Like glowing fairies, snowflakes danced slowly outside Salon de Marie's new vaulted windows. The towering additions let the diffused light filter into the room beside their flanking faux marble columns. They painted the new plush cobalt carpets with beautiful vibrance and caused their golden trim to shimmer like morning dew. Coupled with the reflecting glints off polished white walls and a ceiling, complete with mirroring gaudy accents, just the color alone brought a new sense of noble comfort.
The now massive room had split its interior into two. The former cafeteria's space had been assimilated and expanded further to house the new, elegant Dining Hall with separate booths and polished wood tables for larger parties. At the far end, flanked by the entrances to the new washrooms, a small raised stage housed one of the salon's two new white grand pianos and an elegant mic stand. The booths and walls even had better acoustics so nearby tables wouldn't be as bothered by others.
Its opposing half, named the Ballroom Lounge, shimmered just as brilliantly under the many new crystal chandeliers scattered evenly across the room. The viewing couches with accompanying coffee tables still rested by the windows. Ottomans, booths, and other sofa clusters were scattered about the perimeter of a ballroom dance floor. At the far end, two flanking grand staircases led to a small balcony that oversaw the dance floor and hid two more washroom entrances. At the direct opposite side, another raised circular stage held the room's second Grand Piano.
At the salon's center, the kitchen remained mostly the same within its hidden walls. The bar now wrapped around the entire length of the kitchen in an elongated horseshoe. It helped make the room feel connected alongside the large gap by the windows that lead from one half of the room to the other. Regardless of where one stood, though, the room held a newfound sense of purpose and regality.
Salon de Marie had become the grand space its owner always dreamed it could be.
The French staff stood quietly by the Ballroom's grand piano. Their uniforms were cleanly pressed, and the salon's original members were joined by their newest. Phantom of the Opera stood beside Gilles in his new, onyx-themed uniform with a small smile as he cleaned his glasses. Sanson, D'Eon, Mata Hari, and Mozart presented theirs with a bit more warmth as they stared fondly towards their Queen. Behind them, a small squadron of new dedicated robots with bow ties and top hats hovered in perfect rank and file.
At the middle of her new Ballroom floor, Marie sauntered gently back and forth with barely contained enthusiasm. Her smile matched the brightness of her off shoulder evening dress as she twirled once again atop the glossy floor and waltzed her way back to her companions; Her kitten raced around her feet and mewled all the while. After another elegant twirl, they clapped gently for her, and she happily giggled. Her crystal smile could not be contained.
Nor could her tears, for Marie's eyes glistened with the same elegant shimmer as her salon's new crystal chandeliers. Almost immediately, Marie giggled happily as Mozart and Sanson instantly held out their handkerchiefs for her, then lightly stared to each other with scrutiny. The others merely laughed as she curtsied, then took both to wipe each eye. That quickly brought the smile back to the two.
"Then it's passed inspection, your majesty?" D'Eon happily asked, and Marie quickly nodded with another happy sniffle.
"You've made me a very happy Queen~…" she giggled again as she stared around once more at this half of her salon. Both side were equally magnificent, and the new blue theme Phantom had suggested was wonderful; It really did make the salon feel more inviting. He helped grant her a room that could gift others a taste of French hospitality and warmth, and her appreciation could barely be expressed… Still, she'd try. "Thank you, Eric~! Thank you, thank you, thank you~!"
Chaldea's greatest opera singer and actor laughed as Marie seized him in a hug. She sniffled again, as he gently patted her back. "Once more… You're welcome, Marie."
"Thank you all~!" she happily cheered, then released Phantom to go hug her other staff members. One by one, they all reciprocated the happy queen's gesture, though Sanson and Mozart relished it the most. They even chuckled as she ran off to give the hovering robots hugs too, which they reciprocated stiffly; Proper hugging apparently wasn't in their servo drivers. It didn't stop her from sharing the wealth that sang through the air like Whiskers' mewls.
With Salon de Marie ready for tonight's opening, Marie was more than ready to share her happiness with them, and everyone, as she always sought to do.
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Fragment 77: Just to See a Smile
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That Friday night felt unbelievably elegant, and she was glad everyone seemed to follow the requested dress code for the evening. Marie sat happily at the bar as her salon's formally dressed patrons mingled and talked quietly. At the stage, Jeanne, wearing the first dress she wore on her debut, was singing another classical piece as Mozart, Tristan, and Phantom played their instruments in perfect tandem. Their song floated through the room like a blooming field of flowers.
It'd been far too long, but now her own little gift to Chaldea was open again. Ever since she first laid eyes on scared, sad, or uncertain Chaldean employees when she first arrived, she knew she had to do something. Her heart ached for all the misery, but she could do very little to heal their pains. Even if it had been a stretch, and an extravagant attempt, her salon had done wonders and became Chaldea's oldest treasure.
Now, it would serve that purpose again and help usher in new comfortable memories of French generosity. It would hopefully continue to build the rolling momentum of relief for Chaldea's shaken staff. At the same time, it could make a great first impression for the new arrivals coming tomorrow. Whatever the case may be, her salon would stand shining like her ever-present smile to whisk the weariness away.
With a gentle hum, she watched as Anton and Frankenstein walked hand in hand towards their table; The berserker in a white halter dress looked so much less strained, and far happier, now that her mad enhancement had been weakened. It made her coo in delight, especially as they stopped and let a gaggle of Chaldea's children scamper past to get to their table. Artemis happily floated after them with her long red evening dress.
Across the room, all she could see were cheery faces, and it made her heart swell: The smile was life's greatest medicine.
"A wonderful place, Queen Antoinette." She turned and smiled towards Vernier and his other suit-wearing companions; Flat was nowhere around them, which was the usual. His smile was colored impressed, and he held his wine glass towards her. She happily plucked her glass off the bar's marble top, giggled, and clinked them together. He then graced in their native tongue, "(It may even put Versailles to shame.)"
"(Oh, no~! Shush~! You flatter me~!)" she countered with a giggle, as he chuckled back. She'd been so disappointed there hadn't been any French speaking staff to converse with, but that had changed with his arrival. Upon subtly noticing his fellow mages looking around in wonder, and curiosity, she happily swept her hand towards the many tables and booths. "Ahh… pardon~! Feel free to sit where you want~! We've built even more tables for the comfort of my guests~! We'll speak again later, Monsieur Vernier!"
As they moved off to find a free or welcoming table, Marie swiveled around on the elegant seat to face one of her best friends. Mata Hari was cleaning one of the glasses while happily smiling towards the kids table. Marie glanced over too. From what she could see over the heads and booth dividers, Arash was sitting between their table and his friends' group. As he picked up Babe to place into Paul's lap beside him, he caught them staring. He smiled, and blew a kiss to the bartending woman, who quickly returned it with one of her own and a wink.
