The bell chimed in the distance. To the students sitting in the spacious classroom, it marked the end of the school day. What once was a solemnly silent room soon became a cacophony of chairs screeching on wooden floors and notebooks sloppily stuffed into bags. In the midst of such chaos, a white blur flashed past the busying students, temporarily halting their progress to escape the classroom, wondering what just happened. The white streak was Weiss Schnee and unlike her fellow classmates, she had anticipated the moment the bell was about to ring. The moment it boomed, she bursted from her seat and raced out the exit before the bell sound faded away. This came as a shock to those in her class, since she normally maintained her studious pose - the sight of dignity - well after the bell rang and would remain until everyone else had already departed. But, today was different. Today was special and Weiss didn't have a second to spare.
Once she was in the hallway, still empty, she raced down the set of stairs that led from her second-floor classroom to the main hallway of Ironwood Academy. Rounding the corner of the stairwell, however, she noticed that students had begun to emerge from their respective classrooms and were flooding the hallway. A group of girls passed by and noticed Weiss. With gasps and glittering eyes, as if witnessing celebrity, they cheerfully waved at her. Halting her momentum at their gaze, Weiss straighten out her posture, put on princess-like smile, and returned the girls greeting with small, yet elegant wave. The girls giggled at Weiss's exchange and quickly continue their business, whispering among themselves about meeting the princess of the school.
Internally, Weiss lets out a sigh. This was one of the reasons why she always waited until everyone left school before leaving herself. The attention she garners and the mask that she must don just wears her down. But it isn't something she can ignore. She is Weiss Schnee, heiress to the Schnee Dust Company, the largest supplier of Dust in the world. She was the face of the company and as such, must maintain the image of royalty whenever she is in public. Especially during school. So, as much as she wants to make a beeline for the exit, she couldn't.
Fully committed to her role, she continued the rest of the way down the stairs in her princess facade. While making her way to the school entrance, the students in her path unconsciously made way for her to pass. To them, it was as if an angel glowing with brilliance had descended upon them. Weiss, her path now clear, glided elegantly across the school hall, giving an angelic smile at those who made way for her. However, within her, Weiss was brimming with impatience.
Agh! The entrance is right there. If it wasn't for everyone here I would've been long gone from here.
After what seemed like an eternity, Weiss finally reached the exit. But as she stepped out into the open, a piercing cold gust assaulted her, momentarily breaking her disguise as her face contorted into a grimace at the sudden temperature change, but she quickly regained her posture. It was Spring, but because Atlas was so far north, the chilly air was as ubiquitous as the mountains environment surrounding the city. Yet, despite being such a common occurrence, it was always caught Weiss off-guard when leaving the heated corridors of school.
After acclimating to the cold weather, Weiss scanned the schoolyard and found what she was looking for hidden under the shade of trees off in a corner: a black limousine. Without a delay, she briskly headed towards it, trying her best to avoid any interaction with the students along the way. After losing precious time inside the school, she wasn't going to deal with any more delays to her plans.
"Klein, airport please," Weiss directed to the bald portly man sitting in the driver's seat as she hopped into the back.
The man named Klein jumped in his seat.
"Deary me Ms. Schnee, that startled me. I wasn't expecting you so soon. Is something the matter?"
Weiss fidgets restlessly. "Ugh, yes, something is the matter. We must go to the airport. Now."
"The airport?" Klein repeated, confused. "For what purpose do you need to go there?"
Getting a bit impatient, Weiss tapped her fingers against the leather seats vigorously.
"Do I need to spell it out for you. I want to go meet Jade."
As if a light switch turned on in his head, Klein's face suddenly lit up.
"Ah yes, Ms. Evergreen. I know you're excited to see her again, but I have already arranged a ride for her at the airport. Rest assured you will see her at the mansion later tonight."
Weiss wasn't satisfied with that answer.
"But I want to meet her at the airport. I want to be the first one to greet her when she gets off the plane. I haven't seen here in almost three years and there's so much we need to catch up on. So, please Klein, can we go to the airport?"
Weiss leaned forward and gave her best puppy eye expression. Klein, however, only looked more worried.
"But Miss Schnee, your father is expecting you home by 4 o'clock for vocal training."
Hearing her father mentioned sent a chill down Weiss's spine and completely dampened her mood. She looks down, crestfallen. Dealing with her father certainly scared her, but she was already committed.
"It's ... fine. I'll deal with father when the time comes," Weiss replied weakly, lacking any confidence in her statement. "He never checks anyways, so I should be fine as long as I'm not too late."
Weiss said this more to convince herself than Klein. Klein gave a nod, but remained silent.
"Alright, then. If you are so intent on going to meet Ms. Evergreen, then I have no right to refuse such request.
Weiss looked up, her enthusiasm restored.
"You're the best, Klein!" Weiss praised, while bouncing on her seat cheerfully. Klein turned to face forward and started up the car.
Focus, Weiss. Jade is finally coming back after 3 years. Everything will be fine as long as she is here. Weiss thought as the car slowly picked up speed to the airport.
