Chapter 157: Take the Damn Carriage

Chapter 157: Take the Damn Carriage

Several eyes were fixed on JP with varying states of shock and confusion.

He had a breakdown? Henrik asked, his voice filled with disbelief. Guthry?

JP nodded. I heard from Madam McIntyres daughter, the nurse. She was dispatched with her medical team from the Central Imperial Hospital to the Prime Ministers manor last night. Guthry collapsed after breaking down.

Tori leaned back against her chair and tapped her fingers on the table. Im not too surprised.

Youre not? Ilyana asked. The others also turned to her with surprise.

He may have been trying to hide it, but obviously, hed been under an immense amount of stress that spiraled out of his control. He was kidnapped and almost killed this summer. That cant be without some lasting trauma. It resulted in his parents' disappointment in him, likely the most theyd ever been, and he was their golden child. His project was not only failing, but implicated his father. Any trust they had was likely worn out at that point.

There was the financial pressure to fix his craftsmen school and to support Hart. His rank has been falling since we started Lyce to the point that hes out of the top ten. Hes excluded from Ilyanas reviews, so everyone in our year knows that there is some animosity between him and us. Other students almost avoid him. Now, there was the schoolhouse collapse which had consequences far beyond what he expected, Tori said. I wouldnt be surprised that hed been in denial until the official punishments were issued.

So...it broke him? Sonia asked.

Tori nodded. It seems like it. I dont know if this will change anything, though.

Ilyanas eyes narrowed. It would be a miracle if it did considering how every time you tried to talk some sense into him, hed just ramble on.

It was like talking to a wall. Tori had said it many times before.

If he had a breakdown, does that mean he wont go to school when we start next week? Henrik asked. This isnt something that can be solved in a weekend.

JP pursed his lips. Nurse McIntyre says that when her shift ended, he was still bedridden.

Do you know what the fines and punishments were? Ilyana asked. JP shook his head and glanced at Tori.

She nodded understandingly. It wont be too difficult to find out. Its a publicly recorded case. I can inquire about him and Hart, but the consequences with the Lyce project will be difficult to get. Headmaster Laurent isnt going to advertise a students failure, especially when theyre still amid completing the project.

Is his project salvageable at this point? Sonia asked as she leaned back and crossed her arms. I heard he was trying to reorganize it and hire responsible instructors, but after this, whod want to be associated with his craftsman school?

Ilyana and Henrik nodded. Sonia made a good point.

Its almost a mark of shame to have gone there. It would be better to pretend otherwise and try to get an apprenticeship somewhere else, Henrik said.

Whos getting an apprenticeship? Ewan asked as he arrived with Axton just a step behind him. Albert tilted his head to the side, also curious.

No one, but JP found out that Guthry had a breakdown and collapsed, Henrik replied. Ewans eyes went wide, and Alberts jaw dropped.

Guthry? they both chorused with disbelief. JP nodded.

Tori looked past them, at Axton. Is it possible for you to find out what his fine and punishment are?

Why dont you ask Piers? Axton said. He tried to get the maximum punishment.

Prison time? Ilyana perked up.

Why do you want him to go to prison so badly? Sonia asked.

Henrik smirked. Hell be safer there.

Safe from whom?

Ilyana.

Tori let out a snort as Ilyana puffed out her cheeks. Tori looked around and furrowed her brows. Wheres Piers? I thought he was with you.

Im here. Piers said, appearing from behind them. He had a stoic look on his face as his brother followed behind him. He wants to come.

Tori scrunched her face as Gideon seemed to peek out from behind his brother and tried not to look desperate to join. Tori glanced at her friends and they either looked at her to take the lead or frowned.

Does he know that after dinner, were going to the delta? Tori asked. Her first official chamber session was in a week, and she wanted to follow up with her chosen representative and the commoner representative on what to expect.

Dont tell me he wants to come, too. Ilyana frowned more so. Gideons eyes dropped and he looked almost wounded. We only allocated enough snacks for us. Whats he going to eat on the way?

We can just ask Mr. Jager to pack up some more things, Sonia said, motioning one hand towards the back of the cafe. The cafes delicacies were extremely popular, and Henrik swore that more people came to the cafe for the cafes food than from Duel itself. It wasnt a bad thing; it was just more than expected.

