Chapter 39: Don’t Embarrass Us

Chapter 39: Don’t Embarrass Us

When they returned to Horizon, the city was decorated with flower garlands draped across its busiest streets and wrapped around light poles. There were many stalls and most streets adjacent to plazas were completely closed to traffic. Axton watched with amusement as Tori sat by the carriage window, peering outside at the brightly lit streets at night with the wonder of a small child.

Its your first Spring Festival here, isnt it? Axton asked.

Tori didnt peel her eyes away from the window. Yes, Albert is taking Ilyana and me around in the coming afternoons, after were done at Lyce, to look at some of the popular plazas in the city since its our first time.

Do you need additional escorts? Axton asked.

No need, Tori said. She motioned to Training Commander Reystrom. Nanny is coming with us. Beside her, the white-haired woman with icy gray eyes nodded. Axton smiled weakly and looked away. No matter how many times he saw Training Commander Reystrom fawning over Tori, and even Toris friends, like a doting grandmother, he couldnt shake the image he had of her in his mind as that of a seasoned soldier ordering her troops.

Axton doubted that Tori knew how intimidating her nanny was. He let out a low breath and leaned back against his seat on the carriage bench across from them.

The Spring Festival of Horizon is sponsored and run by the imperial family and their staff, Axton told her as they crossed through the first district to get to the imperial palace. They often make appearances at this time.

Tori knit her brows as she sat beside Training Commander Reystrom. Even Piers?

Axton paused and looked to the side. Not usually. Last year, Piers spent the Spring Festival in the great library of the imperial palace and Axton had been bored out of his mind. Piers ended up ordering him to spend the week looking into apartments near Universit for them, which gave Axton the freedom to wander around. This year, Piers was participating at the suggestion of Prince Emil. However, this time, hell be joining the Emperor and Empress for various functions. He was at the opening ceremony today.

Tori frowned. Was it all right for you to come with me to the delta? Shouldnt you have escorted Piers?

I shouldve, but his orders come first and his order was to go with you to the delta, Axton told her. Seeing the alarm on her face, he quickly raised his hands to calm her. Dont worry. All he had to do was stand behind his parents and then sit to watch a few performances at the start of the festival. They were properly escorted. You already know he doesnt need me to protect him.

True. You are a glorified food delivery person, Tori said with a nod. Axton gave her a deadpan look.

I know thats true, but when you say it like that, it sounds mocking.

Tori grinned. Is Universit not in session this week?

There are no formal classes, but youll often find someone going in to check on their projects, Axton said. By the way, what are you doing for Lyces Spring Festival?

Im helping the Sword Association and giving short introductory classes every two hours in the morning until lunch and then the last three days, were spending the afternoons at the Imperial Stadium.

The three-day equestrian competition?

Sonia and JP are in the pairs event on the first day, then Sonia is participating in the individual event on the second day, and on the last day, theyre both doing the target run competition. Theyve already qualified for the top thirty, Tori said. She had bragged that she and Ilyana bought ten seats in the first and second row, just a little right of the center, where she and her friends could spread their support signs without blocking anyones view.

Axton let out a low whistle. The target run is difficult. There are moving and stationary targets they have to hit.

I know, Im excited for it, Tori said earnestly. JP is aiming for the top twenty and Sonia is aiming for the top ten. They dont expect to place that high in their first year.

You never know, Axton said. Does this mean the first two days youll be at Lyce all day?

Only until noon. Are you guys going to visit? Tori asked, perking up. Were having a competition where five people throw pinecones at you and you have to be able to block them before they hit you. Fifty are thrown and whoever blocks the most by the festival closing wins an E2 jacket.

Axton chuckled. I dont need the jacket, but that does sound fun.

It is; we even have a sign board where were posting the high scorers, Tori said. You can also participate for bragging rights.

Ill think about it. Well see if we can drop by, Axton said. He looked out the window as they began to slow and neared the palace. The carriage came to a stop at one of the side entrances.

One guard stepped forward and saw Axton looking through the window.

Welcome back, Sir Nassaun, the guard said with a salute. He stepped back and gave the other guards a nod. Without a word, the other guards began to push open the iron gates.

