Chapter 31: An Increase In Allowance

Chapter 31: An Increase In Allowance

There were two big things Tori noted that would be highly beneficial to her success that refugee camps in her original world often lacked. The first was the obvious: her number of resources. She had money and connections that could fund and support the entire project. This included basic needs for food, water, shelter, and sanitation. She even had enough pull to get a medical staff on site.

How long she could provide those things was what she was uncertain about.

It made it imperative to find a way for the refugees to become self-sufficient. Her aim was to set up a solid foundation and provide opportunities, and guide the village into a position where they could eventually survive without depending on her.

The second was the amount of power she had. In her original world, there were political issues both domestic and international that needed to be dealt with. Refugees needed to be resettled in place away from the area of conflict, but such areas that were safe were, of course, already inhabited. Land was a scarce commodity in some places and locals weren't often willing to share what little they had with strangers. Relocation had to be carefully negotiated and even then, there was conflict with locals for resources.

She didn't have that problem. Not only was the delta far from the eastern border, but it was also uninhabited. Uninhabited for at least half a day's travel surrounding most of the lagoon. By water, the nearest villages were the fishing villages at the other end of the Asona Sea, where it fed into the northern part of the gulf. Inland, the nearest village mainly focused on animal farms that also supplied meat to the region. They were in the Fekete Duchy.

When she reviewed the delta and discovered the land they were assigned was under direct imperial rule, property of the imperial family rather than the neighboring Fekete and Alvere Duchies, it meant she'd have to appeal to the imperial family if she needed to expand the area of settlement for whatever reason. Considering that Piers had volunteered himself to help her, she could go through him directly.

The project essentially gave her control of the land, as if she were her own little land baron staking a claim. She had a certain degree of flexibility and the 'red tape' that often had to be dealt with in her original world was almost non-existent. That also freed up some funds.

When she settled her nerves, she had gone over what the refugees needed considering basic human necessities and what she remembered from friends' parents, various college guest lecturers, and co-workers about being in refugee camps. She never had direct experience working with refugees, but she knew former ones. With information lacking for such an operation in the world of Soleil, Tori could only go with secondhand information she remembered. She had a few Vietnamese co-workers who had spent time in Guam after the Fall of Saigon and one of her closest friend's mothers had arrived in California through Camp Pendleton.

With that in mind, she also thought about trying to work her family March and perhaps other marches to try to resettle a few people here and there within them, or, at the very least, temporarily to learn a professional skill that can later be brought back to the delta. That was a bit further down on her list.

Safety was always the number one concern. Not just from the war or disaster that forced them to flee, but proper sanitation and clean resources to prevent them from getting sick. Tori had to think about water sources, sewage disposal, water and insect spread diseases that thrived in cramped, dirty areas.

She had to ensure they didn't starve, had shelter, and had some future instead of waiting with uncertainty and fear in marsh-limbo. She had to anticipate high levels of anxiety, depression, and stress that could lead to violence within the camp. These people had been here over a month already, depending on minimal supplies from the empire. They were tired, frustrated, and scared.

Tori needed to address that immediately and so with each small group of people who came into her tent, she gave them a breakdown of what she hoped to accomplish at the barest level, what she was currently working on, and what they should be prepared for. She tried to make it clear that this would take time, but her immediate goal was securing better living conditions, albeit temporary, and to establish some order to make the process go as smooth as possible.

On her end, her plan of action was just an outline of possibilities and expenses, which included a long list of professionals she needed to hire and supplies that needed to be purchased. Before she could proceed with any additional details, she needed to make sure that her idea to build upon the islands after securing a solid foundation was even possible given the game worlds available technology.

She knew that it would also be a massive financial undertaking. From the cost of hiring professionals to study the land and design the buildings, to the labor needed to build said buildings, to the cost of materials. Her budget was not yet fixed, but once she had an idea of what was needed, shed start pricing and sourcing labor and materials.

The more urgent need was to take care of the refugees and despite her earlier fuck you; I do what I want moment with the village elders, she had a surprising amount of younger people approach her. After several hours of meeting with various men and women who had come representing their families, Tori began to feel like her introduction and small speech were akin to a time-share presentation trying to lure potential buyers. This wouldn't be the last meeting with them, either.

