Chapter 73: Your Mother Called Me

Chapter 73: Your Mother Called Me

She couldnt believe she almost forgot. The winter often brought severe weather with it and many of the villagers lacked the experience and expertise to traverse questionable conditions on the water to get to the islands. The test island would be fine; the residents there had adequate water, shelter, storage for food, as well as a place to cook and bathing and toilet facilities.

The problem was that Anahata Island did not. There was a well and an outhouse set up, but there was nowhere to cook. Meals were brought in daily from the mainland. At most, coffee and tea were heated up on cooking plates. They didnt have their own supply of food and they were the furthest island away.

Master Ramos and Instructor Ignatius also apparently bathed by the well, which was fine in the warmer months, but would be difficult in the winter, even with the help of crystals. What was frustrating about all of this was not only did she forget, but the two men who were living on the island also forgot about their necessities.

When she asked Instructor Ignatius after her metacrystals class what other things they would need in preparation for the winter, he looked at her blankly and said he wasnt sure. Then, he asked for storage...to store more crystals.

Crystal fanatics.... Tori shook her head. They likely wouldnt eat if they didnt get a scheduled meal delivery. At least she knew Master Ramos knew how to cook, so building a dedicated kitchen with a place to store food would be useful.

Architect Ebbadottir had returned, and Tori asked her to prepare some plans for basic living facilities for Master Ramos and Instructor Ignatius. The tents they were currently using were exceptionally durable and would be more than enough in the winter, especially when crystals were used to fortify them and keep them warm.

What Tori needed was a few more carpenters to focus on building a suitable kitchen and bathing facilities on the island. She thought about putting up more tents, but as Anahata Island was a phase X island, she didnt know when theyd actually build upon it. It was better to have a semi-permanent kitchen. It wasnt as if she was short on money.

Tori walked out of Daybreak Garden. Since she was in the area to talk to the masonry and carpentry guilds about additional craftsmen, she stopped by to get her dagger sharpened and polished. With it strapped to her thigh, she walked down the street.

Today, she had come unescorted. It was a last-minute decision, but the errand was relatively short. Nanny Rey was off investigating who was stalking Sonia, which Tori had put a priority on. Ilyana was preparing her review session itinerary for the next two days. The signup sheets she posted before the weekend were filled up.

Everyone was busy and since it was just to the twelfth district, where she was now a familiar figure, Tori didnt see a problem in coming by herself.

The carpentry guild and the masonry guild were a block away from Daybreak Garden and across from each other. The two worked together often, so it was convenient.

As she approached, she saw a familiar carriage stopping in front of the carpentry guilds building and tilted her head to the side. What was the Prime Minister doing in the twelfth district? The footman jumped down and opened the door.

Tori narrowed her eyes and stopped. Dimitri stepped down and then held out his hand to help Alessa down from the carriage.

Tori knew they had a legitimate reason to be there. Both of them were working on building structures: Alessa had the orphanage and Dimitri was trying to start a carpentry and masonry vocational school outside the city for their respective projects. Still, the part of her that remained suspicious of them couldnt help being cautious.

She waited a moment to see where they were going first and the two walked into the carpentry guilds hall. Tori closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Just go in and speak to Guild Master Blomgard. There is no need to talk to them. They have their business, and you have yours. She told herself this, but she didnt completely believe it.

Tori walked into the building and looked towards the counter. Dimitri was still standing there with Alessa, speaking to the man behind the counter and asking to speak to someone about assistance with building a classroom. Tori stood a few steps behind them, patiently waiting her turn.

Lady Guevera! Good afternoon! She turned her head to the side and saw the familiar face of Carpentry Guild Master Blomgard.

Guild Master Blomgard, good afternoon. Tori turned her attention to him and gave him a small nod. Ive come to discuss the matter I spoke to you about the other day.

The thin old man was still lively with his gray hair pulled together at his nape. He was wearing worn clothing that still had some wood shavings on it. Tori was sure he had been in the back courtyard of the hall, working on something.

Ah, the carpenters for the island. Yes. I have a few men and their apprentices who specialize in kitchens and bathing facilities. They have plenty of experience and we estimate that theyll be able to have the structures up before the cold weather really strikes, Guild Master Blomgard told her as he extended his hand to shake hers.

Tori let out a breath of relief. I was worried we were starting too late. Thank you, Guild Master.

Not at all. I have their contracts ready for your review. He motioned her to the stairs and the office at the top of it.

