your lace, your ribbon, your cross, your rings, even your underwear. <> --Princess, we must part now. We cannot accompany you any further. I wish for your happiness. <> Marie : Everything from Austria is leaving me…they're all leaving! Noaille : I am Countess Noaille. From now on, I will be taking care of you, Crown Princess Marie Antoinette. <> Noaille : I am very pleased to meet you, Your Highness. I have been waiting for your arrival. His Majesty and the Crown Prince are waiting at Compiègne. Miss Antoinette? <> Marie : Countess Noaille, who is that person? Noaille : She's Oscar François de Jarjayes, the daughter of General Jarjayes. Though a woman, she works as the captain of the royal guard. Marie : A woman!? <> On the way to Versailles, France's royal family was waiting for her procession at Compiègne. Oscar : I announce the arrival of Her Highness the Crown Princess! Marie : I am very pleased to meet you, and hope to find you in good spirits. Louis XV : What a lovely bride! She's like an angel who's come to spread good fortune through all of France! Marie : Oh, my! <> Louis XV : And that is your future husband, my grandson Louis. Marie : He looks so formal and stuffy and dull. Will this sleepy-eyed man really become my husband? Louis XV : Well, don't just stand there looking like an idiot! Greet your bride with a kiss! Marie : We have been waiting for each other for years, and yet not even my first kiss from him makes my heart beat a bit faster… On May 16, at the Louis XIV cathedral in the palace of Versailles, the official wedding ceremony took place in front of six thousand nobles and priests. <> Then came the time to sign the marriage certificate. Marie : Oh! There's a spot! --This is a bad omen. Louis XV : Well, the pen just got stuck on the paper. What's the harm in that? It can't be a bad omen for someone as beautiful and filled with good fortune as you. <> And thus, Marie Antoinette at last became a member of France's royal family. Antoinette was fourteen years old at the time. Paris… Jeanne : Look, mom! Everybody's going to Versailles! They're saying the royal gardens are open to the public today, and there's going to be lots of fireworks, and the really pretty princess is going to be there! --There won't be fireworks today. It's going to rain this afternoon. Jeanne : But mom! Wine's going to flow from the fountains, and everyone's going to be having fun and doing whatever they like! --You never think about anything but having fun, Jeanne! Why can't you be more like your little sister Rosalie? Jeanne : Well, excuse me if I can't be as meek and docile as she is! Hey, mom, is it true that dad was the last member of the house of Valois? --You're not talking about that again, are you? Jeanne : Well, isn't it true that before the Bourbon dynasty, it was the house of Valois that ruled France? And that we're the last remnant of that family? --I was very poor at the time, and I worked as a made for the house of Valois. Your father and I fell in love there… <> --But right after the two of you were born, he died, and that was the sad end of the house of Valois. Jeanne : So, in better times, it could have been us, the daughters of a maid, who would have lived in the palace of Versailles! Right, Rosalie! Rosalie : Don't be silly, Jeanne. But, you know, you're so pretty that I'm sure you'll catch the eye of some nobleman. Jeanne : Yes! And that would be the end of my days in this dank, ugly, pigsty! I wouldn't have to be one of those awful, gloomy people in the dump! I'd wear a velvety silk dress, and an elegant corset, and I'd eat all the delicious things I wanted, and throw parties and masquerade balls. Hans Axel : Ho ho! I wonder if it's because of the fine weather that all the villages are so lively! --You haven't forgotten, have you, Hans Axel? It's because of the wedding of Austria's Imperial Princess and France's Crown Prince. All of Europe is in a festive mood! Hans Axel : Oh, I see! <> Hans Axel : The Imperial Princess of Austria, Marie Antoinette… The Swedish nobleman Hans Axel von Fersen was travelling to a German university to study military strategy. Oscar : Maid, it's time! Where are my clothes? What's taking so long? --Ah! Ah! Oscar : What's that? --It's a dress. The Crown Princess is coming to Versailles for the first time today. <> Oscar : You expect me to wear something like that? --You are a woman, miss! An honest-to-goodness woman! Oscar : "Miss"? If my father heard you call me that, he'd take your head off! Hey, André! Are you ready? Let's go! André : I think you'd better just give up on her, ma'am. --Don't get impertinent with me, you're my own grandson! Oh, miss Marie Antoinette is the same age as miss Oscar, and she's already a bride! <> --Miss Antoinette! How do you expect your underwear to stay put if you keep running around like that? Noaille : What are you doing? Aren't you ready yet? --Oh, Countess Noaille! Her Highness won't listen to a word I say! She just runs around! Noaille : Miss Antoinette! <> Noaille : You are no longer in Austria! Moreover, Miss Antoinette, you are no longer a child who can play whenever she likes! Refined manners and etiquette are very important at Versailles! And yet you, the Crown Princess herself… Marie : But in Austria, except for important ceremonies and public events, my mother let me change my clothes and have fun freely. <> Noaille : Well, Austria is a different place than France! France is a country where dignity and etiquette are of utmost importance! Because this is your first time going to see the palace of Versailles, be careful to stay serious and proper. Yes, and there is one more thing for you to be careful of. At Versailles, the ladies of low status are not allowed to be start a conversation with a lady of higher status than themselves. <> Noaille : Since the Queen has passed away, you, as the Crown Princess, are the lady with the highest status in the court. So please speak to the ladies in the court. Everyone will be waiting for your words. Marie : The lady with the highest status in the court…no one will dare speak to me, they will all be waiting for me to speak to them! How wonderful! Noaille : Next after you are the King's daughters, the Crown Prince's aunts Madame Adelaide, Madame Victoire, and Madame Sophie, and then the Crown Prince's younger sister Miss Elizabeth. All the noble families will be there, so please be on your best behavior. Marie : Very well, Madame Etiquette! Noaille : Madame Etiquette!? Marie : I wonder if she'll be there…yes, I'm sure she will… <> --This is like a dream! --There has never been such a lovely and charming lady at Versailles! --Her footsteps are so light and graceful! --And how slim she is! --Just as you'd expet from someone born as the Imperial Princess of Austria! --She's so refined, with nothing out of place! --And so noble and proud! Marie : Everyone's looking at me, and speaking in startled voices when they see me. They're absolutely fascinated by my beauty! How wonderful! Marie : Now, I am the queen of Versailles! Your Highness, they're playing a minuet! Louis : Ah, I don't dance, but you go ahead and dance if you like. Marie : Who is that woman? She looks as proud as a peacock with that arrogant pose…She looks very beautiful physically, but utterly unrefined. I wonder why she's starting at me like that. Marie : Good afternoon, and how are you, Oscar…err… Oscar : Oscar François. --Look, the first one Miss Antoinette talked to was Oscar! --Then we must come near her so she'll speak to us as well! Marie : Who is that woman staring at me from over there? <> Oscar : Countess Du Barry is not a woman whom you should pay any mind to. Marie : But she's surrounded by so many followers, and acting as if she herself were the Queen. Countess Du Barry…I wonder why so many people are fawning all over her. Noaille : Miss Antoinette! Have you seen the faces of all the ladies in the court? Noaille : Before you entered, everyone was privately competing for the title of the "queen" of society. But none of them could compare with a real queen of your beauty and status! Marie : Countess Noaille, the Crown Prince neither dances nor talks to the ladies. What does he like to do? Noaille : The Crown Prince is a quiet person, and likes reading… Marie : Reading? Oh dear! I hate books! Noaille : He also likes hunting and lock-making. Marie : Lockmaking!? Like you do at a blacksmiths'…with keys to open doors…? --Ladies Adelaide, Victoire, and Sophie have arrived! Marie : Welcome, my aunts! Oscar : Hey, André! Those three old maids are finally here! André : Which room is Antoinette in? <> Oscar : He he he…this should be interesting. Marie Antoinette and Du Barry… Marie : That Countess Du Barry is the King's Mistress!? --Yes…she was born into a lower-class family and started working as a prostitute. Marie : What's a prostitute? --A woman who takes money from men and sells her body to them. <> Marie : What is such a disgusting woman doing in this court? My mother in Austria would have thrown a woman like that into a reformatory! --That woman used the money she received from her clients to arrange a marriage on paper only to the nobleman Count Du Barry, and then had the Count poisoned. Then she was a Countess, and was able to enter the court. Since becoming the King's mistress, she's been appointing cabinet members and building castles, and taking bribes from court officials. --The King didn't care a bit that we, his own daughters, opposed her, because he does whatever that woman says! --And everyone tries to please her! --Half of them behave as if she were actually the Queen! Marie : What a shameless woman! And the way she was staring at me… --Yes! --No matter how much influence she herself has, she still will think of you as a rival. --She can't compare to you, a future Queen from a genuine royal family. --The best thing is just to ignore her! Louis XV : How was the party today? It seems that Antoinette has captivated the entire court at once! Du Barry : Hmpf! I don't like that little red-headed brat one bit! <> Louis XV : But Antoinette doesn't have red hair, she has pretty blond… Du Barry : It's red compared to my hair! I'll have to order another dress. I can't let that red-headed brat beat me! Until now, I was the one with the most beautiful carriage and the biggest diamonds, in front of all the other noble women, surrounded by all the noble families. I was the one with the influence! How can I lose now to an impertinent little foreigner? <> --What are you doing!? No matter how poor you might be, I have no pity for someone who steals something from other people! Jeanne : Then you shouldn't make us eat awful food every day! If you try to say all these noble things, you'll just end up dying of