Paul glanced at her adoptive father in confusion as he feigned a heavy whiplash from receiving the airborne kiss to the cheek. He winked back to her, and the assassin giggled. Marie joined her happily, "Gosh, gosh, GOSH~…! You two are so cute~!"
The assassin sighed dreamily, but Sanson piped up as he readied a Celtic drink nearby. "And they have Shakespeare lighting his cloak on fire to thank for that."
"It was just a matter of time before I had him anyway…!" Mata Hari countered with a tiny, faked pout. Marie giggled; She could still remember when the assassin dared to reveal that growing crush to her. It had been one of the harder secrets to keep, but since Mata Hari was her best friend when it came to gossip, it made it a bit easier. They gushed a lot over that though… and they still do.
Marie could never help it. Love was a beautiful thing in all its many forms. Family, lovers, children, friends… it didn't matter what kind of love it what. For Marie, any love was beautiful, because it often showed the brightest forms of happiness. She would know: A queen born to be loved, and in return, loved all to the best of her abilities. Even if things had turned out rather tragically… she still dared to believe, smile, and love. It's what defined her every action now, for there was too much negativity for her to want to add to it.
From the bottom of her heart, Marie just wanted to see happiness and love bloom wildly, and even nurture it herself if she could offer a subtle hand.
The kitchen doors slid opened, and Marie's glee-filled eyes danced onto Tamamo. The caster in a blue kimono waited at the door opened for her best friend in a teal one, and Marie saw their white sashes matched perfectly. Kiyohime smiled and nodded as they walked through the gap in the bar, lost in happy conversation. The Japanese pair glanced over, smiled, and waved as Marie asked chipperly, "Emiya and Boudica handling the rest this evening?"
"Emiya and Leandre, actually," Tamamo corrected with a playful hum as she glanced back to the kitchen. "The secret dinner is Italian today!"
"The Romans will be pleased," Kiyohime giggled as she tried to look at the many tables. Her smile was slowly being marred by her eyebrows as they knit themselves with growing disbelief. "…Tama… where's…?"
Marie knew instantly what they were getting at. She smiled, "Your third gal pal, right~? Your friend should be right… over…"
She trailed off as she pointed towards a table she knew she was at… only to see she'd vanished; That was the table the two had sat their friend barely ten minutes ago too. Marie and Mata Hari shared a sheepish smile as the two Japanese best friends groaned in disbelief. As Tamamo fished out her special card key, she followed Kiyohime towards the doors. "Again! She can't keep doing this, Tama!"
"I'll snare her to the seat next time!" her best friend quickly countered as they fell into yet another exasperated discussion over their other best friend.
After they reached the door, Marie merely giggled again. "Osakabehime's quite the introvert, huh~?"
"Maybe one day she'll come out without them dragging her…" Mata Hari agreed happily, but then gave one last glance at Kiyohime as she disappeared through the grand doors. Marie watched her own best friend's smile slowly fade a bit as Sanson and two assisting robots readied some other drinks further down the bar. She sighed, "…At least it's keeping Kiyohime distracted a bit."
Marie's interest piqued, though in sympathy. "Poor thing has been pining for someone to love her…"
"It's only understandable…" Mata Hari smiled back softly. "Gabby's been trying to give her tips to find out who may be trying to take advantage of her."
"For when we get internet tomorrow, right?" the queen chimed in. Chaldea already had internet, but they were missing one key component: Personal devices. That was changing with tomorrow's first shipment of Vigil-enhanced smart phones with top tier encryption and locations masking software. "Is she really going to try the internet dating thing?"
"Maybe… Her wish is so simple and pure at its heart." Mata Hari gently took Marie's glass so she could refill it. "I just hope whatever happens, she doesn't get hurt before it comes true."
Marie smiled softly, but sympathetically. "Well if she does, there's going to be a bunch of servants and a master with something to say about it."
"Or do," the assassin smiled back. "I just hope it doesn't come to that. Poor dear just wants someone to love her and be loved. Mutual happiness~… That's hardly a crime, right?"
As Mata Hari turned around to fill her glass with wine, Marie let the barest hint of a nostalgic, solemn thought flash through her otherwise hopeful eyes. "…No. It's not."
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The clouds hung low over Paris as if they mourned the coming afternoon. Among the endless jeers and heckles of the vast crowds, the heavy overcast seemed to be the only presence ripe with tears. If not stopped by the picket of vibrantly colored revolutionary soldiers, thousands may have rushed at the prisoner themselves. All manner of peasants and lower class could only send their scorn through the air in the absence of rocks and stones.
Their glares could set fire to wet tinder. The dismissive glances of the soldiers with muskets in hand proved little comfort as the convicted royal walked slowly from the horse drawn cart towards the wooden scaffolds ahead. With hands bound in rope and a small leash around her neck, the middle-aged woman trudged forward towards the ascent. The jeering grew louder as more of the crowd caught a glimpse of her simple white dress that tugged at the silver-haired woman's legs.
As she reached the very top step, she stared forward towards her fate. The masses of people surrounding the colonial square was a jarring sight; Barely a decade or two earlier, they would have been cheering at a glimpse of their queen. Now, the celebrities were the executioner before her and the towering reaper of wood and steel, whose blade licked its lips eagerly at the coming regal delicacy. At the rough nudging of a guard's musket, she moved forward towards the silver-haired stoic.
…Yet Marie's solemn smile remained.
Her crystal-like eyes glanced towards the short-haired man while he kept his hands folded behind him. His vibrant, colorful uniform in French colors felt duller than she'd ever seen it before. His eyes seemed to pierce into hers; Though he said nothing, she could barely see it reflected in his stern pupils. There was no hostility or outright contempt, for he was merely doing what the Sanson family had done for generations.
He took a step towards her so him and the guard could get her ready for the guillo- Marie stumbled ever so slightly as she stepped on his shoe. The guard narrowed her eyes at her, but she gave the tiniest, sheepish smile towards her executioner. "Pardon me, sir… I meant not to do it."
There was only the slightest nod in response as the guard eyed her curiously. But a moment later, they were helping her onto the block so Sanson could position her head accordingly onto the wedge. As she stared quietly into the crowds of angry people, she could feel it again… the small, tearful cries within her heart that screamed angrily this wasn't fair. This was not what she wanted when she tried to give back to the country she loved.
…Nevertheless, it didn't show on her face; Despair never did. The little cries were drowned by the endless jeers, but more so by the tiny smile she kept on her lips. Without any doubt, she was steeled for this moment, for she'd never showed public sadness as a queen. This was her tragic fate, but she would meet it as royally and proudly as her beliefs firmly advised. The people of France would get what they desired, which was all the former queen ever wished for them.
