Smiling Agent

by Gale-Dragon

A popular book series known as Smiling Agent has finally been translated into French. Adrien would like to read more than what his father forces him to read, since those books just can't keep his interest. So the Miracuclass devise a way for Adrien to read the series under his overly-controlling father's nose. Still trying to win Adrien over and keep her hold on the class, Lila lie

4. Chapter 4

Smiling Agent. Chapter 4.

~}I{~

Chloe was elated when she told Sabrina and Marinette, "I can't believe that the 2nd volume of Smiling Agent sold out so quickly!"

The orangette nodded when she stated, "Yeah, it was a good move to pre-order our copies."

Marinette couldn't help but add with a smile, "No kidding!" She hugged her copy to her chest when she added, "I was so relieved that I pre-ordered it after hearing that."

Currently, they were in the Art Room, simply talking about how they got their copy of the second Smiling Agent volume. They didn't notice that a few more students were coming in, until they added to the conversation.

~}I{~

"Hey, Kitten, is there something wrong with the internet?" Plagg asked Adrien, zooming up to him as he did.

The Black Cat Holder was currently playing one of his education-based games when the Kwami came up to him. Adrien paused the game when he asked, "What do you mean?"

Plagg led the teen to the computer when he explained, "It's lagging and slow to load."

Adrien checked the monitors to confirm this, and saw the ladybug loading icon. Ten seconds later, the monitors slowly loaded the camembert website Plagg was on. Adrien raised a brow at this when he commented, "Strange, my computer is still new. It shouldn't be doing this," He sat at the chair to check his computer system.

The internet connection was perfect, nothing that shouldn't be there, battery is still good, the parental block program was still working, the last defrag was last week, and the system check didn't find any errors. Although that last one was running rather slow, it was working. In fact, the computer lagged when checking all of the above.

Logically, Adrien deleted the unneeded cookies and empty the Recycle Bin on his computer. It wasn't much, yet the two took four minutes to delete those, and even after that the computer still lagged… So the next logical thought was that the website was slowing the computer down, but Plagg had visited this site easily over five dozen times prior to the lagging…

Adrien scratched his cheek when he asked, "Did I forget to turn this off last night?"

Plagg floated next to his Holder when he stated in confusion, "No, you didn't." He pointed at the computer modem when he added, "Plus, I turned the thing on myself, so it can't overheat from running overnight." Plagg folded his arms when he added seriously, "Something else is going on with this computer."

Adrien placed a hand on his chin as he wondered who he should talk to about this.

~}I{ The Next School Day }I{~

Nino raised a brow when he asked his boi, "You sure?" When Adrien nodded, the red-capped teen asked how old the computer was as well as the accompanying monitors.

Adrien thought about that before he said, "Maybe a year, possibly two. Same with the monitors. And those were the latest models at the time."

Nino hummed as they walked into the school. He then stated, "I think you should talk to Max about that, but even I know that you shouldn't be having that kind of issue on new tech unless you got a bad one. Which I don't think you have." They made their way to their classroom when Nino asked, "Have you told the old man about your computer issues?"

Adrien looked away as they entered the classroom when he said, "He thought I was making an excuse to get a new computer, like my phone…"

As they sat at their assigned desks, Nino was confused when he asked, "Are you having problems with your phone too?"

Adrien took his phone out of his pocket and handed it to his best buddy when he said, "Yeah, I've been having issues with calls and it's been lagging." Nino took the phone to look through it as Adrien explained, "The calls coming in sound garbled, like the phone's being held next to a magnet kind of garbled." The blonde then remembered that his bodyguard had the same issues with his phone, and told the red-capped teen this.

Nino raised a brow at this as he continued to check on the phone. He was… Confused, to put it simply. Nino wasn't experiencing lags of any kind. In fact, the phone was working like it was supposed to be. He handed Adrien his phone and told him that, making sure to ask, "Are you sure both you and the Gorilla had issues with your phones?"

Adrien took his phone back in confusion when he replied, "Yeah, I mean, you should've heard the feedback noise both our phones got when we called eachother…" He went through his phone, baffled by the fact it's working normally. As the others of Miss Bustier's class came in, Adrien got out in shock and disbelief, "I… I don't get it! It was lagging earlier when I texted you!"

Nino let out a hum before he spotted Max and Markov coming in. The red-capped teen waved the techy over when he said, "Hey, Max, we've got a weird tech question."

The techy and AI walked over when Max asked, "Weird in what way?"

Adrien explained his issue with his computer and phone again. Then he added that his phone was now working without any issue and didn't understand what was going on.

Max placed a hand on his chin when he asked, "Have you had these problems before?"

Adrien shook his head when he replied, "No, I mean, Technically, I should say that it's gotten worse."

"Gotten worse?" Nino, Max, and Markov vocalised in confusion at the same time.

Adrien waved his hand when he said, "Just my computer. My phone's been acting up recently."

Max was interested in this enigma when he asked the blonde boy if he checked his computer's connections and systems. When Adrien told Max that he did and even deleted his cookies and emptied his recycle bin, but his computer still lagged. The techie placed a hand on his chin when he said, "Hm, that is a rather peculiar problem." Max looked directly at the blonde boy when he asked, "Would it be alright if I run a diagnostic on your computer?"

