A Fated Meeting

"... and father has already sent a messenger to Nottingham." Adrien commented. "I was able to read the letter, and although it didn't mention our courtship, he did request information about the manor house and the land." He looked a little sheepish as he walked beside Marinette. "From what I gather, it has only a small parcel. Only 273 acres, but I..."

"T-Two hundred..." Marinette's mind and eyes boggled at the amount of land. "You can create a small town with that..." she looked around, "I'm pretty sure Paris started off with much less."

"A-Actually," he reached back, rubbing the back of his head, "my father's entire district only spans 256 acres."

Shaking her head, she sighed. "It's still too much..." Marinette breathed, her heart pounding against her chest from the inside. "I just..."

"Please don't think too much about the number, Marinette," he countered, "because much of that area is taken up by the massive forest of Sherwood."

"I... dread to ask."

Giving a soft chuckle, she saw the mirth in his eyes. "Just a little over two hundred fifty acres. The rest is taken up by the manor, the guest house, a sizable stream, part of a lake, and a bit of land fit for crops if we so desired to grow them."

"Oh!" she sighed. "I was worried for a minute."

Looking at her, Adrien blinked. "About what?"

Marinette shook her head. "I... worried that we would have to fill that land with something."

Wrapping his hand around hers, Adrien shook his head. "With the town of Nottingham nearly a day's travel away from the manor? I couldn't even imagine making the attempt at doing more than living there."

"That's all I want, Adrien. You and me, our own home, and nothing but our love between us." she stopped to look at him, and he found himself lost in those bluebell eyes. Glancing to her side, she blushed. "I feel like I must ask, but... does Nathalie not like me?"

"Quite the contrary, she thinks very highly of you. She sees you as the kind, intelligent, and lovely young lady you are. Why do you ask?" Adrien queried, looking at her.

"It's just... every time I try to be nice to her, she just seems to scowl at me."

Turning to continue on their way, Adrien shook his head. "She's not used to the attention, and also takes her guardian duties very seriously."

Nodding, she sighed. "Does she ever smile?"

"Yes, but only after she's known the person for a while, and likes them." he shrugged. "She never once smiled at Chloe the entire time I've known her, so give it a little time, and you'll see her warm up to you." Giving him a small nod, she continued their walk through the Agreste manor's garden.

Back in the manor, Gabriel sat with Tom and Sabine. "Were you anyone else, I would swear that you are taking advantage of me, sir and madame." he couldn't help but find all of this rather amusing. "Yet, you both have asked for nothing, and your daughter has all but refused every offer I have set in front of her in relation to a dowry." Sitting back, he looked at the potential contract. "Aside from the Graham manor house and land, your daughter wants nothing else."

"Marinette has always been like that, Baron Agreste," Sabine commented as she took her husband's hand, hers being dwarfed by the appendage, "and so have we. My family came here with very little, and we were able to create a simple noodle shop. It's creation led me to marriage with Tom, and we have been happy on our own for decades." Looking at their host, she bowed her head. "We are happy with what we have, but always work for more, and have raised our daughter to do the same."

Leaning back, he rubbed his chin. "What if I cannot obtain the manor house?" Gabriel asked.

"Then perhaps a small country cottage?" Tom suggested with a smile.

Gabriel just turned his head to Tom with a 'you've got to be kidding me' expression on his face. "You mock me, good sir."

"Oh, quite the contrary." Tom countered. "I know my daughter, and she would suggest a small country cottage for her and Adrien." The larger man shook his head at the baron. "Part of me wonders how you managed to convince Marinette to accept that much land when you told her."

Peering down at the contract that only said 'Graham manor house and land' he sighed. "I still haven't told her how much land surrounds the house. Truthfully, I didn't want to tell her, and potentially get her hopes up should the manor no longer be available."

Tom chuckled. "I'm pretty sure Marinette would've swooned from the shock, and potentially argued with you about there being "too much" land."

