Chapter 116: He Targeted Me First

Chapter 116: He Targeted Me First

In retrospect, she shouldve expected something to change when she turned sixteen. After all, Gideon started to be treated as, and given the responsibilities of, an adult member of the imperial family when he turned sixteen. It was expected that she, as the daughter of a march, would also start to take part in the responsibilities of her familys domain.

She didnt know how much that would change now that she had her own county to deal with, but as the Empress still considered herself a daughter of a march in her current position, Tori felt that the identity and sense of duty remained no matter what.

But is there a benefit to me knowing? Tori asked. If there was a benefit and she could be of minor assistance to Kasen, she didnt mind finding out the details. She just hoped it wouldnt bring her heavy emotional burden.

Her parents and brothers exchanged looks, as if silently discussing. Her father looked back at her.

It would be good for you to be wary.

Were not asking you to go out and join the investigation, Sebastian told her. Just to be aware of what goes on around you.

I am also concerned that since you know some of the parties involved, you could be pulled into it unwillingly, Kasen told her. Ignorance can leave you unprepared.

Tori frowned more so. All right, then if it would be safer to know rather than continue being ignorant, tell me.

We have recently discovered that there are individuals who are using the identities of dead and missing soldiers to move around Soleil, her father told her. As a large empire, it is impossible for us to guard every length of our borders and territories. People slip in and out through unofficial channels despite our best efforts to regulate entry and exit. Were not the only country that experiences this.

The poachers captured are a prime example. A few of them have been using false identities. We had those identities checked and as expected, they were missing and presumed dead soldiers at the eastern border.

Toris eyes squinted. How did you know to check against military records?

Fabian von Dorns instructor was going by Peter Ladis. While trying to arrest him, he confessed that he was using a fake identity. Since he was a swordsman, we checked military records. There were three Peter Ladis, Kasen replied. One is an older former soldier who lost part of his arm. He now oversees one of the stables at a fortress. Another is a young man who just enlisted the year before. The last one went missing in a battle seven years ago. People still remembered him, and their descriptions did not match up to von Dorns instructor. I dont doubt that there are more Peter Ladis who arent in the military, but those who had contact with von Dorns instructor all said he was a former soldier and from the same place as the real Peter Ladis who went missing.

The poachers were the same?

Yes, Kasen replied. They may not have been related, but we believe that the Duraga Federation is using the stolen identities of our dead to infiltrate Soleil.

It wouldnt be that difficult, Antonia said as she sat on a chair. Weve shared a border with them for thousands of years. There are plenty of Duraga people who can pass as someone from Soleil. If they can rid themselves of their accents, its just a matter of playing the part. They wouldnt be questioned.

We dont know how many people have infiltrated Soleil and its likely impossible to find out, her father told her. As your mother said, we have shared a border with them for so long. In addition, there have been people from Duraga who defected to Soleil across the centuries for legitimate reasons, whether they were fleeing war zones or oppression from the Federation. Smaller groups have been exploited by the more powerful ones; this happens in many places. Soleil had alliances with some groups, as well, but the Federation found out...it was genocide. The only thing we can do is investigate connections to those weve already arrested to identify the network.

We suspect that someone has been passing the list of our dead and missing to the enemy to be used for infiltration and other illegal activity, Sebastian told her. Their records are kept within the military, so this is our responsibility. The other marches are also involved.

This is where we want you to be aware of your situation, Kasen said. Since you know von Dorn and were involved with the poachers.

Tori nodded her head slowly. Have you traced von Dorns instructor to a network of infiltrators?

Kasens look darkened. He was a vagabond of sorts. He picked up work where he could find it. It seems that merchant Adrien Rosiek, really did put out an ad looking for a suitable sword master and von Dorns instructor contacted him for the job.

Tori narrowed her eyes once more. But you suspect Adrien Rosiek?

Hes a bit too much of an unscrupulous businessman to be completely innocent. He doesnt have to be a Duraga agent. He could just be collaborating with the enemy for profit, so were watching him, Kasen replied. He gave her a curious look. Do you suspect him?

Im not particularly fond of him and always suspected that he was a dirty merchant, Tori said with a wry smile. He stole my designs and has been very rude to me when weve crossed paths. Even if he isnt involved with the Duraga Federation, I know hes exploited someone.

Then, continue to keep your guard up.

Tori nodded once more and the air around her family eased a bit.

Since Im leaving tomorrow, Mama will take over for the time being, Kasen said. We have split the duties between administrative count and governing noble. We find its a better system and works well in Sur. When there is a larger population and more villages and towns, I recommend installing administrative viscounts, but thats further along in the future.

