Chapter 127: The Decency to Look Guilty

Chapter 127: The Decency to Look Guilty

Tori couldnt help but tap her foot under the table. She was distracted as she oversaw the game where six matrons of some of the most influential families in the Central Corridor were clutching thick cardboard cards in their hands as if their lives depended on it.

Lady Fargonod, please roll the dice. The gray-haired old womans soft, but wrinkled hand shot down to the board and plucked up the dice. She rolled them in her hands before she released the dice into the center of the board.

Three! Then, I will go here...into the library. Lady Fargonod was smiling. I have an accusation! She looked at Tori, who nodded. It was Bishop Frank in the library with the bust of St. Germaine!

Tori opened the black envelope she was holding and took out the three cards within. She smiled and laid them on the table one by one. It was indeed Bishop Frank, in the library, and with the bust of St. Germaine!

I knew it! Duchess Tetri threw her cards on the board, disgruntled. If only I was closer I wouldve made that guess!

You said that the last time, too, Duchess Fekete said in a dull, unimpressed voice.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Shall we play again? Lady Fargonod asked, still beaming. Tori checked her time piece.

Were about ready to switch games. She looked around the great hall where several tables had been set up along with chairs. Groups of people who didnt partake in the hunt were huddled around the tables and the room was noisy.

Tori had brought a half dozen board games, three card games, a guidebook introducing role-playing-games, and a Soleil version of mahjong tiles which she first tested on Anahata Island and cost her two heliotropes from her Gorask chest when she lost to the Bishop of Karap. She shouldnt have suggested that they bet crystals.

For Granite Towers sample games, she had asked for a large chalkboard to be rolled in from one of the study rooms and a group of young people who hadnt joined the hunt were laughing through a game of Pictionary.

What are we playing next? Duchess Tetri asked. She gracefully craned her neck to look at the next table. Each group had about thirty minutes to try a game, then they would rest and rotate.

The Sun Tiles. The clacking of the wood tiles sounded as a table of two men and two women shuffled and dropped the wooden tiles. There were 144 in a set; Tori went with the standard rather than one of the variations, but she had to change the characters on the tiles to fit Soleil.

For the most part, even if one didnt know what the characters meant, if they could match them up, a person could play the game. She replaced the Chinese characters with common and easy to recognize Old Sulfae, but kept the circles and bamboo.

Tori spent most of the morning showing people how to play each game before the rotation began. Shed gone around asking people for their opinions and explained that these were games to be sold at her new store in the Fourth District. The comments so far were promising.

However, even as Tori announced it was time for a switch, her mind was elsewhere.

After every rotation, shed gone upstairs to call for Alexander, but she hadnt seen him all afternoon. His food bowl was left untouched; something that never happened. Duchess Fekete had her servants look for the cat, but so far, there had been no sight of him.

The room shifted and people wandered to whatever table they wanted to play or remained where they were, as the few people still working on their dungeon crawl.

I am sure he will show up. Its actually quite difficult for a cat to get out of Granite Tower, Duchess Fekete said as she took a seat at the tiles table. She had noticed the distracted and worried expression on Toris face. Speckles and Stripes sometimes arent seen for days at a time.

Speckles and Stripes were the names of Duke Feketes calico and ginger tabby.

Tori took a deep breath and forced a smile on her face. I just hope hell come back or is found by tonight. Were leaving tomorrow.

If he doesnt, we will keep an eye out for him. When we find him, Ill send him back. Dont worry. Alexander will be fine. The Duchess promised her with a pat on her arm. She then looked at the table and rubbed her hands together. Sun Tiles was a favorite, especially when everyone learned they could make small bets.

One gold coin each in the pot, Duchess Tetri smirked. The two duchesses locked eyes from across the table.

Tori pursed her lips. The wager was supposed to be a small amount, but then again, when the players were rich, she supposed the standard changed.

We need one more person, Duchess Sinan said. Her husband had gone off to hunt with their daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. Duchess Sinan was the daughter of a Viscount in Tetri and was familiar with the Duchess.

A shame the Young Lord Gerald went hunting, Duchess Tetri sighed. Then it could be a game against four of the duchies.

Countess, do you want to represent Axton? Duchess Fekete patted the seat to her right. He says you are as close as he has to a sister.