Ill get out here, Axton said. He gave Tori and Training Commander Reystrom a small nod of his head. Safe journey home.

Bye, Axton!

He stepped out of the carriage and closed the door behind him without waiting for the footman. He stepped back and ordered the carriage to proceed before watching it return to the main street. It was only then that he turned around and stepped through the partially open gates.

He gave the guards another small nod in thanks before walking up the elegant circular drive to the southwestern gatehouse. As he approached the exaggerated domed portico with its statues and pillars, he saw another, far more elaborate carriage parked by the entrance.

Axton stopped in his tracks and stood by the side, waiting for whoever it was in the carriage to come down.

Axton, are you just returning? A tall, slender man with silver hair and violet eyes behind thin rimmed glasses was just stepping out when he caught sight of him. He had a clean-shaven face and wore a dark purple military coat with gold accents.

Axton immediately bowed. Yes, Your Majesty. I have just returned from the delta.

Did Piers send you to escort Lady Guevera again? the man asked, with a glint of amusement in his eyes.

Was that her carriage that was at the gate? A beautiful woman with thick, brown hair in a sleek updo came down from the carriage after the man. Her dress matched his coat. She took her husbands hand and stepped down onto the dark, stone floor. She looked at Axton with a pouty expression. Why didnt you have them come up to the gatehouse?

Axton pursed his lips as he struggled to come up with an excuse. He couldnt tell her the truth: that he had seen their carriage arriving and didnt want to put Tori in an awkward position by presenting her to the couple in front of him unexpectedly.

Its already late and Lyce opens its gates tomorrow. She is leading exhibition classes for the Sword Association in the morning, Axton said with a straight face.

Oh, thats right, the woman said as she and her husband began to go up the few steps into the palace. Gideons helping his homeroom class. He said they were working with the baking club. She looked at her husband with a glint of playfulness. Should we pay him a visit?

We will need to find out when he will be on duty and work it into our schedule this week, the man said. Then wed need to arrange it with Lyce and notify Headmaster Laurent-

Matthieu, I meant an unofficial visit. The woman sighed, tired. Its so time consuming if we make it official. Theyll make us take a tour and sit through performances. Then a delegation of some sort will have to follow us. I just want to see our son contributing to his class for a few minutes. Perhaps buy something.

The man at her side made a complicated expression and Axton held back a small smirk as he followed a few steps behind them. His godmother was raised as a marquis daughter and people from marquis houses were far more willing to forego formalities for the sake of convenience and practicality.

All right. Ill have Rudolph assist us. The womans face brightened but the man quickly continued. Rudolph was the chamberlain and the mans former personal knight and aide. But it must be worked into our schedule.

Of course, I wouldnt dream of simply wandering off. The woman glanced back at Axton and winked as the man beside her let out a tired sigh.

Axton, the man said, without turning around.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Do you know when else Lady Guevera will be on duty with the Sword Association? the man asked.

Axton almost stumbled. Pardon, Your Majesty?

Lady Guevera, the man said, looking over his shoulder regally. When would be the best chance to see her?

Oh! Good idea, Matthieu. I want to see her, too, the woman said, beaming. Toni says she looks like Gregorio, but Im sure she mustve inherited something from Toni.

Axton swallowed hard as two pairs of imperial eyes looked at him, waiting for an answer. Your Majesties wish to see Tor-I mean, Lady Guevera?

Yes, Axton. You said she was leading classes for the Sword Association? We should aim for the mornings then. Is she there all week?

He was trapped. Axton didnt want to give away that Tori was on duty in the mornings the next five days. His eyes rose and he gave them a placid smile. I know shell be there tomorrow, but Im afraid Im not sure about her schedule for the rest of the week. She did have additional plans to explore the festivals around the city, as well.

The woman looked disappointed and her husband gently patted her arm. Beloved, even if you cant see her this time, wont you see her at Lady OTuaghs succession ceremony?

Thats months away, Matthieu, the woman said with a frown. She narrowed her eyes at her husband. And didnt you say that you wanted to see her, too?

