2026-10-06: Mademoiselle
- Log: Mademoiselle
- Cast: Shinobu Shimizu, Remi Ryuuja
- Where: Le Chat Marron
- OOC Date: October 06, 2026
- IC Date: Sunday, January 20, 2013
- Summary: On Coming of Age Day, Shinobu learned that Remi works at Le Chat Marron and was encouraged to go see her in action. And so she does. Remi puts on her best performance for Shinobu.
(|============================== Le Chat Marron ==============================|)
-========================================================= Tokyo/Akihabara ====-
Take a left off the streets of Electric City, then down a stairway, and you'll
find a door with a frosted glass window labeled 'Le Chat Marron'. On the side is
a menu stand listing the seasonal offers and any specials.
Inside, one will be greeted by a cozy but elegant cafe setting with a vaguely
European Old World feel. The white walls are accented by dark wood wainscot half
panels, above which are framed posters of turn-of-the-century lithographs from
European artists such as Jules Chéret, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Alphonse Mucha.
There's a bar against one wall, with various bottles set against a mirrored
display. Lighting is kept bright enough to portray the place as elegant, while
also being dim enough to feel cushy.
You'll be attended to by a butler of your choosing, though who is available
largely varies from day to day. Unlike many cafes, the butlers may be female or
male, and their theme, while in keeping with the general turn of the century
European feel, can run the gamut otherwise, as will their quality, acting, and
ability to speak English (or any other language, for that matter). Really, it's
more likely you'd be here for the desserts, savory snacks, teas, and fancy
drinks (non-alcoholic, as this is an all-ages cafe!) than the butlers, but there
is a certain appeal to being called 'ojou-sama', 'danna-sama', or 'bocchama'. If
your butler is particularly good, you just may feel like a member of the upper
class!
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
On Coming of Age Day, Umie and Remi spoke of the place they work, and suggested that Shinobu visit at some point. Well, right now, she has the free time, so she decides that it's time to make good on that promise.
Shinobu steps through the doors of Le Chat Marron and feels almost immediately out of place. The fancy look is definitely a little at odds with her usual casual appearance... She massages the back of her neck awkwardly. It does look a little more relaxed than she'd suspect, though. Maybe that's fine.
She moves toward whoever's responsible for reception.
"Hey, I'm looking for, uh..." Shinobu starts, trailing off. Wait, don't people who work at places like this sometimes use an alias when serving customers? "...Shoot, I don't think she gave me her name."
She doesn't even know if she does use one here... So she continues, but lowering her voice a little.
"...Ryuuja?" She asks. Maybe the person she's looking for will come bail her out...
<Pose Tracker> Remi Ryuuja has posed.
It is pretty nice, but still accessible--and really, isn't being a little upscale-looking lal part of the fantasy anyhow?
But Remi definitely uses a name when working here, and as the receptionist tries to cover. "Well-- I am afraid we do not have anyone here by that name--", one of the servers comes up and lightly clears her through, offering a small bow. "Ahh, my most sincere apologies. I failed to inform you that my guest, Mademoiselle Shimizu, would be arriving today."
The person who just stepped up is, well, a butler, but not so much like Remi. A short, light brown wig, contouring makeu, a dark black tailcoat over a crisp white shirt and a forest green vest, black slacks, and polished black shoes. She's also wearing white gloves and there is a chain for a pocketwatch trailing out of a vest pocket.
But there's still those warm eyes with the green flecks in them that is unmistakably Remi. And she's smiling warmly, clearly enjoying herself.
Remi steps forward, giving a smooth bow. "You are right on time, ojou-sama. Please forgive my lapse in attention to detail." Standing upright, she offers. "My name is Lucien. In my native tongue, it means 'Light', and it is my privilege to bring a little light into your day. May I take your coat? And then I can escort you to your table."
She's really throwing herself into the roll, at least, and seems to have no problem making direct eye contact with Shinobu, speaking in a smooth, warm, lower register.
