Chapter 33: I'm Sorry To Disappoint You

Chapter 33: I'm Sorry To Disappoint You

She knew it was bad when she saw her midterm exams as a break from the stress she was currently experiencing. Just after midterm exams, a small report was due on the status of her Lyce Project and while she had plenty to write, the thought that Adrien Rosiek had the gall to supply-block her made her want to fill her report with angry manifestos about how he was a corrupt coward whose businesses should be banned by the empire.

At first, she tried to be reasonable and logical. Perhaps there was a legitimate reason. Maybe the bricks really were going to help a bunch of nuns and orphans. However, the number of bricks purchased, by her calculations, far exceeded the amount that was actually needed to simply rebuild crumbling walls.

Was he trying to rebuild his reputation by appearing generous? Was he planning to rebuild the entire church and maybe show people that he wasnt a cheating bastard who stole designs from a fourteen-year-old girl?

Tori couldnt help her suspicions and borrowed Axton to take her to the church in order to gauge the situation better. In order not to arouse suspicion and be identified, she brought Nanny Rey, as well, and had her ask around about the bricks and rebuilding. Her nanny was clearly the best person for the job.

As unassuming as she appeared, the white-haired woman was sharp as the daggers hidden beneath her dowdy clothes.

The nuns are very excited, Nanny Rey said as they rode back into the city. Their generous donor plans to completely rebuild the entire church and orphanage, as well as build an adjacent school for the children.

The bricks were indeed going to help rebuild a decrepit church and its orphanage. And that orphanage was the same one that Alessa was assigned to because of course it was.

Tori couldnt be upset that the bricks were going to the orphanage.

Tori shook her head. No, I totally can be pissed, but its just messed up to be pissed at an orphanage. The hell, Im not an asshole.

Then, thats fine. We need to find another source for bricks, Tori said. She narrowed her eyes. I need to secure the other materials before he tries this again.

My question is how does he know that you were in need of bricks and that you went to that particular brick maker, Nanny Rey said.

Tori glanced over from where she was forced to sit in front of Axton, on Blue River. Do you think someone tipped him off?

It is always a possibility. Information is vital in war and business, Nanny Rey said. Her face softened as she looked at Toris frustrated expression. Do you want me to look into it further? To see if there is someone on our side with loose lips?

Oh my God, is my nanny some sort of secret agent for the marches? Tori wasnt sure she felt comfortable putting such an overpowered individual in her personal war against the love interests. It was good to know that Nanny Rey was there and supported her, but she wasnt confident that Nanny Rey wouldnt just straight up kill Adrien Rosiek.

Tori didnt know how that would affect the game situation and it just felt more trouble than it was worth. It was likely that if he was killed, shed be somehow blamed and rather than being expelled, shed be sentenced to death, exile, or life in prison. She was not willing to risk it.

No, it's not necessary. We will keep any future sources confidential, Tori said. In the meantime, Mama has secured several clay roof tile makers from Sur for us. Several wagon loads are already on their way up and that should be enough for all the homesteads on the test island. I doubt the cow-man and his company will be able to block that.

Tori sat up straight, pleased with this. The southern marches were at least a good week away, but she doubted Adrien and his cow company could extend their grubby hands there, where her family pretty much controlled everything. Thus, she decided to source what materials she could from the south, at least for the time being.

Yes, it's good that you're getting help, my angel. Such a project cannot be done alone, Nanny Rey praised in a sweet voice. Tori didnt see Axton make an uncomfortable expression behind her. The entire time Nanny Rey was with them, hed hardly spoken. Is it guarded?

Yes, Tori said, confident. The familys private guard will escort the supplies and then the imperial knights stationed at the camp will guard the supplies as theyre waiting to be brought to the construction site. The villagers have been made aware that we are in competition for building materials. They will be protective of the materials.

It is good that you are honest with them, Nanny Rey said. Her eyes glowed with affection and pride. You have grown up so well.

They dropped Nanny Rey off at her flat and Axton took Tori to get something to eat at Cafe Fortuna, as well as pick up dinner for Piers. He shuddered as he walked inside.

Shes so nice to you. Ive never heard her be that nice to anyone, Axton said with a haunted look on his face.

Tori gave him a dull look. Shes my nanny, of course shes nice to me. How was she when she trained you?

Cold, yelling, telling us that if we failed, we would die in the frozen tundra, Axton said. He looked at Tori, aggrieved. She made elite soldiers cry. How did she become your nanny?

