Chapter 138: It's Not My Fault You Were Useless

Chapter 138: It's Not My Fault You Were Useless

A Counts Manor? Tori looked at Albert with both confusion and surprise. Isnt it a bit too soon?

The carriage left Viclya after a long weekend focusing on land partitioned for farms to villagers who wanted to return to farming. Idunn and her future successor had worked with Universit Professors, researchers, and villagers to review suitable locations for farms. Tori, as the Countess, felt it was her duty to sit through the entire report. She left Viclya exhausted.

How is it too soon? Youve been Countess for over two months and still live in a tent, Albert said.

Yes, but everyone on the mainland lives in a tent. A Counts Manor isnt necessary when funding is needed elsewhere. It wasnt that she hadnt thought about it. She had already secured the island NE12 as the location for her noble residence, but in the not-too-distant future. The tents are comfortable and Im not here for long periods of time. I dont need to host important guests, and if I did, we have suitable space to do it. I want the focus to be on infrastructure and economic growth to fuel it.

...Are you hesitating because you spent all your money on the Lunar Pavilion? Ewan asked in all seriousness.

No, but now that you reminded me, yes. Tori leaned back against the carriage bench with Alexander on her lap. I dont want to use money reserved for the delta for my personal residence. I know its quite common, as a nobles residence is used in receiving important guests, but its an unnecessary expense at the moment.

Do you ever plan on building one? Ilyana asked beside her.

Of course, but we must reach phase three of my project first and complete the basics of phase one of Cosora planning. At the earliest, were looking at starting to build next summer, Tori told them. And thats only if I can afford it.

Albert let out a disappointed sigh and slumped back against the carriage bench. Is it still going to be on NE12?

Tori nodded. Grandpa Sophos says he wants to design and engineer it.

Henrik furrowed his brows and gave her a quizzical look. Isnt your Grandpa Sophos a teacher?

Grandpa Sophos is called an Imperial Grand Scholar for a reason. Many people say Mama and Kasey are geniuses, but only in select fields. Grandpa is a.... She didnt know what the term for Renaissance man was or if such a term existed in Soleil. Hes talented and skilled in many fields. He has the necessary qualifications and background to be an architect.

Albert shook his head as he looked at her, dumbfounded. Has anyone ever told you that you have an impressive family? Your eldest brother is the second-best swordsman in the empire. Your second brother and mother are brilliant. Your grandfather is an Imperial Grand Scholar....

Oh, Grandma Sophos is a gifted musician and composer, and Grammy is considered the worlds foremost expert on pre-dynastic northern Nazaria and Phariss.

Ilyana tilted her head to the side. What about your papa and his father?

Theyre very competent marquises.

Henrik lifted the corner of his mouth. Somehow, thats not as impressive.... Tori cracked a grin and looked back out the window.

Ewan, are we dropping you off at your parents or at La Garda? she asked.

La Garda, please. I have dawn exercises tomorrow. You know, the daily training so far isnt as difficult as I thought it would be, Ewan said. When I train with my masters, theyre much more demanding.

Isnt that a good thing? Ilyana asked. Youre more than prepared for what is expected of you.

And it sounds like youre more than just keeping up, Albert added.

Ewan nodded. The rest of the students said they took a break after the entrance exams, so they have to regain their peak forms after being lethargic for a few months. Master was right to have me continue training through the summer.

Sebby and Axton didnt push you as hard over the summer as they did before your exam.

Yes, they said that they just wanted me to remain competitive. It wasnt necessary to drastically improve, but I just couldnt deteriorate.

Have you heard from Sir Navarro? Tori asked. He shouldve started the special training for upper tier knights.

He said that theyre going to go to the mountains, then cycle through training with the marches.

What tier is he aiming for? Henrik asked.

First.

Tori and the others all looked impressed and nodded to each other. To be accepted in the program preparing for first tier imperial knights, they had to have significant accomplishments and high scores in La Garda.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Sir Navarros more skilled than I thought. Hes from Sur; why didnt he become a knight of the march? Ilyana asked, looking at Tori.

Toris lips tightened into a line. Sir Navarro is the youngest grandson of Viscountess Navarro and shes been trying to get him married or engaged since he was sixteen.

Albert and Henrik drew their heads back. Hes running away?

Essentially, yes, Tori replied. Also, half his brothers, sisters, and cousins are either Guevera knights or soldiers. He said something about not wanting to be compared to them. To be honest, I cant blame him for either reason.

