Chapter 41: Having Friends in High Places Was Very Beneficial

Chapter 41: Having Friends in High Places Was Very Beneficial

Signs for Lyce? Tori raised a brow as she stood outside the doors of Lions Gate High Street, speaking to Headmaster Laurent, who just finished putting in his order for an Axton Spring Trench.

The man nodded, enthusiastically. Yes, where did you have them made? It would be good to have some that say Lyce du Soleil for next year's competition.

There really isnt a specific store that makes them, Tori said. We arranged for our usual workshop to sew letters onto fabric. It was a commissioned order.

Headmaster Laurent pursed his lips. Was there anything specific that was needed?

The banner cloth should be relatively stiff, otherwise the center will fall over easily unless someone is holding it up behind it. I suggest a sturdy canvas, Tori told him. Of course, the thicker the material, the heavier it is. That is something to think about since one would carry it. I also suggest that at least two people hold it up.

I see.... Headmaster Laurent rubbed his bearded chin. After seeing your signs the last few days, I have no doubt that the other schools will make their own when the time comes. I want to be prepared.

We also have to consider that when the signs are held, the people in the row behind it wont be able to see the field, Tori said. The larger the sign, the more people it will block. That was a major reason she and Ilyana bought out the row behind them. She'd been to games and events in her original world where the people in front of her had signs that blocked her view half the time. For her, it was not worth being there if she couldn't enjoy actually being there.

I still would like to have some sort of sign next year. This will give me something to think about. Thank you, Miss Guevera. The headmaster chuckled as his eyes crinkled up. The other schools were quite envious of the signs, you know. What gave you the idea to make them?

Tori looked past him, towards a wooden table under the awning of neighboring La Lumiere, where Sonia was leaning back against her chair while drinking coffee and JP ate a pastry while talking to their friends.

I just wanted to let my friends know that I support them, Tori said. Headmaster Laurent turned to follow her gaze and mirrored her proud smile.

To make it into the top three her first year and for Mr. Vissage to make it into the top ten; they far exceeded everyones expectations. We are incredibly lucky to have them at Lyce du Soleil.

Tori nodded in agreement. The twins dominated the target run. A thousand points were possible each round, provided all twenty arrows were used and all on fifty-point targets, which were moving. JPs best of three was 882 and Sonia got the highest score of 958. The third best was only in the 700s.

Tori and the others had been on the edge of their seats, their eyes glued on the figures of their friends as their horses seemed to run around the ring on their own, leaving the twins to fire arrows into the targets at will. At one point, Sonia stunned the crowd by almost hanging off her saddle to get far enough back to take a shot at a moving target. To make it even more impressive, her hat didn't fall off.

When her arrow hit it, Tori and Ilyana started screaming at the top of their lungs, nearly dropping Sonias sign in the process. When her score was announced, they saw Sonia let out a yell and raise her arms in the air.

After the awards ceremony at the end of the event, Sonia and JP joined the other participants for a large gala dinner, so Tori and the others couldnt see them until this morning, when the sleepy twins arrived. Tori had them sit at one of the reserved tables in front of La Lumiere, which she rented out for the day again to provide guests select drinks and pastries for their spring and summer release.

There were more people than when they had the grand opening and Tori saw many new faces, and some shed seen at the evening party and the luncheon. She had strategically set up Piers at one of the reserved tables between Lions Gate and La Lumiere, and sent various people in his direction.

However, she did pay attention to the crowd around him and told Axton that if Piers began to grow overwhelmed, to take him around the back alley and into the back room of the store to rest. Surprisingly, Axton didnt seem to need to do so.

The two square tables pushed together could seat eight people, at most, and since they opened in the morning, there had been a steady stream of older men and women coming to greet Piers and listen to him talk. The first prince looked to be in his element discussing the recent ordinances passed with a small crowd. Tori also stuffed her calming energy emitting amethyst in Piers pocket.

She, Henrik, and Ilyana had been playing hosts all day; taking turns welcoming people into the store and sometimes leading them around to show them the latest items. All of them were wearing some version of one of the garments to help attract attention and so far, the interest was great, and the orders were coming in.