Adrien nodded when he said, "Sure, I don't mind, but…" He glanced away when he added bitterly, "Convincing Father is another issue…"

That was when Markov suggested, "Why not tell Mr Agreste that you and Max are working on a computer project? It's not technically a lie and if Max tells him that there's something wrong with your computer, he would be more likely to listen."

Yeah, they could do that.

Kon, Ki, and Ishi wished the group luck on that endeavor. Everyone greeted everyone else in the class pleasantly. About a minute later, Marinette burst in just under the wire, again.

}{ During Miss Buster's Literature Class }{

Max felt his cell phone vibrate. He took the device out and checked it and wasn't surprised that the text was from Markov.

}{ Text on Phone }{

Markov: "I am making the logical assumption that you have an alternative reason to want to check Adrien's computer?"

}{ Class }{

Max quickly and subtly glanced around before he created a new chat group and started texting.

}{ Phone }{

New chat Group has been created. Maximum Overdrive has added AI Am I and Fashion Baker to chat group. Maximum Overdrive has renamed chat group to Ladybug Game Collaboration.

Fashion Baker: "?"

Fashion Baker: "Oh! Right!"

AI Am I: "… Does this have to do with my previous question in our personal chat?"

Maximum Overdrive: "Somewhat."

Maximum Overdrive: "But I figured it would be best to let Marinette know that we're going to be helping Adrien with his computer."

Fashion Baker: "What's wrong with his computer?"

Maximum Overdrive: "From what Adrien told us and Nino, it seems like his computer is lagging significantly despite it being relatively new, his internet is okay, his systems are stable, and had removed any cookies and empty his recycle bin."

Fashion Baker: "Okay, that's pretty weird. Especially if he takes good care of his tech."

AI Am I: "That might be a factor, but we won't know until we see it."

Fashion Baker: "And you're also going to check on his home life while you're there?"

Maximum Overdrive: "Correct."

Maximum Overdrive: "But do keep in mind that we can't do much if there are issues. We can report it though."

Fashion Baker: "Okay, that's fair, and M. F. is working on some kind of plan to 'save Adrien' from Mr Agreste."

AI Am I: "I would hope he doesn't go overboard… For Adrien's sake."

Maximum Overdrive: "Wait…"

Maximum Overdrive: "Why is M. F. involved in saving Adrien?"

Fashion Baker: "We're in class."

}{ Class room }{

Max raised a brow at the final text. That was when the pieces fell into place. He glanced at Markov, who was also coming to that same conclusion. Max then glanced at Marinette before he went back to texting.

}{ Ladybug Game collaboration }{

Maximum Overdrive: "I'm going to assume that you told Adrien that your place is a safe location if needed?"

Fashion Baker: "Yes, I did. He accepted it even if he doesn't understand why yet."

AI Am I: "That's good… I think…"

Maximum Overdrive: "Markov, if Adrien was raised in what he believes is an 'overprotective' environment, he's going to believe that it is 'normal' to be completely isolated from his peers and to be on a rigid schedule."

AI Am I: "Ah, right, valid."

Fashion Baker: "I know I told him about the game already but he doesn't know all the Players yet. So…"

Maximum Overdrive: "Gotcha."

}{ Classroom }{

Max glanced at the blackboard Miss Bustier was writing on, going over the current lesson. He then glanced at Adrien as he wondered what the odds were that both of the main Heroes of Paris were in this class. Max then noticed a new text from Markov, so he quickly read it.

}{ Text on Phone }{

Markov: "We're also asking Adrien about why he didn't inform the teachers and the class that he knew that Lila hasn't been travelling as she claimed to have, right?"

Max: "We are, and I already know how without tipping our metaphorical hand to the truth."

}I{

Before school let out Adrien talked to Kon about some fun little tidbits from one of the Transformers continuities. Both were enjoying the conversation.

But unbeknownst to the two, Lila was watching from a distance. Again, she couldn't hear what was being spoken between the two, but she assumed that she needed to 'remind' the tallest of the transfers that Adrien was hers!

Kon waved goodbye to Adrien, who left soon after to meet up with Max and Markov. She was about to head out herself when Lila suddenly appeared with a loud, over cheery greeting. Of course, Kon cringed at the volume as she took a step away. They couldn't help but wonder why this girl always had to be so loud when she said, "Hello, Lila… Could you tone down the volume, you're indoors."

Lila cheerfully tittered off that her tinnitus was acting up and said that it was no big deal.

Kon only raised an eyebrow at this and couldn't help but think, 'Weird, how come she isn't apologising about being loud?' The tall teenager tilted her head to the side when they asked in confusion, "Um, if you say so, but… You should try not to shout when you're indoors… Sounds vibrate off of walls in enclosed spaces." Kon then watched the liar's reactions as she wondered why Lila sprang up on her, again.

Lila smiled when she stated chipperly that she'll keep that in mind. The liar then said happily, "Sorry, but I'm just sooo giddy about my date with Adrien tonight~." Lila knew that this should hammer in that Adrien was hers and to make this Transfer jealous.

