Chapter 94: Surprised By His Beauty

Chapter 94: Surprised By His Beauty

Where have you two been? Albert looked almost frantic as she and Ilyana rushed down the steps to get to their seats at the front row.

Its a long story, Tori said as they scooted past him. Ill explain after the entrance ceremony.

Did we miss anything? Ilyana asked, reaching for Sonias banner.

The host school just marched out. Lyce hosted last year, so theyll come out later, Albert said. Ilyana let out a breath of relief.

She and Tori unraveled Sonias banner and prepared to lift it up when Lyce passed. Albert and Ewan did the same with JPs. Tori then passed her corner of the banner to Nanny Rey and picked up a square, hunter green cloth. The term bandana wasnt really used in Soleil, but Ilyana called them kerchiefs, so thats what Tori went with.

She stood up and turned around to direct their section.

Lyce du Soleil, ready kerchiefs! She called out as she raised one arm and twirled the cloth in the air. She got the groups attention and she watched them move to pick up their kerchiefs. Once they were all holding them, Tori pinched the top corners of hers to show them how to hold it. She then lowered it and sat back down to wait for her school to parade out.

Lyce du Soleils banners appeared at the entrance to the stadium and as soon as their bannermen and women stepped on to the track, Tori stood up and turned around. She lifted her arms and the rows of people behind her stood up. She then lifted her kerchief up over her head and the rows turned into a wall of green and gold.

Lyce du Soleil on the count of three! Tori shouted. She looked over her shoulder, waiting for their schools entourage to reach them. When they were close enough, she screamed into the crowd. One! Two! Three!

A wall of voices shouted out the name of the school at once, filling their section of the stadium. It caught the attention of their equestrians and faculty, who turned towards them and waved. Tori continued to conduct the cheering, barking orders and using hand signals. The spectators who joined for the first time easily picked up the patterns.

Although the rhythm wasnt perfect and some people were slower or faster than there rest, the effect of an entire section cheering as one and using colored kerchiefs to make patterns and waves was enough to have the other schools look on in envy.

As both she and Ilyana expected, other schools had also made banners that year. But no one else had an entire block of the stadium organized as they did.

Do you think others will copy it next year? Albert asked as they sat down once their school had exited the stadium.

Tori let out a little snort. They can try. She lowered her hands and their group returned to their seats excited. She narrowed her eyes. I think we have some interest after this. We may be able to get a fixed group for cheering at events. If so, we can practice more elaborate waves and patterns.

I can almost taste the envy of the other schools, Ilyana said as she sat up straight and almost smirked. Tori chuckled and returned to her seat.

They began to spread out the food Albert and Ewan brought. Nanny Rey gave Tori something to drink, as she had been yelling and giving orders.

So, why are you two so late? Ewan asked, leaning back. You almost missed our entrance.

Ilyana shrank back in her seat and avoided their eyes as her cheeks reddened. Tori let out a heavy sigh and explained to them what happened.

The only thing we could do was try to buy tickets from someone to get back in, Tori said. The first few people werent interested in selling, but we found a couple who came from Nord willing to sell, as their friend isnt participating in todays events, but will be for the next two days.

How much did it cost you? Albert asked, already cringing.

A pair of H2 coats from Lions Gate, Tori said. It was a small price to pay to get back to the stadium on time.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Albert seemed to think for a moment, as if calculating the cost. Each coat cost about three times the amount of a single ticket. And that was if they bought the tickets far in advance or through their school, which was slightly cheaper than buying at the stadium in the week leading up to the event.

The point is you were able to return on time, he said, with a final nod of his head. Tori nodded in agreement.

The group continued to eat and drink the snacks they bought. They only paused when one of Lyces equestrians were taking the field.

JP and Sonia trotted out in accordance with their year rank and upon their appearance, the stadium erupted with voices. Albert looked taken aback as he and Ewan waved JPs banner.

Theyre more popular than I thought!

They ranked as the highest first years last year, Ewan said. Everyone expects a lot out of them!

Im starting to get nervous for them, Ilyana said. I know theyll do well, but I cant help it!

Tori felt the same way. They all seemed to hold their breaths and sit up, tense, as they watched the twins go through their routine like mirrors of each other. It was almost entrancing and once they completed their performance, it took a second or two for Tori to refocus and stand up.

