Chapter 66: It’s as If He Doesn’t Want to Go Home

Chapter 66: It’s as If He Doesn’t Want to Go Home

The comcry kept pulsing, but Instructor Ignatius didn't answer. Tori let out a little grumble and tried to quell her excitement. To be fair to Instructor Ignatius, he was either assisting with the arrival of the first-year students or working on a lesson plan. Tori slid her finger across the crystal and debated on calling Master Ramos.

She shook her head and flipped the comcry closed. Master Ramos had his hands full with the installation of the crystal pillars. It was best not to bother him. Tori rushed back out of the garden and fell back on her picnic blanket.

She flipped through her notebook to an empty page and scribbled down everything she could remember about the process, including doodling a simplified version of her visualization in order to show Instructor Ignatius later. If there was a way to utilize the terracrystal like they did carnelian and ice calcite, it could improve the lives of the villagers.

Not to mention cheer up Instructor Ignatius with another idea to work on.

Tori continued to wait under the tree and after a while, began to eat her lunch. It took some time for a few students to come by. She figured theyd be busy moving in and then getting to know their roommate.

As she saw a few first years in their uniforms approaching, she rose to her feet. There were two students and she guessed that they mustve been roommates who were out together to explore the campus, just as Ilyana and she had done when they first arrived.

Hello! Tori lifted her hand and waved. Good afternoon! Welcome to the Sword Association of Lyce du Soleils training and practice grounds!

Once she had their attention, they walked forward and politely greeted her. She made small talk: asking where they were from and if they were academic or niche students. She welcomed them and tried to casually slip in her sales pitch about the Sword Association. Afterwards, she gave them directions to get elsewhere on campus.

Despite being in an out of the way location, she received a good handful of students and, aside from trying to lure them into visiting the Sword Associations booth on orientation week, told them what other facilities were nearby.

We missed the tours this morning, a set of girls said as they looked at their map, where they had scribbled out a line to get to their classroom, only to end up at the training grounds. I didnt know they had them.

I wouldve come earlier, too. The girls roommate looked at Tori. Senior, do you know if they will have more tours? I asked the instructors at the check-in tables and some of the other student guides, but they didnt know what we were talking about. Several of the students in our dorm had taken one this morning, though.

Ah, the two tours this morning were unofficial. Its just that a few students caught me and my roommate outside the gate and needed assistance. We had time before we were to report to our positions for the day, so we took them on a tour, Tori said with a weak smile.

Are you going to do more?

Tori shook her head. Im afraid not. Once a student guide is at their location, we cant leave until were relieved later this evening. Their shoulders dropped and they looked disappointed. But your classes arent too far from here! Let me show you....

By the time Instructor Rosemund came to find her and relieved her, Tori had finished most of her snacks and counted a total of twenty-three students who had come by. It was more than she expected. After folding her picnic blanket back into its bag form and putting her things inside, she slung it over her shoulder and headed back to the dorm.

She didnt make it too far; Ilyana had come to find her, slightly out of breath having run from the greenhouse.

Why did they assign someone there? she said, flushed and annoyed. I only had one student come up to me the entire time and they wanted to ask about a gardening club! Everyone else saw the greenhouses and then turned around and left before they reached me!

Tori chuckled. Its probably because its so far out there, theyre worried about students getting lost.

Did you get any first years?

A few.

Ilyana sighed and ran her hand through her hair as she fell into step with Tori. I cut through the central courtyard on the way here and I dont know who opened their mouths, but Im afraid the rumors of you being a mean-spirited snob who bought her way in have resurfaced. I wanted to stop them, but they got away.

Tori shook her head and patted Ilyanas shoulder. Dont worry about it. I still have that reputation in the south and an entire lifetime of it isnt going to disappear after a year. The rumors will die down, Im sure.

Just in case, we should get JP to poke around and spread word that the rumors are just that, Ilyana said, confident. And Im sure he can find out who brought the rumors up again.

