Chapter 143: Rest Assured If I Do, It Won’t Kill You

Chapter 143: Rest Assured If I Do, It Won’t Kill You

Another knight was guarding the door to the owners suite, where Axton was staying with the two princes. Sir Dobchek stopped at the door and knocked.

Enter. Piers called through the door and Sir Dobchek used a crystal key fob to unlock the door. He held it open for Tori.

Your Highness, Countess Guevera has arrived. He bowed his head in the direction of the sofas just past the foyer. Piers was seated at the far end of one sofa and rose to his feet as Tori entered. Gideon was seated in the center of the same sofa and wiped at his eyes as he quietly stood up, as well.

Your Highnesses. Tori stopped a few paces away and bowed her head. Sir Dobchek slipped out of the suite, closing the door behind him. She waited to hear it shut before speaking. I heard about the dismissal.

Piers gave her a solemn nod and then motioned for her to take a seat. She rounded the sofa and sat across from the brothers. Gideon sat back down, but Piers remained standing.

Father called us and told us that Sir von Dorn had come to confirm his dismissal. The paperwork regarding his dismissal is all signed and he will move out of the imperial palace tomorrow morning, Piers told her.

Tori drew her lips inward and nodded. Have the backup arrangements been discussed with Prince Gideon?

That is why I called for you, Piers said. He frowned. Father has left the explanation to me.

She was just as annoyed as Piers. This was an arrangement the Emperor made; he shouldve been the one to properly discuss it with Gideon, not Piers. The weight of the Emperors words shouldve been heavier than Piers. Tori had hoped that it would give her at least some appearance of authority in Gideons eyes.

If he didnt acknowledge any authority, Gideon would be difficult to manage, even if her new job was only to watch him during school hours.

She took a deep breath. Have you told him?

Piers shook his head. From the other sofa, Gideon lifted his head. His red, somewhat puffy eyes looked at Piers with uncertainty. Whats going on? Why did you call for Guevera?

Tori had imagined this moment multiple times, but still wasnt sure how Gideon would react.

Has Father made you aware of the protocol should a personal knight leave your side, for whatever reason, during your time at Lyce? Piers asked his brother. He didnt sound irritated, but simply wanted to confirm what Gideon knew before he proceeded.

His brother shook his head. Only that there would be more escort knights assigned to me.

Escort knights cannot enter Lyce grounds. Only students are allowed in, except for the Spring Festival, when guests are allowed entry, Piers replied. In the case that a personal knight leaves an immediate imperial family member, additional escort knights will be assigned outside of Lyce. Within Lyce, another student will be selected as a secondary guard responsible for another layer of protection and observation.

Gideon wasnt as stupid as Tori thought in some cases. He perked up when another student was mentioned and his eyes seemed to automatically drift towards her. His lips tightened into a line and his eyes narrowed.

What are the requirements of such a student?

Proficient in defense, both with weapons and empty handed, and loyalty to the imperial family, Piers replied. Those are the basic requirements; they should be trusted to defend you.

Gideon shook his head as he looked at Piers with disbelief. You cant be serious. Shes a girl!

Piers raised a brow and Tori scoffed. She is a girl who beat your personal knight twice.

No, I mean, not because shes a girl, but.... Gideon nearly tugged at his hair. He pointed at Tori. How is she going to protect me if she cant enter my dorm floor, let alone my room? Wont that leave me vulnerable?

You would not be the first to be guarded by a female student, Piers told him. When Chamberlain Thorpson went to La Garda, Father was guarded by Madam Biancci, Toris paternal aunt. At the time, her title was Lady Guevera and she ranked first amongst the swordsmen of Lyce during her first year, when she became Fathers guard. She also was prohibited access to Fathers dorm.

Gideons twisted face couldnt seem to wrap around the idea. How can she guard him if she isnt present?

I was told that Auntie arranged for her swordsmen peers to stay in the Emperors floor, surrounding him and reporting directly to her, Tori said. In addition, she was supplemented by a few crystals used for defense provided by our march.

Gideon narrowed his eyes and glared at her. Youre going to leave my life in the hands of crystals?

Your father is leaving your life in the hands of crystals in my hands, Tori said with an air of arrogance. Aside from my swordsmanship and proficiency in dagger, I also have moderate skill in charms and crystals.

Piers chuckled. Moderate? He looked at her with a glint of pride. You are modest.

Tori gave a noncommittal shrug. She looked back at Gideon. I understand your hesitation to accept this arrangement. I also resisted the request when the Emperor summoned me.

