Baraou no Souretsu (Requiem of the Rose King / Bara Ou no Souretsu)

Who'll you wager on?

My money's on George.

I'm for King George too.

He has the Earl of Warwick on his side.

No one in England can beat the Kingmaker at--

I'll wager on Edward.

That's a woman for you. The girls all go for a good-looking man.

I suppose so. Just once, I'd love to see King Edward in the flesh.

I believe he's being held near here?

He's not here anymore.

I wouldn't mind telling you where he went if you'll show me a good time.

Tell me. Immediately.

M-My humble apologies.

If you must wait on me, I wish you'd serve me a woman.

Edward.

I'll grant your wish and serve you...

...a woman's head.

York of the white rose.

Lancaster of the red rose.

These royal houses with roses for their crests battled for the throne.

People call their strife the "Wars of the Roses."

Y-You lie.

Say it isn't true.

Merely a jest.

I'm sorry to say that your wife fled to an abbey before we could reach her.

So, I asked someone to take her place.

Namely...

...your father-in-law.

Warwick. Do you honestly believe you'll get away with this?

Have no fear.

Once parliament formally deposes you and King George is on the throne,

your wife will no longer even be worth killing.

Preposterous! God alone has the right to take my crown!

True. If I do not take it,

I may well have God do so.

It's as I feared.

I knew that Warwick was no friend of ours.

Does he plan to send me back to France

and pretend that our alliance never happened?

What did you say?!

How many times do I have to tell you?! We're out of room!

Then chase a few paupers out and make some!

Who are you?!

This heraldry

is Warwick's.

Not a bad blade. I think I'll keep it.

You bitch!

Being slain by a woman would stain your reputation.

Even if you bought your honor with gold.

Damned riffraff!

You're a strong one.

If you're looking for an inn, we've got room for two.

You do? I'd like to rest our horses.

I don't want any trouble,

but who ever heard of a fugitive couple?

Come, my guests! We've got newcomers!

Your Grace.

It's better than the ground.

--But... --Make a wall of yourself, then.

Pardon me.

When I was little,

I once woke you after having a nightmare, did I not?

I never expected to gain the warmth of another body again.

Not after that day...

...Henry.

Your Grace. The man from yesterday was indeed one of Warwick's messengers.

He's in there.

Catesby and I could never bring Edward out of there alone.

If only we had more allies.

Damn. I can't overlook Warwick's treachery and slink back to France.

This could doom my love as well.

Richard!

Aren't you Warwick's man?

N-No!

I came here as his guest, but I've never once trusted him.

Yet you've followed him all this way?

I want to strike back at Warwick now. Don't you?

You know who I am?

No! All I know is that you're a charming lady.

I want you to do me a favor.

Take me into the castle with you as your woman.

Is this a dream?

I don't want my face seen.

May the two of us act alone except while riding?

Of course.

It's like a dream come true. I'm going to be queen.

What is Father thinking, imprisoning His Majesty?

Edward is the one to blame.

Father has merely seen justice done.

Duke Richard...

We act as soon as we reach the castle and the troops disperse,

when they're most exhausted and least cautious.

All right.

It appears that you're quite a special guest.

You're permitted a certain degree of unusual activity.

Therefore,

I want you to offer me to King Edward as a high-class prostitute.

O-Offer you to him?!

No! I forbid it! You ought to take better care of yourself!

I won't actually sleep with him.

Me? With a man? It's absurd.

But I can make use of this body.

This detestable body of mine.

Very well. If you really insist.

But, um, let me ask you one thing.

A-Are you... a virgin?

You have a genius for irritating me.

D-Do you have a lover?

I have nothing of the kind, and I never will.

Truly? There was nothing between her and my father?

Her body is still untouched?

No. Richard is putting her trust in me.

But I'll never get another chance like this.

Your Grace!

Have years of misfortune made me forget my pride?

I'm the prince of Lancaster.

I'll take what I want honestly and openly.

I am a future king!

We still have time before we go to an inn. Care to take a look around?

What for?

Oh, well...

I thought a "high-class prostitute" should have somewhat finer clothes.

The surest way to a woman's heart...

...is with gifts!

I think these will do.

You can't be too careful.

What do you say to this? Wouldn't it suit you?

Would you care to try it on?

No.

Come on. Try it.

It would be hard to swing a sword.

You look lovely! I wish I could have your portrait painted.

How about this?

Some cloth to hide my face will do.

Why?! I have plenty of money!

You'll look more feminine in fancier clothes!

That's why I refused.

Do I look like a woman to you?

Of course you do.

I see.

What a difficult woman. I knew this wouldn't be simple.

But that's her charm.

There are a lot of people. Take care not to lose me.

What do you think of my manliness?!

It's hard to walk. Let go.

Strawberry pies? Would you like one?

Shopkeeper! Two pies, and make it quick!

Buy one more for me.

I'll buy as many as you like!

Is it good? Would you like mine too?

Aren't you going to eat it?

It's fine. I wanted to buy you something you wanted.

Wasn't there anything you wanted?

What I want is...

I want a crown.

Only the king can have a crown.