Chapter 175: A Long and Storied Life

Chapter 175: A Long and Storied Life

How could you do this? Ilyanas face was red, and her lower lip trembled with indignation. After what he did and said about you?

Do you have time to do this? Our final exams are coming and youre short of time as is, Henrik said with a frown as he sat on a plush chair. Ilyana paced in front of the hearth at Cafe Fortuna, unable to calm down after Tori told them that she would be visiting Dimitri every other day.

Tori took a deep breath from where she sat on the settee. I couldnt see his mother like that. Besides, if he doesnt get better, he cant do his public service.

Ilyana snorted with indifference. She clearly wasnt buying it.

You do too much, Sonia said as she put down her coffee. You already have so much to do. What time do you have to spare to make home visits?

Tori rubbed her left temple with her fingers. I know its irresponsible of me to take on this task, but his mother and father were miserable.

Youre not responsible for their familys happiness, JP said in a firm voice.

Helping people makes Tori happy. She cannot help herself. A low voice spoke up behind them. Tori didnt need to tilt her head back to know it was Piers. He stood behind her and looked down with a glint of worry in his eyes. But this is too much.

I just want to get him in a routine, so he doesnt starve himself and waste away.

How long will this take? Ilyana demanded as she put her hands on her hips.

I dont know.

Tori-

I know I shouldnt have told him what I said, but I did, and it would be cruel to take it back! Tori sat up on the settee. She frowned at the others. You put a dying teenager in front of me with his mother begging for help and you expect me to pretend I didnt see it? I know youre just worried about my health because I do so much, but at least I have you all to depend on. I have my family, my masters, even my villagers. What does Guthry have in comparison? His own relatives have distanced themselves from him and his mother. His father isnt even talking to him. I dont like him, but I dont want to see him waste away. I can at least try to help him.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Her friends were quiet, and Ilyana lowered her eyes.

Does it have to be every other day? Albert asked in a quiet voice.

Just until he starts walking more and is a bit healthier. Im also talking to his mother and the maid to make a schedule for him to help him recover, Tori said as she slumped back against the cushions. Im still leaving as planned for Presidio, so Ill do what I can before then.

Do you think hell actually get better? JP asked. He had a nervous breakdown. From what our neighbor told us, recovery can be difficult, and patients can become volatile or depressed.

Tori nodded. With the right help, he can heal. His breakdown was a result of all his pressure and stress. Once he is calmer, we can address those little by little, help him work on handling his stress, and hell get better.

Ilyana was frowning and Sonias lip curled up. You dont want him to?

He blamed Tori for the ceiling collapse! Ilyana threw her arm out.

And you punched him for me. Lets just put that aside for now. Besides I dont think he fully comprehended what he was saying at the time, Tori replied and frowned. But dont misconstrue my actions. I dont forgive him either.

You have a surprising way of showing it, JP said with a slight grin. Tori shrugged.

It doesnt hurt for the Guthrys to owe me a favor. They are a political dynasty, and they know enough to know they can recover, even if it isnt in this generation, Tori told them.

While her actions appeared foolish and even frustrating to her friends, there was a bit of selfishness also driving her. She didnt know what would happen if Dimitri died and worried about any possible reaction that could negatively affect her. There was also the thought that if she did this now, then he would be less likely to have a hand in her death later.

Did you promise anything else? JP asked. Tori tensed a bit and avoided his eyes. She could feel their eyes drilling into her. Tori.

I said Id give him guidance on his project once its been cleared by the school to continue.

Tori! Ilyana threw her arms in the air and turned around. She let out a groan and leaned forward against the frame of the hearth, lifting her fist and making tired thuds against the brick. Why are you doing this to yourself?

With his background, is there really no one who could help him? Henrik asked as he raised a brow.

Tori took a deep breath and exhaled. The better question is who would be willing to at this point? The group went quiet with the knowledge that it was unlikely that the contacts of the former Prime Ministers family would continue their former relationships to their past extent.

If thats the case, is his project still under review? Sonia asked.

