It was a bit colder than when you were at Gilbert's house. You started to shiver, that being a consequence for not bringing along your coat. It was cold yes, but not cold enough to get frostbite or anything similar.

You raised your quivering hand and knocked on the door three times. No more, no less.

It was about five minutes before someone answered the door.

The door opened to reveal a maid. She had raven black hair that was tied tightly into a bun, sky blue eyes, and scarlet red lips. She looked friendly to some and scary to others, but to you, she was a delight! "Hi Belle." You smiled. "Bonjour _____. Apologies, Francis is not wanting to see anybody at the moment." Belle spoke, and a French accent rolled off her tongue.

"Who is it, Belle?" A familiar French accent asked. "It's _____." Belle replied. "Let her in." Belle opened the door all the way. "Right this way." You walked in and Belle shut the door after you.

Belle led you around a labyrinth of hallways until she reached the kitchen. "Here he is." Belle smiled. "He's a bit depressed at the moment." Belle's smile immediately faded. You looked towards the kitchen table to see Francis.

You nearly burst into tears when you seen him.


His hair looked worse than Gilbert's, there were tears steaming down his face like a waterfall, his head was buried into his hands. He's obviously been crying. You sat down across from him. He rubbed away a few tears. "Belle, you may take the rest of the day off." Francis said in a low voice. "Quoi? Are you sure?" Belle raised an eyebrow. "I insist. You've been working hard lately." Francis nodded. "Merci." Belle gathered her things and left.

Francis sighed. "These rumors are ruining my life." Another tear fell down his cheek. You pulled a handkerchief out of your pocket and wiped away the tear. "I want you to know, I don't believe these rumors." You assured him. "Quoi" You don't?" Francis smiled a little.

"It aggravates me that anyone would even have the nerve to call you a rapist," You put the handkerchief back into your pocket. "Do you have any idea on why you think you'd be called a rapist?" You asked. "Well.... I tend to be a very loving person.... And I'm just a fan of love. You know?" Francis smiled. "But these rumors hurt my life pretty badly. Just the other day, I started a gourmet cooking class. The majority of the people who joined were women. Apparently they heard the rumors. So they told someone and they shut it down.... It hurts so much, I just want to die!" Francis tried as hard as he could to hold back more tears. "No no Francis! Think about your daughter, Michelle. I'm sure she doesn't believe the rumors... But still, you're from the country of love!" "Oui. I even made my motto: "Love is something that shouldn't be forced on others." Seriously!" Francis facepalmed. You nodded. "Francis. Stay strong.  Don't let the rumors ruin your life." You put a hand on his shoulder. "Oui."

"I have to go, I'm glad I could make you feel better." You smiled, which he immediately returned.



Now for Antonio.....