hunger! Rosalie : Jeanne! Jeanne, where are you going? Jeanne : That's a nice carriage…it might be worth a try. Oh kind madam! Can you somehow take pity on a poor orphan with the blood of the house of Valois? --Valois? Stop this carriage! Is it true that you're from the house of Valois? Jeanne : Yes, ma'am. --The house of Valois, which once equalled or even surpassed the current house of Bourbon…and this girl has its blood running through her veins! This girl could be a descendant of the former King! I am Marchioness Boulenbirier. Did you say you were an orphan? Come to my mansion! I can't just leave a well-bred girl like you here. Jeanne : Really? --Yes! And of course I'll have you educated as well! Jeanne : Is this some kind of dream? I thought I'd be lucky to get a bill of money from this! This is the chance that I've been waiting so long for! I'm a step closer to my dream already! Please wait for me! I just have to say good-bye to my friends! Rosalie : Jeanne, where have you been? We were worried about you! Jeanne : Good-bye, mother! Good-bye, Rosalie! A marchioness is taking me in! --What? You're leaving here alone? You can't! Jeanne : I won't get a chance like this again! I don't want to spend the rest of my life here! --Jeanne, this can't be true! You can't go! Think about this! Jeanne : You'd better think of something soon too, Rosalie, or you'll be stuck here like mom 'till you're old and grey! Rosalie : Jeanne, how cruel! <> --Oh, Rosalie! Jeanne is—Jeanne is… --Look, it's Oscar François! --What lovely clothes she's wearing today! --Oh, Oscar! --How cold she is! She never talks to any of us! --If she was really a man, I'd marry him even if I had to browbeat him into marrying me! --Well, I think that André is… --Oh, she looked over here! --I thought you just said you liked André better! --I won't be able to sleep tonight! --At any rate, I wonder who Miss Antoinette will speak to first tonight. --It will probably be… <> Marie : Good day, Oscar François. --Ah! How dazzlingly beautiful Miss Antoinette is today! --She has wonderful taste! Marie : You never chat or dance like the others here. Oscar : This isn't an afternoon salon for me. Miss Antoinette, I am a woman, but also a soldier. My duty is not to dance or talk, but only to protect France and its royal family. <> André : You turned down the Crown Princess's invitation? You're a fool! Getting called into her salon was your chance for advancement! Oscar : You're thinking the same thing as all the court's corrupt families? If you weren't the maid's son, I'd knock you down right here! Du Barry : I suspected that the red-headed brat simply was not aware of my position, and therefore forgot to speak to me first. But today.. Good day, everyone. How are you? --How are you, Lady Du Barry? --You're as beautiful as always! Marie : Come over here and talk with my aunts, everyone! We're talking about taking a long horse ride together this afternoon! --Excuse me, Lady Du Barry! --And me as well! --Will you come on the horse ride too? --Look, Countess Du Barry is… --What? --Miss Antoinette hasn't spoken to Lady Du Barry once. --That's true! <> --Yes! Although Lady Du Barry may be the most influential person in the court, and has the love of the King… --Her status is not actually that high… --And so she cannot speak to the Crown Princess unless the Crown Princess does so first! Du Barry : That spoiled little Austrian girl is going to ignore me in front of everyone! Louis XV : Are you really so upset that Antoinette hasn't spoken to you yet? It's all a misunderstanding! She's just a child, only 15 years old! Du Barry : But just because she's the Crown Princess, I have to bow my head and wait for that fifteen-year-old girl to speak to me! Do you know what the court is saying behind my back? --Even if she struts around, proud of being the King's lover, she can't hide her low origin. --It's strange in the first place for a commoner and a prostitute to dare show her face in the court. --It's perfectly natural that the Crown Princess, born as the Imperial Princess of Austria, wouldn't talk to such a woman! Du Barry : I'm sure of it…that red-headed brat wants to start a fight with me! How dare she be so impudent to me, who can make even the King do what I say? Marie : Good afternoon! What fine weather there is today, Madame Orléans, Countess Moreau, Countess Mourpa! --How are you, Miss Antoinette? <> Marie : Marchioness Robert, Marchioness Ranbarre, shall we take a walk in the forest? --That would be wonderful! This is the most beautiful time of year in the Versailles gardens! Marie : Lady Rozanne, Lady Mantenan, please come to the card game tonight! The Crown Prince will be there too! --Splendid! Du Barry : Ah, the stuck-up girl has some good points after all! She finally realized that she had forgotten to speak to me! <> Marie : Good afternoon, Countess Joule! --Miss Antoinette! Du Barry : Why, that…! --It really seems as if the Crown Princess is trying to completely ignore Countess Du Barry. --I wonder why… --No matter what may be behind Lady Du Barry, she's with the King now… --However, if the King were to die, then the Crown Prince would ascend to the throne… --And Miss Antoinette would become Queen. --Nevertheless, at the moment Du Barry's influence is very great. --I wonder which one Oscar François will side with? --Surely Du Barry, who he's known for so