Chapter 92: You...Dropped Your Pinecones

Chapter 92: You...Dropped Your Pinecones

She just bowed to them and then left? Miss Vissage crinkled her eyes and lowered her cup of coffee before looking towards where Tori and Piers were seated further away. A small table was between them, along with a piece of paper torn from Axtons story guide.

Axton looked at his two friends as he sat at the head of the main table with the others. He had brought with him a map he was working on along with a small book where hed written a storyline. It was still incomplete, but he doubted theyd finish the game in one sitting.

The entire ballroom was silent, Albert said as he rolled the dice. Before that, once a name was announced, everyone clapped and talked about the young lady named.

No one clapped for Tori? Miss Vissage frowned. Thats rude.

Do you want people to clap for her considering the circumstances? Mr. Vissage asked across from her. He was sipping on his own cup of coffee. Half the people there were probably from Lyce. And everyone knows they dont get along. Not to mention that Tori and His Highness Prince Piers are close. How could they clap knowing that?

What if they clapped and it bothered the first prince? Henrik added. Wouldnt that be an affront to him?

At least she wasnt in trouble for leaving suddenly, Miss Vissage said.

The important ceremonial parts were over, Axton told them. Albert, you opened the hidden panel. Henrik, you are with him.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Im reading the glyphs on the wall for clues as to whats inside, Henrik replied as he rolled the dice. And if everyone knows that they dont get along, why would they put Tori on that list in the first place?

Lady Guevera has also been escorting His Highness Prince Piers for some time, has she not? Mr. Zisos said as he eyed the map. Isnt it strange to put her on a list for the second prince?

Apparently, it has something to do with her accomplishments at the delta. Albert shook his head.

The better job one does, the more work they are given, Mr. Zisos said with a sympathetic nod.

Axton and the others mirrored his sympathy. Axton looked back at Tori and Piers, who was still mulling over his game. It could also be that someone doesnt approve of a partnership between those two and wanted to cause trouble.

Oh...intrigue, Miss Vissage said as her brother looked interested. It doesnt look like it had much effect, though.

Regardless of the reason, I believe Lady Tori deserves to be listed amongst some of the most accomplished young women in the empire, Madam Martin said. She was moving between the tables, also clutching a small cup of coffee. Eventually, she took her seat and moved closer to Piers and Tori, who was leading Piers through a different storyline.

From what Axton could gather, it was a murder that Piers had to solve. Madam Martin seemed much more interested in it than in their fantasy game.

Is everyone going to the delta next weekend? Mr. Vissage asked. He and his sister didnt play, but continued to observe the game.

We should be! Tori replied from her table. Weve started planting and Im going on a tour around the farmland with Lady Idunn. Instructor Ignatius and I are also testing some aquamarine irrigation plans.

Whens the next time you are going to celebrate something? Madam Martin asked. Is it the last weekend of the Spring Festival?

Well be going there for the event, Madam Martin, Henrik said as he looked over his shoulder. However, we will mainly be hosting the visiting guests and have our Spring and Summer collection for Lions Gate presented there.

Will it be another overnight event? Madam Martin asked, with a flash of excitement across her face.

No, it will only be for one day, from dawn until evening, when we will have another fireworks presentation to finish off the event, Henrik told her. Although, we will invite a few to stay overnight in the resort tents on the beach, to further experience Viclyas retreat hospitality.

Well also be staying the night, Miss Agafonova said. Except for Sonia and JP.

There are numerous lunches, dinners, and gatherings after the competition. Mr. Vissage sighed. We wont have time to go to the delta with everyone.

Oh, thats disappointing, Madam Martin said.

Madam Martin, after finals, well be celebrating me and my brother, and Henriks, birthdays at the delta, Miss Vissage said. Well be staying in tents again, but well get to stay longer. Im bringing Ciel Noir. She almost rubbed her hands together in glee. All I could think about since we went for Ewans birthday is getting to ride around the shores.