However, Kon only raised a brow at the comment when she drawled out in confusion, "Uh… That's nice… I hope you enjoy it…" The tallest of the transfers couldn't help but think, 'Okay? Why is she telling me this?' She then remembered that Adrianne mentioned that she and Max were going to check to see what was wrong with her computer later today. Kon kept that memory to herself when they kept up the… Weird and somewhat one-sided conversation.

Lila was the one talking, just chatting away about what she and Adrien plan to do on their date.

Kon could only listen in confusion, again, wondering why this person was telling her all these… Things… So out of the blue. But it also made the tall girl wonder why Adrianne seemed all too eager to ask Max to help with his computer, which for sure would take time to do… And would most likely cut into the time for this 'date'… Kon couldn't help but think, 'Strange… Wouldn't Adrianne tell Lila about her computer troubles and that Max is helping her? Or be worried about missing her date?' The tall teen knew something wasn't adding up.

Lila then finished by tittering off a hollow apology about taking up the other's time and said that she needed to go home to get ready for her date with Adrien.

That caught Kon's attention when they asked in an unsure tone, "Your date is that soon?"

Lila chipperly said, "Yup! In an hour, so I have to go." She then skipped away when she waved a pleasant goodbye and then left the school.

Kon watched the brunette leave through narrowed eyes when she thought, 'Okaaay, either Adrianne and Lila have a really bad communication problem, or Lila was lying about the date…' But if it was the latter, then why? There was no need to. Kon wasn't interested in Adrianne in that way…

Ki and Ishi then arrived and Kon told them the weird interaction with Lila that just happened. Both the boys agreed that it sounded like Lila was 'gloating about dating Adrianne' for some strange reason.

"Maybe uncle can figure this out," Ishi suggested as the trio headed out of the school.

Kon nodded when they said, "I hope so… Because I honestly don't care about her 'over sharing' and it is a little creepy that Lila appeared after Adrianne left, again."

Ishi and Ki paused at those words when the heterochromatic teen asked in concern despite the robotic voice translating the words emotionlessly, "Hang on! Lila sprang the news of her date AFTER Adrianne parted ways from you?"

Kon turned to face her friends when she said in a matter-of-fact tone, "Yes, she did…" They noticed the contorted expressions of suspicion on her friend's faces and asked in an unsure tone, "Is that… Weird?"

Ishi folded his arms when he stated in a serious tone, "Depends." His slit eyes narrowed when he asked, "Timewise, how long did it take for Lila to 'spring up on you' after parting ways with Adrianne?"

Kon thought about that for a bit. She held up her right hand and started tapping the air in a rhythmic pattern. Finally, Kon stated, "I'd say it was close to roughly ten seconds or so after Adrianne left…"

Ki and Ishi glanced at each other when they both jinxed, "She was watching and specifically waiting for Adrianne to leave." Both were wearing serious expressions by this point.

Kon had a perplexed look when she asked, "She was? Why do that and possibly lying about having a date later?" She didn't understand this… Weirdness, at all. They then stated, "I'm not even interested in Adrianne in that way."

Ki folded his arms when he stated, "We know that, and I would guess Adrianne knows this, but given the behaviours displayed so far, I don't think Lila knows this."

Kon was quiet in an unsure manner when Ishi stated dryly, "No offence, Ki, but I'm not sure that's a good reason to essentially gloat about dating someone to someone else you don't know." The heterochromatic teen did have to agree with that.

They continued out when they agreed to talk to Kon's dad about this and possibly tell the teachers about this weird harassment.

}{

Max was honestly baffled by how… Oddly slow Adrien's computer was… It was very strange that this relatively new computer was lagging as much as one that was a decade old that didn't have proper maintenance. Max was currently running a few programs to see what was wrong, but despite using his own laptop to help with the programs, it was still running slow!

Markov was rather confused when he asked the blonde boy, "Adrien… Are you sure this computer wasn't refurbished or pre-owned?"

Adrien nodded when he said, "Yup, I made sure to get the new ones from the stores Father approved of." He glanced to the side when he added self-consciously, "I got them before Mum… So I took good care of them…"

Max took in that information when he asked, "Hm, so… Lack of care and maintenance is eliminated as a cause." He glanced at the computer when he mused, "Given that you've got parental blocks on this, which I'm assuming is because of Mr Agreste, I can logically guess that the issue isn't because of a virus-filled website."

Adrien was perplexed when he asked inconfusion, "You can get a virus from a website?"

Markov was quick to explain that not everyone who makes a website does so with good intention and will actively make their website harmful to a computer. This amazed Adrien, and not in a good way. The blonde couldn't believe that there were people out there who would do such a thing for fun.

As this conversation was going on, Max noticed something odd… His laptop was running rather slow compared to its usual standard. Max quickly checked his laptop and ran a quick diagnostic, but it wasn't quick, at all. The techie narrowed his eyes when he asked the blonde boy, "Adrien, you mentioned that your phone and your bodyguard's phone were having problems too, right?"

Adrien nodded when he said, "That's right, but my phone is working again." He pulled his phone out to show what he claimed, only to find that it was lagging. "What the?! It was working at school earlier?" Adrien got out in shock as he stared at the screen.

That sparked a rather interesting theory in Max's mind.