I havent a clue, but it should be released before he returns in the fall.

Tori estimated that with the time they reported to her in the beginning, it would be another few months. She expected Dimitris project review to be completed and released back to him sometime in the middle of the summer, just before he returned to Lyce to re-start his third year.

What she didnt expect was that one afternoon, the week before final exams, she would be called to Headmaster Laurents office to discuss Dimitri.

Tori climbed up the steps to the Administration Building, already tired without having heard the Headmasters news yet. Mr. Legaspi met her at the door and gave her a small nod. Countess Guevera, thank you for coming.

Usually, instructors and staff would forgo a students social title and address them as miss or mister, with the exception of imperial family members. If they were outside of Lyce, then their social title would be used. Instructor Ignatius always called her Miss Guevera in class or in a school function, but would revert to Lady Guevera when they were outside.

It seemed that whatever the Headmaster summoned her for wasnt something related to school.

Mr. Legaspi led her into the Headmasters office and opened the door for her. Headmaster Laurent stood from his seat and gave her a solid look as she arrived.

Good afternoon, Countess Guevera, Headmaster Laurent said as he motioned for her to take a seat. I was given your name by Madam Guthry as a local contact regarding Young Mr. Guthrys Lyce project.

For a moment, Tori sat on the leather chair with a blank expression. ...I hate being responsible. She mentally groaned and wanted to punch the seat cushion, however, held it back and kept a neutral look on her face. Yes, their family is having a bit of a situation that makes it difficult for them to come. She did tell Dimitri that she would give him guidance; she might as well go the whole way. Has Young Mr. Guthrys Lyce project completed its review?

Yes, my lady. His project was reviewed, and instructors and advisors have prepared notes to help him correct the errors in his project and put him in the right direction, Headmaster Laurent said as he pushed forward a leather folio. It was roughly as thick as her thumb and Tori pulled it towards her.

She didnt hesitate to open the folio as she put it on her lap. The first page was an objective report on what the project was and what occurred, the timeline of events, and the original budget and the actual spending. Then came a review of Dimitris last few reports along with assessments from various instructors and advisors who reviewed the project. Flags had previously been raised on where there were some issues with his project, but Dimitri either didnt fix them or did not follow through as was needed.

The further she went along the report, the more marks and flags there were. At the bottom of the folio was a separate report with what the advisors recommended Dimitri do. Of course, Dimitri wasnt obliged to follow their recommendations, but anyone in the right mind who was at such a point would likely have no other choice.

Tori leaned back against the chair and flipped through the review report. She skimmed the information and made silent notes of her own thoughts.

Young Mr. Guthry is scheduled to return to Lyce in the fall, isnt he? And he will be re-starting his third year? Tori asked without taking her eyes off the report.

That is correct, Countess.

Then, he would have another year and a half, at least, to complete his project. Tori raised her eyes over the top of the folio and Headmaster Laurent nodded. All right, thats good. He will need all the time he can get.

Headmaster Laurent gave her a curious look. When will you be able to bring this to Young Mr. Guthry?

Im scheduled to visit tomorrow afternoon, after classes, Tori told him as she closed the folio.

Have they already returned to Horizon?

It was deemed best for Young Mr. Guthrys health. Im sure his breakdown has been reported, Tori replied. She patted the folio on her lap. Is there anything else that needs to be done in preparation for his return?

No, he will need to report as usual; however, he will be assigned a new dorm room with another third-year student, and his homeroom instructor will be different.

All right. Thank you, Headmaster Laurent. Tori rose from her seat and the Headmaster stood up to see her out.

Thank you for your assistance as well, Countess...by any chance, as you said you were scheduled to visit, are you planning on helping Young Mr. Guthry with his project?

I will see if there is anything I can do, Headmaster. This will need further review on my part and discussion with related parties.

Madam Guthry looked delighted by this and grasped her husbands arm with joy. Mr. Guthry nodded and smiled. We will take you up on that offer, my lady. I would love to see how much progress has been made. Ive heard a lot of promising things from many colleagues.

