Chapter 154: She Has Crystal Fatigue; She's Not Dead

Chapter 154: She Has Crystal Fatigue; She's Not Dead

Guevera! Gideon rushed forward and extended his arms, but he was too far away. Guevara seemed to crumple into herself, and her head hit the ground. Sir Atienza managed to grab her to soften the blow, but Gideon grimaced. Sir Atienza put his hand under her head and frowned.

The tall knight looked over his shoulder and shouted. Bring the carriage closer and contact His Highness!

His Highness he was referring to was Piers. Gideon felt his heart tighten as he looked at the pale young woman in the blue robes. All he had seen was a blue blur sprinting towards the collapsing schoolhouse. His own reaction wasnt as quick. Hed just stood there, stunned to see the roof collapsing. Hed done nothing.

Sirs, what happened to the Countess? The Abbess made her way through the crowd that had gathered. Gideon looked around. Hed been so caught up in the moment watching Guevera use crystals to remove most of the debris blocking the doorway into the classroom that he hadnt noticed that nearly all the guests who had been sitting in the benches had gotten up and come closer.

All around him, nuns were gathering children into groups and comforting them. The Abbess knelt beside Guevera.

The Countess is proficient in crystals, but she is still a student. She overexerted herself and has crystal fatigue, Sir Atienza said. Gideon didnt know if he was so calm because everyone else was panicking or if it was because he expected such a thing to happen to Guevera after she exerted herself. Whatever the reason, his brothers knights deserved to be his brothers knights.

Will she be all right? A small voice asked from the crowd of small children trying to look past the nuns corralling them.

Sir Atienza gave the children a comforting look. Of course, shell be all right. Shes only tired. After a nap, shell be awake and ready to go.

Will there be any lasting side effects? The low, tight voice came from behind him, and Gideon turned around. Prime Minister Guthry was pale as he looked at Guevera.

Two of Piers' knights seemed to move in front of them, as if to block Guevera from their sight. Their faces were dark, and they looked at the Prime Minister with disapproval.

Prime Minister, if youll excuse us, we must take the Countess to the palace to rest, one of them said.

We can make room! The palace is so far! Let the Countess rest in the abbey. Another nun rushed forward, and Gideon recognized her as the nun who had shown Guevera around when they arrived.

Sir Atienza was already standing, lifting up Guevera across his arms. His lips were in a tight frown, and he shook his head. Another knight was beside him and moving Gueveras arms so that her hand clutching her bracelet was carefully resting on her stomach. Gideon wondered how much his brothers knights knew about Guevera that theyd be so cautious when caring for her to the point that they knew the importance of that bracelet.

Sir Atienza shook his head at the nun. No, His Highness Prince Piers would prefer that the Countess be taken to the palace to rest and be checked by imperial doctors.

The weight of Piers name seemed to block all other attempts to stop them from leaving. It was as if his brother gave the order from his own mouth. It also stressed Gueveras importance to his brother.

Your Highness, one of Gideons knights said behind him. We must go with them. You were only to stay as long as the Countess stayed.

Gideon nodded. He took a step forward to follow, but felt a small hand grab his wrist.

Gideon, are you leaving? Alessa pulled him back and gave him a desperate look.

He hesitated. Im sorry, I cant stay long.

Gideon, we can really use your presence to help calm the crowd, Fabian said. He motioned to the side and Gideons eyes swept across the dozens of guests muttering amongst themselves and the children who were crying, sniffling, or being checked for any injuries.

Already, there were a few who had cuts and bruises from when parts of the ceiling caved in and pieces flew out at them. The worst seemed to be a boy who couldnt walk and was laying on the ground, being checked by one of Piers knights. Someone was calling for a doctor; the boys leg had been crushed by a beam.

He wanted to stay. A small voice in the back of his mind was keeping him rooted in place. He had to stay and calm the crowd, if only to help reassert order and stop Alessas opening from becoming even more of a disaster.

You should help your friends as much as you can when it is needed, but you cannot do everything for them. You will only make them too reliant on you. They should not be made helpless because of your affection. His brother's words echoed in his head. Piers had spoken to him more recently, and Gideon took all his words to heart.