long. --She is from the distinguished house of Jarjayes. <> Oscar : All those flatterering families are torn, André. They don't know whether to side with Marie Antoinette or Du Barry. Wel, I won't side with either one! I'll just watch as the duel plays out…it should be interesting. <> --You called, Empress? Theresa : Come closer, Count Mercy. No matter how much I try, I cannot stop worrying about Marie Antoinette, whom I've sent to France. She is so lovely and bright, with a charm that captivates everyone. She's good with people but hates thinking deeply about things, and she's still too young to have any self-control. <> Theresa : I wonder if Antoinette might not get spoiled in the foreign court and end up turning into a bad person…perhaps she'll entirely neglect her studies and focus only on amusing herself…Count Mercy! Will you please go to the court as my servant and offer her guidance in my place? --If you wish it, Empress, I will sacrifice everything to be of service to you. <> Rosalie : Mom! I just bought a loaf of bread, but there's a huge line in front of the bakery! Are you still thinking about Jeanne, mom? --What? No… Rosalie : It's strange how Rosalie, who always dreamed of a noble life, has left…once in a while I've thought that she couldn't really be my sister… Rosalie : But it can't be helped. It's what will make Jeanne happiest, after all…but, after all, Jeanne and I are very different. <> --What are you saying, Rosalie? Rosalie : Mom? --You were always the one I loved the best! Rosalie : What's wrong, mom? Come on, climb into bed. I'll make you some soup; the lady next door gave me some potatoes. <> --Did you hear that Lady Boulenbirier took in a beautiful girl? --And the girl carries the blood of the house of Valois? --I'd love to meet her! --I'm keeping her in the mansion for now, although I'd like to have her study and learn etiquette in Paris. Are you ready, Jeanne? --My, your bloodline is undeniable! You're really something to see, Jeanne! Now, don't forget to be very careful about the words you use. Jeanne : My dream is getting closer and closer to coming true, bit by bit! I will remember difficult rules of etiquette… I'll work hard on studying, horseback riding, dance, and piano…for my dream to come true! Lady Boulenbirier… --Please, call me "Aunt." Jeanne : Yes, aunt. When will you take me to the palace of Versailles? <> --You have high hopes, child. But I'm afraid that I haven't yet been given permission to go to the palace. Jeanne : I see…there are many different noble families. This lady seems good, but she doesn't come from such an important family. I was beside myself with joy—but I have higher hopes than this! I'll live like a Queen at Versailles! I'll do anything it takes for that! Anything! Marie : Count Mercy! Wow, this makes me feel so nostalgic! How's mother? How's Herr Greckh? And how is Austria? I've been so ill at ease, having to speak French every day! Mercy : This does indeed bring back memories, Miss Antoinette. I've come to this palace as a servant of your mother, Maria Theresa. Theresa : "You mustn't neglect your studies or your reading, and re-read the letter I gave you on the twenty-first of each month." Marie : I've been having some difficulties, but really, I haven't been lazy at all! Mercy : As I suspected! <> Marie : Isn't this a beautiful garden? On the day of my wedding, it was open to the public. Mercy : Incidentally, Miss Antoinette, I haven't seen the Crown Prince. Marie : The Crown Prince? He's in the smithery making locks. <> Mercy : That must be Du Barry…I've heard that she was the King's mistress, and Miss Antoinette does not seem to like her very much. --After several months… --Not even a word! --It's making Lady Du Barry tremble with fear! --I'm betting on Miss Antoinette! --I'll bet 5000 livres on Du Barry! Mercy : So Miss Antoinette is openly attacking the King's lover? This could certainly arouse the King's anger! --Look over there! --I wonder who bagged that fox! Louis : It seems that you've surpassed me again, Oscar. Oscar : No, it was your bullet that killed it, Prince. <> --Look, Oscar's over there with the Crown Prince! --Perhaps she sides with Miss Antoinette after all? --Oscar's wonderful! Du Barry : That's right! If I can make Oscar my ally…all the noble ladies in the court will also come to my side! And besides, Oscar's mother… <> --Please retire, Gentlemen. It is time to serve Miss Antoinette. Now, please hurry. Noon Mass is about to start, and the Crown Prince will be waiting for you. Marie : Makeup…meals…changing clothes…mass…soirées…everyone is bound hand and foot by the need to observe traditions and etiquette in front of others. <> Marie : I want to play freely! I want to run all around doing as I please! Laughing and laughing and talking, just like in the past… Aunts! --It's awful! That woman— --That shameless Du Barry— --She's asked the King for Oscar François's mother as her lady-in-waiting! Marie : Oscar François's mother!? The lady-in-waiting to Lady Du Barry!? --That harlot has set her sights on Oscar's popularity. --When she really has no formal position at all! --She only wants to fight with you, the Crown Princess! --But of course she wouldn't beat you, who holds the highest position among the noble ladies, with such petty tricks. <> --But we can't stand that our lovely Antoinette could be made a fool of by that