About a larger population, I expect that more refugees will be sent here in the future, Tori said as her father pushed her close to her desk. The Emperor wants to use me and Im sure resettling refugees is one of the ways. Also, people do not live in isolation. The villagers here have relatives who are still in border areas being attacked.

You would need more resources to support another village and Viclya is still struggling in its infancy, her mother told her with a frown. Will you be able to support another group?

Tori shook her head. Im realistic. I dont think we can with where we are right now. I dont want to turn people away, either. If they have family here, then Id require that family to support them. If they dont have any connections, at best, I can give them lodging and food allocated with approval from the village. We need to make money fast to build a suitable infrastructure to support a new group.

Sebastian raised a brow. But youve already submitted your budget for your Lyce Project.

Tori stuck out her lips and thought for a moment. My Lyce project was to resettle the 1,500 or so refugees in the Cosora Delta. It has nothing to do with my position as the Countess of Cosora. Technically, resettling additional people would be up to my discretion.

The corner of Kasens lip curled up. Where are you going to get the money?

Ill just have to make it. Tori shrugged. This is a good excuse to pay back Mr. Rosiek.

You want to target his business? Sebastian smirked.

Tori narrowed her eyes. He targeted me first. That asshole was dangerous, but if he lost financial resources, hed have some limitations. Tori didnt want to get involved, but things just kept happening and she found herself somehow dragged in. It wouldnt hurt to be a little more proactive, would it?

Its not like she wanted to kill Adrien Rosiek, though the thought did cross her mind. Multiple times.

Killing him financially and restricting his resources was her next best option. She didnt know how or if this would affect Alessa, but since Adrien was supporting Alessa in some manner, his suffering would ultimately cause Alessa some distress.

Alessa got off light after the entire poaching debacle. Not only did she get what she wanted: her father not marrying Madam Voss, but there was little in the way of punishment. At most, it was house arrest and no allowance. She ran away from home and caused a near weeklong search and nearly got herself and two other students killed. Someone was killed. Tori and her brother were both injured, and several people had to recuperate from poisonous gas.

Was Alessa injured? Hardly. Whatever protagonist halo surrounded Alessa was working well. Even those idiots within her circle, like Dimitri and Montan, escaped relatively unscathed.

As for the destroyed carriage, dead horses, and the murdered carriage driver. Who was going to let the family of the carriage driver know and compensate them? Who was going to pay for the damages and dead horses?

Sure as hell not going to be Alessa. Tori clenched her jaw just thinking about it. She didnt find out about the carriage driver until they got back to Horizon. Piers said he would investigate the carriage driver to make sure suitable compensation was at least made to the family. Tori knew it was technically an accident, but she still blamed Alessa.

The only positives to the whole debacle, if they could be counted as such, were that this was a lead in Kasens mission and a poaching ring was ended.

Kasen tapped his finger on the desk. Ill send you what we know of his businesses.

Tori nodded. I look forward to it.

All right, her father said as he put his hands on her shoulders. Tilted her head back to look up at him. Im pleased you have a goal in mind. If there is anything we can do, let us know.

I know, Papa. For now, Kaseys information should be enough to at least target, isolate, and cut off Rosieks sources of income. She doubted shed get all of them. Tori wholeheartedly believed Adrien was shady and had underground dealings. Those werent something she was prepared to get into. Shed just have to cut off the top of the plants and hope the roots wither.

Since Kasen is going to Horizon tomorrow, lets enjoy a nice family meal. I saw Bridget and Lucia by the resort tents, and they said theyll come for dinner, Gregorio said.

Papa, if you need to work, Ill have another table moved here. However, you must take some time to rest and enjoy Viclya, Tori told him. We worked very hard to create an enjoyable, relaxing environment.

Her father chuckled and patted her head. Of course, of course, he assured. I have plans to do so. He reached into his coat pocket and took out a few folded sheets of paper. Tori recognized it as the activity guide that Ilyana had to give them. Gregorio placed it on the desk and smoothed it out. He gave his daughter a big, toothy grin. Tell Papa what youd recommend.

No. Lord Kasens voice was firm, and his blue eyes looked down at his younger sister without a hint of pity. You should remain here until you can walk again. Idunns cousin will be arriving soon to help you recover.

Ilyana stood to the side with Henrik, watching the two siblings without a word. She didnt expect that Lord Kasen was going to Horizon that day, but at dinner the night before, Tori told them her brother had to go back to work, so hed accompany them on horseback back to Horizon.

