Chapter 117: Nothing I Say Will Stop You

Chapter 117: Nothing I Say Will Stop You

Inside Tori, there were two wolves. The first wolf said be responsible; work on your project and the delta. Focus your energy there. Helping people makes you feel good. The second wolf said fuck Adrien Rosiek and not in the sexual way. Destroy him to make yourself feel better.

And as Tori pored over the report her brother gave her, the second wolf was winning. She had a sense of urgency, and it was likely due to Adrien going to Chetterswickshire. Her brothers information sources didnt have much to report, but Tori had a bad feeling.

Adrien was seen leaving the manor, without Alessa, but he didnt leave the village. He went to check on garment factories there. That was nothing out of the ordinary for a businessman. Of course, hed need to check in on his investments every now and then.

Her brothers sources said that Adrien wanted to shift the focus of the workers from bootleg puff vests and sleeping bags to everyday clothing. Tori didnt like what that implied. Did he hear about Lions Gates Delta Collection and want to steal it? The clothing was designed for the climate of the delta; it was very casual and relaxed.

It wasnt necessarily something to wear in Horizon.

Tori thought of it as a local style. What youd wear on the beach and around Miami wouldnt be what you wore in Paris or Hong Kong, for the most part. No one was stopping you from wearing what you wanted, but youd get some looks. In addition, the Delta Collection was only sold in the delta for marketing purposes.

She looked down at the pieces of paper in front of her. Each palm-sized card had a type of business under the Golden Cow umbrella. Tori narrowed her eyes. She didnt necessarily have to fight him using Lions Gate. A lot of money was needed for investment, and she didnt want to drag her two friends into a personal battle any more than they already were. Although, if she mentioned it, Ilyana would be happy to fight. Ilyana was much more aggressive than most people thought.

At the moment, Lions Gate competed with Golden Cow through clothing and accessories, as well as outdoor equipment.

Adrien still had cafes, home goods, dry goods, liquor, and a print shop. Henrik and Ilyana told her that they were clustered around Golden Cow Mercantile in the Fourth District. In addition, he had many contacts all over the empire for supplies. He had a small team of people who went around the empire buying things from impoverished nobles and formerly wealthy families that could be resold.

He also had small general stores in towns along major trade routes. And that was only what they knew; there could always be more.

It was very impressive.

Doesnt it make you want to ruin it all?

JP looked up from the other side of the desk with a hint of worry on his face. When he volunteered to be her assistant while she was recovering, he seemed to have noticed a new side of Tori in that she would occasionally say some dark things.

You have a terrifying look on your face.

Its a terrifying time, Tori said, tapping her fingers on the table and keeping her gaze on the little cards. Were growing rapidly and need to strengthen our infrastructure. That requires money. Since I wont depend on my family to support the delta forever, I need other sources of income to pay for continuous development.

You want to compete with the cow?JP furrowed his brows.

When Henrik and Ilyana returned from their errands in Horizon, Ilyana had gone on a tirade about seeing so many stores that belonged to the Cow Man. They were an eyesore, according to Ilyana.

I initially selected the Fourth District for its location, affordability, and foot traffic, but also because the Cow Man is headquartered there and Im petty, Tori said. We were able to get a suitable location, so it was fate.

Henrik said it was expensive.

It was three small shops. Ilyana paid for one store, Henrik paid for a quarter of another store and was in charge of all the paperwork and hiring, and I paid for the rest and remodeling, Tori said. JP looked horrified at the amount of money being used, so she lifted a hand to try to calm him. Ilyana and I are considered two of the wealthiest students in school for a reason. This is our birthday money.

JP looked like he wanted to choke. Your birthday money was enough to buy two stores?

I got money from my parents, my grandparents, godfather, and my brothers, Tori said, sitting up straight. It was enough to buy an entire shopping block in the fourth district. Her sixteenth birthday was special, and the amount given to her reflected that. However, no one really needed to know. And Im spending most of it on Duel. I know its a risk, but its one Im willing to take.

Her would-be assistant ran a hand down his face. According to these, he said as he waved his hand over the desk. The Cow Man isnt in the game business.

Duel wasnt meant to compete with him. I have other ideas. Tori took the piece of paper that said clothing and moved it aside. Lions Gate is already competing with him in clothes and accessories. We have also launched Lions Gate Den, which will compete with his home goods, such as furniture and cookware made here at the delta. She moved that piece of paper to the side, as well.

JP pointed to the remaining pieces of paper. Liquor, cafe, print, and general stores remain.

His general stores are along the major trade routes. I think its quite clever and its something I want to delve into later, Tori said. For now, I want to keep it local and build up a brand that will be recognizable.

Lions Gate is already recognizable, JP told her. Anyone whos anyone in Horizon knows Lions Gate.

They know us for our clothes and accessories. Its limited.

JP nodded and looked at the pieces of paper. You want to expand into something else?

Tori tapped on cafe and liquor. Aside from our chilled coffee and fruit drinks, I can sell regular coffee and tea, which isnt very popular in Soleil, but its something. As for liquor, Kaseys reports say that he deals with wine and beer. He doesnt even have whiskey, fruit wine, or vodka. I doubt he has tequila or rum.