woman! Marie : Oscar François de Jarjayes…Very well, aunts! I will ask the Crown Prince to make Oscar François's mother my lady-in-waiting instead! Then, I will have a first-rate lady-in-waiting as well! <> Oscar : What!? My mother!? --Oscar…please, Miss, calm down…she could choose between serving either Lady Du Barry or Miss Antoinette… Oscar : Quiet! --Miss…I mean, Oscar… <> Oscar : I know the reason! They're trying to make me choose either Du Barry or the Crown Princess… André : Calm down, Oscar, you're going to have to choose sometime. If you look at this from a long-term perspective… --André! What are you saying to Miss Oscar? Have you forgotten your place? Who do you have to thank for letting you in this palace in the first place? André : Ah! I'm sorry, grandma! Oscar : No! I don't want my mother to be involved in the court's argument! <> --This is the order of the King, Oscar. Which would you have her serve, Lady Du Barry or Miss Antoinette? --Please don't worry about me, Oscar. I will serve whomever you think is best. <> Oscar : My mother's suffering will be the same no matter what I choose, but I must choose one of them…Rather than Lady Du Barry, who has great influence in the court but has a low status and uses her body to make the King do what she wants, I would choose the legitimate Princess in line for the throne, Antoinette… Very well, Father. I would have her serve the Crown Princess. --This is wonderful, ma'am! You'll be a first-rate lady-in-waiting! <> Oscar : Mother, in return for this, I will always protect you, from somewhere. In the days that followed, rumors of Marie Antoinette's victory over Du Barry in their first match spread throughout Versailles. Du Barry : This is absolutely humiliating! I can't believe that that immature Oscar would defy me like this! I'll have to see if I can't do something about his mother! Du Barry : Please do something, King! Louis XV : Not this again! I refuse to go to any more trouble for this! Can't you just leave it alone? You have all the jewels and carriages you could want. Du Barry : No! I have been humiliated by that stuck-up little girl! She's made me the laughingstock of the entire court! That red-headed brat refuses even to recognize my existence at the court by not speaking to me! I'm being insulted! And this is also an insult to you! You have a duty to protect me! King! Louis : Very well! I shall send Countess Noaille to the girl's room. Noaille : This is awful! The King himself told me just now to warn you to be very careful about your behavior towards Lady Du Barry! --No need to worry. He surely only did it because that woman begged him to. Mercy : The King himself? This is bad news…the treaty between France and Austria could be in danger. Theresa : Du Barry? I've heard her name, but…why is that girl causing such a commotion over her? --I come as an express messenger from Count Mercy. It's thought that the situation is quite grave. Please write a letter to Miss Antoinette at once. <> Theresa : I don't know what to do…I can't do that…I taught her that selling your body to a man for money, or becoming a man's mistress, were the worst things a woman could do. How can I tell her to be polite to Du Barry when she is such a woman? But neither can I go against the King of France… Kaunitz, please write the letter to Marie. Kaunitz : Empress… Theresa : If you told her that her behavior was awkward from a political perspective, surely… <> Mercy : Because, you see, insulting a person who associates with the King is the same thing as insulting the King himself… Marie : All right, Count Mercy. I understand. Kaunitz, that skinny old man! I should be able to say whatever I like! I wonder how news of this got to Austria, anyway… --I heard that Miss Antoinette got a letter from the (foreign minister) of Austria. --Then Miss Antoinette has been persuaded at last! <> --Look! Oscar's standing right by Miss Antoinette! --He's probably worried about his mother. --Who knows what Lady Du Barry would do if she were here? <> --Ah! Lady Du Barry, you look quite fine! --Then that letter… --Perhaps today will be the day Miss Antoinette speaks to Lady Du Barry. Du Barry : I was born as a common person without the least bit of status, but finally I've obtained the title of Countess, the love of the King, influence, jewels, dresses, castles… I've obtained everything I could have wished for. Now I must force the Crown Princess herself to speak to me, to prove once and for all that my power is greater than hers! <> Marie : I can't do it! Even if the King himself has ordered me to, speaking to that woman would mean acknowledging that a prostitute has entered into the court of Versailles! I must not allow that to happen! It isn't a matter of what my aunts or anyone else say now, it's my problem alone. It's a matter of my dignity and pride as the Crown Princess! <> Marie : I will not speak one word! I will keep my lips firmly shut! I will send a message of contempt to that woman, because I am France's true Crown Princess! <> Du Barry : I can't stand it any more! Cut off the head of Oscar's father, General Jarjayes, and lock up his mother in the Bastille! Louis XV : What? No one has ever gone against my orders before! Everyone has always done all they could to obtain my favor! And that granddaughter-in-law of mine dares to openly ignore the orders of me, Louis XV, the king