All of this seemed to be too much for the baron. "Next thing you'll tell me is that she wants Adrien to renounce his nobility, and live like a commoner." he grumbled. Taking one look at the family, he brought his hand up to his face with a sigh. "I'm not sure why I'm so surprised." Letting his hand drop down to his desk, Gabriel sighed. "You are aware that this is my only son, and I have no plans to sire another, right? When I'm gone, he will be the last living male on my side of the family. His name, my legacy, are all tied up in him."

"We know," Tom admitted, "and we have no desire to take that legacy away from either of you, but Marinette is simply not interested in land or titles. She cares for Adrien's heart, and wants to see him happy." He then motioned for Gabriel to turn around. "Look at them, at the smiles on their faces, the joy just radiating off of them. Can you truly see anything less than absolute love?"

Gabriel watched the pair as Adrien plucked a red rose, offering it to Marinette. The young girl blushed at the gift, wrapping him up in a hug seconds before they started to kiss again. When they separated, he saw the smiles on their faces, the way they held hands, and the soft laughter as the teens told jokes to each other. For a few minutes he just sat there, watching them, remembering when he took his first walk through the garden after he had truly fallen in love with his bride.

The memory of them walking through the garden, talking, laughing, and him giving her a rose much like how Adrien had with Marinette caused tears to moisten his eyes. The sight of the land in the very center where it seemed nothing could grow, and the commissioning of an artist to chisel her likeness out of marble all seemed too much for the baron. "Yes, I do see that Mr. Dupain, but I am also reminded of my station the more I see them together." Looking at the parents, he sighed. "Perhaps it is time to involve our children in this discussion?"

Sabine nodded. "I feel that would be best."

"I... Baron Agreste, please, it's just too much."

Gabriel rubbed at his temples for the third time while talking with Marinette. "You keep saying that, but a dowry of one hundred thousand Francs is beyond reasonable. In truth, the initial five hundred thousand was a pitiable sum, but you made a valid argument."

"I don't need..."

"Miss Dupain-Cheng, I must stop you there." Gabriel held up a hand at the young woman. "You have all but refused to accept that my son is going to have a title, land, and all the responsibilities that comes with them. With the manor house comes land, land that is taxed by the prince of the region, specifically in Nottingham. One hundred thousand Francs will not pay the taxes on that land, or on the manor house, or the guest house, for more than potentially twenty years. After that, you both will be destitute."

"Actually, I had a plan for that." Marinette stated with a blush.

That quirked his eyebrow up. "Oh?"

She looked at Adrien, and then back at him, the pair having already discussed the idea in the garden. "I... was thinking of opening an inn."

His only reaction was to slowly blink in response for several seconds before he spoke. "An inn." It was a statement, not a question, one of incredulity, but a statement nonetheless.

Nodding ever so slightly, Marinette blushed. "Adrien and I could live in the caretaker's house, and we could modify the manor, if it's of decent size, to house travelers both to and from Nottingham. I'm sure there must be a need for such a thing on the road."

Looking at the young woman, his mind reeled at the possibilities. He had only been there once, and the Graham family had made sure to place their manor quite close to a five way crossroad that led to several villages as well as the town of Nottingham. He also knew that there was a massive stable, and more than enough room for carts and wagons. The gardens were a marvel when Emilie had lived there, and if the caretaker's had done their jobs would still be just as glorious. He then remembered just how many bedchambers there were in the manor. "I... don't know if you are a genius or just a very hopeful person, but... that would easily earn you and my son an income annually that could rival my own."

Blinking at his statement, Marinette's mouth dropped open. "I... I don't..."

"Just your cooking would bring people from kilometers around, Miss Dupain-Cheng, but having that, plus the convenience of where the manor house stands, and the possibility of comfortable accommodations?" he shook his head. "I honestly believe that would be the best of both worlds, but you will still need funds to modify the manor, potentially hire maids to ensure that the linens are laundered and each room is clean. Two hundred fifty thousand would be more than enough to do that with, and it would ensure that neither of you have to starve yourselves during the construction, and hiring process."

