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Chat Noir's P.O.V
I watched my female partner rush off in a frenzy. I raised an eyebrow at her strange behavior but shrugged it off. Ladybug does have her odd moments from time to time. I find it somewhat endearing how silly and serious she can be.
I stood up and stretched.
My eyes scanned the city for a little while longer before an idea came to mind. Should I...go visit that wealthy girl while I am here? I am pretty sure her mansion is not too far away.
I am trying to change my perspective on the rich folk. Maybe, talking to someone who still dwells in this section could help me understand a bit more about their life. A lot of the rejected children do not like talking about their old life, preferring to move on from that stage of their past living arrangement.
I did not completely understand why but knew enough not to linger on the topic. I would think living the rich life would be nothing but blissful. Not worrying about food, surviving each day without knowing what dangers will lie in the next, not having to worry about a board falling on their head from the rotted out wood, clean water, sickness...
The list goes on and on.
Instead of worrying, they party nearly every night (which I would find exhausting being around fake people constantly).
Yet, the high life may not be all that perfect either if everyone is trying to be perfect.
"I think I might visit her," I thought before going deeper into my mind, "I hope she is not busy or has a servant in her room. Although, it would be strange for a man clad in black leather to suddenly appear on her balcony if she has one. Of course, she might recognize me as one of Paris's heroes..."
Now, I am thinking this might not be such a good idea...
I hummed in thought before deciding I will watch from afar. Then, I will make my decision about whether I want to approach her or not.
I took out my baton and started to vault in the direction I assumed her mansion is in.
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Marinette's P.O.V
I wipe my sweaty hands on the skirt of my dress. I silently observed my parents and Gabriel Agreste converse with each other.
I do not know why but there is a tense feeling in the air, making my stomach uncomfortably churn. Dad seemed to feel it to with the way he is sitting and kept uncharacteristically quiet.
A man who rarely ever leaves his house, unless it is a big occasion, joined us for a simple meal. That just screams suspicious.
"So, I heard rumors that you are going to release a new line of clothing to commemorate the loss of your family, Gabriel," mother started with a smile, "I find it very sweet to honor them after—oh, how many years has it been? Anyway, I just wanted to tell you how lovely I think it is to do it for their anniversary."
Gabriel narrowed his eyes at my mother, displeased by the mention of his new clothing line. I shrunk a little in my seat. Even though his gaze wasn't directed at me, he is still a very intimidating man.
I glanced over at dad to see him sitting just as stiff as me.
I do not know how mother is not in the slightest frightened by the chilling male. Either, she is too oblivious to notice or she has a lot more backbone than I thought.
"Yes," he responded, coldly, "the rumors are true."
Mother clapped her hands together in joy, "How wonderful! I will have to obtain one of those outfits when they release!"
I kept an eye on Gabriel, carefully studying for any signs of misplacement.
Rose is frightened by this male for reasons I am still unaware of. I did not have the chance to ask since I had to rush to prepare for our unexpected visitor. Recalling her words, my parents are possibly scheming with Hawkmoth. Could it have something to do with Hawkmoth? What other reason would Gabriel be here?
Although, he could have secretly visited without any of the staff knowing or write letters or talk on the phone with my parents. They did not have to arrange a meal, including me in it.
What is the angle that I am not understanding?
Not too long later, the head butler entered the room and announced that the food was ready. Platters of different courses of food were served for each person.
As we ate, mother continued the conversation. Yet, I noticed a different sort of spark in her eyes and a tiny shift in her demeanor. If I was still being taken care of by the servants and seen little of my mother like I used to, I may have not given it a second thought.
Thanks to my lack of knowledge to be a lady, that all changed. I grew to learn more about my mother through the years whether she was teaching me how to act properly or socializing at events.
When it was just me and my mother in my studies, she would be more of a stern teacher than a maternal figure. Mother always wore fake joy as a mask and forced chirpiness in her voice around others at occasions.
However, this was different.
I have never seen this side of her.
Her gaze glimmered with almost cunning intentions but kept guarded all the same. A serious look wrinkled her face even with the strained smile spread across her lips.
What was that expression?
It is frightening.
The look instantly left and was replaced with her usual joyous one.
"I remember going on a trip that I think you would absolutely adore, Gabriel!" mother rambled, "We went to this splendid resort that very few know about. Located in the southwest of the building, there is this magnificent piece of glass art! It was so stunning! You should see it for yourself if you ever go."
I blinked in confusion, arching an eyebrow at my mother. I do not recall this trip. It could be possible my parents went on it and left me with the servants. But if they did, I would have heard mother bragging about the trip if she claims that it is as good as she says.
