Maria Campbell fell in love with Lady Katarina Claes upon their first meeting. In fact Katarina's first words to her: "You are Maria Campbell correct?" were words she'd been hoping to hear ever since entering the academy.

Despite the look of disdain the Duke's daughter was giving her, being called out to in that way made her happy. So far she had only ever been referred to as 'That commoner' or 'The light magic user', so to hear someone call her by her name, to acknowledge her existence, was a completely new experience.

Katarina's next words cemented her new crush: "Don't think that you can get cocky just because you worked a little hard." Once again, even though the words were harsh, this was the very first time that someone had acknowledged her hard work instead of just touting her as 'special'.

Ever since that moment Maria had done everything in her power to try and get Lady Claes' attention, from bringing her sweets to asking her brother and fiance about her. Unfortunately it seems as though all her actions were constantly misinterpreted, which somehow lead to where they are now.

"Katarina Claes, in light of your heinous actions I am annulling my engagement with you!"

While Maria was glad that Katarina would no longer be tied down by her engagement with Prince Gerald, she didn't much care for the manner in which he was doing it. That is to say in front of most of the populace of the school in a clear attempt to sully her reputation.

"P-Prince Gerald? What are you saying? Please don't make such jokes."

"I am not joking. We have several witnesses whom have seen you bullying the commoner student Maria Campbell, myself included."

"That's what this is about?! All because of that girl?! What do you even see in her anyways?!"

"Many things, however all that needs to be said is that she's special to me."

Maria grimaced from the spot she was forced into when this whole charade started. This is why she held no interest in any of the shallow minded boys that had been clamoring over themselves to gain her affections. She wasn't special or unique, she hated those titles ever since her magic manifested and made her an outcast. No, she was just Maria Campbell, and that's all she would ever be, and Katarina Claes was the only person to ever see that.

"So that's it then? You're just annulling our engagement so you can go off and play with your new toy? Well then fine! I Katarina Claes, daughter of the head of the Dukal House of Claes, do hereby announce my agreement to the annulment of the engagement between myself and Geraled Stuart, third prince of the kingdom of Sorcier."

Gerald gave a victorious smirk, no doubt assuming that he had won, and addressed all those present.

"As you have all just witnessed, both myself and Lady Claes have agreed to the annulment of our engagement. Now then Maria, let us be off."

As Prince Gerald put his arm around her shoulder Maria decided that it was about time for her to interject and calmly, but firmly, removed his arm from herself.

"Prince Gerald," she started in the most saccharin voice she could make, "I must apologize, for though it was not my intention, it seems as though there have been some misunderstandings."

Gerald seemed to be taken aback by this sudden turn of events, however he managed to recollect himself fast enough that most people wouldn't notice.

"Is that so? And what might those be?"

"There are quite a few, but the most important one is," she gave him her best obviously fake smile before turning around and walking down the stair of the podium and continuing onwards until she stopped in front of Katarina, "I am not in love with you, but with Lady Claes"

With that statement it seemed that Katarina was too shocked to stop Maria from kneeling down, taking her hand, and laying a chaste kiss against the back of it.

"W-What is this?! Some kind of sick joke?!" Katarina spluttered out, flushed red in both embarrassment and anger.

"No Lady Claes. Ever since we first met I've been in love with you. I don't care whether or not you love me back, so long as you'll allow me to follow you for the rest of my life."

Katarina looked away, now clearly more embarrassed than angry.

"W-Well, if you plead so desperately then I suppose it cannot be helped can it? Very well then, go pack your things. It seems as though I am no longer welcome here."

"Yes Lady Claes."

"Hold on! Wait! Maria!"

Maria ignored the voice calling out to her as she set out towards the dorms. After all it was the owner of that voice that had thrown away such a beautiful rose, and it was Maria who had picked it up. Truly what an utter fool.