Chapter 69: Nice

Chapter 69: Nice

After having so many first years around the previous week, it felt much quieter now, when they were on their excursion. The upperclassmen and those in her class were able to focus on their training sets without having to stop and instruct the first years. Captain Messer was having a good spar with GG while Master McDouglass watched and shouted from the side of the ring.

Tori finished checking on the plants in the garden next door. She had the fence fully repaired and had a new sign made at Daybreak Garden that said Lyce du Soleil Sword Association: Medicinal Plants Garden. Master McDouglass helped them hang it up the other week.

Uncle Maurizo had come with some of his students to help them plant and then give instructions on caring for them. The garden was surprisingly popular with the sword association members and theyd had some agricultural niche students come by to take a look.

Tori locked the gate and walked back to the practice training grounds. She delivered the key to Master McDouglass then went to grab a waster from a barrel.

Where is Connor?

She paused in mid step and turned around. She jerked her head back and looked at Fabian. For a moment he wondered if she heard correctly. Shaking her head, Tori turned back and weighed the training sword in her hand, making sure she pulled one out that was suitable for her height.

Im talking to you. That was Fabians voice for sure.

Tori turned around once more and looked at him with uncertainty. Me?

He was also dressed in training clothes, albeit slightly nicer looking ones. He narrowed his eyes. Yes, who else would I be talking to?

I dont know. No one here talks to you. Tori almost snorted. She rested her waster over one shoulder. If youre talking about Ewan Connor, hes having lessons.

Lessons? Fabian sneered. Is he doing that badly in school?

Ugh.... Tori rolled her eyes. No, hes doing quite well. After classes, in the middle of the week, he meets with Axton for additional sword lessons and advanced sparring.

The corner of his eye twitched and Tori wanted to smirk. No one else was training with someone like Axton. Does he train with Sir Nassaun three days a week? He was only here for two days last week.

Why are you asking? Tori asked as she lowered her shoulders. She couldnt help but be suspicious of him, but there was really nothing to be suspicious about. What could he do even if he knew Ewans schedule? Fight him? She would put an end to that real quick.

Hes trying to enter La Garda. It only takes twenty-five students a year from around the empire. As far as Im concerned, hes competition. Fabian lifted his chin and Tori raised a brow.

Oh...so you see him as good enough to be competition. She was a bit happy to hear that. However, when she said it, Fabian seemed to realize what he said and jerked his head back.

His face reddened. He would be if he was any good!

Is that the best counter you have? The knight matches the prince, I see. Tori sighed and lowered her sword.

If you must know, at the beginning and end of the week, he has dagger lessons with my nanny along with Ilyana and Albert. Dagger lessons are only suspended the weeks of midterm exams and finals. In the middle of the week, Ewan has training with Axton. He also goes with us to the delta every other weekend and trains with Axton while hes there, Tori said, almost proudly. And I wouldnt worry about his academic performance.

Fabian scoffed and turned his head to the side. Being slightly above average in terms of niche students is still well below average overall.

Then, its lucky Ilyana is personally tutoring him, Tori said as she lifted her head and turned away. I hope youre able to find just as good an instructor to guide you before the application period next year.

That isnt something for you to worry about, Lady Guevera.

Tori gave him a cold smile. Youre right. Why would I worry about you if you dont even cross my mind? She skipped off to join some other second years with their forms.

She just finished leading them through an eighteen-form sequence when Master McDouglass called her over.

There is someone here for you, the burly man said, almost exasperated.

Sorry about the trouble, Master. Who is it this time? Tori asked as she wiped her brow with a towel and put her sword in a barrel as she passed.

Mr. Guthry.

Fantastic. Tori said in a dull voice before heading towards the gate. Just outside, standing by the wall of the training grounds was the former first ranked student, looking sullen, but determined. She took a deep breath and readied herself to talk to a brick wall once again. Mr. Guthry, I was told you wanted to speak to me?

He stood up straight and turned towards her. He seemed to size her up, his eyes going up and down her body as she approached. Maybe he thought she was intimidating in training clothes, though her dagger wasnt on her. She technically wasnt supposed to wear any weapons on campus, so she removed it when she came to train, otherwise it would be visible.

Lady Guevera, I apologize for bothering you.

Then stop bothering me.

She saw him grit his teeth and she tried not to grin. Dimitri clenched his hands at his sides and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath before opening them and meeting her gaze. Lady Guevera, I am asking you to withdraw your lawsuit against the school.

No.