Ive been hearing things and Im a bit curious, but if our schedules dont align, what can we do? the man said with a slight shrug. Uncle said to just leave it up to fate.

Axton let out a quiet breath of relief. Then, Godmother, Your Majesty, I will take my leave.

Have a good rest, Axton. Empress Monica gave him a warm smile as Emperor Matthieu-Philippe gave him a nod to excuse him. Axton gave them one more respectful bow before turning around and marching as fast as he could to the wing where his room was located.

He didnt think he could get away from the imperial couple fast enough.

Sausages! Ewan groaned as he slumped back against his seat. I forgot to get sausages!

I bought two for each of us and one for Albert that he asked for, Henrik said. I hope we have enough.

Tori sighed and their carriage started forward. Since many streets were blocked for the festival, it took longer to get to the Imperial Stadium than they thought, but they had made a suitable allowance. Tori didnt want to be late. They passed the eleventh district and Tori looked around.

Where is it?

Oh, its surrounded by the old imperial stables and a bunch of buildings and old trees, Ilyana said as she pulled aside the curtains of the carriage. I wouldve missed it if Sonia didnt point it out. She motioned to what appeared to be the stone archway that led to a park or garden from the number of trees she saw peeking over a massive wall.

In California, stadiums were massive structures surrounded by parking lots, so they werent exactly hidden. They stopped along the street littered with vendors hawking food. As soon as they stepped out, Tori could smell the alluring aroma of street snacks, but told herself that they already had a lot.

Should we buy some more, just in case? Ewan asked.

Ewan, were fine, Tori said, motioning for them to go forward. She followed the three who were familiar and joined a steady stream of people going through the archway. Tori admired the structure that was larger the closer she got to it. The pathway was made of large, well-worn stone blocks and as Tori lifted her head, she saw the top of the outer stone walls of the stadium peeking up from above the treeline.

How big is this..., she said under her breath. She soon found out as they walked through the row of old trees and she saw the several story tall outer wall up close. Oh.

She quietly followed her friends as they led her inside. The outer walls held up a canopy over the rows of stone seats circling the stadium. Tori took a moment to take it in and marveled at how well kept up it was. In her original world, ancient structures like this were often just vague ruins with a few piles of stone that maybe gave one the idea of where a door was.

They walked through a narrow hall lit by crystals to get to the lower-level seats. Upon emerging, Tori saw the twenty-five or so rows of white and gray stone cascading down, towards the barrier that separated them from the field. Tori looked up and saw the wooden mezzanine just behind them. It circled the entire stadium and she noticed a few similarly dressed people grouped together.

She deduced that they were likely from the same school and were there to cheer on their representatives in the competition. She narrowed her eyes. But none of them seem to have signs...is this...not a thing?

There you guys are! Welcome to the Spring Festival Equestrian Competition! Albert was wearing his uniform with a gold sash over his body. He held a basket with what appeared to be printed pamphlets.

Hi, Albert! They greeted him as they approached. How long are you working?

Until the event starts, Albert said as he rummaged through his basket to get them each a pamphlet. This is the schedule with the order of participants for today. As the host school, our representatives will compete last.

Im getting nervous for them, Ilyana said as she took the pamphlets.

We saved you a seat, so come by when youre done, Tori said.

Albert nodded and looked at Henrik. Did you get the sausage?

Yeah. Do you want a pork hock?

Save me one! Albert directed them to the section where their seats were before rushing to return to his post.

There are our seats! Nanny Rey is already there. Ilyana said, pointing to the front row below them. Nanny Rey was seated on the spare row behind them, eating nuts from a paper bag. Tori was still gawking at the massive ancient stadium that the Circus Maximus could only wish to be in as good condition as. The overhang above the rows of stone seating provided ample shade as the long, oval track and field below them was bathed in sunlight.

They reached the front row and Tori walked all the way down, stopping only to hug Nanny Rey in greeting. She then counted three shallow grooves in the stone that each counted as a seat and had Ilyana sit down. Ewan sat down next to the seat they saved for Albert between the two of them, and then two more empty seats before Henrik took his.