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
The receptionist tries to cover, and Shinobu doesn't blame them. There's a responsibility to keep, after all. But thankfully, she isn't left waiting long. One of the servers approaches - and if it wasn't for her words, Shinobu doesn't think she would've recognized her. She looks like a completely different person. She sounds different, too. The transformation is honestly impressive.
"Wow. Looking good." She comments. She shakes her head, then, at the apology. "Hey, it's all good. I didn't think to ask."
'Ojou-sama'... She's not sure she's going to get used to that, but it's all part of the theatrics. She can play along.
"Oh, sure." Shinobu replies, removing her coat and offering it over. "Shall we?"
<Pose Tracker> Remi Ryuuja has posed.
It is, indeed, part of the game... but if Shinobu isn't responding to ojou-sama, Lucien will happily switch back to... "Thank you, Mademoiselle." She'll take the coat and hang it, and then elegantly lead Shinobu to her table.
Whereupon he'll politely pull the chair out for her. "Please, allow me, if you would."
He shifts around the table next once that's done. "It is such a pleasure to have you here today. Would you like some time to look at the menu? I can also tell you about today's specials, if you would like."
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
Lucien thanks her and Shinobu nods, following as she's lead to a table.
"Oh, thanks." She replies with a nod, settling into the offered chair. The menu... "Sure, that'd be great."
But at the same time, she is curious to hear what Lucien would suggest.
"Wouldn't mind hearing about those specials, either. What's good?" She replies, leaning back in her chair. She did do some research before coming here. She has a general idea of what she might like, but it couldn't hurt to hear more.
<Pose Tracker> Remi Ryuuja has posed.
Lucien will provide a menu, of course, just in case. But he smiles warmly as Shinobu takes an interest in the specials. "Of course. For a day like today.. might I recommand the chef's platter? A warm chai spiced tea, to chase the chill from your bones, an immaculately prepared croque monsieur sandwich, and a dessert of your choice."
"Of course, if you simply wish to skip to the desserts, I would understand," Lucien says with a wink. "Life is too short to hold one's self back, is it not?"
"And if tea is not to your taste... perhaps I could mix you up a cocktail or a drink, instead?"
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
Shinobu does take a glance through the menu - but Lucien's suggestion is appealing. Shinobu 'hm's thoughtfully, thinking it over.
"That does sound pretty good." She considers - and then laughs, at his suggestion. Skipping straight to dessert, huh...?
"Hey, why not? I'll live a little." She replies with a shrug. "I'll take a slice of today's cake. And... I think I will have a cup of that tea."
That does sound like just the thing for these cold winter days... and she's pretty sure the cocktails here are non-alcholic.
<Pose Tracker> Remi Ryuuja has posed.
Lucien chuckles warmly as Shinobu opts for skipping straight to dessert. "Oui, Mademoiselle. It warms my heart to see you so willing to indulge yourself. I must leave you for a spell, but know that I will return as soon as I am able." Remi takes the menu, and then vanishes into the back kitchen.
She'll put the order in, and cehck on her other tables, of course, but soon enough, she's back, carrying a delicately balanced tray, which she carefully sets down on the table.
"I hope I did not keep you waiting too long? Though we had to be apart, my thoughts were ever of returning to you." She sets out a saucer and tea cup, and with a careful, steady hand fills it with a warm, aromatic spiced tea.
"Do you take anything with your tea, Mademoiselle?" Lucien asks, ready with milk, sugar, or honey.
Once that's ready she sets the saucer into place, and then, it's time for the dessert. "Today's cake is more of a custard--but it is one that comes with a show, so I hope you will not mind."
It's a ceraminc dish filled with a set custard. From a small dish Remi begins to sprinkl some brown sugar. "How much would you like, my dear?"
And once that's done. "I entreat you to wait but a few moments longer..." And out comes a small blowtorch. She works it with a calm, steady hand, as the sugar begins to bubble and caramelize. With a click the blowtorch is turned off, and Remi presents the finished dessert with a spoon. "I do hope it is to your liking. Do not be afraid to call upon me if you need ought else."
