Maria took a glance at Eponine. She knew she would react that way now that her intentions have become clear to her, despite her apparently emotionless status. Still, that was only a matter of time before it was resolved, since she knew exactly how to convince her.

Having decided on that matter mentally, Maria focused on the rogue's response to her offer, and just like she expected, it was met with resistance.

[quote=@Krauxis]
Chloe pondered Maria's words as carefully as she could, expressing thanks for the drink she'd been brought.

"...An artist, you say? Hm. I wonder..." Maria was overestimating the significance of Chloe's random act of murder, to be sure, but her logic was still sound. And what was she saying in front of a stranger? She wanted to take down the queen of the city? Chloe's head, not quite set to spinning, wobbled and teetered dangerously off its hinges regardless.

"I gotta wonder about your intentions, here, Lady. It's real nice and easy to say you want to rise up against those who oppress you, but you seem pretty comfortable here. Don't you have all these... toys, because of your position? Your devotion to the concept of 'order' and your political scheming?"[/quote]

Maria's smile turned into a sad frown. "It may seem comfortable to you, but to me, it is a never-ending torment. The government is corrupted and uncaring for its citizens, and though I try my best to manage my domain, I can't stop the law enforcement that Alexandra governs. I've seen men dragged to the streets and shot, powerless to do anything despite my status. She must be stopped, lest the city falls into despair and is consumed by a horde of witches."

[quote=@Krauxis]"So, say I help you take down this queen. It could be we have the same goal, if you're telling the truth. I may be stupid but I'm not a total idiot. That puts you in power, I bet. What you do at that point ain't my business and it ain't even my hobby. You can do what you want. But what's to stop me from knocking you out right afterward? That sounds like a great deal for me, like a two-for-one. But a poor deal for you. Real sad end for a budding coup, see."
[/quote]

[i]Now this is problematic. She is too perceptive to be fooled, and judging by her response she can't be bribed either. Well, no matter. She is already caught in my trap.[/i]

Maria dropped her cute expressions and angelic voice, and suddenly revealed her true self; that of a dark, intellectual sociopath, making it seem like she changed personality. She then spoke with a chilling voice:
"So you would prefer making an enemy of me? It would be a shame for our relationship to end on such a low note. You see, you are currently in a room with two magical girls, with a garrison of trained soldiers along with two other magical girls ready to rush in at any signs of disturbance. No matter how big your weapons are, you won't be walking out of this mansion should you refuse my offer. That would be a terrible loss for Shadow Compact."

Even if the rogue didn't show it with her facial expression, Maria could tell by the movements of her eyes that she was correct in her assumption. She let that sink in for a moment before she continued.

"Indeed. Without my assistance Shadow Compact would take years before they could muster enough resources to even attempt to overthrow Alexandra's rule. Even worse for them if you were captured, and spilled all their secrets to me. I would then purge the city of their presence, and forget this meeting even took place."

She took a sip of her tea. "So, what will it be? It's your choice."