Chapter 119: And They Were Wrong

Chapter 119: And They Were Wrong

Ilyanas birthday was fast approaching and to ease Toris burden, she decided that she was going to plan the party herself. Or rather, take over what Tori had planned and confirm the final details. At first, Tori didnt think it was fair, as she planned everyone elses birthday party. Ewan and the others werent troubled with the details. They just sat back and enjoyed themselves.

Ilyana was not only her first friend in Soleil, but also her best friend. She deserved a stress-free birthday party. However, Ilyana insisted that she would be upset if Tori denied her, so Tori succumbed. She had to fight the urge to constantly check-in on Ilyana and focus on her own recovery.

She had progressed from the wheelchair and on to a walker. Anette recommended that she use a cane, which was common at this stage of recovery in Soleil. Tori was afraid that shed put too much pressure on the cane and buckle, so she had someone build a walker. It was customized so she could stand up straight while using it rather than be bent at an angle.

It had two small wheels at the front, wooden feet in the back, and a small board across it so she could sit. Tori was much more mobile and was able to walk most distances on her own, but after long periods of standing and walking, she had to stop and rest so as not to overexert herself.

The walker attracted the attention of several people, including some elderly villagers, who thought Toris novel walker would be useful for family members whose body control weakened and risked falling. Toris walker also came with a small wicker basket in front, which she put various things in when she was going from place to place. That was more for carrying around things to meetings like her notebooks, writing utensils, and snacks.

Of course, at least one knight accompanied her in case she fell.

Next month is the Empress hunting event celebrating her birthday, JP said as he flipped through a notebook he used for Toris schedule. You agreed to go to the ball the evening after the hunt, but I know youre not...happy with the Emperor right now. Do you want to cancel? You can say youre still recovering.

Tori shook her head. Itll reflect badly on us if I dont go. I just got my peerage; people will talk if I dont attend. Im local and Piers friend. Its too suspicious if I try to avoid it. I cant afford any negative rumors that could affect the delta. Also, Im still the daughter of a march and were bound to the imperial family. We must show our solidarity.

JP sighed. All right. What about the hunt two days before, at the Fekete Duchy? If you leave, we need to schedule it.

I want to, but I cant participate in the hunt, Tori said. I cant ride a horse and I dont know how to use a bow and arrow. I'm also a bit tired of forests this summer. She narrowed her eyes and looked ahead of them.

JP smirked. According to Duchess Fekete, those who attend, but will not participate in the hunt will spend the two days at her familial estate, Granite Tower. Considering who is likely to go, it may be beneficial to at least attend and network with the other guests.

Since we plan on opening Duel this winter, it would be a good opportunity to promote it, Tori said, thinking aloud. The guests for the hunt have deep pockets.

JP nodded. Do you want to attend?

Yes, lets schedule those dates with travel days before and after. Well bring some games; the Duchess son will be interested. By the way, Piers and Axton can bring two more people if you and Sonia are interested in hunting for the Empress honor, Tori said. She glanced over her shoulder and JP seemed to be considering it.

Shooting still targets while mounted isnt the same as shooting animals. They move around and were not used to their movements. We dont have much experience in that sense. Sonia may be interested, though.

The second prince and von Dorn are hunting for the Emperor-

Why didnt you say so? In that case, Sonia and I will take part. JPs eyes seemed to sparkle with anticipation as a predatory look appeared on his face. Im sure we can at least get one game animal.

Piers said that the two knights he selected to guard them that day are experienced trackers and familiar with the area; they should be able to find game in the forest. The second prince likely has the same plan; guards and knight escorts can track, but are prohibited from killing game themselves.

Sonia and I still need to practice. Animals have different moving patterns. If we can get used to it, our chances of kills will improve. I know someone we can ask.

Tori narrowed her eyes. I didnt think youd be this interested.

A little competition is good every now and then, JP replied. Sonia will think its a good challenge.

Have you two ever hunted on horseback before?

JP shook his head. Wed have to go at least a days ride outside of Horizon to find a suitable location. The closer the area to the city, the less likely there is anything to hunt. We also have to register for hunting permits, which has a fee. Its a lot of trouble and neither of our parents know how to hunt, so they cant teach us. We have no guarantee that wed catch anything. It would be a waste of money.