Gideon looked even more displeased. If you didnt want to become my guard, why did you agree?

Money.

Gideon slammed his hands on either side of him. You come from one of the wealthiest families in the empire! How can you be in need of money?

I am in the midst of numerous investments including the establishment of a county, Tori said in a sharp voice. Do you think its cheap? Also, it is my family that is wealthy. Not me, personally. I cant drain my familys wealth for my personal endeavors. They have already given me so much to fund my Lyce project.

If youre low on money, why are you still spending it? Gideon demanded as his face reddened.

Because it is unfortunate that it takes money to make money, and I need to make money to support my county. And petty revenge. Tori huffed and glanced at his brothers. Piers, does he have a choice in the matter of who guards him?

No. Piers replied at once and Gideons face fell.

Why not? She doesnt want to guard me! Shes only doing it for the money.

She needs the money. If she is paid, we can rest assured that she will take her responsibility seriously, Piers told him.

But what if someone bribes her to turn against me?

I doubt anyone will be able to bribe me more than your father, Tori said with sneer. And even if someone did, you are sorely underestimating my loyalty to your family. I gave your father my word. And signed a contract of employment. I have standards.

Gideon scowled. I dont trust you. Weve never gotten along, Guevera. You dont like me, and I dont like you.

My personal feelings towards you are irrelevant. I have accepted a duty.

Gideon, I trust Tori with my life, Piers said in a matter-of-fact voice. He took a seat beside her. If I trust her with my life, you can trust her with yours.

Yes, but she likes you! Gideon looked as if he were on the verge of a tantrum. Its not the same! She doesnt like me. How can I be assured that she wont act against me in small matters? Everyone knows shes petty!

Thats true. Tori nodded, conceding to that statement.

Piers frowned. She will not put personal grudges above the importance of her duty.

Gideon huffed and slumped back against the sofa, crossing his arms over his chest, stubborn. Im not convinced.

Piers narrowed his eyes. Gideon-

You should be convinced. Even if I dont like you, I have a duty. After all, Im bound, Tori said suddenly as she crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back against the chair, mirroring his position as her own act of defiance.

Bound? Gideon gave her a confused and doubtful look. What are you talking about?

The corner of Toris lips lowered. Your father isnt blind. He and everyone else knows that we dont get along. He would be insane if he ordered me to guard you knowing that we have been at odds with each other multiple times without fully understanding the overall situation. What he is trusting isnt necessarily me, but the fact that I am a Guevera. I am the daughter of a march; our loyalty is firm.

There have been exceptions. Gideon met her eyes. I know there have been records of march members who wanted or tried to rebel against the imperial family.

Yes, and theyre all dead, Tori replied. Every single one of them was killed by the march for breaching loyalty. And, if I let something injure you on purpose, thats still far from rebellion. She didnt know how he made the jump to rebellion so quickly. In the original game plot, Victoria didnt rebel.

Her brothers did, and only after she was tortured and killed.

So, you would allow me to get hurt!

Oh my God.... Tori turned her head towards Piers, her eyes wide and expectant as she made a small motion of her head towards Gideon.

Piers looked back at his brother. Father has already agreed to Tori guarding you at Lyce. She will keep watch over you and provide charms and crystals to you and your escort knights.

Piers! Gideon protested, but Piers lifted his hand to silence him.

This is not negotiable. I did not call Tori here to ask you, but to inform you. If you feel threatened or face difficulty, you are to contact Tori while at Lyce.

Gideon snorted. And what if shes the one threatening me or causing me difficulty.

Rest assured if I do, it wont kill you.

Tori. Piers gave her a knowing look and she rolled her eyes.

He came again today, before I left. He wanted to know if I needed help bringing things back to the palace for the weekend. I rejected him and I told him that you were acting as a guard, so he no longer needed to come by.

Tori bit her lip to keep from asking how Fabian took it. In their dance class, Fabian had been noticeably distracted the entire week. Since he didnt confront her with any words of warning, Tori assumed that no one told him that she was made a guard.

Its going to be an interesting dance class next week. Tori let out a heavy breath and leaned back against the carriage bench. I think his concern shows that he requested dismissal for your best interest.

Gideon nodded and looked back at the window. I know Fabian wouldnt do anything to hurt me on purpose.

Tori didnt reply. She was quiet until they reached Cafe Fortuna. Two of Piers' escort knights in plain clothes were stationed outside, meaning Piers was within. She hadnt invited him, but was a bit relieved that he would be there as a sort of backing.