JP has better things to do than spread information on a rumor thatll be forgotten in a few days, Tori said. He and Sonia have to do an exhibition ride during orientation week, and they have to wake up early to prepare. Besides, the first years will talk with other people and learn that what they hear isnt always true. If it gets too bad, well step in.

I still want to know who opened their mouths, though.... Ilyana wrinkled her nose.

Good evening, Senior Tori! Senior Ilyana! Two girls passed by and one of them waved at them enthusiastically.

She and Ilyana both waved back and gave them smiles.

Who are they? the girls companion asked.

Theyre the seniors who gave tours this morning. Senior Ilyana is ranked first in the second year and Senior Tori is ranked fourth. And theyre roommates!

Oh, theyre roommates!

Tori chuckled as she and Ilyana turned a corner and headed towards the east dorm. A few more students greeted them on their way. There were a few students loitering around the front of the building, including a few they recognized from earlier that day.

There they are! a boy gasped and pointed in their direction.

Tori raised a brow and Ilyana tilted her head, unsure why they were pointing at them.

Seniors! The small herd of students seemed to come towards them, and Tori stopped in the walkway, reaching out to stop Ilyana as well. Seniors, will you be doing any more tours?

Ilyana furrowed her brows. The sun is going to set soon. Im afraid we cant.

Once more, the students looked visibly disappointed. Everyone has been asking about the tours. Youre the only two who know about them.

Tori smiled helplessly. Its because we did them on a whim. Lyce doesnt have official tours. We just had time and thought it would help.

Senior, what about this weekend? Will you be able to do more tours this weekend?

Tori and Ilyana looked at each other. Student guides didnt need to return to their position after the first day of move in, but they were asked to wear their sashes and continue to walk around campus to help any lost and confused first years. And they could do so with a partner, so that was their plan.

Ilyana drew in her lips and shrugged. I dont mind.

Tori took a deep breath and nodded. All right. Lets make a schedule.

How many tours did you two do this weekend? Captain Messer asked Tori as she roped off the exhibition area.

We did one per hour, stopping for two hours for lunch, and ended when the commons opened, Tori said. And then we did three more yesterday, so ten.

She and Ilyana had made three fliers to put on the announcement boards at each dorm and in front of the administration building. It listed the days and times they planned to do a tour and capped it at a dozen students each, which was a manageable amount. They included a signup sheet with the administration building flier so students could figure out amongst themselves what time slot to go on.

When the two came to check on it after breakfast, they were surprised to find nearly all slots filled for the first day and the remaining three slots on the second day each about half filled.

As Tori had heard, many of the other student guides were confused and didnt know what tours the first years were speaking of, but they were quick to figure it out once they saw the fliers and Tori and Ilyanas names mentioned, so as not to confuse the first years.

There were a few students who had been on tours the day before and accompanied their roommates.

Your tours are immensely popular. Im sure all of the first years know who you two are now, Captain Messer chuckled. She rubbed her hands together, deviously. And with you two both here today, Im sure well get more than our fair share of interested first years.

Tori shook her head as she spread out the information pamphlets on the table. She and Tiff, another second-year academic student, were going to staff the table; calling over any vaguely interested looking first years, answering questions, and signing people up for the Sword Association.

During orientation week, most groups wore what theyd wear during their activity, so everyone in the Sword Associations exhibition area were in their usual training clothes. The exception was Ilyana, who was volunteering to help with the pinecone challenge. They decided to put it up in between exhibition matches, so any student interested could try it.

Also, it was the most popular activity at the Spring Festival, and Captain Messer hoped it would lure more people in.

Captain, the Sword Association isnt short of people, Tori said.

I know, but we always lose people through the year. The more we sign on now, the more who will be retained.

Captain, I think well have enough pinecones for the day, but we should have a day to gather them before the festival, Ewan said as he arrived with three other students, each with a large basket of pinecones.

Noted, Captain Messer said. She looked around and sighed, throwing her arms down in frustration. Where are Gabriel and Esteban? Theyre supposed to be the first ones to do an exhibition!

