The day of the choosing had finally arrived with everyone in Paris gathered in front of their screens to see who the lucky girls are that get to go to the palace and compete in the Selection.

Adrien himself was in his room watching his large TV screen. He was on edge as he waited for the girls to be announced. Natalie, the head of the castle staff and his father's personal assistant walked in and commented, "Excellent, you're already watching. Your father will be pleased."

He replied, "I am taking this very seriously, after all, one of those girls will be my future wife and I want to be ready for whatever comes next."

Natalie merely nodded in agreement as they watched TV personality, Alec Cataldi make his appearance.

"GOOOOD EVENING, PARIS!"

Meanwhile in her own house, Marinette was a nervous wreck as she watched the TV with her parents with Alec saying.

"Tonight, ten lovely young ladies will be chosen to compete in the Selection to be Prince Adrien's crown princess!" there was canned applause in the background. "But before we get to that, our king, King Gabriel Agreste would like to share a few words!"

A video screen of Gabriel appeared on the side as he gave off a regal and stern appearance and spoke, "As you know, the Selection is an important tradition among our people, it is how the Agrestes have chosen their queens and my son and his descendants shall do the same for years to come."

Adrien couldn't help but scoff at that. While he may be forced to do a Selection he could never force his children to do the same.

Gabriel continued, "My wife, Queen Emilie Agreste would have been thrilled at seeing our son find a wife for himself, someone that could bring him unbridled happiness just as my wife has done for me…"

Adrien's eyes widen in shock at hearing this.

"But due to her untimely and tragic disappearance, she cannot be here for this very special occasion but fortunately, she was able to leave a video message behind to those that will soon be selected. My wife was always very good at planning ahead that when she knew the Selection was nearing, she wanted to send out something to the girls for inspiration and hope."

A video of Emilie came up making Adrien feel tears threatening to escape his eyes. This just may be the first time in two years since he got to hear his mother's voice again.

Emilie spoke, "Hello, young ladies, I'm sure some of you are excited and nervous all at once…"

Marinette found herself nodding to the queen's words.

She made a slight giggle, "I was too, the Selection can be an amazing opportunity but it is an even more amazing experience… I want to you all to know that whoever will be chosen into this will receive the event of a lifetime. It will not be easy, I assure you sometimes it will get difficult especially on the prince's part…"

Adrien felt a smile on his face thinking his mother was directly speaking to him just then.

"I want to give you this important advice that you will need when you come to the palace. Be yourself. Staying true to yourself throughout the Selection will be the greatest challenge anyone will have to face but trust me when I say it'll be worth it. Even if you do not end up becoming the princess, your life changes for the better… So enjoy your last night as an average girl, for tomorrow, your life will be different forever…"

The video stopped but it didn't stop the tears running down Adrien's face. He was handed a tissue box by Natalie.

"Thanks Natalie." he said while wiping his eyes.

"I know how hard it must be to see your mother again even if it was just a recorded message."

"All I can say is, it made this night a little better."

"I'm glad to hear it."

They turned back to the TV where Alec was about to announce the girls' names.

Marinette was shaking in her seat while her parents tried to keep her calm, knowing they had to be ready to either rejoice or comfort their daughter in whatever comes next.

Alec said in a loud voice, "And now here are the ten girls selected to compete in the Selection!" He gave the first name, "Miss Rose Lavillant, Three." the name and the caste number was listed on the side for everyone to see and it continued that way as Alec listed the other names, "Miss Juleka Couffaine, Five. Miss Kagami Tsurugi, Two. Miss Alya Cesaire, Four."

Marinette gasped and thought, Way to go, Alya! But then her nerves got the better of her again and worried that she wouldn't get chosen after all.

"Miss Mylene Haprele, Five. Miss Sabrina Raincomprix, Two. Miss Alix Kubdel, Three. Miss Lila Rossi, Three. Miss Chloe Bourgeois, Two."

Adrien heard the last name and thought, Of course, Father would have Chloe into this since she was the only friend I had when I was little and she is the prime minister's daughter, so it's obvious he hopes for a diplomatic merger.

Alec announced the last name, "And finally, Miss Marinette Dupain-Cheng, Four. Congratulations to all these wonderful girls and may the lucky one win!"

Tom and Sabine was cheering while Marinette was blinking in bewilderment not sure if she heard Alec right. Her phone rang and she slowly held it to her face still in a daze.

Alya's voice came over the speaker, "Marinette! Did you see?! We got pick, girl! Both of us!"

Marinette slowly nodded and said, "Uh…huh…"

"Girl, you okay? You seem out of it."

Sabine said to the phone, "Oh, she's just overwhelmed that she got chosen and is having trouble processing it."

"Ahhh… Knowing her, that makes sense."

Her parents and friend exchanged a laugh.

Marinette slowly got up, leaving the phone on the couch and went up the stairs, saying, "I'm going up to my room."

She got to her bedroom while staying composed until she closed the trapdoor and Tikki came out was when Marinette's face turned to utter joy and she squealed so loudly that Tikki had to cover her ears.

"I'M IN THE SELECTION! I'M IN THE SELECTION!" she jumped around like a manic.

"Congratulations, Marinette!"

"Oh, Tikki! This is the best day of my life!" she landed in her workplace and stared hopelessly at the pictures of Adrien.

"Of course you do realize that this will make things more complicated since you still have to perform the duties of Ladybug especially when an Akuma attacks!"

Marinette groaned and smacked her face to her desk and moaned, "I really hope that doesn't happen…"

"You never know…" Tikki landed on her holder's head.

Marinette looked back to the pictures, seeing Adrien's handsome face in every one of them. I really want this… A chance to meet Adrien and maybe have a chance to fall in love with him and that he'd love me in return… But Tikki's right, I'm still Ladybug and it's my job to protect the city from harm, so even if I'm with the prince, I have to put Paris first. She sighed, No matter what…