The Killer Queen

Oriana’s face was a patchwork of reds and whites, a veritable display of indignation.

“I didn’t have a family parade dropping me off because I’m Independent. We’re modern women with our own thoughts and personalities. I’m not a parasite replying on my family!”

Mizer couldn’t help but snicker behind her hand. “Now you’re talking about personality? Maybe you should’ve joined philosophy instead of design. With that attitude, you’d make a great debater. Look, the Schnabels making a big show of sending their kid to school – it’s about being close–knit and valuing their daughter. How does that make anyone a family parasite.

Onana was convinced that the Schnabels‘ display was in poor taste. Mizar’s mockery made her face contort even further. She scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Buddy, you can defend the Schnabels all you want, but Ms. Schnabel isn’t gonna thank you for it”

In her eyes, Mizar and those who spoke in Noolla’s favor were simply brown–nosers, attracted to the Schnabels‘ wealth and status, hoping to rub shoulders with their prestige.

Stirling was different from the Schnabels! Otherwise, why wouldn’t he be here today? He must feel the same as her, that such behavior was utterly embarrassing!

At the front of the auditonum, Garrick greeted Marcel with a grin as warm as a summer’s day.

“Marcel, old chap, it’s been ages! We’re getting on in years, aren’t we? Come, come, have a seat over here.”

Marcel returned the smile with a calm one of his own. “No need, it’s just dropping off the kid at school. Any seat will do.”

Gamick’s eyes then fell upon Noella, who stood by Marcel’s side. The young lady was the picture of grace in her understated white dress. She clutched a trench coat, her hair elegantly styled, with soft curls framing her face, adding a youthful charm that was hard to ignore

Her outfit was the perfect blend of youthful brightness and subtlety, but it was her striking face and her cool, ethereal aura that made it impossible to look away.

omething

Garrick saw something familiar in Noella’s face, something that resonated with a memory lodged deep within his mind.

“Welcome to Imperial University’s design department, Noella. I look forward to seeing your work”

Thank you, Principal.”

Garrick smiled, then turned his attention to the stage as he was introduced by the host.

The spotlight was on Garrick as he began his rousing speech, the auditorium filled with notable alumni heating up with his every word.

Noella offered a candid assessment. “He’d be great at selling pyramid schemes.”

Her tone left no doubt about her opinion of Garrick’s character.

Indeed, his oratory skills moved many in the audience to tears, stirring even Elara to nod in agreement.

Only Malvina, the academic slacker, yawned repeatedly, her head bobbing until she dozed off, using Noella’s shoulder as a pillow.

Garrick glanced down from the stage. “We have the honor of having the virtuoso Master Rainer perform for our opening ceremony

The crowd erupted in excitement. Master Rainer was pend

Mizar worked her way through the crowd to Noella, whispel Boss, there’s been a hiccup with Master Rainer, a traffic jam’s holding things up, and he might not make it.”

The assistant humed onto the stage, and Garrick, too, had heard the news.

“Master Rainer is stuck in traffic and may not make it. As we wait, please enjoy some of the other performances.”

Everyone knew the traffic in Imperial City could be a nightmare, taking hours to clean up.

The auditorium was filled with a variety of performances prepared by the students in advance.

Backstage, the principal’s assistant clapped his hands. “Ready everyone? You’re up soon. Give it your best and make the school proud!”

Oriana was beaming as she prepared for her turn. She had been practicing tirelessly for this moment, eager to showcase her talents in front of the accomplished audience. What a boost for her future prospects!

Pity that the whole Schnabel family showed up except for Stirling. If only he could see her shine on stage..

Oriana was set to perform a piano solo.

Malvina, waking up during the performance, yawned.

“This piano playing is… beginner level, a bit heavy–handed.”

Noella raised an eyebrow. “You know about piano?”

10:26

“I can’t play, but I can listen. Arthur Invested a lot in me, hoping to cash in someday. Too bad he got locked up first, hah

Melving was spot–on. Oriann’s plano playing was commendable among students but indeed showed signs of forcefulness.

Maybe it was Noella’s imagination, but during the performance. Orlana seemed to glance her way now and then. Noalla couldn’t recall knowing this student before.

After the piece, Oriana lingered on stage, her eyes challenging Noella.

“Principal, I heard Noella was a special admit. I wonder if she has any talents to share?”

Garrick was taken aback but looked at Noella with a smile. “Noella, would you like to perform as well?”

Noella’s expression was cool. “No, thank you”

Oriana’s smile grew more smug.

Just as she thought- Ms. Schnabel had no real talents and must have gotten into Imperial University through her family’s influence. Such a person didn’t deserve to be associated with Stirling!

Noella felt the inexplicable hostility emanating from Oriana and quirked an eyebrow.

Was this person for real?

Mizar whispered to Noella, “Boss, that gal was just talking smack about you. She seemed to be a fan of your brother, Stirling.”

Surling’s fan?

How did that explain her hostility?

Garrick sensed the strange tension in the air and smoothly changed the subject ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Since we’ve got the chance here, why don’t you take the stage, Noella? Anything is fine. This stage is all yours – it’s all about the youth these days!”

As he spoke, many in the crowd started clapping in agreement.

Marcel frowned. “Garrick, seriously? You’re an old man. What’s with the kick you get out of watching kids perform?”

Was Garrick actually going to push Noella onto the stage against her will?

Garrick smiled, his tone gentle but firm. “Come on, Marcel, Noella’s gonna be a student at our university soon enough. It wouldn’t hurt to get acquainted with everyone early! The youth are the dawn of a new era. If she’s shy now, what’s she gonna do on the world stage later? You can coddle them now, but you can’t make all their decisions for them later, right?”

Noella raised an eyebrow

So, not getting up there would label her as stage–shy? It seemed Garrick was dead set on her doing a show.