If it gave happiness to the people, then Marie would never argue against that.
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Marie was shaken awake under the heavily quilted covers of her grand bed. Its canopy swung gently as she rocked under the red cloths' embrace. As she felt her neck with one hand, her eyes darted around beneath the blanket; They quivered like cold children after an autumn rain. She clutched one of her many fluffy pillows close against her silky white nightgown and clamped her eyes shut. Desperation willed against it, but even so, she couldn't prevent it.
A small whimper escaped her throat as she pulled the covers over her head. The tears she had awoken too dampened the pillow clutched against her face as her lips trembled. A sniffle rang out, and her breath hitched while her mind frantically tried to police her weeping heart. Still, her slender, perfect fingers clung to the pillow for dear life as the images of the jeering crowds returned. They were followed by the nostalgic flashes of the glaring guards at the Conciergerie… or the damning stares from mothers at her trial… or…
With a quivering lip, Marie rubbed her face into her pillow to shake the thoughts free. As much as she was always seen with the happiest smile, that didn't mean her traumatic past would cease gifting an occasional haunt. It was only once or twice a month, yet she'd only made so much progress in composing herself afterwards. Moments like this, which she kept an absolute secret, were just a fleeting cry from the suppressed feelings in her heart.
As a royal, she knew her place and role. She was a born a loved symbol of royal authority, and was also damned for the very same position. Though she loved to see the people and their happiness, there was a part of her that loved being adored in turn. Every day spent in that prison was another moment where her heart would cry out for her unfolding tragedy and yearn for the old days as the people's beloved idol queen. Every moment under careful guard like some violent criminal was encouragement for the distant, tiny, and aggravated voice in the back of her mind.
Even so… as much as her heart cried incredulously at her downfall, she couldn't help but love the people and remained convinced that tragic past shouldn't change.
It was only natural to feel some resentment and disappointment, but they were but a few handfuls of sand scattered among her ever-shining beach. If these episodic nights were the only lingering consequence, she'd just continue to bare this minor burden and ignore the fleeting pangs of grief. Marie was just thankful Mashu and Gudao still kept all this secret after they accidentally wound up in that strange, shared dream in her mental scape. The last thing she wanted was to worry any of her friends… especially Sanson and Mozart.
As she took deep breaths, one last tear escaped her clinched eyes. Her breath shuddered again, but she quickly regained control. With slightly blurry eyes, she peered out from the covers to look towards her ornate maple nightstand. The fancy little antique clock atop ticked gently. Its face whispered that it was only a little past midnight, and Marie let out a tiny sigh. She could still sleep for a several more hours-
A soft mewl caught her attention. She felt the soft approach of her sphinx kitten moments later as it clambered onto the bed. She shifted around in her quilted cocoon in time to see the tiny kitten scamper across a pillow and crawl under the covers. It quickly mewled and pawed gently at the glistening remains of her teary trails. With a gentle rub of its celestial head, it brushed itself into Marie's neck to elicit the first tiny smile and giggle.
"…I'm sorry, Whiskers… Did I wake you…?" Marie cooed gently as the kitten stared at her. It nodded, and she quickly wrapped her precious gift into her arms. It was terribly difficult to feel sad when her kitten nuzzled up to her, so she happily held it to her chest as it mewled softly again. "…I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you."
It purred, then gently slipped from her grasp to curl into a small ball on her pillow. It stared at her as its tail gently flicked at its side; Marie couldn't help but smile. "…You'll help me sleep then…? Thank you~…"
She scooched herself a little closer, then planted a gentle kiss onto the kitten's head to make it purr gently. Softly, she rested one hand beneath her pillow, and the other right next to her pet. She wasn't too sure how long after it took, but as she watched her kitten's mesmerizing rest, she was quickly carted off to dreamland on a far more comfortable carriage; The sound of an angry guillotine haunted her no further that night.
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It would be impossible for anyone to believe the giddy rider, who bounced on a stool in her salon, had been cradled by fleeting despair only a dozen hours earlier. The frills on her favorite white off-shoulder beach dress flapped like sails in a breeze as the uniformed D'Eon barely kept his laughter in check beside her. The rest of her salon staff, save one, had taken a momentary break from catering to any Ballroom guests, but the robotic staff had little to accommodate thanks to Saturday's eagerly-awaited shipment.
They were joined at the bar by Jeanne and Janna, as the former happily sat on her stool with the excited latter on her lap. Marie was doing her best to suppress more excited squeals from seeing the two in matching blue sundresses. Truth be told, it was terrible trying not to squeal at all with the cardboard box right in front of them. Sanson was already readying the kitchen knife, but they were still waiting on one-
"Sorry, sorry~!" Mata Hari happily cheered as she rushed back in through the double doors. She made a quick stop by the saint sisters so she could quickly pat Janna on the head. With a giggle, she swung through one of the bar's gates, which made the other chuckle as Sanson opened the cardboard box on the countertop with surgical precision. Just as he opened the top flaps, he chuckled as Marie quickly sprung up to peer into the box with glittering eyes; Mata Hari gently placed a hand on her shoulder and coaxed her down. "Your phone's not going to run away, Marie~!"
"Oh shush, Masie~! Let me be excited~!" she giggled back as Sanson quickly removed the bubble wrap from the top. To the gathered French's amusement, Janna quickly reached over, grabbed the packing material, and began happily popping some bubbles. Marie laughed brightly as Jeanne and Janna giggled together; Further away at a window couch, with their own box of phones, Joan peered over the tall couch's backing to toss a displeased look at her younger self. Dantes merely chuckled beside her, making the other avenger turn back with a light glare.
Finally, Sanson picked the first phone out of the container. He stared at the large, shrink-wrapped iPhone case with the queen's name on it, then let out an amused chuckle that spread like a wildfire. "...You chose the biggest one in gold, Marie?"
"How fitting for our expensive queen…" Mozart chuckled. Like clockwork, Phantom took a quick step back with a tiny smile as a pouting Marie gently smacked the caster on top of his head. He merely took it and smirked back at her. "…But am I wrong, Marie?"
"It wasn't that pricey!" In the grand scheme of things, it really wasn't; Her salon cost far more of an arm and a leg, but the numbers never really meant much to her. Expenses were just a slight nuisance best left to Gilles and D'Eon to balance for her. In all honesty though, she did buy the most expensive phone on the list in a rare color offered by the company… along with a matching large iPad Pro box that Sanson just pulled out. As the amused stares turned to her again, she pouted, crossed her arms, but smiled lightly when the others laughed.
"Oh, Marie~…" Mata Hari hummed beside her friend as Gilles moved over to help Sanson distribute the other phones; No one else bought a modified tablet… yet.