The techie then asked Adrien, "Is your bodyguard here right now? I want to test something."

}{

In the art room Chloe hung up a sign of recommended books under different genres. She was oddly proud of this as Sabrina gave her a high-five. Neither girl ever thought that they would be doing something like this at school, but given what's been happening so far, how could they not.

And best of all, both Chloe and Sabrina couldn't have been happier, and all because of books!

The Art Teacher couldn't help but smile at this. They couldn't wait to tell the other teachers about this.

}{ Houseboat Chat Group }{

Poison Ivy: "Hey, you guys know that I don't like saying mean things or make accusations, but…"

Gothic Girlfriend: "Rose, it's not an accusation if it's true."

Gothic Girlfriend: "However, it is kinda strange and I can't blame you."

Tiny Actress: "Before anyone asks, what Rose and Juleka are texting about is the fact that Lila "Told" us that "Adrien voiced his concerns" about Kon being "overly friendly" with him."

Teddy Bear: "… When did this happen?"

Rollersnake: "Girl's outing after school. Lila kinda 'dropped' that on us."

Ladyblogger: "Okay, I know the irony of me texting this, so don't make a comment."

Ladyblogger: "If Lila had claimed it was Marinette, it might've had some believability, but claiming it was Kon…"

Ladyblogger: "I honestly don't know what Lila was thinking when she told us that lie… I know I haven't seen anything remotely close to what she was claiming to happen between Adrien and Kon…"

Anything's possible: "Uh… Correct me if I'm wrong, but…"

Ladyblogger: "Don't say it! I know the irony!"

Anything's Possible: "Not what I was going to type."

Ladyblogger: "Oh…"

Anything's Possible: "Adrien and Kon usually talk about Transformers or language tips. While I can confirm there is some friendliness between them, I'm pretty sure it's not as 'bad' as Lila claims, or is unwanted."

Turntables: "Okay… That's kinda concerning."

Turntables: "And I mean, concerning that Lila read their interactions like that and telling you girls about it rather than Miss B or another teacher…"

LB Artist: "Okay, I wasn't going to text anything, but…"

LB Artist: "Does anyone find it a little weird that Lila is even implying that Kon would be interested in Adrien all of a sudden?"

Rollersnake: "I do."

Poison Ivy: "That's one of the reasons why I wasn't sure about Lila's claim."

Gothic Girlfriend: "Ditto."

Ladyblogger: "Yeah, I'll admit that it is kinda weird, but… I don't know, something just doesn't feel right about that claim… And even with Marinette nowadays, it's feeling less and less believable…"

Turntables: "Hmm… Why do I get the feeling Nath, Alix, Rose, and Juleka are implying something different?"

Anything's Possible: "Oh, good, I wasn't the only one thinking that."

Teddy Bear: "?"

Tiny Actress: "?"

Rollersnake: "You guys remember the cool pin I was asking Kon about? The one that she has on her school bag."

Anything's Possible: "The snake one?"

Rollersnake: "Yup."

Turntables: "Hang on… Weren't the colours…"

Turntables: "Oh!"

Turntables: "That's why you four pegged the implication as weird almost immediately."

LB Artist: "Yup."

Rollersnake: "Yup."

Poison Ivy: "Yup."

Gothic Girlfriend: "Yup."

Anything's Possible: "Wait… Oh!"

Anything's Possible: "I get it now."

Teddy Bear: "?"

Tiny Actress: "?"

Ladyblogger: "?"

Heartstrings: "Is now a weird time to pop in to ask about the Mission progress?"

Gothic Girlfriend: "Scroll up to read the recent texts."

Heartstrings: "Hm, I have one question… What were the colours?"

}{

Marques was just as confused as Adrien, and the rest of the house staff, when they did a call test in almost every room in the Agreste mansion. Both their phones worked in every room but Adrien's room…

Lucky for everyone, Gabriel and Nathalie were on a work trip to Ireland (for real, for actual business regarding the Brand). However, the fact that they didn't tell Adrien and Marques about this, again, was getting rather concerning… Something the house staff and Max took note of.

Curious, the house staff also did a call test with their phones in all the rooms, and got the same results as Marques and Adrien…

The teen's room was this weird lagging and anti-call zone.

Concerned about this, Max asked if it was alright to call the other guys in for a special test. Adrien was for sure on board with this.

Of course, this wouldn't happen today, but tomorrow. Adrien was fine with this and gave them full permission to do this test, even if he would most likely be out of the mansion. Max did ask what the other teen meant by that, to which Adrian replied that he, Chloe, and Sabrina were having their monthly Fanfic sharing meeting.

Max and Markov… Didn't know how to respond to that… Tidbit of information…

When Adrien realised what he'd just said, he was quick to frantically add, "Please don't tell anyone about that! Especially Father!"

Max and Markov glanced at each other before glancing at the bodyguard, who was avoiding eye-contact when he subtlying signing to the two that it was fine and it was something they liked doing every once and a while. Markov was processing this when Max said wiring, "I… Won't tell anyone about… That… And I will certainly not tell Mr Agreste…" The techie couldn't help but think. 'Although I doubt anyone will believe me even if I tell them.'

Adrien was relieved at this.