Ewan counted off his fingers. If hes training for the first-tier knights, then they wont be able to get a hold of him for at least four years. He looked at the others, impressed. The knights are so busy training; they dont have time for much else.

What do they do in this special training? Albert looked horrified and Tori smirked. She could only imagine what torture Albert was envisioning.

Ewan furrowed his brows and seemed to think. I know that a lot of it is still the standard conditioning, drills, and teamwork exercises, but they also get special training for different life or death scenarios from specialists. Like Nanny Rey!

Albert seemed to relax. That doesnt sound so bad. Nanny Rey is an incredibly good instructor. Ilyana and I have learned a lot.

Albert, the way Nanny Rey teaches you and Ilyana is different from the elite training she runs for top march knights. Axton is terrified of Nanny Rey because he had to go through her training regimen, Tori told him with an amused smile.

Alberts face paled. But shes so nice...and your nanny....

Henrik snorted. Toris nice to us, but you saw her with von Dorn. You can be nice and still be dangerous.

Special treatment! Ilyana beamed as she clapped her hands together once and grinned.

Speaking of special treatment, Axtons birthday is in a few weeks. I asked what he wanted to do, and he wanted to invite us to the reopening of the first of the renovated phase one inns, Tori said. It is about a day out on the main route to Anlar.

What did he change? Henrik asked as he leaned back.

Tori took a deep breath and tried to recount the details. The main building facade remains the same, but the lobby and rooms have been remodeled to what the standard lobby and rooms will be for all his inns. The stables and guest carriage house are also being renovated, but theyll be done later. Think of this first inn as the template for all the others. There is also a two-story extension that was built. Ground floor has a general goods and travel supply store and kitchen. The upper floor has a dining area and smaller rooms for private dining.

Albert sat up straight. He built a general goods store attached to the inn?

Tori nodded and tried to suppress her grin. Yes, that was my idea. It includes travel supplies from bags to carriage spare parts, and a ready-to-eat section of baked goods, dried meats and cheeses, and palm-sized versions of Seniors meat pies under the name Golden Fields Pie.

She caught the sly smiles appearing on her friends faces. Is this perhaps in direct response to the Cow Man? Albert asked, almost tentatively.

Tori looked out the window with an air of nonchalance. I think we all know what its in direct response to.

Henrik let out a loud guffaw. Is that where you invested in his inn?

Tori shrugged. If the inn has food and supplies, the guests dont need to go anywhere else. In addition, Axton and I have rebranded the inns for consistency. When people see the logo and already have a set expectation of the inns quality and amenities, they are more likely to want to stay at that inn. They know what they will get.

So, you two did change the name, Henrik said. He gave her a suspicious look. Please tell me that you didnt use a portmanteau.

I did that once! Tori slapped her hand against the door frame. Alexander looked at Henrik and seemed to snort before swishing his tail, irritated. We gave it a very simple name: The Lunar Inn. This particular one is The Lunar Inn at Millers Row.

Not only was it simple and screamed out this is a fantasy inn to her, which she personally found funny, but it was also based on the Lunar Pavilion, which would be the most luxurious of Axtons inns. Each location would include the name of the village or town it was in for ease of identification, unless it was out in the middle of the forest, in which case it would be something akin to The Lunar Inn at Mountain Pass.

Henrik let out a relieved breath and rubbed his chest. Thank goodness. I thought you were going to name it something like Axtoria.

Tori stared at him with a dull look. That name is not that bad.

I liked it, Ilyana said with a slight pout. I think it sounds fancy.

Youre no longer allowed to name things, Henrik told her with a straight face.

Ilyana scoffed, somewhat offended. Why not?

Your names are descriptions.

Thats what names are supposed to do!

You dont call a jar a vessel to contain things.

I mean for brands!

Lions Gate Den.

Furniture for a den; someones comfortable home, and by our Lions Gate Group. It tells you all you need to know.

And if theyre not? Axton asked, with a bit of resistance.

Tori looked at Piers. Do you want me to keep them away? Piers nodded. Tori looked back at Axton with a hint of defiance on her face. Then, I will keep them away.

That is so exciting, Ilyana said as she and Tori walked arm in arm towards their door. Albert and Henrik had already split with them to return to their own. There are going to be some talented ladies, Im certain of it. If the nobles want to compete against you, then theyll send their best. If we can make a positive connection with them, itll be beneficial for all of us.

Thats what I thought. Im really hoping that some of the ladies who were named at the second princes coming of age ball will be forced to meet with Piers. Itll be a good excuse to meet them.

Invite them to Viclya!

