Queen Marie: 2-5 Punishing the Aristocrats

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A victory for the royal family does not mean an immediate end to the disputes. The conspirators still seek to destroy me.

Info

• Style:
• Required: Gabrielle Goodwill Lv. 4
• Recommended: Coiffed Elegance, Witty Dame, Shrewd Steps, Dame's Gloves
• Perfect Score: ~4,250
• Rewards: 3,000 , 3 Reader's Coupons, Blueprint: Soft Ringlets, 1 Gift Material, 1 Crafting Material

Dialogue Choices

Note: Changing choices when replaying will cost 5

In this moment between life and death, I catch a glimpse of a figure...

• Fersen
  • Unlock 2-6 Public Appearance
• Lafayette
  • Unlock 2-6 Public Appearance
• Louis XVI
  • Obtain Ending: 'Til Death Do Us Part

Transcript

Expand for script.

• It's a slow afternoon, and I'm taking a solitary stroll in the garden to enjoy a rare bit of peace.
• You: (Blaisdell is handling the matter of the taxes, and I believe that soon there will be results.)

• You: (As long as we solve the country's finances, the people will be willing to have faith in the royal family again...)

• You: (I believe that France will soon welcome true peace and harmony!)

• You: (The roses are all blooming... I've never noticed them before.)

• You: What beautiful roses!

• As I raise my hand to pull one closer to smell it, I suddenly notice a shadow behind the bushes.
• You: Who's there?

• Man: ...

• I squint a little. It looks like a gardener holding a pair of shears.
• Perhaps I startled him, because he's looking at me guardedly, as though he's unsure of what to do...
• You: Thank you for your hard work in the garden.

• You: The roses are so lovely. I'm sure it's all due to your hard work.

• Gardener: It's my honour, your Majesty.

• You: (There's no trace of nervousness in his voice at all...)

• Before I can think further, he walks towards me, holding a rose in his hand...
• You: (No, he's not a gardener at all...)

• You: Assassin! There's an assassin!

• I scream for help as I turn and start running.
• In this moment between life and death, I catch a glimpse of a figure...

Louis XVI

• I scream as loud as I can, turn and run for my life. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a familiar figure dashing towards me.
• Louis XVI: No, Marie...!

• Louis XVI: Guards! Guards!

• The guards hear him and are rushing over towards us, but they are too far away, and my heart begins to sink.
• You: (They won't reach here in time... Am I going to die here?)

• I close my eyes, and prepare to meet my fate...
• But surprisingly, I don't feel any pain...

• Louis XVI: I'm glad I got here in time. Don't be scared. I'll protect-

• When I regain my senses, I see that the assassin has plunged the shears into Louis XVI's chest instead...
• You: Your Majesty! No!

• Louis XVI: Don't... Don't come over... It's too dangerous...

• The assassin turns to look at me, but doesn't make a move towards me. He looks at the guards in the distance, then runs in the opposite direction.
• Louis XVI: Catch, catch the assassin...

• Guard: The King is hurt! Someone call a doctor!

• Some of the guards run after the assassin, and the rest of the guards surround the King... They shake their heads as they look as his wound.
• You: Your Majesty, why... why did you do that?

• Louis XVI: The thought of him hurting you... I just ran to you...

• Louis XVI: And you...? Are you... hurt?

• You: I'm fine, you got to me in time. I'm not hurt at all.

• Louis XVI: That's good... Luck-luckily I got there...

• His breathing is becoming weaker, and his eyes are starting to dim...
• Louis XVI: When... when we became man and wife...

• Louis XVI: I said I'd accompany you, protect you... Until death do us part...

• Louis XVI: I know that back then... you were still wary of me, but... I think I've fulfilled my promise.

• Louis XVI: You are the Queen of France... and... my dearest... wife.

• You: Auguste!

• His eyes close, and he looks just like he's sleeping.
• This man has quietly cared for me for so many years, and I've never returned his feelings, though I tried my best to treasure them.
• In his last moments, the love in his eyes told me just how much I matter to him...
• But he will never answer me again when I call his name...