Sighing to herself, she looked back over the map that was across the table in the tent she was using. While there were dozens of islands on the delta, not all of them were suitable for habitation. Some islands might as well have been sand banks with grass on them, just big enough for a pair of waterfowl to roost on.

Tori took a pencil and made a dotted line circling parts of the shore closest to the islands. This was land she wasnt sure they could use. Currently, the empire had allowed the refugees to set up their camp along the shores, but she wasnt sure if that land was permanently allocated to them.

If it was, it would be beneficial as a launching point to the islands from the mainland, as well as accommodate any future growth.

Of course, first she had to find out what land rights they had inland and what the surveyors and excavators said. Currently, they were out on the water, checking the islands with Piers.

Tori wrinkled her nose. All the manpower she was directing so far was the result of asking Piers and her brothers for assistance. The project did say she could use whatever resources she had and next to money, she had connections. Therefore, the first prince of Soleil was technically a resource.

I should cook him a meal as thanks, Tori muttered to herself. She took care of her friends.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Lady Guevera, a voice said from the entrance of her tent. The heavy canvas flap covering the doorway was down, but she could hear the imperial knight outside clearly. There is another couple here to speak to you.

Another potential customer, Tori thought, amused. She rolled up the map and put it aside before gathering some papers. Let them in.

The canvas flap was pulled open and two people walked in. Tori lifted her head and barely held back her surprised look to see Johan and a woman coming in, appearing nervous. She didnt expect him to come see her after what happened in the tent with the elders. He had clearly expressed that he didnt trust a person her age to be able to handle the resettlement remotely well.

As bad as the conflict with the village elders was, it would've been much worse if Piers wasnt standing behind her the entire time. Yeah, Piers definitely deserves a full meal on me. She remained standing behind her desk as she looked at the couple.

Mr. Sima, she said with a small bow of her head. Im surprised to see you considering what happened this morning. How are the elders? I take it theyre still upset with me.

Old people were stubborn in any world. Look at her. She was only forty inside and still wanted to fight the game.

Johan looked awkward as he and the woman stopped in front of Toris desk.

They are, my lady, he said. Tori raised a brow. His voice was a bit more respectful this time around. She wondered what had changed. This is my sister, Margo. Several of my fellow villagers seem to have come to speak to you about their resettlement and have come to us expressing their hopes.

Tori gave him a small nod. She placed her hand on a box that had a stack of papers in it. They have. I hope Ive been able to give them some reassurance.

Johan still had some suspicion on his face. Lady Guevera, are you telling the truth about what you promised them?

Toris gaze didnt falter as she remembered an old co-worker telling her that there was good sense in under promising, over delivering. She wasnt sure that all her lofty goals of a bustling resort town and fishing industry would come to fruition, and even if they did, how long it would take to get to such a point.

However, she was more than certain that she could at least provide humane living conditions and teach skills to the refugees to help them become relatively self-sustaining in the long run.

I try to only make promises I can keep, Mr. Sima, Tori said. The dissatisfaction of an entire village wouldnt exactly make my project successful. At best, I promised better living conditions and a way to learn new skills or restart old businesses in order for the villagers to have a source of income.

Johan opened his mouth, but the woman beside him took a step forward. My friend spoke about your offer to lend money. Is that true?

There is nowhere here to borrow money, nor will you be able to with so little to guarantee you'd pay it back. When you need to buy necessities for everyday use and supplies to restart your businesses, you'd have no resource. I am willing to provide small loans, interest free, to be paid back at a later, agreed upon time, as part of my project, Tori explained.

By stating that she was willing to give loans rather than just give money to random individuals, she felt it would add some responsibility to the individual; so, they wouldn't spend it frivolously. She didn't plan nor want to make money off of loans; she just wanted to provide starting capital and emergency funds where it was needed, but not recklessly throw money everywhere. She couldn't support the village her entire life.

What about learning new skills? Margo asked.

The delta is a vastly different environment from what you are used to. Some of the basic habits and methods of livelihood, such as farming style, that you practiced inland will not be suitable here. This is very important and one of the things we should be focusing on immediately, as it is a means of supporting your family. Obviously, this isnt something I can teach you, so Ive asked those who've come to speak to me to let me know the status of their family, their former occupations, and other skills they have. I will try to find appropriate instructors that may teach skills best suited for these individuals.

