Chapter 110: There Are Plays That Make More Sense

Chapter 110: There Are Plays That Make More Sense

For a moment, she forgot to breathe. Toris mouth was agape as she stared at the Empress. She couldnt help such a rude action, but her mind went blank. Fabian not taking the La Garda exam was not processed.

She had figured two routes for Fabian: one where he chose not to enter La Garda to stay with Alessa, and the other where Alessa failed to accumulate enough romance points and so Fabian continued his life path.

However, she was certain that Fabian would enter La Garda. It was to the point where Tori didnt think romance points mattered. She knew how desperate he was to prove himself. Not to mention how much he goaded Ewan and was trying to challenge him. There was no way Fabian would give up without warning so close to the exams.

Fabian didnt spend months under the brutal tutorage of that Duraga agent....

Oh. Tori's mind settled quickly. She blinked and turned her gaze back to her plate and put on an air of casual indifference. No wonder Ewan didnt see him. Did he go to Osten for summer training?

No, he went to Anlar, the Empress said, smiling a bit. He followed Gideon.

Toris eyes flickered across the table. He caught her gaze for a moment before responding with a brief nod acknowledging her suspicion.

Fabian chose not to enter La Garda because he knew he was implicated by his master and if it was found out, the consequences were dire. If La Garda was not an option, he could wait to join the knight cadets after Lyce or find a different path through the military to give him an acceptable background as a personal knight and aide. Since Gideon decided to go to the Naval Academy, then it made sense for Fabian to go with him.

Not only would it still give him some prestige, but following Gideon to the Naval Academy was an action worthy of a personal knight.

Tori nodded to herself. She wasnt sure if it was purely for professional reasons and pride, or if part of Fabian sincerely wanted to be at Gideons side, supporting him when he was far from home.

Thats admirable, Tori said. Although, I hope they know theyre not in for an easy time. Everyone in Moss Hill told me the Naval Academy is so intense, new recruits often get sick after training the first few weeks. That tidbit was proudly told to her by Ava. Tori didnt know how her little cousin even knew that.

The Empress let out a little snort. They will be fine. Fabians been practicing swordsmanship for years and Gideon has the blood of marquis in him! I would be embarrassed if he were sent home.

Mother, he also has Soleil blood, Piers said with a blank expression.

The Emperor paused in the middle of a drink and cast some side-eye at his eldest son. Oh, youve learned to have humor now.

Ive always been funny.

Tori lowered her head to hide her smile. Is the second prince planning to transfer to the Naval Academy? Please say yes. Please say yes. Sixteen was the age of majority; Gideon could transfer himself out if he wished.

No.

Dammit all.

However, if this summer goes well, he will likely join again next summer, the Emperor said. He was very earnest about going. I rarely see Gideon like this unless it involves Piers.

Several eyes moved over the first prince and Tori saw him stab at his food.

He has not called home to complain once, the Empress said, almost proud of this. Tori gave her a strained smile.

Thats a terrible measure of status. Do you think he may want to join the navy when he graduates Lyce?

The Empress let out a tired sigh. Well see how this summers training tempers him.

The corner of the Emperors mouth rose. There have been sailors in the imperial family before. This is not unheard of.

My Aunt Celine transferred to the Naval Academy for her third and fourth year, then went on a tour, Piers said before taking a bite of a vegetable.

The Emperor sneered. Yes. One tour. Then she said she was tired and gallivanted around the empire with her lovers, abandoning all her imperial duties-

Darling, you know Celine has no affinity for political or economic work. The Empress reached over and gently patted her husbands arm. She prefers to live free.

I dont mind her living free, but she could at least live free with her own money.

Tori held back a laugh. Now the conversation sounded more familiar.

Speaking of Aunt Celine, I think we should invite her next Spring Festival to Viclya, Piers said, looking towards Tori. Aunt Celine is the most famous socialite in Soleil. If she likes Viclya, its popularity will spread.

