Chapter 173: This is a Sack of Rice

Chapter 173: This is a Sack of Rice

Tori stood with Kasen behind her, staring at the table with five men around it. Several of them were avoiding her gaze as her eyes narrowed. She wasnt angry. She just wanted to know what they were doing there.

I was not informed that there were visitors on the island, she said in a low voice. Okay, so Im a little annoyed.... When I said the delta was open for guests, that did not include Anahata Island.

Instructor Ignatius head was the lowest and he didnt let out a peep. Master Ramos shifted in his seat. These guests have been pre-approved.... Even as he said it, he sounded unsure. Tori narrowed her eyes further.

Idunn had gone to check on the farmlands while they were visiting, but Sebastian had gone to the island to visit his master. When Tori had arrived there with Kasen to see what they were doing, she was stunned to find two unexpected guests: Bishop Florakis, the Archbishop of Karap, and the Emperor Emeritus.

She did not know they were coming.

I almost didnt make it this year! Bishop Florakis said, as if to explain himself. It was unexpected that I had time and it slipped my mind to inform you ahead of time, my lady. Before I realized it, I was already on a boat coming here.

Tori accepted this. After all, the Bishop had planned to come last Spring Festival, but had been unable to due to prior commitments. Her eyes drifted to the white-haired old man who looked anywhere but at her. She hadnt seen him since Gideons birthday and part of her had thought hed left to continue his wanderings.

What about-

Ah, that meal earlier tired me out! Old Jorge, Im going to sleep in your quarters! The Emperor Emeritus shot up from his seat and dramatically yawned. He didnt wait for anyone to say anything more before disappearing into Master Ramos flat behind him.

Tori, Kasen said behind her. Is the Emperor Emeritus afraid of you?

...Im starting to think so.

Her brother paused for a moment. Good.

What are you two doing here? Sebastian asked as he held on to some crystals that were on the worktable. It was the main one in the center of the courtyard often used for meetings or small-scale experiments.

I wanted to talk to Benedict and Tori came with me, Kasen said. Instructor Ignatius sat up straight and tilted his head to the side.

About what?

Trifecta reblessing for my children, Kasen said. I need a godparent and as they cant be immediately blood related, I thought Id give the honor to you.

Tori wasnt sure if Kasen phrased it well or not, but before she could decide, Instructor Ignatius face lit up, as if hed been bestowed the greatest of honors.

You want to make me a godparent to one of the children? he asked to confirm. Kasen gave him a lazy nod.

You will be the godfather for Robert Benedict de Guevera de Rivere.

Kasen.... Instructor Ignatius almost looked stunned and then touched. You named him after me?

Who else would I name him after? Kasen raised a brow, but didnt deny him. In Soleil, especially in Sur, children were often given names after people their parents were close to, admired, or wanted their children to be similar to.

For a child to be given a name that was part of another persons was an honor and seen as a way to keep a close connection. Toris goddaughter was named Sophia, after Toris third name.

Thank you, Kasen.

Who is Fionas godparent? Bishop Florakis asked. It seemed that hed already been briefed on Kasens children.

Idunn, Sebastian said. She has selected Noasha, goddess of creation.

Tori nodded. Noasha was connected to agriculture, too. As expected of Idunn.

What are Roberts other two gods? Instructor Ignatius asked.

Saphira, as the abbey dedicated to her took them, and Zoara, goddess of logic and reason, like myself, Kasen said as he lifted a hand towards his chest. Fifi also has Saphira and Kekokei.

Bishop Florakis squinted. The...god of animals, specifically domesticated animals? It was a strange god to have for a blessing if one wasnt from a farming family.

My daughter likes chickens. Fiona had asked if there was a goddess of chickens. There wasnt and Kekokei was the closest they could give her.

When is the blessing ceremony? Instructor Ignatius asked.

A few days before Sebastians wedding.

Instructor Ignatius inhaled sharply. Why are you only telling me this now?

Youre invited to the wedding, and I said there was a blessing when you arrive.

Not my godchilds trifecta blessing!

Then you dont want to be my sons godfather?

Of course, I want to be your sons godfather-

And didnt you tell me before that you already selected a god for their trifecta when we were still in school? Toris brows shot up at her brothers words. She didnt think that theyd already discussed this sometime in the past. Admittedly, she often saw Instructor Ignatius as a sort of lackey of her brother more than when they were friends.