of France? Louis XV : Louis XV, the king of France! --Count Mercy, a message from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It says to report to Lady Du Barry's private room because there is a matter that needs to be discussed. Mercy : The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Lady Du Barry's private room? Then, Miss Antoinette… Louis XV : Thank you for coming quickly, Count Mercy. Du Barry : Thank you for coming, Count Mercy. I trust that Austria's Empress is also in good spirits? At any rate, in society… Du Barry : Everyone seems to think that I have hostile intentions towards the beautiful and charming Crown Princess, but in fact it isn't like that at all! Perhaps it is because that slander has reached the ears of Miss Antoinette that she has not yet spoken to me, but please, Count Mercy, see how I am the one who has been wounded! Mercy : Well… Louis XV : The Crown Princess is still very young, and my grandson is quite taken with her… <> Louis XV : But it would be going too far to say that her problem is merely one of youth! She is too quick to say freely whatever she thinks, and that it not good for France and Austria. I would feel more secure if she could change her attitude. Could you make her understand that? Mercy : Of course that perverted old man would want his granddaughter-in-law to be friends with his own lover! Though it would be embarassing to comment upon that… This has become very serious! I must persuade Miss Antoinette! Mercy : But, Miss Marie… Marie : No! No! And no! Absolutely not! Mercy : Miss Antoinette, are you unaware of the frightful power of the King of France, and its court? Marie : Be quiet! If you want to talk to Lady Du Barry that much, you can go talk to her yourself! Mercy : Miss Antoinette, are you aware of the poison that has been used on those who have gone against the King or gotten in his way? It has no taste or smell, and you could just quietly slip it into a meal, and its effects are absolute. Your heart would never beat again. <> Mercy : And there are other ways to deal with a person. And it's possible, depending on the circumstances, that the King would be angered enough to start a war! What would become of the treaty between France and Austria, the treaty that the Empress Maria Theresa dedicated her whole life to establishing? <> Mercy : If the treaty were to be broken, and France and Austria went to war, it would all be because of you! Marie : Very well. I promise that I will speak to that woman, but only once. But— Marie : But this is not my will! I'm only doing it for the sake of Austria and my mother whom I love and respect! It's for my mother, all right, Count Mercy? In July 1771, every part of Versailles palace, right down to the servants' quarters in the attic, was buzzing with excitement and anticipation. <> --Tonight is the night of Miss Antoinette's party. --When she will finally surrender to Lady Du Barry. --I've heard that she's already completely rehearsed everything she's going to say. André : It's too bad, but eventually even Miss Antoinette had to bow her head before the King's power. --First, Count Mercy will be by Lady Du Barry's side when the card game ends…the Crown Princess will appear there coincidentally, and greet Count Mercy. Mercy : And then you will say a little something to Lady Du Barry. All right? And the words you will say… Marie : I know, we've already talked about them four times. Mercy : Then I can only pray for tonight to be a success. --Oh, look, Count Mercy's there by Lady Du Barry! <> --And now Miss Antoinette is here! Marie : Good evening! What a lively party this is! Good evening, please take your time and enjoy yourselves! <> Marie : Good evening, Count Mercy. <> --Madame Adelaide! --It's time to leave. Let us wait for the King in Victoire's room. Mercy : Miss Antoinette! Oscar : What, are all you old maids jealous? --Looks like Lady Du Barry got stood up! --Madame Adelaide practically carried the Crown Princess off! --And so Lady Du Barry ended up being completely neglected! --You should have seen Lady Du Barry's face! --It was as red as a lobster! Louis XV : I can't stand it any more! The treaty between France and Austria is off! This means war! I'll make her see what happens when you make a fool out of the King of France! --The French-Austrian treaty is broken! --Europe is at war! Marie : Count Mercy! Please beg the King to give me another chance! Next time, for sure, I will speak to her! New Year's Day, 1772. Nearly two years had passed since Marie Antoinette had come to Versailles, and tonight she would finally talk to Lady Du Barry. It was when all the noble ladies walked up to Antoinette for their New Year's greetings. <> Marie : There are many people at Versailles today! <> Louis XV : Come here, Antoinette! Oscar : Miss Antoinette! <> Marie : There are many people at Versailles today…there are many people at Versailles today…there are many… I've lost! The Crown Princess has been beaten by a prostitute! <> Marie : Oscar… Oscar : Miss Antoinette… Marie : I spoke to that woman once. But that is all! I will never say another word to her again! The court of France has been corrupted! The girl in line for the throne has been defeated by a prostitute! <> Oscar : What a proud woman! She's been a queen ever since she was born! At only sixteen, she already has the heart of the Queen of