The trio also took turns having lunch outside, at the table where the twins, Ewan, and Albert were seated. While they were lingering around the shop for the entire day, they were all going to go out to eat for dinner at a restaurant overlooking the plaza, both celebrating Sonia and JPs success at the competition and the Lions Gate release.

Toris eyes moved towards the clock tower across the plaza and sighed. There were a few more hours to go until they closed. She turned back to the store. The guards were letting people in only when people left, so as not to make the inside crowded and difficult to move through.

The line was manageable and servers from La Lumiere came by to offer small bowls of frozen coffee custard or strawberry gelato. As the sunlight got closer and closer to the line, Tori could see those guests, mostly well-to-do women, and their maids, trying to get under the shade of the awning. She was worried this would happen.

Tori quietly slipped away and went around the alley. Another guard was on duty by the back door and let her in. Once inside, Tori went to find Ilyana.

Where are the parasols? she asked.

Is the sun hitting the front? Ilyana craned her neck to look through the windows. Oh dear.

Its getting quite warm, too, Tori said. We should bring them out and offer it to them.

Ilyana nodded and she led Tori towards the back room to gather a half dozen white parasols with colorful flower embroidery along the edges and from the end tip. They went back around the alley to get to the front of the building.

Hello, thank you for coming today, Tori said as she reached the end of the line, where the sun hit hardest. I apologize for the wait. Would you like to borrow one of our parasols?

The guests immediately broke out with a smile and nodded. Tori opened a parasol and handed it to a guest or their servant to hold. Several guests complimented the embroidery and Tori nudged Ilyana.

The embroidery is done in the delta by villagers from the eastern border, Ilyana said, launching into a sales pitch she and Tori practiced. Their embroidery is unique to their region and quite elaborate. The edges of this parasol are accented with lacework from their region. We plan to sell parasols, shawls, fans, and handkerchiefs with embroidery and lacework of the villagers here in the coming months.

Tori watched the reaction of the guests as a few took closer looks at the embroidery and lace work. Ilyana had purchased raw materials and plain parasols to test out embroidery at the delta and see what items would look good to sell. Knowing that there would be many people coming to the release, she and Tori gathered a few select items to try to show off and attract attention.

Ilyana kept the lace-edged parasol to show potential customers as Tori lent out the remaining ones. She then rushed back inside to get another and a few more sample items.

To be honest, Madam Galanos, I always like to match accessories, Tori said, holding up the samples. So, if it were me, I would get matching embroidery patterns on both a shawl and a handkerchief or fan.

The parasols embroidery floss is cotton, which is more durable, but for more delicate items, such as handkerchiefs, they will be using spider silk, Ilyana told another woman. It will, of course, be dyed to match.

The two roommates could feel the heat of the sun against them as they showed off the items. Tori glanced at Ilyana and saw her friend with sweat starting to glisten at her temples.

We can tell you more inside, Tori said, suddenly. Well lay out some samples by the counter and once youre ready, please come and take a look.

She quietly took Ilyanas arm and led her away, using the last parasol with the lace edge to put shade over herself and Ilyana as they walked to the table with their friends. Albert rose to pull over two extra chairs, but Tori waved her hand.

Ill be back later. Im going to bring these back inside and find a place on the counter, she said. She motioned for Ilyana to sit. Take a rest. Ewan, get her something to drink.

Okay. He dutifully rose to put in an order.

Youre not going to rest? Sonia asked as she looked up.

I need to put the embroidery work on display inside, Tori said. She frowned. We shouldve done that earlier. Once its set, Ill come out. Ewan! Order me a coffee with milk!

He nodded from the doorway of the cafe before entering. Tori circled around the side of the building and once she was inside the store, she went to the counter and began to set out a few sample pieces. Ilyana had already told Manager Dolores about the embroidery and the items they had out were just samples and should not be sold.

She walked back out and stopped by Piers table, noting his empty bowl. Did you want another one? she asked as she stood beside him. She glanced at Axton, who sat at Piers side. Axton?

