Chapter 142: You Should Go and Comfort Him

Chapter 142: You Should Go and Comfort Him

Tori drew her head back. She felt a bit guilty for some reason. You knew?

Piers clenched his jaw and didnt seem to want to speak. Tori dug around in her pocket for one of her spare silence charms and put it on the table. She gave him an encouraging look.

Your name was on a prospective list of students to be secondary guards to Gideon in Lyce should Fabian have transferred to La Garda. My father is aware of your swordsmanship and other abilities for defense. It is common practice to request a skilled student to take on the duty should the personal knight be unable.

But you and your father said you didn't get a replacement for Axton when he went to La Garda.

I did not need one. Piers poked at his breakfast. Your aunt guarded my father.

I know. I talked to my parents and Auntie Lucia. Auntie said that since it is only during Lyce and on Lyce grounds, it shouldnt be a problem as long as the second prince maintains a regular schedule.

I will speak to my father about this.

Tori lifted her head and furrowed her brows. You dont want me to be the replacement guard?

Piers shook his head, still frowning. You are not suitable. You already have too many responsibilities. He is asking too much.

The Emperor said that your brothers schedule is strict. If he is not in Lyce, he will be under double the amount of escort knights. I wouldnt be responsible for him then. Only when we are on campus. Im also providing charms and crystal work for added security.

Piers frown deepened. What did he ask you to do?

Well, its not that he asked me. We had to discuss what will be expected of me and what I could do, and my remuneration. I didnt think personal knights were paid so much, but I suppose your father was desperate for another set of eyes on your brother.

What is he paying you? His hands clenched and Tori placed her partially eaten toast on her plate. She wiped her hand and reached forward to cup his.

A lot. I was not restrained in asking for payment.

Piers still looked upset. I will give you double if you refuse.

Tori let out a small chuckle and shook her head. Piers would likely be able to pay the monetary amount, but not the favor. What she really wanted was the favor. Ive already agreed and accepted the payment.

Piers head snapped up. His panicked eyes met hers for a moment before dropping. His hand shook beneath hers. Why? Its not worth it.

Tori pursed her lips. He knew she was going to guard his brother, didnt he?

Piers, its fine. I thought about this, and it is within my capabilities. I tried to talk your father out of it, but when he was willing to retake the Cosora Delta-

No, you worked too hard! Piers protested at once. He snatched his hand from beneath hers and then grasped her hand. You have already put too much effort into the delta. It is a waste to return it.

I didnt. Tori laughed once more. Youre right; I already invested too much. I asked for something else. I watched as he made the calls to ensure his part of the deal was assured.

Piers was not satisfied with this. What did you ask for?

Dont worry about it, Tori said with a bright smile Anyway, this entire agreement is still dependent on von Dorns dismissal. If he isnt dismissed, then I dont have to take on the responsibility.

According to the agreement that had been drawn up, she would return 80% of the payment if Fabian remained as Gideons knight. While the Emperor had paid her in advance to secure her as a backup, should that not be the case, the remaining 20% was for her in exchange for her charms and crystals.

Piers shook his head. I will make him stay.

You cant force him.

Father forced you.

More like bribed, but I understand why he chose me, Tori said. His reasoning, while massively inconvenient, is relatively sound. He is also willing to work with me to ensure your brothers safety. I am not so much a personal knight as an extension of His Majestys eyes and hands. Much of what Im providing are charms and crystal technology Anahata Island has worked on.

After Gideon and Alessas excursion to Viclya, the Empress had been even more strict about Gideons outings than before. All his travels, even within Horizon, were now to be reported to her. Tori felt that the Empress may have lost too much trust in her son due to the incident. Or at least, didnt trust Alessa being close to him.

Tori laid out a bit of a sales pitch to the Emperor. After Alexanders stowaway hunting adventure, Tori and Master Ramos had worked on a tracking crystal and replaced one of the crystals on Alexanders tag with a small crystal that resonated with a carved crystal plate turned tablet. When activated, the crystal tablet would light up to show the direction of the crystal on Alexanders tag in relation to the tablet in her hands.

Tori and Sonia had gone out to track Alexander twice and her little crystal radar worked perfectly. Tori planned to essentially put a crystal tracker on Gideon, his carriage, and his knights, as if they were savannah animals she was tracking the migration of. She would also prepare a safety medallion and provide safety charms to his knights.

Perhaps it was their negligence, but despite Gideons escort knights also being first-tier, Tori couldnt help but see them as less skilled than Piers escort knights. She couldve also been influenced by overhearing the occasional criticisms Piers escort knights had about Gideons.