Marie happily looked at her gifts, then eagerly began tearing open her iPad's shrink wrap with all the giddiness of a child at Christmas. With her actual age, she may as well be, but she still held herself highly like a regal queen. With shimmering eyes, she slid the top of the box off her tablet and discarded it onto the counter. To hers and the saint sisters' amusement, her sphinx kitten quickly leapt onto the counter and then nestled itself into the box. It purred happily as Marie gently lifted her new piece of technology out of its box.
It was mesmerizing… A large screen barely bigger than a stack of papers was just one of many gateways into the modern world: The Information Age. Something as small as this and her iPhone had the capability of accessing a vast storehouse of accumulated knowledge called the internet. It was a vast forum and hub like no other, and now Chaldea had full access to it with countless security features even the best hacker groups couldn't crack…
…but some requests and guidelines laid out to keep Chaldea secret, of course.
As she quickly recalled what the masters taught them during that long internet lecture, she pressed the home button to begin setup. Unbeknownst to the silence yet enthusiastic queen, she was being stared at with concern by Mozart and Sanson. Jeanne was too busy helping Janna with her new Samsung to notice, and Mata Hari was too lost in her own setup too. Only Gilles, D'Eon, and Phantom kept curious tabs on their companions as the two rivals for Marie's attention glanced to each other with mutual uncertainty.
"Remember, Marie… don't go wandering onto questionable websites," Sanson warned lightly, making D'Eon smile gently.
"It's as the masters said… The virtual world isn't like Chaldea," Mozart agreed as their queen finished setup with a gentle hum. "Humans are still scum… and you're going to find a lot of that on the internet. It's going to be the wild west. An uncouth free for all of anonymous cowards!"
"Oh hush, Mozart~… Sanson~…" Marie giggled as she brought up the internet browser for the first time. Their endless worry over her was endearing, but they went to the same meeting. She was more than aware of what humans were capable of, especially with the potential lack of repercussions… but she wasn't interested in any of that. She knew what her curiosity wanted her to see… Not the sensational news, or the worst of humanity…
As she typed her search onto Youtube, her eyes shimmered as she quickly found the first of the internet's true gems: thousands of kitten videos. She quickly pressed on the first one, and had to place her tablet onto the counter in fear she may drop it with her squealing fits. She proved to know herself well, for she was already squealing as a cluster of kittens fought over each other on screen for a yarn ball. Whiskers looked over with interest as Janna's eyes sparkled at the sight.
Mozart and Sandon breathed a sigh of relief, and she merely smiled brightly. There was never a need to worry for her; Marie wasn't one to seek out despair. She only sought happiness, for herself and everyone around her. It was doubly so for those she cared about. With everything the internet offered, she was going to do the same for it: Seek out that which brings happiness, and relish in its effects and newfound gifts.
If there was anything they should be worried about, it was definitely how much time she may wind up losing to this technology.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VI ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
With a cheery tune on her lips, Marie strolled down the windowed hallway with her eyes buried in her new phone. Barely two hours since they got their devices, and she was already used to scrolling and typing. By all accounts, she could already see why Da Vinci and the staff warned these devices were detrimental to social etiquette and time management. It was like holding an opened pandora's box, except there was a lot of tasty treats inside that she couldn't stop collecting.
Even so, the smiling rider glanced up every now and then to enjoy the soft snowflakes that fell outside. Da Vinci said the weather was being unusually calmer these days, so the newly arrived staff should have enjoyed a smooth ride over. There was only a handful of them at first since they went off recommendations from staff; A lengthier process was planned for later, which included an interview procedure for proper residency and membership. Compatibility was top priority, after all.
As she shut her phone off after cooing at another adorable kitten video, she placed it in her purse. Whiskers' head popped out of the large bag and mewled, which made Marie instantly giggle and scratch behind its ear. As she did so, she waved cheerily to a passing robot, then glanced to the hallway's two new large elevators. These adjacent, reinforced, and scenic gateways were to be the easiest access points for Chaldea's larger expansion.
She quickly slipped through the silver doors of the elevator, then leaned up against its brass handrails. As she rubbed Whiskers' head, she pressed the button for one of the lower levels, then stared outside the panoramic view of the glass sides. A robotic voice chimed, "Please stand clear of the doors."
They shut a moment later. Slowly but smoothly, it began its graceful descent until the snowy wonderland was replaced with South American tribal patterns painted over the mountain rock. They ensured the ride remained less boring than Chaldea's original, but soon to be remade, elevators. "Now arriving at Terminal Level. Please watch your step."
As the doors swung open, Marie quickly strolled out and walked down the new, wider Entrance Hallway. It was modeled like the rest of Chaldea, and had been a priority since Chaldea's expansions were announced. While she walked down the robot-crowded corridor, she passed by several taped off passages that were still under construction. This new wing would also be where the small Vigil garrison would have their barracks and necessary rooms, but that was on the back burner.
The Port and Reception Terminal construction took much higher priority.
Marie smiled, but contained her overwhelming giddiness for getting to meet new staff. As a former beloved queen, she was more than used to greeting others, but it was secretly meeting new, 'normal' faces that excited her the most. It was always much less formal and significantly more fun! It was that shine of admiration like a distant star that pleasantly warmed her heart. She giggled just thinking about it as the grand double doors slid open before her.
The Reception Terminal was still very much a work in progress, but it was already shaping up to be a wonderful lobby. Two more large doors on the sides would lead towards the unfinished Port, but the spacious interior had plenty of room for any future traffic. The modernistic room, made in Chaldea's style, even had plenty of seats for any who waited, though the television screens weren't installed yet. It hardly seemed like an inconvenience to the newest employees.
Marie walked down the large central aisle, between the rows of airport-styled seating, and approached the reception desk. It looked like a typical, long airport counter, complete with baggage carousel and robotic staff. While the robots checked and scanned bags for any potential contraband, and another sorted discarded parkas, the casually dressed group stood around the Da Vinci as she happily talked with them. As Marie approached, she could already see the twinkle of surprise and wonder in their eyes.
Da Vinci, wearing a white-themed replica of her fancy Renaissance attire, smiled towards the approaching rider and waved. "I see there are more servants who want to say hi early~! Everyone, this beautiful girl is the matron of our salon where you'll be having dinners most evenings~!"
"Wassup, my Homies~?" she greeted with a wave, and swiftly baffled all of them; She bought a few smiles though, and that's what mattered! Da Vinci and Marie giggled, but the queen quickly waved off her little joke. "Sorry, sorry~…! Gabby and Gudao thought it would be funny if I welcomed our first guest with that!"
With absolute perfection, Marie curtsied elegantly and smiled brightly. As she smiled to them, she could already see their eyes filling with renewed wonder and admiration. "It's a pleasure to meet all of you~! I'm Marie Antoinette~! Oh~! But no need for any of the royal treatment unless it makes you more comfortable~! My salon's wonderful staff and I will be giving you the royal treatment while you're here~!"