Tori had heard the womans name a few times, but didnt know she was that famous. Then again, it wasnt as if she really dabbled in elite circles outside of being a young merchant and her work in the delta. From what she knew of Piers aunt, the Emperors younger sister and only sibling, she stepped away from any work the imperial family could throw at her and preferred to live as a common, wealthy lady traveling Soleil and indulging herself with her two long-term lovers.

Soleil did not allow for multiple spouses at once; it could get ugly with inheritance and property amongst extended family, but there were poly-amorous people. It wasnt common, but Princess Celine had been with her two lovers since Piers was a child. He referred to them as Auntie and Uncle, as well.

The portraits of Princess Celine and her family had them in bright, extravagant clothing and posing. Tori could respect the glamor, but it was a bit much for her personal taste.

I think we should wait until Viclyas infrastructure can accommodate more people. If Princess Celine does spread news of it, I dont want to be overwhelmed at once, Tori said. Piers gave her a small nod.

Oh, Tori, Ilyana told me that you were establishing a recreational center for workers? Albert asked, leaning forward with bright eyes. Will there be anything like that open for guests?

The recreation center is for the workers to relax. Its another benefit to keep them after their initial work contracts are up.

Is it necessary to lure them? Albert raised a brow. They get paid more than I do.

You're an intern, not a master craftsman, Tori reminded him with a dull look. And yes. Viclya is still building its foundation. We have a lot more to do and its going to take longer than my Lyce project. When I leave, I plan to hand things over to the village council weve been grooming to continue building it.

Lady Tori, why is it that only the workers get a recreational center? Instructor Ignatius frowned. Is that not unfair to the villagers? Since he moved his residence registration, he was now officially a resident of Viclya and thus a villager.

It is in phase three. Initially, we didnt plan to build a recreation center for workers, and by extension, knights, but there isnt much else for them to do at the delta, but work. Monotony and challenging work conditions can negatively affect people. Aside from stress, which can make them prone to sickness, it can be mentally taxing. People lose their patience and are easier to anger. They are more prone to depression, frustration, and anxiety. Sometimes even violence. The recreation center was added to give them an outlet; something to look forward to other than a meal and a few coins. They can socialize, have friendly competitions, and let out excess energy. It may not help everyone, but it is better than nothing.

That is very thoughtful of you, Lady Guevera, the Emperor said. I did not know there was a recreation center.

We were working on it after the last boat race, where the knights cheated us. They had been racing without telling us, Tori said. The Empress let out a small snort of dissatisfaction as she remembered.

They couldve warned us first.

What does the recreation center have? The Emperor asked. Tori opened her mouth to reply, but slowly closed it. If she told them, would they want to come again? It seemed the Emperor read her concerns and smirked. I am curious. Perhaps we can have something built here. For the knights.

Piers gave his father a glance and almost sneered, not believing his fathers words.

Tori had to answer. We started off with the usual: chess, darts, billiards. Then we organized an outrigger racing association of sorts. Were organizing fishing trips further out into the lagoon. I also told them to encourage spaces where workers who play instruments can get together and play.

The Emperor and Empress gave her thoughtful nods. Those were indeed sensible activities.

What about the ax throwing? Albert beamed and Tori snapped her head towards him and gave him the same sharp, silencing look her mom gave her when she said something she wasnt supposed to. Albert sucked in a sharp breath and lowered his head, pretending he didnt say anything.

Ax...throwing? The sweet, and interested, voice of the Empress came from beside her and Tori silently cursed Albert.

We...take scrap wood and compress them into thick, large squares to use as targets. The idea is similar to an archery range, except that the players hurl axes at the targets. Tori had been to one for a work group outing in her original world and it was great. Very cathartic, but she was terrible at it. She turned back to the Empress and smiled. Shall I send you a target and some axes?

Would you? The Empress looked pleased and then looked at her husband with a satisfied expression.

Is there anything else you can offer? the Emperor asked carefully.

Im looking into a wrestling ring and perhaps one for boxing, Tori replied at once. The Emperor frowned and Tori scrambled to think of something else. Or bocce ball? Do you know bocce ball?