The Emperor had been stunned to hear about the tracking device. He had some reservations on putting one on his son in secret, but as an imperial family member in an empire that was never truly secure, not to mention Gideons record, he thought it would be necessary.

Tori had other ideas, as well. Her experience dealing with the security of the imperial family when they went to Viclya last spring gave her good insight. Where there were holes in her experience, she had a family to go to for guidance.

Piers still looked displeased regardless of her decision. He kept his eyes down and frowned. His fingers wove between hers. You have to be safe, too.

Tori smiled and squeezed his hand in reassurance.

I see youre both up early this morning. Tori tensed as soon as she heard the voice looming behind her. She gently pulled her hand back from Piers, removed the silence charm, and put on a wide smile.

Morning, Kasey.

Her brothers hands rested on her shoulders, and he glared at Piers. Is he bothering you?

Tori rolled her eyes. No. Have a seat and join us. She motioned for the seat across from her and Kasen sat down. She raised her hand to call the server. Kasen gave the server his order. I thought you were still working.

Im taking a break as Im waiting for a response for some work I submitted. It should be ready by tomorrow, Kasen said as he was served some coffee. What are you talking about?

Secrets. Piers took a sip of coffee and Kasen shot him an annoyed look.

I took a small job, Tori said.

Sebastian already called and told me.

Tori stiffened. The entire family knows?

The entire family knows.

She pursed her lips.

Senior, I did not approve of this, Piers said with a frown. I will speak to my father about this.

Kasen waved his hand. Dont bother. Im sure by now hes already received several calls. Tori is a Guevera and despite what wed like, she is fitting for the position. He sighed and reached out to stroke the top of his sisters head affectionately. Sometimes, it isnt advantageous to show all your strengths so early, Tori.

She sighed, resigned. I know.... At least she knew that if the Emperor backed her on this, Alessa and Gideon couldnt do much to retaliate with imperial power or influence. The Emperor was as big a backer as she could get. Its not finalized yet. It depends on what von Dorn does tomorrow. The second prince doesnt know about this arrangement, either.

Kasens food arrived and they ate breakfast, changing the topic to what Toris plans were for the day. Ilyana and the others came down in pairs to eat. They were going to visit the central plaza of town before Tori returned to the inn to start preparing some potatoes and cream puffs.

It didnt surprise her to see Gideon at the inn before they left to wander around.

It did surprise her to see that Fabian was not. To her knowledge, Fabian hasnt been dismissed yet.

My brother relieved him of his duties for the weekend in order to properly consider his dismissal request, Piers told her.

He doesnt have much faith in von Dorn, does he? Tori said. She glanced at Gideon who was standing awkwardly in the lobby.

Piers looked at his brother, who seemed at a loss as to what to do as everyone around him prepared to leave and look around the town. My brother is sad. I would be sad if Axton left me.

Tori smiled slightly and stroked his arm to comfort him. Do you want to spend more time with him? Whatever you said to him last week seemed to have helped him focus and reassess the situation.

Piers curled his lip up, unwilling.

Older brothers have their own duties to their younger siblings, Kasen said as appeared beside her. You should go and comfort him. Tori let out a small snort and grinned as Kasen gently led her towards the door and away from Piers.

Tori happily followed her brother and called for the others to leave. When asked what he was doing there, Kasen told the group that he was working nearby and had a break. Despite his clear reservations, Piers told Gideon he could come if he wanted. Gideons face lit up and followed his brother. Eight teenagers, Kasen, and Piers strolled up the street in the direction of the main plaza with several knights escorting them.

They didnt get far when Tori did a double take. It had been some time, but she couldve sworn she recognized the woman carrying a bag into a modest carriage. She pursed her lips.

It is about time for them to reach this area. I was told they left several days ago.... As she wondered if the person was who she thought, the woman turned around. Her eyes widened and she seemed excited. She abandoned the carriage at once.

Youll like the meat pies, Kasey. Theyre really good, Tori said as her deft fingers tucked the edges of the parchment paper into itself to completely envelop the food. They were very deserving of first place at the bake off.

She gathered all the food into a paper bag and turned around. Kasen was looking at her thoughtfully. Okay, if you say theyre good, I believe you.

She smiled widely and handed the bag to her brother. She reached back to untie her apron. Ill walk you out.

Tori reached out to turn him around and push him out the door so he couldnt stop her. He chuckled and allowed her to usher him out of the kitchen and into the lobby. When they reached the inn lobby, Piers, Axton, and two other men were standing with them, all with solemn looks on their faces.