She immediately signaled for their section to cheer, and it started the same wave of yelling across the stadium.

Albert and Ewan kept a close eye on the scores and when it was announced, they nearly dropped JPs banner in excitement.

JP and Sonia were ranked first.

Perhaps it was her own bias towards her friends, but Tori didnt think anyone who came after them did as good of a job. Two more pairs from two different schools managed to score a little higher, but not by much.

Miss James performance was quite good, as well, Ilyana said as they left after the first day. Not as good as JP and Sonias, though.

Shes pretty, Albert sighed. Sonias lucky. If it were me, I wouldve agreed at once. His shoulders fell. No one ever gives me a love letter.

Sonia and JP have many admirers because they stand out as equestrians. Look at the amount of people who were watching them today, Tori said.

Im sure theyll only get more attention after this, Ilyana agreed with a nod.

Ewans quite popular, too, thanks to the Sword Association, Tori said. People like energetic individuals. Ewan puffed out his chest with pride and beamed.

Have you considered joining a club and getting to know more people? Ilyana asked.

But you havent joined a club and youre always receiving letters. Albert looked almost defeated.

Albert, Tori said in a knowing voice. Look at her. Shes not just beautiful, but shes very smart and generous. Our entire second year knows her for her study sessions and all the first years know her from the tours. Everyone thinks very highly of her. Ilyana flushed and hugged Toris arm. Ewan snickered as Albert groaned.

I think I will take up His Highness offer to be an aide, Albert said. That will get me more exposure right?

Yes, but youd be standing next to His Highness Prince Piers the entire time, Ewan reminded him. Not to compare...but people will compare.... Albert shot him an annoyed look.

You dont have to put it like that. I know I'm nowhere near as attractive as His Highness.

Having the favor of a prince isnt a bad thing, though, Tori said as they stood on the curb and waited for an empty carriage to wave down and take them back to Lyce. Diligent people are attractive in their own way.

Didnt you say that you didnt know what you wanted to do after you graduated? Ilyana asked. You can take up a personal aide training and position. I can see you in such a position.

You actually do handle stress quite well and are a quick thinker, Tori told him. Youre reliable and well-rounded. You fit in very easily in the social circles Piers needs to go through. You are his top pick, you know.

Albert furrowed his brow, but seemed a bit satisfied with the praise. I suppose I can give it a try....

Hell need someone over the summer since Axton will be back at the border for training. It may be worth it to try to start working with him, Tori said. Ill get in touch with Chamberlain Thorpson to onboard you.

Where did Master and His Highness go? Ewan said. He didnt say much, only that hed be doing some work the next few weeks.

Tori let out a little hum and measured her words. My brother needed help with arranging something and brought the two of them with him. Theyre his juniors, so he likes to take advantage of them. That wasnt a lie, as her brother certainly took advantage of Piers and Axton to take care of her. He said hell call when hes done. Im sure it wont take long.

She didnt have time to worry about her brother, Axton, and Piers with how busy she was. Perhaps it was for the best. She didnt want her thoughts to question the difficulty of her brothers work if he needed both Axton and Piers to assist him. Tori doubted it would be something too dangerous.

Kasen wouldnt make the first prince of Soleil help him if that was the case. Tori deduced that Piers was needed to get information that was only accessible to someone of his rank. At least, thats what she hoped.

Dear, I will take him, Duke Fekete told his wife. She gave him an approving nod. Along with their carriage was another one with two maids and some guards. Tori led the Duchess to the welcome tent and then encouraged her to rest after letting her know when her personal tour was.

Tori then returned to the entrance, where Ewan was welcoming the Prime Minister and his wife.

Prime Minister Guthry! Madam Guthry! Welcome to Viclya! Tori bowed once more, but couldnt help but notice that Dimitri was not in attendance. She wasnt surprised.

Lady Tori, thank you for inviting us, the Prime Minister said with an appreciative nod. Both he and his wife were looking around. Weve only arrived and its lovely here.

This area is really our only semi-completed portion, Tori said, modestly. We have much more to do.

As planned, she personally escorted the couple around after first allowing them to rest at the restaurant. Once the snacks and coffee had energized them, they walked up and down the promenade, Tori took them around the encampment, and then got on a sailboat that took them around the shore and to the islands.