Im here, Captain! Sorry! Dark-haired Esteban came running forward. Gabriels still changing, hell be right here. He had a problem with his roommate.

Again? one of the other students setting up the exhibition ring asked as she looked up. I thought he was going to request a dorm change this year.

His ability is questioned by the Imperial Family, Master McDouglass said. The two young women looked at him with curious eyes. Tori wondered how he knew. He crossed his arms over his thick chest. I make a point to keep an eye on all ranked swordsmen in the school and am always in contact with my colleagues at La Garda and with the imperial knight cadets. There have been rumors of his transfer and a request to let him join the cadets for weekend training as the imperial couple seem dissatisfied with his ability.

Captain Messer let out a low whistle. Aside from Tori and you, Master, I dont think we have anyone who is on par with him that he can practice with.

He may still benefit from daily work on his foundations and increasing his stamina, Master McDouglass told them. He looked at Tori and nodded. There is no actual policy we can cite to keep him from joining; however, he did point a sword at you last year. How do you feel about this?

Tori drew her lips inward and thought for a moment. On one hand, she and Fabian had some issues between them. On the other hand, if she knew Fabian was at the training grounds, then she knew that he wasnt with Alessa and plotting against her. As long as he doesnt do it again, we wont have a problem. If he tries it again, Ill do more than break his ribs.

Master McDouglass nodded his approval.

If he breaks our code of conduct even once, hes out, Captain Messer said in a low voice. Make sure he knows that.

Tori nodded and took the application before turning around. She returned to her spot under the tent and put the application on the table. She reached into a box behind the table to take out the stamp and flipped open the ink pad. She pressed the stamp on to the pad and then moved it over the application.

You better not make me regret this, you little shit. She slammed it on the application and seemed to press down hard. She lifted the stamp and looked up at Fabian.

Welcome to the Lyce du Soleil Sword Association, Sir von Dorn. She narrowed her eyes as she met his. Tiff will give you our schedule and code of conduct. Should you break the code, you will be expelled from the association at once. Is this understood?

Fabian gave her a stern nod. It is understood, Lady Guevera. Thank you for your time. He gritted his teeth and moved on to Tiff, who handed him a pamphlet with a bit of uncertainty. He turned around and took two steps before pausing. He gripped the pamphlet in his hand and looked over his shoulder, glowering. One day, we will have a rematch.

Tori sneered back. The day I have a rematch with you is the day youre no longer Prince Gideons knight.

His face darkened before he turned around.

They watched as he took the paper and left in a hurry. Tiff let out a low breath she was holding in and looked at Tori with confusion. Why did you let him join?

We didnt have an official reason not to and while we have a personal grudge against each other, I did nearly break his ribs, Tori said, her slitted eyes watching Fabians figure disappear. Besides, how is he going to be a knight to a prince if he doesnt practice? She looked at Tiff, vexed. Ive never even once seen him practice.

But what if he tries to fight you again?

Tori scoffed. Then itll be the end of his career as a knight. Tiffs eyes widened as the color drained from her face.

Lady Tori....

Tori looked at her and jerked her head back. No, no, no, I mean, hell be dismissed from his post. It turns out, the imperial couple does know about what happened and were so angry, they were going to dismiss him then. If he even points his sword at me, all I have to do is call my mother. She and the Empress are friends.

Tiff nodded, relieved. They continued with their sales pitch.

As soon as the first pinecone challenge was over, Ewan and Ilyana came to ask what Fabian was doing. Ewan looked at her as if shed lost her mind and Ilyana nearly screamed what are you thinking?

Tori, are you courting death? Ilyana looked pained as she grabbed onto Toris arm.

To live is to court death. Tori shrugged. Its fine. He knows what will happen if he tries to duel me again.

You said that he said there would be a rematch! Ewan ran a hand down his face. And he went to Osten to train this summer. We dont know how much hes improved.

Toris lips drew into a line and wanted to reply not much. She shook her head and patted Ewans shoulder. Then, if I cant beat him with a sword, hell have a chance to see me use a dagger.