Before Max sent out the text, he paused before he turn to look at the blonde boy and stated, "Ah, right, before I forget… A player that I sometimes co-op in games with told me something they saw that was rather weird some time last week and I wanted to ask you to confirm if it's true or not."

Adrien was confused when he asked, "Uh, sure… But… Why me specifically?"

Max smoothly explained, "Well, because it involves you. You see, they were passing by a Gabriel Brand photo shoot and saw you modelling with Lila." He somewhat fiddled with his phone when he added, "I told them that they had to be mistaken, since Lila was travelling with her mother last week and couldn't possibly be modelling with you." Max rubbed the back of his neck when he added sheepishly, "We kind of got into an argument about it, so I decided to ask you if it happened or not. Because you would know for sure."

Adrien was still confused when he replied, "Uh, yes, Lila was modelling with me the bulk of last week." He tilted his head to the side when he added, confusion still evident in his expression and tone, "But where did you hear that Lila was travelling with her mother?"

Oh… Did that raise a concerning flag in Max's mind when he replied in a slight tone of disbelief, "Uh, because that's what she's been telling our classmates and the school… And we've taken time out of our schooling to talk with her over a video call so she can tell us how the trip is… In our classroom… That you were present for…" His voice got flatter as the statement went on. In all honesty, Max was kind of worrying about Adrien's apparent lack of awareness about this issue.

Marques was this odd combination of confused and concerned. Confused because of the conversation before him and concerned because his ward had missed something rather major that was happening in his classroom. That was when a rather strange thought came to the bodyguard.

From what he remembered from the recent photo shoots, which is still strange that he could only remember That, Lila never missed one. Yeah, sure he had to intervene A Lot, but she never missed a photo shoot, irritating enough. But that week, one of the make-up artist made a comment about 'Lila needed something else to do and that she's hoarding all of the modelling gigs'. Marques didn't think much about that aside from the new standard of annoyance and distian for the Rossi girl, but now he thought about it now and the apparent bunking off school… Lila was at Every photoshoot as a model… Same with Adrien…

Why were they the only ones modelling the clothing when the Gabriel Brand had easily 112 female models and 87 male models?

Marques narrowed his eyes when he concluded that he needed to check the modelling schedule for the Gabriel Brand.

Adrien was still very confused when he asked somewhat cluelessly, "Why would Lila lie about travelling when her mother wants her to be homeschooled every once and a while?" He rubbed the back of his neck when he mused and glanced up at the ceiling, "I'll admit that I have been tuning her out during those video calls to write fanfics because, well, I don't want to listen to her storytelling."

Max, Markov, Marques, and the Agreste house staff stared at the blonde boy with expressions of 'really?' and mild concern. Not concerned for writing fanfics while in school, but for essentially tuning out That much of whatever Lila was yapping about per video call session.

Adrien was suddenly aware of the stares before he frantically begged, "Please don't tell Father that I'm wasting time writing fanfics in school!"

"We won't tell him," was the unanimous chorus of a response, even Marques signed that response. Although… It was a 'little' concerning that That was what Adrien was worried about the most rather than the main conversation at hand.

Max folded his arms with his phone in hand when he asked, "Adrien… Please think carefully about this breakdown." He took a deep breath when he started, "Lila told you that her mother wanted her to be homeschooled every once and a while, correct?"

Adrien nodded when he replied, "That's right, nothing wrong with it. I've been homeschooled until Dupont."

Max couldn't help but think, 'Ah. So that's why Lila told him that lie when she doesn't go to Dupont. He wouldn't question it at all,' when he said out loud, "Of course, there's nothing wrong with homeschooling, but don't you think there should be a little consistency to this 'part at school and part a home schedule'?"

Adrien shrugged when he replied in a too casual tone, "Lila said it's what her mother wanted to do, so she has no control over it."

Well, that was a rather interesting comment, on both Adrien's and Lila's side. More the former than the latter right now.

Max raised a brow when he stated cautiously, "I suppose, but… Don't you think that the school would have to be informed about the partial homeschooling?"

Adrien nodded when he replied, "I would assume they would."

Marques and the house staff seemed to be catching on as to what the techie was doing. Though, it was clear that the blonde boy wasn't.

That was when Max explained, "And if that was the case… Then wouldn't Miss Bustier know that Lila is at home when she's not in class?"

Adrien nodded when he replied, "I would assume she would."

Markov was quick to note how ready those responses were when Max explained, "Then don't you think it's strange that Miss Bustier would let Lila take up a lesson to essentially chat over a video call rather than use it so Lila can participate during the lesson?"

That made Adrien think that over, and… Now that he was going over those facts… It was really strange that Lila was allowed to interrupt their learning just to chat when she's simply at home… Even as lenient and accommodating as Miss Bustier was, there was no way she would allow such a thing during the lessons. Maybe during lunch but not during class.

After coming to that conclusion, Adrien finally said in an unsure tone, "Well… Yes, it is kind of weird that Miss Bustier would do that… Wouldn't she get in trouble for that?"

Max nodded when he stated, "She would most likely be reprimanded for that… If she knew Lila was at home rather than travelling around the world, like she has been claiming."

