[center][h1][b][color=green]A L B E R T A[/color][/b][/h1][hr][b][color=gray]AVALICE ACADEMY — THE PLAZA[/color][/b][/center][hr]
Any opportunity out of this hellhole of a classroom was a blessing for Alberta. She practically leaped out of her seat and bolted for the door, the heels of her ribbon lace boots slamming against the floorboards with surprising vigour. It was a distinct sound her classmates would have to accustom themselves with in the coming weeks.

This wasn't the first time Alberta had to force herself through these grand speeches, she was no stranger to having such fickle principles like honour and heroism shoved down her throat. But with Headmaster Augustine being the owner of an admittedly magnificent institution, she made an effort to clap along with the crowd. It was one of few instances where she managed to remember her manners. When six out of the Miracle Seven shuffled onto the stage however, Alberta's eyes narrowed. So widely revered by the academy populus, so powerful that their abilities outshined the professors that were meant to watch over them. Even Alberta's heart began to beat ever so faster at the thought of snatching a position for herself.

It was more like a privilege for Alberta to be away from the unruly horde she had been forced into a classroom with. She wouldn't have the opportunity to take such long breathers once everyone started settling into school life once again, she had to spend this fresh air wisely. Taking a seat by the fragrant flowerbeds, Alberta took some time to ease her prior annoyances away from the noisy crowds.

[b]"Making friends with the flowers now? Really, Berta? I thought you'd stooped to the lowest of the low after transferring to Class C, but this is just sad."[/b]

Alberta glared up at the girl who had approached her, scowling at the smug expression that was shadowed by her deep red locks of hair. [b]"[color=green]Call me 'Berta' again and I'll rip your tongue out, Auclair.[/color]"[/b]

[b]"Last name basis already? It's only been a couple of weeks—"[/b]

[b]"[color=green]I don't want to hear it. I've already had my earful of stupidity today, I don't need anymore from you.[/color]"[/b]

[b]"Wow, someone's grumpy today. Did granddaddy give you another spanking before you left home?"[/b]

[b]"[color=green]Shove it, whore.[/color]"[/b]

Headley was relishing in the young woman's frustration, giving her another triumphant smile before turning away. Alberta crossed her arms with a huff, staring daggers into her former classmate's head. What had gotten into her that made her believe she could act so tough all of a sudden? She wasn't the one who had defeated her on that fateful day.

[b]"[color=green]Oh, and that hand embroidered silk dress you lent to me last year?[/color]"[/b] Alberta called out to the redhead. [b]"[color=green]If you want it back, you can go dumpster diving at the back of the school and see how many threads you can find.[/color]"[/b]

Before the horrified Auclair could respond, another group of girls called her name and she reluctantly followed. The two exchanged glares, and the former classmate left for the other stalls. Alberta smirked to herself; so typical for someone of Auclair's nature to befriend a flock of impressionable, cowardly hens.

As she wandered the courtyard looking for something to snack on, a familiar scent caught Alberta off guard. Lemon, peppermint, ginger. She turned to her left and saw a figure clad in luxurious blue robes sipping from a ceramic cup. She recognised him as one of the many eccentrics she would be stuck with for the rest of the school year.

[b]"[color=green]Ah, I know that smell,[/color]"[/b] Alberta uttered, each word followed by another calculated step towards the student. [b]"[color=green]That must be Leanna Millward's famous lemon and peppermint blend, correct?[/color]"[/b]

She peered into the cup and scoffed at the sight of large ginger chunks floating to the top. Alberta glanced up at the boy with laughing eyes. [b]"[color=green]Anyone with more refined tastes can clearly tell she just buys it straight off fraudulent commoners at second-rate market stalls. She thinks adding heaps of ginger and sugar would hide it, but anyone with four or more braincells can deduce that it's a scam.[/color]"[/b]

Alberta swiped a biscuit from a nearby stall and chewed the end of it. [b]"[color=green]The only thing she can make on her own is that god awful cinnamon concoction that leaves freshmen with stomach ulcers for weeks.[/color]"[/b]