It took some time, but Tori and the Emperor managed to divert the Empress attention. Instructor Ignatius was escorted to a room to rest, though he had tried to talk them into letting him return to the delta that afternoon. A look from the Empress killed that idea immediately. Piers sent Albert out to pull some reference logs from one of the imperial archives. He was to leave them on Piers desk and afterwards, he was done for the week, but was to return before dawn if he wanted a ride to Viclya.

If there were steps, she needed to be carried down. Someone had to carry her on and off the carriage. The wheelchair wasnt as smooth and easy to maneuver as the ones in her original world; she got tired after a while.

She also knew that shed be limited in Viclya. Shed be able to get around her tent and on the wooden pathways around the encampment, as well as wander up and down the stone-lined promenade, but going down to the beach? Getting on and off a boat? The logistics were messy.

But there was nothing she could do.

The carriage approached the encampment. The main road went beside the portion of the encampment near her tent. A roundabout had been created to allow for traffic to continue forward while a carriage or two could stop next to the encampment.

Tori leaned out the window and could see a group of people gathered by the main walkway, waiting for her along with her Brother and Idunn who were handing their horses off to some grooms. For a moment, she shrank back in her seat, uncomfortable with the attention. All her friends, and all Viclya, knew that she temporarily couldnt walk, but she was sure seeing her in person, on a wheelchair, would be a different matter.

The carriage came to a stop and the footman jumped off. The door opened and Instructor Ignatius and Albert came down first. Tori could see Ilyana craning her neck to look inside. Piers stuck his head out of the carriage.

Bring down her chair, he said. Her wheelchair was covered with a tarp and attached to the back of the carriage. Two knights dismounted and brought the wheelchair towards the door. As one held the wheelchair steady, the other walked to the door of the carriage. Piers turned towards her and bent down to pick her up.

Tori raised her arms and hooked them around his neck as one arm went beneath her knees and the other behind her shoulders. Her eyes narrowed. Dont drop me. Just because she couldnt feel the pain in her legs when he dropped her in the cabin didnt mean that she forgot.

I wont.

He only needed to carry her to the door, and then a knight reached up to take her. As Tori unhooked her arms from Piers neck and looked towards her friends, she put on a bright smile. Im back!

She hoped that an energetic attitude would ease their discomfort, but instead, Ilyana let out a wail and rushed to hug her as soon as she was placed on the wheelchair. She threw her arms around Tori and pressed her head against her shoulder.

Why did you push yourself? You know how dangerous crystal fatigue is!

This is worse than crystal fatigue. Henrik sounded upset. Its crystal shock. Tori, what were you thinking? This isnt like you.

Tori tilted her head back and lifted an arm to stroke Ilyanas back as she looked over her shoulder, towards the rest of her friends. It was a dire situation. I already told you. If I didnt act, we wouldve been slaughtered in our sleep.

Sonias lips were in a tight line. I still cant believe this happened. Runaways, kidnapping, poachers, then a revenge plot.

There are plays that make more sense, JP said, his arms crossed.

Tori chuckled and gently pried Ilyana off her. Yes, well, I didnt expect my summer to be so convoluted.

Whats important is that youre back and safe, Constantine told her with some worry across his brow. We had changes made around the area to accommodate your wheelchair.

Tori, go and rest in your tent. Youve had a long journey, Sebastian said as he walked beside her. He looked over at Piers. Have her things brought to her tent.

Yes, Master.

Dont order around the prince, Idunn chided lightly as she gave him a look. Sebastian looked away, as if he didnt understand.

Hes my pupil. I can order him around as much as I want.

Sebby, Idunn, please go ahead and settle in. Instructor Ignatius-

Im going to Anahata Island! She turned her head and saw her former instructor with his bag over his shoulder, already marching towards the docks. Sebastian let out a small tch.

He acts as if hed been away for a hundred years.

Crystal fanatics think differently, Henrik said.

A knight pushed Tori towards her tent as the others surrounded and followed her. Ilyana, where are your brother and mother?