"(Wow… The real Marie Antoinette…?)" The French had been mumbled so low, no one would have heard properly; The newcomer had a lot to learn about servants. Instantly, Marie and Da Vinci's gazes shot towards the blonde man with glasses. He flinched in surprise, but Marie's smile only ran wild across the plains as she skipped up to the man in a black track pants and sweater. Her kitten popped out of the bag to stare, eliciting some surprised gasps, but her own gaze remained firmly on the short and stocky man in a black suit.
His square glasses sat prim on his rounded face, yet his eyes looked like they'd pop out of his head at how close she suddenly got; She'd been a bit overeager. She leaned back with a giggle, and waved her hand in apology. "Sorry, sorry…! I just couldn't help myself! You're from France~?"
Freed from the shackles of shock, he slowly nodded, and Marie clapped her hands together. His accent was very evident as he spoke, "Y-Yes… I mean, yes, your majesty! I'm from Avignon."
For everyone's benefit, Chaldea's universal language would remain English, but that didn't mean other languages were banned. So, to comfort him, she quickly reassured, "(Oh, no need for formalities with me~! Just call me Marie~! And feel free to speak to me or my staff in French if it makes you feel better, Mister…?)"
A small smile shook hesitantly onto his still struck face. "…Jeancle Abel Meunière."
Marie glanced around at the confused faces and giggled. "Sorry~…! I just get excited when I see fellow countrymen! We stick to English, don't worry~!"
"I went over that with them already," Da Vinci winked as she strolled to a stop beside the excitable queen. "I think they'll fit in just fine~… They've taken the idea of servants surprisingly well~!"
"That's good! There's too many of us as is, but we're a friendly bunch," Marie offered, though she made a point not to mention some of the rowdier and problematic ones. She didn't want to freak anyone out just yet; There was a lot for them to get used to. "I'm so happy you decided to join us on short notice!"
Besides personal recommendations, their reasons likely varied. The offered, massive salary was definitely going to catch eyes, as was Da Vinci's wording about living among a one of a kind community that'd benefit the world. She was pretty sure the inventor was also upfront about spending a lot of time and distance away from family, but that clearly didn't deter these early enlisters. If anything, some seemed even more eager by the growing twinkle in their eyes.
The rider turned sheepishly to the caster. "…I didn't interrupt anything important, did I?"
"Not at all. David's not back yet, and the last two arrivals are still in the washroom," she replied as she motioned towards a pair of washroom doors by the entrance hallway. "I was just answering any curious questions while we waited for our last two companions~."
"Oh… It's not altitude sickness, is it?" Marie asked quietly in concern as she turned to look. The new staff were too preoccupied staring at Whiskers, who happily gazed back from within her purse.
Da Vinci nodded, but smiled. "One had a few symptoms, but I think he'll be fine now~... Nightingale spotted it when she came to check for any symptoms."
That didn't sit too well with Marie, though. She opened her mouth to voice her concerns about how not-so-gentle she'd been to one of the Clock Tower mages… but her worries were buried beneath a rare song that played the strings of her soul. Instantly, her eyes snapped back to the opening bathroom door as the softest giggles sailed over like a long-lost voyager. Her feet were quickly compelled to move towards the battle-clad Nightingale as she appeared in the doorway to let the lone employee through.
"Thank you… Thank you so much…!" the woman whispered between her sniffles. Her Italian accent was thick like the drying tear trails that marred her beautiful cheeks. Her brown, curly locks reached to the shoulders and tickled the top of her beige throw over sweater, which reached past the top of her black sweatpants. However, though the middle-aged, yet youthful, Italian was easy on the eyes and appeared friendly, she held but a fraction of Marie's attention.
Clutched to her chest was a warm bundle of happiness, concealed within a sheath of tranquil blue. There was no mistaking the sound of a happy infant to a once-mother, and her instincts flourished like a hillside after spring rains. With a small skip in her enthusiastic step, her eyes remained locked on the mother and her baby as the brunette gently rocked in place. While Nightingale placed a blue bag down beside her, she smiled, "It was my pleasure, Miss Santini. Your baby won't have problems with the altitude again."
Marie only briefly stopped to stare at the unbelievably soft and gentle smile Nightingale wore. Any worry about the usually stern and ferociously dedicated berserker vanished like a morning mist to sun as the rider stared at the genuine delight on her face. Truthfully, no one had seen Nightingale with infants, but this was a welcome first glance. Judging by the mother's thankful reaction, and the gentleness as Nightingale reached a finger out to the child, the youngest residents would have nothing to fear from the often-unpredictable nurse.
It was even remarkable how soft and gentle she could be as the berserker giggled; The baby had reached out with a small hand to grasp the nurse's finger. Its other grasped at a white teddy bear pinned between it and its mother's bosom. Nightingale's red eyes had never looked warmer as the baby let out a soft coo. "There, there, Gio… I told your little sickness to go away. You'll be all smiles now."
Even Nightingale's words held less firmness. Marie couldn't help but stare in wonder at the incredible sight… until she noticed how close she'd unconsciously approached. Nightingale smiled to her, and the brunette gazed curiously to the rider. Marie only giggled sheepishly and curtsied. "Oh, please pardon my rudeness~…! I heard a cute baby and my heart couldn't take it! I just had to come see the precious little joy~! But then I saw Nightingale's face and… I've never seen you so~…!"
"Is it not natural to nurture a newborn?" the nurse chuckled lightly, then turned to the mother. "Don't mind her. She's one of our most enthusiastic residents."
With a bright smile, the queen quickly curtsied. "I'm Marie Antoinette, but please call me Marie~! Skip the formalities, please~!"
The woman sniffled one last time as her eyes grew with wonder and happiness. "…Hi, Marie! I'm Elsa Santini, and this is my little gift from heaven, Giovanni."
"It's a pleasure! Ah… but to come here with a baby…" Marie murmured quietly with eyes knit in sudden worry. "I hope it was a smooth trip?"
"It was lovely. Gio cried a bit, but the other passengers were understanding," the mother replied as she cradled her young child. She glanced to Marie, and the rider silently berated herself for allowing her eagerness and enthusiasm to shine so blindingly in her eyes. Even so, Elsa looked comfortable and welcome in the queen's presence; It was simply how it was to be around her. It may have been her aura or the mother's friendliness combined, but she quietly looked at her child, then to Marie and giggled. "I know what you want to ask… Your eyes say it all."
