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FADE IN:
INT. HALL OF GOODERESTE CASTLE – MORNING
We begin with an opening shot of Goodereste Castle’s Hall. The hall is a long pathway surrounded by white pillars and white marbled floors. Each pillar, there hangs a banner with stars as its emblem. It is shown to us that the quality of the cloth is silken and free of wrinkles; a sign of the banners being washed frequently and so do the floors as it shines in the same manner. The beauty of the hall’s interiors is then complimented by the soft glow of the rising sun.
LONG SHOT: A shadow of someone lurks behind the wall that leads to the western side of the pathway. His back is pressed against the cold surface of the wall as he listens to the conversation of the castle maids and attendants.
CASTLE MAID #1
(SIGHING, DISTRESSED)
To think Her Highness would be close to that demon…
CASTLE MAID #2
(WHISPERING)
You never know if he’s using his beauty or other conniving means to seduce her.
CASTLE ATTENDANT #1
(STAMMERING, STARTLED)
You don’t think he would… to Her Highness?
CASTLE MAID #2
(ANNOYED)
It’s obvious he’s using his role as the ambassador to get close to her and cause a scandal.
CASTLE ATTENDANT #1
It still baffles me that His and Her Majesty would turn a blind eye to this matter, especially regarding their own daughter…
CASTLE MAID #2
(SHAKY VOICE)
I can only fear that he might even become Her Highness’s prince consort…
CASTLE ATTENDANT #2
Ah, there’s a bleak future awaiting this Kingdom…
BEAT.
CLOSE UP: The shadow trembles, shocked by what he has heard. He leaves in haste before anyone takes notice of his presence.
ENT. GOODERESTE CASTLE’S GARDEN – AFTERNOON – Meeting
A lone person sits on a garden bench, his fingers fidgeting as he waits for someone. When he sees a shadow towering over him, he looks up and sees the Princess. She takes up her seat beside him and they begin their conversation.
LEO
(TIMID)
I apologize for this abrupt meetup.
THE PRINCESS
I’m usually the one who invites you for tea, so this must be urgent.
LEO
(STAMMERING, NERVOUS)
Princess, I’ve been… meaning to say this; through your and Her Majesty’s consideration of me, I was able to adjust well. For that, I am truly grateful. But… erm, I think it would be best if we kept our distance for a while…
THE PRINCESS
And why is that?
LEO
It’s because, um, the hospitable treatment that I receive from the Princess. Other people might find it strange. The frequent invitations to teatime and the gifts; normally, people wouldn’t have done this much for a stranger–
THE PRINCESS
But Leo, you’re not a stranger.
LEO
But in the eyes of others, I’m merely someone from the Demon Castle. That’s why, your treatment of me, it’s too…
THE PRINCESS
(ANNOYED)
Then, who are these other people you’re referring to?
LEO
It’s the castle maids and attendants…
THE PRINCESS
And why should it matter?
BEAT.
ZOOM IN, CLOSE UP: Leo blinks widely, the inquiry sounds more indifferent than the Princess’s usual tone. He releases a sigh to gather his bearings. At the same time, the Princess sits still with her eyes not blinking but her gaze holds something that Leo does not quite understand.
LEO
Of course, it matters! Aren’t they the same servants who’ve served this royal castle for many generations? For that reason alone, we can’t just ignore their thoughts.
THE PRINCESS
Seeing that their thoughts matter a lot to you, I’ll deal with them. Would that be enough?
LEO (V.O.)
In what way… exactly?!
LEO
(WORRIED)
I don’t think it’s wise to handle them in the manner I assume… that you plan on doing. Wouldn’t that lead to more unwanted rumors?
THE PRINCESS
Then, what do you suppose I should be doing?
BEAT.
LEO
I… I mean no disrespect, but when there’s a conflict of interests, wouldn’t all members of the Royal Court have to come to an agreement eventually–
THE PRINCESS
(INTERRUPTING, DEADPAN)
The way that Twilight and the Ten Guardians run the Demon Castle is different from how my parents and I do things here; our word is absolute.
LEO
(TENSE)
I see…
THE PRINCESS
(WAVING, CONTINUING)
Not to mention, we have a family motto that if an employee proves to be lacking or they become someone who creates needless issues that concern the Royal Family, we can just dismiss them from their duties.
LEO (V.O.)
What to do, how should I get my meaning across…
THE PRINCESS
(STILL CONTINUING)
Leo, do those castle maids and attendants matter that much to you?
LEO
What do you mean by that…?
THE PRINCESS
Worrying about how they see you, trying to strike up conversations with them, and always smiling at them… no matter how futile your efforts may seem. I would understand if we were still in Demon Castle, but why do the same for these people?
LEO (V.O.)
Isn’t it natural to want to get along with your colleagues…? Ah, right. This is the Princess we’re talking about…
LEO
(WAVING WILDLY)
You see, wouldn’t it be better if colleagues get along well for more efficiency and cover the other’s shortcomings as well as having someone to have nice chats with?