Instructor Ignatius nodded. Karsar, god of fortitude.

Oh, like the Countess. Bishop Florakis chuckled and smiled. What a coincidence. I didnt know Lord Kasen and Benedict were so close as to have planned it some time ago. Its a good relationship to have after all these years. It is truly a blessing.

Speaking of good relationships, Master Ramos, Instructor, are there any specific laws and regulations I should know about while working with crystals? Why havent you told me about them? Tori asked with a slight frown.

Master Ramos raised a brow. Simply do not kill anyone with them seems quite obvious.

Tori let out a heavy breath. I meant similar to how there are laws for charms.

Ah. Sebastian sighed and gave her a shake of his head. Crystal work is a bit more specialized and there arent as many people who can do large-scale damage working with crystals in a similar way. There hasnt been much need for too much regulation.

The nature of crystals has certain limitations. If one wanted to do harm with them, its quite possible, but it isnt so complex and widely used as charms that they would require so many laws, Instructor Ignatius added.

You dont need to worry about them, Sebastian told her. Tori wrinkled her nose.

I just think I should also take a look at the laws and regulations regarding charms, Tori said as she sat on a stool to join them at the table. Kasey mentioned it when talking to Alvere. It never occurred to me that there were such a fixed set of rules.

It wouldnt need to, Kasen said once more.

She sighed, tired. Kasey, I should still be aware of what I can and cant do.

You have not explained it to her properly, Master Ramos said with an annoyed shake of his head. He looked at Tori gently. My pupil, they are saying that you do not need them because what you have been taught, not only the specific processes, but your foundation of what to do and what not to do, has all been in line with those laws. If you read the written text regarding them, you will think that they are all obvious. As if having them written down was unnecessary, as it comes as second nature to you to write them in a particular way.

There are, of course, small pockets of charms systems that stray and can break those set styles, but those are rare, Kasen told her. Rare enough to the point that it is a waste of resources to find them. An example is Montans mother. I believe her mother specialized in a particular school of making charms that could easily be abused. He paused and let out a low breath. It was easily abused.

It does no harm for her to review, though. My pupils mind is flexible. Reviewing the actual verbiage may be enlightening to her, Master Ramos said with a hint of pride.

In that case, Ill send her some texts to reference, Kasen replied. He looked at their brother. Robi and Fifi want to say good-bye to the abbey before we go to Presidio.

Ill arrange it. Sebastian gave him a nod. He looked over at Tori. Youve been busy here, havent you? He tapped his hand on the tabletop and Tori looked over at the small ring in the center, where her little crystal train was slowly going around in circles.

There are many things Im experimenting with that can maybe help the people of my county, she said as she sat up straight and lifted her head. Now that they are more settled, we have time for innovation.

The corner of her brothers lips curled up. Did you innovate those dirt pillars at the abbey when the roof collapsed?

No, that was an act of desperation. Tori tilted her head to the side. You saw them?

When we went to pick up the children, they showed me. The workers are still taking down the collapsed buildings, but are having difficulty with the pillars. Theyre very compact and difficult to move.

Tori frowned. I told them to contact me if they needed assistance.

You are the Countess of Cosora, as well as a student and merchant. Perhaps they do not want to bother you considering your workload, Bishop Florakis said with a thoughtful look.

I dont mind.

How did you move the earth and compact it into a stone-like density? Sebastian asked.

Tori furrowed her brows. I used terracrystal and then first pushed earth up, through the floor, and compressed the materials by using the energy to realign and bring together its, uh...smaller components.

What technique did you use?

Visual, Tori said. It was her preferred method. To her knowledge, outside of the crystal table which was an anomaly in itself, energy wasnt exactly visible to the naked eye, but she could see it in her mind and when she could see it, she could manipulate it using the right crystal.

Can you do it again? Sebastian asked. Id like to see it.

Axton frowned. You should be on guard. What if-

Why dont you assign some Alvere knights to him? Kasen asked. There are a good handful youve hired and only a few of them will be coming with you to the wedding as an escort. Why not assign the rest to guard Montan? It wouldnt be for the whole time, either.

Just when hes not working or in Duel, Tori said. Duel has private security and several retired knights. Hell be safe there. Let him earn money.