Oh, thats definitely on the list if we can get a good rapport going. Tori knew Henrik wouldnt mind such a plan at all. The more talented and suitable people they had connections with, the better.

Aside from a few minor noble and aristocratic daughters at Lyce and a few fans of Lions Gate, Tori was lacking connections in that particular social circle. She had better sway with the Duchies. Tori knew she had to make inroads amongst the next generation of social elite.

Of course, being the third wheel in prospective marriage introductions was not the way to do it, but who was going to stop her? She either made good connections or pissed people off. It was arrogant to believe, but in the cases of the people she angered, they knew what they were up against agreeing to be introduced to Piers.

She was a sixteen-year-old newly appointed Countess backed by marches, with the favor of duchies, several businesses, a growing village, and the greatest anti-Gideon shield in existence. Nothing short of the Emperor or his father could retaliate, and even the Emperor complained to his father because he knew he wronged her.

I have a taste of power...and I like it. Tori shook her head at her own ridiculousness. They reached the dorm and Tori frowned as she saw a figure standing near the entrance, appearing to wait for someone.

She felt Ilyanas arm squeeze hers as she seemed to notice Dimitri, too. I knew today was going too smoothly.

Tori bit her lips to keep from laughing. She held back her chortle and slowed her pace. Lets wait until he leaves. I dont want to deal with him.

Ilyana nodded in agreement. They took a seat on a bench in the walkway. It was obstructed by some bushes and a column holding up the walkways roof. The light crystals overhead weren't too strong at night and in the shadow of the column, they would be unnoticed as long as they didnt make a sound or large movements.

They leaned forward to look around the column and wait for Dimitri to leave. He was obviously waiting for someone, and Tori had a sinking feeling she knew who it was.

Gideon appeared at the entrance to the dorm with the shadow of Fabian behind him. Tori wanted to groan aloud. Of course, it was Gideon and Fabian. Who else would join Dimitri in this idiot trifecta?

They were too far away to hear what was being said. Tori deduced it was a greeting and Dimitri motioned for them to move elsewhere. Gideon, appearing to have no wariness at all, gave Dimitri a nod and followed. Fabian maintained a two-pace distance behind them.

She and Ilyana leaned back as they passed the walkway, making sure they were as hidden and unmoving behind the column as possible. The trio passed them and headed towards some of the classroom buildings.

What do you think? Ilyana whispered. Should we follow?

Why should we follow? Their business isnt any of our business. Tori said that, but she was almost twitching with eagerness to follow. I, too, find this nighttime call out suspicious.

Ilyanas shoulders sank with reluctance, but nodded. Youre right. We should go back- Her words were cut off as Tori held out a silence charm. Her face lit up and took the piece of paper. Tori activated another charm and tucked it into her pocket as she watched Ilyanas brow knit with focus as her hands pinched the bottom two corners of the charm.

Henrik had asked if Tori could create charms for others to use that didnt require a beverage to be placed on it first. Surprisingly, his reason wasnt for profit. It was so Ewan could use charms in case of an emergency. Ewan had been so touched; his eyes had watered.

It was a good idea and Tori used silence charms, as they were useful for studying and privacy. As they had to be activated at a specific time, Tori also had to teach Ewan how to activate them.

But why stop at Ewan? Her friends were still young enough to be trained to activate charms, so she taught them. It was useful. Albert and Ilyana had more difficulty than the others, but they were still able to.

Once her charm was activated, llyana also shoved it into her pocket and then followed Tori. Of course, just because they couldnt be heard didnt mean they couldnt be seen. They were cautious and stayed against the shadows of the wall.

Dimitri had led Gideon to one of the courtyards of classroom buildings. It wasnt a large courtyard, but there were trees surrounding the greenery and seating area within. Tori and Ilyana crept as close as they could, and the distant voices grew clearer.

No, nothings wrong. Gideons brows were furrowed as the corners of his lips remained downturned. Whatever Dimitri had asked him wasnt good. They stood near a cluster of trees at the farthest end of the courtyard from the main walkway. Dimitri was in front of him and a few steps to the side was Fabian.

Dimitri looked flustered. He lifted his hand and ran it through his hair. I was worried. You havent spoken much in homeroom.

Gideon cracked a smile and seemed relieved that someone cared. Ive been quite busy recently. The hospital is near completion, and Ive started the process of hiring staff. Due to the location of the hospital in the Thirteenth District, few qualified professionals are...eager...to come.

That was actually a legitimate concern and Tori nodded her head in understanding. At the very least, it seemed that Gideon was honest about his Lyce project.

