Chapter 164: Life Is So Hard

Chapter 164: Life Is So Hard

It was approaching the three-year mark of when Tori woke up on a bed in Presidio. She counted another three months or so and then there was her rebirth anniversary. In that time, Alessa Hart had always been the source of her, the villainess, death flags, as the genre would call them.

Alessa was the heroine, and it was the heroines influence over the love interests that would be used to first get the villainess kicked out of school and then later killed.

This was the logic Tori was coasting on and it made sense.

Even when she dreamt or hallucinated those moments from Victorias point of view, and acknowledged that Victoria wasnt so much a terrible person as she was young and incompetent, Tori still saw Alessa as the source of the problem.

And now, every fiber of her being was telling her that Alessa wasnt the problem. Alessa was a tool.

Adrien Rosiek was the problem.

And that brought up new concerns.

Tori was fairly confident in dealing with Alessa and thus the love interests at this point. One could even say she was relaxed to a degree. She saw Alessa almost daily and felt she had a good understanding of her. Alessa wasnt exactly mysterious and had hidden dangers.

Adrien did and that was cause enough for alarm. If Alessa remained so close to him, the threat Tori thought she was avoiding was still very much present, and Tori did not know how serious it was.

Auntie Tori! Im ready! Fiona hopped in front of her, and Tori looked down at the little girl dressed in a small yellow apron with chicks on them. Her hair had been pulled into two little buns at the top of her head.

Tori pushed the concerns plaguing her out of the way. She didnt want to spend this weekend worrying about Adrien and Alessa when she had a party to put on. She immediately gave a wide smile and looked down at her adopted niece.

You look great! Does the apron fit?

Yes! It has baby chickens!

It sure does! Did you wash your hands?

Yes! Fiona lifted her hands to show her how clean they were. The cooks further away chuckled as they did the prep work for that nights dinner.

Okay! Hop on the stool! Fiona easily stepped on to a wooden step stool with guard rails around three sides. It was pushed up to the prep table where they were working. Today, we are going to prepare the chicken nuggets for your snack later.

Fiona licked her lips as Tori motioned to the tray with a few chicken breasts. So delicious....

First, we must chop them up a bit and then add the seasoning. Keep your hands on the railing while I cut them into smaller pieces, okay? The knife is sharp. Fiona nodded obediently and her little hands grabbed the railing around her stool.

The process took a few minutes and Tori chopped the chicken breasts into an almost ground consistency. She then transferred the meat on to a bowl and had Fiona dump in the pre-measured seasonings.

Do I mix? Fiona asked. Tori handed her a wooden spatula.

Now you mix.

She stood behind Fiona and held the bowl firmly in place as Fiona did her best to mix the seasoning with the chicken. When it looked consistent, Tori had her wash her hands again and prepared a clean tray.

Fiona climbed back onto her stool. Is it time to make the nuggets?

Yes. Remember to keep your hand a little wet, so as not to stick. Afterwards, well dredge and chill them.

Fiona let out a little hum and watched Tori take a piece of chicken mixture and shape it into a ball, then flatten it out a bit.

Auntie, these are really good. If I make them for Grandma and Grandpa, do you think they will like me? Fiona asked as she tried to copy Tori with her little hands.

Tori felt her heart ache. They already like you. Didnt your dad let you talk to them before?

Yes, but what if they see me and they dont like me?

I can promise you they will like you, Tori said. Everyone will like you. Uncle Sebby, Auntie Idunn.

Cousins Marco and Mateo dont like me, Fiona said as the small ball in her hand was squished. They only like my brother.

No, youre just too little for them to play with. When you are bigger, they will play with you, but right now, its difficult for you to keep up and theyre worried youll be hurt if theyre too rough with you, Tori told her gently. Didnt they bring you sweets from that shop in the First District?

Fiona hummed again, but still felt left out. The twins were willing to carry Robert from place to place if his wheelchair didnt allow for it, but Tori had forbidden it for fear that it would aggravate his healing leg. Uncle Maurizo was charged with making sure the children didnt break their new cousin since Nanny Rey was assisting Auntie Lucia with security.

If I make these for my other cousins, will they like me?

Baby, you cant use food to make people like you. Even as she said it, Tori drew her lips into a tight line. That felt like the most hypocritical thing shed said in both her lives. She used food to connect with people all the time, but didnt want Fiona to see it as a crutch. But sharing is fine.

Fiona put her awkwardly shaped nugget on the tray. Life is so hard, Auntie Tori.

Tell me about it. The two of them sighed simultaneously.

They made almost two dozen nuggets with the prepared chicken breasts and Tori had taken the back of a spoon and used it to poke at the edges, shaping some of their round nuggets into baby chick-shaped nuggets. Fionas attempt to make a giant nugget was stopped after explaining it would be difficult to fry.

After Tori put their nuggets in the cold room to be fried later, she and Fiona cleaned up and left the restaurant.