Tori shrugged. I dont know, she just was. Sebby and Kasey had a different one, though, since theyre so much older.

"Take a seat. I have to order dinner for me and Piers. What do you want?"

"Whatever you guys are having is fine," she said as she fell back against the familiar chaise. She looked over the back. "And something sweet!" It's been a long day. I deserve a treat.

"All right." Axton headed towards the back counter and Tori noticed a glowing coming from her pocket. She reached in and took out her comcry.

Kasey? Tori asked after sliding her finger across the cool crystal.

You were right to be suspicious, her brother said in a low, annoyed voice. The top five brickmakers closest to Horizon and the delta have suddenly been bought up. Three of them didnt have a surplus, but payment has been made for future orders to secure at least a few months worth of bricks.

Tori took a deep breath and leaned back against the chaise. Golden Cow?

Golden Cow, Kasen confirmed. Mama did some calculations for you for brick suppliers here; there is a significant transport cost and the amount they can send out immediately isnt much. There was an earthquake a few weeks ago and the priority has been to secure bricks for the Lopez March.

I understand. Thats fine. That needs to be taken care of. How much would it cost per thousand units, including transport with guards?

Its nearly quadruple what was estimated if you purchased bricks from makers near you.

Tori let out a low hiss and thought for a moment. If we concentrate on putting piles on the islands and the foundation stones for now, we can buy time for bricks to be made and transported, but we dont know if hell continue to buy out the brickmakers, which is such a waste of money.

How is the supply going for wood and stone?

There are three types of wood that were recommended and weve managed to source enough for a little over half of the islands were building on for phase one, Tori said. I dont want to destroy a whole forest for this, so we are working with three timber yards in the vicinity and checking in the north and east. As for the ifana stone, Ilyanas father has reached out to his contacts to secure more than enough for us. The Agafonov mines are usually for gemstone jewelry and decoration, since theyre not on an energy vein, but some pieces can be used for light crystals. Well likely get the majority of our light crystals from them.

Good, then you can focus on stone, roof tiles, and the wood piles, Kasen said. Also, good news. Gramps knows some fishermen in the Glaukos Peninsula that are willing to come to the delta to see if their techniques will work. If they do, they can start teaching the villagers and are willing to stay for some time.

Tori sat up straight on the chaise and beamed. Really? When can they start?

Once the weather is warmer. Id say another two months. Thatll give you time to arrange for their lodging and equipment.

If possible, can you ask them what theyll need? Ill try to get equipment.

Youll need boats, too.

Its on the delta, Kasey. I know that we need boats. Tori rolled her eyes. Daybreak Garden is doing inquiries for me.

Hmm, all right, he said, sounding amused. Do you want me to continue to keep an eye on the cow?

Just see if hes making any more bulk purchases that would coincidentally hinder my progress, Tori said. For the time being, we will continue with the test island and start the piles in the first phase of islands closest to the shore.

All right. One more thing, Kasen said. I know you were thinking about staying in the delta for the summer, but we just received notice that Cousin Siobhan is going to have her succession ceremony shortly after Lyce ends. Do you want to go with us to the OTuagh March?

In the west? Tori furrowed her brows and tried to calculate how much time that would take up. Aside from the ceremony itself, which would likely only be a day and then an evening reception, there was the travel time. Part of her really wanted to stay and oversee the project. She didnt feel comfortable being away for so long. Can I think about it?

Of course, Kasen told her. Mama, Papa, and Gramps are going. Grammie is going to meet us there.

What about Sebby?

Someone needs to stay at the march.

Tori could almost see her eldest brother distraught that he was left behind. Poor Sebby....

Hell be fine. Hes the heir. Its part of his job, Kasen assured her. Think about it and let me know so I can make arrangements.

Okay. Bye, Kasey.

She slid her finger across the crystal and placed the comcry on her lap as she thought. Adriens attempt to present himself as a generous businessman who sponsored a church and orphanage would look good to the majority of people. What was the small crime of design theft to helping orphans?

Tori let out a small, bitter laugh. She had to admit it was a good idea. Not only did it help his brand image, but it dealt her a blow. The corner of her lip curled up. No wonder hed been lying low and they hadnt noticed anything out of the ordinary until he suddenly bought all their bricks.

Alessa looked at Tori, as if waiting for her to say something or leave. Tori did neither and stood there, looking back at the blonde protagonist with a somewhat challenging look.

It was Constantine who finally broke the silence. Miss Hart, is there something I or Lady Guevera can help you with?