Gideons eyes narrowed. He looked towards one of his knights. Call for an imperial doctor to come here to check on all the children at once. Request assistance from the Imperial Engineering Commission to inspect the buildings and find out what happened, he said in a cold voice. One of his knights bowed his head.

Yes, Your Highness.

Fabian! Gideon called his friend and Fabian rushed forward. Wait here for the imperial doctor and if anything, else is needed call me.

Youre leaving? Fabian looked at him with surprise. But we need you to help calm the crowd!

The nuns will take care of the children and Alessa is the hostess; she has to be the one to calm the crowd, Gideon said, looking towards her. You are Baroness Hart and this is your project. You can and will take control and calm the crowd. I believe you can.

Alessa seemed hesitant and her grip on his arm tightened, but she lowered her head and nodded.

Youre right. I am the hostess. This is my responsibility. She still hadnt released his arm. She lifted her head and gave him a pleading look. But must you leave? Everyone is nervous and a few words from a prince would calm them. Even if you dont say a word, they will be relieved to see you.

Gideon held his breath. It wouldnt hurt to stay, would it? It would show Alessa had backing. At the very least, it would give her more confidence.

Your Highness, his knight spoke in a low voice. We must go. The Countess has been taken to the carriage. The knight paused. His Highness the first prince will want to speak to you.

Gideon tensed. He looked at Alessa and took her hands. I need to go. Guevera is injured and if I dont return with her, my brother will be furious. He holds her in a favorable position and if something happens to her, he will be angry.

Alessa lowered her head once more. I see....

But Im not going to let this go. The Imperial Engineers will find out what happened, and well find the party who caused this, Gideon assured her. He looked back at Fabian. Take care of her and wait for the doctor.

He let go of Alessas hands and gave a small bow of his head to the Prime Minister and the Abbess before heading to the awaiting carriage. The knights quickly mounted, and they rushed off.

Inside the carriage, Gideon looked at Guevera lying across from him and propped up by pillows. The bells were still on her ankles and wrists, but her hand was holding the gold bracelet with the crystals.

Sir Granger, one of Piers knights, sat on the floor with his back to Guevera, and seemed to act as a brace to keep her from rolling off the carriage bench in case of a sudden stop. Her plain canvas bag that she had brought with her was next to him.

A glowing comcry was in his hand. Thank you, Captain. We appreciate the escort.

I will inform Her Majesty of Countess Gueveras condition, a mans voice replied from the comcry. A room will be ready for her and a doctor on standby.

Gideon fumbled with his own comcry. Has my brother been contacted yet? Gideon asked as Sir Granger ended the call.

Not yet, Your Highness. He is not answering.

Gideon frowned. He picked up his comcry. Call Piers du Soleil. The crystal pulsed for several counts, but no one picked up. Gideon swiped his finger across. Call Axton Alvere. The same thing. No one answered. Gideon tapped his foot impatiently. He knew he needed to tell them what happened, but he was told theyd be at some meeting most of the day.

If that were the case, they likely couldnt get through for some time.

Call Lions Gate Duel. Gideon lifted his head and looked at Sir Granger. His comcry flashed once before someone answered.

This is Lions Gate Duel. How may I help you?

Captain Somerset, Sir Granger greeted in a respectful voice. This is Sir Granger, escort of Prince Piers. Is Lady Agafonova present and available to speak to?

Yes, she just arrived with the others, Sir Granger. Please wait a moment. There was silence for a while and Gideon could hear vague, muffled voices. Then, a young womans voice answered.

Hello, Sir Granger, is something the matter?

Gideon didnt know if Agafonova sensed something was wrong at once, but her voice was laced with trepidation.

My lady, there was an incident at the abbey this morning. Countess Guevera stepped in to save orphans and overexerted herself. She fainted due to crystal fatigue.

She what! Is she hurt elsewhere? Where is she now? Ill come at once-

Lady Agafonova, rest assured, she is with us on the way to the imperial palace. I have already contacted the palace and they are preparing a room and an imperial doctor will be waiting, Sir Granger almost seemed to report. We are in the process of contacting His Highness. Would you be able to contact Madam Biancci about her nieces condition?

Yes, Ill contact her right now. I will arrange my work here and then rush to the palace. Please inform them of my arrival.

Gideon blinked and drew his head back. That was rather daring of Agafonova to invite herself to the imperial palace. It wasnt a normal residence she could just go to uninvited.