• The King's selfless love is touching, but the price is too high and too painful. It would be better to let the loyal knights handle this matter.
• (Raise the Goodwill you have with either Fersen or Lafayette, and you will have more options.)
• Obtained Ending

Fersen

• Fersen: Watch out!

• You: Fersen...!

• Fersen and the assassin exchange a few blows, and Fersen disarms him. The assassin starts running, but doesn't manage to get far before the guards catch hold of him.
• Fersen: Are you all right? Are you injured?

• You: I just got a fright, that's all. It's a good thing you're here, or I'd be...

• Just a few minutes more and I could have died... The thought of that chills me to the bone and I can't stop shivering.
• Fersen: You're really scared! I should have accompanied you when I spotted you entering the garden alone!

• Fersen: Promise me, from now on, whenever you wish to walk in the garden, please bring guards or servants with you, okay?

• Fersen: If I'd been just a bit slower, you might have... And I'd hate myself forever!

• His horrified voice and his pained eyes... I've never seen him like this before.
• You: Okay...

• Fersen: I think that attack was planned. He disguised himself as a gardener and he's been waiting for you here...

• Fersen: There must be a mastermind behind this. You must be careful.

• Fersen: I will go report this to the King right away. You should stay within the palace until the investigations are over.

• You: I know. I won't give anyone else a chance to assassinate me...

• Fersen: Well then, your Majesty. I shall take my leave now.

• Fersen takes the captured assassin with him, and the guards escort me back to the palace.
• Someone may have tried to kill me, but luckily I am unharmed.

Lafayette

• Perhaps God is watching over me, because as I turn to run, I spot Lafayette leading a group of guards on one of his patrols!
• You: Lafayette! There's an assassin!

• Lafayette: Who's there? How dare you attack the Queen of France!

• Gardener: Oh no...

• When the assassin sees Lafayette running towards me, he dashes away.
• Lafayette: Stop right there!

• Under Lafayette's orders, the guards quickly surround and capture the assassin.
• Lafayette: Are... are you all right?

• You: You came just in time, so... I'm fine. I just got a bit of a fright.

• Lafayette: That's great... Wonderful.

• He's trying his best to suppress it, but I can see the worry in his eyes, and I know that he's deeply concerned for me.
• The fear in his eyes seems to take away some of my own fear, and at this very moment, I suddenly realise the love he must feel but has never mentioned...
• Lafayette: Your Majesty, please wait here.

• Once he is sure that I'm okay, he walks towards the assassin and starts to interrogate him.

• After a moment, when he's done questioning the assassin, he orders the guards to take the assassin to the dungeon.

• You: Lafayette... Why did that assassin try to kill me?

• Lafayette: All he would say was that he was hired to do it, and that he doesn't know anything more.

• You: Hired... Does that mean that someone wants me dead?

• Lafayette: Yes, and I will find out who's the one behind this, and ensure your safety.

• Lafayette: If I can, I'd like to keep constant watch by your side, but I must look into the security of Versailles...

• Lafayette: So please do not walk around alone before all of this is settled. And try your best not to go out at all, to prevent something like this from happening again.

• You: I understand... And please watch out for the King too. I fear that I might not be the only target...

• Lafayette: And now, your Majesty, allow me to escort you back to the palace.

• Someone may have tried to kill me, but with Lafayette protecting me, I'm fine.

• Although we quickly covered up the details of the assassination attempt, but news of the commotion still spread swiftly within Versailles, and everyone is in a state of suspense.

• To prevent another assassination attempt, I spent the next several days in my room. Without Gabrielle's company, I can only rely on Madame Deniau to help me keep up to date on the news.
• But just as I expected, she only told me that his Majesty and Blaisdell are still interrogating the assassin and that all is well.
• You: (I know there's nothing I can do about it, but it's a terrible feeling when all you can do is wait...)

• There's a faint noise outside the window, and I hear some scraping sounds, as though someone's trying to climb up the wall.
• You: (Is it another assassin?)

• I panic and move away from the window, and just as I'm about to yell for the guards, a face with a theatrical grin appears in front of me-
• You: d'Eon? It's you!