The plaza was decorated for the birthday celebration and there were many guests, as Piers had extended invitations to political and business allies. This year, Ewan and Piers had split their celebrations. Though on the same weekend, Ewans had a lunch BBQ by the beach. It was far more informal and filled with boisterous teenagers.

Meanwhile, Piers guests were partaking in some of the more relaxing activities Viclya had to offer, such as sailing or picnicking. Some guests were just enjoying the small town that had popped up.

Tori held Fionas hand and slowly walked towards the resort tents, where the BBQ was being held.

Fifi! Several voices called to the little girl, and she turned her head as they passed the arcade. Marco, Mateo, and Robert in his wheelchair were waiting from the doorway. Look what we won for you!

Mateo held up a large brown and red creature with a yellow beak and feet. Chicken!

Fionas eyes lit up and she dropped Toris hand. Chicken! She cried out and Tori followed behind her as she dashed towards her cousins and brother. Mateo laughed as he lowered the chicken and allowed her to run into it.

The stuffed animals made for prizes were made by older women in the village who signed up. They were relatively simple, and Tori provided all the materials needed. The pay was decent, so many elderly women with little to do sold plushes to Tori for the arcade. They were mainly popular with little children.

Fiona was no exception.

Do you like it? Robert asked with a chuckle as his sister buried her face in the chickens side.

Im going to name him Ewan after Uncle Ewan because Uncle Ewan also likes chicken, Fiona said, clearly explaining her genius. She peeked her head over the top of the chicken and flushed. Thank you, Robi. Thank you, cousins.

Tori nodded, pleased she thanked them without being prompted. The twins looked far too proud of themselves.

Howd you win it? Tori asked. For a plush of this size, the number of tickets needed to be won was quite a bit.

The twins and Robert all froze. They avoided her eyes. Dont worry about it, Cousin Tori, Marco said with a weak, somewhat arrogant chuckle. It was nothing.

Tori squinted and looked past them. Uncle Maurizo was standing in the shade of the arcade, looking tired. She made a mental note to reimburse her uncle.

Tori led the children to the beach, where teenagers and Ewans family were doing everything from canoe racing to throwing around a wicker ball. A few people were already playing games and seriously discussing the tournament.

Fifi, what is that? Sonia pretended to sound extremely impressed when she saw the little girl strut over clutching a chicken almost as big as her.

Its Ewan the chicken. My cousins and brother won him for me, Fiona shamelessly bragged.

Wow, its so...did you say Ewan the chicken?

Did you name it after me? Ewan asked from where he was seated with some friends going over the tournament.

Fiona rushed over. Yes! Because you also like chicken!

I do! Im honored!

Tori squinted at their matching energy as Fiona puffed up her chest even more. JP, who had been standing to the side with a clipboard, slowly shook his head. Tori let out a heavy breath and waved him closer.

Hows it going here?

Going well. Everyone is eating and they cant seem to get enough of the chilled fruit drinks. Its much warmer than we thought, so it was good to have brought out the cooling boxes for some of the food, JP reported.

The service here is always good, Piers replied with a nod. Thank you for accommodating my parents food requests.

Henrik bowed his head once more. We should thank Ilyana for the potatoes.

Piers looked around. Where are the others?

At the beach, Henrik and Tori replied at the same time.

The gaming tournament started already. Albert and Ilyana are playing, and JP and Sonia are helping oversee it, Tori told him. She looked past Piers. Wheres Axton? He was supposed to be with Piers. She narrowed her eyes. Where is your brother? Gideon shouldve been following Piers around, as well, and usually closer than Axton would.

They are also at the tournament, Piers replied with a straight face, as if they werent missing his party to play games.

Tori stared at him for a moment. She inhaled a deep breath and stepped back, taking out her comcry. Henrik, Ill leave final details to you. Piers, just wait here for the guests to arrive. Greet them like we practiced. The servers will seat them once they enter. Im going to make a few calls. Piers nodded and Henrik brought him to where he would sit.

Tori walked away from the restaurant and then past the plaza, towards the promenade. The musicians had begun to play, and it would be difficult to hear. Luckily, while there was a gentle breeze, it wasnt windy, and she didnt have to worry about her voice being lost in the echo.

She clutched her comcry in front of her as she swept her finger across to call Axton.

Tori, Ill be there soon-

It is Piers birthday dinner. Why are you playing in the tournament? Tori hissed as she reached the edge of the promenade and looked down at the dock below.

Piers said I could! And its in honor of my pupil! Axton insisted.

Master, you dont need to participate. You should go to His Highness dinner! She heard Ewans faint voice from the comcry.

just eat the chicken nuggets, Ewan, Axton said in a dull voice. Tori rolled her eyes. Besides, Tori, you said that tonights tournament game was a game of luck, so I wanted to try-

Axton, Tori said in a low voice. You can play some other time. Piers is at the restaurant welcoming guests all alone.