Well, Ill be doing training and review for the La Garda entrance exam, Ewan told them.

How long is it supposed to be? Mr. Zisos asked.

About two weeks.

Miss Vissage let out a low hiss. Two weeks of exams?

There are physical assessments and then time to rest before the written exams, Ewan said, cringing. If I pass them, there are the formal interviews I and my references need to have.

Youll be fine, Mr. Vissage assured him. Especially with those written exams. Your scores have never been higher.

And then, we will have another celebration! Miss Agafonova beamed. Ewan threw them thankful looks. I just hope we dont have to bring him again.

Him? Madam Martin chuckled.

Axton sighed. Prince Gideon. He intruded on our game night once.

He kept asking so many questions and making unnecessary comments, Henrik exclaimed.

Dont get me started on not understanding what our classes did and then still trying to argue against us. Miss Agafonova scowled.

He will not come, Piers said from the table. There is no reason for him to.

Id like to beat him and Hart in a boat race, though, Miss Vissage said as she glanced to the side and took a sip.

There wont be sailors to help next time. Wont it be difficult to have a boat race? Mr. Vissage asked.

Maybe the knights can help? Miss Agafonova looked hopeful. Can knights swim? She looked towards Ewan who nodded.

Its a requirement.

Miss Vissage let out a disappointed sigh. I dont think thats really something we can ask of them. She squinted and looked towards Axton. Is it?

Several pairs of eyes looked at Axton. Im sure Tori will figure something out if we have another boat race. Im interested as well. Piers can always order knights to assist us if necessary. He looked through his book. Miss Agafonova, youve stumbled upon a pit of vipers.

Cast sleep.

Do vipers sleep? Ewan asked.

Im sure they do, Henrik said.

I am kind of curious as to who wouldve been on Prince Piers engagement list, Miss Vissage said. There is an age range, isnt there?

Four to five years older and younger, Axton replied. But its difficult for anyone young to get on that list, as they have to have some sort of significant accomplishment. Its not all family background and wealth.

But Prince Piers didnt have one, right? Mr. Vissage asked.

Axton nodded. Right.

He did. Madam Martin spoke up and everyone at the main table seemed to freeze. They turned towards her, and Albert stared at her with disbelief.

He did? But I thought.... He trailed off and looked towards Piers.

Axton also furrowed his brows together. I was there, and he was never presented with a list.

Madam Martin chuckled. He was never presented with one, but the Chamber did prepare. They put together a list for Prince Piers, but circumstances as they were, it was simply never presented and discarded.

Axton, as well as several others, turned towards the small table. Piers moved his hand over the paper. Was his body face down?

Tori nodded. Yes.

Piers narrowed his eyes. I see....

Grandma, Albert said as he leaned closer to Madam Martin. Do you remember whos on the list?

Madam Martin shook her head. Oh, goodness, no. That was quite some time ago. I cant remember all ten. She lowered her cup onto her lap. I remember a cousin of Duchess Fekete, as she had strong business prospects and was revitalizing the economy of one of the near-by villages. Lady Guevera had been brought up in the initial discussions as a marquis daughter, but she is not local and was so young, so was not included.

Good day, Miss Agafonova. Its not a heavy bag, but its quite cumbersome. May I carry it in for you? the familiar valet asked as he bent down to pick up the sack.

No, no! Weve already bothered you enough! Ilyana rushed forward and grabbed the sides of the sack. I can carry it! I helped carry the others earlier today.

Miss Agafonova, are you certain? The valet was not convinced and didnt let go of the pinecones immediately.

Im certain. Ilyana assured him with a smile. Release it. I can carry it.

All right.... The valet still didnt appear convinced, but gently released his hold on the canvas sack. Ilyana adjusted it in her arms. As expected, it was light, but also wider than she was. She stuck her head around the side of the sack and continued to smile.

Dont worry! I can carry it! Thank you for dropping it off!