"I..." Marinette looked down, "Okay, but do you think we could change the manor house into an inn with that amount, and still have enough to pay the taxes for a time?"

"Absolutely." Gabriel smiled, a new fondness for the girl blossoming. "The manor as it stands now has roughly fifty-four rooms ranging from the master bedroom to smaller children's rooms and servant's quarters, sitting rooms, a den, kitchen, dining room, a massive foyer, and so much more. Just the gardens, when last I was there, were beautiful beyond measure, and there is more than enough room beside the guest house to have a garden, land for cattle to graze, chickens, pigs, and goats." A small chuckle caused him to smile at the young woman. "I have seriously underestimated your intelligence, Miss Dupain-Cheng, but I will not do so again."

That caught Marinette by surprise. "Um... I... thank you."

"No. Thank you for opening my mind to possibilities I hadn't yet conceived."

Marinette smiled and nodded. The rest of the conversation, and the signing of the document was decidedly more pleasant for the group, and Gabriel, although intent on ensuring that Adrien kept his noble title, relented on several aspects of his life that they felt could be forgotten after marriage. After their discussion was finished, and the first part of the document signed (only one other round of signatures would be needed) the Dupain-Cheng family started to leave. "Might we invite you all to a ball tomorrow to announce this joyous occasion?" Baron Agreste asked.

Feeling like her heart was pounding against her chest, Marinette blinked at Gabriel. "I... I would love to, but I don't have a dress good enough for a formal ball... or any money to..."

"We shall ensure you have a dress, shoes, and every adornment you need in order to make a proper appearance at the ball." Gabriel announced, motioning to Nathalie, who nodded. "After all, we must allow people to understand who you are, and why my son seems so taken with you."

"I'm afraid of embarrassing myself, Adrien, or you, Baron Agreste, simply because I'm not of noble birth." Marinette looked away bashfully.

"My father was an architect who created castles for the nobility, and was given a lordship for his diligence, while obtaining wealth. The Graham family were initially dilettante lore-masters and merchants who compiled stories from around the world in order to create historic journals about the Mediterranean." Gabriel looked at the young woman kindly. "My son reminded me of that fact rather... bluntly, only a few days before informing me of his desire to pursue you, Miss Dupain-Cheng."

"I... I didn't know..."

"Of course you didn't. Nobles never talk about our beginnings, only about possible futures." A smile played across his lips, reaching his eyes. "Nobles are given a chance to show our nobility to the world, and each one has risen to the occasion. From what I have seen and heard, you, Marinette, are easily our equal, all I'm asking is that you have confidence in yourself, and stand resolutely beside Adrien."

Looking over at Adrien, she smiled. "I can do that."

Gabriel stood, nodding. "Good. With that settled, I will have Nathalie meet with you all this afternoon to where you can purchase appropriate dress, and accouterments. Once you have returned, we shall have everything set up in a pair of guest rooms."

"Th-Thank you, Baron Agreste."

She watched as he gave her a gracious bow. "Dear lady, think of it only as ensuring my son's happiness." He then looked at Adrien as the trio started to leave with Nathalie. "As much as I might want you to go with the Dupain-Chengs, we have another meeting happening soon, and I require you to be here when the Tsurugis arrive."

Adrien watched Marinette leave, offering her a smile before the door closed. "Are you sure, father?" he queried.

"Very." Gabriel answered. "Once you are wed, you will have to greet others, regardless of whether you retain your noble title, or end up running an inn, and I wish for you to gain valuable experience doing just that, my son."