Tori had a few project leads with her to help answer any of the Prime Ministers questions. They returned to the promenade after sailing around Isle du Roi. The foundation of the church had already been laid and the guild of Belcoy builders were working. The classic-styled facades of the other buildings were also starting to take shape.

After the Prime Minister and his wife returned to the plaza, Tori took on her next tour. Each one was slightly different, tailored for the persons she was taking on the tour.

Lunch was at ones leisure and before Tori went on her tour with Duchess Tetri, she stopped to check on everyone.

Albert and Constantine reported that the guests were enjoying themselves and had many questions. However, once they seemed to get their bearings, they wandered off to enjoy themselves.

Many had stopped to sit on the promenade to take in the view and relax. Many more went up and down, checking out the shops that were open. The haberdashery and shoe store were particularly popular, and Tori saw more and more people wearing the locally made hats.

The jewelry store attached to Lions Gate specialized in custom made silver and gold pieces and crystal jewelry that kept one cool, calm, or energized. After making Toris bracelet, Master Ramos became interested in crystal jewelry. Instructor Ignatius said that the old master was developing something new for her.

I just put them on, and I already feel refreshed, a woman said as she admired her new ice calcite earrings. This will be very good to wear in the summer.

Tori found Madam Guthry hunched over a display table, looking through the glass with a concentrated look.

Madam Guthry, do you see anything you like? she asked. The woman looked up and smiled warmly.

There are many. I dont normally wear dark blues, but I cant help but look at the designs of these pendants, she said with a regretful sigh.

The styles are a carryover from the villagers former home on the border, Tori said. The lapis lazuli has been charged to help calm someone. Its particularly useful during exam periods. Weve created a series of charms that can be attached to students satchels and lanyards.

Perhaps I should get one for Dimitri. Madam Guthry frowned. Recently, his headaches have been getting worse and worse.

Tori furrowed her brows and cocked her head. Headaches? Now that she thought about it, she often saw him rubbing his head.

The older woman let out a low breath and seemed almost helpless. The doctors say he is fine. There doesnt seem to be anything particularly wrong. They assumed it was the stress of his project and Lyce.

Tori drew her lips inward and bit them. Even if he was no longer in the top five, Dimitri was still ranked quite high. He didnt seem to be stressed at school, but if he was still trying to regain the top rank hed entered with, she could understand his frustration. Tori also remembered that he told their classmates that his project was going very well; almost complete. They hadnt even been working on their projects for two years.

Madam Guthry looked both upset and at a loss as to what to do about her son. He hasnt been coming home as much, either. It seems he has his hands full.

Tori didnt try to argue. Then, let me select a crystal charm for you both, Tori said. She wandered off and returned with a thumb-sized lapis lazuli disc. A few characters of Old Sulfae were carefully scraped on the face of the disc. One had a small latch that could be attached to a bag and the other had a leather cord. I charged them myself here in the delta. Its very strong and doesnt need recharging for some time. Please take this one for yourself and this pendant for Mr. Guthry.

Madam Guthry reached into her purse to pay, and Tori shook her head. Lady Tori....

Think of it as if you are testing its effectiveness for me, Tori said with a cheerful smile. Let me know if it helps calm you and if it helps ease Mr. Guthrys headaches. Dont tell him I had a hand in it...Im sure you know....

She trailed off and Madam Guthry frowned at the thought of her son. She nodded and accepted the crystal charms. I apologize for his rudeness to you, Lady Tori. Sometimes, I dont know what hes thinking.

Tori let out a light laugh. Well, at this age, were all a bit rebellious, Tori said with a slight grin. Tori brought her over to look at the button up shirts. I dont know if its to your taste, but I happen to find the combination of these shirts with the hats from the haberdashery down the street very appealing. I set aside a few pairs for my brothers and father.

Madam Guthry looked interested and thanked her before Tori slipped away. She rushed to take a quick snack before picking up Duchess Tetri and her small party for the tour. Instructor Ignatius was also present, as the mines in the Tetri Duchy had some crystals they were looking for, and joined them on the boat tour.

Aquamarine? Duchess Tetri looked surprised as she sat on a cushioned bench on the sailboat. The wind was going through her hair, and she was sipping on some wine. The woman looked very comfortable from where she sat. We have been experimenting with them for irrigation purposes, as well. Are you interested?

Yes, Your Grace, Instructor Ignatius sat across from her, attentive and respectful, and trying to contain his excitement.