Whats the pink one? Axton asked as he looked towards the line, where few guests were eating something pink from the small bowls.

A sort of strawberry flavored frozen milk. Want to try?

She was sure that even his financial aid would be limited since the Alvere Duchy was currently the poorest of the duchies and many vassals were not pleased. Though Duke Alvere was still alive, there had been a long growing movement to dispose of him and bring back Axton, who had Alvere blood.

The age of majority was sixteen in Soleil, but that would only allow them to enlist in the military, get engaged, and inherit property. In theory, Axton couldve contested for the position when he was sixteen, but the reason he hadnt was because he had other things to deal with at the moment and, apparently, enjoyed watching his biological father be a laughingstock amongst the nobility.

At any point and time, Axton could contest for the title of Duke Alvere and, considering his bloodline, the will of his mother, and his backing from the imperial family, he could get it.

It was as if everyone knew Duke Alvere was a fake duke with no actual claim and that his second son, Montan, who he claimed as his heir, was heir to nothing. In a way, Duke Alvere being a laughingstock bled over into Montan being a laughingstock, and thus fueling his hatred for the nobility.

And while Tori thought it wasnt fair that he was in that position because of his father, she couldnt bring herself to feel bad for him. It wasnt as if he was trying to distance himself from his father and he was spending money as if he were the rightful heir to a fortune that wasnt his to begin with.

He was also a jerk on a personal level. Tori made a mental note to find out what Montans Lyce project was and if hed try to tie it into Alessas.

The rest of the afternoon went smoothly and after Lions Gate closed, she and her friends went across the plaza to a restaurant called The Three Queens. It served fancy versions of food from all over the empire and the dress code was a bit more formal. Ilyana had checked when she made the reservations and their uniforms were accepted under the dress code, so they all changed into their uniforms.

No one finds it strange that the most expensive restaurant on this plaza has a formal dress code, but accepts Lyce du Soleil uniforms? JP asked as they walked out of the store.

I can answer that, Axton said. He and Piers were invited along with the group. Tori thought theyd be too embarrassed to join a bunch of fourteen and fifteen-year-olds, but Piers had agreed. The two were already well dressed and while not formal, Tori was sure the restaurant wasnt going to turn away the first prince of the empire. The Three Queens founder went to Lyce du Soleil.

Its still a bit much. Wont we stand out too much? Sonia looked at her friends, concerned. For most of them, this would be the first time in such an establishment.

I asked for a private seating area, Ilyana said, somewhat nervous. But they said they couldnt assure one. Its supposedly terribly busy at this time.

Its fine, Axton said. Weve come here before. Ill take care of it.

Tori let out a low breath of relief. Having friends in high places was very beneficial, even if it was just for food. They walked across the plaza and to a three-story structure with a lovely baroque facade. There were two entrances: one that faced the plaza, and the main entrance that faced the street adjacent to the plaza.

However, even the smaller plaza entrance was elaborate with three marble caryatids one each side of the entrance. They walked up the three short steps and were let in by one of the uniformed men standing at the door. The plaza entrance foyer opened up to a sunken courtyard with a fountain in the center, with a statue of three women with their backs to each other and pouring water from jugs.

The ground floor surrounding the courtyard had various tables and chairs. The second floor and third floors opened to the inner courtyard, but the third floor was made up of private rooms. Above the courtyard were two narrow skylights at either end, and in the center, a row of three crystal chandeliers. The restaurant was dimly lit with yellow light crystals, making it feel romantic and intimate.

As Tori and her friends were admiring the restaurant, Axton was speaking to someone in a black and white suit. Ilyana seemed to snap out of her daze and turned to the host station. She opened her mouth, but Axton held up his hand.

Give him a few minutes and our floor will be prepared.

Oh, wonderful- Ilyana froze and Tori narrowed her eyes.

Did you say floor? she asked. Axton nodded. She had a suspicion. Axton...do you...?

He nodded once more, this time, looking amused. Yes.