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
Lucien chuckles, and Shinobu smirks. She nods, though.
"Sounds good." She replies. She settles back into her chair as she waits - and before long, Remi returns.
"Smooth. But nah, you're all good." Shinobu remarks with an approving nod. That smooth line might even have worked on her - but mysteriously, it's less effective coming from Lucien. She can still appreciate the artistry involved, though.
As for what she'll take with her tea...
"Hm... Why not, let's try some honey. Experiment a little." Shinobu decides with a shrug. She's never tried that before...
And now, dessert! Shinobu raises an eyebrow.
"Now you've got me curious." She replies with interest. Remi produces a custard, and sprinkles some brown sugar. After a moment... "That looks good."
She nods when asked to wait, and is briefly surprised when Remi presents a blowtorch. The sugar is lit, and Shinobu lets out an appreciative whistle.
"That's actually pretty cool. I guess a lotta things are better when you set 'em on fire." She remarks. The custard is set before her. "I'm sure it will be. And, I will, thanks."
She takes up the spoon, takes a bite, and...
"...Hey, this is pretty good."
<Pose Tracker> Remi Ryuuja has posed.
Smooth is, of course, the entire point of Remi's character here. But if it didn't work as well because it came from Lucien, well, more's the shame.
"But of course, Mademoiselle..." Lucien gets the honey ready. "Though of course, the honey..."
Lucien's voice doesn't slip entirely, but there's something a little bit more Remi in it as she finishes, "... is nowhere as sweet as you, my dear."
But there is a broad grin as Shinobu whistles for the blowtorch. "A rather dazzling show, and, I hope, a little bit of delight that will carry you through the day."
"Of course. Though I would caution--it is also quite warm, as well. I would hate to see you burn your tongue."
Lucien steps back, hands folded neatly behind her as he waits for the reaction. "I am glad it is to your liking. Please, do let me know if there is anything else I might provide."
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
Lucien prepares the honey. And then Remi's voice shifts into something a little more familiar - and that does get Shinobu to pause briefly.
Fortunately, there's a show.
"Yeah, I think it will. Thanks." Shinobu replies with a nod. She grins, then. "Hey, don't worry. I'm tough."
She pauses for a moment.
"...Buuut I think I will give it a sec before I go in for another bite." She decides.
She nods, as Lucien expresses being glad. And if there's anything else...
"Nah, I think I'll be good. Thanks." She offers. And after a moment... "...But if you had time to sit down and chat for a bit, I wouldn't say no."
But she won't object, either, if Lucien has other customers to get to.
<Pose Tracker> Remi Ryuuja has posed.
If 'Lucien' smiles just a bit more at that pause, surely it must be a coincidence.
Shinobu is tough! Lucien laughs softly at that, "Of course, of course. Please, I do not wish to imply that you are otherwise. I would hate for something so tender as a tongue or a lip to come to harm."
But she'll wait after all. "Of course."
There's a request, and Lucien pauses. His eyes flick over to scan the rest of the floor--everything seems quiet, and nobody signals him when he catches their eyes (along with a flash of a warm smile, of course).
"While I would love to grant you your request, I am afraid I must remain on my feet... but I can still spare a moment to spend with you." Lucien smiles... and kneels right there next to the table.
Technically, he's not sitting. Lucien lowers his voice, "Tell me, Mademoiselle. What else might I provide for you? I know of a lovely poem or two that I could recite for you, if you wish?"
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
"Nah, no offence taken." Shinobu assures with a shake of her head.
Lucien takes in her request and Shinobu watches as he, presumably, checks to confirm whether or not he's needed. The answer seems to be 'no' - but he does say that he must remain on his feet.
...So instead, he kneels. Shinobu pauses and blinks, and then he offers to recite a poem or two.
