Chapter 96: Join the Naval Academy

Chapter 96: Join the Naval Academy

In the back of her mind, Tori couldnt help but think about the showdown theme to a classic western. She sat in front of Ewan on their outrigger canoe. A few paces to their left was another canoe, with Gideon in front and Fabian in the back. She narrowed her eyes as they bobbed up and down.

Her fingers twitched around the shaft and grip of her paddle, as if ready to pull a trigger the moment Instructor Ignatius shouted for them to go.

Her heart was beating quickly in her chest as she turned her eyes ahead of her and positioned her paddle.

Leave the steering to me, Tori! I can do it! Ewan said behind her. Tori nodded her head, but kept her eyes forward.

Paddlers! Ready! Instructor Ignatius was waist deep in water not far from them. He held up a small red flag. Go!

Her paddle plunged into the water and their boat shot forward. All Tori could hear was the rush of wind. From the corner of her eye, she could make out Gideon and Fabians boat. They were keeping up well, perhaps only half a boat length behind. She couldnt waste time watching them, but it seemed that this would be an endurance run.

She braced herself against the sides of the boat and continued to dig her paddle into the water. She hardly noticed the buoys that marked their path. Ahead of them, on a small fishing boat, a knight sat along with one of the villagers to make sure they went around the furthest buoy.

Ewan, match my pace! We need to get ahead to get a tight turn!

Understood!

She felt them uncoordinated a few times, but Ewan was quick to realign himself with her speed. They managed to get a good length away from the other boat and then proceeded to round the buoy with enough space cleared between them.

Once they rounded it, she and Ewan continued their steady pace. She didnt want to use their last burst of energy until the very end. The finish line was ahead, and all eyes were on them. The blurs of their friends were on the shore, jumping up and down while yelling their names.

From the corner of her eye, she could see the tip of the second boat. Gideon and Fabian were close. They were paddling hard to catch up.

Now? Ewan asked.

Hold steady! she said. Her eyes narrowed. On the count of three! One! Two! Three! They passed the last set of buoys before the finish line and their pace quickened. Their bodies leaned forward, swaying in sync as their boat increased speed.

They were close and didnt stop until they were well past the finish line and their time was called.

As soon as it was, the two dropped their paddles over their laps and collapsed forward or back, laughing as they tried to catch their breaths. Knights came forward to help pull their boats closer to shore. Toris heart was still pounding as her lungs burned.

She tilted her head and watched the other boat being pulled onto shore beside theirs. Gideon and Fabian were flushed red and panting. She let out a laugh.

Good job this time, she said before leaning back and letting out a pant. It was close!

Next time, Gideon said, also out of breath. Next time, Ill win.

Heh...well, you keep dreaming. Tori laughed and raised her arms for JP and Constantine to pull her up and help her out of the boat. Ilyana rushed forward with a small towel for each of them.

Congratulations!

Thanks! Hows our time? Tori asked as she patted her face and neck with the small towel.

My apologies, my lady, but Sir Madsen and I have a better time, one of the knights on the shore said with a bit of a sheepish look.

Tori laughed as she passed him and patted his shoulder. Hey, its not over yet. We may end up doing a final heat. She went to sit down on one of the lounge chairs and closed her eyes, her chest still heaving for air. I need to work on my endurance.

We were a good boat length ahead of them, Ewan said as he sat down in the chair next to her. Its very clear that we won.

Thats all that matters, Tori said. She lifted up her arm and one of the villagers who was an attendant rushed forward. Please bring out some chilled fruit water for everyone.

Yes, my lady!

If we lost, does this mean we are out of the race? Fabian asked. Tori wasnt sure who he was asking, but she answered.

Right now, we are doing the timed heats. The fastest half will go on to race again. Then the fastest half of that group will race again until its the two fastest pairs for the final heat, Tori said as she stretched out her arms. If a sizable number of pairs are slower than you, then you still have a chance.

Sit down and rest, Gideon told him with a motion for him to sit on one of the nearby chairs. We dont know if well need to race again, so we should rest while we can.

Fabian nodded and took a seat. A villager brought them both drinks as they watched the next set of people get into the boats.