Adrien looked completely flabbergasted when he asked in disbelief, "Lila was telling everyone in class that she was travelling? When she's at home being homeschooled? Why would she do that? Is she even aware that she's taking up our class' learning?!"

Max had a flat look when he stated, "Given Lila's tendencies to want attention on her, I think that's reason enough for her. But as for the homeschooling, I'm starting to seriously doubt that she's doing that, and given that Miss Bustier also believes that Lila was travelling, I'm wondering if Mrs Rossi even filled out the temporary leave forms for the last trip. Although, I am unsure if Lila's aware or cares that she's interrupting our lesson plan."

Adrien was baffled when he got out, "Why would Lila lie to everyone about having to be out of school when she doesn't need to? And her mother doesn't want that for her?"

Markov was the one to stated, "Adrien, not everyone likes being honest about things they tell others. It might not be Hawkmoth-level of bad, but it can affect others in a negative way even if it might not be on purpose. However, in Lila's case, I do believe that there is some degree of purposefulness to her lies." He had a lightbulb emoji illuminate his visor before he stated, "And that is making me wonder how much of what Lila has told us have been lies just to have our attention on her or make us do stuff for her… And given the tension between Marinette and Lila, I also starting to wonder how much of what Lila has claimed about Marinette were lies." Of course, the AI's plan was to plant the metaphorical seeds of doubt in the bodyguard's and Agreste staff's mind about Lila so they can help keep her away from Adrien.

However, the house staff's immediate reply was an unanimous dry, "We can believe that."

Adrien looked uncomfortable for some reason while the Gorilla showed a potent frown.

Neither Max nor Markov missed the subtle shifts, but there was no way they could stop themselves from asking, "Why are you all so accepting of that accusation so quickly?"

They all glanced at one another before silently agreeing that it would be good to have these two in on their little mission.

}{ Roughly Ten Minutes Later in a New, Large Text Group }{

Maximum Overdrive: "Guys of Miss Bustier's Class! We have a critical issue that requires your full attention right after school tomorrow!"

Maximum Overdrive: "It involves Adrien, so make sure to clear your schedule and help out!"

Maximum Overdrive: "I shall provide the tools needed for our task!"

Maximum Overdrive: "Adrien has a prior commitment so he won't be at the Agreste Mansion, but the house staff knows about this and will let us in. Mr Agreste and Nathalie are out of the country on business, so we don't have to worry about them."

Maximum Overdrive: "For now, do not inform the girls about this task. We'll claim it's a Guys' Outing."

Maximum Overdrive: "And Nino…"

Maximum Overdrive: "You are going to explain why the Agreste's house staff are policing the mansion on the way."

~}I{ The Next Day, Two Hours After School }I{~

"Ooh! Nice find, Sabrina!" Chloe said as she somewhat lounged in her luxurious love seat with a smile on her face and her Phone in hand.

She, Sabrina, and Adrien were in the 'Living Room' of her room in Le Grand Paris. The Gorilla was standing by the doorway, within sight of the trio. He was far enough away from them to give them the space they wanted yet close enough to act if needed should a threat come by.

Marques didn't mind this kind of thing. Besides, it was nice seeing these three so happy and engaged in what they were doing. The bodyguard was fine with Adrien reading fanfics, there was nothing wrong with that. Plus, it has been spurring him to take interest in books that had similar premises as the fantics, and the uptake in audiobooks was a nice way to get around the Agreste's oddly strict reading rules.

As much as Marques knew that the classic pieces of literature were important in the world of books, basic Literature, and were the backbone of modern literature… He honestly didn't understand Gabriel's and Emilie's… Strange obsession with 'the classics', except for the works of William Shakespeare for some weird reason. It was like, aside from school-related reading, it felt like the Agreste's only saw 'The Classics' as The Only books in the world and that anything else were nothing more than… Than mere worthless distractions…

As Adrien, Chloe, and Sabrina moved onto the next fanfic, Marques thought back to the Agreste Home Library and the rules that surrounded the books allowed into the mansion. It was nothing complex or hard to understand, but it certainly bizzare only Books that the Agreste's approve of were allowed into their home, and the only books that they ever approve of were 'The Classics'…

Marques knew that it was easy to get around those rules. He and the other house staff did this. They used book covers and fake label covers, So that the books appear to belong on 'The Classics' shelf. Neither Gabriel, Emilie, nor Nathalie actually checked the books to make sure they were 'The Classics', so if you just showed them the cover of the book that showed the name of a classic literature, they'll let you keep it. Marques liked reading, and had a decent personal library that was mostly hidden, but there was no way he could only read just 'The Classics'. Don't get the bodyguard wrong, he liked a few of those, but he preferred reading modern literature.

Marques let out a soft breath as he glanced at the teens, who were enjoying their story sharing. He smiled at what he saw and concluded that it didn't matter what Adrien was reading as long as he was enjoying it, and wasn't hurting anyone.

Suddenly, the memory of Emilie Agreste telling him to make sure that Adrien reads at least one of 'The Classics' a month and to not let him read anything that she and Gabriel didn't approve of came to Marques' mind. There was a strange stinging sensation in the back of the bodyguard's head.