Ilyana barely contained her excitement. She knew she didnt have a chance with Lord Kasen. He was older, handsome, and intelligent. There were plenty of people who were eyeing him. In addition, she was his little sisters best friend. That was a sacred position. Ilyana had no hope, but that didnt mean she couldnt look.

I havent seen the new store, Tori said, frowning. Ive only seen the facade, but when we bought it, the building had yet to be renovated. I just want to see how far theyve come.

Lord Kasen shook his head. A construction site is no place for you right now.

Tori looked affronted and threw her arms in the air. The entire delta is a construction site!

You know what I mean.

Toris face showed her displeasure as she sat in front of them, right beside the carriages. Her eyes were narrowed, and she leaned back against her wheelchair with a frown across her lips. Ilyana took a deep breath and tried to remain reasonable.

Dont think of it as remaining here for your safety, she said, ignoring Lord Kasens initial argument on why Tori should remain in the delta until she could walk again. Think of how troublesome it is to get in and out of the carriage and around on a wheelchair. We dont know what the interior is like; there are all sorts of debris all over.

Ilyanas right. Henrik jumped in. Duel has two stories. Theyre still gutting the buildings and the ramp hasnt been built. You wont be able to go up to the upper floor without having someone to carry you. Not to mention, the presses just came in and the storefront is still under construction. It wont be much to look at.

Its cumbersome and dangerous, Ilyana told her. Youll be able to inspect Duel in a month or so, once you can walk again.

Tori let out a heavy breath and blew some stray curls out of her face. Fine.

Lord Kasen looked taken aback, but carefully moved his comcry over hers to register. Once it was completed, Ilyana carefully brought her comcry back to her, as if it had been blessed. She didnt see Henriks eyes narrow with some distaste.

Lord Kasen didnt seem to think anything of her unusual reaction and confirmed meeting them in the morning. He then got back on his horse and headed away with two knights.

You look like youve just received a valuable treasure, Henrik said as he looked at her. Ilyana shot him a sharp look.

Im just surprised that he was willing to register his comcry with ours!

Why wouldnt he? Its more convenient, Henrik said as he headed towards the door of the middle house, which was open and guarded. He can also reach us if he cant get through to Tori. Think of it as an emergency contact.

Ilyana puffed out her cheeks. She knew that, but she still treasured Lord Kasens comcry registration.

Mr. Skuldsen! Miss Agafonova! The cheerful voice of Guild Master Blomgard called out to them, and she looked up. Guild Master Kivinen was with him as well and Ilyana was glad to see him, as she was sure Tori would have questions.

Guild Masters! Good afternoon! Henrik greeted them as they reached the main door. Ilyana looked around and faced the other side of the street. The Cow Mans cafe that Henrik pointed out wasnt too far from where they were, and Ilyana frowned at the sight of it. Right beside it was the wine shop.

The Cow Man had a significant presence, but it only annoyed Ilyana.

As she turned around, she saw the door to the wine shop open. A wealthy looking woman came out, appearing pleased, and her maid called for their carriage. However, Ilyana wasnt paying attention to the woman.

Her eyes were on the pretty young blonde behind them, directing a man carrying a crate of wine. Shed only seen the blonde a few times, as she didnt go to Lyce.

Henrik, is that your sister? Ilyana said aloud and glanced over her shoulder.

Henrik turned around, already halfway up the steps to the store. He followed her gaze down the street and squinted behind his glasses. She said she had a job at a shop in town this summer.

Ilyana huffed and frowned with disapproval. With the Golden Cow?

Henrik shook his head and gave her a light shrug. Annika doesnt pay attention or care about our business dealings. Our father approved for her to get a job over the summer outside of our own shops, so she can be tempered and not depend on the grace of the family.

Ilyana wrinkled her nose. I suppose that makes sense. Nepotism could alter her work ethic.

Henrik turned back and continued up the stairs. Leave her be. Its only a summer job.

Ilyana nodded before sliding her thumb over her comcry and lifting it closer to her mouth. Call Victoria de Guevera.

He what? Tori looked up from her desk, where she was putting together a massive chart of departments for the Cosora Deltas infrastructure. She stared at the open comcry on the corner.

He left the city over a week ago and our people said he stopped in Chetterswickshire, Kasens voice came over the comcry and Tori took a deep breath.

What the hell is he doing in Chetterswickshire.... She whispered under her breath, but a small voice in the back of her mind screamed out Alessa. She drew her lips inward and bit them.