JP cocked his head to the side. What are those?

Hard liquor, best only drunk in moderation.

Do you plan to open a tavern?

No. Tori looked disgusted at the thought. Taverns need more workers, and we have to cook and serve food. It's too much trouble. Not to mention people get drunk and when people are drunk, they do questionable things. Things like harassing workers and ruining property. I plan to sell them by the bottle in a tasteful private tasting room to be enjoyed later in their homes. Let them get drunk elsewhere.

He seemed to be uncertain of her idea. You want to do this tasting room at Duel?

Of course not. Duel is different. Ideally, the wine should be sold in the Second District, near our flagship store or the Central Districts shopping area.

The Central District was easily the most expensive place to live and shop in Horizon. Many embassies and government buildings were in the Central District and the First District beside it. Anything being sold there was considered high end or rare, and thus expensive. Several teenagers trying to open a store, no matter what their background, would struggle to get a foothold in the Central District.

The cost was high, and the competition was fierce.

JP let out a low whistle. Those arent cheap locations, Tori. Even renting is expensive. And people who own property there arent willing to sell.

Tori nodded. I know. I dont need a large space or a storefront on a plaza or main road. Something discreet off a side street is better for the atmosphere.

Have you thought this through enough? There is a lot to do. There are permits for alcohol sales, registration with the empire, not to mention you need to purchase what youre going to sell. The most difficult part is securing a location if you want it in the Central District.

Is it? Tori raised her brows. She leaned forward. Do you know who owns the majority of the Central District? JP furrowed his brows and shook his head. Various members of the imperial family.

JPs eyes widened. Are you going to ask Prince Piers?

Tori clicked her tongue and frowned. Why does everyone think Im going to get help from him?

JP gave her an incredulous look. Youre really going to pretend that you dont?

I didnt say I didnt. Im just saying that this and that are different. Tori brushed it off, though she was a little guilty. She was self-aware enough to know that she depended on Piers for a lot. No, Ive got a business proposition for his Aunt Celine.

JPs eyes went wide and he almost gasped. Princess Celine du Soleil?

Yes.

Horizons most infamous socialite?

Yes-infamous?

The Silver Storm?

Tori drew her head back a bit and her voice dropped. Why are you calling her that?

Because everyone knows that Princess Celine is difficult to handle. JP ran a hand down his face. She was raised strictly under the hand of her grandmother, the late Empress Henrietta. She was quite a wild child and rebelled when she entered Lyce. She didnt listen to what her father or brother told her and even abandoned her imperial duties. Everyone says shes just going around Soleil, doing whatever she wants with little regard for her position.

Tori knew that much already. She slowly nodded her head. Where does she stand on alcohol?

Her friend looked at her as if she were dumb. What does that matter?

It matters because I want her to be interested in my business proposal.

Youre still going to try? He looked both frustrated and pained and Tori tried not to laugh.

JP, this isnt just to irritate Adrien Rosiek. Thats a bonus. This is also to earn money to support the delta, Tori told him in a serious voice. Besides, trying is better than doing nothing. The worst she can do is say no.

Nothing I say will stop you, so you do what you want, JP replied in a dull voice. Though, Princess Celine is said to be traveling constantly. How are you going to contact her?Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

...Piers.

I knew it!

He suggested I get in contact with her! Tori countered. Albert was there. You can check with him.

JP rolled his eyes. Youre already so busy and just got a county to govern. Now, you want to take a bunch of risks to compete with the Cow Man.

Ill also need you to prepare to go back to the printer in Horizon in a few days, as I need to take a census of Viclya and need many copies of a form made. You can take a carriage.

Understood.

Before that, Id like you to give suggestions on where ramps for wheelchairs can be added for ease of mobility. Chat with the elderly villagers; they like you.

All right. There really should be something built along the landing dock below the promenade. Ive seen pictures of how horses are loaded into boats that I want to talk to you about, JP told her.

Tori nodded. Great. Well schedule a time. Fine details of Viclya can be done during the winter, when we have little tourist traffic, but we need to make plans now.

Did you hire JP on as your aide permanently? Albert said with a chuckle.

Why do you think hes eating for free? Tori replied with a raised brow.

JP grinned. Being Toris personal assistant was something he was interested in after the last few weeks. In addition to being paid, it was interesting. Aside from Ewan, whos training, everyone at this table is working here except you. Ilyana and the others muffled their laughter.

I already work hard! Who do you think ran across the palace the last week and a half to get reference materials for Tori? Albert was aggrieved. Ive been so busy, Ive gotten thinner! I havent been able to eat properly.

Why dont you just buy lunch and bring it with you? Your choices outside the staff commons will be better, Sonia said, as if it were obvious.

I dont have to pay for lunch at the staff commons.

So cheap. You get paid, JP reminded him.

Not a lot!

What are you spending your money on? Constantine asked, appearing curious. His eyes widened. Did you finally get a girlfriend?

No-finally? Albert scowled.

Ilyanas face lit up as she looked at him with wide eyes. Why didnt you tell us? Do we know her?