Tori felt her stomach churn. She thought she was used to Kasen going on jobs, but it was the first time shed seen others with him. The situation felt far more serious now. She subconsciously looked towards her brother as her hand rose and pinched his sleeve. She felt his hand on top of her head.

Dont worry, Kasen told her softly. This is all part of my job. Your big brother isnt unprepared.

Gueveras had a duty, as did all marquis families. For all their wealth and power, their lives were used for the empire. It was something Tori had long accepted, though didnt dwell on. She didnt resent the familys duty. If she personally felt restricted by it, they wouldnt force her, after all.

However, knowing her brother was doing some questionable and dangerous work for the empire still worried her.

She slowed her steps as she reached the entrance. The two men with Piers and Axton carried themselves like soldiers and when they saw Kasen, then lowered their heads in subtle bows. If she didnt know any better, shed think it was a usual greeting nod.

Tori tugged Kasens sleeve quietly. Kasey.... As he turned to her, she extended her arms. Be careful.

Her brother smiled and held her tight, kissing the top of her head as her family tended to do. Remember not to overwork yourself. If you feel overwhelmed, do not hesitate to stop, and rest. Your health is important and without it, you cannot do what you need or want to do. Many people depend on you, so you must take care of yourself. And if your new job does go through, the family is there if you need assistance in any way. Do you understand?

Tori nodded at his nagging. I understand.

Kasen stroked her hair back and met her eyes. I will see you the next time Im in the city. He released her reluctantly and met Piers and Axtons eyes. My orders still stand. His voice changed from the gentle affectionate one he spoke to her with and became cold and authoritative in an instant.

Tori jerked her head back and looked at Piers and Axton. They showed no discomfort at her brothers tone. Even if they were a prince and duke respectively, her brother mustve been formidable in their hearts and minds, and they were unable to refute him.

Piers reached out and took Toris hand in his. He lifted it up, affirmatively. I will keep her safe, Senior Kasen.

For a moment, Kasens face twisted with disgust as he looked Piers up and down. He gave Tori one last reassuring look and left the inn with the two other men.

Dont worry about your brother, Axton said as he gave her a bright smile. Ive worked with Senior Kasen and hes incredibly good at his job. His ability is why he was given the task.

You must do what Senior says and take care of yourself, Piers said in a quieter voice. He is right: you must not overwork yourself.

You should be telling him that, Tori said as she shrugged off Piers' hand and turned around to return to the kitchen. She pointed at Axton as she walked. Hes the one who asked for potatoes when his cooks dont know how to make them.

She heard Axton suck in a sharp breath before she went through the hall to get back to the kitchen. Tori took a deep breath to try to collect herself before returning to her task. She had confidence in her brothers, but no one liked to see their loved ones walking into danger.

She shook her head. No wonder her brothers were always so worried about her and fussing. Theyd lost her once, she supposed. If they lost her again, who knew what theyd do?

Tori paused over the rows of stuffed cream puffs.

She was wrong. She knew exactly what they would do if they lost her.

Sebastian would steal her body and try to resurrect her using his monstrous crystal abilities. Instead, hed subsequently summon the dead, and in pain and anger, hed send his undead army to wreak havoc on the people who took her from them.

Kasen would go full evil wizard and torture Horizon with a foggy maze that made the population slowly lose their minds as they were separated from their loved ones. It was revenge for her torture and death.

Toris hands gripped the side of the prep table as a heavy weight seemed to squeeze her head, making it ache badly enough that she had to grit her teeth. A dull, droning noise filled her senses and she shut her eyes.

My lady, are you all right? Mr. Knapps voice called out to her, and Tori snapped her head up. The headache and droning noise disappeared in an instant.

Tori looked around and nothing seemed amiss from the hustle and bustle of a kitchen working swiftly to cater a large meal. She swallowed hard and nodded.

Im fine, Mr. Knapp, she said. Just a bit tired. I didnt sleep well on the carriage last night.

The man gave her a sympathetic nod. Yes, many of our guests say the same thing. Nothing beats a warm, comfortable bed after a long journey.

Tori smiled and nodded, then continued making her puff tower. As she created a net of melted sugar around it, she instructed the potatoes au gratin to be taken out of the ovens and placed on carnelian warming trays. The duchess potatoes were to be served with the meat dishes and a small side of gravy. The spiral potatoes were offered as appetizers as guests arrived.

As soon as she finished her puff tower, she skewered long, thin candles around it to be lit when the puff tower was presented, and then fled the kitchen to change.