Within a matter of minutes, the double doors opened in front of the two men to reveal a pair of women in white samurai kimono, and red hakama. The younger of the pair held a long silk wrapped item as they approached the two men. "Baron Agreste," the elder female announced, "I am Tomoe Tsurugi, newest head of the Tsurugi Clan, and adjutant of the Daimyo Murisaki. I bring you glad tidings and wish to honor you and your house with this," Kagami stepped forward, opening the silk bag, and offering the katana to Gabriel with a bow, "a masterwork of the samurai craftsmen."

Bowing in response, Gabriel took the weapon from the young woman, and held it up with reverence. "This is a truly beautiful weapon, and shall be the crown jewel in my collection, Tomoe Tsurugi." He motioned for his son to step forward. "In response, I hope that you will accept this, a rapier forged by one of our renown sword-smiths." Adrien presented her with the blade in much the same way as had her daughter to his father.

Looking at the young man, she bowed and picked up the weapon, pulling out the blade a little to find it gleaming. "This weapon is... beautiful, Baron Agreste. May it serve me in much the same way as mine will serve you." Motioning to her daughter, she looked at Adrien as he returned to his position next to his father. "My daughter, Kagami."

Gabriel nodded, giving her a formal bow. "It is both and honor and a pleasure to meet you, Lady Kagami Tsurugi. Introducing my son, Adrien." The younger woman bowed, stunned by the greeting, only to return to a standing position to find his son doing the same.

"Would it be appropriate to have your son show my daughter around while we look over the contracts?" Tomoe asked.

"Of course." Looking at Adrien, he motioned to his son. "If you would please show the fair maiden around while we conduct business, my son?"

Adrien bowed. "It would be my pleasure." With that, he bent his arm, and offered to have her join him. Kagami looked stunned by the motion to the point where she had to watch her mother step over and lightly place her hand on the outside of Gabriel's forearm for her to figure out what to do. It wasn't long before they were in the gardens, strolling past various flowers.

Time passed in companionable silence for nearly a minute before Kagami finally spoke. "Please forgive me, but I am... unused to your brand of "protocol" so, am I doing this right?"

"Doing what right?" Adrien asked.

Kagami looked at him, her eyes narrowed in consternation. "In my native Japan, women walk beside the male they have just met without touching them, but I am... touching your arm. For us, it is an... intimate gesture."

Looking down at his arm, Adrien nodded in understanding. "I see." he thought about that for several seconds before starting to talk again. "Here in Paris, when a man escorts a lady, it is customary for those who have just met, or have had limited contact, to have a hand on a forearm without wrapping themselves around the male's arm. Family, or those who a man is intimately familiar with; best friends and loved ones specifically, are allowed to place their arm around the male's, but not necessarily press themselves to the back of the male's arm. That action is reserved for betrothed, lovers, and spouses, those that are romantically involved, or intend on being romantically involved, with said man."

Her brown eyes looked down at her arm on the outside of his bicep and triceps, her hand lightly touching his forearm. "Then... this is an appropriate way for us to touch." It was a statement, and one that Kagami wondered if her mind would ever wrap around."

"Of course." Adrien smiled at her, causing the young woman to blush ever so slightly. "If there was anything you did to make me feel uncomfortable, I would let you know as tactfully, and kindly, as possible."

Smiling ever so slightly, she nodded. "For that, I thank you, but I'm also very interested in the differences in our two cultures." He watched as she looked away ever so slightly. "In my native land, a male would never bow to me, or my mother in the way you and your father did, outside of respecting her office." She blushed a little, her lips twisting in a scowl. "Your bow made me feel... uncomfortable since I didn't feel I had earned your respect."

"You don't need to earn my respect, Kagami, you had it the moment I first saw you." She turned her head so fast he was sure he heard a few vertebrae pop. "Your mother is a dignitary, and due to that you and she are honored guests, and will remain so until such time as you decide that you no longer wish to have that." All she could do was blink, her mouth opening and closing ever so slightly. "Even so, my father and I will give you chances to retain our friendship until such time as that becomes untenable."

