Chapter 3 (Part 4)

The carriage heading to the outskirts of town was utterly silent. Both William and she tried to start a conversation several times, but it didn’t flow as they wished. Eventually, they both gave up and chose silence. The uncomfortable silence continued until the carriage dropped them off.

The church wasn’t large or fancy, but it had its own charm. The ivy climbing along the walls harmonized with the surrounding scenery. Although not adorned with flashy jewels, the stained glass windows sparkled in the light. She momentarily forgot the current situation and uttered words of admiration.

“It’s a truly beautiful church.”

There was no particular response from William. Worried that she might have hurt him somehow, she looked back to find him staring at the church without blinking. He was persistently observing the scene before him as if capturing it with his eyes. Somehow, his artistic demeanor made her hold her breath.

“Indeed. It’s a church that suits you very well, Juliet.”

William smiled gently. It was the first genuine smile she had seen since she announced her engagement. The awkward silence from earlier melted away in an instant. Somehow, she felt at ease.

“Juliet, you’re here.”

The atmosphere that had barely softened reversed in an instant. It was Romeo. Glancing back, she saw William’s face harden again.

“Romeo!”

Despite her feelings, her feet moved toward Romeo. It was the work of the tiresome Masterpiece. Romeo’s face lit up with happiness as he greeted her. She knew she must have the same expression, even without a mirror.

“How did Mr. William come along?”

Only then did Romeo seem to notice William as he looked behind her and asked.

“He agreed to be a witness at our engagement ceremony.”

When she answered with the prepared words, Romeo nodded as if understanding. After a light greeting to William, he turned toward the church with his arm around her shoulder.

What kind of face would William have now, left behind? 

She wanted to turn back and check. But her body followed Romeo into the church. Only the sound of footsteps from behind confirmed William’s presence.

“May you be blessed by God. Romeo, you made it on time.”

“Of course, I did. It’s the day I’ve been waiting for the most. Friar Lawrence, this is Juliet.”

“Hello, Friar.”

Upon entering the church, they were greeted by a middle-aged man who looked like he was just starting to gray. Friar Lawrence’s expression brightened upon seeing her.

“Hello, Miss Capulet. I’m glad you came here. It must not have been easy to decide to get engaged to Romeo of the Montague family. Since you’ve made such a difficult decision, I’ll help as much as I can.”

She was flustered by his excessive welcome but soon understood. Friar Lawrence was a character in the original who welcomed Romeo and Juliet’s marriage. He hoped this marriage would be an opportunity for reconciliation between the Capulet and Montague families. Reality didn’t go as he wished, though.

“Who is this gentleman?”

Friar Lawrence asked, looking at William. She finally had the natural opportunity to look at him.

“I’m William Shakespeare. I came as a witness at Juliet’s request.”

William greeted politely, as was his nature. It might have been her imagination, but he seemed to have become gaunt in a short time.

“That’s good. The more witnesses at a joyous occasion, the better. Thank you, Mr. Shakespeare. Let’s begin the ceremony.”

Friar Lawrence laughed heartily and led them into the chapel. Behind the pulpit where the priest preached stood a large statue of the Virgin Mary. The light streaming through the stained glass shimmered in various colors. In the quiet chapel, only their footsteps echoed. It felt as if time had stopped for everything except them. It was as beautiful and peaceful a place as its exterior.

“No couple who married before that statue of the Virgin Mary has ever parted, sharing eternal happiness. If you ever have a wedding, be sure to come back.”

Friar Lawrence said with a proud smile. Having finished speaking, he went straight to the pulpit. Standing before the pulpit, his face was entirely different from the neighborhood uncle he had seemed a moment ago. She and Romeo naturally stood before the priest. William, who hesitated a bit, also took a seat on the chapel’s pew.

“Bless this holy engagement ceremony and prevent any sorrow from overshadowing it.”

Friar Lawrence began to speak. It was a common blessing, but the resonance spreading softly through the church felt inexplicably sacred.

“Amen, amen! But what sorrow could compare to the joy of facing her? If this engagement unites us, we can overcome even death.”

Romeo’s fervent voice shattered the solemn atmosphere. She felt embarrassed.

“Such intense emotions often lead to tragic endings. Too sweet a food becomes tiresome and spoils the appetite. May your love be slow and enduring.”

Friar Lawrence, who seemed momentarily flustered, composed himself and advised Romeo. But seeing her flushed cheeks due to the spell, he smiled as if he couldn’t help it. She felt unfair, being treated the same as Romeo.

“Since your hearts seem already firm, what use is a long vow? I declare that your marriage is promised before God, wishing you endless joy and love in your future.”

Friar Lawrence concluded the declaration. Romeo grasped her hand tightly. Within her, joy that wasn’t her own was welling up.

“Now you are my, and I am your fiancé.”

Romeo lightly touched foreheads with her and stepped back. His eyes were filled with happiness. It wasn’t his own emotion either. It was a strange feeling.

She looked toward where William was seated. He was sitting there, muttering something as if reciting it.

“Congratulations, Juliet.”

And he came to her, delivering the words he had practiced several times. His smiling face looked pained.

It was truly strange. In this place, seemingly filled only with joy and blessings, the only real emotion was the wound he had received.

She parted ways with Romeo at the church and got into the carriage with William. Romeo insisted that, as her fiancé, he should see her home. But when she said she wanted to show courtesy to the only guest who attended their engagement ceremony, he finally agreed.

“Thank you so much for coming to the engagement ceremony today.”

After a long silence, this was what she ended up saying. She bit her lip, feeling like she had unnecessarily scratched at his wound, but William smiled gently at her.

“If you asks, Juliet, I’ll go anywhere.”

If anyone else had said it, she would have laughed, saying it was cheesy, but she couldn’t with William. He had already proven it to be true.

“Come to think of it, you haven’t been able to write lately because you’ve been spending time with me. I’m sorry if I’ve been a distraction. Have you written more since I last came to read the script?”

Feeling uncomfortable, she hurriedly changed the subject. Though it was a hastily spoken question, it was a very important issue for her.

“A distraction? On the days I meet you, my writing flows well. I’ve already written the next part. Come over to read it again when you get the chance.”

William answered kindly. But hearing his words, she couldn’t even pretend to smile anymore.

“You’ve already… written it?”

It was completely unexpected. 

What happens now? Could it be that Mercutio has already died? 

Her mind was swirling in chaos.

“We’ve already arrived at the residence. Take care, Juliet.”

Before she knew it, the carriage had stopped, and William gently helped her out. Despite his escort, she was so distracted that she nearly stumbled twice.

“Young Lady! Miss Juliet!”

As soon as she entered the mansion, a hurried voice called out to her. The nanny, who had descended the stairs, rushed over to her.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

At her question, the nanny took a deep breath and spoke again.

“Young Lady! Lord Tybalt!”

The continuation of her words further tangled the confusion in her mind.

***

[Returning home, I went straight into the study. On the desk was the scene of Tybalt and Mercutio’s fight that I had last written. I turned one more page. The engagement ceremony of Juliet and Romeo. A scene full of blessings and happiness. Reality is different from the script. Juliet, who is happy. Juliet. Juliet. How painful it is to realize this.]