Scenario:Paris - A Letter from Home

A Letter from Home

One day, Paris is in his office hard at work when a single letter arrives for him. As the count mulls over what to write in reply, Rosalind and Benvolio pay him a visit, worried about his overwork. They coerce him into joining them for late-night teatime. When asked about his hometown, Paris becomes briefly lost in thought.

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Paris: ...

Paris: Whew... Time certainly passes by in the blink of an eye. It's almost noon.

Paris: I was hoping for a bit more time to prepare for this afternoon's council session on our new laws...

The republic of Verona.

The country was once divided in two as a result of a conflict between Montague and Capulet that lasted for over ten years.

Romeo, the heir of Montague, and Juliet, the princess of Capulet.

Coming from rival families, the two had found themselves in a tragic love that seemed not to be.

Meanwhile, there were those who conspired for the revival of Escalus—a royal family who once ruled over Verona.

Among these conflicting ambitions, the people's hearts were disconnected and in a state of unrest. Much blood and many tears were shed.

However, it was also through the people's desire for peace in the country that Verona was brought together once more.

The monarchy was abolished, and Verona was reborn as a republic—something that happened only recently.

Paris: This session will most likely be a long one, seeing how we need to discuss further about the tariffs...

Paris is a count who was once engaged to Juliet of the Capulets.

Though there was a time when he fought against Romeo of the Montagues, after a series of events, the two have since become good friends.

Now, Paris serves as one of the leaders of Verona's council, devoting himself every day to working for the republic.

Paris: At this point in time, the funds we can secure are...

Paris: Come in.

Assistant: Pardon my intrusion.

Assistant: My lord, a letter has arrived for you.

Paris: Thank you. You can leave it over there.

Assistant: Very well. If you'll excuse me.

Paris: A letter... Let's see if it's something personal or for work.

Paris reaches for the envelope on his desk and turns it over to see who the sender is.

Paris: I don't believe it!

Eyes widening at the name written on the back, he quickly picks up a letter opener.

Paris: It's been so long... Ten years? No, perhaps more than that.

He carefully removes the seal to open the envelope.

That night.

Paris: Come to think of it, there's been a request for maintenance on the canal that runs along the west district.

Paris: I'd like to go for an inspection, but the next available time I have is...

When Paris opens his journal, the envelope he had placed between its pages flies out.

Paris: (If possible, I'd like to take my time in writing a reply, but I don't want to respond too late...)

Frowning slightly, the count is lost in thought when a knock sounds at his door.

Paris: Who could it be at this hour?

Paris: Come in.

Rosalind: Good evening, Count Paris. Please pardon my late intrusion.

Paris: Rosalind? And...

Benvolio: Please excuse us, my lord. I don't mean to barge in like this...

Rosalind: Oh, Benvolio! We certainly are not barging.

Rosalind: We're simply here to inform Count Paris that it is time for tea.

Paris: Time for tea?

Rosalind: Just as I thought. You're still working, aren't you?

Paris: Yes... There never seems to be enough time.

Rosalind: I understand, but we would love for you to join us regardless.

Rosalind: Come and take a break before the tea grows cold.

Benvolio: I also happened to receive some desserts. I've brought them with me, if you would be inclined to have some.

Paris: Very well... Then I shall take you up on the offer.

With a small sigh, Paris closes his journal.

Paris: Mm. This is delicious.

Holding a teacup in his hand, Paris gazes out at the night sky beyond the balcony.

Under the faint stars, dots of light are scattered throughout the streets of Verona.

Paris: ...

Benvolio: Count Paris... Um, you look rather pale...

Paris: Do I? It is rather dark out here.

Benvolio: I don't think it's that... Are you sure you're not pushing yourself too hard? Please take some time to rest.

Paris: No, I...

Paris: I'm fine. I'm sure you're busier than I am.

Benvolio: Huh? Me?

Paris: I imagine juggling your job as an actor at the Rose Theater with your duties as a council member to be no easy feat.

Benvolio: I'm... very much still a novice when it comes to matters of the council... I'm sorry.

Paris: That wasn't intended to be criticism. I'm genuinely impressed.

Rosalind: Hehe.

Rosalind: Oh my, this dessert is scrumptious. You must try some, Count Paris.

Paris: I will, thank you.

Rosalind: You received these desserts from a fan of yours, didn't you, Benvolio?

Paris: Is that so? I shouldn't take this then—

Benvolio: Please, it's fine! These are delicious, so I want to share them with all of you as well.

Benvolio: I'm very much still a fledgling as a council member, but even more so as an actor.

Benvolio: I'm only just managing to keep up with everything. Still...

Benvolio: Every day has been incredibly fulfilling for me.

Paris: I see.

Benvolio: Oh, speaking of which—we have upcoming plans to perform for some students at a newly built school.

Paris: That's a good idea.

Benvolio: Yes, it's a new kind of endeavor for the Rose Theater. Though... I've been struggling at the rehearsals for it.

Rosalind: Hehe... You did say the other day that your muscles were sore from rehearsing the sword fights.

Benvolio: R-Rosalind! Please...

Rosalind: It's nothing to be embarrassed about. I would say that's proof of your hard work.

Benvolio: Yes, but... bringing that up now just brings attention to the fact that I lack the stamina I need for my performance!

Rosalind: No use sulking about it. You spent all your time inside reading when you were little, so it's no surprise that you'd find this challenging.

Paris: Ah, that's right. The two of you have known each other since you were children, haven't you?

Benvolio: Yes. Rosalind... hasn't changed much since we were young.

Benvolio: She still treats me like a child, as always...

Rosalind: Hehe. You have become a lot more strong-willed, Benvolio.

Rosalind: Back in the day, you'd refuse to say outright that you wanted to play with Lord Romeo and Mercutio, and simply watched from afar.

Benvolio: See, you're doing it again! You just like teasing me, don't you?

Rosalind: I'm not teasing! I'm happy that you've grown up so much.

Benvolio: That's what I mean about treating me like a child...

Paris: Nothing to complain about, Benvolio. Old acquaintances you feel comfortable with are invaluable, after all.

Rosalind: Well, what about you, Count Paris?

Paris: What about me?

Rosalind: You came to Verona because of your engagement to Juliet, didn't you?

Rosalind: Do you have family and childhood friends back home, then?

Paris: Home...

Paris unconsciously looks down at the journal he had taken with him out to the balcony.

Paris: No... I have devoted the entirety of myself to Verona—this is my home now.

Tearing his eyes away from the notebook, he takes another sip of his tea, which has gone slightly lukewarm from the cool night air.