[i][/i][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/8r0P3g1.jpg[/img]
[@ShadowSunRisen][@Sonnambula][/center]

[color=fff79a]"I am no Ameri-- Oh."[/color] sometimes Valeria's enthusiasm went right over Maria's head, but she did not hold it against the German lass. In fact, her sparkling personality was a breath of fresh air and, frankly, this whole thing was; the Academy, her class, the girls and teaching. Nothing like Maria has ever lived up to this point. 

[color=fff79a]"You are good at speeches, Valeria. More so than me, it seems."[/color] Maria said after sitting down in the car's passenger seat. She was like a contrast, like an old painting superposed on modern art compared to Valeria's modern machine. The new Teacher took the opportunity this moment offered to watch over everyone else in the class. The girls seemed to get into pairs as demanded; Suzuya with Rose and Xolys, Silvia with Celina, Lilac with Tesni... but Nessie had no one it seemed. Just as she was about to ask the girl to join them, Valeria acted first. 

[color=fff79a]"A splendid idea. Miss Burns, I too would be delighted if you accepted to join us."[/color] Maria added, and although she was frank, her polite smile did not reach her eyes. The girls would have known her for a few days at this point and know, however, that she was genuine - just not very expressive for one reason or another. 

Ultimately, whether Nessie would accept their offer or not they would depart. Maria's elbow rested on the car's frame as she looked ahead, then up at Ozma flying a little ways ahead. At some point during their travel, she would look to Valeria and ask; [color=fff79a]"So, Valeria. Tell me, I have heard you and Miss Clementine are friends? If so, that is grand."[/color] she said then looked as if she was thinking back. [color=fff79a]"I have had the pleasure to pair up with the Crimson Comet on a few occasions in the past. She truly is a delightful woman, isn't she? So bright."[/color] Maria's eyes went back up to Ozma, still flying ahead of them a bit further now. She kept talking, although her tone had changed to a lower one, almost as if talking to herself; [color=fff79a]"I do not know what tragedy inhabits her, but to be able to smile through it and be such a bright beacon for everyone... I find myself a little envious of such a feat."[/color]

[color=fff79a]"Dear me - pardon me, I seem to have lost myself in thoughts. Haha."[/color] Maria quickly added along with a small calculated laugh, her hand covering her mouth as she did so. [color=fff79a]"It seems we have arrived."[/color]

[hr]

Maria made sure to stay near the entrance of the old building and make sure everyone arrived before she would herself enter the building. After which, she would remain at the front, entrusting the back to Valeria. Still, Maria wanted to focus on the students entirely and watch how they would react, how they would move and their every reactions so she would be keeping a close eyes on them, even from the front. Despite seeming cold, she was calculated and cared about making sure these girls could fend for themselves. She wouldn't participate directly in any fight, but she'd be at the front and ready to take action if anyone needed assistance.

Then Ozma began speaking, and the more she did the more Maria's eyes narrowed. So, this was why Ozma mentioned it to her a few days ago; Roma Bhakti. It seemed the Crimson Comet had this planned out for a little while, at last. It did not sit right with Maria - to put her class in such a precarious position? it did not feel like Charlotte. There was no point in bringing it up now, though, and it was too late to back out of it. This was when Maria, too, noticed the Pageless. Quite a few of them, too. 

[color=fff79a]"Well, students. You heard her; let us put your training to the test. I will keep an eye on you to see how you all are doing."[/color] at this moment, a Pageless lept for Maria - to which she grabbed it by the throat and, without changing form, slammed it to the ground with such force that it died on impact and dissipated through her fingers. After which she stood back up, clapped her hands together gently to get any dust off and added; [color=fff79a]"Proceed."[/color]