Good afternoon, Countess Guevera. One of Piers knights greeted her as he opened the door to the carriage. The other opened the door to the cafe.

Good afternoon, Countess. His Highness has secured the cafe for the afternoon, Sir Lloyd said. Master Alexander is also present.

Tori gave them both nods. Thank you.

The inside of the cafe was nearly full of knights. All, except for the two imperial knights on either side of Piers, were in uniform. They sat around the various tables, drinking coffee, or eating a small snack as they waited for Tori and Gideon to arrive.

As she entered, Piers, who had been sitting on the overstuffed chair next to the hearth, rose to his feet with Alexander in one arm. The knights all stood up and Tori reached out to pick up her cat.

Bring me a table, Tori said as she stood in front of the hearth and draped her cat over her shoulder. Alexander nudged her head and purred. Piers gave two knights a silent look and they quickly rushed to carry over two square tables and placed them in front of Tori. With her cat stretched across both shoulders, Tori put her heavy satchel on the table and waited for Gideon to take a seat in the sofa across from her.

She quietly counted the number of knights in uniform. Piers knights were usually in plain clothes when escorting him. There were plenty of vaguely familiar and unfamiliar faces in the cafe.

Sir Dobchek, please put these on each window, Tori said as she handed the knight beside Piers a stack of charms. Theyre already charged.

He nodded and walked to the nearest window. He slapped a charm on and then sucked in a sharp breath as the window tinted. Light still came through and they could see outside, but the window itself grew dark. He turned around to look at Tori and she half expected him to cry out witchcraft.

Is this new? Piers asked.

If you go outside and look in, you cant see anything. Its a tinted reflective finish. Go check for yourself. Tori smirked and motioned for him to go outside. Piers marched to the door as Sir Dobchek put a charm on each window. Tori could see Piers and a few knights who followed him talking and nodding as they pointed at the windows. Piers moved close to the front window and pressed his hands against the glass and tried to peer in.

He drew his head back and shook his head. Piers came in after confirming her words. I cant see anything. Its as if there is a wall immediately behind the window.

My lady, this is amazing! Sir Atienza said, excited. Can we use these in carriages?

Tori nodded. Were installing the permanent crystal pieces on the windows of my carriages next weekend as a test. Do you want some charms for temporary use?

How long do they last? Sir Dobchek asked as he tapped against the tinted glass.

A full day from my tests, but the effect is lost when the charm is removed from the glass or torn, Tori replied. Ill give you some after the meeting.

Thank you, Countess!

She looked back at the ground and let out a small cough. She took out another silence charm and put it on the mantle over the hearth. Piers returned to his seat and Tori handed him Alexander so she could focus.

All right lets get this meeting started. For those of you who dont know, I am Countess Tori Guevera. I am the daughter of Marquis Guevera, the Countess of Cosora, and a student of the same year and homeroom as His Highness Prince Gideon, Tori said with a wave of her hand towards the seated silver-haired prince. As of this week, I have taken on the duty of temporary Lyce guard to Prince Gideon. This is a formal meeting to introduce myself and meet all his escort knights. There should be thirty imperial knights who are acting as escort knights to Prince Gideon.

She took out a piece of paper and called out all the names. Each person was required to be registered in her comcry. Axton arrived in the middle of it and sneaked around the group to get something to drink before joining Piers and sitting on the arm of his chair.

Tori continued her introduction on what her duty was, what was expected of her, and then began to take out all the items in her satchel. There were numerous crystals on simple leather chords.

Axton furrowed his brows. Do they each get one?

Yes, Piers said.

Why didnt she give your knights crystals? Axton said as he fished out his own safety talisman. His current one was a second-generation safety talisman. He didnt know what new features Tori had made to the batch she revealed.

Ive made one for each knight. When I call your name, please come up and I will help you charge the crystal with your energy signature to activate it. If you are unable to charge, I will need a drop of your blood, Tori instructed.

Gideons knights all exchanged looks and appeared hesitant.

Sir Granger, one of Piers knights, snorted and leaned back against the wall. You should be so lucky to get a protective crystal talisman from the Countess. Very few people have them. Even we dont.

Tori tried not to cringe at the envy in Sir Grangers voice. It wasnt that she didnt want to give Piers knights safety talismans. It was just that she thought they were capable and didnt go into direct battle that would require additional protection. These ones she just finished the night before were two sided and wrapped together with wire. They were narrow rectangles about the size of her thumb.