Is His Highness packed? Henrik asked.

Gideons eyes lit up and he lifted his head. I can have my things brought to the Three Queens. And Ill bring my own carriage!

The group exchanged looks. Then, we wont be too crowded in the carriage, Albert said.

We can play a round or two on the way there, Ewan suggested. He looked at Gideon. Your Highness, do you have a table in your carriage?

Gideon nodded earnestly. Yes, it folds out from the sides and connects.

They looked towards Tori for the final approval. Tori finished off her drink and nodded. All right, decide who sits where so you can play, but dont stay up the entire time.

Weve only done that once, Albert said with a wave of his hand. Tori stared at him, and he shrunk back. Okay, we do it all the time when youre not in the carriage with us.

Im aware.

Axton, Piers said as he watched his brother rush off with Ewan and Albert to order more snacks to be packed up. Are you inviting Montan?

No, Axton answered immediately. He has to work this weekend.

Toris eyes flicked past him. Some other time, then.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

When its warmer. There isnt as much to do at the delta when its winter, Axton said. Itll be good if his first taste of the delta is when there are festivities happening.

The corner of Toris lip curled up. Did you hear that, Mr. Alvere? Keep the Spring Festival clear so you can come with us to the delta.

Axton perked up and he turned around. Montan had his head bowed as he stopped behind them, his pale hands clenching the crossbar of the snack cart he was pushing. Axton stared at the top of his head for a moment and then let out a low, resigned breath.

Do you want to come or not? Axton asked, sounding almost annoyed.

You should come, Gideon walked back with a scone in his hand. Theres a lot to do and you can try food you cant get in the city.

Youre planning to go, too? Piers asked with a raised brow. Gideon nodded.

Mother also wants to go.

Why are you eating? Were going to dinner.

Gideon looked at the half-eaten scone in his hand, as if he didnt realize he had picked it up and started eating.

Ill talk to Mr. Somerset to keep it open, a strained voice came from the young man with the dark-blue hair. Thank you.

Axton let out a low grumble and Montan pushed the cart past them to get to the back counter. As Axton eyed his half-brother, Tori stood up and patted his shoulder.

All right, lets go to dinner.

Tori and her friends crowded into her carriage, leaving the imperial carriage that Piers had prepared to him, Axton, and Gideon. They had to wait until they were seated in the rooftop dining room of the Three Queens for Piers to tell them what the punishments were.

Mr. Dimitri Guthry was sentenced to pay a fine of a thousand gold coins for his negligence in hiring incapable craftsmen. In addition, he must pay for the medical treatment of the children who were injured, and compensate them and the abbey. The Prime Minister have arranged compensation to be paid as support to the orphanage for a total of three thousand gold coins per year for the next nine years.

The nine years was estimated using the average age of the children and how many years until theyd reach sixteen, the legal age of majority. The Prime Minister lobbied heavily to avoid any prison sentence, however short, and the tribunal agreed to public service for two years.

What does public service include? Tori asked from his right side.

Unpaid heavy manual labor. He may be assigned to the city dump, to do sanitary work, assist with clearing for construction, or rebuilding and repairing old structures in the city, Piers replied.

Was Hart charged with anything? Tori asked.

I dont need to show kindness to someone who addresses me in such a way. Tori turned her head away in distaste. Von Dorn doesnt care what I think about him.

The corner of Fabians eye twitched. His cheeks heated up, but he turned his head away. He took Alessas hand and led her down the steps to her seat. Tori caught Fabian glancing back at her twice before he settled into his seat. He was closest one to Alessa now that Gideon sat in front of Tori and Dimitri was suspended.

JP gave Tori and Ilyana a knowing look before slipping out of their classroom.

Gideon took his seat in front of her and let out a heavy breath. He looked down, towards the front of the class, where Alessa was seated. Tori followed his gaze and continued to eat her lunch.

You cannot involve yourself in her project all the time, else she wouldnt be the one doing it, Tori said in a low voice.

He sat up straight and looked back at her. He frowned. My brother helped you with your project.

Many people help me with my project, but I still oversee it. All the little details, arrangements, the schedules, payments, orders, everything that goes into a project of this scale Ive overseen to an extent. I am managing my project and all the people involved, Tori told him. I dont hand it off and forget about it.