Tori opened her mouth to decline - she didnt bring enough change to wager and was too embarrassed, but the head butler stepped into the room.

The sun is setting and the first of the hunting parties has arrived!

Already? Tori heard people proclaim their confusion and looked towards the windows. The sky was still bright, but they couldnt see the horizon from the great room windows.

Theyre a bit early, Duchess Fekete said, frowning as she reluctantly drew her hands back from the tiles they were shuffling. I wouldve clarified to return when the sun hit the horizon.

Perhaps theyre not used to being in the forest and are being cautious, Duchess Sinan suggested. Its not too bad to be careful, especially with ones life.

The women nodded and Tori furrowed her brows. Do we wait here, or do we go to the courtyard to greet them?

Duchess Fekete looked at the tiles, as if torn between her hostess duty and playing against the other duchesses. We should go and greet them. She didnt sound willing at all.

Tori held back a chuckle, but smiled. My knights and I will pack up the games.

Ah...would you consider keeping the Sun Tiles out? Duchess Tetri asked. For some after dinner activities?

I can bring some down after dinner. It will be a good chance to see what everyone is interested in playing, Tori said. The crowd in the great room parted with their games. Several people stopped to ask Tori to bring back a few games and those who were dungeon crawling tucked away their character sheets.

Toris two Guevera knights and the two escort knights Piers assigned her carried her games back to her room. She ran to the balcony and called for Alexander. His food bowl remained untouched. Tori rubbed her stomach, feeling uneasy.

Alexander is a smart and adventurous cat, Sir Pinzon told her in a reassuring voice. He will come back by tonight; I am sure of it.

Tori bit her lips, but nodded. Alexander spent a lot of time in the tent sleeping, but when he wasnt sleeping, he was God-only-knew where. He always came home at night, but that was in Viclya. Tori was sure he was familiar. Granite Tower was a completely different place.

Calm down. Just give it until tonight. Im sure hes fine. She made sure to keep the balcony door open just a bit before leaving her room.

When she reached the courtyard, several more hunting parties arrived. The spacious courtyard had groups of boisterous people. Some were bragging, some were empty handed, and others were exchanging experiences and complaining that there wasnt enough game.

Tori rolled her eyes. The section of the forest where the hunt took place had been carefully prepared. Not only was it left unhunted for three years, but animals were also periodically released to increase the chances of finding prey. The Duchy even monitored the populations of the larger animals.

What do you mean there wasnt enough? Duchess Fekete almost snorted as Duke Sinan lumbered towards them at the base of the steps. Dont you mean that you simply couldnt find any?

I mean that there werent enough! Duke Sinan insisted, his face red. What deer and boar? I didnt see half the animals you said there would be!

He puffed up his chest defiantly, but Duchess Fekete only sneered. Then perhaps you should work on your tracking.

Catherine, tell me the truth, Duchess Sinan said as she faced her daughter. How did your father do?

The heir to the Sinan Duchy seemed a bit reluctant. We only encountered the smaller animals, but.... She glanced at her father and then lowered her voice. You know father isnt a very good huntsman.

Tori turned her head away and pretended she didnt hear. She scanned the courtyard, but didnt see Piers and the others. If she knew them, they wouldve continued to hunt until the sun began to set. Only then would they start their return trip. How long it took depended on how far they were.

JP and Sonias saddles were given to them by Dede and had light crystals on either side to help them if they were caught outside after dark. Tori was confident in their preparations, as Dede clearly knew what he was doing, and the knights and Axton had levels of survival training, so she wasnt too worried if they got back a bit later than everyone else.

She walked down the steps and to the bench beneath a tree to wait.

She kept a close eye on the game that was brought in. No one seemed to have bagged a boar, but there were a few with one or two deer. Most of the parties had small prey, mainly rabbits, pheasants, and ducks. The head butler was the one in charge of logging in results of each partys hunt.

All right, its pretty good so far. The highest score isnt astronomical, and the difference is small. Piers and the others have a good chance.

What was most important was that they returned safe.

What was next most important was that they beat Gideon.

According to the list posted in the great room, there were fifteen hunting parties with three to six people in each party.

