Disclaimer: I do not own Mai Otome or Mai Hime. These rights are reserved for Sunrise.

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For almost two years now, Shizuru has never failed to complete what was expected of her, nor did she fail in doing what she wants to. However, when Shizuru first laid her eyes on her, she knew that Galderobe wasn't going down the road of peace for long.

That girl, on her first day in school, had already gotten onto everybody's nerves and been branded as infamous. People within and outside the walls of Galderobe would all shake their heads in defeat at the mere mention of her name.

Natsuki Kruger.

And even I, a plain and oh-so common girl living in a secluded country like Artai, have heard of her prowess in school. Don't tell me you didn't, but that's just really too bad for you.

--

I believe that everyone knows of the –OH MY GOD! It's Miss MARIA! RUN for your LIFE!- syndrome present in Galderobe, where everyone other than the Pillars or Miss Yukariko actually blanches visibly whenever they see that old woman.

But c'mon, why are they afraid of an OLD lady who likes to give death glares at everyone?

And that, is exactly what Natsuki had thought.

--

The first time, or so I've heard, was really just your normal day to day accident. It was just another plain old day in school where people walk around in similar maid outfits. Today, however, was the start of a nightmare of someone in particular.

Natsuki Kruger, branded –brat of the year-, was sitting next to Mai at the dining table. It was customary to wait for everyone to be here for prayers before eating and she was getting bored and hungry at the same time.

--

"Oi, Mai. Where do you think all the Pillars went to? None of them seemed to be in the school today. Even that frail-looking Gakuenchou isn't here."

"Shhh… don't say that Natsuki. Miss Maria is lurking somewhere. You wouldn't want her hearing that."

"Bah! As if I give a damn to that old woman either. I rather concentrate on my food. Now… if I could just stick that fork in…"

On the cue, Natsuki's stomach gave a rather loud growl.

And accompanied by it was a steadily rising blush as the people around stared at her.

"Natsuki looks so adorable when she's like that."

Natsuki turned around at the speed of light, nearly twisting her waist at the sudden movement.

"Shiz-Shizuru!"

"Ara, Natsuki's so red!"

Before Natsuki could utter out a dignified reply, Yukariko-sensei started speaking and Shizuru went to her seat beside the other Trias..

"School, now let us all pray to the good God who let us all have three meals a day. Amen."

"Amen."

"Now let us all tuck in!"

--

You thought that was the nice part? Silly little you, how could something like that be interesting? You're missing out on life seriously.

--

"Can't I go back to the dorm now? I have other things to do than to sit here and wait for everyone to finish."

"Nope, you know you can't."

Natsuki stretched her body, working out all the kinks from sitting still for an hour.

"Whateve- Ouch!"

Something fell heavily against the wooden flooring, and a loud 'thump!' was heard followed by a groan. Natsuki withdrew her legs and tried to peer over the table.

- Crap.

Grey hair emerged from beneath the table.

- It just had to be her.

"Which of you is the inconsiderate person who did this?"

Natsuki glanced around her, preparing to use that –you tell on me and I'll make your life real bad- look which was effective on everyone else.

But the sad thing was, noooo-one was at the same table as her. Isn't it amusing how everyone just disappeared in that moment?

- Just great… that old lady.

"You. Kruger wasn't it? Come with me right now."

- Like hell I will. I'm not that stupid. Besides, I have other things to do.

"No. And there's no way that an old woman like you is going to change my mind."

Everyone around audibly gasped at her response. Oh my god! Natsuki said no to Miss Maria! She said no? She called her an old woman?

May god bless you. I assure you, Natsuki, that her reputation wasn't fake from my own personal experience. You better start running now.

True to it, she bolted.

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"Ow ow ow ow OW! Stop pulling! I'm going bald! Stop pulling already!"

- Anything but my hair!

"Young lady, this would teach you not to call people names. And to think all the lessons on etiquette that Yukariko-sensei spent time on were nothing but wind in your ears. Nono, you ARE going to come with me, don't you think?"

"OK OK! Just let go already! I won't run away again!"

"No. You are coming like this till we reach the office."

- Damn it.

--

Oh well, it seemed that Natsuki finally understood why everyone had what was known as the 'Maria' Syndrome. Wouldn't she?

--

"Sit upright! Recite the etiquette rules from rule 1 again!"

"Rule 1: When an Otome greets her master, she must always have the most glorious smile on her face."

- Where's Shizuru when you need her? This is really absurd.

"Rule 2: When someone asks after you, you must always keep a smile in place and reply to the best that you can."

- I don't care who... Anyone… anyone at all! Save me!

"Continue on! Don't drift away!"

"Miss Maria, please calm down. Perhaps it would be better if I took over from you?"

- Shizuru!

"Ah… Viola-san. It's good that you're here. This Kruger really needs some lessons on manners."

"Ara… it's that bad? I'm sure she will improve with time. You could always check on her time to time and see how she is improving. If she's not… you could always ban mayonnaise from her, or force her to get a haircut! Isn't that a wonderful idea? Anyway, Miss Maria, you have a visitor waiting for you at the porch."

"No! Not my mayonnaise! Never! Not my hair too! And stop talking like I'm not here! Shizuru!"

"That's quite enough. You will address her as Viola onee-sama. Your manners are really revolting. Viola-san, would you mind taking this impetuous girl under your wing for a month?"

- Whaaaat! No!

"No! I don't agree!"

"Under my wing?"

"Yes, this girl here, -pointed look- will follow you for a month and you will teach her how to befit the status of a Otome. It wouldn't be any problem now, will it?"

"Not at all, it would be my utmost pleasure."

"I shall leave her to you then, I have to take care of other matters."

"I will take care of her."

With that, Miss Maria headed for the door.

- THUMP! -

- Again? I didn't do it on purpose!

"Miss Maria, are you alright!"

"Natsuki Kruger!"

- Ara.

--

Natsuki… really, such an idiot at times. Oh well, I'm not the one who has to face her. But how I wished that I was there, seeing this little spoiled brat getting punished.

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"Shizuru, you're late today."

"Kanin na, Natsuki was being difficult today. But it all worthwhile to see her being so properly chastised."

"Oh, so what do you have to tell me today?"

"Ah, she tripped Miss Maria again today. You've thought she knew better than to stick her legs out while eating. Don't you think so, Nao?"

"Tsk tsk… little Miss Kruger never does learn from experience."

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A/N: Hmm.. I think this isn't as funny as the last chapter… oh well. Shizuru will get her Natsuki next time, I guess. Tell me what you think. Bleh. I think I'm gonna do something like different shots of ShizNat childhood times, tell me if you want more!