Gideon furrowed his brows. Alessa doesnt have your background.

She doesnt need my background to do her project, Tori said in a sharp voice. She doesnt need your background either. If you help her too much, she wont do anything on her own and things will get out of her control, like this entire debacle.

Gideon frowned. Are you saying this is my fault?

Im saying help her less so she can learn to help herself, Tori said with an air of finality. She finished off her lunch just as Instructor Rosemund returned and the class began to take their seats.

Instructor Rosemund didnt announce Dimitris suspension or bring him up at all, but that didnt mean news about him didnt spread through the class. By the end of the day, their entire year knew that he was suspended for the rest of the year and that his project almost resulted in a tragedy at an abbey.

Tori adjusted her bag over her shoulder as she left her dance class. Fabian had been awkward during class and practiced a ballroom dance as far away from her as possible. He wouldnt make eye contact with her, and he hadnt said a word. Not even a snide comment. Tori didnt want to deal with him, so she ignored him and continued to focus on the blessing dance for her brothers wedding.

She was more than halfway through the dance, and she estimated that by the spring festival, she could start doing full runs of the dance. Her costume would be fitted around that time, and she could start wearing it to get used to the weight of the robes and gilded mask before the wedding.

Still in her dance practice clothes, Tori put on her heavy winter cloak, obscuring the practice clothes. She had an errand at Duel and Ilyana asked her to pick up some cream puffs on her way back. As Tori reached the front gates, she caught sight of a familiar blue-haired young man walking out along the school walls, past a modest carriage.

Tori narrowed her eyes and frowned. She quickened her speed and handed her bag to her carriage driver before jogging after Montan.

Hey! Alvere, dont you work today? She sounded a bit more scolding than she intended, but it got the desired effect. Montan stopped at once and almost seemed to stiffen before he turned around. She doubted hed respond too negatively, as she was now technically his employer.

Countess Guevera. Montan gave her a small bow of his head and then turned back around and continued walking.

Hold on! Tori frowned and marched forward. I asked you a question.

I will arrive at Duel on time, my lady, Montan replied in a quiet voice as Tori darted in front of him.

Yes, Im sure you will. The carriage Axton sent is waiting for you. Tori motioned to the brown carriage parked just behind SIG One. Axton had gone through such lengths to prepare a carriage for him. Hed been so pleased with it that hed told her and Piers all about it. She frowned at Montan. Didnt he tell you what it looked like?

Montan had stopped in front of her, and he avoided her eyes. I dont need to take Duke Alveres carriage. I will take a shared carriage from the plaza.

Why? Toris brows knit together. He had it prepared for you. Montan drew in his lips and bit them. Tori let out a heavy breath. Mr. Alvere, taking a shared carriage every day after class will add up and be costly. Axton has already prepared a carriage to take you to and from Duel when you work free of charge. Why are you wasting money?

The corner of his eye twitched. Shed touched a nerve. She knew how desperate he was to save what little money he had.

Im not.... He trailed off and briefly met her gaze, but looked away once more. He doesnt have to.

He already has, Tori said. Mr. Alvere, please get in the carriage. He opened his mouth to refute her, but Tori stepped closer. Get in the carriage or I will call Axton right now. His face seemed to pale two shades and he turned around, making a beeline to the non-descript carriage.

Tori followed behind him and made some gestures to Mr. Novak waiting by SIG One. Her driver picked it up immediately and nodded. He put her bag into the carriage and then climbed on to the drivers seat.

The driver of Axtons carriage opened the door.

Young Master, he greeted Montan casually, but Montan nearly tripped when he heard it. He didnt respond and instead gripped a hand bar on the side of the carriage to pull himself up. The driver waited until he climbed in before turning to Tori and giving her a kind smile. Good afternoon, Countess Guevera.

Mr. Frank, good to see you. Tori smiled back and climbed into the carriage. As she pulled herself up, Montans eyes widened and stared at her in shock.

What.... He gasped and almost pointed at her as she took a seat across from him. The door closed and Tori crossed her legs and gave him an expectant look.

What?

Montan frowned at once. Why are you in this carriage?