Thats all well and good, but our situation is still dire. Were living out of tents in these crowded spaces and the only food were getting is from the weekly deliveries of grain and pickled vegetables from the empire, Johan said with a frown.

Tori nodded. Not to mention that its winter and its very cold. I understand.

Then what are you going to do about it?

Currently, Im in the process of drafting a request for more allocated land further inland that isnt as wet as the shoreline. The village should move there, especially before spring comes and the water level rises from the melting ice in the mountains, Tori said. Unfortunately, we may not be able to build permanent structures. Thus, I will be arranging for military camp grade tents for each family, as well as setting up three large, public kitchens and dining halls, a temporary school, and bathing facilities. This situation is not permanent, but only until we are able to establish what is possible to build on the islands. This may take months.

Months! Johan gasped. Weve already been sleeping in tents for weeks and now you want us to continue-

If an entire military camp can survive well in temporary buildings while on the march for years at a time, then certainly so can you, Tori said, staring at him with a firm look. Im not asking you to live in the same squalor you are now and for the rest of your life, Mr. Sima. Im asking you for your patience as I gather more information.

How long will that take? He frowned.

Lady Guevera, weve returned with the preliminary results on the islands, a voice said from outside the tent.

Tori looked at Johan and his sister. Margo looked surprised while Johan seemed confused. Tori silently praised the excellent timing of the surveyors. She tried not to smirk too much as she put her hands on the table and leaned forward.

Let me make this clear, Mr. Sima, and please excuse the language, she said as her eyes crinkled up with satisfaction. I may be young, but I get shit done. Now, if youll excuse me, I need to discuss with the surveyors and excavators on the stability of the delta islands for habitation. She raised her arm and seemed to direct their attention to the door.

Margo tugged him forward. She gave him an earnest, almost hopeful look. Let Lady Guevera have her meeting. This may provide her with information she needs.

The madam understands, Tori said with a small nod of her head. Seemingly a bit shaken from Toris smug retort, Johan nodded and let himself be led out. They left the tent, making way for Piers and three enthusiastic middle-aged men. Tori gave them a warm smile. Gentlemen, thank you for your hard work. Ill let the knights know to prepare a good meal for you tonight.

Thank you, Lady Guevera, the oldest of the group said. Chief surveyor of Horizons civil planning committee, Lord Pierre Wolfgang, looked very pleased as he reached Toris desk. She motioned for all of them to take a seat and called for someone to bring in something warm for everyone to drink. I must say, your hopes for the delta are quite high, Lady Guevera.

I can always adjust my goals, Lord Wolfgang, but Id hate to aim low and allow these displaced people to just barely live, Tori said. She took a deep breath and sat across from them. She rested her arms on the desk and brought her hands together. How is the soil on the islands?

It is as you expected, my lady, Universits lead professor on civil engineering, Ernest Grey, looked quite satisfied that they got the confirmation they needed. Sand, loose sediment, then clay, and bedrock. But the bedrock is quite deep.

Tori narrowed her eyes. How deep?

Professor Grey unrolled a map on her desk. It depends on the island. The further the island from the shore, the deeper the bedrock is, though its not a massive difference. Perhaps two or three lachters beneath the sand, sediment, and clay.

As Ive written in my letters, in some places, homes built over the water are on stilts or use wood piles as a foundation and to keep a structure above water. Is that possible here? Tori asked. She brought her hands on to her lap and crossed her fingers.

Youre asking to strengthen the foundation of the islands with wood, Professor Grey said as he rubbed his russet beard. He furrowed his brows. Such a thing is possible.

But we would need a lot of wood and then wed need to backfill the gaps. Gravel would be good, Professor Meyer, the department head of architecture at Universit said. I have some friends who studied cities built over rivers and near lakes and the sea. With her ladyships permission, I would like to invite them to assist with the surveying.

Tori nodded. If you would, Professor Meyer. The sooner we can figure out the best way to create a stable foundation to build upon, the better. Is it possible to select an island to test our theories on?