Henrik rolled his eyes. If Albert had a girlfriend, he wouldnt be sitting here with us now.

A series of mumbles sounded in agreement. JP nodded along with everyone elses understanding expressions as Albert looked at them incredulously.

Are you all really my friends....?

Were guessing. Why would you be lacking money? You dont pay for your transportation, Tori said aloud. Piers has a carriage pick you up and drop you off on your workdays.

You also come here in one of the imperial carriages, even if His Highness isnt here, JP added. He narrowed his eyes.

Does that come out of your pay?

No, since Im dropping off things to Tori, I get to use the carriage, Albert said as he slumped back. After my father found out I was going to be an intern for Prince Piers this summer, he stopped my allowance. If I want to buy anything, I have to pay for it myself. Food included. The restaurants and cafes near the palace are expensive.

The high cost was expected of the Central and First Districts. Most of the people who worked there worked for the government, the imperial family, or high-ranking nobles. Or were high ranking nobles themselves. They had money to spend, but an intern like Albert wouldnt be able to afford to eat out every day on his intern salary.

Then you can make your own lunch to bring. Ewan suggested after some thought.

JP looked over at him. Ewan, Albert doesnt know how to cook. He paused and looked over at Albert, uncertain. Do you? Albert was an aristocratic son; JP doubted hed set foot into a kitchen when it didnt involve eating Toris food. He and Sonia knew how to cook simple food, as their mother was a chef. Ewan did, as well, as he babysat often and had to feed his nephews and niece.

Albert let out a huff. When would I have a chance to cook?

Thats a no. Sonia confirmed.

Tori furrowed her brows. Its a good skill to have. It doesnt have to be anything complicated, but as a means of survival, you should be able to cook something edible.

To be fair, Tori, Albert being an aristocrats son would limit his opportunity to learn to cook, Constantine said with a slight cringe. There were plenty of new clergy who came from well-off families who had no idea what to do when it was their turn in the communal kitchen. There were many fires, broken plates, and undercooked or burnt food.

Then, its good that Albert is young and has time to learn, right? Tori said, looking at Albert.

But...I also lack time.... he replied as he shifted his eyes.

JP sighed. Its not that its too difficult, but he does need time. It isnt necessary for him to learn since there are cooks at home. He should learn, but he also needs time and hes busy.

Henrik nodded. He also had a cook at home and didnt know how to cook and his older friends knew that. Many children from well-off families are like that. Youre interested in cooking and like to experiment, but do your brothers know how to cook?

Tori raised a brow. She tilted her head back. Sebby! Do you know how to cook?

Of course!

Kasey?

Yes.

Papa, what about you?

There was a low chuckle, and her father wore a smug look. Why do you think your mama married me?

Your face, his wife replied before taking a sip of wine.

Tori grinned and looked back at the table with an I-told-you-so expression. Henrik furrowed his brows. All right, but that could just be a Guevera trait.

All children of marches should know how to cook basic food, especially outdoors, due to the nature of our service, Lady Bridget told them with some confidence. We must always be prepared. She paused and squinted. Although Monica was never very...good at it.

JP sat up straight. Then, lets not count the marches. We all saw the second prince during our excursion.

Well...we did lose our foodstuffs that we packed.... Constantine said with blank eyes, as if remembering a disappointing memory. All we had were fish that Miss Hart caught. They were burnt.

JP forgot that Constantine was in that group. He felt a bit of pity for him having to have dealt with that while they were gorging on pasta and charcuterie platters. Sonia patted Constantines shoulder sympathetically.

Can Prince Piers cook? Sonia suddenly asked aloud. They looked towards Albert, who shrugged and looked at Tori. She furrowed her brows and seemed to try to remember if shed seen him cook.

I can. A mans voice answered them, and they turned towards the entrance of the restaurant.

What are you doing here? Tori asked.

Yes, whatare you doing here? Marquis Gueveras suspicious voice called out as his eyes narrowed.

Marquis. Prince Piers stopped a few paces away from their table and turned to face the table where Toris family was. He bowed his head. Good evening.

Marquis Guevera lifted his nose. Your Highness.

You said you were busy, Tori said as she turned in her wheelchair. And didnt plan to come back until the next party.

Prince Piers lowered his head and nodded. I wanted to schedule your interviews with the potential county aides.

That couldve been done through a call, Lord Sebastian said in a firm voice.

Tori seemed to give her brother a look before turning back to Prince Piers. Do you have JPs comcry registered? Hes my personal assistant this summer and works on my schedule.

I will register it later, Prince Piers said. He shifted awkwardly where he stood and everyone seemed to watch, waiting for him to speak.

Was there something else? Tori asked with a raised brow.

Today was a Chamber meeting, Prince Piers told them. JP glanced towards Albert, who nodded in confirmation. There has been news from the representative from Chetterswickshire.

At the name of the town, JP sat up straight. Something told him it wasnt good news.

Does it have to do with Miss Hart? Ilyana asked. She said what they were all thinking.

Prince Piers gave a nod and lifted his head so they could see his eyes.

Baron Hart retired from his position. Alessa Hart has become Baroness Hart.