Chapter 169: You Don't Go to This School

Chapter 169: You Don't Go to This School

One coin for Fifi.

Thank you, Auntie! The little girl clutched her shiny gold coin that Tori won from Gideon against her with gleaming eyes.

One coin for Robi.

Thank you, Auntie Tori. The boy in the wheelchair smiled as he accepted the coin.

One coin for Marco and one for Mateo.

Thanks, Cousin Tori! The twins extended their hands to accept the coins.

Tori lifted the last gold coin from the velvet pouch. And the last coin for Ilyana.

Yay! A bright smile filled Ilyanas pretty face as she held out her hands. Across from her, Gideons face twisted with disbelief.

Why does Agafonova get one? he almost scoffed.

Tori sneered. Dont tell me what to do with my money.

Tori has to stay and make cream puffs for the gaming booth, so Im taking the kids around for her, Ilyana replied as she looked at Fiona, who smiled back with a cheesy grin. Are you ready to look around?

Fiona nodded. She turned to Kasen and reached for his hand. As she grasped it, she tugged him forward. Daddy, come with me. Im rich now. Ill buy you something good. Kasen grinned.

Robert choked back a scoff. Youre not going to buy me anything?

Fiona gave her older brother a deadpan look. Auntie Tori gave you a coin, too. Dont try to cheat me.

You two keep your money. It was hard earned by your Auntie Tori, Kasen said as his large hands ruffled both their heads.

Sebastians eyes crinkled up. Im the one who partook in the challenge, though...?

You werent the one making the bet, Kasen replied as he ushered his children and the twins forward. He looked towards Ilyana. Miss Agafonova, if youll please lead the way.

Well go row by row so we dont miss anything! Ilyana marched forward. Sebastian and Idunn followed behind Kasen and the children, reminiscing about their own time in Lyce years earlier.

Tori looked towards Axton and Piers. You two arent going?

Im going to try the advanced challenge, Axton said. He eyed the space with a glint of anticipation on his face, as if he were making some sort of strategy after watching Piers and Sebastian try it first.

Tori nodded and looked towards Piers. Youre going to watch Axton?

I will wait for your cream puffs, Piers told her. I can help.

Its a delicate process and I have to move quickly, Tori said as she motioned for him to follow her to a small outdoor kitchen area prepared under a tent between the exhibition area and the Tabletop Gaming Clubs tent. It was also used as a place to keep the snacks and chilled drinks for both clubs. You can cut strawberries.

Im good with a knife.

I can help, too! Gideon scrambled after his brother, only to receive an unimpressed and annoyed look from Tori.

There cant be too many people in the kitchen, or youll get in the way, Tori told him. Go and help with the club.

Deflated, Gideon returned to the tent. Tori immediately began preparing the pre-measured ingredients to make cream puffs while making Piers wear an apron. After a few minutes, Axton appeared in front of them.

Is there a limit to how many times someone can do the advanced challenge? he asked, slightly sweaty and still wearing a gambeson.

No, but they cant keep trying continuously, or theyll hog the challenge and no one else can try, Tori said with a frown. She squinted her eyes. How many times have you done it?

Twice in a row and then Kowalski said I have to wait again.

The Captain is right. Wait for five challengers to go through and then you can do it again, Tori said.

What is your score? Piers asked without taking his eyes off the bowl he was tasked with mixing.

Axtons eyes shifted. What does score matter? I just wanted to try it.

Its low, Piers said, as if confirming his answer.

Axtons face turned rust colored. Its not a low score!

Its lower than mine.

Of course, its lower than yours! Im not a monster trained by a monster! Axton choked with a glare.

Then what was your score? Tori held back a grin and tried to ask innocently. An incoherent mumble came from him, and Tori raised a brow. Im sorry, what was that?

Fifty-two! I got fifty-two out of a hundred! Axton scowled and Piers glanced at him with some pity.