France! <> --Madame Jarjayes, you have orders from the Crown Princess to bring some wine to Madame Du Barry's room. --Madame Du Barry's? Is the Crown Princess there? --Yes. --It's quite unusual that she would be in the room of someone she hated so much… Well then, she should ask the person in charge of getting her wine. Miss Antoinette has 168 people in charge of her meals! --I was told to ask you, Madame Jarjayes. <> André : Oscar! Oscar : André? André : Your mother was going to Madame Du Barry's room just now. Do you know why? Oscar : My mother? Du Barry : Why, Madame Jarjayes! --We've brought some wine for the Crown Princess. Please take it to her. Du Barry : I'm sorry, but Miss Antoinette left just now! <> Du Barry : But let's have a glass since you went to the trouble of bringing it. Is this my glass? --Yes, it's that one. Du Barry : You over there, the candle woman! Would you come have a glass of the wine Madame Jarjayes brought for me? --Are you sure? Thank you! --Ah! Du Barry : What is it? Wake up, wake up! It's poison! There was poison in that wine! --No! <> --Oh no! This must have been a trap! A trap set by Madame Du Barry, as revenge for my becoming Miss Antoinette's servant! Du Barry : Madame Jarjayes, was this plan to put poison in my wine the Crown Princess's? Or was it something you dreamed up yourself? <> Oscar : How terrible that you can use your servants' very lives as tools! Du Barry : Oscar, what do you mean? Oscar : Did you really think that no one would see through your little play, Madame Du Barry? You couldn't possibly be so foolish. The King is already 62 years old. Do you not understand that your influence will become more and more fragile as the King ages? I can be assured that she won't speak of what happened tonight. <> Oscar : Remember this! As long as I, Oscar, stay by their sides, no one will be able to ensnare either Miss Antoinette or my mother! Du Barry : 62…I hadn't even thought of it. His Higness is already 62… An age when he could die of a stroke tomorrow. <> Du Barry : Then that stupid Crown Prince would accede as Louis XVI…and that stuck-up girl would be the Queen of France. Then I could be banished or sent to the Bastille… Oscar : You must be tired of these things by now. Marie : Really…maybe this is my punishment for getting involved in my aunt's vicious backbiting. Marie : But the Prince…he's always making locks at the blacksmith's, or out hunting, or eating snacks. Prince! What are you doing all covered in mud like that? Have you been at the blacksmiths' again? To think that the Crown Prince is behaving like a common laborer! Marie : You always go to bed by yourself at night, and you never talk to me, or spend any time at all with me! Prince! Do you think you can run away? I'm going to tell you this today! All right? In the first place, lock making is an utterly ridiculous hobby. <> Marie : Oh dear, I've said too much, haven't I? Please don't cry, my Prince. <> Louis : I really love her very much, but she's so beautiful… I never know what to say to her. She's wonderful in everything that she says and does, and I'm just nearsighted and bashful, and not chic at all. --Miss Antoinette, you have a gift from Lady Du Barry. It's a very unusual oriental perfume. Marie : From Lady Du Barry? Refuse it, and tell her that the Crown Princess is not accustomed to taking bribes. --Yes, ma'am! Oscar : That was quite impressive, Miss Antoinette. Marie : Oscar… Oscar : Lady Du Barry…I can see she gave what I said some thought. --Miss Antoinette, Lady Du Barry's lady-in-waiting has a message for you. <> --She says that if you wish it, Lady Du Barry will talk to the King and have 700,000-livre gold earrings sent to you. Ah…Miss Antoinette! Marie Antoinette knew well that she didn't need other people's power to get jewels. The pride and self-esteem that had newly bloomed in the sixteen-year-old girl's heart had already become so firm that nothing could move them. <> --Well…you won't be needed starting tomorrow…please don't think badly of me, Rosalie. Times are bad everywhere, and we had more people than we could afford. Here's your salary for up until now… Rosalie : What should I do? What can I give my sick mother to eat, from tomorrow on? <> Rosalie : I have to give my mother something nutritious…bread, eggs, and milk are so expensive lately…after buying break, I only have money left for vegetable soup…Jeanne! Jeanne! I'm scared! What should I do? How can I live? Come back and help me, Jeanne! Oh, it's Pierre from next door! <> Rosalie : What's wrong? Are you hungry? Pierre : I… Rosalie : Here, I'll give you half of my bread. It's all right, because it's my half. Pierre : Rosalie! Thanks, Rosalie! I'll share it with my mom! Rosalie : Ah! --I'm sorry, miss, are you hurt? Rosalie : No, I'm all right. How handsome! <> Hans Axel : The poverty and filth on these back streets is awful compared with the front side… --Quite true, Hans Axel, sir. Hans Axel von Fersen, a young Swedish nobleman who had studied military tactics in Germany, music and medicine in Italy, and philosophy in Sweden, had come to France to polish his image in Parisian social circles. The fateful meeting of Marie Antoinette, Oscar Francois, and Fersen was not far off! On Tuesday June 8th, 1773, the Parisian sky shone brightly, without a single cloud. The 18-year-old Prince and 17-year-old Princess were to formally