With her head looking to the left of the canvas sack, she turned around and walked back into the school. Since the main areas of the campus were starting to get crowded, she opted to walk around the courtyard in order to avoid people. Her line of sight was limited to one side of the sack, but at this point, she was already inside, and it was too late to ask for help.

She supposed she could stop, put the bag down, and call Tori or one of the others for help, but she had wandered off insisting she could do it on her own. Its not that far. And itll be clear once I pass this area.

It was rather loud, as more and more guests were coming in and students were calling out to them to lure them to their booths and exhibition areas. Ilyana was careful to watch her step, so as not to trip, and not move too quickly to surprise others.

How dare you forget syrup on my cake! What kind of business are you running? A shrill, high voice called out from her right, but Ilyana couldnt see what was happening. Youll regret trying to cheat Girika-ah!

Ilyana felt someone run into her right side and only then realized that the large sack of pinecones was knocked free. Her eyes widened as the top of the sack tilted to the side and opened. As if in slow motion, pinecones flew out from the force. Ilyana stretched her arms out to try to catch the bag, but it slipped through her arms. It landed in front of her, nearly causing her to trip, before falling over to the side and spilling even more pinecones on the ground.

Ilyana stared at the mess with her mouth open and slowly turned her head to look at who ran into her.

A first-year student, whom Ilyana recognized, stood frozen, pale, and gripping a small plate with a slice of cake so tightly, it was now crushed. The girl stared at the bag and then looked at Ilyana with a face of horror.

You...you.... Her face reddened and she tore her eyes away. I didnt see you! Next time, watch where youre going, Senior Ilyana! She whirled around, flustered, and rushed off, awkwardly crying out that it was an accident this one time.

Ilyana lowered her head and let out a heavy sigh, shaking her head. She knelt down and began to collect the pinecones that had fallen out of the bag.

Well, the least she couldve done was give you an apology. A mans calm, smooth voice spoke up behind her, and she could see someone reaching down to pick up pinecones.

Ilyana wore a wry smile. No, when it comes to Girika, the fact that she acknowledged me by name is an apology in itself.

The man let out a low chuckle. She saw the sack of pinecones being pulled upright. A stubborn girl, I see. She reminds me of my sister when she was younger.

Ilyana continued to collect a few that rolled away. Is she still like that? she asked without looking back.

No, thankfully, shes quite a responsible young lady now.

Ilyana stood up with an armload of pinecones and turned around. She sucked in a sharp breath as her eyes dilated and the pinecones in her arms tumbled back to the ground. She thought shed seen her fair share of gorgeous men since she came to Horizon, but there apparently was a bonus.

Her face heated up as her brown eyes met his surprised blue ones. Thick, curly dark hair fell over his eyes as he looked around and furrowed his thick brows. His pale skin was still quite youthful, and there was a faint shadow across his jaw, likely from not having shaved yet. Had an unshaven face always been appealing?

You...dropped your pinecones, he said. The tall man knelt down and began to pick them up.

Im sorry! Ilyana flushed. Where were her friends when she needed someone to hide behind? I was a bit surprised! I didnt expect to see such a handsome - I mean a man so close! Tori! Help me!

The man glanced up and a small smile tugged at his lips. I was close?

Ilyana tried not to whimper as she turned away and frantically picked up pinecones. You sounded further away.... She avoided his direction until shed gathered what she could and turned back to the canvas sack. A pair of large hands were holding it open for her. Somehow, it made the mortification worse. Thank you.

Its a big bag, he said as she put the pinecones inside without looking up to meet his eyes. May I carry it for you?

A voice in Ilyanas head was screaming as her face turned even redder. Yes! I mean, no! No! She had to focus. Im sure you have somewhere to go. I cant distract you. She cringed. Not that I would!

He laughed and smiled. I can spare some time to carry a bag. Besides, its almost as large as you. If someone runs into you again, you could take quite a spill.

Her internal screaming had not ceased. Then, if you dont mind.

