Chapter 149: I Ask You to Forgive Me

Chapter 149: I Ask You to Forgive Me

Is she extorting me? His father looked on the verge of throwing the papers at his brother. Piers didnt seem at all perturbed as he stirred his post-dinner coffee. His nonchalance only irritated their father more so. Piers! What does she mean by this?

He slammed his hand and the papers that he held on top of the dining table closest to Piers. Gideon sat across the table from them, beside his mother, watching the exchange. The Emperor of Soleil was said to be an aloof man, at least when his position and politics were involved.

However, in private, his father was a painfully doting husband and a strict, but generous father. He was especially patient with Piers. At least, usually.

I think the price is reasonable, Piers said in a solemn voice.

Gideon looked at their father and tried not to grimace as his fathers face reddened. Reasonable? You think charging this much for a rock is reasonable!?

It is proprietary technology, Great Uncle Emil said. He extended his hands from his seat beside Piers and the Emperor handed him the papers.

Mathieu-Philippe, she worked so hard on the crystals, Great Aunt Vivian said with some pity in her voice. Not only did she spend months working on the Old Sulfae, but she personally carved the crystals, and then went to all that trouble just to be able to go to the vault to register the samples.

She had to put up with resistance from some of the faculty. Aunt Viv had to keep Dean Zanuto practically trapped in his office to keep him from getting involved, his mother said in a firm voice as Great Aunt Vivian nodded.

That arrogant bastard didnt give up until I brought up some funding discrepancies.

The Empress nodded. All that work just to give Tori some time, and she made something so useful.

Across from him, Great Uncle Emil shifted through the papers, reading each one carefully. Considering the rarity, Piers is right. The price is reasonable.

Uncle, you cant be serious. His fathers face fell. That much for one crystal? It has yet to be mounted on any jewelry!

According to this, Master Monde is ready to mount them at any time in suitable rings, Great Uncle Emil replied as he put the papers down and tapped them. Shes even made the arrangements to have them done.

At extra cost!

The material and Master Mondes expertise isnt free.

Yes, Mathieu-Philippe, you must properly compensate him for his labor.

Gideon lifted his coffee to his lips and took a sip. He looked around the table. Everyone aside from his father didnt seem to think there was a problem with Gueveras proposal that shed sent with his brother. Gideon had wondered why Piers had joined them for the family dinner, considering that Guevera and her little friends had gone to the Cosora Delta that weekend.

Usually, Piers would go with them as he was housing her cat. It turns out he was a messenger.

No one had expected it, either. Piers had sat in the seat on their fathers left side where he always sat when he was forced to join a meal. While amid dinner, their mother had gasped and pointed out Piers ring, asking is that the ring Tori made you.

Gideon didnt know that Guevera had made his brother a ring. He knew they were close, but didnt think shed give his brother jewelry. After all, it was a bit of an intimate act. Then Piers held out his hand so they could see the ring and began to explain how it worked.

Gideons heart had quickened, and his eyes went wide. A ring that detected poison was a priceless tool for people like them. Everyones attention had been drawn and it seemed his mother had known, and his Great Aunt Vivian had an idea of it. As Gideon listened to the conversation around him, he began to put together exactly what Guevera had done.

She saw there was an insufficiency with the charms they used, so she harnessed the knowledge of her brother and masters to create a series of Old Sulfae to program crystals to detect poison. That was something that had never been done, or at least they didnt have a record of. Shed worked on it for months, carefully tested it, and used a very valuable favor from his father to gain access to a restricted vault in Universit. In the vault, she had exposed herself to an entire collection of toxins to properly register them on to crystals.

Gideon looked across the table at his brother.

Guevera had done all of that for Piers.

She has already done the work for Piers, his father said, frowning. Why is she charging so much for work that was already done?

Youre being charged for the value of the programmed crystal, Piers said.

Your crystal was free!

Piers met their fathers eyes briefly. I am loved. It was said in the most matter-of-fact voice, as if the reason was obvious.