• d'Eon: Don't be afraid, beautiful little bird.

• d'Eon: The King sent me to tell you a... hmm... a terrible secret?

• You: Why didn't you come in through the door? You suddenly appeared without a sound, and I almost died of fright!

• d'Eon: My dear Queen, have you ever met a secret messenger that walks so loudly that a deaf old man could hear him?

• He's making sense but I still couldn't help tossing him a reproachful look.
• You: Well, you can't blame me really. Anyone would have reacted the same way after surviving an assassination attempt!

• d'Eon: I apologise, but I do believe you will like the gift I have for you.

• d'Eon: The man who attacked you has steadfastly refused to tell us who the mastermind is... so for your safety, the King has ordered me to investigate.

• d'Eon: Upon researching his history... well, I found out something amusing. Can you guess who the mastermind is?

• d'Eon takes something out of a secret compartment. When he holds it out to me, I see that it's a family badge.
• ...I recognised that familiar insignia with just one glance.
• You: The Polignac family?

• I've been thinking about possible masterminds, including Duke Villars, and Count Mondego... but I never suspected the Polignacs.
• d'Eon: Rest assured, the Duchess Polignac did not take part in this scheme. She is still as loyal to you as ever. The whole thing was orchestrated by her husband.

• You: I know, I've never suspected her...

• You: But poor Gabrielle! If she finds out about this, she will be wrecked with guilt.

• d'Eon: When you're dealing with a greedy weasel, no bird will be spared... His Majesty has also said that he won't let the Duchess Polignac get involved in this.

• Upon hearing that Gabrielle won't get into trouble, I let out a sigh of relief. But when I think about everything that Duke Polignac has been up to, I am consumed by fury.
• You: Just because he's unable to pay his taxes, he's rallying others to turn against the throne, and even sent someone to kill me... Does he really need to go to such lengths?

• d'Eon: Greed has made them lose their empathy and sense of morality. Luckily you are unhurt... And now you have the power to decided what shall unfold next.

• The words he chose made me sense that things aren't as simple as they seem. After much consideration, I finally discover a glimmer of light.
• You: Why do you think they're greedy? Do you... know something I don't?

• d'Eon: You really are the cleverest bird I've ever met, your Majesty.

• d'Eon: I infiltrated the Polignac family's mansion, and found piles of gold and gems... And that is the gift I have for you.

• You: They insisted they can't pay taxes, but actually they were just lying?

• You: If it weren't for the assassination attempt, and you investigating... Do they intend to keep deceiving the royal court and the civilians?

• d'Eon: Sometimes, it's hard to detect when the greedy are putting up a front.

• d'Eon: Fortunately, once they are exposed, things proceed fairly quickly... Just like the way a flock of sheep will disperse in all directions when the flock leader vanishes.

• You: (We just need to expose the Polignac family's ill deeds, and all the other noble families that are following them will be warned!)

• d'Eon's suggestion is a great idea indeed, and we can warn the other nobles as well. It's a simple yet effective method.
• You: (I have no reason not to agree... But right now, the Polignac family is standing on the edge of a cliff. If I do this...)

• You: (It's as if I've pushing them off the cliff myself!)

• Perhaps I hesitated a bit too long. d'Eon seems eager to push me towards a decision.
• d'Eon: There are many times when being harsh is more effective than being gentle.

• d'Eon: For the sake of the kingdom, sacrifices are necessary, be it people, matters, or things...

• You: ...

• An angel and a demon are whispering in my ears. I know what I should, but I'm unable to make a firm decision.
• You: (Will Gabrielle think I've betrayed her? Even if the King pardons her, will she have the will to live on amidst all the guilty...?)

• d'Eon: Your Majesty, you know very well what you should do, don't you?

• You: Yes... Please handle it.

• d'Eon: I respect your resolve, and I believe that the King will approve of your decision.

• After d'Eon left, the room resumed its usual quiet.
• I instruct the servants not to let anyone disturb me... and then I sit by the window, watching the sky.

• Gabrielle: ...Should I make gugelhupf and croissants for you?