He gave her a pleasant nod and reached down. He grabbed the edges of the mouth of the bag and pulled them before tying it up securely. His sleeves were rolled up near his elbows and the lean muscles of his arms moved. Ilyana stepped back and watched as he heaved the canvas sack easily over his right shoulder and held it in place.

Hes just lifting a bag...why do I feel so hot all over? Whats wrong with me?

Wonderful, he said. He kept one arm around it to steady it and gave her a curious look. Where are we taking these pinecones?

Ilyana swallowed hard. The...um...the Sword Associations pinecone challenge.

His eyes widened just a bit and he smiled once more. What a coincidence. Thats just what Im looking for. It seems it was fate to have run into you just when I entered.

Ilyana bit her lower lip. Im sure its just a coincidence. Follow me. She tore her eyes away from the man and began to walk forward. He followed just a half step behind her and as much as she didnt know what to say, she couldnt bear the silence. Um...Are you here for the pinecone challenge? Why did that sound so awkward?

Ive heard of it. Its popular, right?

Theres a prize at the end of the week, if youll be here. Please be here.

He smiled a bit more and Ilyana was dazzled. Whats the prize?

From a store. Clothing. A jacket. She cringed.

The man chuckled once more. May I ask: what is the young ladys name?

Me? Ilyana stiffened and whirled around. Im sorry! I never introduced myself. Thats so rude. And youre carrying a bag for me! She couldnt stop herself from rambling. Im Ilyana! Ilyana Agafonova.

A flicker of recognition seemed to flash over his eyes. So, you are Miss Agafonova. I heard the young lady call you Senior Ilyana, but wasnt sure if I had the right one.

Ilyana drew her head back as she blinked. Youve heard of me? The most attractive man shed ever seen knew who she was?

He let out a low laugh and looked ahead of them. Ilyana followed his gaze. They were close to the Sword Association and with many members walking around with swords, it was obvious.

All the time. Consistently ranked first in the class. Thats quite a feat.

Ilyana lowered her eyes and smiled as her cheeks remained red. My friend said that her brother was ranked first all the way through Universit. Id like to do the same.

Thats an admirable goal, Miss Agafonova.

Ilyana tried to suppress her giggle. He knows my name! I have to tell Tori. Tori appreciates a good-looking man. And this time, I found one!

They reached the entrance of the exhibition area and Ilyana had them stop. Were here. Let me ask where to put the bag. She looked around and saw her friend still sorting pinecones. Tori!

Tori looked over her shoulder and her eyes widened. Her mouth dropped and suddenly, she was running forward. Ilyana knit her brows together. Shed just seen Tori a few minutes earlier; she couldnt have missed her so much already.

Beside Ilyana, the man put the bag down and let out a laugh. He stepped forward and held out his arms.

Kasey!

Tori called out a name and Ilyana felt as if she were struck by lightning. She knew that name very well as Tori said it all the time. Ilyana watched as Tori jumped into her brothers arms and hugged him tight.

The man laughed and wrapped his arms around Tori, nuzzling her head affectionately with his. Surprised to see me?

What are you doing here? Why didnt you tell me? Tori pulled away, still holding on to her brother as she looked up and gave him a confused look.

Work, the man said. He looked past Tori and eyed the set up for the challenge. But I heard about this and wanted to try it for myself.

Toris face lit up with a brilliant smile. Well set you up as soon as were ready. Ilyana, you havent met him yet. Tori turned to her with an energetic face as she stepped back and almost seemed to hold out her brother proudly. He is Kasen de Guevera, my second older brother! Kasey, she is my friend and roommate Im always talking about, Ilyana Agafonova.

Ilyana's dumbfounded stare never left Kasen.

He looked back at her and then stepped back. He moved his arm over his stomach to give her a graceful bow. His eyes rose just a bit to meet hers as she caught sight of a gentle smile. Her heart slammed against her chest as she felt as if her entire body were on fire.

I know, Kasen said as his eyes crinkled up. Weve met.