She didnt have time to properly bathe, so she knew she smelled like sugar and something tasty, as described by Ilyana. When she reached her room, Ilyana and Sonia were there along with two maids Duchess Fekete sent to assist her in changing.

The birthday was, as Axton told them, casual. She didnt need a floor length ball gown, but she needed to be presentable and not covered with powdered sugar. Her hair was quickly twisted into an updo and put in place with pins and hair clips. Her leather booties were switched out for heels.

Shed selected her off the shoulder dress to highlight the Alvere Duchys signature green color. Her dress was emerald and a bit brighter than hunter green that the duchy used, but she thought it counted. She, Ilyana, and Sonia walked along the carpeted ramp along one side of the building.

It was a recent addition meant to help staff push luggage carts to the upper floors. It wouldve also been useful when Tori had a wheelchair. While there were dumbwaiters and some pulley lifts in Soleil, there wasnt anything built for humans like an elevator. Currently, developing a crystal operated system for an elevator was in the hands of Instructor Ignatius two underclassmen.

Are you sure there are enough cream puffs in the tower? Sonia said with a glint of worry. Theyre only so big and most of us eat more than one.

A few members of the Sword Association didnt get any as they were too late, Ilyana said. Theyre really popular.

I made the same size tower, but I had plenty of extra puffs, Tori said with some confidence. I didnt want to make it any bigger, as I was worried it would collapse if it was too big. The extra puffs are set aside, though. If the tower runs out, Ill have them bring out the trays.

Wait, wait, Ilyana said, holding out her arm. Dont take them out. Wait until after the party and we can go and eat them in the kitchen.

Sonia nodded. We can eat them after the party as a snack.

Whats a snack? Ewan asked from the second-floor entrance to the restaurant.

Nothing! Ilyana and Sonia chorused to valiantly defend their cream puffs. Tori turned her head and let out a muffled laugh.

Ewan cast them a suspicious look, but quickly brightened up. Were setting up the tables to play some dungeon crawl after the party. Want to join us?

I only play Sun Tiles, Sonia said, lifting a hand to stop him. And for money.

Duchess Fekete said she brought her set, but the duchesses dont play with small amounts, Tori said with a look of warning. A gold coin per round is the lowest Ive seen them play with.

Sonia let out a low, pained hiss. All right, maybe not.

They entered the restaurant and Tori looked around. Shed been stuck in the kitchen all afternoon and had no part in decorating. The restaurant itself was already quite nice, but with some fancy centerpieces, streamers, and flower garlands, the overall atmosphere was elevated. A small band was playing music in one corner as servants from Sun Garden were offering small spiral potatoes.

Were going to eat soon; did you have to take so many? Sonia asked as Ilyana had three in one hand.

The potatoes arent very large, Ilyana said. They were taken to their seats, not far from the main table where Axton would host the two princes and the duchies. Tori opted to sit with her friends one table over. JP, Albert, and Henrik were already seated and had hoarded their own spiral potatoes.

Look at these. Albert motioned to several small plates in front of them. You can roll your potato in the seasoning of your choice.

These shouldve just been fried, Tori said, motioning to the dozen on a plate. I told them to bring these out especially for us. Help yourselves. I snacked on a few while I was working.

Her friends werent shy and began snatching pieces for themselves. Ezvan came to join them and partake as his parents stood with Axton and chatted. The restaurant could seat a hundred and fifty guests, so there was plenty of room.

As Tori sipped on her wine and leaned back on her chair, listening to Albert and Ewan rate the seasonings as if they were experts, her eyes scanned the room. All the guests she thought were coming seemed to have arrived.

Except Piers and Gideon.

Her lips tugged into a small frown.

My lady. A message from His Highness. Sir Dobcheks movements were smooth and almost unnoticed as he made his way to her side and knelt. Tori instinctively craned her neck towards him as he whispered.

Tori braced herself and was careful not to reveal her reaction. She gave him a small nod and glanced at her friends with a cheerful smile. Ill be back in a bit. You can eat my share of the spiral potatoes, but dont take my au gratin when it comes out.

They laughed and assured her they wouldnt steal her food. She kept a smile on her face as she swiftly made her way past the guests, following Sir Dobcheck. As soon as she was out in the hall, away from any other eyes, her smile fell.

When did the message arrive? she asked in a low voice as she grabbed her skirt and pulled it up to keep from tripping as she climbed the stairs to the third floor.

A few minutes ago, my lady.

And the decision is final?

Sir Dobchek paused for just a second. Yes, my lady. Sir von Dorn has been dismissed.