• Gabrielle: You told me how to make them once. It probably won't be quite the same but I can try.

• Gabrielle: I hope you'll like them. If you like, I can make more whenever you feel like eating some.

• When I first arrived in Versailles, Gabrielle once served me her handmade pastries at this very spot...
• You: And now... I guess I'll never get to eat them again.

• With d'Eon's help, the King quickly sends men to the Polignac family's mansion to conduct a search.
• Perhaps they held too much confidence in themselves, and never thought they'd be searches, so they didn't run for their lives, nor did they hide the treasure.
• And so we obtained all the evidence we needed to sentence them. The King instantly summons all the nobles who have not paid taxes, and invites me to attend the meeting.

• You: (Today we are going to decide the Polignac family's fate...)

• I take in a deep breath to rid my mind of unnecessary thoughts. Now that I've made up my mind, I can't afford to turn back...
• You: (Now I must change into formal wear, and project strength, and help maintain the royal court's powerful front.)

• You: (This should be good enough... Now that we're taking measures against the Polignacs, we must not let the other nobles get away.)

• You: (We must... settle France's crisis once and for all.)

• The people who've delayed paying taxes are now causing a commotion over the fines imposed upon them. The usually quiet study is extremely noisy today.
• Lafayette: Quiet! Gentlemen, do you realise where you are? This is the King's study! Silence!

• Villars: Your Majesty, our family may seem pretty grand on the surface, but we can barely maintain our lives with the bit of allowance we get every year. We don't have enough left over for the taxes!

• Mondego: That's right! The Polignac family hasn't paid their taxes either. Why are you punishing us? Is it because we're not close to the Queen?

• Polignac: ...

• The nobles continue with the commotion and insist that the King isn't being just. I stand up straight and walk towards them, casting a cold eye on all around me.
• You: Your Majesty, may I have a few words with these selfish nobles?

• Villars: What? Your Majesty, that is incredibly rude of you!

• Louis XVI: You are the ones with no manners!

• Louis XVI: My Queen, I grant you the right to speak... And if there's a need, I will get the guards in here to maintain order.

• Faced with the King's hard countenance, the nobles finally quieten down.
• You: Under the King's orders, all of France, whether they be rich or poor, will have to pay taxes.

• You: As for those who are indeed so poor that they are unable to pay, Blaisdell has already set a corvée system for them to reduce their taxes.

• You: If you are willing to pay via hard labour to reduce your taxes, I believe that everyone else will approve.

• Mondego: Labour? Are we mere peasants in the Queen's eyes?

• You: What do you think? The ones who are labouring to put food on the tables are much more respectable than people like you who only know how to enjoy their privileges!

• You: Your Majesty, they are still unwilling to pay their taxes... We have no reason to give them any more chances.

• Louis XVI: You are right... Lafayette, show them proof of the Polignacs' tax evasion!

• Amidst the uneasy chatter, Lafayette directs several men to bring in dozens of wooden chests of antiques, gems, and art pieces.
• Lafayette: As you can see, the Polignac family has been hiding this treasure, and deceiving the throne.

• Louis XVI: But after our investigations, this treasure has become proof of their guilt! And now... do you all still insist that you are so poor that you are unable to pay your taxes?

• Once the treasure is on display, Duke Polignac looks crestfallen, and the other nobles are too scared to make a sound.
• Louis XVI: Since they dare to deceive the King, I have decided to confiscate all of it, and banish Duke Polignac from the kingdom. He shall never return to France.

• Louis XVI: As for the family members who were not aware of the matter, the royal court will be merciful and allow them to seek forgiveness in the abbey.

• Louis XVI: And as for those who are still determined to go against the law... I reiterate that the royal court will not spare you.

• Mondego: ...

• The room is silent. The nobles are unwilling, but they can only nod their heads in acquiescence, and promise to pay their taxes.

• Word spreads among the people of how the King has punished the nobles, and how the royal court has acted in favour of the civilians instead of backing off from the nobles...
• The civilians are impressed by the royal court's resolution, as well as the Queen's bravery, and for a time, the royal family achieved more respect than they've ever had before.