Absolutely! Professor Grey said. He energetically tapped on the map. Weve marked a few that are promising. Theyre not the largest islands, but they are sizable enough to build a few small homesteads on. In addition, there is enough space suitable for a well.

Tori stirred her soup and thought for a moment. Do you think that Axton would be interested in investing in my project, or rather, in this town and the villagers?

Ask him and find out.

Tori nodded. Ill ask when he comes back.

There is also one other resource you can consider, Piers said. Tori looked over at him. The Church of Belcoy has money and they also participate in charitable programs.

Tori furrowed her brows. She really didnt want to get the church involved. The church meant Constantine and she still wasnt sure how shed deal with a fourteen-year-old making a pass at her. Then again...the church had money. And elders typically were more religious. Getting the Belcoy Church involved could earn her some status from the village elders who she pissed off.

She narrowed her eyes and ate the rest of her soup. If she considered the benefits, it wasnt such a terrible plan.

Commander, please expect a response by the end of this week. Once approval is given for the partitions further inland, I will be sending the tents to be set up along with the encampment plans, Tori said as she walked out of her tent, followed by an imposing middle-aged man in light armor. He was one of the imperial knights, but was in a logistic position within the organization.

Since the Gueveras were a military family, Tori defaulted to organizing the encampment like a military one. She would at least have access to supplies and there were people who would have experience in such things. Commander Kuhn's background and experience in the Osten military logistics department made him ideal for the responsibility of moving the village further from the shore to a more stable temporary location.

He lifted his hand to his left breast and hit it. Understood, my lady.

Please remember to select two or three assistants from the list of villagers I gave you to train them on managing the resettlement camp, Tori said. You should not be here longer than a month or two.

Thank you for your consideration, my lady. He walked Tori to the carriage, where Piers was waiting. They had a list of items to purchase to be sent back as soon as possible to test out on the island.

The two professors were also calling over their students to take part in the test and gain experience. It was rare that they had a situation where they could experiment at such a level and it was arranged that theyd work it out with Universit to have this be a joint project with Toris Lyce project.

Tori was more than happy to agree. In addition to having Universits support to legitimize her work, it would also ease a little of the financial burden from her shoulders and secure professional help. She got on to the carriage and the door was closed.

Well see you next week, Commander Kuhn. Tori gave him a small nod of her head from the window before the carriage began to move.

Shall we drop you off at Lyce? Piers asked from the bench across from her. He was reading a book, completely at ease as Tori took out her ginger oil bottle and put a little against the back of her ears.

Lets go to Daybreak Garden, Tori said. She capped the bottle and slipped it into her pocket. I need to get a report.

Report?

I hired bodyguards for Ilyana over the winter break. I was worried about her staying alone. Shes not a native of the city and everyone else is across town. The guards wrote up a report of any issues that had arisen while they were on duty.

Piers frowned. Did something happen?

Tori took a deep breath. Not that Ilyana knows about. She looked out the window of the carriage. One of the female guards was always at her side while the male guard was in the vicinity. I dont know the details yet, but there were a few unsavory people who seemed to want to approach Ilyana. I dont know their reasons, but the report will tell me.

Were there any arrests?

Tori pursed her lips and avoided his eyes. Um...we didnt get the law involved. Its best that we dont discuss what happened further.

Piers looked suspicious. Did anyone die?

No. Tori shot him an irritated look. No one died.

Piers narrowed his eyes. Was anyone left to die?

Tori looked away. Youre asking something ridiculous. The bodyguards wouldnt leave someone to die. You should get some sleep. Its a long ride back to Horizon.

He gave her a suspicious look and returned back to his book. Tori pulled off her boots and nestled into the pile of blankets and pillows she had slept in the night before. She was sure that no bedroll would be as comfortable as the cushioned carriage bench and her pillows and blankets, so she slept in the carriage.

Piers slept in the tent that had been prepared for her, but she couldve sworn that there were more knights standing guard at the carriage than the tent. Piers was likely being cautious.

Tori fell asleep quickly and only began to stir around sunset when they were entering Horizon. She wiped at her eyes as she sat up and looked out the window. From the style of the buildings, they were probably nearing the twelfth district. Tori stretched out her arms and yawned.

