Simone Verdricci

Simone Verdricci (シモーヌ・ベルドリッチ, Shimōnu Berudoricchi) is a character in Suikoden II. He is a Toran Republic aristocrat and friend of Vincent de Boule.

Profile
"Oh well, such is my fate. My beauty is to blame, isn't it?"

- Esmeralda

Appearance
Simone wears a luxurious red coat with various decorations and a long, loose scarf. The sleeves and collar are both gold colored, and the outfit is thoroughly gorgeous. It is a sophisticated outfit that suits Simone because of his slender and elegant figure.

Simone's good aesthetic sensibilities is further evident in the white socks and pink shoes he wears to prevent it from becoming too obnoxious.

Personality
Though Simone dresses and acts in a manner similar to his friend, Vincent de Boule, he does not do so in imitation. Simone always had this sense of style and mannerisms, which is what helped the two endear themselves to each other, becoming bosom friends.

That said, Simone seemed to regard almost everyone he met as a bosom friend, so perhaps this this term of endearment may not have had much meaning to him. However, his commitment to Vincent, at least, was extremely genuine. He was unwilling to betray his friendship with Vincent for the sake of his own pride, shown by his willingness to drop to his hands and knees and act like a dog to recover the Rose Brooch he lost.

History
"My dearest friend, You must be tired from war, no? But please fear not. I am ever at your side."

- Simone Verdricci

Simone Verdricci was a former noble of the Scarlet Moon Empire who lost his title following the establishment of the Toran Republic. He was known to be dear friends with Vincent de Boule, the two sharing similarities in temperament and fashion choices. The two did not actually know each other very long but bonded quickly due to their shared outlook on life.

During the Dunan Unification War, Simone found himself caught in the conflict while on a journey to study abroad in Crystal Valley. Unfortunately, he lost his prized possession, the Rose Brooch, during his journey.

This loss left him despondent during his stay in Radat Town until it was returned to him by the leader of the New State Army. In gratitude, Simone joined the army and professed his unwavering friendship for its leader.

Later, when reuniting with Vincent, Simone would share his feelings of failure for losing his Rose Brooch. Vincent readily forgave him, saying that their friendship will never change and that was what truly mattered. Simone was moved to tears by his best friend's thoughtfulness and reaffirm his bond of friendship with Vincent.

Despite his appearance, Simone was a skilled swordsman and fought alongside Vincent de Boule against the Highland Army with great dignity. This was not as surprising as one might first assume. As an aristocrat, he had received formal training as a fighter and cavalryman.

After the war, accompanied by his dear friend Vincent, Simone continued his journey to the Holy Kingdom of Harmonia with Vincent. At some point, the two briefly crossed paths with Nash Latkje, who was inadvertently teleported to Simone's location by Viki while they were attending a tea party in a flamboyant Toran Republic residence. This soirée was also attended by Milich Oppenheimer and Esmeralda, both of whom Simone had inevitably become acquainted with.

Music
Simone's theme is the song "The Narcissists (theme), Once Again". He shares this theme with fellow narcissist Vincent de Boule.

The track plays during Simone's recruitment scenes as well as when he is spoken to as New State Army Headquarters. It is song 4 on disc 2 of box 1 of the Genso Suikoden II Original Game Soundtrack.

Trivia

 * If you choose to ask Simone for money in payment for the Rose Brooch rather than asking him to join your army, Simone will pay you 50,000 Potch. However, you won't be able to recruit him.
 * Simone's weapon names all stem from music terms. A prelude is a short piece of music, the form of which may vary from piece to piece. An intermezzo is a composition which fits between other musical or dramatic entities. A rhapsody is a one-movement work that is episodic yet integrated.