Chapter 168: Mine's Still Better

Chapter 168: Mine's Still Better

Why did it slip her mind that early in the game, Alessa could possibly get something from the love interests to help her along her way? Wasnt this common in games?

Link goes into the cave and the old man tells him its dangerous to go alone. Take this. Then he hands him a sword. That charm is the sword. Tori drew a little 8-bit sword in the margins of her notebook as she tried to rationalize what was happening.

She supposed it made sense. If Alessa was going to be the heroine, she needed resources, especially if she was up against Victoria de Guevera, who had a formidable background and wealth. Tori had always expected the resources would come from love interests to help Alessa advance. Except that Victoria had no idea what she was doing, which made the game significantly easier for Alessa, didnt it?

Of course, one of the caveats to Montans charm was that it was based on existing favor, if Tori read the characters and format correctly. It only worked if the listener liked Alessa to begin with. Alessa had favorable first impressions with the love interests and maybe a few classmates, but Tori was already weary of her before they even met.

Ilyana and the others had terrible impressions of Alessa. Sonia would fight Alessa if given the chance. It wouldnt work on them.

She didnt know why it didnt work on Constantine, but then again, would Constantine be susceptible to such a charm?

An additional thought was that nowhere on the charm did it say that the favor could not change. If Toris observations were correct, then if Alessa didnt talk to someone often enough, their favor and her influence with them would decrease. And since it was based on existing favor, there was a chance that if Alessa was seen in an unfavorable light, her influence would drop more so.

This seemed to be the case with Gideon and Fabian. Montan didnt have much contact with her now-a-days, either, and Dimitri was locked up in a room somewhere in his familial house in a town a day outside of Horizon. Of the love interests in Lyce, Dimitri was a more fanatical follower of Alessa.

Hed almost fought with Gideon, and up until Ilyana punched him in the palace, he had been defending Alessa. Now that he was suspended and forcibly kept away, Tori wondered how this was affecting him. She couldnt help but think of the addiction factor. Unlike the others, who were slowly being pulled away from Alessas sphere of influence, Dimitri was ripped away.

Cold turkey as they said in her original world. Most people didnt react very well to such a thing.

Tori leaned back against her seat and ran a hand down her face. At least now she knew about the charm. Kasen was right; learning Old Sulfae for charms was extremely useful.

Tori looked up at the ceiling of the classroom. I need to negate it.... Except she couldnt do a countercharm without knowing what exactly was written on the original charm. She only had a rough guess considering the characters she saw, what Montan told her, and the observed effects on love interests around Alessa.

The wrong characters could mess up the charm and render it useless. Tori could try to physically destroy it, but that meant shed have to find the charm and Alessa likely wouldnt let Tori pat her down. That would be awkward.

There wasnt even a guarantee that Alessa kept it on her person every day.

Tori narrowed her eyes. Perhaps she could get Montan to replicate the charm. Then, she could make a charm to negate it, casually slap it on Alessa, and stop her from using the influence charm.

Of course, there was also a chance that Alessa could go back to Montan and ask for a replacement if she found out the charm wasnt working. Tori tapped her fingers on her desk. She could make another charm so that the influence charm wasnt physically destroyed, just not working. She didnt know how sensitive Alessa was to energies, so it would be a good idea to keep the influence charm with some energy.

Tori scowled. This was getting increasingly complicated.

Part of her also wanted to smack Montan, but she doubted he gave the charm to Alessa with the malicious intent to make her own life difficult. Tori didnt want to go to Axton to try to pressure Montan considering the fragility of their relationship, if it could even be called that. Montan wasnt Gideon.

Lunch is here! Ilyanas voice came from behind her, and Tori looked over her shoulder as Ilyana reached her seat next to her and put a paper wrapped package in front of Tori. She looked at Toris serious expression as she sat down. Are you still thinking about the charm?

It haunts my mind.

You should talk to Alvere about it, Ilyana told her as she unwrapped her own lunch. Hes the one who made it.

Im trying to think of a way to approach him about it. Tori sat up and opened her lunch. Its not as if I can tell Hart to stop using it. She doesnt trust me. Remember how she thought I was going to poach merchants with whom she was working?

Ilyana snorted with indifference. Why would you need to? You have a lot of contacts already.