Alessa seemed to snap her attention back to Constantine. At once, her pretty face bloomed as she looked up at the love interest with glistening amber eyes and full, pink lips pulled into a cheerful smile.

Constantine, you are so formal. I told you when we were camping that you dont need to call me Miss Hart. Her voice was so sugary, Tori felt her skin crawl.

Im afraid Im not used to such a thing and address everyone formally, Constantine said, still wearing a smile. Tori glanced over at him and raised a brow. Please dont take offense.

Alessa pouted, but continued on. I heard that your Lyce Project has to do with working with the church to help the less fortunate.

Toris eyes widened. No. No. No. I got to him first, bitch. Dont you dare.

Would you consider working with me? Alessa asked with a bright look. I am working with the Saphira Abbey outside of the city to help with their orphanage. We can use all the help we can get.

Toris eyes bore into the other girl. Use all the help you can get? You have cow-man throwing literal bricks at it to rebuild it and add a school! Youre not even paying for it! Im the one whos scraping her allowance for spare change!

An orphanage? Constantine said, furrowing his brows. He seemed to be considering it and Tori ground her teeth.

Please dont agree. Please dont agree. Please dont-

Im afraid that does not fit the criteria of my Lyce project.

Please dont- wait, what? Tori blinked. She looked at Constantine as if she misheard. He didnt look over at her and instead faced Alessa solemnly.

My project requires me to start a new program. I cannot use an existing one. It was a small technicality and one that Tori was sure could be manipulated, but it provided a legitimate reason why Constantine couldnt work with Alessa.

It needs to be a new program? Alessa looked just as stunned as Tori, if not more so. It was as if she didnt expect to be rejected at all.

Tori looked away and narrowed her eyes. Now that she thought about it, did Constantine say it needed to be a new program? He just said he needed to establish a program with the church to help commoners. Surely something couldve been done with orphans.

Constantine nodded and gave Alessa an apologetic smile. Im sorry to disappoint you, Miss Hart. I can put you in contact with a brother or sister from the church for additional help, if youd like.

Tori looked at Alessa, who seemed to be reeling from the unexpected rejection. If Tori wasnt as surprised as Alessa, she wouldve been internally celebrating and even more suspicious. Instead, she waited to see what Alessa would do.

Oh...I see. Alessas face filled with disappointment. Her eyes lowered and her arms dropped at her side. Ive been talking to the nuns at the orphanage and they said we could use more help from the church.

Then, I will contact some of my old brothers and sisters in the city. Constantine smiled, reassuringly. You said it was for a Saphiran Order?

Yes, Saphira...goddess of home, family, and children, Alessa said. She lifted her head and gave Constantine a hopeful look. Are you sure you wont be able to help? I would much prefer working with someone I am already familiar with.

No means no, Alessa. Tori thought as she rolled her eyes.

Im sorry to disappoint you, Miss Hart, Constantine replied. I will contact you once I receive word from one of my brothers or sisters who can be of assistance. If youll excuse me, I need to bring some things to my dorm before going to the shrine.

Alessas shoulders slumped. All right...thank you for your help....

Constantine gave her a small nod and looked back at Tori. His smile was a bit less distant. Lady Guevera, I look forward to hearing from you about this weekend. I am sure we will work together well.

Expect a confirmation about the carriage before exams are over, Tori replied at once, ignoring Alessas look of confusion. Thank you again, Mr. Zisos. As he stepped back and walked away, Tori took the opportunity to also put some distance between her and Alessa.

Tori made it to the main walkway and began the walk to the east dorm. She made a point not to look back at Alessa or say anything that may cause further problems.

Alessa? she heard a young mans voice say behind her. Are you all right?

Yes, I just...I just heard some disappointing news. I was hoping to get some help for the orphanage.

Tori bit her lip, forcing herself not to turn around to see which love interest had swept in to console the distressed heroine.

What do you need?

Assistance from the Church of Belcoy.

Is that all? The love interest laughed. Tori furrowed her brows. Was there another love interest who had ties to the church? I can ask for help from the Archbishop of Horizon. After all, he did oversee my trifecta blessing.

Really? Thank you, Gideon!

Tori made a disgusted face, though she really couldnt be mad. It wasnt as if Gideons brother wasnt pulling his contacts for her. She was also using Piers as a sort of pillar to strengthen her authority. If she were honest, one of the reasons she dared to work with Constantine was because of Piers status as the first prince.