He had kept looking in a particular direction. Sonia had been the first to shoot. She got it in the flank, which got its attention. Arrows were flying and JP and Sonia were shouting directions. Piers had snatched Alexander off the ground and stuffed him into his saddle bag before getting out of the way.

Axton had taken the lead to lure the boar through the trees, so it was in their line of sight.

Both JP and Sonia had spent their remaining arrows on the boar. Even then, they had spent several long minutes of chasing to wear the boar down. When it collapsed in exhaustion, Piers had taken out his sword to finish it off. The arrows could only penetrate its thick skin so far.

As for the fox, Sonia told Tori that it had been following them as they had some small game. They had stopped to eat and as they were picking out some meat from their lunches to feed Alexander, the gray cat had suddenly attacked the young fox.

I had never heard such a terrifying cry in my life, Sonia had said when several people came to look at the dead fox and boar. They sounded as if they were screaming for their lives. I didnt think Alexander could growl that deep. Sir Granger and Sir Lloyd tried to separate them, but they were rolling around in the dirt and leaves.

From what Tori could imagine, Alexander had some sort of death grip on the fox and when the fox was bleeding and weak, Sonia had the opportunity to put an arrow through him. It was risky, as Alexander was biting the foxs neck, but they were far enough apart that Sonia was confident she could do it.

If anyone in that party could, it would be Sonia.

I cant believe you were worried about your accuracy in hunting, Tori said with a snort as she felt Alexanders fur to make sure he was dry. You took down more game than some of the hunting parties combined.

Sonia had a slight, smug smile on her face, but shrugged her shoulders. I had legitimate concerns since JP and I are used to stationary targets. Dede didnt make us spend all that time in the woods in vain.

A grin appeared on Toris lips as she put the brush down. And thanks to that, Ive won two new carriages and a dozen imperial horses.

Tori, Im sure you couldve asked Prince Piers and he wouldve given them to you.

Yes, but I feel like I earned them this way. Tori turned around and carried Alexander to her bed. And did you see the look on Prince Gideons face when your total score was announced? Her heart was full just remembering the way his confident expression shattered. If only she had a camera to record the moment so she could replay it whenever she was feeling down.

What would he get if he won?

He wanted to celebrate his birthday in Viclya. The weekend package of catering, lodging, fireworks, and activities.

Sonia rolled her eyes as she rolled out of the bed. Its not impossible if he pays.

He also said he should be able to invite anyone he wants.

Sonia paused, then looked over her shoulder. You should ban him permanently.

Tori let out a snort before putting Alexander on the corner of her bed. Dinner would start soon, and guests were likely already waiting in the great room to get into the dining hall.

Sonia straightened out her dress as they passed the mirror and headed to the door. Tori checked to make sure the balcony doors were shut and eyed her cat with warning once more before following.

JP called and went down ahead of them, and when they reached the corridor in front of the great hall, they found him chatting in a small group of people. As they approached, Tori could hear them asking about the boar and it seemed JP was recognized as one of the champions of the Spring Three-Day.

Have you met my sister? JPs eyes looked over their shoulders and he gave Tori and Sonia a nod to beckon them over. She is the overall champion of this years competition.

Though several guests looked towards Sonia with surprise and awe, she didnt seem at all shaken. Tori giggled to herself. Their Sonia was so used to the attention and impressed looks, shed probably grown numb to them. With the confidence of an idol greeting fans, Sonia shook hands and answered questions before they were ushered into the dining hall.

Sonia and JP managed to slip in without an announcement, but Tori had to stop at the door and wait her turn.

Countess Victoria de Guevera, Countess of Cosora!

Chin up, back straight, and...go. Tori stepped into the dining hall and began to make some rounds to guests who had gone hunting that day. After a few minutes, she noticed something was off.

Piers would usually be the first person to make a beeline to her as soon as she appeared. Her brows furrowed and she scanned the great room. She didnt see Piers, but was soon accosted by several people asking about the games shed presented that day. A few people whod joined the hunt were curious.

Normally, shed slip into a marketing mode and try to gain interest in her products, but JP said Axton and Piers had already entered.

Duchess Fekete has been very gracious and will have this room prepared after dinner for some of the games to be played. I am bringing down the most popular ones from today, but some games do have a limit on the number of players. Tori still reverted to her business smile and answered questions, but every so often, her eyes would look past the small crowd around her to try to catch sight of her friends.