visit Paris for the first time that day! The road from Notre Dame to the palace of Tuilerie was filled with a crowd of 400,000, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the young couple. They went wild at the sight of Marie Antoinette, even more charming and beautiful than they had hoped. The sounds of cheers and hands clapping resounded through Paris like a storm. Marie : Oscar! Make sure to warn the guards not to carelessly knock into anyone, all right? Oscar : Yes, Miss Antoinette! Oscar : No! Don't come forward any further! --What a cute guy! --Just like you'd expect for a member of the guards! --Come over here again! Oscar : I just told you not to go forward! <> She had feet as light as feathers, a noble carriage, a shining smile framed by the pursed lips particular to Austria's house of Hapsburg…but what really surprised and fascinated the citizens of Paris was Antoinette's beautiful skin, which was like scarlet rose petals floating in milk. --Look at that skin! It's just like a pearl! --I'm sure that happy times will be here if she become the Queen of France! --Look, look, she's smiling just like us! Louis : Everyone's looking at you in amazement…wave at them. Marie : Just by waving my hand a little…it's wonderful to be the Crown Princess! I never knew how lovely it was to have the love of so many people! Oscar : Princess, right now you're looking at 200,000 people who are all in love with you. Marie : Oh my! <> Perhaps if Antoinette had not forgotten how moved she was on this day by the love of her subjects, she may not have become a tragic Queen. Jeanne : Miss Antoinette's beauty was truly astonishing! Are the sabot biscuits ready? --Yes, Miss Jeanne. <> --But you're quite astonishing yourself, Jeanne! After just two or three years, you'd think you were an entirely different person. --You really are a fast learner. Jeanne : Naturally…I've put in backbreaking work, not even sleeping at night, to become a noble lady. Now is the time for me to show my real power… --Miss Jeanne, there's a filthy girl named Rosalie who says she's here to see you. Jeanne : Rosalie? Jeanne : It's her! What's she doing here? And what an awkward time! I have guests! Rosalie : Jeanne! Is it really you? You've become so beautiful I almost thought I was mistaken! Jeanne : Rosalie! <> Jeanne : This does bring back memories! Thank you for coming to see me, my Rosalie! Rosalie : Oh, Jeanne, I'm so glad! I thought you were gone forever! Mother fell sick, and…and, well, perhaps if you could spare a little money… Jeanne : Rosalie, you poor thing! Don't hesitate, come right in! --Who's that girl? An acquaintance of Miss Jeanne? Jeanne : She was my maid in a castle in the country, who's come to me for help. --How kind of you! <> Jeanne : Now, wait here, Rosalie. Rosalie : All right, Jeanne. Well, Jeanne's already a princess…she couldn't say that we were sisters…but it's all right. She wept when she saw me… She's still the same as she was before… <> --Are you the little brat trying to extort money from Jeanne? Rosalie : Who are you? --I am Jeanne's lover, Nicolas de la Motte, and I'm going to make sure you can't threaten my Jeanne like that again. Rosalie : Threaten? What do you mean? My sister— --Quiet! She said that she you were trying to blackmail her by saying that you were going to spread around a rumor that she was your sister, and was once a beggar, if you didn't give her money! <> Rosalie : Jeanne said that? --Did you think that you could get away with such a ridiculous lie? She said that it was all right if I killed you. Rosalie : That can't be! Jeanne would never do that! --Wait! Rosalie : Jeanne tried to kill me!? Rosalie : I got in her way by coming here…it's just awful! Jeanne has already started to lose her heart! First abandoning us, and then trying to kill me! <> Jeanne : That's right. All of my hard work until now would turn into little water bubbles if you appeared, knowing my past. Now you won't try to approach me again. --Hey, Jeanne… Jeanne : Don't take liberties with me! I haven't told you that I love you yet. Well now…according to my plan, the next step is to deal with that duchess. Hmm…I think that man will be useful for that… Marie : Oscar! Oscar! <> Oscar : Miss Antoinette! Marie : Shh, Oscar! I'm going to Paris incognito to have some fun! Oscar : You mustn't do that, Miss Antoinette! You have to get the King's permission first! Marie : I'm going to a masquerade ball at the opera. I'll wear a mask, so no one will know that I'm the Princess. Oscar, come with me as my bodyguard! Oscar : Something as disreputable as a masquerade ball… <> Marie : Wow! It's so lively! Oscar, come over here and dance a little! --You dance wonderfully! What's your name? Marie : I won't tell you that! Marie : Oh, my heart feels as if it's going to burst! I never knew such an exciting world existed! Here, I can forget my position as Crown Princess! It's so different from my life at the palace, where I can be scolded just for laughing when I want to. It's like a dream! Hans Axel : Miss… Excuse me, Miss, but could I have the next dance? <> Marie : What? I— This was January 30, 1774, the night of the masquerade ball at the opera house. <> Hans Axel : She's more beautiful than I dreamed possible! Such eyes, such lips, such skin! Who is this girl? Oscar : What's your name, younster? Your origin and status? Marie : Oscar!