Yes, my lady. I will inform them of your arrival and the possible arrival of Madam Biancci.

Gideon stared at Sir Granger in horror. Did he just agree? Didnt need to go through the appropriate channels? Gideon could understand if Guevera had such privilege, but Agafonova wasnt tied to the imperial family in any way.

When Sir Granger ended the call, he looked towards Gideon. Your Highness, please continue to call His Highness Prince Piers. I will continue to try to contact Duke Alvere.

Gideon nodded his head and slid his finger over the crystal. If this were a few months ago, he doubted Piers would answer even if he saw the comcry flashing, but in recent weeks, Piers had answered him every time he called.

Gideon tried to restrain himself and not call for unimportant matters so as not to bother his brother, but this was a legitimate reason.

He continued to call, and it wasnt until they were halfway to the palace and well past Horizons gates that Piers answered his comcry.

What is it? Piers sounded a bit annoyed.

Piers, Guevera tried to save orphans and got crystal shock. She passed out and-

Bring her to the palace. The annoyance in his brothers voice disappeared at once. His voice became stern and authoritative. He was giving an order and Gideon felt his heart thump.

He was filled with a sudden swell of admiration. His brother was made to rule.

Yes, Piers! Were on our way there right now! Gideon told him earnestly. Sir Granger has called ahead and there will be a room and an imperial doctor waiting. He has also managed to call Lady Agafonova.

Make room for Lady Ilyana, Miss Sonia, Ewan, and Nanny Rey.

Gideon knit his brows together and drew his head back. Why-

They will come to see Tori. Heed my order, Gideon. The comcry call ended and Gideon stared at it. Did his brother not question her friends at all?

...Yes, His Highness also requested a spare room for Lady Agafonova, Miss Vissage, Ewan Conner, and Commander Reystrom. Sir Granger was back to speaking on his comcry and Gideon looked across the cabin at him. Madam Biancci will likely come, but will not stay the night as she has two children at home.

We will have the rooms prepared, Sir Granger.

After the call ended, Gideon looked at Sir Granger. None of you questioned allowing them into the palace?

Before you asked her? Madam Guthry choked out at the words and looked at her son as if hed lost his mind.

We were planning to! I didnt think the invitations would be sent with the placeholder name.

It wasnt necessary to put a name, the Empress said. A simple mention of a blessing dance would suffice. Prime Minister Guthry, Madam Guthry, you would do well to better educate your son on these matters.

Yes, Your Majesty, the Prime Minister lowered his head once more. It was our negligence.

Mother. They turned towards the entrance at the sound of the voice. Prince Piers walked into the hall along with several men and women, all with serious looks on their faces. The Imperial Engineers and knights have made a conclusion.

Ilyana was both impressed with the speed of which the conclusion had been found and impatient to find out what caused the schools roof to collapse.

Report. The Empress gave the men and women a nod. The Guthrys stepped to the side, closer to where Ilyana stood. An old man stepped forward to represent the group.

Your Majesty, Your Highnesses, Prime Minister and honored guests, the old man said, giving a respectful nod to each party. In regard to the collapse of the roof, we found the wood used to support it was painted over to cover dry rot.

What? Guthry stood up straight.

In addition, while the bricks in most parts were of excellent quality, the bricks in roughly a little over a quarter of the building were poor quality bricks. They were not fired well and could not hold the weight of the support beam. They developed cracks early on. With children coming and going, the vibrations from their activities were enough to overwhelm the faulty bricks, causing cracking in the brick and mortar. The bricks cracked first and the beams fell apart.

Several eyes, including Ilyanas, moved to Guthry. His face had lost all its color and he seemed to take a step back, shaken.

But...but those are the highest quality bricks and lumber.... He mumbled and shook his head, unable to believe it.

It is also the mortar used. The masons who mixed the mortar did so improperly. From experience, it is likely they were rushing to finish. The old man took a deep breath and frowned. Its a miracle that the structure did not collapse sooner.

Ilyana drew her lips inwards and bit them. Sonia glared at Guthry. Arent those masons trained at your school? How could you let them pass and think theyre qualified for construction?

Tori was right to ask you how many people need to die before you stop them.... Ilyana said, bitterly.