Thats more than half and it was meant to be a challenging level, Tori said. Thats pretty good for a normal person.

It was meant to offer him comfort, as Piers and Sebastian were outliers, but Axton's expression worsened, looking more affronted. Im technically a ranked imperial knight!

I know, Piers replied as Tori took the bowl from him. I am embarrassed for you.

Axton stared at him for a moment. He looked at Tori and crinkled his eyes. Do you hear what hes saying?

Its not embarrassing. Its a challenge for a reason. You know what, ask some of the other escort knights to try. Im sure theyll get about the same, Tori told him to placate him.

What do you think Senior Kasen will get? Piers asked.

Like seventy or eighty. Ninety at the most. Kasen wasnt as good as Sebastian with a sword, but he was still an overachiever with one.

Axton scowled. Then eighty should be my goal. He turned back towards the exhibition area. Kowalski! Tori said I can go again! He stormed out towards the ring, and Tori squeezed the pastry onto a baking pan.

She was letting the first pan of baked puffs cool while carefully watching the oven when Kasen returned with Fiona, who was flushed and sweaty. The weather for the Spring Festival was usually mild that time of year, but today was surprisingly warm. It would be great for the Spring Festival in the delta, where there was a cool ocean breeze, but not so much in a stuffy landlocked city.

Auntie, no one is selling chilled drinks, Fiona lamented. I thought there would be chilled drinks here. This is a traveler!

Travesty. Kasen corrected her softly.

Travesty! Fiona cried out.

Tori chuckled and lifted a handkerchief to pat Fionas sweaty face. Why did you think there would be chilled drinks here?

Because there are chilled drinks in Viclya and my friends there said that during their Spring Festival, all sorts of food and drink is sold, even the chilled drinks and popsicles! Fiona, like the rest of the children in their family, was now well-versed in what foods were available at the delta.

She was too young to get a snack card that Ava and the others got, as Kasen thought Fiona would fill up on junk food, so Robert had to use his snack card to monitor his sister.

Do you want a strawberry fruit slush? Tori asked in a soft voice as Fiona nodded her head shyly. Okay, Auntie will make you a fruit slush.

Tori checked on her cream puffs once more before grabbing an empty bowl, throwing in a bunch of diced strawberries, a little water, and a little citrus juice. She adjusted her bracelet to press ice calcite against the side of the bowl and then began to stir madly as she chilled the bowl and the contents. The water began to crystalize with the strawberry mush. Tori sprinkled in a little sugar.

When the consistency was more drink and less frozen dessert, she poured it into a cup and handed it to Kasen, who still stood with Fiona in one arm.

Daddy will test it for poison first, Kasen said as he slowly brought it up to his lips to tease his daughter. Fionas face paled and she looked as if someone had stolen her soul.

Auntie wouldnt poison me! she cried out and grasped her adopted fathers hand to stop him. No!

Okay, okay, Kasen chuckled and handed the small cup to her. Fiona pouted and clutched the cup against her protectively. She lifted it and took a drink.

Ah! She let out an exaggerated refreshed sigh and nodded. Okay, Daddy can have some, too. Its not poisoned. I checked.

She pushed the cup against his face and Kasen carefully took a sip as she held it in place. Tori chuckled and pulled out her cream puffs before putting in another pan to bake. As they cooled, Kasen wandered out with Fiona once more.

Tori glanced around and poured the remaining fruit slush into another cup and quietly slid it to Piers. Drink it before the kids come back.

A small smile tugged at his lips, and he picked up the cup. He finished the contents just as Axton returned with a proud grin. Eighty-two, not bad...is that a fruit slush?

His grin immediately dropped, and he looked at the empty bowl on the counter. Is there anymore?

There was only a little left after Fiona took her drink, Piers replied. The cup he placed back on the counter was taller than his fist and had been nearly filled. The remains of where the slush had been were still around the glass. It was clearly not a little.