THE PRINCESS
(EYES NARROWED, CONFUSED)
You’re their superior in both position and ranks, there’s no need for you to bow down to their levels. Just give them a command and they’ll carry out their duties. As for having people to talk to, there’s Mother and me. Why search elsewhere?
LEO
That’s true, but if someone doesn’t like me, shouldn’t I be worried? It’s for this reason that everyone shows respect and goodwill to each other.
THE PRINCESS
It’s because of those things that you care about their opinion of you?
LEO
(BEAMING)
Yes! That’s why–
THE PRINCESS
(INTERRUPTING)
Whether or not someone likes you, they still must earn their keep all the same. Should it really matter?
BEAT.
ZOOM OUT
PAN OVER, FOLLOWING LEO: As soft breezes pass them by, Leo’s back is hunched over and it shakes uncontrollably. He looks down at the fields of grass, his gaze wavering.
LEO (V.O.)
Our outlook in life is just too different, it’s to be expected that this is going nowhere. However, since she views everything objectively, shouldn’t this conversation be pointless to her? So why would she keep on listening to my nonsense…
LEO
(SADDENED)
I… I think any more talk of this will bore you, so let’s end it here and do consider maintaining dis–
ZOOM IN
PAN OVER, FOLLOWING THE PRINCESS:
CLOSE UP: She tilts her head as she looks at Leo, confused by his words.
THE PRINCESS
But it’s a matter that involves you, why should I be bored by it?
ZOOM OUT, LONG SHOT: Leo straightens his back, and he lets out a sigh as if to catch his breathing.
LEO
(LOOKS TO THE PRINCESS)
But you seem…
THE PRINCESS
(GENUINE)
No, no, whatever it is you’re thinking… that’s not it. And besides, if it’s something that bothers you, then it bothers me as well.
LEO (V.O.)
Right, even if we can’t see the matter eye to eye and have our own approach to things, that doesn’t mean the Princess is indifferent to it. To think hearing this makes me happy…
THE PRINCESS
(SHOUTING)
Hey, don’t zone out on me!
CLOSE UP, FOLLOWING BOTH
LEO
Ah, sorry, sorry. I didn’t mean to.
THE PRINCESS
If it worries you this much, I can offer another suggestion.
LEO (V.O.)
I sure hope it’s better than just firing the workers…
THE PRINCESS
(CONTINUING)
Originally, I had their dismissal in mind when you brought this up–
LEO
(ANXIOUS, INTERRUPTING)
Princess, please don’t! Dismissing them from their duties isn’t the best course of action, they have families that depend on them. Taking away someone’s livelihood so easily because of a personal issue is going a little too far…
THE PRINCESS
Even though they’re the ones who have mocked you, you’re still defending them. But anyhow, let me finish.
LEO
(EMBARRASSED)
Ah, sorry.
THE PRINCESS
I say we let Mother handle the rumors and those people. If we go with that, the servants won’t have to get fired from work and we won’t have to maintain distance from each other. (EYES NARROWED) Unless you’re using the latter as an excuse…
LEO (V.O.)
(SWEATING)
Ah, she must still be upset from all the times I’ve distanced myself from her.
THE PRINCESS
(CONTINUING)
So, what’s it gonna be, your plan or mine?
LEO
But to involve her Majesty like that…
THE PRINCESS
(NONCHALANT, WAVING)
Don’t fret, networking is one of Mother’s expertise and she can do more than just spread rumors that oppose the claims of the castle maids and attendants.
LEO (V.O.)
Something tells me Her Majesty has some sort of underworld agency that I shouldn’t be knowing about…
LEO
It’s a generous offer, but what would that make me if I even can’t handle my own personal issues?
THE PRINCESS
(CONFUSED)
Is it wrong to take the easy way out? With this approach, no one will be affected by it.
LEO
But as much as I can, there’s some things I want to do for myself. Even if it meant forgoing the easy way out. And besides, it’s not like we won’t see each other forever. It’s probably a couple of weeks or a few months of maintaining distance from the other until the rumors die down–
THE PRINCESS
(ANGERED, INTERRUPTING)
No, absolutely not. That’s the one thing I will never give up on.
LEO (V.O.)
I don’t understand; even if she cares for my wellbeing, it’s not like I hardly amount to anything that’s more than my role in both Demon Castle and the City of Goodereste. So why would she…
THE PRINCESS
(UPSET)
I’ll let you think it over. Send me a letter when you’ve made your decision.
ZOOM OUT, REVERSE SHOT: Leo stares at the Princess who has suddenly stood up and left. As he watches her retreating back, he scratches his cheeks while contemplating over something. He finds himself confused about that spark he just sees in her eyes. So, he stays there and goes deep into his thoughts.
CUT TO:
The End.