Tori gave them a reassuring nod. Then, keep the weekends in the late summer free. I should be back by then.

She dominated the conversation with the husband and wife. Dimitri was quiet throughout dinner, only nodding and speaking when he was asked a question. In the past, Tori was sure hed speak up more, but there was nothing wrong with being quiet. He was clearly still listening.

One didnt need to constantly talk in order to be part of a conversation.

After dinner, Mr. Guthry encouraged Dimitri to see Tori out. Dimitri didnt hesitate. He didnt make any sort of reaction that indicated he didnt want to.

Before I go, lets walk a little to let our food digest. Its good for you, Tori said. Dimitri nodded and followed her outside.

Two knights in plain clothes were standing by the door. They seemed to perk up upon seeing her.

My lady, shall we call Mr. Novak?

In a moment. Were going to take a short walk. Please follow at a distanced range, Tori told them. The two knights remained in place and waited until they were a few paces away to follow.

Dimitri looked back at the knights. Tori had told him who they were, as they were followed when they went on his designated walks in the park. Tori had been very strict about letting him go on walks. He wasnt allowed to go alone and should always be escorted, as his health was still poor.

He was better now, but Tori still insisted that either Madam Guthry or the maid go with him. A family bodyguard also accompanied them on their walks. It was more in case Dimitri suddenly fainted or was too weak to return than to protect them from possible assailants. With the knights following them, the bodyguard did not follow.

Youre familiar with giving instructions to imperial knights. Dimitri stated the obvious. Hed likely been thinking that for a while, but theyd always walked with his mother when Tori accompanied them, and Madam Guthry would not have approved of him questioning Tori.

I am also acting as the guard to Prince Gideon while on campus and work closely with the second princes escort knights. Both his and Prince Piers knights have the same protocol when escorting someone, Tori replied. She narrowed her eyes a bit as she looked at Dimitri. Im also very aware that I am likely the only person who is not an imperial family member being escorted by imperial knights. This was not at my request. They were assigned.

Dimitri shook his head. No, I can understand why. You are valuable to the empire.

Tori smirked. Yes, I am a treasure.

Dimitri was quiet for a few steps. His gaze looked ahead of them, and his lips were a thin line. I agree.

Tori paused in mid step and shuddered. Do you want to return and rest, Guthry? You dont sound like yourself.

He gave her a sneer. Im not stupid, Guevera. Confused and tired. Overwhelmed, as you said, but not stupid. Im also not ungrateful. You came at the request of my mother, but you neednt go as far as you are to help me. His shoulders relaxed and he looked down. Every day, my mother praises you and says youre kind and forgiving.

I never forgave you, though.

He frowned at her. Arrogant, as always.

Tori snorted and sped up to pass him. Guthry, you of all people should know Im not a saint. I only try to be good to those who are good to me. Youre lucky that your mother was good to me. She looked over her shoulder and gave him a pointed look.

Dimitri took a deep breath and nodded. I didnt understand why my mother befriended you and spoke so highly of you. Especially when compared to Alessa.

Toris eyes widened just a bit. He said the A word.... Mr. Guthry, I am nothing like Baroness Alessa Hart.

I will be the first to agree, Dimitri said. And...am I glad you are not. Tori raised a brow, and he took a deep breath. Alessa has not come to see me or tried to contact me since the ceiling collapse at the abbey.

Tori furrowed her brows. Is that so surprising? I heard rumors that your parents forbade you from contacting her. Not to mention that you were taken back to your hometown, so it wasnt as if she could drop by for a visit.

But she couldve written. She has my home address in my hometown, Dimitri said. Tori wondered if he was speaking his confusion out loud and expecting an answer. You sent things to my mother, and she had stopped contacting you.

Tori opened her mouth to tell him that though Madam Guthry stopped contact, it wasnt as if they parted on bad terms. However, the same could be said for Dimitri and Alessa. To her knowledge, Dimitri wasnt angry at Alessa and Alessa wasnt upset with Dimitri. They had split up after the ceiling collapsed, as Dimitris parents dragged him away to plead for forgiveness at the palace.