Guthry shook his head. No, Ive been paying attention recently! I had experienced masons evaluate them!

Commander Makris, please share the results of your investigation, Prince Piers said.

A middle-aged woman stepped forward and bowed.

Two masons and a carpenter who were sent to do the construction for the abbey were newly passed craftsmen who learned from Mr. Dimitri Guthrys craftsmanship school in Fosse Village. Working on the schools construction was part of their training to gain experience and as such, the pay was minimal. To compensate for the low remuneration, the two masons and a carpenter sold some of the donated high-quality bricks and lumber. They then replaced the sold materials with far inferior materials that were not fit for construction.

Ilyana felt her blood rush to her head. She turned towards Guthry and wanted to claw his eyes out. Those are the kind of people you sent? Didnt you check their backgrounds or send an experienced foreman to oversee them? The construction at the delta had such precautions and periodic checks, and the craftsmen were all seasoned guild members. Safety was always a priority.

Mr. Guthry, did you send these craftsmen to build the school by themselves? Prince Gideon, who had been standing beside his mother in silence since the Guthrys arrived, spoke up. He looked at Guthry with disbelief.

Guthry swallowed hard. His forehead glistened with sweat as his eyes darted around. His face had lost color and he lifted his hand to rub at his temple. There was a half dozen. I...I let the instructors at the craftsmen school arrange it.

Ilyana gritted her teeth as murmurs of frustration and anger swept through the room.

Mr. Guthry, do you understand that your negligence has played a part in this? The Empress was seething. Piers, aside from the Countess, were there any more injuries?

There were more than two dozen children injured, most with cuts, scrapes, and bruises during the panic. One little girl required stitches when brick shrapnel cut her above the eye. Dr. Ozola reports that the girl is lucky, as the shrapnel couldve blinded her in one eye if it was just a little lower.

Ilyanas eyes reddened. It was bad enough that Tori passed out again, but the children she was trying to save were still hurt. She glared at Guthry, hating him for walking away from that event without a single scratch on him.

Two children have what appear to be fractured bones in their arms, a boy got a gash on his leg that also required stitches. The worst is a boy whose leg was crushed by the debris. Prince Piers seemed to clench his jaw. He is currently in surgery to get that leg amputated.

Madam Guthrys hand shot to her mouth as she gasped. Her son shook her head.

No...no, he was all right. I saw them taking him away, they said hed broken his leg-

It was worse than what they thought, Prince Piers said in a chilling voice. Mr. Guthry, I have requested that due to your involvement with the construction, you will be included in being held accountable for todays matter.

But I didnt know! Guthry choked out. He shook his head wildly. I didnt know they sold the materials-

Your Highness, how will my son be punished? the Prime Minister seemed resigned to his sons fate.

Prince Piers didnt hesitate. As this involves Lyce Projects, the school will need to be involved. I have spoken to Headmaster Laurent and while his punishment is being decided, he will be suspended-

Suspended! Guthry stepped forward. Your Highness, this was all an accident!

An accident that couldve been prevented! The Empress cold voice filled the room.

Your Majesty, I beg you to have mercy! Im in my third year. I cant be suspended! I have been working to reform the craftsmen school and will take responsibility for that, but it was not my intention for anyone to be injured. I only wanted to help Alessa Hart with her expenses.

The Empress narrowed her eyes. You assigned this as training to those men to assist Baroness Hart? Knowing full well they were building a school for orphans? With no oversight?

There was supposed to be oversight. I dont know what happened. Ill talk to the instructors at the school.

And what about the injured children? Sonia snapped. Will you talking to the instructor at your school help them now?

Ill compensate them! Guthry shouted back. Ill pay for any medical costs and help them find jobs later. Thats enough compensation, isnt it?

Ilyana stared at him with disgust. Did he just insist that money would solve the problem? That the boys leg wouldnt matter because hed find him a job later?

Mr. Guthry, you must take some responsibility for this, the Empress said.

But this isnt entirely my fault! I tried to ensure that suitable craftsmen were sent; I didnt know that they dared to sell and replace the construction materials! Guthrys face reddened. He dared to take a step forward. And Guevera should be questioned as well!

Ilyanas stunned eyes bore into him.

Why should Tori be questioned? Sonia almost snarled with anger.