I can give him money. He doesnt need to work, Axton said with a frown.

But he wants to and that is what is important, Sebastian replied. Axton, you cannot be greedy with your brothers time. Working is also a good way to become more responsible and working at Duel is ideal. You know the environment is honest and safe, and you trust the owners.

If thats the case, then why dont you work at one of the Lunar Inns? Axton perked up and looked at his brother. Montans eyes crinkled up a bit and he didnt agree immediately. He looked hesitant to answer.

No offense, Axton, but I think working at Duel is a bit more fun and interesting than working at a Lunar Inn, Tori told him. He gets to meet like-minded people and play games at Duel. The food is great, and hell be protected. At Lunar Inn, hed meet tired merchants and travelers.

I like working at Duel, Your Grace, Montan said carefully. It is as the Countess says. My manager and the staff are very good to me, and I find the work enjoyable.

You cant stay indoors at Duel the entire summer, Axton said in a deadpan voice.

I wont. The club will have social gatherings outside of playing games. President Tiff has sent out a schedule already, Montan said earnestly. There are meals together in the city, picnics, and excursions outside the city, including a weekend retreat here.

Axton. Kasen gave him a stern look. This is important to your brother.

Axton took a deep breath and furrowed his brows. All right, but you must be accompanied by knights when you go out, Axton told him. Montan nodded.

You must pay more attention to the wants and needs of your brother. This is important, Piers said, as if he were some sort of all-knowing master of sibling relationships.

Piers, when we go to Presidio, are you going to take a carriage with us? If so, can I share yours? Gideon asked from the other table.

No, Im going with Tori. She is being picked up by Sur Bronce and a ship is faster.

It seemed that knowing what ones sibling wanted and needed wasnt the same as agreeing to their wishes. Tori rolled her eyes and Gideon slumped a bit.

I thought everyone was going to take Sur Bronce, Idunn said as she lowered her glass. It is a massive ship. It can easily carry everyone to Tres Arcos.

We should discuss this later, Sebastian replied. I am sure the Emperor and Empress have concerns to be addressed regarding travel arrangements to the wedding.

Tori continued to eat. Considering that her godfather had been sent to investigate some possible trouble on sea going traffic, perhaps having both princes travel by sea on the same boat wasnt a good idea as far as heirs to an empire went. It was customary for at least one of the princes or the Empress to go, if only to represent both the imperial family and the von Schwerts.

By the way, can no one else on your von Schwert side come? Extended family? Tori asked as she leaned towards Piers.

It should be my uncle, but he is unable to come due to his position on an active defense front. If it were not such a family related event, he could send his second in command to represent him.

Captain Roth cant come right now anyway. Shes in a delicate situation. Axton heard them and spoke up.

Oh, thats right...Seb, we need to send a gift soon, Idunn said as she lifted her head. Sebastian nodded.

Mama is already preparing one from the family.

Is Captain Roth related to the von Schwerts? Tori asked as she leaned back to Piers and kept her voice quiet. She didnt recall hearing that name before or knew of a branch with such a surname.

She married the Marquis General a month or so ago, while at the Amber Fortress, Piers told her. It is a marriage of convenience and due to her situation right now, she is staying in Buchenberg for her safety.

Tori narrowed her eyes and slowly put together the clues. Delicate situation...marriage of convenience...currently in the von Schwert ancestral castle for her safety. Her eyes went wide, and she automatically grabbed Piers' forearm on the table. She lowered her voice. Shes pregnant? Holy crap, she got to sleep with the Marquis General.

The corner of Piers lips curled up a bit and nodded. An heir is needed; else they must go back through the family line. Since Axton is now the rightful Duke Alvere, Uncle has allowed himself to try for an heir of his own.

And he asked Captain Roth?

They are old friends, and she is trusted as his right hand.

Does she want to have his baby?

Piers head tilted a bit and he almost looked confused. Are you not the one who believes that my uncle would be much sought after?

Him being sought after isnt the same as her wanting to carry someones child, Tori said firmly. Piers kept his eyes lowered.

Uncle would not have forced her, and they have made an arrangement. The men of my family are not terrible. He seemed a bit disappointed that shed think so and she sighed.

No, they are not. Tori rubbed his forearm to try to placate him. I can tell. I know you.