How soon can they start? Tori asked as she followed him towards the stairs.

They can leave at any time, my lady.

Wait a moment, I was here first, she heard Dimitri say with disapproval. Why does she get a meeting first? Did she have an appointment?

We were told last time that there are no set appointments given, Alessa said, moving closer to the counter. She looked perplexed.

There are no appointments; however, Lady Guevera has been expected, the young man at the counter told them. One of our masters will be with you shortly.

We spoke to one of your masters last time and he said he did not have the authority to give assignments to guild members. That is why were here, asking to speak to the guild master, Alessa said with a frown.

Dimitri lifted his chin. I am Dimitri Guthry, son of Prime Minister Guthry. I will not be shoved aside and ignored.

Tori rolled her eyes and let out a low breath. She was already halfway up the stairs and could see the exasperation on Guild Master Blomgards weathered face.

I can wait, Tori said.

My lady-

Its fine. I dont mind. She turned around and walked down the stairs. Mr. Guthry, since you seem to be in such a rush, please feel free to go ahead of me. My matter is almost complete, anyway.

She gave him a forced smile and took a seat in the lobby. She leaned back against one of the long wooden benches and crossed her legs, intent on making herself comfortable.

Mr. Guthry, as Lady Guevera is willing to wait, let us discuss your needs. The Guild Master gave Dimitri a polite smile and Dimitri gathered some papers and rounded the lobby to get to the stairs.

He followed the Guild Master upstairs and Tori dug through her satchel to take out her notebook. She began to doodle a little stick figure Dimitri, crying on his knees.

Do you work with the guild often?

Tori lifted her eyes and narrowed them as she saw Alessa seated on the bench across from her. Miss Hart, will you not be joining Mr. Guthry? I assumed you were here for your project.

Dimitri, that is Mr. Guthry said he will assist me, Alessa said with a bright smile. When I came last, no one seemed to take me seriously.

Thats a shame. Why are you sitting here talking to me? Please leave me alone. Tori lowered her eyes to look back at her notebook.

Lady Guevera doesnt seem to have such a problem. There was a hint of envy in Alessas voice. Tori nodded.

I am in a favorable position, she said. She had been personally introduced to craftsmen guilds through Daybreak Garden.

You are very lucky to have such resources at your disposal. Alessa continued on. Its been exceedingly difficult to find workers. I am financially limited.

Tori nodded, but didnt look up.

My friends have been trying to help me, but the Lyce projects rules wont allow them to do more than me, Alessa said.

Well, if they do more than you, then its no longer your project, is it? Tori tried not to roll her eyes. Yes, there must be a careful balance between the assistance we receive and what work we put in ourselves.

For such a large project like yours, you are lucky to have His Highness the First Princes assistance.

The corner of Toris eye twitched. Piers helped her a lot, but most of it was paperwork and introducing her to Universit resources to work with. She looked up from her notebook.

I dont feel comfortable discussing aspects of my project with individuals who are not involved, Tori said. This includes discussing those I work with on it.

Alessas eyes widened, and she looked surprised. Oh, I thought that you and the First Prince were.... She trailed off and Tori narrowed her eyes.

Her instinct was to correct Alessa; she and Piers were just friends. Close friends and she trusted him greatly. She stopped herself. Her relationships with her people werent Alessas business anyway. Alessa wasnt a friend she could gossip and giggle with.

Are you sure you dont want to go with Mr. Guthry? There may be details of your project that only you can answer. Tori tried to steer her away.

Im not worried! I trust Mr. Guthry, Alessa said with a brilliant smile. She leaned forward with a glint of curiosity in her eyes. Lady Guevera, is it true that the First Prince is considering you for a prospective bride?

Tori nearly slammed her pencil against her notebook. What are you talking about?

Alessa was smiling pleasantly. The talk of Horizon is that the First Prince, who was reclusive, sees you as a suitable bride, as he now has you accompany him to events.

Tori gave her a wry smile. Miss Hart, you shouldnt listen to such rumors.

I only wish to inform you of the position you are in, Lady Guevera. Alessas smile dampened and she looked concerned. You are extremely popular, and everyone seems to believe you are seeking a position at the First Princes side. You should be careful not to spend so much time with other young men or rumors will spread.

From your lips? Tori asked, lowering her pencil and notebook on to her lap. She looked at Alessa with a deadpan expression. Miss Hart, why is it that every time you open your mouth, I somehow find myself in an...uncomfortable position.