It was a normal heating charm used to warm up the body or room during cold days. Before she had crystal heaters and air conditioners installed in the carriages, Kasen had her use charms to keep the inside warm or cool.

Robi, what can you tell from this charm? Tori looked up and saw that Kasen had wheeled his son closer. Robert squinted and lifted his hand.

Hold on, let me cool the oven, Tori said. She drew out more heat and Robert thanked her softly before touching the charm.

The energy signature is the same as that mans, he said, pointing to Montan. It was charged for slow energy release...perhaps four to six hours. The characters I see are only for energy release...the rest is burnt off. I cant tell the rest, Dad. Robert looked up with disappointment, but was only met with Kasens pleased and affectionate smile.

That is more than enough. Very good, Robi. Youve worked very hard.

Robert flushed and nodded.

Tori patted his shoulder as well. I have such a talented nephew. Keep up the hard work, Robi.

Thank you, Auntie.

Tori looked up and continued to check all the ovens. The charm essentially short-circuited all the ovens, as they were placed on top of and next to each other. Every ovens carnelian heating rods were cracked. The oven that had the charm pasted on it had shattered the carnelian. Thankfully, the door kept any shrapnel from flying out and hurting others.

My lady, are you able to fix it? the clubs vice president asked in a tentative voice.

Tori shook her head. Once a crystal is violently shattered due to an energy surge, it cant be put back together and used the same way. At least, not yet. They were trying to figure out if they could do so at Anahata Island. But we had designed the ovens so that parts could be replaced easily. As you know, the quartz powering them can be removed for recharging. The rods can as well, in case they are damaged. Let me make a call.

Tori gave the baking club members a reassuring smile and stepped to the side. Call Lions Gate Home Appliances. She held her comcry up and casually stood in the shade of a tree. Fiona bounced over to offer her some chips and Tori took one.

Good day, my lady. This is Alvin.

Hello! I am calling about replacement rods for ovens model.... Tori glanced back at the ovens. Home3. There was a bit of a user error, and we need twenty replacement carnelian rods. Can you send a technician to Lyce du Soleil to deliver and install them?

Of course, my lady. Technician Molnar is already in Horizon and has spares for that model. I will contact him to confirm and have him call you.

Wonderful, thank you! See you at the festival this weekend. Tori ended the call and saw hopeful eyes fixed on her. Well, good news. One of our technicians is nearby and has some spares. Hopefully enough for at least two or three ovens for use this afternoon. If he doesnt have extras, Ill have them delivered by tomorrow morning. Until then, were done with the oven at the Tabletop Gaming club, so you can use it today until the ovens are fixed.

The baking club seemed to let out a collective breath of relief and several of them thanked her profusely. Tori shook her head, reminded them that the ovens did have a three-year warranty where parts and maintenance were covered.

Youve saved us this time, my lady. Thank you, Senior Wright told her with glistening eyes.

My lady, I will have some members drop off pastries to your clubs once the ovens are fixed, the vice president said.

Sure thing. She turned her head and saw Gideon still standing there. Your Highness, you are supposed to gather people to help bring the other oven here.

Do not slack. Piers sent a firm look at his brother and Gideon flushed, embarrassed.

My apologies! Can I borrow an instructor and a few club members to help escort the oven here?

As the crowd thinned out, Kasen peeled off the charm and walked towards the small group. Since Ewan was there, Tori went to greet him. Hed come with a bunch of La Garda students, but theyd all migrated to the exhibition area and the games. Ewan wouldve gone with them, but he ran into the group first and went to greet his masters.

His eyes were wide with awe as he looked at Sebastian and Idunn. Really? I can go?

You will of course be on my side, Sebastian said in a confident voice. As my pupil.

Ewan looked stunned. Then...Prince Piers will also be on your side, Master?

Prince Piers and Cousin Sebastian are two of the best swordsmen in the empire, Mateo said with a frown. Isnt that unfair to Cousin Idunns side?