As everyone crowded around to watch the race, Tori finished her drink and stood up to go back to her tent. Like everyone else, she also left her comcry inside during the race. She slipped into her tent and shifted through her things to dig it out.

It was well into the middle of the afternoon. At this point, she hoped that whatever Piers needed to do while she was keeping Fabian distracted and away from his comcry had been completed. If she wasnt concerned about causing a problem if she called at the wrong time, she wouldve slid her finger across and called Piers to check at once.

Instead, she weighed the comcry in her hand and tucked it into the top fold of her swimsuit. She looked down and frowned, noticing it jut out against the cloth. In her original world, it wouldve been tucked neatly and unobtrusively in her cleavage.

I miss that boob pocket.... She sighed and turned around to leave when the faint glow against the fabric caught her eye. She snatched it out immediately and opened the top. She slid her finger across. Axton?

Is Fabian still there? he asked, a bit out of breath.

Tori knit her brows together and glanced towards the closed flap of her tent door. Yes, theyre outside watching a boat race.

The first operation is done, but try to keep him away from his comcry a bit longer in case someone tries to contact him, Axton told her.

All right, but I cant keep him away from it forever.

I know, but were worried someone might try to call him.

She wanted to ask so badly who was trying to call Fabian. I understand. Ill try to keep him occupied. How about you all?

Everyone is fine, Axton said. No injuries.

Tori narrowed her eyes and frowned. I thought it was just paperwork.

Ninety percent paperwork, Axton said. Either Piers or I will call you when its clear. Thank you for your help!

Before Tori could react, the call ended. She took a deep breath. What the hells going on? At the very least, her precautions were useful. She tucked the comcry back into her top, grabbed her straw hat, and walked outside.

She could hear the lively cheering as two boats were almost beside each other as they raced towards the finish line. Tori squinted as she stepped off the deck and onto the sand. It looked to be two pairs of knights.

You look serious, JP said as he stretched out to the side. He and Sonia were set to go against the Empress and one of her aides next. Are you all right?

Yes, Im tired from all the work this morning, Tori told him. The meeting was longer than usual since we reviewed feedback from last weeks event.

JP nodded and didnt seem to think anything of it. Tori returned to her seat, wishing she had sunglasses to cover part of her face, so she didnt seem too bothered. She tugged her hat lower and laid out beneath an umbrella.

The boat race had its final heat two hours later and Tori and Ewan were no match for some of the knight pairs. The last race was against two sets of imperial knights.

Perhaps I shouldve partnered with Sir Carmichael, the Empress said, frowning. He seemed to have improved after the first few times I made him paddle with me at the palace.

Sir Carmichael has been assigned here numerous times lately, Tori said. She was familiar with the usual knights. She narrowed her eyes. Have they been practicing during their off-duty hours? From the corner of her eye, another knight who was on duty tensed. Tori slowly turned her head towards him. Have you really?

He swallowed. Yes, my lady. The spare outrigger canoes are housed across the river, and it is common for off duty knights and staff to have races. We were told this was approved by the village and project leads.

Yes, I also approved it, Tori said with a nod. She thought that having healthy recreational options would be good for everyone. I just didnt know it was very popular.

The Empress let out a scoff and sat up. Youve been practicing without me! No wonder all the top times are by knights!

Tori could almost see some sweat collecting at the knights temples. She smirked. Yes, it almost feels as if they were cheating us today.

Of course not, my lady!

The Empress frowned. Im going to have the rotation a bit more varied from now on.

What? The Empress narrowed her eyes and Gideon seemed to stand up straight. Are you joking with me? She had a look of incredulous disbelief on her face and Tori couldnt help but walk a bit closer to find out what was going on.

She could see Fabian just behind Gideon, also with a surprised look on his face. Whatever Gideon said it shocked both his mother and his knight. Tori wondered if it had to do with Alessa.

Im not, Gideon said. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, and he dared to keep his posture when standing in front of his mother. Ive thought about it for some time, since we came here for Piers birthday.

The Empress narrowed her eyes. A few weeks is hardly some time, Gideon.

Mother, Piers said that if I disobeyed you, you would send me there anyway, Gideon said. However, I want to go.

Tori narrowed her eyes. Was the imperial couple planning on banishing Gideon somewhere? And where did he want to go?