Shinobu laughs, awkwardly massaging the back of her neck. Not quite what she had in mind... That might be a little too much for her.
"Uh, I think I'm good there, but thanks..." She replies. "I guess, uh, I was curious what you liked about this job...?"
Lucien does seem pretty into the role... Getting into character like this must be no small feat.
<Pose Tracker> Remi Ryuuja has posed.
Lucien is silent for a moment, watching as Shinobu massages the back of her neck. Hmmm. Okay, definitely time to recalibrate.
"Of course, Mademoiselle," Lucien smoothly demurs. But what does he enjoy about the job? "Why, nothing so less as the chance to honor the grace and elegance that comes before me."
... That's definitely a 'Lucien' answer. It's a bit hard for Remi to give her own answer, at the moment. (Though... it's not entirely untrue for her, as well.)
"But... if I may be so bold as to ask, was there something you were hoping for, from our time together, that I have not yet thought to provide?"
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
Lucien demurs, and Shinobu relaxes just a little. And the answer he gives is...
...Well, maybe she should've expected that. It's a smooth answer. Grace and elegance, though...
...No wonder she feels out of place.
"That makes sense." Shinobu considers thoughtfully. Lucien asks, then, if there was something she was hoping for that he has yet to provide... She 'hm's to herself, leaning back a bit. She taps her spoon idly against the custard. It's something she has to think about for a second.
"I think I was just interested in seeing what kinda work you did here." She comments. "...And maybe figuring out a little more what makes you tick."
<Pose Tracker> Remi Ryuuja has posed.
Remi would be disappointed to know how out of place Shinobu feels... but on the other hand, maybe she can read the writing on the wall, considering how Shinobu has reacted.
There may have been a miscommunication, or a difference of expectations. They can talk that out more fully later, certainly.
Well, Shinobu's certainly seen a lot of what Remi does, but for the latter question... Lucien leans in, so he can lower his voice some more, but it's more Remi's voice that murmurs quietly. "... and have you figured anything out, my dear Mademoiselle?"
... It's not too far of a stretch to get to 'Lucien' from 'Remi', as it happens.
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
She's seen a lot, certainly - and it's all been pretty impressive. She has to respect Remi's talent for being able to wear the role with such ease.
Lucien leans closer but it's Remi's voice that she hears, in a quiet murmur.
"...I think I've got a better understanding, yeah." Shinobu decides, after a moment of thought. "And the service was excellent."
<Pose Tracker> Remi Ryuuja has posed.
There are many roles Remi must play, but at least this one is a positive one.
But when Shinobu says the service was excellent it's Remi smiling, not Lucien, for just a moment. "I live to serve, Mademoiselle. And if, perhaps, I was able to bring some cheer to your day, then I am glad of it."
And then Remi slips back into Lucien, though there's a twinkle in her eye as she leans back upright again. "What else would you care to know about me, my enchanting guest?"
There's a quick glance just to make sure nobody else is trying to signal her, but she is still trying to give Shinobu some individualized attention... even if she's dialed back 'Lucien', sensing he isn't resonating with Shinobu in the way he does with her other clients.
<Pose Tracker> Shinobu Shimizu has posed.
"Yeah, this has been fun." Shinobu replies with a nod. It got a little awkward there for a moment, sure - but it wasn't anything she couldn't bounce back from.
Remi leans back upright, and asks if there's anything else she'd care to know.
"Right now? I think I'm satisfied." Shinobu decides. Any more talk would probably be better saved for outside of her place of work. "But, this has been good. Thanks, Lucien."
<Pose Tracker> Remi Ryuuja has posed.
Remi is glad that, at the very least, she didn't spoil the whole experience, despite the awkwardness.
She will certainly be up for talking later on, when she can speak a little more freely.
"I am glad to hear, Mademoiselle." With a graceful rise, Lucien stands, and then bows once more. "I do hope you enjoy your tea and dessert. Please do not hesitate to call on me should you need anything else."
And with that she'll make the rounds to attend to her other clients.