The church had weight, but it wouldnt outright defy a member of the royal family unless it was something heretical. Even then, losing the royal familys support would weaken the church. Rather than some of the nearly all-powerful religions of her original world, the Church of Belcoy was seen as a strong cultural and traditional entity that influenced the country in its social and religious practices, but its direct political power was limited. They had no vote or seat in the Chamber. Their influence was mostly indirect.

For instance, if the church didnt approve of the crown prince, the most they could do was reject overseeing the religious part of the succession, but they couldn't stop it. The crown prince would not have the blessing of Belcoy and that wouldn't affect their political position; however, this would undoubtedly look bad for the crown prince, and the general populace would begin to question, if not completely doubt, the ability and morality of the chosen crown prince.

Whether or not that would create additional problems and lead to the populace rejecting the crown prince while selecting another was unknown. Tori would have to look further into her history books to see if such instances occurred in the past, but this was just another aspect of how the crown prince had to have the favor of a particular faction to show he was going to be able to wield his power over his subjects.

The issue of crown prince aside, the Church of Belcoy had significant social power and if she could leverage that in the delta, maybe those old people who were still angry at her would stop being so stubborn and move to the military grade tents inland before the rising waters killed them.

She let out a sigh and lifted her hand to rub the back of her neck.

Those love interests were all giant headaches. Shed long figured out that Alessa was a minor player in the whole thing. Her existence may have caused the problems Tori faced, but it was clear that Victorias method of dealing with Alessa by harassing her was useless.

Alessa had no power of her own. She was incredibly annoying, but she herself didnt pose a direct threat. She harnessed protection from the love interests. Even then, it wasnt as if Alessa explicitly told them to deal with her. Such a thing would be against Alessas character. Still, it was the love interests who ultimately killed Victoria; the love interests working together to find her and throw her to her death.

The love interests were Toris antagonists and the ones she needed to deal with. If Victoria wanted to deal with Alessa, then she shouldve dealt with Alessas love interests. One needed to break down or breach the walls to destroy the city, right?

Even then, while the love interests held some power, at that moment, that power wasnt necessarily all theirs.

Fabians strengths lay in his connection to Gideon and his swordsmanship, both of which Tori realized she could neutralize. Dr. Cooper-Fontaine confirmed that their duel almost dismissed Fabian from his position.

As for Gideon, his power lay in his imperial blood. But guess who else had imperial blood and played very well with her? Piers, whom she still had to go grocery shopping for because she owed him a meal and he demanded the steak she made for Ewans birthday because apparently, Axton didnt tell him that Ewan had a birthday party and just left him one afternoon. Shed received a call as soon as she got back to the dorm after the party, telling her that he wanted steak before the semester ended.

As if I didnt have enough I needed to deal with....

Montan was in the same position. He came from money, but it wasnt his. Nor did he actually have a lot of it if what Axton had told her about the Alvere Duchys financial situation was true. As for his magic ability and charms, Tori was working on a way to repel them and, not to be overly confident, but she felt she was close to a breakthrough. She just had to wait until she could continue her experiments. Until then, she still had a dagger.

At the moment, she didnt need to worry about Tom, who was sent back to Chetterswickshire, or Constantine, who had agreed to help her and rejected Alessa. Shed keep her potential enemy close for the time being.

Adrien was currently causing her the biggest headache with him buying out the bricks before she could order them. Thankfully, it wasnt exactly life-threatening to her, but it did hinder her plans greatly.

Last, but not least, there was Dimitri. He hadnt spoken to her once since they started school and she had a sneaking suspicion it was because his mother liked her. The thought made Tori smirk. Dimitris influence lay with his parents, but if his parents liked her, what could he do?

At his fathers evening party, he couldnt touch her. It really was enough to make her laugh like a villainess.

Tori! she heard Ilyanas voice ahead of her as she neared the east dorm. She stood by the entrance to the study room, welcoming other students to her much lauded study session. Do you want to come to the study session?

Im going to work on my Lyce project report first, Tori said as she stopped beside Ilyana and peered inside. She drew her head back as she saw a surprising person already taking a seat within the largest study room in the east dorm. She leaned closer to her roommate. Is that Mr. Guthry?

Ilyana nodded and leaned forward, whispering. His ranking dropped to fifth from the last exams.

Tori tried not to smile. Ilyana had once again come in first while Tori maintained her third position, which was within her current goal of top five. She looked at Dimitri with a hint of pleasure in her eyes. Oh...hes slipping.