The Empress took a deep breath. She stood up straight and closed her eyes for a moment, as if collecting her thoughts. This matter should also be discussed with your father.

I understand,

These are not arrangements that can be made lightly, the Empress said. Anlars naval training is not for the faint of heart.

Tori jerked her head up. Naval training? In Anlar?

I know, Mother, Gideon said. I asked Captain OTuagh and her wife, as well as some of the sailors accompanying them.

The Empress kept her eyes on her youngest son. Her shoulders seem to relax just a bit. Are you really interested in the Naval Academy?

Gideon nodded. I know there are summer programs for those who have reached the age of majority. I can continue to go to Lyce when fall comes.

The Naval Academys summer program is a serious, several month-long training camp for future sailors, the Empress told him. While you will not be required to join the navy after it is completed, there is that expectation. Are you willing to join the navy?

Gideon seemed to hesitate. Tori watched, wanting to know as well.

I am still unsure, he said, honestly. But I want to try.

Once you join the program, you cannot leave easily, the Empress said. Unless you do exceptionally poorly and are forcibly discharged, you will be expected to continue with it. Escape is treated as an offense and there will be consequences.

Gideon nodded once more. I understand, Mother. I am willing to go through the several month-long academy training.

You will not receive leave to come back during training. This means you will miss my banquet, the Empress said, frowning.

I will see you once I return, Mother. It is only for a few months, and I will still have time before Lyce resumes to spend time at home. Gideon was insistent. It appeared as if he had considered it as seriously as he said.

The Empress knit her brows together. She took a deep breath and studied her son before turning her head away. When we return to the palace, we will discuss this with your father first. If he agrees, we will contact Marquess OTuagh for assistance.

A wide smile appeared on Gideons lips. Thank you, Mother!

Your father hasnt agreed yet, she told him, her voice firm. She turned around and saw Tori approaching them. Her eyes lit up. Lady Tori! Are you also going for a walk?

Just a bit of fresh air and stretching after a long day, Tori said. I was reviewing work for the delta most of the day.

She gave the Empress a smile that was warmly returned. The Empress beckoned her closer to talk and accompany her, and Tori took her arm to do so. However, as the Empress rambled on about Toris mother in their youth, Tori couldnt help but pay more attention to Gideon and Fabian behind them.

When did you come to this decision? Fabian sounded almost hurt. You didnt tell me you wanted to join the Naval Academy.

I didnt know I wanted to until recently, Gideon said, a bit embarrassed. I know its a surprise, but I want to do something other than sit around in the palace over the summer.

But you werent sitting around, Fabian said. Youve been working on the hospital.

The hospitals foundational work is almost complete. It needs to be built and all of that is already in motion. I can start looking for staff in the fall, Gideon told him. Fabian, I want to improve myself.

He didnt know how else to explain it to his loyal knight. Last summer, when Gideon was returning home from Anlar, his mother told him that his brother was starting to take steps towards becoming crown prince. It was as if for the first time in years, a weight was lifted off of Gideons shoulders.

Since then, hed been monitoring his brothers work. As expected, Piers was outstanding. Hed even made large gains in their social circles. Gideon had no doubt that Piers would become crown prince, and thus, Gideon let himself focus on other matters.

For some time, hed put most of his effort on his Lyce Project, even going as far as to lessen his time with his friends. After he was forcibly brought to the delta the first time and saw the progress Lady Guevera had made in such little time, he couldn't help but be ashamed of his own progress.

There were very few people who had the resources Lady Guevera did. Normal students wouldnt dare compare, or had the ability to. However, Gideon was the second prince of Soleil. If anyone in Lyce had more resources than Lady Guevera, it was him. So, he began to focus his energy on the hospital.

He wasnt close to the progress Dimitri seemed to be making, but he was making better progress than he was a year ago. The land had been purchased, the plans for the hospital were made, and construction was going to start soon. Hed learned from Lady Guevera and sought assistance from the guild as soon as he could.

Like hed been told, there were plenty of guild members who didnt go to the delta as they wanted to work closer to home. He took advantage of that and there were plenty of builders available. It wasnt cheap, of course, but it was getting the job done right.

