|
This part of the current article contains spoilers.
|
Friendship of the Ocean:
Bassanio had survived a shipwreck that pirates had attacked. Soon, another ship comes, and Antonio, who was on that ship, rescues Bassanio. However, pirates soon lay siege on the ship.
A battle ensures. Soon, Bassanio rescues Antonio from a pirate who snuck up behind him. Since the two had rescued and protected each other, they agree to become best friends.
Portia's Memory:
Portia, a beautiful, wealthy heiress, constantly dreams of a man who will be her husband. That man is Bassanio, who apparently embarked for Belvast by fate. He gave her a compass as a gift, and promised her to return.
According to Antonio, Bassanio wanted to return to Portia as a wealthy man rather than a poor commoner, however he was unable to. Until he received Portia's Love Letter, he tries to head back to her, but requires 30 million gold in order to do so.
Price of Love
Antonio needs 30 million gold in order to help the poor Bassanio. However, his trading ships are away, so Antonio must rely on Shylock, his rival. Shylock agrees to give him a loan, but he must pay it back within three months. He then requests Antonio to meet him within Alby Dungeon.
Antonio and Bassanio meet Shylock within the depths of Alby Dungeon. Shylock explains the condition: If Antoino fails to repay him at the specified date, he loses his heart. Despite Bassanio's protests, Antonio agrees, stating he will have thrice the amount of the loan long before the deadline. Bassanio attempts to draw his sword with his shaky hand, but is unable to. He takes the check and leaves.
Gold and Silver:
Upon receiving Reply, Portia is delighted to hear such news and prepares for the proposal test. It requires a Horrifying Skeleton, a Clown Doll, and a Portrait of her.
She also explains that she met Bassanio within Iria after he was washed away by a storm.
Leave It to Fate:
Bassanio takes the proposal test in order to marry Portia. Going over to the Gold Box, he remarks "Is our world so shallow, that a hint of gold can still fool so many? Even in court, a vile and guilty criminal can hide behind a sweetly-worded plea, hiding the true evil. And in the church, a terrible sin can be covered with blessings and pagentry. Such beauty is purchased, not earned, and I will have none of it." Approaching the Silver Box, he states "And I will have none of this, speaking of meager dealings between men." With the Lead Box, he exclaims "No...this simple box, that threatens instead of promises... This moves me more than any gold or silver. I choose this box, and pray for our happiness!" and opens it, finding Portia's Portrait. Having successfully passing the test, he marries Portia.
During the wedding, Antonio did not show up; his appearance at the wedding was merely a figment of Bassanio's imagination. He remembers that Shylock requested Antonio held within the Commonwealth of Belvast until their agreement has completed or expired.
Keep Enemies Closer:
Bassanio, alarmed after hearing Antonio's arrest, immediately rushes to Belvast Island along with Portia. After successfully breaking him out, he refuses to leave, however, stating that offering his heart is the right thing to do for Shylock.
As Portia tries to clear a route, Bassanio tries to convince Antonio to leave. Shylock soon appears with a Shire and states that the loan has been repaid and urges Antonio to leave, with no explanation whatsoever. Antonio heeds Shylocks words, mounts the Shire, and leaves with his friend.
While Portia is outnumbered by the Belvast Guardsmen, the Shire mounted by Antonio and Bassanio runs them over. They soon board a ship manned by Nicca and Ethna and leave Belvast Island, with Shylock watching from the distance.
In the aftermath, the trio decide to travel the world.