Their fathers face reddened even further, and he opened his mouth to scold Piers, but no words came out. Their mother turned her head to the side and tried to muffle her laughter. Gideon squinted his eyes. Somehow, he felt as if he had heard such a statement before.

Mathieu-Philippe, Great Uncle Emil said in a calm voice. Isnt such a crystal tool worth the asking price, if not more?

Gideon looked towards his father. The Emperor lifted a hand and ran it through his silvery-white hair. It was an action he only did when he was annoyed and tired.

It is, he said. But I didnt think shed try to charge so much. How many of these crystals has she prepared?

There is currently a dozen. They have been pre-cut for mounting and Tori has personally selected the mounting for each, Piers said. She has reserved several for our family and a few for hers.

For her brothers? their mother asked.

Piers nodded. Tori said that having them made for our family is the priority.

You see how well Toni raised her? their mother told their father with a stern look. She only took on this project because she was worried about Piers. She didnt have to make them for us, but she made a point to.

She doesnt like Gideon, Piers added. Gideon shrank in his seat. But she reserved one for him.

Because of you. Gideon wanted to tell his brother. She did all of this because of you. She agreed to be my guard for you. She spent months perfecting a crystal for you. What else is she willing to do?

He didnt want to admit that he had a bitter taste in his mouth knowing that the person he didnt get along with the most cared for his most important person. He wanted to continue to dislike Guevera.

She was arrogant and smug. She had a sharp mouth and didnt respect him in the least. She hated the girl he liked and provoked his knight into quitting. Whenever they met, she treated him like a fool. He hated her.

He hated how she acted better than him.

He hated that she treated Alessa as if she were a foolish nuisance.

He hated that she still came through with her duties and gave him tools to protect himself.

He hated that her friends still extended peace offerings despite their history.

He hated that she was fixed firmly at his brothers side and gave Piers the support he never could.

Gideon lowered his eyes. Now, she had created something to protect his family. He hated that he owed her.

All right, he heard his father say with a heavy breath. He reached forward and collected the documents from Great Uncle Emil. I will agree to the terms and cost. When can the crystals be ready?

She has arranged for Master Monde to bring them tomorrow, Piers replied. Once I confirm that youve signed the purchase agreements.

Their father stared at Piers with a cold expression. You will not offer to try to negotiate?

Why would I?

Toris going to spend the money on the county, the Empress said with a chuckle.

The Emperor rubbed the bridge of his nose. I know. All the money Im paying her is going to the county somehow, either investing in her business or directly to building. She sent something she calls a roadmap to show where the funding is going. His lips were in a line. I understand she wants to improve her county, but she has less than two thousand people.

For now. Once the population in the encampment is down to half, she will allow for chain migration of family members of the villagers. She believes they will reach that mark around early spring next year, Piers said. In addition, there is a waiting list of workers hired for building that hope to move to the Cosora Delta. This includes several imperial knights who want to buy land for retirement.

I dont blame them, their mother said with an understanding nod. Id love to spend more time there. Its fun.

The Emperor sighed once more. All right, enough about this. Piers, how did your introduction meeting go?

Introduction meeting? Gideon sat up straight and looked from his father to his brother. He knew what that meant, and it was quite common amongst noble circles, but his brother was a special case. First, Piers situation made such a thing unheard of. Second, what about Guevera? This is the first Im hearing of this.

His mother sighed beside him. Several nobles have been bothering your father to encourage your brother to meet with talented young ladies. Theyve been complaining about it for some time, so your father agreed to ten introductions to silence them.

Gideon frowned and looked at his brother. Was this acceptable? Are you willing?

Piers doesnt have a choice in the matter. He must placate those nobles, his father said in a firm voice. The meetings are short, and nothing was promised. They are only to meet and become acquainted. Anything more is not guaranteed.

Advice? Thats all? Guthry scowled, clearly unsatisfied.

Can they not order the Viscount to withdraw? Alessa asked in a hopeful voice.