One side was black tourmaline for the usual safety charm. The other side was moonstone programmed as a tracking device. The piece of paper with the names of all of Gideons knights had been matched up to a particular talisman and she would be able to use the corresponding tracking tablet to track specific talismans.

Tori had skipped out on sword practice the last week so she and Ilyana could test each one.

The process of charging and assigning the safety talismans took some time. Gideon remained seated, drinking only a small coffee as he watched his knights accept their crystal talismans.

Tori then took out a round, mounted talisman she had Mr. du Monde mount for her. The tracking and communication crystals were hidden behind the gold-plated metal backing. Only the black tourmaline safety charm was visible.

If you need to contact me in an emergency, treat the face of the talisman like you would a comcry. I will receive your message and respond, Tori said. She looked at the thirty escort knights with Gideon. Please be sure to keep these safety talismans on you when you are on duty. They are designed to enhance reaction time, counter light fatigue, and will provide additional energy in the heat of battle. Are there any questions?

Can our talismans contact you, too? one of Gideons knights asked.

Tori shook her head. No. Only Prince Gideons has that feature, as comcrys are prohibited during class.

How long do these last?

When I ask you to return them once His Highness graduates, they will still be active, Tori replied.

A few knights looked at her with surprise and a bit of disappointment. We have to return them?

Yes, theyre expensive. She heard Axton muffle a snort and turn his head away. Since youve all come this way for todays meeting, Ive asked Mama J and her sons to prepare dinner for everyone here - yes, Axton, for you and Piers knights, too.

I was wondering why there was such a heavy scent of food.... Axton muttered to himself.

The knights present thanked Tori and as they studied their talismans and went to find places to sit, Tori remained standing to answer any questions. The co-heads of Gideons escort knights were particularly interested in speaking to her about Gideons schedule. They seemed to want to confirm that, while it was not her duty, she would also be informed of his schedule outside of Lyce, such as when he went to the Thirteenth District to oversee his hospital.

Countess Guevera is there anything we should keep in mind? the oldest of his knights looked serious as he asked her.

Tori took a deep breath and seemed to think for a moment. Take note of Fabian von Dorn, Dimitri Guthry, and Alessa Hart, and anyone who may be associated with them. Mr. Guthry associates with Miss Hart often and had an argument with the second Prince a few weeks ago. I am unsure if he is holding a grudge.

The two knights nodded and gave her a marchs salute before going to take their seats. Tori told Mama J to bring her food upstairs before climbing up the stairs.

She went into the small room and laid out on the daybed. As she stretched out, she took out the crystal tracking tablet and slid her finger over the moonstone plate embedded into the clear quartz. The tablet was rectangular with a grid pattern lined with tiny moonstone flakes. A carved triangle on one side was supposed to point away from the user while the circle opposite it was the location of the tablet itself: the center of the radar.

The tiny moonstone flakes illuminated directly around the circle, meaning the knights and their tracking devices were underneath her. Tori tapped on one flake and several names appeared on the moonstone plate beside the triangle. The name of the knight pulled up immediately. The gold light amongst all the white ones was Gideon.

The door opened and Piers and Axton entered.

Does it work? Axton asked as he carried an ice coffee to her bedside. Tori nodded.

Yes, Ilyana and I tested them this week and theyre working fine. I dont expect any long-term problems, but Ill check periodically. Master Ramos and I changed the scale of the grid, too. It can be resized depending on which crystal we select from the plates at the top.

Piers sat on the edge of the bed beside her and looked at the crystal tablet with the glowing dots in her hands. Youve worked hard.

I spent so long scraping Old Sulfae into each of them, I was going to scream, Tori muttered with a frown. At least, this will be of help if were trying to track them.

How far can it go? Axton asked.

We programmed it for the distance of 10 days. From here, we can go well into the marches. The closest distance is about five paces. Tori adjusted the tablet, and the glowing moonstone became more separated. Your brother is moving around.

What happens if your tablet breaks? Axton frowned. He traded the drink in his hand for the tablet.

There is a programmed smokey quartz and agate that connects the tablet to a spare and essentially backs up the information. The crystal cloud, heh. Crystals are fragile, and a deep enough crack will break it and render it useless, so its important to have a backup. Worse comes to worst, I have a new and improved way of tracking crystals Ive charged.

Piers frowned. Will you get crystal fatigue or shock?

Tori looked away. I dont know yet. She took a sip of her drink. Lets just hope it doesnt come to that.