Arent you there?

I have a dozen other things to check up on! Tori snapped.

Axton grumbled. Then I want a platinum membership card to Duel.

Those are only for club and guild leaders to organize events at the store, Tori told him in a deadpan voice.

I can do it for the knights.

Sir Dobchek already has one for the knights.

Other knights.

Axton.

There was a pause. Then the jade membership.

Those are for children and students under fourteen.

Why do they need it? he demanded, affronted. Theyre kids!

Didnt you apply for the obsidian membership? Its what Albert, Ilyana, and Prince Gideon have. When Evzen turns fourteen, hell also trade his jade for obsidian, Tori told him with a frown.

Axton scoffed. When did that come out?

Its always been available. Do you know what, just come here and Ill get it for you, okay? And while youre at it, bring Prince Gideon here, too. Ask him if he dares not attend his brothers party. Tori shook her head and slid her finger across the comcry.

She rubbed the bridge of her nose. She looked out towards the water and was about to turn around and return to the restaurant, when one of the small ferry boats reached the dock. She squinted and smiled before heading down to the dock.

Master Ramos was attending and had changed out of his usual clothes on Anahata Island to look more presentable. The imperial family had seen him wandering around, but as he had been formally invited by Piers, Master Ramos seemed to want to dress for the occasion.

Instructor Ignatius had also been invited, but he was overseeing the fireworks. Food would be delivered to him later.

Tori went down the stone steps and waved her hand as she reached the dock. Master!

The old man looked up from the edge of the dock as he climbed off the boat. You came all the way here to get me? Master is flattered. He grinned and Tori laughed as she reached him.

Master, youre seated with Prince Emil and Princess Vivian tonight, Tori said. They were familiar with each other, so Tori made such an arrangement.

Master Ramos nodded. Good, good. Its been a while since I caught up.

Is that Old Ramos? A voice shouted from behind Tori and as she turned around, her master let out a scoff. He drew his head back and glared.

Well, well, well....I thought you were dead.

Tori grimaced and stepped to the side to let her master step around her and rush towards another old man.

Same to you! The old man in a straw Panama hat and what appeared to be newly purchased resort wear from the promenade said.

What are you doing here, you old bastard? Master Ramos laughed as the old man took his hand off to reveal white hair.

Youre the old bastard, bastard, the other old man huffed. Yet, he was still smiling as he crossed the walkway and grabbed Master Ramos arm. The old men pulled each other forward and laughed as they embraced like two long lost friends. Look at you! Every time I see you, you get older and older!

Thats what time does! Havent you seen yourself in the mirror? Not that Id blame you for avoiding one. Master Ramos grinned. The two pulled apart and Tori cocked her head. The dock was brightly lit, but the two elders were further away. She squinted to try to make out the old mans face.

She choked back a cry as she took a step back and stared at the other old man with wide eyes. Its you!

Eh? The other old man craned his neck. His eyes crinkled up behind his glasses and he grinned. Countess Guevera! I was wondering why I didnt see you up there.

Youre not a ghost? Okay, now you sound stupid. Tori grimaced at her own naivety as the old man tossed his head back and laughed.

Im not dead yet, child! he said. Toris jaw dropped. What was the old servant from the palaces crystal table room doing in Viclya? It was still a closed settlement and all guests needed invitations.

Sir, do you have an invitation? Tori couldn't help asking.

Of course, I do! the old man looked proud. He patted down his new shirt and found the crumpled-up paper in his pocket. He held it out and Tori quietly took it from his hand.

It was one of Piers invitations. He and Ewan had different ones, as one had a lunch celebration and the other had an evening one. Tori cocked her head to the side as she flattened it out and opened it.

I see.... It was legit. She handed it back to the old man.

I missed last year, he said with a bit of disappointment as he took the invitation back and looked at it fondly. For both my grandsons. I hoped to make it this time.

The corner of Toris eye twitched. Grandsons?

Yes! Piers and Gideon.

Tori held back an awkward whimper as Master Ramos smacked the other old man who now had a very, very illustrious identity, on the arm.

At least properly introduce yourself! Youre being rude. Youve run away for so long; you forgot your manners.

The other old man sent him a glare. I didnt run away! I was-

Taking in the sights and sounds of the empire you spent your life serving, yes, I know. You always say that. Master Ramos rolled his eyes and scoffed. He motioned towards Tori once more.

The old man turned to face her and stood up straight. He gave her a regal nod of his head.

It is a pleasure to meet you, again, Countess Victoria de Guevera. Allow me to introduce myself.

I dont think its necessary at this point-

I am Jean-Philippe Stephane Nathaniel du Soleil de Talon et Verille, father of Mathieu-Philippe, grandfather of Piers Emil and Gideon Francis, the old man said with a warm, proud smile. I am commonly referred to now-a-days as the Emperor Emeritus.