Cousin Idunn, our mom is pretty good, Marco told the tall blonde woman. If you want, we can urge her to play on your side.

Idunn smiled softly and stroked the boys hair back. It is unnecessary. What matters most is strategy in the war games and Ive already secured Uncle Rom.

Tori saw the corner of Sebastians eye twitch. My own uncle.... her brother grumbled.

Master, I also think it is a bit one-sided for both of us to be on the same side during the war games, Piers said as he stood behind her. I should also be on Lady Idunns side.

Idunn looked pleased with this. If that is your wish, I will of course welcome you.

Sebastian stared at Piers with disbelief. I spent so long training you. No matter what weather and how much trouble, I came to train you, and this is how you repay me?

You made me practice outside, Piers said in a dull voice. I got dirty.

Tori muffled a snort. She looked at Axton. Which side are you playing on?

Axton shrugged. Ill follow Piers.

Piers nodded with approval. Gideon had returned and was attracted by the conversation. He made his way closer once the oven was dropped off and looked at them curiously. What are you going to play? Is it a game?

Sebastian didnt answer. His displeasure with Gideon had not subsided. Idunn answered instead.

The Southern March celebrates weddings with war games, Idunn told him. Tori watched Gideons face sink with shock.

War games?

Its not as serious as it sounds, Axton said with a smirk.

A half days travel outside of Presidio are training grounds for our knights and before the wedding of a ruling marquis or their children, there is a three-day war game where one side represents one of the engaged partners. There are two old fortifications. Each has an object hidden inside. There are thirty active players on each side, and they must defend the object to keep it or try to steal the other sides object, Tori told him. The side that wins are said to be the dominant partner.

Its all in good fun. That part is a bit of a joke, though, Sebastian chuckled.

I dont know, Kasen said with a knowing look. The last few games were telling.

Grammys side won during their games, Tori said.

Sebastian waved his hand dismissively. She had practically all her OTuagh brothers on her side.

Mama won theirs, Tori added.

Sebastian snorted. I dont think we need games to show that Mama is the dominant partner.

Uncle Renzo won, and Auntie Lucias side won, Kasen confirmed.

Sebastian looked at his brother. Then, who do you think will win this time?

Idunns.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. You are my brother and playing on my team.

Ill work hard, but cannot guarantee a victory.

Tori, who do you think will win? Sebastian said, looking back at her.

Tori pursed her lips. I dont want to take sides and hope for a draw. Its probably going to be Idunns side, lets be honest. She has godfather and Piers.

What happens if its a draw? Gideon asked.

Nothing. Its just a draw. Its for fun, Tori said with a shrug.

Can I participate? Gideon asked. At his side, Fabian also looked a bit interested.

I have some spots open, Idunn said. Tori cannot make it, as she is practicing the blessing dance before the wedding. Tori nodded her head.

She wanted to go, but she had to do several trial runs with her costume and everything before the wedding.

You have to be an adult to participate and there is a chance you can be injured, Kasen told them. While the weapons used will be blunt and projectile weapons are prohibited, many often get scrapes, bruises, and occasionally a broken bone or concussion.

Gideons eyes slowly crinkled up. What is wrong with your family?

Piers shot him a silencing glare and Gideon paled. It is an honor to be invited to participate in a Guevera wedding war game.

Dad, can you use charms? Robert asked as he looked up. Kasen nodded.

Limited to energy charms. As weve discussed, there are many regulations to charm usage, especially when it involves others outside the user, Kasen told him. If a charm is used improperly and harms others outside of the users normal available skills, such as manipulation as opposed to having better stamina to fight, those of us who are sensitive to energies can track them to the creator to be brought in for questioning. What is the punishment if they are found guilty?

Robert furrowed his brows as his father seemed to test him on what hed learned so far. It depends on the action. It can be as low as a fine and service time. His eyes rose and looked past Tori. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Montan standing a few paces away. Robert seemed to look at him with disapproval. And at worst, death.