Alessa gasped and lifted her hand over her chest. It was not my intention to insult you, Lady Guevera.

There is no reason for you to sit in front of me and speak to me, Tori said. We are not in homeroom. We do not work together. We are not friends. You are in no position to tell me who I can and cannot be friends with.

I only mean to spare your reputation!

Tori, the longer you let this go on, the more shes going to talk. Youve been more than patient with her, Sonia said in a serious voice. I dont know how you can stand it.

Yeah, I want to live, but the quality of life is lacking sometimes.... Tori let out a low breath. I need to do some damage control first.

Ill tell JP what you said, and hell start a correction rumor, Sonia assured her. Tori thanked her and slid her finger across the comcry.

She closed her eyes and tried to concentrate. She didnt really care about Alessa, but Dimitri was another thing. It was laughable how hard he worked only to have his efforts for naught. If this rumor spread and Dimitri, who was there, inexplicably fell for it, then it might reach the ears of his parents.

Parents she was talking and laughing with just days earlier. She had a reputation with them that she didnt want sullied because of another instance of being blamed for something she didnt do.

She spent an hour that night calling the heads of both the carpentry and masonry guild to try to clear up what happened and argue in Dimitris favor. Guild Master Kivinen of the masonry guild was still insulted that his profession was dismissed as common and cheap by Adrien, and refused to help, but Guild Master Blomgard said he would work with Dimitri, if only because Dimitri was the Prime Ministers son and because Tori was asking for their sake.

Having at least one guild willing to work with him was better than nothing.

Now, Tori had to figure out how Dimitri would find out that the carpentry guild was willing to work with him. She didnt want to have to be the one to tell him, but it wasnt as if the guild was going to send a message. She doubted Dimitri would try again anytime soon, either. He looked defeated and humiliated when he left the guild.

Tori stared up at her ceiling, debating on whether to slip him a note or be the responsible adult and tell him to his face. Of course, if she did that, hed likely ask why she couldnt also help Alessa and then it would be like talking to a wall again.

A flash of light caught her eye and she looked down at the table. She reached forward and picked it up, flipping the lid open.

Her eyes widened as she sat up straight. For a moment, her heart shot to her throat as she saw Miriam Guthry on her comcry. She had forgotten that they registered each other on their comcrys the other day. Tori grit her teeth. Did the rumors reach them? Did they think she had something to do with their only sons project roadblock?

She took a deep breath and tried to settle herself. She had nothing to be worried about. She didnt do anything wrong. As Sonia said, she had been sitting there, minding her own business when all of this went down at the guild.

Hello, Madam Guthry. How are you this evening? Tori smiled, hoping it would carry through her words.

Lady Tori, I hate to ask this of you, but I require your help. Madam Guthry sounded hesitant.

Toris heart settled a bit. It looks like she wasnt being blamed. Maybe this call had nothing to do with Dimitri. How can I help you, Madam Guthry?

Its about my son.

Oh, Goddammit. Mr. Guthry?

He just called his father about assistance in hiring carpenters and masons. Charles told him to speak to the guilds and he said that they had banned him. He wont tell us why, only that there was a misunderstanding, Madam Guthry said. Charles is trying to find the contact information for the guild masters to straighten everything out, but I thought to call you as you work with them often for the delta.

Dimitri was incredibly lucky that his parents loved him.

So, its about that, Tori said.

You know about it?

I was there. Tori let out a heavy breath. Mr. Guthry was caught up in an argument between a merchant and the Guild Master. Some words disparaging the profession were said and the Guild Master was insulted. He banned both Mr. Guthry and Mr. Rosiek.

Rosiek? Madam Guthrys voice dropped. Was Lady Hart there?

Tori grimaced. Yes.

She heard a low, trembling breath from the other end of the comcry and could only imagine the womans furious look. I knew that girl was trouble! Does she think I dont know what shes aiming for? Ive been around plenty of social climbers in my day!

Miriam, calm down- a mans faint, concerned voice said.

I will not calm down, Charles! Our son is being used!

Madam Guthry, Ive spoken to Guild Master Blomgard about this and asked him to reconsider his ban on Mr. Guthry! Tori said, hoping to calm the raging mother. He says that he is willing to work with Mr. Guthry again, however, Guild Master Kivinen is still very insulted by what was said and wont consider it. I suggest letting him calm down for a few days and then approaching him again. Mr. Guthry wasnt the one who insulted them, after all.

Her words had the desired effect. Madam Guthry seemed to take a deep breath and her voice was even.