Gideon lowered his head. The Viscount has only begun to work in Chetterswickshire for a few months and is not permanent. It takes time to review a situation-

Nothing has changed since he arrived! Guthry slammed his hands on Gideons desk and almost immediately, another set of hands slammed onto Gueveras desk behind him.

The petite black-haired, blue-eyed young woman seemed to loom above them with a suffocating fierceness. Watch your actions, Guthry. Any act of intimidation against His Highness can be seen as a threat and I dont respond well to threats. Take your hands off his desk.

Gideon felt his blood run cold at her low voice. Guthry seemed to grip the edge of his desk for just a moment before pulling his hands off. He gritted his teeth as his hands dropped to his sides and clenched.

I dont respond well to threats, either, Guevera.

That is not a threat, Guthry. That is a promise. Gueveras eyes never left Guthrys. I am His Highness guard now. He is my responsibility, and any act of intimidation, coercion, or extortion to pressure him to act in a way that can harm him, or his family, is reason for my concern. You are free to talk to him. You are free to eat with him. But you are not free to beg and guilt him to do you a favor, do you understand?

Are you saying that we cant ask him for help? Fabian asked with narrowed eyes.

Gueveras sharp gaze turned to him. Asking him for help is the reason Harts barony is currently being overseen by a viscount in the first place. As for the situation in Chetterswickshire, if Hart is so concerned about the conflict between the viscounts terms and the owners wishes, she can act as a mediator to try to get a compromise. That is, of course, if Hart is willing to do the work.

Alessa let out a sharp gasp and looked at Guevera as if shed slapped her. Countess Guevera, I love my barony! I will do anything for it-

Then get to work, Guevera said as she lifted her chin and glared. Viscount McLauren is there for the sake of your barony. You would do well to try to work with him. If you have your concerns about his method, you can look up Greenbelt, Stonebridge, Dunloch, and North Wellhilling Town.

What are those? Fabian asked.

Agafonova lowered her half-eaten sandwich and looked at him as if he were stupid. Those are villages in Anlar that are following economic recovery plans put together by the Viscount and his wife after a disaster. She turned to Alessa and Guthry with question. Didnt you look them up to find out the background and abilities of the Viscount?

Gideon watched Alessas face redden as she lowered her head and bit her lips. Alessa, before I reach out to my parents, can you discuss with the Viscount on his plans first?

But my friends said that the Viscount is not willing to work with them-

What friends? Guevera cut Alessa off and narrowed her eyes.

Alessa looked frustrated. Adrien and the others! The merchants who are willing to open stores, businesses, and an inn in Chetterswickshire!

So, you listened to one side of the story, but not the other, Guevera said in a dull voice that sounded a bit annoyed. I understand your urgency to reverse the situation of your barony, but you cannot ignore one of the parties involved in such a matter.

You dont know what youre talking about. Guthry spoke up once more.

Oh, and I suppose you do? Guevera raised a brow and crossed her arms over her chest. You seem very invested in the Hart Barony, Guthry. Perhaps thats why your Lyce project is falling apart. Instead of demanding that the second prince tell his parents to repeal an imperial order, why dont you focus on solving the problems caused by your faulty carpenters and masons, and stop them before they cause an accident that kills someone.

Guevera-

And Baroness Hart can contact Viscount McLauren to discuss the details of his plans for Chetterswickshire. If his plans really hinder advancement for her barony, she can appeal to the noble ministry to review Viscount McLaurens progress. They can then appeal to the Emperor requesting a change.

But doing so will take so long!

Are you afraid that the merchants will lose interest and pull their investments? Guevera asked.

Alessa shook her head. No, but my villagers need jobs!

When was the last time you assessed the labor pool of your barony? Guevera continued. Alessa furrowed her brows and thought for a moment. When she didnt answer, Guevera answered for her. I take it that's never.

Guevera, thats enough! Guthry pulled Alessa further away from them and sent a scathing glare at Guevera. There is no reason to make Alessa feel bad.