Do they know why he went?

She heard her brother scoff. Why do you think?

Alessa Hart?

He was spotted going to Hart Manor.

Of course, he was.... Tori tilted her head back and rubbed her forehead. Do you know if he has any connection to what happened to Hart?

Such as?

Financially supporting her in some way, including paying for things. Tori lowered her arm and narrowed her eyes at her tent ceiling. Madam Voss told me she had guards with her when she came from Horizon. I highly doubt Baron Hart would be able to pay for a rental carriage, driver, lodging, food, and guards.

The Prime Ministers son and Montan Alvere were with her. One of them could have paid for it.

It wasnt Alvere. He wouldnt be working part-time at a stationery store if he had money. Guthry is the likely suspect, but he had gone in secret. Guards wouldve notified his parents. I think its worth it to find out who paid for everything.

Do you suspect that he had something to do with the poachers?

Tori snorted. No, I dont. I think that was an unfortunate accident. Alessa was in serious trouble when poachers caught them. Adrien wouldnt put her in such a situation. First, Alessa saved his life. Second, and more importantly, Adrien was a love interest. He wouldnt put Alessa in needless danger.

Tori was convinced that the poaching was part of the game, but it went awry somehow. She just couldnt tell her brother that.

Then, Ill have someone look into it, Kasen replied. By the way, how did you know that Montan Alvere works part-time at a stationary store?

Piers people are also watching him.

Kasen scoffed. Did the Alvere boy anger Axton?

No, Tori said, lowering her eyes. We suspect that Duke Alvere has been abusing him. Her brother was quiet, and Toris eyes flickered to the comcry once more. Without being asked, she told her brother about what shed observed and what the doctors found when they were checking Alessa, Dimitri, and Montan after they were saved.

Kasen remained quiet for a moment longer. Im not surprised.

Tori cocked her head to the side. Did you expect it?

Kasen took a deep breath. Duke Alvere lost his mind when Duchess Alvere died.

Toris eyes crinkled up. What do you mean?

His businesses suffered, including the one he brought into the marriage which his father had started. Sun Garden went into isolation. Duke Alvere wouldnt see anyone. If he were meeting with others, hed go to Horizon. He also tried to get Axton back from the Empress multiple times. I heard that the Empress took away everything of value to be saved for Axton, so he wanted Axton back so the things the Empress took away would be returned.

You can imagine how angry he was each time he was rejected. While Axton was in Lyce, hed crossed paths with Duke Alvere a few times and none of them were positive. The Duke seemed to be getting increasingly unreasonable. Erratic. Id expect him to take his anger out on whoever he could get his hands on, though I didnt expect it to be his second son.

Axtons lawyers are taking back Sun Garden and his title, Tori said. We were concerned that Duke Alvere would lash out because of this.

The mans such a fool, Kasen said. Mama was right about him.

What did she say?

That he was weak-willed and would be manipulated to ruin, Kasen replied. Mama said that she couldnt trust him to be faithful to Duchess Alvere from the beginning.

Tori let out a small huff. Shed been in that position and her warnings were ignored. She could only take so many two hour-long midnight phone calls trying to calm a sobbing friend who thought their partner was cheating on them. You can warn a person that fire burns, but theyll still want to touch the flame themselves.

Ill look into Adrien Rosieks possible connection to Alessa Hart this summer, Kasen said. Im going to stay in Horizon a few more days and then come back. Ill send the folio with Rosieks business dealings with your friends.

All right. Thank you, Kasey.

By the way, when you said you were opening a print shop for your games, I didnt think youd buy three separate shops.

The area of the individual shops was too small, so buying three that are next to each other and turning it into one large shop works out best.

Is that why you asked for an advance on your birthday money?

Tori pursed her lips. When he said it like that, she felt like a spoiled brat. Yes, I wanted to buy the property. Im not done either. I want some more property around it, but were waiting to see if anyone sells.

All of this just to print and sell games?

Kasey, you have to trust me and my vision, Tori said. Horizon has a large population that is looking for something new to do and if I can provide that, I can make money to support my county.

...with adventure games? He sounded doubtful. Tori rolled her eyes.

Did you have fun on my birthday playing the spy game?

Yes. Shed seen him revel in beating others.

Do you think everyone who played enjoyed it to some degree? At least before Piers took hold of the secret message and ruined everyones day?

Her brother paused for a moment. Everyone was excited, yes. Even Mama was having fun.

Exactly, Tori said. Im going to build an empire of fun and leisure.