Baroness Hart is quite busy herself. She also faced the repercussions of her negligence. That was the best excuse Tori could think of, though she wasnt sure why she was trying to find an excuse for Alessa to begin with.

Dimitri shook his head. You expect me to believe shes busier than you? Even I know how much work you do inside and outside of Lyce, Guevera. Youre famous for being busy, you know.

No, Im not. Tori frowned. Who said that? Was it JP? He makes it sound like Im a work-a-holic. Wait...am I? She pushed down any existential dread to try to refocus on their talk.

Dimitri stared ahead and had some bitterness on his face.

I waited for Alessa to contact me after the ceiling collapsed. Even after I had a breakdown, I expected to hear something from Alessa asking about my health. I waited...I knew she had to know. I know that news of my breakdown spread. Im sure you were the first to know.

She didnt answer. She wasnt the first to know. She was only one of the first.

I dont want to try to make any more excuses for her, Guthry. I havent a clue as to why she didnt contact you. Its disappointing and if you are hurt by it-

To get over it?

She stared at him for a moment. He was sharp and defensive. If youre hurt by it, it is a valid feeling. Tori stopped and faced him, making him stop as well. When someone you consider a friend stops contacting you, especially during a very vulnerable time in your life, it is understandable that youd feel confused, upset, disappointed, and sad. Yes, it is something we will have to live with and accept, but that doesnt make the pain and anger invalid. Its perfectly acceptable to feel things.

Dimitri looked her in the eyes, as if trying to find a hint of a lie in her words. His eyes began to redden and turned his head away.

You really are good at talking, Guevera.

Communication is important, Tori replied. If Im being honest, Guthry, I dont think she stopped contacting you in malice.

She heard him sniff. Then you suspect she forgot about me?

Toris brows rose and she looked to the side. Its possible considering her situation at the time. I know that doesnt make it better. Being forgotten can be just as painful, if not more so. After all, if she did it in malice, at least she was thinking of you, right?

He licked his dried, chapped lips. Do you think Im crazy not to blame her for what happened? His eyes crinkled up and for a moment, Tori wondered if he were waking up from some sort of daze.

Tori furrowed her brows again and thought for a moment. There is a phenomenon where when you like someone so much, the favorable light you see them in tends to erase, or forces you to ignore, their shortcomings. You either dont see them as a problem or try to justify them somehow. You likely had such a very favorable impression of the Baroness that you could only see her in that light and...couldnt think for yourself.

Dimitri let out a low huff. Thats a long way of saying Im crazy.

Tori shrugged. Were all a little crazy. Im taking a walk at night with the person who tried to put the blame for an orphanage ceiling collapse on me. Ilyana and Henrik have not been shy about telling me that visiting you and working with you to try to help you recover is a sign of lunacy.

Then so is still wanting to see her, Dimitri said with a small, resentful laugh. I dont know why I do.

Feelings for others dont disappear easily. You still consider her your friend, even if her inaction disappointed you. You also have many good memories attached to her and brought you joy. You dont want to lose the joy they brought. Youd be willing to give her more chances just to keep up the relationship, regardless of a part of you that is resentful. Its frustrating, but sometimes, you cant help it.

He looked at her with some suspicion. You sound like you have experience.

Ive lived a long and storied life.

Dimitri let out a small guffaw and the corners of his lips turned up. I had wondered why mother liked you so much. I am starting to understand why.

Tori gave him a slight grin. Well, its better late than never.

His lips pulled into a slightly bigger smile before he furrowed his brows. His smile faltered. He looked down for a moment, lost in thought, before meeting her gaze once more. Guevera...the feeling of wanting to see her...of missing her...how long does it last?

It depends on the situation. Sometimes a few days, sometimes it stays with you your entire life and is only dulled by the passage of time.

Then...how do I get this feeling to go away? Toris eyes widened as she snapped her head back at his words. Dimitris eyes crinkled up as he appeared at a loss. I dont want to feel this way about her. The more I think about her, the more it feels like Im losing my mind.