My apologies, that was not my intention, Guevera said in a droll, uncaring voice. However, my points still stand. As a reminder, the issue of Viscount McLaurens placement in Chetterswickshire is the result of Baroness Harts involvement with His Highness breaking protocol. It is part of a punishment and one that is already quite lenient. Keep in mind that the Viscount may just be replaced. Do you have anything more to say that will add value to this conversation, Mr. Guthry?

Gideon watched Guthrys face redden, but he didnt answer. Guevera looked back at Alessa.

Do you have anything more to say, Baroness Hart?

I know you are Gideons acting guard, but you cant keep his friends away.

Im not, Guevera said in a smooth voice. There is no reason for me to keep friends away.

Guevera, its fine, Gideon said, lifting an arm to stop her. I understand what Alessa is asking for. Shes just worried about her barony. He caught Alessas excited expression. Im sure that once she speaks to the Viscount, shell have a better idea of whats going on and can work with both sides to improve Chetterswickshire.

Alessas face fell. He knew she was disappointed, but it couldnt be helped. Alessa was a Baroness and she needed to be responsible and contact the Viscount rather than depend on the words of merchants or appeal directly to him for help he didnt think he could give. Going to his parents should be a last resort.

She also needed to assess the labor pool, as Guevera said. In a way, this was a good way for Alessa to learn. Piers always told him that obstacles were a way to gain experience and mistakes could be learned from.

Gideon.... Alessa said.

I believe you will be able to straighten out the issue and further understand the goals of Viscount McLauren. Youre an intelligent, capable young woman, Alessa. He reached out and grasped her hand, giving her a gentle squeeze and a smile.

Alessas lips pulled up a bit and nodded. Thank you, Gideon. She took a deep breath and gave him a nod. Ill try to contact the Viscount.

Good.

The earlier tension seemed eased and Guthry walked away. Alessa pulled her hand from Gideons and followed. Fabian lingered for a bit longer.

What if she really needs your help later? he asked in a quiet, reluctant voice. Alessa doesnt have the money or influence to do much.

Gideon bit his lips. If shes exhausted all her options, I can try to help find a solution, but even my money and influence are limited. He wasnt like his brother who had money and a surprisingly large network. He glanced back at Guevera, who had returned to her seat.

Fabian seemed to follow his gaze and looked at Guevera with an unreadable expression before getting up. Ill talk to you later.

They didnt come talk to him the rest of the class and after it ended, Gideon found himself going after Guevera. As she was about to part ways with Agafonova, Gideon called out to stop her.

She turned around and Agafonova stopped beside her, frowning. Yes, Your Highness? Guevera asked.

Guevera, he began, but paused. He wasnt sure what exactly to say. He furrowed his brows and looked down. Thank you for standing up for me earlier.

Ah, well...I am your guard, she said with a small shrug of her shoulders. I cant allow anyone to address you in such a manner. He had a threatening posture.

Gideon nodded solemnly. He took a deep breath and lifted his gaze to meet hers. Ive misjudged you. From the beginning, I believed rumors without checking and criticized you unjustly. I supported suspicions of you and deliberately tried to sabotage your project.

Guevera raised a brow, but Agafonovas face twisted with dismay. Are you...confessing your wrongdoings?

Guevera let out a heavy breath. What is your point in bringing all of that up, Your Highness? She gave him an expectant look and Gideon found himself shifting uncomfortably under her sharp gaze.

He forced himself to stand up straight as he faced her. Guevera, I want to apologize for my past indiscretions. I was ignorant and wrong.

She nodded her head once. I agree.

Gideon grimaced. He clenched his hands at his sides. Countess Guevera, I ask you to forgive me.

He blinked, more to himself than at them. He heard the words come out of his mouth and he had been thinking it, but it was strange to have actually spoken them. Over two years being at odds with this woman, and he wanted her forgiveness. Even if they didnt like each other, he didnt want her to hate him.

Was it because of his brother? Her service to his family? Her duty to him? His heart quickened as he watched her face, not realizing he was praying that shed forgive him.

Her expression was neutral, and she seemed to consider his statement. She neither looked happy nor upset. Gideon held his breath.

Guevera pursed her lips.

No.