Or she could just be lying about it all to make us look good. That is quite the possibility too. I would not put it passed my mother. She has lied about many things before to keep our image spotless.
Gabriel did not say anything for a long while. The room sat in awkward silence for what felt like an hour was actually around two minutes.
I tried to decipher the secret communication between Gabriel and my mother. Was there some sort of message hidden behind mother's story?
I replayed her story in my mind. I found it odd that she specified a single location in the building. Usually, every place has many unique things for tourist attractions and not just one.
My mother would be rambling about everything she saw...but the grand thing she talks about that this place has is a singular window?
"Let me see...she said there was magnificent glass art that was located in the southwest of the building..." I thought. The wheels in my head turned until some more of mother's words popped out to me.
"You should see it for yourself if you ever go."
Suddenly, everything began to click in place.
"Does she...want him to look out the window?" I thought. I made sure no one was paying attention to me before curiously glancing out the window located in the southwest. I could not turn my head or else it might draw attention.
I scanned edge to edge of the giant window, searching for whatever is outside.
My eyes widened a little once I spotted it. My heart nearly stopped in my chest and quickly looked in every other direction that was not the window. I clenched my skirt out of nerves and tried to keep my normal appearance up. I could feel a little bit of sweat start on my brow.
"What is he doing here?" I groaned inside my mind.
Chat Noir was spying on us through the clear glass.
"Darling, are you doing okay? You look a little pale?" mother asked with forged concern. In other words, she wants me to quit acting odd.
But how did she know Chat Noir was there?!
She is facing away from the window he is watching through!
I could not even signal him without looking suspicious. So, I carved out my practiced smile and tried not to lose my head.
It seemed like...I do not know my parents very well after all.
Who I thought I sat at a table with, are not what they seem to be. I thought I knew my own parents, even when I hardly see my dad or my mother faked her personality.
Right now, I sit at the family table with a bunch of strangers.
A simple drop of pure water in the middle of the salty ocean.
Rose was right.
Something is going on with my parents.
Although, my main concern at the moment is why Chat Noir is here. Is it the same reason why he was at my engagement party? Could he know something is going on with my parents too?
How could I be so blind? Was this why I hardly ever saw them? It was because they are doing diabolical work for super villains!
I felt my eye twitch doing my best to hold in my explosive rage, wanting to burst at the seams. I will have to ask Rose what all she has discovered. Maybe, I can help her piece together what my parents are up to.
But how does Gabriel Agreste play into any of this? Why was Rose scared of him? Does Gabriel work for Hawkmoth or something? Could the secretive man be some sort of trained assassin or spy?
I have many questions but I will not receive answers until I talk with Rose again.
"I will take your word for it," Gabriel finally answered before taking a bite of his food.
As I took a sip from my cup, Rose entered the room. I nearly choked when seeing her. Why is she here? She is my personal servant, not a part of the kitchen staff.
Rose is doing an excellent job at playing the part of a servant, not showing any signs of nervousness though she is probably trembling in her shoes. For how scared she was earlier, her nerves are steeled at this moment.
"You called for me, madam?" Rose questioned.
"Mother, why did you call upon my personal servant?" I asked.
"Marinette, you know better not to speak until spoken too," mother informed with her annoying jolly tone. I glared at her but kept my mouth shut. If I need to step in, I will.
Behind me, there are a few fencing swords hung on the wall my father wielded back in his prime. My mother had them placed there to show off to our guests or bring up the topic of my father's glory days.
I nearly hit my head in realization.
Chat Noir is still watching from outside the window. I cannot risk him seeing me wield a sword...but I will step in no matter what. I will not sit and watch my friend get hurt.
Or Chat Noir can come and rescue her from this dilemma. That would be the best-case scenario if things turned for the worst.
But I will continue Rose's mission for her and report to her of my findings as Ladybug. There is no way of stopping the investigation on my parents when we are so close to figuring out the big picture.
Although, I pray that nothing happens.
Mother had turned back to Rose. I carefully listened and watched for any hints of threatening motives.
"I am going to reassign you to the kitchen staff instead of my daughter's personal servant. You will be switched with one of the servers," mother explained. Rose and I blinked in surprised confusion.
Rose was one of the best personal servants I ever had. She always worked two steps ahead and was efficient with her work (considering she was a Lady of the Court). Why on earth is mother replacing her with a kitchen server? Why now of all times is she switching my servant?
Does she know about Rose's true identity?
If so, why has she not done anything about it? She could have called someone or used Rose as a way to show off.
Actually, how did she find out in the first place?
Is this some sort of way of making Rose known to Gabriel? A way to point her out from the crowd.