Hes very useful, Piers said. Axton sent him a glare, but Piers ignored him. He moved forward and pointed to the fountain in the courtyard. They are the three queens. The one thats facing across from us has a diamond pattern on her robes. The Queen of Diamonds - Duchess Alvere. The one facing to our right, with a lance in her hand is the Queen of Spades; my mother, who is a marquis daughter. And the last one with a garland of clovers is the Queen of Clubs.

Toris eyes widened. Mama?

Your mom? Albert asked, surprised.

Clovers represent achievement through hard work. Mama was an academic, Tori said. She was also born aristocratic, but not noble.

Our mothers were best friends when they were in Lyce, Axton said with a soft smile. But, of course, time and life happened. They grew distant, but even in her last days, my mother thought of them.

Ilyanas eyes reddened. She reached for Tori and squeezed her arm. Im going to build us a restaurant, too.

Tori let out a chuckle and leaned her head against Ilyanas. Sure. I look forward to it.

Youre just going to forget about us, huh? Henrik said in a dull voice. We exist, too. The others laughed and soon the uniformed man arrived. He introduced himself to the rest of the party as the restaurant master, the manager.

Your floor is ready, Your Highness, my lord, he said, as he gave Axton and Piers a bow. They were led up three flights of stairs and when they passed the third floor, Tori and her friends gave each other confused looks.

A wooden door carved with an image similar to the fountain in the courtyard was opened. Axton and Piers walked in and didnt seem to have any reaction. Tori followed after them and made it a few steps before coming to a halt.

Holy shit.... She whispered as she stood before a narrow room with curved floor to ceiling windows and a high ceiling with small crystal chandeliers illuminating the rooftop dining room. Unlike the lower floors, the room was brightly lit, and a long table had been prepared in the center of the room. To one side, a small trio of strings was playing music. There was a small, wooden dance floor, and on either end of the room were two French doors that opened up to balconies that overlooked the plaza on one end and the thoroughfare on the other.

I...I dont think I can afford to be here, Henrik said in a tight voice.

What are you kids waiting for? Axton called from the table with a laugh. Take a seat. Menus are on the table. Order whatever you like.

Tori had been to expensive, fancy, Michelin-starred restaurants in her original world, but this was a bit much even for her. Shed never had an entire floor for a such a small party before. She quietly approached the table with her friends following cautiously behind her. Piers motioned for her to take a seat and she mechanically went and sat down on the chair he pointed out.

He then helped her push it in and took a seat at the head of the table on her left. Axton sat across from her, and her friends took what seats they could, all still looking around as if in another world. Tori reached for the menu.

No prices. She pursed her lips. Ilyana was planning to pay and now Tori wasnt sure she felt comfortable with Ilyana paying for it all. She glanced at her friends and noticed that they all had somewhat hesitant looks on their faces. Two servers were already present and pouring them wine.

As congratulations to the twins for their achievements at the three-day competition, and to Tori, Ilyana, and Henrik for their successful spring and summer release, I will cover tonights dinner, Axton said, confidently.

Tori still couldn't help but be concerned. Axton, are you sure-

The owners party eats for free, Piers said as he lifted his wine glass and took a sip. Its fine.

This put their minds at ease and they seriously looked over the menu. Once everyone ordered, they started talking about who they saw that day at the release and various gossip theyd heard.

JP was filling them in on what he heard of Tori and Ilyanas homeroom class and the baking club when muffled noises came from the main entrance. The group quieted down and looked towards the door with confusion.

There was another entrance next to a dumbwaiter shaft hidden behind a dry bar, but that was on the other side of the room. They werent expecting anyone else.

Tori vaguely heard someone saying no, you cant enter just before the door was pushed open. A tall man with curly black hair, pale skin, silver eyes, and a goatee stood at the doorway, red-faced and seething.

Tori had never seen the man before, but she knew exactly who he was. Her eyes darted to Axton, who remained seated and sipping his white wine casually.

You! the middle-aged man at the door pointed to Axton condescendingly. What are you doing here?

Axtons silver eyes drifted lazily back to his father and, with an air of sheer arrogance Tori had never seen on him, spoke. I think the question is: what are you doing in my restaurant...Mr. Alvere?