Though a bit hesitant as she glanced at her child, as any mother would be, she took a gentle step to Marie, and the rider quickly held out her arms with a thankful and reassuring smile. The bundle of joy, complete with its teddy bear, was cradled in her arms like precious gold, but the warmth that radiated from the blanket melted her heart. With verdant green pupils with a hint of the sky, the infant stared into Marie's crystal eyes and giggled happily. Nightingale smiled warmly as Elsa stayed close by.
Yet Marie was already lost as she reached her finger out to tickle the little baby, filling the air with its happy giggles. She felt the familiar profound blessing of a baby in her arms again that stirred slumbering memories. As she swung him gently in her cradling arms, her vision blurred with welling tears of joy as the little baby reached up to touch the queen's cheek. She sniffled lightly, but her smile glowed like a precious diamond. Her heart cried and sang like an opera, both at the solemn memories of her dear, missed children and the chance for a once-mother to hold a precious infant again.
This was a medicine Marie never knew she needed again. She sniffled as a lone joyous tear finally fell, "You have a beautiful baby, Elsa…"
"God blessed me…" she whispered back with a fond smile. As she wiped her tear away, Marie wholeheartedly agreed. There was no greater blessing or gift than to bring new life into the world. It was something mothers understood silently together; The other servant mothers would no doubt be overwhelmed with this sight too.
"We'll make sure you're both well looked after here~…" Marie assured as she carefully gave the smiling child back. She nearly cooed at how happy the child look as it clutched the larger teddy bear desperately and giggled. "Both the baby and his wonderful parents~."
As she cradled her child again, Elsa's smile flickered for but a moment, and Marie was scared she accidentally said something wrong. To her relief, the woman merely shook her head. "His father couldn't come with us. Oh, but please don't worry. He w-"
The entrance hallway's doors slid open, and she trailed off as her eyes widened quickly. Marie turned around to see Leandre, but his eyes and smile glowed brighter than his clean head chef uniform. "Oh blessed lord! Elsa! I didn't think you'd actually accept the invitation!"
"(Uncle!)" The two quickly ran up to each other, and Marie beamed as they exchanged the traditional Italian kisses. New tears welled in their eyes as they swiftly fell into emotional Italian, but Marie only giggled at what she heard. An infant in Chaldea… the heartwarming reunion between families… Today was already looking wonderful as Da Vinci calmly led the group over. All she hoped was that things wouldn't get too chaotic to spook the little darling.
…If they did, Marie was certainly going to scold the offenders.
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With Marie's overflowing giddiness, there was no escape for the poor servants when the elevator doors opened.
Janna giggled in Marie's grasp as she tried to wiggle free. Even so, Marie wouldn't let go of the lancer that easily. Bolstered by the happiness given from Elsa's little baby, Marie was on a child-loving high. What better than to hug her secret favorite of the servant children: An adorable, pint-sized version of one of her best friends! She giggled in her grasp as she gently swung the child in the windowed hallway. "Marie! My friends are waiting for me!"
"Sorry, but just a few seconds more, Janna~! You're always so cute~!" Marie happily chimed as her sphinx kitten mewled from her bag. "You kids are in for a fun surprise soon!"
Janna's eyes glittered with expectation. "A surprise?"
"It's a cute little secret, but you'll know it when you see it~!" Marie winked as she finally released her hold on the servant. Janna tilted her head cutely in wonder, but the rider only giggled in response. "Just be patient! You'll know~! It's a wonderful surprise!"
"Mmmm… okay then~!" Janna happily hummed before she began skipping down the windowed hallway towards the resort. "Bye, Marie!"
After waving happily, the rider quickly skipped to her own tune towards the residential area. Happiness practically wafted off of her, and even brought a smile to a passing employee's face. She happily wiggled her fingers at her, then turned down a new hallway with a checklist on her mind. She had a few extra stuffed animals that she was going to surprise Jack with, but she didn't think the assassin would mind if one was given to the newest little resident instead.
With a finger to her lips, and the other quietly petting Whiskers in her bad, Marie strolled quickly towards her room with hopeful eyes. As Chaldea grew brilliantly, any staff who suffered from mental and emotional trauma would have finally get more medicine in a unique way; Elsa was going to be a surprise blessing as Chaldea's Wellness Specialist with a psychiatric focus. If her baby joined her for sessions, that would possibly do wonders!
More of the pains would be soothed, and happiness was sure to double with a little bundle of joy within these wall- "It's not like you to be jealous."
"I have no ill intent, Arjuna, I'm only trying to help. Can we please talk in privacy?" Marie's thoughts fell silent as she came to a slow stop. Her room was just past the next intersection, but the heated tone of the Indian rivals down the next hallway made her pause. As a robot floated by with a bundle of new curtains, Marie's mind shifted into gear. Instantly, she was against the wall like a spy as her sphinx kitten stared at her from her purse. With focused eyes and calm breathing, she committed herself to her, admittedly rude, habit: Eavesdropping.
Yet she couldn't help it. She loved gossip, but not because of what it could bring. For her, gossip and rumors about happy developments always sang to her core and made her imagination run wild. She loved hearing about people being happy, or any potential growth in that direction. As a queen who wished for nothing above happiness for the people, it was in her blood to latch onto any rumor and chatter with overwhelming glee.
…And then there was the flip side, where she couldn't help but worry over any trouble she heard about in their paradise.
"There's nothing we need to talk about. This isn't your problem." Arjuna's voice was calm, yet purposefully composed; She could feel it.
"She's our master, you're my brother, and something is wrong. I will not remain silent on this." Marie sighed quietly. As much as he took Rama and Sita's suggestions, Karna still had quite a bit to work on with his tone and presentation.
It clearly ticked the wrong buttons already. "It's not your problem, Karna. This is a concern between Annie and I only. If you truly care, then leave us be."
Though she didn't take a peek, she knew Karna and Arjuna were too into their little squabble to care about her presence. She heard the archer exhale with discontent. Even now, she could picture his slightly more concerned features he'd grown ever since he asked Anishka out. She'd been so overwhelmed with happiness when one of her favorite little rumor mills turned out to be another happy couple… except it wasn't the happy couple she imagined it to be.
She'd thought they were just being respectful about public display of affection, until she noted the concerned tension with the other Indian legends. This was all but finally confirming her suspicions and whatever Chevalier d'Eon gathered for her. She frowned as she heard retreating footsteps, only for Karna to call out. "I do care, Arjuna. You need to talk to Anishka about this relationship. There's something important she's not telling you."
"Don't go inferring she'd do anything mean spirited." Arjuna's warning held firm, and sent a shiver up her spine. She glanced towards the approaching George as he wore his concern as valiantly as his battle-attire. She motioned for him to wait, and he slowed at the intersection as Arjuna spoke up again. "Annie would never try anything of that sort. You know that as well as I do."
