[i][/i][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/8r0P3g1.jpg[/img]
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[color=fff79a]"What a relief--"[/color] she began, before being smacked into the shoulder by Valeria as a sign of what Maria could only describe as camaraderie. Depending on Valeria's levels of awareness, she might notice that while Maria did indeed recoil, she took this hit better than what she german girl might had expected for such a powerful arm. While the tall blonde was completely unhurt, she still brought a hand to her shoulder in fear of vexing Valeria if she didn't. Perhaps a foolish thought born from Maria's lack of social interactions in the last decades, but still. 

[color=fff79a]"Yes, it does seem like Miss Clementine has left us. She is as mysterious as I had heard before, isn't she? Well, [i]Valeria[/i], rest well and see you soon."[/color] she said she said with another subtle bow before heading out herself, politely smiling and bidding farewell at anyone who would meet her gaze. The girls were busy in their discussion, and Maria came to the same conclusion Ozma did in that now was not the time for additional interactions. 

Time passed, and Maria began teaching along with Valeria. As discussed, they would split the charge of different courses. Maria was a woman of...few words. She was always polite to a fault and followed almost perfect etiquette, yet tended to keep conversations short and to the point, avoiding unnecessary interactions for the time being. She preferred to teach in a hands-off manner. Anything that was theoretical seemed to be her cup of tea, and the times when the Girls [i]would [/i]change she would remain unchanged and give advises, pointers and tips as and if necessary. She would leave everything that needed direct interactions and action to Valeria - such as combat practice - and never once in those few days did anyone see Maria change into her Grimoire. If asked why or asked to do it, she would simply say that it is not necessary at this time and leave it at that. 

On the day that Ozma gathered everyone at the Academy's entrance, Maria stood towards the front with Valeria. All of their charges were supposed to have chosen teams already, so in that regard they were covered - in theory. Maria did notice something off with Charlotte, but did not care to bring it up yet. She did however looked at Valeria to see if she, too, noticed it. 

That alone would not be deranging if it wasn't for what Charlotte told her a few days ago about what was happening. It led Maria to believe that, perhaps, the Ministry expected things to go wrong with this sortie, too. Anyhow, they still needed to go. 

[i][b](EDIT:)[/b][/i]
She knew their students had formed their teams as asked, so she simply faced the group and said; 
[color=fff79a]"As your recently appointed Teacher it is my duty to make sure everyone come back to this Academy alive and well. Keep a close eyes on your partners and each others and remember Miss Weizenbaum's words; Stories are shared in group. I expect to see a marked improvement out there, today - I am certain I will not be disappointed."[/color]

Maria turned to Valeria and politely asked; [color=fff79a]"Valeria, may I ask to ride alongside you in your vehicle if possible? I would greatly appreciate it."[/color]