Tori nodded and scrunched her lips. Hunters in Soleil did have to get a yearly permit or join a guild. There were also seasonal restrictions on how much game could be caught, which varied from location to location. Certain animals couldnt be hunted at all. A hunter also had to have a certain level of skill. For hunts on private property, like Duchess Feketes ancestral grounds, such permits and fees werent necessary if one was invited.

I can ask what game youll be hunting. Do people hunt with dogs? She wasnt sure if it was allowed, but plenty of cultures in her original world bred dogs specifically for finding, flushing out, or retrieving prey.

They do, but Sonia and I dont have a dog. The two lapsed into silence, both wondering if anyone they knew had a dog. JP and the others were all raised in the city and didnt have any working dogs. Dogs werent allowed in the imperial stables, apparently.

A dog isnt necessary. Tori brushed off the idea.

The knights will track anyway, its not an inconvenience to go without a dog, JP replied. He wrote something in the notebook. I will send a note to Duchess Fekete to expect you. How many people will be in your party?

You and Sonia, me, and two knights, so five, Tori said.

JP glanced over the top of the notebook. Youre not going to invite the others?

Its not my event. I cant bring too many people; its rude.

He snorted. Plenty of nobles travel with a large entourage.

Aside from knights and a valet or two, have you seen my family travel with such a group? Tori asked as she raised a challenging brow.

JP knit his brows together and then nodded. The only entourage Gueveras had were weapons-wielding knights and two or three servants, who were also proficient in fighting.

Thats fair, JP said. Ill make note of it.

They continued walking down the wooden pathway, back towards Toris tent from the operations tent. Tori had completed three several hour-long meetings with village leaders that day and she still wasnt done.

They reached her tent and Tori looked at the two knights on either side of her tents entrance. Have they arrived?

Yes, my lady. Mr. Sima gave them a tour of the encampment and the promenade when they arrived this morning. They will be returning soon for their interview, one of the knights reported. Tori gave him a nod and walked inside to prepare for her interview.

For the last week, Piers had sent her two people per day. He didnt have a preference; he only selected people who applied who met the requirements they had agreed upon. Kasen and her mother agreed that she should hire two assistants: one to focus on the administrative count duties and the other to focus on infrastructure and public works.

Piers managed to narrow down the applicants to ten candidates and all their relevant information had been sent. Today was the last day of interviews.

Tori took her seat at her desk. Her chair had been moved back and JP placed her walker to the side. She pulled out the folio for one of the candidates and sent JP out to escort the candidate in before they began. The interview would be up to Tori, and JP would be with her. Her mother wanted to sit in, but Tori refused.

She needed to show the interviewee that she was their boss and that she was competent. If her mother was there, the interviewee might unconsciously see her as the authority figure because Antonia was older. After all, Tori was sixteen years old and looked the part of a schoolgirl.

They didnt know that Tori had years in management, and interviewed and hired dozens of people. She understood the assignment.

JP entered with the first applicant of the day, a young lady with suitable experience who studied Soleil law in Universit named Carmen Bustamante. Tori politely greeted her, introduced herself as the Countess of Cosora, and then reviewed her credentials to confirm. After that, she told her what she was expecting from the two positions; asked if she was able to do the duties required of them, what she knew of the administrative duties in marches and other counties; the usual strengths and weaknesses question, as well as what she expected to gain from the position.

Tori then asked about her thoughts on the delta and Viclya, as they would have to move. She didnt hide that living in the delta would be a challenge compared to the convenience in Horizon. Shed already interviewed two or three candidates who appeared hesitant after their initial tour. People who were used to living in the city could have problems adjusting to life in rural Viclya and she couldnt afford too much adjustment time.

The interview lasted almost an hour and Tori was satisfied with the answers she received. She thanked the young lady and walked her to the door of her tent, saying she would contact them next week with the results.

After they left, JP looked over at Tori. Thoughts?

Not bad. Good insight. Capable and driven. She looked very excited to live in a tent, but that novelty could wear off, Tori walked back to her desk and gathered the candidates papers and her notes and put them to the side. But I am considering her.

JP nodded. I also think she would be a good fit. She answered the questions your brother gave you.

Not too quickly and not too slow. I like that she considered the scenarios and questions before answering, Tori said. She reached for the last folio. Send in the next person.

JP walked towards the tent and called for a name. There was some surprise in his voice and Tori looked up. JP was holding the flap of the tent open as a young, brown-haired man with pale eyes rolled himself in.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Good afternoon, Countess Guevera. He had a sunny smile and stopped a few paces away from her desk to bow his head before continuing forward. I am Robert Ingram.