Riri is at swim lessons and Mom is watching, Ilyana said. Hes improving. Im glad you hired the swim instructors again this summer.

If you live by the water, its important to know how to swim, Tori replied. When they reached Toris tent, two knights were posted by the door. A small ramp had been made to help her get over the small door frame and inside.

Weve installed wooden rails next to your bed to help you get up, Constantine said. As well as rails in your bathing chamber. We moved your desk out a bit and put your chair to the side to accommodate for your wheelchair. There are wooden ramps along curbs and steps along the usual pathways and the promenade.

The project leads, and the village leaders have been made aware of your situation. In order to reduce your burden, they will bring any reports directly to you, Henrik told her.

Ilyana took hold of Toris wheelchair and pushed her around her tent to look around at the changes.

By the way, your cat is with the Baroness, Sonia said as she followed behind. Riri has been watching Alexander for you.

Lady Guevera, a mans voice came from outside the tent. We have received notification from the mouth of the lagoon. A barque The Sirens Ax has entered the lagoon and will be arriving at sunset.

Thats Bridgets ship, Sebastian said from the front room of the tent. They got here faster than I thought.

Your cousins are arriving? JP asked. I thought we had a few days.

They might not have stopped at ports, Tori said. Ive given them instructions on where to dock. A smaller vessel will pick them up and bring them to the mainland. How are their tents?

Theyre ready. We have a large family tent for them, Henrik said. Similar to what Auntie Lucia and her family use, only there is an extra bed. As per your instruction, weve added another row of tents on the beach to accommodate tourism.

Good. How have our guests taken to the resort tents? Tori asked. She was rolled back out into the front room and Ilyana brought her to her desk.

Theyre popular, especially with families with young children, Henrik said. Guests have clamored for additional reservations at the end of the summer, around the Harvest Festival.

Staff has received many compliments, as well, Ilyana said. They are not overwhelmed and have said that they can manage more visitors.

Late spring to early autumn will likely be our busiest times, as thats when most activities can be done by the water. I want to work on a winter tourism plan and do some tests this coming winter. Tori wanted to get plans in place a few months in advance.

Sebastian chuckled and gave her a thoughtful smile. I thought I told you to rest, but youre doing work the moment you arrive.

Work has been waiting for me, Tori said. This is important.

I know, her brother replied. But you must remember to take care of yourself. Dont overwork immediately.

Tori, were happy to help you if you need it, Sonia said beside her. JP and I can help.

Tori gave them a big grin. I do have some things for you to do, but I need to sort it out first. Most of it has to do with the party next week. Ill need help with all the guests. Aside from my cousins and the rest of my family, there are a few people who have been supporting Lions Gate, some classmates from Lyce and the Sword Association, Ewans family, Alberts family.

Everyones families, JP said with a smirk. I get it. Dont worry. Well be your hands.

Thanks, everyone!

Tori, your pocket is glowing, Ilyana said as she looked over Toris shoulder. Tori looked down at the pocket of her dress and reached down to take out her comcry.

Her eyes widened and she held her breath as she saw the name appear. She quickly slid her finger across. How is it? she asked. Part of her was confident, but there was always a chance shed be wrong. She gripped the comcry in her hand as she, and the others around her stared at Ewans name. They all held their breaths, waiting.

Im accepted. Ewans voice was uncharacteristically quiet, as if stunned. They heard him take a deep breath as his voice trembled. Tori, Im going to La Garda.

While their screaming was contained inside her tent, their energetic voices spilled out into the walkway when Piers lifted the tent flap to enter. The two knights on either side of the entrance almost jumped at the yelling and rapid chatter coming from inside.

Everyone was crowding around Toris comcry, shouting congratulations and reassurances. Sebastian called out, asking why Tori was called before he was. He was Ewans master. Ewan was trying to answer everyone at once, but his voice was lost amongst the fervor of his friends.

Tori put her comcry on the desk and smiled. She let out a content sigh. Its good to be back.