"And you also know she has a problem saying no, especially when it comes to us," Karna fired back instantly, but calmly. The silence after was so tense, Marie thought she was drowning in it. "If I am to request anything from you, then it is only this... Think carefully. Anishka would never do anything against us, but she's too respectful for her own good. Do not make this more painful than it needs to be for either of you."
Marie looked to George again, but the saint was now staring at her with equal worry and concern. Footsteps approached, and though Marie wished to move, she was frozen with growing worry over the gravity surrounding their third master. Several moments later, Karna finally appeared from the hallway in his favorite vibrant red sherwani and cream-colored pants. His calm gaze turned to George and nodded briefly.
It then turned to her, and it suddenly felt heavier than it ever had been. Still, as he paused in the hallway, she merely nodded and freed her lips from their concerned binds. "…I won't tell anyone. I promise. I'd never spread something like this."
"I know you wouldn't," Karna offered immediately with a small nod in thanks. "Let us hope all ends well."
As he slowly walked away, Marie's kitten pawed at her side in distress while the rider curled her hand uncertainly before her. Though she was renowned as Chaldea's Gossip Queen, there were some rumors even she wouldn't dare voice. It was uncourteous, and above all else, outright disparaging if those ever spread. It was something she wouldn't wish for with her gossip. This was definitely one rumor she'd keep to herself, but she couldn't help eavesdrop out of concern for those involved.
More than anything, though, she wished she could do something. She wanted to go up to Anishka and reassure her everything was fine, whatever the problem may be. She'd wish to do the same for Arjuna, but that wasn't her place. As much as she could bring smiles to the faces of many, some problems were just too personal to interfere. She could only watch on with distress and hope a crisis was averted.
It was unfortunate, but Marie cared so naturally for Chaldea's happiness, that her concern for any distress trailed her strongly.
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The salon's peace and quiet was both a comfort and fertile grounds for her worry to possibly blossom. Before her, a buffet of recently delivered travel pamphlets were strewn about as she glanced through them quietly… Anything to help distract her from the recent, lingering worry that she'd stumbled upon. For the most part, the vivid pictures did the trick as Mozart and Phantom practiced some classic music at the Ballroom side's piano.
"Not on the internet, Marie?"
"Mmm… Maybe later…" she mumbled lightly with a tiny smile. Her phone and purse sat on the marble counter nearby while Whiskers napped atop her belongings.
Sanson blinked, then cracked a tiny smile before turning back to his task. With a new feather duster in hand, he gently swept over each tiny glass and crystal piece in her menagerie. Thanks to the bar's extension into a horseshoe shape, there was plenty more room for wall displays since the alcohol was now distributed mostly on the dining side; She was running out of room for her collection in her room anyway.
Her eyes followed the working assassin as the feathers caressed the various animals, snow globes, buildings, and more. Careful yet precise, any gathered dust from the day was evicted so the pieces remained pristine and glinting underneath the sapphire display lights. Together, the assorted treasures formed a small, beautiful, and fragile world, mimicking their own home. They'd only keep growing together.
As much as she loved the beauty it possessed, like her collection, she always worried cracks may form.
She could never help her maternal or royal instincts. If anything, she even worried herself to death while hiding it behind an ever-radiant smile. With the recent swing of her own concerns, she knew it was only inevitable she'd start second guessing if others were alright too. Even the small occasional glint of scrutiny in Sanson's eyes made her believe he was having another struggle with his ever-lingering guilt for his past life. Any little hint was suddenly tinder for fiery concern, even if it wasn't there.
Yet, Marie knew herself well. She knew she her snowballing worry needed to halt before she started believing what wasn't there, thus the pamphlets. The alluring sites and seductive descriptions of far flung places was quickly winning the war across her thoughts. Yet, reinforcements could always bolster an army's chances, so she vied for just that. To distract herself, and maybe even him, from solemn thoughts, she spoke up. "When we finally go on vacation, should I have a bag just for more crystal figurines?"
To her delight, Sanson chuckled. "I'd be more concerned about filling up the shelves."
"But they're so bare still…!" she pouted lightly, and Mozart flashed her a smile from the piano. She only had one material hobby, and it was her little growing menagerie. Her other hobby was singing, but she never did want to do it publicly. Thus, her focus remained. "We can always put more too!"
"Then why don't we order some?"
"Because it's more fun to collect them myself! So they mean something!" Marie countered with a smile as she turned back to her pamphlets.
"And I'm sure you'll find a lot wherever else we'll be going. Europe isn't exactly uninhabited…" he smiled lightly. Suddenly, she gasped and bounced in her seat excitedly. Sanson turned around to face her, and her smile had tugged at his own lips further like magic. "Another place to consider?"
"I think so~!" Marie hummed as she picked up the offending pamphlet. Servant vacation days could be stockpiled over time, and there was a small 'checkout' to ensure at least four fifths of Chaldea remained home. Many were opting to browse and plan ahead, while a few, like Ereshkigal, had practically bounced outside like a freed gazelle. With all the new travel material, it made patiently waiting and planning for a longer vacation easier.
"Before or after Paris?" Marie blinked and looked behind her to see D'Eon politely standing and waiting.
"I think before, so we can save the best for last~…" she quickly replied as she showed them the pamphlet for Switzerland. This one was advertising the train rides through the Alps, and the scenery was infinitely more impressive than she'd ever heard when she was alive. "What do you think?"
"I think I'd love to scout it for you if I could," D'Eon replied as Marie giggled. The wonderful mature woman, or how she always remembered the saber, was forever loyal to her. Now he was her precious and lovely scout, both for gossip and any serious information. She still always saw the ever-helpful acquaintance as a woman, but she couldn't have agreed more with Gudao's answer on who Chevalier d'Eon was: "Please be whoever you wish to be."
Thus, D'Eon was usually a beautiful man unless he felt the need to be a woman.
"But we should all experience it for the first time~! Together~!" Marie countered lightly as her kitten stirred atop her bad. She glanced over with an apologetic smile, before she turned to yet another European brochure. She quickly reached over and picked up one for Austria. "Oh… but Vienna in winter looks lovely too… And then there's Santorini!"
"…We're getting further and further away from Paris," D'Eon teased, and earned a swift pout from the queen.
Sanson chuckled. "Just be wary of the time, Marie. I don't think we can fit all of this in two weeks."
"Oh gosh… Only two? Three would be comfy," she lamented with a soft sigh.
"Isn't that a little too long to be away from your salon?" Sanson quickly interjected.
"Boudica and Arturia will manage just fine. I trust them," Marie easily waved off with a smile as her kitten walked across the pamphlets before her. "My only regret is I won't get to see her brother and knights being servers! Oh, can you imagine those dashing men being servers for a week? Ohhh, Arthur~…"
"Just as long as Gawain stays away from the kitchen and Bedivere does the bartending," D'Eon added with a small smile. She heard it as she feigned a dreamy look with a hand across her forehead, but missed Sanson and Mozart wince briefly. D'Eon withheld a chuckle, but his eyes quickly lit up. "Ah, yes… Speaking of Camelot. I have some news for late-"
"Is it about Arturia's material body change!?" she asked that way too fast, but she was really excited to know about it. "So is it now? Later? How tall will she be!?"