Coincidentally, I am also going to Duel. Mr. Somerset had an urgent matter. Henrik had a comcry call scheduled today, Tori told him. She narrowed her eyes. You dont mind that I joined you, do you?

Montan shifted uncomfortably once more. He didnt say a word as the carriage began to move. Tori kept her eyes on him, and Montan seemed to be trying to avoid them.

She took a deep breath. How do you like working at Duel?

Its good. Mr. Somerset is a good manager and I appreciate the opportunity, my lady, Montan said. He still refused to meet her eyes.

Are you experiencing any difficulties? Is there anything too challenging?

No, my lady.

I have asked Mr. Somerset to limit your hours during the school week, as you are still a student. Has he informed you?

Yes, my lady.

His robotic answers were straightforward, but she found herself becoming annoyed. Axton told me that he prepared this carriage for your commute. He told you, didnt he?

He did, my lady.

Then why wont you take it? Tori asked. If she didnt catch him today, she wouldnt know and there was no guarantee that he would take the carriage in the future, when she didnt run into him.

Montan hesitated. Ive troubled Duke Alvere too much.

Is that what Axton said?

No, but-

Then do you believe you know what hes thinking and can make his decisions for him? Tori asked. Montan shrank back. He looked at Tori with a pained expression.

He doesnt like me. He only prepared this carriage as an obligation.

Whats wrong with that? Tori asked. Axton feels obliged to take care of you. Is that so terrible?

Montan looked at her the same way she looked at Dimitri when she was trying to talk sense into him. Being on the opposite end of that look was annoying. I told you; he doesnt like me.

Yes, and Im telling you, so what? Axton still wants to take care of you. He wants you to have a good education. He wants to give you the freedom to work and in a safe environment. He wants to protect you. Why do you think he picked this carriage? Tori asked, looking at Montan critically. Do you think its old and dilapidated and thats why he picked it?

Montan didnt say anything aloud, but his expression confirmed it.

Tori frowned. The carriage was picked because it doesnt attract attention. It has no ostentatious decorations outside, no emblems, no signs. It can easily be lost in a crowd of other carriages. Axton picked this one for your commute to protect you. He knows that your father is looking for you and may cause trouble, so he chose a carriage that would keep you hidden and avoid your fathers eyes.

Montan lifted his head. Protect me?

Tori lifted her hand towards the back, behind Montans head. This carriage has been fixed and renovated for comfort. Do you see that box and those two crystals? Adjustable heating and cooling. There is also a silence charm inside to keep conversations private. Look out these windows. Notice how everything is tinted a bit darker than normal? Tori asked. Montan, despite himself, turned towards the window and nodded. If youre outside, you cant see inside. All you see is a reflection of yourself and darkness. These windows are tinted using crystal technology developed in the delta. There are only half a dozen carriages in the empire that have that technology.

Montan snapped his head back towards her. People cant see inside?

You can test it when we arrive at Duel, Tori told him. And listen.... She went quiet for a moment and glanced around. Do you hear any creaking or squeaking? Is the carriage shaking badly? No. The support of this carriage is as good as any imperial carriage. The upholstery is brand new. Youre sitting on an embroidered cushion that would normally cost an average laborer a weeks wages. Lastly, the driver and footman. Mr. Frank and Mr. Vanderwalt are former soldiers who finished their initial conscription. Guess why Axton hired them.

Montans eyes seemed to grow larger and reflect a restrained hope. Why?

To protect you in case of a confrontation, Tori told him. She shook her head and leaned back. He prepared all of this to keep you safe. Why are you going to throw it in his face and reject it?

Montans eyes glistened over. Does he pity me?

Yes. Tori didnt hesitate to confirm it. Montan shut his eyes tight. But he also doesnt want to see you suffer. If you want to repay him, then continue to work hard and go to school. Dont worry about anything else.

Hes always been kind to you, Montan said in a hoarse voice. I cant help but envy you.

And you should, Tori said, unapologetic. Montan lifted his head and looked at her with disbelief. If he expected her to be modest, he had another thing coming. You should know how lucky a person is to have people who care about them. Just the support of one person can change your life. You are now getting the support of one person who doesnt expect anything in return. Take it and change your life. Tori held his gaze confidently. Mr. Alvere. Take the damn carriage.