Hed also planned out the phases of his project similar to what hed overheard being done with the delta, by prioritizing parts of his projects and setting target dates. Hed been able to show his brother, who approved. Piers had even complimented him.

Now that his project was progressing smoothly, Gideon could relax a bit. He thought of spending more time with Alessa, but she was busy with her project. She was still struggling, but one of her friends, the merchant who owned the Golden Cow, was able to help through his extensive personal contacts.

Gideon was a bit envious. Though he was a prince and had much more influence, his own personal contacts were limited. It occurred to him that he wasnt doing much else. His brother was busy helping their father and had his own businesses around the city. Axton was not only his brothers personal knight, but also made time to train several times a year at the border and ran the best inns in Soleil.

Even Fabian was working towards improving his swordsmanship and was busy outside of school. Gideon often found himself sitting around, studying. A restlessness had filled him, and it wasnt until he was whale watching and had an opportunity to talk to Captain OTuagh that he considered the Naval Academy.

There, he could learn more skills, including sailing and navigating. He could learn to fight, study sea battles, and make new connections he couldnt make in Horizon, where everyone already knew him as the second prince and treated him as such.

The more Gideon thought about it, the more appealing the Naval Academy was. He could spend three months away and improve himself. He could better assist his brother in the future if he was more capable.

He had some worries. The sailors told him numerous stories about the life-draining Blue Crescent: the month-long intensive training camp for new naval recruits. Those who joined without knowing what to expect or had no prior training suffered much more than those who had gone to the Naval Academy before officially enlisting. Gideon was willing to try.

Im not saying that Im going to enlist, Gideon said as he paced his tent. Fabian sat on the bench in the outer room and watched him with a concerned expression. But I feel that the Naval Academy is a good opportunity for me to gain more experience and knowledge.

Lyce du Soleil is the best school in the empire, Fabian said. What more knowledge do you need?

Then experience, Gideon said, turning around to face him. I want to learn to sail. I want to work with new people who dont know me as the second prince. I want to experience things I cant in Horizon.

Fabian took a deep breath and looked at him. This is very sudden.

Gideon lifted his shoulders helplessly. I dont know when Ill have another chance to do this. Right now, the timing works well. My project is on tract and requires little direct oversight by me while construction is happening. You will be busy; first there is the La Garda exam and afterwards, you will continue drills and training with the knight cadets. All I would do is sit at the palace and do minor tasks assigned to me, such as attending gatherings. It will be more difficult to have such an opportunity later, when I have more responsibilities.

Fabian seemed to furrow his brows. Miss Hart has invited us to visit her hometown. A few others are going with her. Do you not wish to go?

Gideon flinched. He hadnt been able to spend as much time as before with Alessa, but he knew that her home life was a bit in turmoil. Her father is considering remarrying a widow. Alessa doesnt approve. Now is not the time to pay a visit and get caught up in family matters. It is not our place.

It was extremely awkward last summer. The father and daughter had argued. Baron Hart had been frustrated and Alessa was in tears. He and Dimitri didnt know what to do. Gideon couldnt very well order the father and daughter to get along.

From his seat, Fabian looked down. He also knew the situation happening in Alessas hometown. It would embarrass Baron Hart if we were present, wouldnt it?

I tried to look into the widow Baron Hart wishes to marry, Gideon said as he sat down on a wooden chair. He lowered his eyes and shook his head. There is nothing wrong with her. Her family had bad luck with her brothers poor decision to raise prices on their bricks, but she herself hasnt done anything wrong. She seems to be working diligently for the sake of her family.

Fabian lifted his head to look at him. How did she meet the Baron?

From what I found out, it was in town, at a market event the Baron was sponsoring in hopes of promoting local businesses. The Baron approaching the widow first is quite well known in the village, Gideon said.

Miss Hart is worried that the widow is trying to take advantage of her father.

Gideon took a deep breath and crossed his arms over his chest. I also thought about that. Baron Hart is a landed noble, but aside from his title and the small amount of land, he doesnt have any real wealth to be taken advantage of.

Fabian looked down. I dont know much about the situation.

Gideon shook his head. This is not a matter we have a right to interfere in, he said. However, regardless of whether or not Father agrees to let me join the Naval Academy this summer, I will not be joining Alessa in Chetterswickshire.