The stadium was filling up fast and, after Tori had her fill of admiring the structure, she took one of the pamphlets Albert gave them and reviewed the schedule. The schools would parade in, starting with the host school, then in order of the previous years competition ranking. They would circle around the track that went around the entire field before filing out to the holding area.

The schools then started the pairs competition with two to three pairs per school, starting with the lowest ranked school first. Each school would always go from youngest pair to oldest, meaning when Lyces representatives came out, JP and Sonia would go first.

Should we take out the sign? Ilyana asked. Ewan stuffed what looked to be a fried dough ball into his mouth and reached into his other bag to get the sign.

Lets get it ready. Since Lyce is going to lead the parade, it would be good for them to see it as soon as they come out, Tori said. She tucked away the pamphlet and waited for Ilyana to hand her the longer of the signs.

They were identical hunter green banners with JP and Sonias names in bold yellow characters sewn into the green cloth, to represent Lyces school colors. It also included yellow outlines of horses in the midst of a jump on either side. Sonias was longer simply because her name was.

How big is this? Henrik asked as he was given his side of JPs banner.

They have to be able to see it from the field, Ilyana said. She and Tori stretched out Sonias sign and were satisfied. Tori had measured it and then checked to make sure she bought out enough seats beforehand.

Im sure they will be able to see this from the field.... Henrik said, looking at JPs banner awkwardly. Why did you two make signs?

To cheer them on, Ilyana said. Sonia said that schools often sit together to cheer, but shes never seen signs, so I think this will stand out.

Dont be embarrassed, Ewan said as he held the other end of the sign. Im sure after people see this, theyll be jealous that they didnt think of it first.

Okay, keep a firm hold on it, but relax for now. When the parade starts, well stand and hold it up, Tori said. This was why shed also bought out the row behind them as a precaution.

It soon felt as if the stadium was full and, suddenly, trumpets were heard. Its starting! Ewan cried out.

Tori felt her heart begin to race as drums were beating and from one end of the stadium, a gate was pushed open and trumpeters marched out with men beating on drums behind them. Tori shot to her feet, her hands gripping the cloth banner. Her friends rose with her as cheering came from all around the stadium.

A pair of men and women were holding the official hanging banners of each school and their equestrian association and walked in front of an open top carriage carrying the various staff and masters from that school. Right after them came the participants in rows of four.

I see them! Ilyana shouted as she excitedly shook.

Five rows from the front, JP and Sonia rode on the outside of the track on two identical white horses with black saddles that had gold embossed school seals on them. JP and Sonia wore the schools riding uniform: white pants with high, shiny boots, hunter green velvet coats with gold trim around their cuffs and collars, and riding hats with braided golden ribbon.

Those are my friends! Ewan shouted as their screams mingled into the echoing yells of the stadium.

Raise the signs! Tori said as their friends approached. Theyre coming! The group lifted the signs as high as they could. Albert suddenly appeared in the row behind them and climbed over to get to his seat, out of breath.

Did I miss anything? He panted.

No, you got here just in time, Ilyana told him.

The participants waved to the crowd as they passed. Tori narrowed her eyes. When I say their name, yell it as loud as you can, okay? She looked to her right and her friends nodded. She looked back at the field. Ready? The carriage with their headmaster and Master Autumndottir was about to pass. Sonia!

Sonia!

JP!

JP!

Sonia!

Sonia!

JP!

JP!

With the banners waving and their voices filling the area in front of them, they couldn't help but get the attention of everyone near them, including whoever passed. Even Nanny Rey joined them in yelling names from behind.

Headmaster Laurent started to laugh, his eyes crinkling up as he raised his arms and shouted back to encourage them. Everyone on the carriage seemed pleased. The upperclassmen on horseback behind the carriage had wide smiles on their faces as they looked back, towards Sonia and JP. Several pointed towards Tori and her group with gusto.

Sonia, you look amazing!

Sonia, you can do it!

JP, good luck!

JP, dont embarrass us!

Henrik, dont make up your own cheers!

The group continued their screaming until all the participants from Lyce du Soleil passed. Do you think they heard us? Ilyana asked, flushed and breathless.

Considering how red their faces are and how Sonia refused to make eye contact, Henrik said. Yes.