Tori lifted her hand and munched on a cracker with cheese. Instructor Ignatius had personally asked to join the tour so he could ask about aquamarines for their fields. He assured her that the Tetri Duchy had the best aquamarines in the empire and that sourcing them domestically would be both cost-effective and a good connection with the duchy.

Tori had agreed, but asked that he dress more professionally. Shed only seen him in his teaching robes and the sloppy, neglected clothes he wore on the island. Shed sent him a set of clothes from Lions Gate, as well, as she was worried he didnt have other clothes. Apparently, she was right, and Instructor Ignatius appeared that day dressed in a button up shirt.

She had no idea he could clean up so well. He was a slim man, but his clothes fit him well and his shaggy blond hair was neat, combed back, and out of his eyes. Nothing was obscuring his face, and Tori didnt recognize him when they got on the boat. She asked her own instructor who he was. It was only when he spoke that she recognized his voice.

Tori continued to eat crackers. Im sorry I questioned how you got a girlfriend, Instructor Ignatius. She secretly apologized. He had a very soft and gentle face. She wouldnt exactly call him handsome. Beautiful and frail seemed to fit better. She couldnt help but imagine him as one of those sickly young masters in dramas, confined on a bed by a window, looking outside longingly as he coughed into a handkerchief because he had consumption.

Of course, in reality, Instructor Ignatius was perfectly healthy and very energetic, especially when it came to crystals.

Lady Tori? he asked. He shifted awkwardly, likely having noticed her staring at him. What do you think?

Huh? Tori blinked. I was so surprised by his beauty; I wasnt paying attention. What was the question?

Would you like to visit the Tetri Duchy this summer to exchange research on irrigation? Duchess Tetri said with a light chuckle. We seem to be working towards the same goal. You can also inspect the quality of our crystals and we can work out an order if you are interested. Im also interested in speaking to Lady Nordursin, as she is a specialist on farming techniques.

Tori sat up straight. She was very interested. She hadnt planned on returning to Presidio that summer. In fact, shed already sent out invitations to visit her over the summer to her little cousins in Moss Hill through Cousin Eili.

Yes, Im quite interested, Tori said with an affirmative nod. Is it possible for us to stay a few days?

Of course! The Duchess lifted her hand and one of her assistants rushed forward. Begin preparing a schedule and lodgings for Lady Guevera, Lady Nordursin, and Mr. Ignatius, as well as additional members of their party, she said. She looked at Tori with a knowing nod. Guevera knights will be escorting you, I presume?

If it wasnt Guevera knights, it would be imperial knights, but Tori didnt say that. She nodded. Yes. Once I confirm the number of the party, I will reach out to your assistant. She opened her comcry to register the assistants comcry, but Duchess Tetri leaned forward and opened her own.

Her name appeared on Toris comcry, surprising her a bit. She didnt expect to get the Duchess direct contact information.

Dont look surprised, Duchess Tetri laughed. Vanessa already bragged to me that she has your comcry registered. I cant be left behind you know!

Vanessa was Duchess Fekete. Tori nodded and chuckled. Then, I appreciate your efforts, Your Grace. That being said.... Tori leaned forward and smirked. Duchess Fekete and her family are staying overnight in our tents by the beach. They will also participate in tonights late-night game and will leave after a full breakfast.

Duchess Tetri raised a brow and looked interested. Is this invitation only, Lady Guevera?

Personal invitation only from my lips, as we have very limited room, Tori said. The Prime Minister and his wife will also be attending, as will Prince Emil and Princess Vivian.

Duchess Tetri smiled with approval. She reached out and tapped the tip of Toris nose affectionately. I like you more and more each time I see you, she said with a grin. All right, we will stay for the night!

Ill write out some orders to give to my people to arrange, Tori said, turning to all towards Ewan. As she stood up and walked to the side of the ship to get some papers from him to hand to some staff upon arrival, she vaguely heard the Duchess ask Instructor Ignatius.

Tell me, is she really as the rumors say and attached to Prince Piers?

Instructor Ignatius stuttered. I...I dont know, Your Grace....

And Genevieves boy...Axton. Is there any attachment to him?

Instructor Ignatius continued to sound confused. He legitimately did not know. That didnt stop Duchess Tetri.

Hmm...my son will complete his time in the Anlar fleet next year. Ill make a note to introduce them.