Sonia and JP were together and seemingly marching along the side of the room. Their lips were set in tight lines, almost frowning, and their eyes were focused ahead of them. Tori subconsciously followed the direction of their gaze.

Piers was blocked in the corner, appearing tense, and avoiding the faces of the people in front of him. Tori couldnt see who they were, but they seemed determined to hold Piers for a chance to talk to him. This wouldnt be the first time, but usually, Axton was nearby.

Tori barely held back her frown and managed to keep her business smile on. Im sorry, my friends are waiting for me. I was the one who invited them to join me, so I cant leave them alone for long. Her apologetic words were easily excused, and the small crowd stepped aside to let her through.

She took two small, graceful steps past them, then broke into a fast, measured step she used when closing distance in long sword. In a dress and without a weapon, her posture was still straight, and she didnt bounce, but her walking speed increased.

Sonia and JP were trying to get through the crowd that cornered Piers, but they couldnt bring themselves to wedge themselves in and push people out of the way. They were commoners and who knew the ranks of the people in front of them. Any action outside their status would do more harm than good.

Tori didnt have this problem. Before she reached them, her voice cut across the chatter.

Piers. One word and the rising anxiety she could see in his face turned into relief. Have you seen Axton? I cant find him; come help me. It was a weak excuse, but it was good enough.

With the group of young people distracted by her appearance, Sonia and JP managed to squeeze their way in and casually make a space for Piers to walk through while talking about how they were also looking for Axton.

Must you leave now, Your Highness? The familiar voice of Alessa pierced Toris ears.

She couldnt help but instantly grind her teeth. Her eyes locked on to Alessa. The blonde baroness was at the head of the crowd, closest to Piers. Neither Gideon nor Fabian were near.

Piers didnt answer Alessa. He didnt look at her or anyone else in the crowd as he walked towards Tori.

There you are! Axton sounded out of breath as he reached them. I was called out by Fabian to tell the servants how to prepare our game. Beside him was an even more out of breath and red-faced Evzen.

Tori let out a light laugh and shook her head. If we can bring some of the meat back, that would be great. We should cure some to send to Dede.

JP and Sonia picked up the conversation easily. Masterfully, JP steered the conversation of the group towards how everyone was preparing their game, taking attention off Piers.

Piers stood beside Tori, and she wove her arm around his, bringing her body as close to him as possible to offer solace. His grip on her hand resting on the crook of his arm was tight and tense.

We...we can go sit! Evzen voice cracked as he panted. Unlike his parents, he wasnt very active. Being forced to hunt and basic, casual sword lessons every few days were the extent of his exercise.

Tori gave him an approving nod. She didnt know the details, but he had rushed to find them for a reason. She gave Piers a brilliant smile. Shall we take our seats?

His lips remained shut tight, but he gave her a nod.

As she led him away from Alessa and the crowd, Toris brilliant smile dimmed.

Before that summer, Alessa seemed to try to remain close to Gideon. She had escorted him to a ball, was in his excursion group, and had him help the baking club during the Spring Festival. Tori knew she invited Gideon to Chetterswickshire that summer, as well. Now, the two werent even in the same room.

In fact, now that Tori thought about it, Alessa didnt greet Gideon the day before. Shed approached and gave him a nod, but her attention had been on Piers who had been standing in front of Gideon. Since when did Alessa ignore Gideon?

Tori glanced back into the great room. Alessa moved on to another high-ranked noble to introduce herself. Tori had nothing against networking; it was necessary in their positions, but why was Alessa distancing herself from Gideon?

Of the love interests, Gideon would be one of Alessas strongest supporters, if not the strongest. It didnt make sense for her to distance herself, even if it was for the necessity of networking with others. Did something happen between them during the summer that caused a rift? Gideon had been under strict management at the naval academy; what couldve happened?

Now, Alessa only looked towards Gideon for support when she needed it.

She also asked about Piers hunting party and offered to join, and tonight, she somehow cornered Piers once more without Gideon or Fabian nearby.

Tori glanced at the handsome man next to her. She lifted her hand and placed it on top of his, rubbing the back of it gently. He looked down at her with a small crease of his brows.

Dont worry, she whispered with a determined look. Ill protect you from her, too.