Henrik has a lot of contacts. Were just riding on his coattails, Tori said before biting into her sandwich. The bread was still nice and toasted. She nodded in approval. She swore that lunch was the best meal from the Lyce commons. I dont give Henrik enough credit for what he can do at his age.

Id bet money that in four or five years, he could be the guild master, Ilyana replied. A lot of people have their eyes on him.

Do you think hell get a girlfriend before Albert?

I think hes capable of doing so, but you know how he is.

Focused on business.

Its for the best. Ilyana squinted and looked out across their homeroom class. I think Albert would cry.

He didnt have much luck at Gideons birthday celebration, which was the social event for their peers of the season. Tori had been paying attention to Fiona the entire time, but Ilyana and Sonia filled her in.

Considering family background, Albert shouldve been the most popular of their little circle, especially considering Constantine went to the seminary. Alberts family, the Martins, were an old aristocratic family based in Horizon. Everyone knew who the Martins were. However, the one who got the most attention was Henrik. Not that he paid attention.

The commotion surrounding his sister had thrust him into the spotlight and showed everyone how competent he really was. Business matters, legal issues, spinning opinions with the help of JP, and all but taking over his familys leadership was more than impressive for a sixteen-year-old.

Not that he wanted to. Henrik was just thrown into the position.

Compared to Henrik, Albert was still very much a student who wasnt doing much. He was an intern at the imperial palace over the summer, but he wasnt working during the school year. Sonia had told her that Alberts approach to talking to young ladies was lacking conviction and made him seem unreliable.

Competent focused people with confidence are attractive, Tori said with another bite of sandwich. We should give him a pep talk.

Youre good at those.

Countess Guevera? A hesitant voice spoke up behind Tori and she turned her head towards the aisle, with half a sandwich in her mouth. Toris eyes narrowed as she saw Alessa approaching her with a hopeful expression.

Tori pulled the sandwich from her mouth. Speak of the devil.... she muttered under her breath. Baroness Hart. She gave the other young woman a small nod of her head.

Do you have some time to talk after classes today? Alessa asked in a measured voice.

Tori saw Ilyana tense up beside her and held out her arm to calm her. May I ask what it is about, Baroness?

I would like to ask some questions on expanding business. Prince Gideon suggested that I should ask you, Alessa told her.

Prince Gideon needs to shut the fuck up and leave me alone.

Beside her, Ilyana sucked in a sharp breath. Why did he tell you to ask Tori?

The Countess has numerous successful businesses-

So do plenty of other people, Ilyana said with a frown. Why dont you ask that perve-

Ilyana. Tori gave her a firm look and Ilyana puffed out her cheeks. She viciously bit into her sandwich, but didnt continue. Tori blinked and she tilted her head to the side as she turned back to Alessa. Baroness Hart, I recently heard that you are now the new owner of Golden Cow Mercantile. This would make us business rivals. Do you think it is appropriate to discuss?

As Alessa looked at a loss, Gideon returned to his seat with Fabian following him. Fabian stopped beside Alessa and looked at her face. His lips pulled down in a slight frown.

Whats wrong?

I am asking Countess Guevera for assistance with expanding the store, but she is hesitant.

Of course, shes hesitant! Ilyana narrowed her eyes and sat up straight before Fabian could reply. The Golden Cow and Lions Gate have been rivals since the beginning!

Why would you trust a rival to give you business advice? Tori asked with an incredulous look.

Guevera, you wouldnt purposely give her bad advice, Gideon said in a matter-of-fact voice. You are aware of Alessas dire circumstances and must know that ownership of Golden Cow Mercantile can improve those circumstances. I also know that you are an honorable fellow. You are, after all, my brothers friend.

Both Tori and Ilyana stared at the second prince as if they were listening to either someone very naive or very stupid. Ilyana seemed to bristle and want to speak, but Tori held her back.

She took a deep breath. Do you want my honest opinion, then?

Gideon glanced at Alessa, who looked at Tori and nodded. Yes.

Tori lifted her chin. Dont concern yourself with business growth at the moment.