She did not expect a candidate in a wheelchair.

Tori rarely saw people in wheelchairs in the city. Horizon and old cities like it were simply not built to allow for ease of movement for someone in a wheelchair. What was more, wheelchairs were not cheap. The wheelchair bound people shed seen were usually wealthy elderly folks accompanied by a servant.

My lord, your name? she heard the guard ask.

This is Isaac Agafonov, the man said, speaking slowly.

Baron Agafonov? Tori jerked her head back in surprise. Let him in and direct the carriage to the promenade. I will inform Ilyana.

Yes, Countess.

Tori immediately called Ilyana. Tori?

Did you know your father is coming? Tori didnt bother with the greetings. Ilyana sounded surprised.

Hes coming? Hold on. Mom! Ilyana called out to the Baroness and Tori could hear muffled talking in the background. Suddenly, Ilyana answered. Hes coming! He wanted to surprise me for my birthday! Ilyana gushed and Tori couldnt help but smile at her friends reaction.

Well, I just got a call from the gatehouse. His carriage arrived and I told them to send him to the promenade.

Well go at once! Thank you, Tori!

Tori chuckled at Ilyanas excitement. She decided to wait until dinner to meet with Baron Agafonov. Gorask was several weeks away, over mountains. He mustve been tired from his journey, and Ilyana confirmed it. Baron Agafonov was so excited that he couldnt sleep, so as soon as he reached their resort tent, hed fallen asleep.

Ilyana had to apologize to them and excuse her father. It would be best for him to rest instead of being bombarded by Ilyanas friends. Besides, Ilyana was dealing with much of the hospitality and could accommodate her father.

Tori called her other friends one by one to let them know that Ilyanas father had arrived. Henrik said he would arrange the dinner and let them know. Tori also informed her parents. She couldnt help but feel like a child with a playdate and the parents had to meet.

The meeting of the parents went exactly as Tori expected that night. Her parents extended their hands to formally greet Baron Agafonov and commend him on his daughter, who was in good standing with them because of Tori. Baron Agafonov reacted the way his wife had upon meeting the Marquis Guevera and his wife: awkward and nervous.

Ilyana was trying to calm her parents, but Tori could understand their feelings. The ranks and background were too far apart. Tori stood to the side with the others, waiting for their turn to be introduced.

Hes Ilyanas father? Ewans voice was filled with disbelief and Tori drew her lips inward and bit them. It was their first-time meeting Baron Agafonov, as well, but they had expectations. Since Ilyana and Riri were both good-looking, and Ilyanas mother fell madly in love with him, they expected Baron Agafonov to be as good-looking as his children.

And they were wrong.

Reality doused them like ice water, and they could only do their best not to look confused.

It wasnt that Baron Agafonov was bad looking. He was just average. Average height. Average appearance. As average a middle-aged man as could be. He had hair loss and the top of his head was bald, with hair only growing out from the sides. It was long, graying, and tied back at the nape. Compared to his attractive children and wife, it wasunexpected.

Maybe he was better looking in his youth? JP offered under his breath. When he had more hair? Sonia elbowed him to shut him up.

Dad, let me introduce you to my friends! Ilyana looped her arm in her fathers and pulled him towards Tori and the others. The group immediately put on big smiles. Everyone, this is my father, Isaac Agafonov. Dad, this is Tori.

Countess! Baron Agafonov lowered his head at once to greet her. It is an honor to finally meet you. Thank you for taking care of my Ilyana.

It is a pleasure to meet you, as well. And its no trouble at all. Ilyana takes good care of all of us, too, Tori said as she reached forward to stop him from kneeling. She shook his hand and stepped to the side so Ilyana could introduce everyone.

The Baron had heard much about them and after being introduced, hed say something he knew about each teenager. Complimenting Henriks business acumen; congratulating Ewan on La Garda; voicing how impressed he was with the twins Three-Day competition results; and Constantines work with the villagers to make Viclya possible.

And Mr. Martin! He reached towards Albert and shook his hand. For a moment, Tori wondered if he knew anything of interest about Albert. She and the others often teased him for being rather bland, but in a loving way. To be so young and already carrying your weight as an aide to His Royal Highness. Its impressive!

Toris brows rose. The Baron was good at dealing with people. No wonder Ilyanas stepmother fell for him. Kudos to you, Baron Agafonov.