Thank you, Lady Tori.

Tori ended the call after a few more pleasantries and then placed her comcry on her desk. She leaned over and rested her head against the surface of her desk, letting out a tired sigh. You better not make me fucking regret it, Guthry.

Did you call my mother?

Tori looked ahead of her as she bit and chewed the last of her breakfast bagel. And I regret it. Shed taken two steps outside of the east dorm dining commons and already she had to face whatever the hell the game decided would be a fun confrontation.

What are you talking about, Mr. Guthry? Ilyana was next to her and looking at the young man in front of them as if he were mad. School hasnt started yet and youre already causing a commotion.

At least let me eat my breakfast, damn. Tori swallowed her food and clapped her hands to remove any crumbs. She walked down the rest of the steps to face the dark-haired love interest.

What did I do now, Mr. Guthry? she asked, bored.

My mother said she spoke to you last night, Dimitri said in a low voice as he marched forward and stood in front of her. How dare you get my mother involved!

She called me, Tori said. Does she need your permission to do so?

His face heated up. My mother had nothing to do with this! Simply because she called you doesnt give you the right to tell her my business!

Toris eyes narrowed a bit. It was likely that Madam Guthry said something about what had happened at the guild and expressed her disapproval of Alessa. It was obvious that Madam Guthry was not fond of Alessa at all. Dimitri couldnt blame his mother or Alessa, so he had to blame her.

I dont want to have anything to do with you, either, Mr. Guthry, but fate seems to constantly make us collide, Tori told him. May I ask what your mother told you?

She said that you told her what happened at the guild!

I summarized it, yes, Tori said with a nod. I told her Mr. Rosiek insulted the Guild Masters and since he is acquainted with you, you were caught up in the ban. You were there. That was exactly what happened.

Then explain to me who told her that Miss Hart was involved! She didnt say a word at the guild! Dimitri seethed.

Your mother recognized the name Rosiek and made the connection to Miss Hart herself. I didnt tell her that Miss Hart was involved until she asked if Miss Hart was present at the time. Which she was.

Youre telling me that speaking to my mother last night was a casual conversation and that you didnt mean to tell her what happened? Dimitri almost laughed as he shook his head.

Tori pursed her lips for a moment. She glanced around and could see that a crowd had gathered. Further behind Dimitri, she could see Alessa peering around the heads of their peers. Tori took a deep breath and spoke loud enough for the crowd to hear.

Your mother called me to ask for help because the guilds banned you, and I happen to be on good terms with them. I tried to call them and separate you from Mr. Rosiek, but Guild Master Kivinen is not easily forgiving after his entire profession was insulted. Guild Master Blomgard was a bit more lenient and lifted the ban against you specifically.

If thats the case, why didnt you speak on behalf of Miss Hart? Dimitri demanded.

Mr. Guthry, are you deaf? Tori nearly yelled and stood up straight. You were there. The ban isnt against her; it was against you and Mr. Rosiek. Shes not involved. Are you implying that I should beg the Guild Masters to help her?

Ilyanas eyes widened and she looked at Dimitri, as if daring him to agree.

Lady Guevera, what do you have against helping Miss Hart? Dimitri nearly shouted in return.

I dont know! Why did Miss Hart spread rumors that I blocked your and her projects? Tori said.

It was her? Ilyana looked ready to throw hands and scanned the crowd for Alessa. Where is she!

The crowd seemed to part and reveal Alessa. Ilyana stepped forward and Tori grabbed her arm to keep her from confronting Alessa.

I didnt mean to say such a thing! Alessa choked out as her face paled. It was only because you were there that Adrien was suspicious.

Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound? Tori asked, staring at her with disbelief. She marched forward and threw her arm in the direction of the twelfth district. You saw me sitting there, waiting for my turn to speak to the Guild Master, and then blame me for your friend insulting the Guild Master and his guild?

Lady Guevera, that is enough! Dimitri said as he grabbed her arm, as if worried that shed attack Alessa. She misspoke and it was misunderstood.

Was it? Tori whirled to face him. Why dont we ask the baking club members what exactly was said? Then we can ask everyone to decide if she really misspoke or if she was insinuating something else! She tried to pull her arm away, but Dimitri tightened his hold.

His eyes darkened as he grit his teeth. That wont be necessary-

Dimitri, what are you doing? a voice gasped behind her. She looked over her shoulder just in time to see a silver-haired young man get between them and pull her wrist from Dimitris grasp. Let her go!