Tori.... Ewan groaned and she smiled energetically.

She ushered them back into the exhibition area so she could continue her job coaxing first year students to join. At the end of the day, they had a solid thirty applications and most of them were from students who were curious and wanted to try swordsmanship for the first time.

Captain Messer was ecstatic. She noticeably yelled less as they cleaned up the exhibition area and carried everything back to the training grounds.

Ive told the student who won the pinecone challenge with fifteen to meet us at the front gate this weekend and well take them to Lions Gate to get her sized for a vest, Ilyana said as she walked with Tori towards the main gate. Ewan and Constantine followed behind them. Sonia and JP were going to meet them at the gate to go to dinner.

She was disappointed at first, but was excited when she found out she was ranked first. She kept coming by to check to see if someone had blocked more than her. Constantine chuckled.

She and another girl waited until the last person finished and then started jumping and screaming. Ilyanas eyes were filled with joy. Shes very excited.

Thats good. Im glad. The vest will be useful when they go on their excursion. Tori smiled, just as pleased that today went smoothly. As they walked, Ewan suddenly sped up and narrowed his eyes.

Its JP and Sonia. Tori followed his gaze and saw two figures running towards them, still in their riding uniforms.

Why are they running? Ilyana frowned.

Tori pursed her lips. This cant be good....

Tori! JP shouted as he reached them. Good, Ilyana, Mr. Zisos, youre here, too. We still have to call Henrik and Albert.

Ill call, Ill call! Sonia said, out of breath as she reached for her comcry.

Call about what? Tori asked. She held out her arms to try to steady a flushed, panting JP. He brushed her arm away and kept pointing towards the central courtyard.

They just posted a notice on the board...in front of the administration building, JP said, looking at her. It has to do with the academic students Lyce project.

Tori felt a cold chill sweep over her.

What about it? Ilyana asked. Are they changing the due date for the report?

JP shook his head. Do you already have your budgets set for your projects?

Ilyana and Tori exchanged looks. No.... Ilyana said.

Mostly, Tori answered, almost hesitant. It felt as if shed be jinxed if she said yes.

I have a general idea, but I still need to finalize the finer details and outline this coming semesters plans, Ilyana told him. Why?

JP looked tired. They said a budget limit would be implemented starting this semester.

Toris eyes widened and, without asking for any more information, she took off running. She could hear Ilyana shouting her name behind her. Tori could feel a ball of dread twisting in the pit of her stomach as she saw the administration building ahead of her.

There had never been a budget limit for Lyce projects. Anything that was spent on the project was a tax write off for students families. Whatever was spent was considered part of the taxes paid. In addition, each project was assigned to a student after careful consideration of their abilities, connections, and the financial situation of their family.

Hers notwithstanding, she was sure.

It was very unlikely that a student would spend more than what they and their family could afford in the three and a half years the project was worked on. She doubted a students family would even allow them to get that far. Not to mention that their reports were used to monitor spending for a reason.

Shed already submitted reports with her exorbitant spending, and no one had questioned her, let alone tried to stop her.

Tori saw the board ahead of her and nearly skidded to a stop before she ran into it. A few other people moved away after reading and she could hear them asking each other who can spend that much.

There was a small wooden container hanging on the board, filled with printed copies and Tori snatched one from the box. She stepped to the side to read it as the others arrived. Ilyana and Constantine also took one each.

JP, Sonia, and Ewan grew quiet as they stood and watched the other three. Constantine furrowed his brow and looked up.

This is still a massive amount. How is this a limit for most students and projects? he asked. This is more than most nobles make a year, isnt it?

Ilyana let out a low hiss as she read the amount listed and then turned to Tori.

There was likely only one student, at least in their year, who would be affected by the imposed budget.

The paper in Toris hand was crushed as she grit her teeth and began to tremble with fury.

Well.... she said in an unsettling, amused voice as a cold smile filled her face. It seems I need to speak to the Headmaster again.