I see. Dimitri didnt appear to completely believe that Gideons sudden quietness in class was solely due to his project. Gideon seemed to notice this, as well. He tilted his head to the side and his eyes narrowed a bit.

Is something wrong?

Your Highness...Alessa is worried about you.

If they werent trying to remain incognito, Ilyana and Tori wouldve thrown their arms up and exclaimed that it had to do with Hart again.

Gideon seemed to tense. Is that so? I didnt mean to worry her. Ive just had so much to do recently.

You havent spoken to her in class. She thinks youre avoiding her.

Wow, Dimitri is giving no fucks tonight. Hes just going right to the problem.

Gideon cocked his head. Why would she think Im avoiding her? His next words caught Tori by surprise and her brows couldnt help but shoot up. Does she think she did something to cause me to do so?

Ilyanas hand had grabbed Toris arm as her jaw dropped. Dimitris face darkened.

Do you blame her for something?

I asked first. Why would she think Im avoiding her? Gideon lifted his chin. Ive been incredibly busy lately. In addition to my project, I also have duties as a member of the imperial family. I cannot disappoint my parents.

Holy shit, those are fighting words. Who didnt know that Dimitris father was being investigated for corruption because of people working under his son? Toris wide eyes looked back at Dimitri, excited to see how hed react. As expected, his expression grew even worse.

He took a deep breath and seemed to try to collect himself. I should've expected as much from a prince, he said, almost through gritted teeth. But this is about Alessa. Shes been worried and upset that you may blame her for what happened at the delta.

Gideon was quiet for a moment. I dont blame her. She was only concerned about Mr. Zisos and feared something was wrong. I blame myself for not being more cautious. I shouldnt have ordered my knights to be silent.

You may blame yourself and feel responsible, but Alessa also feels at fault. It didnt help that your parents were unreasonable in their punishment.

Tori glared at Dimitri.

Gideon frowned. Did she feel they were being unreasonable?

Arent they? Dimitri asked, raising a brow. Do you think placing her small barony under a viscount and withholding her Chamber rights is acceptable?

Its not permanent-

And what about the fine? Dimitri narrowed his eyes. You know Alessas family is impoverished. Wasnt it enough to restrict her power for such a long time? Did they have to fine her, too? They have so little as it is, how are they going to run their barony if they arent able to properly control their funds? Isnt this just taking advantage of a poor noble girl? He sneered. I didnt think the imperial family could be so vicious.

They wouldnt have remained in power for so long if they werent, dumbass. Tori rolled her eyes.

The criticism of his family seemed to trigger Gideon. Oh, now youre concerned about funds? Your father is being investigated because of your negligence and you dare criticize my family? They are fully aware of the Hart Baronys financial issues and the viscount sent has been chosen to help.

Help? Dimitri almost choked out the words. He threw his hands to the side. Do you know what theyre doing right now?

Theyre reviewing the financial status of the barony and will reorganize-

They froze the development projects that Alessa worked so hard to bring in for her people! Dimitri nearly shouted. Now that she is a baroness, shes desperately trying to revitalize her barony and bring in more business. The viscount your family sent is stopping all of that.

Gideon looked a bit flustered. He shook his head. Im sure there is a reason-

And what reason is that? Dimitri demanded. If the viscount blocks the economic development of Chetterswickshire, isnt he just harming the people? This isnt a punishment, this is revenge. Revenge for Alessa asking you to take her to the delta!

How dare you! Gideon stood up straight. What do you know of what the viscount is doing? Do you know who he is? What his experience is? How do you know that hes not there to help the barony?

How is stopping businesses from starting in Chetterswickshire helping the barony? Dimitri continued to sneer. Alessa was right to be upset. She knew you were upset with her after the delta, but to think it was to this extent. Do you despise her this much? All she did was ask you; youre the one who broke protocol.

Gideon grit his teeth. His hands were shaking at his sides. Im aware that I broke protocol and have also been punished for it. It was my fault.

Of course, its your fault! You never shouldve broken protocol.

And how far do you think we wouldve made it if I allowed the knights to report that we were leaving the city without warning? Gideon asked with narrowed eyes. Youve traveled with me and should know how strict my travel restrictions are. If the knights reported it, we never wouldve left the gates! Is it my fault that I was the only one Alessa could count on that night? She needed help and insisted I was the only one who could get her into Viclya because of my status! If I couldnt help her, then who could? Its not my fault you were useless!

Dimitris body moved. He leaned forward and his arm rose.

Tori silently swore and shot out of her hiding place.