What? Gideon snapped his head towards her, as if stunned shed say such a thing. Ilyana looked satisfied with Toris answer in comparison. Guevera-

Hear me out, Tori said, lifting her hand. Baroness Hart has no prior business experience of something of this magnitude. In addition, if shes asking me, it means she lacks guidance from others and has no one else to ask. Rather than try to expand her business and go for revenue enhancement, she should focus on first understanding how Golden Cow Mercantile runs and establishing her position as the owner. She will need to assess where the store is now, retain experienced employees, get their respect, and trust, and familiarize herself with the stores processes, including purchasing, legal work, and accounts.

She cant learn all of that in a few days. It will take at least a few months for her to stabilize herself in the store. Only after it is running reasonably smoothly does she have enough information to plan her next steps, whether they be expansion or reorganization of the existing business. It isnt too late to wait a few months. Business expansion requires money, and she shouldnt spend it before she knows the ins and outs of how it is currently being earned and spent. Does this make sense?

She looked at them with critical eyes. Gideon and Fabian both seemed to think for a moment before nodding. Alessa nodded, but fidgeted with her fingers.

How long do you think it would take to learn all of that? she asked with some hesitation.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

It depends on the person and the amount they need to learn. If they are starting with no experience, it will take longer, Tori told her. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. Are you planning to use the Golden Cow Mercantile to support your barony? She didnt know if it would be sustainable, if even possible.

Alessa looked away. I hope to use it as a starting point to assist my barony, such as move production to Chetterswickshire.

Did you do a cost analysis on moving production? Ilyana asked in a cool voice.

Alessa looked taken aback and shook her head. I havent done anything yet.

Okay, dont think about the small details for now. Its fine to have a goal in mind, but at the moment, you should focus on learning about the business you just acquired. Did any of the management stay? If so, you can ask them for guidance, Tori said.

Then...Id also like to wager. A hesitant voice came from the side where the gaming tables were. Montan dug into his pocket. I also have five gold.

Tori raised a brow and wondered where he got the money. Still, she didnt ask questions. On the first prince or on Lord Sebastian?

On Duke Alvere.

Axtons eyes widened and he drew his head back. He looked at Montan with uncertainty.

Youre going to lose. You know that, right? Toris words seemed to deflate Axton immediately and he looked at her with some betrayal.

Montan glanced at Axton and then held out his own money pouch. The Duke is a knight. His skills are far above average.

My brother isn't average. Tori and Gideon snapped their heads to glare at each other as they spoke simultaneously.

Dont lose your money, Axton said, putting his hand on Montans money pouch and pushing it down. Piers and Lord Sebastian are two of the best swordsmen in the empire. Even I cant beat them.

Montan flushed and lowered his head. He nodded obediently and Tori turned back to Gideon.

All right. Winner takes all, Your Highness. I thank you in advance for the pocket money. She smirked and Gideon sneered.

We shall see.

Captain! Tori shouted over her shoulder. She turned around and waved down Captain Kowalski. He jogged over and stumbled to a stop when he saw who she was standing with.

Your Highness, Your Grace, my lords. He bowed at once and Tori motioned her hand towards her brother.

My eldest brother and the first prince wish to complete in the advanced challenge, Tori told him. Gather everyone.

The Captain nodded and rushed to clear the area and have the students get into position. Each student had a basket of ten pinecones that was strapped around their shoulders, so they could move around the ring and throw from any location outside of it. Each baskets pinecones had a different color or pattern painted on them to make them stand out.

Students came to give both men a helmet, gambeson, and gloves. Then they were led to pick out a waster to use.

Word of the competition seemed to spread, and a sizable crowd gathered.

Idunn carried Fiona closer to watch as the boys crowded around her. Auntie, who do you think will win? Fiona asked.

Your Uncle Sebby will win, Idunn told her confidently.

I heard the first prince got a perfect score last year, Marco said.

Yes, but Cousin Sebastian didnt try last year, Mateo replied.

First up! His Highness Prince Piers! Tori called from the center of the ring. Piers was standing behind her and she quickly shuffled out. Once she stepped out of the ring, she waved her hand, and the Vice Captain blew a whistle.

Pinecones the size of her first whizzed towards Piers. In the normal challenge, they were gently tossed, aimed at the area between the neck and above the knees. In the advanced challenge, Tori had the throwers practice for weeks to throw hard and fast, and aim for anywhere on the challengers body.

The practice paid off. None of the throwers ran into each other and they were very selective on where they threw.

Not that they stood a chance against Piers.