Marques shook the memory away, and the strange stinging vanished. This memory puzzled him, not because of the timing but… After folding his arms and pondering for a bit as to where this weirdly specific memory came from. The bodyguard didn't remember having a conversation that would cause Emilie to give that order, nor did he actually remember this memory…

Marques pulled his day planner out of his inner left breast pocket and double-checked when his appointment with that neurologist was. He already requested the day off So that should hopefully not be an issue. That was when marques noticed a neatly written reminder that read. 'Bring the day planners from past years to appointment. Doc requested'. At first, this confused the bodyguard, but when he remembered the conversation he had with the revologist. The doctor had been intrigued by this strange memory dilemma and asked for Marques to bring in the planners he had essentially hoarded over the years. It was to see how much of the bodyguard's memory was still there and what was essentially missing.

Marques returned the planner back into its pocket as he was relieved that he kept all the planners he had used over the years.

Suddenly, the sounds of Adrien's ring tone filled the air. Which, of course, got everyone's attention.

Adrien answered the phone without looking at who was calling, "Hello?" was what the blonde boy said as soon as the cell was on his ear. When he realised who it was, he smiled and replied, "Oh, hi, Max, how's the test going?" Adrien listened to the other on the other line for a couple of seconds before he replied in confusion, "Why do you need to be put on speaker beforeYou can ask me any questions?"

Chloe snatched the phone and did just that. Adrien and Sabrina glanced at each other at this. The mayor's daughter didn't seem to have much trouble with using Adrien's phone, which was more proof that something weird was happening in the boy's room.

"You're on speaker, so spill," Chloe told the person on the other end of the call as she placed the cell phone on the coffee table in front of Adrien and Sabrina, both of whom were sitting on the couch.

Max's voice came through the phone clearly when he said wearily, "Uh, thanks, umm… Adrien… I need you to be very honest with me with the questions that I'm going to be asking."

Adrien glanced at his two childhood friends when he vocalised, "Uh, Sure? Is there a problem with you all doing the test in my room?" He tried his best not to think about the idea that his father decided to return early.

An uneasy hum echoed through the phone's speaker when Max said in a worried tone, "Uh, kind of… Um, Adrien have you noticed tha- WHAT THE HELL!?" Then there was the sound of something being clicked harder than needed.

That made the trio leap halfway out of their skin at the sudden shouting. All three of them asked what happened or if there was an Akuma attack.

The line was dead quiet for a few seconds before they heard Kim's voice coming through the phone's speaker asking, "Max? What hap- The hell?! Is that?!"

Max's voice finally came through the phone's speaker with an uneasy, "Uh-huh…"

Kim's voice came through the phone's speaker when he said, "And is he?!"

Max repeated the same sound of, "Uh-huh…"

Kim's voice almost growled through the phone's speaker when he said, "Oh… This shit just got a whole lot worse!"

Again, Max repeated the same sound of, "Uh-huh…"

Sabrina piped up by asking, "Um, do you think you can let us in on what the hell is happening at the Agreste mansion?"

Things were silent for a solid ten seconds before Max said through the phone's speaker in an eerily serious tone, "Chloe, Sabrina, Adrien… You three need to come to the Agreste mansion as soon as you can… NOW!"

After the childhood trio agreed to head over to the Agreste mansion, the call ended.

Marques, who heard everything, was already ushering the three to the garage where the car was. The trio quickly piled into the back as the bodyguard slid into the driver's seat. Marques buckled-up and did a quick safety check. When he saw that none of his passengers weren't wearing their seatbelts, he frowned and indicated his own seatbelt.

Chloe folded her arms and huffed out a, "Really? At a time like this?"

Marques kept that frown on his face as he pointed at her and then the window, then tapped on his seatbelt.

Chloe's lips pressed in a line as she glanced away when she grumbled out, "Okay, you have a point," She then fastened her seatbelt. Adrien and Sabrina did the same.

Satisfied, Marques drove the car out of the garage and already had a route in mind. It might be a little long, but it had a lot less traffic lights. Therefore, it was the fastest and most efficient route.

During the entire ride, Adrien couldn't help but worry about what was going on inside his home. Of course, he was going through the worst-case scenarios… All involving his Father coming home early, or involving his father. Then the idea of Hawkmoth getting to one of the guys came to mind, which was the most likely situation.

of course, both Chloe and Sabrina were trying to keep Adrien calm so not to attract Hawkmoth's attention. However, they were also worried about what was going on.

Soon enough, they arrived at theAgreste mansion.

Adrien, Chloe, and Sabrina hurried in and made a beeline towards the blonde boy's room. They rushed past Ki and Ishi, both of whom were talking with the kitchen staff for some reason. But the trio didn't even stop to say hello, they had to figure out what was going on.

Within the next few seconds Adrien, Chloe and Sabrina burst into the blonde boy's room, all frantically shouting, "What's going on!?"

Markov turned to the three, as everyone behind a laptop looked up in mild shock. Max was directly behind the laptop, Kim was on the techie's right, Nino on the techie's left, Ivan on Kim's other side, and Nath was on Nino's other side. It very much looked like that one scene from that Scooby-Doo with the gang reading from the same book.

Then not even three seconds later, the window to Adrien's room opened and Ladybug came in and quickly asked, "What happened?"