His jaw clenched again and she almost wondered what he thought would actually happen if he asked her. There was no way she was going to agree.

Is it absolutely necessary for you to sue the school simply because you disagree with their policy? he asked.

You are mistaken, Mr. Guthry. Im not suing the school because I disagree with their policy. His brows shot up, surprised. Tori smiled. Im suing the school because their policy was enacted suddenly, without a chance for students to review it and raise their concerns, and because after much consideration and review; I am the only one affected by the policy, putting forward the question: is this policy targeting me specifically?"

I believe youre looking far too deeply into it, Lady Guevera. It is a coincidence that you are being affected and you will likely not be the only one affected in the future. The policy was made to help students, and your reaction to sue the school and ban and blacklist the Governing Board members is unnecessary. Its an overreaction.

Tori cocked her head. Who told you that I banned and blacklisted the Governing Board members?

Dimitri stared at her for a moment, as if unable to believe shed say such a thing. Lady Guevera, everyone knows! A dozen families are complaining that they are being targeted in retaliation for the policy!

And?

His jaw dropped and the burning irritation in his eyes fizzled out into a blank stare. Tori almost wondered if she broke him.

What.... He gritted his teeth and lifted his hand to rub his forehead. Lady Guevera, why else would you ban the Governing Board?

Pre-emptive move, Tori said with a shrug. I knew they were going to try to boycott Lions Gate to try to pressure me into withdrawing the lawsuit, so I banned them before they could. It just so happens that I have very supportive family, friends, and acquaintances. She smiled and raised her hands, as if she were helpless. I dont control them, Mr. Guthry.

His eyes crinkled up and he seemed to want to argue back, but she had made a good move. He grit his teeth and shook his head. Then what do you want from them in order for you to withdraw the lawsuit?

Tori raised a brow and looked him up and down. Mr. Guthry, did the Board send you to try to negotiate with me? She let out a small laugh. It seems theyre not taking this very seriously at all.

Lady Guevera, you already have so much to do with your project and your business, not to mention Lyce. Do you really need to continue with this unnecessary course of action? Dimitri asked. Both you and the Board have better things to do.

I dont know about the Board, but I personally enjoy the challenge, Tori said. She gave him a nod and stepped back. Now, if youll excuse me, I want to get some sparring in-

My mothers friends family is being affected by your actions, Dimitri told her.

Every action has a consequence, Mr. Guthry. They shouldve been prepared for that, Tori said as she turned around, waving her hand dismissively as she walked away.

She heard him let out a frustrated huff. Lady Guevera, are you not afraid that this will reflect badly upon you?

I would rather have this reflect badly upon me than negatively affect the villagers at the delta and everyone who is currently working there. Tori didnt stop walking. Mr. Guthry, if the Board asks, tell them that they should send a proper representative to speak to me next time. If they expect me to yield so easily, then they have severely underestimated Victoria de Guevera.

She didnt think that telling Dimitri to essentially shut up and tell the Board to deal with her mano a mano would actually work. A day later, someone from the administration building intercepted her when she came out of her metacrystals class and told her that she had been called to Headmaster Laurents office once more.

Oh, goodie. This must be round two. The administration staff member looked at her strangely, but didnt say much as they walked across campus.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

It didnt take them long to reach the administration building and Mr. Legaspi was waiting for her at the entrance of the building to escort her directly in. Tori gave him a nod and a pleasant greeting before following.

He let her into the headmasters office and she found Headmaster Laurent sitting at his desk, looking exhausted, as two well-dressed middle-aged men stood to his side. When the door sounded, they all turned towards her.

Tori bounced into the room, smiling. Good afternoon, Headmaster Laurent! And...gentlemen. She gave the other two men a forced smile. I hope this isnt going to be a long meeting. Im scheduled to study with my friends off campus soon, in preparation for the exams.

Miss Guevera, please have a seat, Headmaster Laurent told her, motioning towards the seat in front of his desk. By now, Tori almost felt familiar with that chair.

Lady Guevera, I am Tyler Allen and this is Clarence Copperton, we represent the Lyce du Soleil Governing Board, the younger of the middle-aged men said, motioning to himself and then the other man in a dark gray and mustard suit.

Its a pleasure, Tori said with a small, curt nod. She reached into her pocket and took out her comcry as she sat down. Shed started making a point to bring it everywhere with her. One moment. She slid her finger across the crystal. Call Eduardo de Sophos.

She looked up at the three men and gave them another pleasant smile. A moment later, her mothers father answered.

Good afternoon, my dear, how are you?