Tori drew her lips inward and watched as Piers blocked or parried every single pinecone that came his way, no matter where it was coming from. He moved fluidly around the center of the circle.

Auntie, its like hes dancing! Fiona clapped her hands.

His movements are smooth. His stance is always well grounded, and his head does not bounce, Idunn told her. His Highness does indeed live up to his reputation.

Hearing this, Gideon gave Tori a smug look. Tori kept a calm look on her face as the Vice Captain shouted the total.

Score! He seemed at a loss for words. 100!

The crowd erupted with applause and yelling as Gideon threw his arms in the air and smirked so much, Tori almost wanted to slap him.

Piers trotted out of the ring, taking off his helmet and peeling off his gloves once he handed his waster to one of the students.

He looked at Tori and seemed to wait for her reaction. 100.

Tori nodded, but kept her eyes on the ring as students rushed in to pick up the fallen pinecones while the ten in each basket were replaced with fresh painted ones. You certainly made a mess of those pinecones. Axtons people were gathering them for a week.

I got them all.

She looked towards him and patted his shoulder. You sure did, Piers. She paused and smiled. But so will my brother.

He tensed a bit and Tori looked back towards the ring. Sebastian walked out calmly and stood in the center, holding his waster with both hands relaxed at his side.

Idunn shouted his name and Fiona screamed for him to win. Their little family representatives cheered for them. Tori stepped forward. Next challenger! Lord Sebastian de Guevera!

Fiona, Robert, you watch your Uncle Sebastian, Kasen said as he stood behind Roberts wheelchair. Youll see why he is called the monster.

The two children nodded; their eyes fixed on the eldest of the Guevera siblings. The whistle blew and the fervor of the students throwing was not lost this second round. Pinecones were flying and the crowd was almost silent.

All they could hear were the soft hits of the waster against a pinecone as Sebastian moved, hardly taking a step out of his original spot to hit whatever was thrown at him.

The same things Idunn described about Piers swordmanship could be said about Sebastian; good, balanced footing, smooth arm extensions, fluid steps that didnt allow him to bounce. Only the bare minimum amount of energy seemed to be exerted. Sebastian could do this for days.

The flurry of pinecones ended, and Sebastian casually slung his waster over his shoulder as he waited for the final count.

Lord Sebastian de Guevera...100!

The crowd exploded once more and Tori nodded, clapping her hands with satisfaction.

As expected, Kasen said as Sebastian handed his helmet off to a student and reached them.

Id say this was a moderate level at best, Sebastian said in a cool voice as Idunn took a handkerchief and dabbed at his forehead. He had a bit of a sheen. Tori, next time do two hundred.

Tori snorted. There are only so many pinecones in the world.

Master. Piers approached them. You havent lost your skill.

Youve gotten sloppy, Sebastian said in a firm voice. What was with that mess you left? Practice your precision.

Piers lowered his head and nodded once. Yes, Master.

Gideon made his way over and looked a bit annoyed. Looks like no one wins, Guevera. Your brother and mine both hit 100 pinecones.

Hmmm...yes, Tori said with a nod. She was trying hard not to cackle. But look at where my brothers pinecones landed. She motioned one hand behind her, and Gideon looked back into the ring.

She heard him suck in a sharp breath.

Piers had hit all the pinecones, but they landed everywhere. Sebastian hit all the pinecones and they somehow ended up in little piles around the edges of the ring, grouped in accordance with color and pattern. The students who approached to gather the hit pinecones were chattering, impressed.

How did he do that?

Im surprised he could see their patterns when they were flying at him.

Lady Toris brother is known as the monster. I guess this is why.

Toris eyes crinkled as she smiled smugly at Gideon. Same score...but mines still better.

Gideon turned to stare at her dumbfounded.

Piers plucked the velvet money pouch from Gideons hand and weighed it in his. He nodded, seemingly satisfied that the amount was correct, and put the money pouch in Toris hand.

Piers.... Gideon looked at his brother, wounded.

Master is still the superior swordsman, Piers told him.

Tori snickered. She also weighed the money pouch in her hand and then lifted it up and shook it in front of Gideon. Once more, Your Highness: thank you for the money.

This doesnt count, Gideon scowled. How did you know hed do that with the pinecones?

I didnt, Tori said with a shrug as she split the newly won gold coins with the children. But I always bet on Guevera.