Reference:   Shueisha bunko 3, 301-303 (tankoubon 6);   not in anime

[ At her proposal party, Oscar arrives in dress uniform.   As the men watch in horror, she dances with the women and invites the French Guards to come in for dinner.   She then steps out into the garden, leaving the guests scrambling about in the mess she created.   Gerodère follows and tells her that he is actually pleased to have lost competitors because of this.   Frustrated, Oscar rejects his advances and picks up a flower stem. ]

Gerodère:	Are you going to eat those rose petals?
Oscar:	Got a problem with that?   (lit. can't I)
Gerodère:	Don't force yourself any more. Why are you rejecting a warm fire and tender nap? You must have desired the happiness of an ordinary woman, and shed many lonely tears after rejecting those gentle hands that reached out to you. Don't force yourself any more.   Open your heart.   (lit. be meek) Stop yourself before heading straight into tragedy. My heart is always ready for you if you would accept me. Why don't you entrust me with all of your heart's sorrows and sufferings, all the burden you bore on your shoulders? If you are willing to entrust me with all of your long-time sufferings, loneliness, and tears ... I love you, beautiful lady ...
[ Gerodère tries to kiss Oscar.   Oscar pushes him away. ]
Oscar:	{{ The lips that I know, the lips that I know ... Ah, yes, they are warmer and more supple, wrapping my lips fully, tightly pressing and sliding into my lips. The lips that I know ... }}

 

Isn't Gerodère cool?   No wonder Oscar almost falls for him!   Seriously though, Gerodère is incredibly perceptive.   His words describe exactly what Oscar has been doing for years -- that is, forcing herself to be strong (and independent) and denying herself the joys of womanhood.   And for a brief moment, Oscar seems moved and regretful of her past actions.   Had Oscar not remembered her earlier kiss, she probably would have accepted his offer.   Luckily for André she doesn't.

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