Good afternoon, Grandpa. Im doing well. Im currently seated with Headmaster Laurent and two gentlemen who are representing the Governing Board. You told me to have you on the call for any meetings. Do you have a moment to listen in?

The two men stiffened where they stood and seemed to redden. For Tori, this was a precaution to make sure there were additional witnesses and for her to have a seasoned reference. Her grandfather worried that they would try to take advantage of her because she was a fifteen-year-old girl. As far as Tori was concerned, he was right to be worried.

She wasnt intimidated or would let herself be taken advantage of, but she did think that they would try to put pressure on her somehow. Having her grandfather on the comcry felt like evening the playing field.

All right, I am prepared to take any notes. Please proceed, her grandfather said.

Tori looked towards the two men and gave them a nod, as if allowing them to talk. The two exchanged looks and Mr. Allen took a deep breath.

Lady Guevera, we are here today to ask you to withdraw your lawsuit against the school.

Tori stared at them. I gathered. What else?

The two men looked at each other and then at Headmaster Laurent, who turned his head away, as if there was something extremely interesting on his other side and was not part of whatever was happening.

Axton, do you know what Prince Gideon was doing about six months ago? Who can I go to in order to find out his schedule or whereabouts of the time? Tori asked. Someone had to be keeping track of him; he was a prince.

Gideon? I dont know, Axton said, sounding confused. I dont normally pay attention to him. Why?

I just received a tip off today, Tori said as her hand squeezed the comcry. He was the one who requested the policy change.

She heard his sharp breath. Tori waited for him to reply, but he was quiet. Tori furrowed her brows and frowned. She opened her mouth to ask if he was still there when she heard Piers voice.

I will talk to him.

Happy birthday, Axton! The Empress reached forward and put a small box in Axtons hands before she raised her arms and wrapped them around him. Axton laughed, barely able to put an arm around and return her hearty squeeze.

Thank you, Godmother. He smiled as she stepped back and lifted her hands to cup the sides of his face.

Every time I get a good look at you, I see Genevieve, the Empress said in a warm, soft voice. You have grown so well; she would be so happy.

Axtons smile softened as well. He nodded. The Empress said that every year, but he never tired of hearing it. Thank you, Godmother. She put me in good hands.

Oh, you! The Empress eyes glistened over for just a moment.

Axton, happy birthday. The Emperor was standing just beside her and he extended his hand to shake Axtons. Unlike the Empress, he wasnt the hugging type. Axton figured it was because he grew up a bit more formal.

Thank you, Your Majesty. Axton smiled and grasped the Emperors hand to shake it.

So, what are your plans tonight? the Empress asked. You and Piers are missing the family dinner again and we were hoping to celebrate your birthday with you.

Axton chuckled as he released the Emperors hand. Were going to have dinner at the Three Queens with Tori and her friends.

Im one of the three queens; why wasnt I invited? The Empress almost seemed to pout at the offense. "A dinner there sounds nice."

Axton gave her a helpless smile. Godmother, if you wish, you are still welcome to come.

The Empress face lit up and she opened her mouth to accept, only to have the Emperor let out a loud cough beside her. Antonia! He coughed the name once more and the excitement on the Empress face faded.

I would love to, Axton, but as you know, we have the...family dinner tonight, as well. The disappointment in her voice was almost palpable. Is it just Tori and her friends?

Ive also invited Training Commander Reystrom and the Popes son.

He almost didnt catch the sharpness in the Empress eyes. The Popes son?

Axton nodded. Hes also doing his project in the delta and is one of Toris newer friends. She visited him over the summer in Karap. Nice kid.

The air felt a bit cold and Axton shuddered a bit.

A rival...?

He looked at the Empress and leaned forward. Im sorry, Godmother, what did you say?

Nothing! My throat was just a bit scratchy. She threw him a wide smile. Well, I hope you have a good time....where is Piers?

She looked around the gate house where they were seeing Axton off. Axton had one of the larger carriages of the night and had already sent one to pick up the local kids whod gone home for the weekend. Another had been sent to pick up the trio left at Lyce and Training Commander Reystrom.

I dont know. Axton looked around. He had told Piers what time they were leaving and Piers was always on time. He became upset when he was late. Axton grew a bit worried, but tried not to show it. He gave his godmother and the Emperor a smile and bowed his head. I will go look for him. My pupil is waiting for us and hell likely be starving if we dont get there soon.

Oh, you have a pupil now? The Emperor smiled, appearing proud. Just like Oliver.