"I... my choice will lead you to determining how honorable I am?" Kagami asked, unsure of how she felt about that statement.

"No. Your actions will show just how good of a friend you can be, your honor is for you to determine, but from what I can tell, you are as honorable as my father and I, if not more-so, and I will treat you as such."

Closing her eyes, Kagami nodded with a smile before she looked ahead to where they were walking, her eyes opening again. "Thank you. I was... unsure of where I stood in the grand scheme of my mother's and your father's plans." She continued to walk with him, noting the different flowers, her nose taking in some of their scents just before they passed. On their way, the young woman blinked at the statue in the center of the garden, the sight of the woman sitting there causing her to take in her face and body. "A goddess in charge of protecting the garden?" she asked.

Adrien's eyes were sad for only a few seconds before he shook his head. "No. It's a sculpture of my mother."

Kagami looked at him, and then the statue, her head cocking to the side. "She's... beautiful." Part of her wondered if such a woman could truly exist, her eyes roaming over the delicate lines made stronger having been carved of marble, while the body seemed to be perfect. Part of her wondered whether the sculptor made any "artistic revisions" while chiseling the marble.

"The artist did a fantastic job," he stated softly, "he caught my mother's likeness perfectly."

Nodding at the statement, Kagami thought 'That answers that question.' before adding. "She has very kind eyes, and her body posture tells me that she's both delicate and refined, yet strong and wild."

"How do you figure?" Adrien looked at her.

A smile spread Kagami's lips. "Her pose is that of a lady sitting appropriately, with delicate features, but with her shoulders back and a smirk on her face." For a few moments, Adrien just stared at her, blinking, before he looked at his mother again.

"I... never saw that before, but that accurately describes my mother." He looked at Kagami with a dazzling smile that had her eyes widen, before she turned her face away, her cheeks burning.

Looking around for a few seconds, the young woman blinked. "I... don't see her around here, may I inquire as to where your mother might be?"

"Unfortunately, she died a year ago." Adrien continued their walk as he spoke. "Father still has a hard time with it, but I go down to the catacombs to see her every once in a while." Kagami nodded without comment. "What about your father?"

Closing her eyes for a few seconds, Kagami tried to get rid of the pounding in her heart with a few breathing exercises. "Unfortunately, I don't know who he is, or was. My mother doesn't speak much about her time before becoming adjutant, and that happened when I was already old enough to run around the house." She sighed a little. "Our society is feudal in it's structure, so daimyo and lords vie for control over their territories with political manipulation and conflicts."

"Do you think your father could've been a soldier, or a minor lord that your mother loved, and was lost in one of the conflicts?" Adrien asked.

"Anything is possible. There were several skirmishes in the area before and around the time I was born, but mother never seemed dispossessed to inform me of my father's name, status, or whatever information I might discover." She shrugged once. "It makes no difference. She and I need no others in our lives, and the daimyo pays her quite well to ensure his armies are well supplied."

Mulling over that information as they walked, the conversation ceased for a few minutes as the pair strolled through the garden. Deciding that his curiosity detailing the Tsurugi's personal lives were no business of his, he mentally shrugged off his postulating. "Are you both staying somewhere close by? Or has my father offered you both guest rooms here in the manor?" Adrien asked.

Kagami gave Adrien a sidelong glance. "Mother has procured a home a little ways away from the Agreste Manor, specifically to the East-Northeast of the cathedral. I believe my mother plans on staying here for quite some time."

"Then I will look forward to spending more time together, Lady Tsurugi." Adrien commented, giving Kagami a gracious bow just as the doors to the garden opened to reveal Nathalie.

"Lady Tsurugi," Nathalie commented casually, "your mother and Baron Agreste have finished with their initial preparations."

Nodding, he smiled. "Thank you, Nathalie. Shall we?" Adrien asked, prompting a small smile and a blush to warm Kagami's cheeks. Walking with the young woman back inside, they returned to the main foyer. Bowing respectfully, the young baron smiled at the young woman. "I thank you for the wonderful walk, and getting to know more about the differences in culture."