Why are you whispering? Fiona asked from across the table. Her head tilted to the side, and she looked at Toris hand on his arm. Oh, Uncle Piers ate too much.

Tori furrowed her brows and pretended she didnt see her brothers heated looks fixed on them. Why do you think he ate too much? She chuckled a bit. Sometimes, she didnt know where Fionas mind went.

Robi also grabs my hand to stop me when Im eating too much, Fiona said with a voice laced with pity. She lifted her small hands and patted her rounded stomach. But I cant help it. The food is too yummy. She said it like a complaint and behind Tori, she heard a small thud behind her and Ilyanas small cry that Fiona was too cute.

I ate too much, Piers said, agreeing with the child. Will Fiona help Uncle Piers eat his dessert?

Her eyes lit up, but before she could reply, her brother gave her some side eye. Arent you full?

I am trying to help Uncle Piers, Fiona said, matter of fact. This is a sack of rice.

Sacrifice, Kasen told her.

Sacrifice.

Tori shook her head and removed her hand from Piers arm. As dessert was brought and Piers slid his small plate across the table to the excited child, Tori turned around her seat to look out towards the water. The fireworks were always scheduled around dessert when she was having a party or large meal. Two noise muffling rings went around the restaurant, while the patio had one ring to muffle the explosions.

It was enough for most people, but she reached into her pocket and took out small crystal ear buds in a box.

Piers. She tugged on his shirt sleeve and held out the small, velvet lined box with the crystals. Tap the left to soften the noise and the right to let it in. Each tap is about half a ring worth of noise obstruction.

He nodded and picked them up. New?

She nodded. That way you can go wherever you want if it is noisy. They no longer had to be trapped on a bench. She watched him put them on and helped him test it out just as the first explosion echoed through the Promenade.

It was the last night of the Spring Festival, and this would be the last fireworks display of the festival. This year, it would also be the last before the Fall Harvest, as the usual birthdays that happened towards the end of the Lyce school year would be postponed.

Instead, Tori thought they could just use the trip to Presidio to celebrate their birthdays, for which everyone was excited. Each person got to pick an activity to do while there.

Tori watched Piers' face. Satisfied that the crystal ear buds were working well, she rose to finalize the payment of the meal while everyone was distracted. The night before, Sebastian got to it before her, and she complained.

My lady, there is a messenger for you here from Horizon, the restaurant manager intercepted her as she got to the lobby of the restaurant. Tori furrowed her brows. She didnt expect anything in Viclya and most communication could be done through a comcry.

Still, she nodded and walked to the waiting area of the restaurant, where a young man in dusty outfit and a heavy leather satchel was standing, transfixed by the fireworks. She waited a moment to let him enjoy the sight. He still had riding gloves on and a light cloak, so he likely just arrived.

As the fireworks died down, Tori approached him.

I was told I have a message?

Countess Guevera. The young man whirled around and bowed his head. I am Oswald Fraser, a messenger of the Guthry family. I have a personal letter here for you from Madam Guthry.

Mail like this was usually an urgent package or invitation. Tori nodded. I will accept it. The messenger bowed his head once more and turned to his side to fish out a rather thick envelope and handed it to Tori.

Madam asks that I wait for your response with urgency.

It was an inconvenient time to read the letter and answer, but Madam Guthry wouldnt say it was urgent if it wasnt. Mr. Fraser, please come in and have a meal. Take some time to rest. I will reply once I review the letters in a moment.

Thank you, my lady. The messenger bowed yet again and Tori stepped aside to call over the manager to seat him. She remained standing in the waiting area and broke the wax seal of the envelope.

As her eyes went over the contents, the curious look on her face dropped and her lips pulled into a frown.

Tori? Ilyana reached her and she jerked her head up. Is everything all right?

Tori swallowed and nodded her head. I...I got a letter from Madam Guthry...I need to reply to her.

Ilyana furrowed her brows. Does she need something?

Tori held back from explaining. It seems like it. Ill be back in a moment. If anyone asks, I need to get something from my tent. Without waiting for Ilyanas answer, Tori quickly walked out of the restaurant with some unease.

Shed only read the first page of the letter and Tori didnt think she needed to read any more of the former Prime Ministers wifes desperate message begging her for any help she could give, as Dimitri Guthry was apparently dying.