Axton couldnt stop smiling at that. He walked back into the palace and headed towards the wing where their rooms were. He was almost there when he turned a corner and came to a stop. He didnt bother to hide himself as he saw Gideon up the hall with his back to him. In front of Gideon was a cold-looking Piers with his arms crossed.

You know that in a few months, the empires assistance to the villagers at the delta will end. Piers voice was icy and strangely more detached than usual. Axton almost shrank back. The money spent through the Lyce project is not only used on the construction on the islands, but on supplies for the people. It is of benefit to over 1,500 villagers and over 150 men and women working as additional labor and staff. Why would you want to limit her budget?

Axton lowered his eyes. Piers was easily overwhelmed by people; he grew uncomfortable and upset in many situations; and often got annoyed, but he rarely got angry like this. After Toris call earlier that week, Axton couldnt talk. He didnt know what to say to calm Piers and he doubted Toris Piers, I will deal with this did anything to ease Piers.

Axton knew Piers wouldnt hurt his brother. At least not physically.

Gideon seemed to be avoiding looking at Piers face. I was worried that too much money was being spent on the delta.

It is not your money. It is being spent efficiently and put to good use. It was not harming anyone. Piers gave his usual succinct answers.

But it was hurting people! Gideon snapped his head up as his voice echoed around the hall.

Piers continued to frown, but looked away. Who was it hurting?

Lady Guevera hired so much of the floating labor force in Horizon; its causing a labor shortage.

Axton almost wanted to slap his forehead. That was Gideons reason?

I have signed off on temporary residency documents for over half of the general laborers myself. There are many workers from outside Horizon. Workers must apply for positions. There is a ratio of only one out of every seven applicants that are considered and out of those, only half are hired, Piers said. Axton found himself nodding. Not just anyone could work at the delta. Tori had such strict requirements; Axton didnt think hed be able to get a job there. Where is your source for this labor shortage?

I noticed it.

This kid.... Axton took a deep breath.

Where? Piers asked. Did you check the guilds? They keep the most accurate track of their members and all reputable masons, carpenters, and the like are all part of their guilds.

Gideon hadnt moved from his place. He clenched his hands at his side. No, I didnt.

Why did you not check with them?

I didnt think to do so.

Then, your actions are based on personal speculation. Are you not aware that your decisions have consequences to others aside from yourself? Piers voice was cutting, but he wasnt wrong. If the budget limit was set lower and she could not afford to feed those villagers for the winter, what do you think would happen? What would you do?

But the budget limit wasnt set so low! It was purposely set high enough to give students a large allowance! The only person this would affect is Lady Guevera!

Axton closed his eyes and let out a low hiss. He shook his head. That was one of the worst things Gideon couldve said at that moment.

Piers voice made him shudder. You targeted her.

She has an unfair advantage over everyone else!

Who else is trying to resettle a village on unsettled marshland?

I.... Gideon seemed to struggle to come up with an answer. His shoulders slumped and his head dropped. I only asked for such a policy because resources were appearing strained.

What resources were you looking for? You have yet to begin building the hospital for your project. Axton knew Piers kept track of such things.

It wasnt for me, it was for.... Gideons voice trailed off and he seemed to take a shaky step back.

You are doing this for someone else? Piers asked.

Gideon seemed to compose himself and stood up straight. He dared to look up at Piers. Arent you working on the delta to help Lady Guevera? Why cant I help one of my friends?

You target others to help your friends?

You targeted Duchess Alveres widower for Axton!

Are they the same? Piers asked. Did Tori betray and try to usurp the authority of your friends mother?

No-

Did Tori try to steal your friends home, influence, and wealth?

Gideon swallowed hard and gave a small shake of his head. No.

Then what did Tori do to make you target her at the price of an entire village?

Gideon shook his head. His mouth was opened and his voice trembled. She was hiring too many qualified people. It was putting others at a disadvantage.

Piers almost looked disgusted as he looked away. The Lyce project is not a competition. It is for the benefit of the empire. Choosing to aid one project by putting another at a disadvantage isnt helping one project; it is sabotaging another.

Piers. Axton stepped forward to try to end this before Gideon began to cry. He motioned his head down the hall. Lets go.

Piers didnt look at Gideon as he took a step forward. Im disappointed in you, Gideon. He stepped around his brother and gave Axton a nod. Lets go.

Piers walked around the corner and Axton looked back at the second prince. Gideon was shaking, pale, and before Axton followed Piers, Gideon covered his face with his hands and fell to his knees.