Guthry turned to look at them. Guevera entered the building that morning. How can we be sure she didnt do anything to cause the building to fail so soon? Isnt it too much of a coincidence?

Ilyana never hated anyone so much in her life. Blood rushed to her face as her mind went blank. All the rapid talking around her was drowned out and her eyes fixed on the young man just a few steps away.

Guthry dared to blame Tori.

It was because of his ignorance and his idiotic love-struck fixation on Hart that children were almost killed, and her best friend was unconscious trying to save them.

This was the second time - the second time, that Tori had to step in to fix Guthrys mistake and he dared to blame Tori?

Ilyana snapped.

Her slender fingers curled into a fist, and she darted out of Sonias hold. She vaguely heard her friend cry out to stop her, but it was too late.

Ilyana didnt feel the pain of her hand hitting flesh and bone. She didnt feel the sharp sting. She only wished she were stronger.

Ilyana! She felt two pairs of arms wrap around her and hold her back as tears streamed down her face.

This is your fault! You have the gall to blame Tori just because she was there? All you think about is Hart and nothing else! It was your arrogance and negligence that caused this! Children couldve died because of you! The gods have no conscience to let you stand here and defend yourself when there are wounded children and Tori is unconscious again! It should be you who pays for your mistakes! It shouldve been you! You ignorant, disgusting man! You dont deserve your name! You dont deserve to go to Lyce! You dont deserve anything!

Ilyana! Sonia tried to cover her mouth, but Ilyana turned her head away, refusing to be silenced as Ewans thick arms wrapped around her to keep her from flailing her arms or going in for another hit. Despite his strength and skill, he struggled to keep her contained.

No, I want him to hear it! I want him to know that this is his fault! That this is all his fault and that he almost killed people! A child cant walk anymore because of you! Tori passed out again because she had to save people due to your negligence! This is your fault! How dare you try to blame others! Its all your fault and you should be punished! I wish they never found you in that forest!

Sonia finally managed to grasp her head and pull her against her to try to calm her. Ilyanas choked cries cursing Guthry became muffled as Sonia held her tight.

I hope youre happy, Guthry, Sonia said in a venomous voice. I hope you think pleasing Hart was worth it. Dont try to blame Tori for this. It was you who had her name put on that program to coerce her to come. It was you who sent incompetent, hateful craftsmen. It is your fault.

Ilyana couldnt stop trembling. She looked through her messy bangs as she turned away from Sonias shoulder.

Guthry was on the ground, blood all over his face as his hands tried to stop blood from pouring down his nose. A blank look was on his pale face. Ilyana didnt bother to wonder if he was stunned she hit him or surprised that she wished he were dead.

Madam Guthry was kneeling beside him, screaming, and begging for someone to help her son. The Prime Minister stood behind them and made no move to help his son. There was anger and shame on his face as he looked away, clenching his hands at his sides.

Ilyana heard a heavy breath.

Someone bring the Prime Ministers son a towel and call for an imperial doctor to make sure his nose isnt broken, the Empress said in an emotionless voice.

No, Ilyana corrected herself. The Empress wasnt emotionless, she was cold and disgusted. She remained standing straight with her lips in a tight line and her eyes narrowed.

Dimitri, hold on! Dont move! Madam Guthry tried to talk to her son, but Guthry didnt seem to pay attention. Madam Guthry had tears in her eyes as she turned and looked at Ilyana with confusion and accusation. Why did you hit him, Lady Agafonova?

Ilyana felt ice in her veins as she met Madam Guthrys gaze, unflinching. Because he deserved it.

Her cold words seemed to have chilled Madam Guthry. Sonia stroked the back of Ilyanas head to try and calm her.

Dont pay attention to them. Theyll get whats coming to them, Sonia said in an even voice. Dont keep yelling and calm down. Toris going to wake up soon. You dont want her to see you like this, do you?

Tori will be worried about you, Ewan added. His hold on her hadnt loosened. She already has enough to worry about, right?

Ilyanas trembling breath wavered, and she shut her eyes. She tried to get her breathing under control. Her friends led her away gently.

Lady Ilyana! A voice called from the entrance of the hall and Ilyana opened her eyes to turn and look. Duke Alvere skidded to a stop and his eyes locked on to her. Toris awake and shes asking for you!