Returning the bow, Kagami smiled. "The pleasure was all mine."

Both teens stood in silence as Gabriel and Tomoe concluded their business, the latter bowing to Gabriel before he responded in kind. "We will have to get together with the council tomorrow, but after your introductions, would you both be interested in attending a ball?"

For several seconds the two women peered at each other, as if mentally asking if both would like to go to the ball, before Tomoe spoke softly. "We wish to accept your gracious, and humbling offer to join you at this ball."

When the women stood fully upright, both Gabriel and Adrien bowed in respect to the women, their motions in sync almost as if they had practiced and planned the move. "Then we will see you both tomorrow." Gabriel announced, dismissing the two women. Once the pair had left, and the door closed, he turned to his son. "What are your thoughts on the Tsurugi's?"

"Kind, respectful, and confident enough to tell when they're unsure of something." Adrien said with a furrow of his brows. "When you told me that you wanted me to meet and evaluate an opinion on them, I found the request to be... odd."

"Yes." Gabriel admitted. "I rarely involve you in my business dealings, but I feel that must change, and soon." He seemed to think on his son's assessment. "What I really want to know is if you sense or detect any subterfuge or deception on their parts?"

Adrien thought back to their conversation, and the way Kagami spoke so candidly. "No. I can safely state that with the daughter, you see what you get, although I have no doubt that she's been trained as a warrior."

"Why do you say that?" Gabriel asked, looking at his son fully. He could see that the furrowed brows released.

"Subtle movements, slight shifting of her feet, and even when her eyes went to the flowers. It looked as though she was ready for an attack, as if she was never truly relaxed around me," he shook his head, "although that could be because of her culture's feudal system of governance. Something tells me that had she a sword in her hand, and we fought a mock duel, I would be hard pressed to come out on top."

Gabriel looked back at the double doors, nodding. "I saw the same thing with her mother." his voice went low. "Should they become enemies, we would be hard pressed if our two families were to come to blows."

"Let's pray that never happens, father."

Within the carriage, Tomoe sat with her hands on the rapier's hilt and scabbard, her eyes hard. "He never pulled the blade to inspect." she muttered to herself, pulling the rapier's blade out ever so slightly, "Either this baron has great trust, or great foolishness. What are your ruminations about the Agreste family?"

"They're honorable, or at the very least honest with us." Kagami reached up to touch the side of the carriage. "Adrien was open with information, and seemed interested in sharing about subjects that might have been emotionally consequential, yet he shared it with a smile on his face and without a single crack to his voice or shift of his eyes." A heat filled her cheeks. "His attention was on me the entire time, but it seemed... friendly."

"I found his father to be a strong male, mentally and emotionally, although slightly distant. As for physically, I wouldn't know unless I decided to challenge him, although I will admit to some desire on my part to cross blades with the man. He moved as if the sword took up most of his life."

"Adrien as well." Looking at her mother, she narrowed her eyes. "We aren't planning an attack on the Agreste mansion, are we?"

"No." Tomoe admitted. "Doing so would be counter-productive toward my plans."

Kagami mulled over their individual information as the two rolled away to the East-Northeast section of Paris. They had a house to take possession of, and she, particularly, wanted to see if the men had installed the bathhouse yet. After traveling for so far, she could use some heated water to relax. Seconds later, she closed her eyes, her mind replayed that smile, causing warmth to fill her lower abdomen. "What plans are those mother?" she asked.

"Unfortunately, I must keep some information from you, Kagami, but know that what I have planned will gain us more honor, wealth, and renown than even the emperor." Tomoe leaned back, her eyes narrowing. "Just keep an eye on the younger Agreste, and if he becomes a problem..." she let the order hang in the air, but Kagami nodded. She knew her orders, and would carry them out without question, regardless of feelings or personal agendas.