Albert smiled like an idiot and thanked him for his kind words. Its really just an internship....

I know its not much, but I wanted to thank you all for being such good friends with my daughter, the Barons eyes reddened a bit as he motioned for two village porters who were standing to the side. There was a wooden crate at their feet, and they carried it over.

Baron, this is unnecessary, Henrik said, shaking his head.

Ilyana is a good friend of ours, Ewan added. If it werent for her, I wouldnt have passed my La Garda written exams.

In truth, all our Lyce rankings have risen because of Ilyana, Sonia told him quickly. There is no need to thank us, Baron.

They tried to stop him and a step behind him, Ilyanas face was red. Tori grasped her hand and squeezed it. Her thoughts mirrored the others.

No, I want to give these to you. They are small trinkets, really. Common things from Gorask. Think of them as souvenirs! Baron Agafonov tried to ease any discomfort.

Just take them, Ilyana said, stepping forward. My dad is sincere.

With her insistence, the others conceded and accepted the gifts. Henrik got a leather satchel suitable for holding documents and had designated places for pens and inks. Ewan and Albert received some cured reindeer meat because the Baron heard they liked to eat. JP and Sonia received woven hats that covered their ears, which were suitable for riding on cold days, and Constantine got a pen made of reindeer antler.

Countess Guevera, the rest is for you. Baron Agafonov stepped back from the crate and motioned for Tori to look inside.

She glanced at her friends, who were each holding their gifts. She carefully moved her walker closer and peered into the crate. The gap between their gifts and hers was a bit too obvious. Her heart quickened as her eyes widened. All of them?

Baron Agafonov smiled, appearing a bit earnest. Is it to your liking, my lady? Ilyana says that you are a gifted crystal user training under a master. I hope these will be useful to you.

Their friends gathered around the crate and looked inside. The light crystals illuminating the area in front of the restaurant made the contents of the crate visible. Nearly the entire bottom half of the crate were various crystals of different sizes in raw and tumbled forms. At a glance, Tori could identify most of them, but there were a few she hadnt seen before.

What was more impressive was that she could feel energy coming off the crystals without trying. Instructor Ignatius and Master are going to be so jealous.... Baron Agafonov, this is a lot of crystals.... Despite her excitement, she didnt know if she could accept all of it. This was very generous, and Ilyana was the one who befriended her.

Baron Agafonov waved his hand, dismissing her hesitation. It would be an honor to give the Countess of Cosora a few crystals.

This is a few....? Ewan said, his eyes widened. Sonia elbowed him, as well.

Tori, you must accept it, Ilyana said, taking her hands. Dad had these picked out of our mines and collected from partners. He has been meaning to give you something for a while.

Countess, I have not forgotten what you did for Ilyana on her winter break your first year, the Baron said. Please accept.

Tori took a deep breath, looked at the crystals, and then nodded. Then, you have my thanks, Baron. I hope you enjoy your stay here in our village. She lifted her hand, and two knights immediately came forward. Please bring this to my tent. Ill sort them on Anahata Island with my masters.

Yes, my lady.

The crate was closed, and two knights picked up either side of it.

Sebby, Tori said, lifting her hand and her brother walked forward. She introduced him to the Baron. Baron Agafonov, tomorrow, we are planning to go to Horizon for a few days. There are some Lions Gate things I need to do. Henrik is going with me, and we were bringing Ilyana, the Baroness, and Riri so they could go sightseeing while were working. Would you like to join us?

It will be for two nights, Baron, and I have a flat in the first district that has been prepared for my sister and her friend to stay in. Sebastian gave the middle-aged man a brilliant smile and Tori could almost see both the Baron and his wife becoming overwhelmed.

Then, we will trouble you, young lord.

Its no trouble at all.

Tori, are you sure you dont need me to come with you and Henrik to Duel? Ilyana said, furrowing her brows.

Tori shook her head. I can walk around better now and were not doing anything too complicated; just checking in on the construction. Its a good opportunity to take your family around. Albert already agreed to accompany you. He has to go back for work by next week, so its convenient for him.

Ilyana nodded. All right. If you need me, just call me.

Tori nodded. Dont worry. Henrik and I will be fine. Wont we, Henrik? She looked over her shoulder and the young blond man nodded as well.

Were only checking the status of the construction, Henrik said. He met Toris gaze and the two of them smirked. And then do a little reconnaissance on our favorite competitors stores.