"Your majesty, one question at a time!" the saber chuckled. "It won't be for another month, but she's certain. Scathach will ensure her class remains saber too."
"Mmm… so she's finally over her last reservations about growing like the Lion King…" Marie hummed with a chipper smile. "…Wonderful~! I love a happy ending! So from who did one of my lovely spy get the information from~?"
"Mordred." He smiled, and Sanson shook his head with a chuckle. Of course it was Mordred. "She was complaining loudly to Frankenstein and Astolfo that her father was giving all her dresses to her."
"…Mordred and dresses…" Marie blinked, then giggled… then laughed cheerily. It was impossibly rare to see her in one, but just watching her the first time she wore a dress was a barrel of laughs. She looked really cute for her first date, but volatile and temperamental was an understatement. "Oh my~… I wonder if she'll wear them because they're gifts from her father… hmm, but blue isn't her color, and she had a lot of blue dresses…"
Any lingering concern had been swiftly sundered as she fell further into an early gossip exchange.
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Before she knew it, it was nearly time for dinner. The smells of savory dishes wafted from the kitchen doors as the queen sat at the bar. Her smile lingered on the cluster of women, who were likely surrounding Elsa and her child; Barely day one, and Marie could already see they would become new celebrities. Her only worry was that the baby wouldn't take it well, but she'd never seen such a happy and giddy six-month-old infant in all her years.
Sanson and Gilles were talking with Meunière further down the bar, and Mata Hari was currently playing with Paul and Arash at their table. It left Marie comfortably alone, but striking up a conversation was easy. In a few minutes, she was also going to do her little waltz around the room to see how everyone was fairing this evening, and ensure the smiles remained bright. Her natural grace was merely given a small reprieve, that's all… but it was about to end.
As she quietly looked around to ensure everyone was having a good time mingling, her eyes curiously latched onto Altera as she quietly walked away from the bar with two wine bottles in hand. Thanks to Nero, her wardrobe had filled with quite an assortment of dresses, and the once stiff saber now smiled and strolled over in a white halter top evening dress that hugged her body. She turned to glance at Marie, and with a now signature, sweet little smile, greeted her. "Hi, Marie. All alone…?"
"For now, oh woe is me~… Are all the lovely Romans enjoying their table?"
Altera stopped before her and nodded. "Thank you again for making a nicer booth for all of us. Nero can't stop bouncing on the cushion."
"As long as she doesn't break it by tomorrow, that's fine~!" Marie cheered, and they shared light giggles. "And how about you? Are you excited to see the plains again?"
Marie loved the little twinkle in Altera's eyes. Who knew this cute little saber was actually just a part of a terrifying force of destruction… and yet, with her precious memories, she was just another smiling face in these walls. Her heart always swelled with joy for this woman. "October can't come soon enough!"
"Just be sure you get Nero a real Halloween costume this year when you see Rome!" Marie winked, and they giggled again as Altera walked away… only to stop again.
"Oh fruitful day hath born its faculties so meek, yet kissed this scribe! My pages run badged with precious ink!" At the familiar, joyful cries of a resident caster, Altera's eye twitched as Marie smiled sheepishly. They both turned as the playwright in an emerald suit walked near. "Ah… but may luck sleep devious? Why hath it given me earnest of success, commencing in a truth?"
Shakespeare glanced over to the saber briefly, then did a double take much to Altera's adorable horror. His smile grew and he approached. "I prithee thee, Altera! Lend an ear for mere moment's grace? But a lone beg, and no noyance!"
"Old English is bad civilization!" Altera quickly panicked and made Marie giggle feverishly as the saber scooted away with both drinks in hand. The surrounding tables and mingling residents laughed as Shakespeare decided against pursuing, but chuckled with them.
Another site quickly caught her curious attention. With a scoff at the caster as he walked over to Hans, Carmilla calmly walked past the bar with a newly served glass of wine in her hands. Her frighteningly long fingernails had been trimmed down, and her black evening dress fit her fairly well with the modification Vlad did. Even if it wasn't a perfect fit, Marie's keen imagination highlighted her figure. By the way she carried herself, she definitely had the makings of- "Is something wrong?"
Marie blinked and admonished herself for having been caught so rudely staring. She giggled sheepishly to the assassin. "Oh, no! Nothing! Sorry! You just look like a fashion model!"
Carmilla blinked in surprise. "…Fashion model?"
"I can agree with that," Hijikata called out as he walked past them. The assassin stared with slightly narrowed eyes at the black-suit wearing berserker, who merely glanced back calmly and nodded. "Not bad… Not bad at all."
"…That man…" Carmilla grumbled as Hijikata strolled over to the new Japanese table. With a small huff, she slowly walked towards a nearby table. Marie smiled lightly as Beowulf and Nightingale waved her over to their table, and it only grew when she noticed her lips twitched upward ever so slightly. She'd found her own little niche group, but then again, Dantes had been the one to first extend a group invitation. Marie was more surprised, but happy, Carmilla took it, and stayed in Chaldea for that matter.
On the other hand, to Marie's growing amusement and curiosity, one of the other avengers didn't seem as pleased. As the formally dressed table mingled lightly, and Carmilla tried angrily getting some room from the shameless Angra, she caught Joan's occasional stares between Dantes and the new assassin. The queen only started seeing it recently, and it was difficult to pick out past her usually narrowed gaze and light scowl… but Marie would swear Joan seemed a bit… jealous.
"Something has your eye, my queen?" Marie's smile nearly grew as she turned slowly to her uniformed saber. D'Eon took a seat beside her at the bar, but he shot a subtle glance in the direction she'd been looking; He knew her really well as he smirked lightly. "… You have a new assignment for me?"
"Why… I wouldn't say entirely new, my dear," she playfully mused as she smiled towards the pretty spy. "But I think a gate has finally opened for you to slip in~..."
Gossip, in all its forms, would always entice her like a mouse to fine cheese. She was aware how much damage it could do if it was wrong… yet she couldn't help it, but at least she weighed the consequences. She never spread anything terrible, but always yearned for the possibility of what could be. The small buds of happiness she saw could bloom into flowers, and she wanted to milk every detail like a fine novel or play. Thus, she had to know, and what she did after to subtly water those plants would merely be decided after.
Because as much as she loved helping Chaldea in her own ways to make them happy, they served her by showing they were…
…Marie just wanted to hear about it first so she could gush about it. That's all.