Wait?

There was no Akuma… So why was Ladybug here?

}{ Roughly 35 minutes Earlier }{

Marinette got comfortable on her bed as she and Tikki started reading 'Smiling Agent: Not What It Seems'.

}{ Book }{

Given the planned title of this book, I figured it was fitting to start with a story from Constrictor.

}{ Marinett's Room }{

Tikki was delighted to finally read more about Constrictor, as was the Ladybug Holder. Both eagerly read the chapter.

It was about Constrictor conducting interrogation of a suspect. The writer of the book described the interaction between the Constrictor and the suspect.

The Ladybug pair read the entire chapter and reacted to what was happening in the book. Tikki's antennae twitched in amazement when she stated with a smile, "Wow! Constrictor really turned the interrogation around!" The Kwami looked up at her Holder when she added happily, "She really embodies the codename she was given."

Marinette happily agreed when she said, "Totally! She was like a boat slowly wrapping around the guilty party." The bluette was so very glad she started this series and couldn't wait for the next volume of the series, even though she just started the 2nd book in it.

Before they could start on the next chapter, Marinette's phone started blowing up with text alerts.

After placing her bookmark and putting the book down, Marinette checked her phone. To say she was baffled and confused would be an understatement to say the least. All of the texts were from Markov, and all were the same thing… A red police siren emoji… And they were still coming in…

The realisation of this meaning creeped onto Marinette's face before she quickly called the AI and the first thing she asked was as soon as he picked up, "What happened?! Is there an Akuma where you are?!" Tikki was next to the phone to listen in almost immediately.

Neither of the Ladybug duo noticed the Dupain-Chengs coming into the room, saw the Kwami out in the open, and was listening to the conversation happening.

Markov's voice came through the phone when he stated in an uncharacteristically uneasy tone, "No Akuma, thankfully, but… I would not be surprised if one does happen, but… I don't want to chance an Akuma on 'This'…" The AI let out a wiring noise when he added, "Um, don't be mad but we lied about the Guys' outing, somewhat… And we're at the Agreste Mansion…"

Tikki looked at her holder with a confused expression when Marinette asked in an equally confused tone, "Um, okay, I'm not mad, but… Why are you at Adrien's place?"

}{ Adrien's Room }{

Markov glanced over at the group huddled around Max's computer, all looking very shocked and in disbelief.

Max, of course, was directly in front of his laptop. Kim was looking over the techie's right shoulder. Nino was looking over Max's left shoulder. Nath was next to Nino. Ivan was next to markov's opinion, it almost reminded him of that scene from Scooby-Doo with everyone looking through a book.

Now the AI was glad Ki and Ishi left to alert the police, because there were already a lot of people who knew. Markov then told Marinette through his internal phone, "It's a carry over from yesterday… And, um… Do you think M. F. will be willing to give out more Miraculous?"

}{ With Marinette }{

Oh!

Did those words seal the implications that Marinette and Tikki didn't want to think about.

Frantically, the bluette told the AI, "Oh! Kwami! make sure that stays with them! I'll be there as fast as I can!"

That was when Markov replied, "We shall try, but… The police will be here and I am not sure if we will be able to… Alter things nicely in such a short time…"

Oh… This was bad…

Marinette told the AI to do what they can and she'll be there before the police. Once she got confirmation, she hung up and was about to transform when she noticed her parents standing by the hatch into her room. Both with baffled expressions on their faces.

None of the four moved or said anything for an elongated ten seconds.

Then finally, Sabine got out in shock, "Marinette… You're Ladybug?!" Of course, the Ladybug holder paled at this.

The next thing Marinette knew, she was in a bear hug, courtesy of her father. Tom was quick to say, "Oh, sweetie! You should've told us! we would've understood!"

Tikki was quick to explain about the Rules of the Miraculous and the whole keeping their identities a secret, which by this point, might have to be reworked.

This would've been a nice time to have a nice family chat and bond, but there was an emergency at the Agreste mansion and needed immediate attention.

So Marinette transformed into Ladybug and quickly headed out, but not before telling her parents she'll be back. They told her that they'll get Adrien's safe room ready, just in case.

A minute later…

Ladybug ran over rooftops and used her yo-yo to grapple from one point to the next if needed. She had to get to the Agreste mansion! Whatever happened there must've been really bad if Markov risked compromising knowing Ladybug's identity to her classmates!

The red-clad Hero tried to keep the negative thoughts out, so she won't be targeted by Hawkmoth, but… How could she not?!

Due to not wanting to stop and shoot a text, Ladybug called Master Fu and told him the situation as she kept moving. He told her he'll head over too as soon as he can.

While the Guardian of the Miraculous wasn't happy about this situation, he didn't seem as mad as Ladybug would've thought or maybe she was so anxious to get to the Agreste mansion that she might've missed the emotion in his voice. Which might be a factor.

Soon enough, Ladybug landed on a building right on the left side of the Agreste mansion. She left down and made a beeline towards Adrien's room from the outside. Ladybug scaled the wall and opened the window to the balcony. Then she was quick to ask whoever was inside, "What happened?!'

~}I{~

To be continued.

~}I{~