She looked across from her and found Piers still seated with a leg propped up on the bench, halfway through a different book.

Are you going to wait here or come inside?

How long are you going to take?

Not long. Im just having a sort of debriefing, she said.

Ill wait in the carriage. He probably wanted to finish reading his book. Tori nodded and as they pulled up to the front entrance of Daybreak Garden, she hopped out and headed straight inside.

Manager Vale was waiting for her and brought her back to the meeting room upstairs. A cardstock portfolio was placed in front of her and she opened it up.

On the day that they moved back into the dorms, Tori had waited for Ilyana to arrive with the six bodyguards. She wanted to give them a small bonus as thanks for their hard work. Once she sent Ilyana through the gates, the guards gave her a brief report that they had caught several people following Ilyana.

For the most part, being young, beautiful, and obviously rich from her attire, attracted attention, but that also meant shed be targeted as an easy hit. Ilyana was also a partial owner of Lions Gate and Tori was concerned that Adrien was an even bigger sleazebag than she thought and would retaliate by targeting Ilyana.

Toris eyes skimmed over the report. It didnt seem that Adrien tried anything dirty. Three small-time thieves, a few drunkards one night when she was coming home late from the guild, and a stalker?

Manager Vale nodded as she looked up. One particular man, reported to be in his late twenties, early thirties, was noticed multiple times following Miss Agafonova from her inn to the guild. He seemed to be waiting for her to be alone, but she always had a bodyguard with her. Somehow, he was able to find Miss Agafonovas room one night and the guard apprehended him before he could break into her room.

Her skin began to crawl as a disgusted scowl filled her face. He tried to get into her room? While she was inside?

Manager Vale nodded again. He claimed they were related, but hed been identified as a local. As per Miss Agafonovas dossier, she doesnt have any relations in Horizon. In addition, when we looked up the man, he had a history of assault on young ladies.

Tori ground her teeth together as she glared at the report. The report existed because Tori insisted on Ilyana getting bodyguards while she was staying in Horizon, which was pre-planned by her father. In the original game, that likely didnt happen, as Victoria wouldnt consider bodyguards for her roommate. Ilyana didnt have bodyguards in the original game.

That meant that there was no one to stop her assault.

Tori felt her eyes begin to redden. Her hands trembled over the report. Their sweet Ilyana couldve been.... She closed her eyes and refused to think of it.

If he has a history of assault, how is he still out on the streets? she asked behind grit teeth.

He is the son of a wealthy widow who owns property on high street, Manager Vale said. His freedom was bought.

Then she could unbuy it. Tori narrowed her eyes. It says here that Miss Sauerhaus was the one who apprehended him. However, there are no records of arrest. She looked at Manager Vale once more. What happened to him?

Manager Vale was quiet. He seemed to take a deep breath and hesitate to tell her. Miss Sauerhaus and the other bodyguards are very fond of Miss Agafonova. They would not allow such a person to cross paths with her.

Toris eyes drilled into Manager Vale. What happened to him.

He was taken care of.

Tori bit her lips. She measured her words. Is he alive?

Manager Vale paused once more. Hes breathing.

Tori thought for a moment and slowly nodded. The less she knew in this particular instance, the better. Good job, Manager Vale. Did Baron Agafonov already send the balance?

It was received two weeks into the mission, my lady. Everything is paid for and the bodyguards send their thanks for your bonus. They expressed willingness to be hired should you or Miss Agafonova need them in the future.

Please keep them at the top of the list for me, Tori said. She closed the portfolio and pushed it forward, then rose to her feet.

Is there anything else I can do for you, my lady?

Tori thought for a moment and lowered her hand to the dagger strapped to her leg. I need to order a new dagger and holster.

Of course, my lady. I will let Old da Silva and Master Eriksen know. Do you have any preferences?

Tori paused by the door. Make the grip textured for ease of grip, but add some white enamel as decoration. Dont make it too ornate; simple is fine, as long as it can be used by a novice. Oh, and if you can fit in the quote Rise and Prosper somewhere on there, that would be great.

Rise and prosper? Ive never heard that before; a new noble family?

Tori nodded as she opened the door. Yes. Its the Agafonov motto.