I can feel it in my bones that this sudden development will surely not end well. The more I learn, the greedier I get for answers. But that may surely well lead me to a place of no return. Too much information might be too much of a good thing I do not want.
After all, ignorance is bliss.
This is very troubling.
Rose bowed her head, "Yes, madame."
"Very good," mother said. A female walked in from the kitchen, carrying a tray of freshly baked rolls. As she placed them on the table, mother pointed at her.
"You, servant. You will be the newly assigned personal servant of my daughter," mother declared. The girl and I gawked at my mother.
The girl looked to be around the same age as Rose and I. I have not seen her around before, meaning she must be a recent addition to the staff. It takes a few months to earn a higher rank from serving food to a personal servant. It is like mother is setting this girl up to fail just after she acquired this job.
She demoted someone with experience with someone who has none whatsoever. She probably does not want to risk someone dangerous being near her precious tool to build her reputation.
This just makes me more irritated. She is so selfish! She does not care if this random girl has experience or gets fired for not knowing how to do the role she was unprepared for.
"Be gone, then," she ordered, shooing Rose out of her sight. Rose silently turned away and walked into the kitchen.
"And you," mother started, earning the new girl's attention. She stiffened like a rock but quickly bowed in respect.
"Go off and continue your new assigned duties," my mother insisted. She probably wants to continue her secretive conversation and talk about more illegal actions.
The girl's feet were paralyzed but forced her way out of her shocked stupor. The dread, confusion, and fear that had shown soon vanished. The look of determination appeared on the girl's face.
Who is this girl? While all the other house servants feared my mother, this girl stood tall with confidence.
"Yes, madame," she bowed, respectfully. Once my mother was satisfied, she turned away from my new personal servant and back to chatting with Gabriel. My personal servant left, seeing as she is no longer needed to stay.
I just helplessly watch Rose wander into the kitchen before scowling at mother. I did not even get to speak my mind on this topic, everything was chosen for me.
I hate it.
I want to speak of my opinion on this.
I want to make the choice that will affect me.
I stood from my seat in a huff and silently stomped off back to my quarters.
"Marinette!" I heard my mother call but I ignored her. If she will not listen to me, I will not open my ears to hear what she has to say.
Whatever the case, she will not stop me from seeing Rose. I will use the secret tunnels if I have too!
"My lady!" a voice called out to me as I walked down the hallway. I shifted my attention to my new personal servant quickly catching up.
"What?" I hissed, earning a slight wince from her. I sighed, my shoulders slouching.
"I am sorry. I did not mean to spit out poison. You did nothing wrong," I apologized. The girl's expression widened in surprise.
"You are...apologizing to me?" she questioned before speedily backpedaling, "I do not know what I have done wrong but surely I upset you in some way!"
She must be very confused and astonished that someone like me is apologizing to her. I can see how it can make a few heads turn but I am not similar to wealthy citizens she has met.
I smiled at her, "Of course not. You deserve an apology for my irrationality. You did nothing but the right thing."
She was still skeptical about what was going on.
"Is this some sort of test?" She asked. I shook my head in denial before frowning once again.
"I just wish my mother would not be the way that she is. Not that there is anything wrong with you, but I would prefer she did not demote my other personal servant for an inexperienced one," I explained, continuing to my room.
"Truly, I do understand. I do hope I can live up to your standards," she said, following me.
"Fortunately, I have none," I replied, "I assume you already know who I am, but I did not get your name."
"My name is Alya," the ombré-haired introduced.
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Alya's P.O.V
"I am thinking about getting a job as a servant," I told Nino. I have been told the job can be grueling at times, depending on which family you fall into. I have listened to rumors of some people getting beat up or deeply shamed as entertainment for parties.
Yet, I do not fear the rumors. Being a superhuman soldier for years, I have seen many terrifying scenes.
Plus, I heard that the pay is extraordinary.
Nino's job is unfortunately barely getting us by. I decided to step up so we no longer have to hobble at the start of our life together.
Nino seemed to be uneasy about my decision.
"I do not know, Alya. That is a very demanding job, not that you could not handle it. I know you can defend yourself just fine. Let me remind you though, you are still a superhero. You may have a difficult time leaving if an Akuma appears when you are in the middle of work," Nino explained.
There is still worry on his face. Even if he does not express it, he is concerned that the wealthy folks might hurt me. I walk over to him with a warm smile. I placed a hand on his chest and lean into him.
"Do not worry, darling. I promise to be careful," I genuinely spoke then kissed him, "Besides, I highly doubt the rich will lose their heads if one servant sneaks away for an hour. They probably will not even notice I am gone before I get back."
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Oh, how much I wish to take back my cursed words.
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