Chapter 189: A Ball...With People?

Chapter 189: A Ball...With People?

Her birthday was approaching and since it wasnt considered an important milestone birthday, as she was already an adult, Tori didnt put much effort into planning her celebration. She thought shed have a nice private dinner on Reina, dance around with her friends, and watch fireworks.

Her mother wanted to stay for her birthday, but knowing that Antonia hadnt planned to come to Viclya at all and had essentially disappeared from her work in Sur, Tori encouraged her mother to go back. She was faced with a surprising refusal.

I can return after your birthday. Its only a few more days, after all.

But Papa will be so lonely, Tori said as she walked along the promenade arm-in-arm with her mother in the evening. If work didnt work, then perhaps reminding her mother of her father.

Your father is a grown man. He can survive a few days without me, Antonia replied in a firm voice. Toris lips pulled into a line. Every night, her father called her mother and if he couldnt reach Antonia, as sometimes, she would be out with the Empress and the duchesses, then he would call Tori to ask where her mother was.

Mama, Im half expecting him to appear on Sur Oro at any moment. It wasnt that her father was irrational or irresponsible, it was just that he loved his wife a lot. He didnt announce it to others or complain when he missed her to anyone but Antonia, but it was blatantly obvious to anyone with eyes.

I will wait until Dom comes with your aunt and cousin, Antonia told her. Her eyes crinkled up with a devious smile. I want to hear my brother praise my daughters ability.

Mama, Im not a genius. I just know how to organize things and am competent. Tori let out a tired sigh. I had a lot of help, too.

Coordinating said help and properly utilizing all your resources is a skill, her mother told her. Do not discount yourself.

Tori nodded a bit. I still have much to do.

Do you still plan to study crystals at Universit? her mother asked.

Tori nodded. I need to get access to the resources that students and alumni have. I cant always con the Emperor into forcing them to let me in. Also, Ilyana, Henrik, Albert, and Constantine may all attend.

Universit doesnt have a dorm. Lunar Pavilion is a bit far from the campus. It will be inconvenient to travel back and forth, her mother said. She narrowed her eyes. Both your brothers had roommates and lived near campus. Do you wish to do the same? If you are uncomfortable, we can buy you a flat.

Ive already discussed this with Ilyana and Piers, Tori said. Piers owns that big house across the street and since he and Axton will move out after they graduate, Ilyana and I can rent out the floors. Also, Alexander has all his things there already.

It would be convenient for Alexander, but are you sure that house is suitable?

Tori nodded. It has places for the horses, the carriages, for guards. It has multiple rooms on the lower floors, so Albert and Henrik can have a room if they need to stay overnight. If Constantine cant find a place to live, there is a spare room he can rent.

Youve considered all your friends, too. Her mother chuckled. She leaned against her daughters head. There were many large homes in the Academic Quarter that acted as apartments for students. Single men and women had separate floors and sometimes, there were specific floors for couples or small families. Are you not considering returning to Presidio? Universidad del Sur Presidio is just as promising as Universit.

Tori shook her head. Universidad del Sur Presidio was a good school, but it didnt have the crystal resources Universit had. No other school in the empire had what Univsersit could offer her in terms of resources for both crystals and networking. She was also now a countess and had those responsibilities to her fledgling county. I cant be too far from the delta while its being developed.

Her mother snorted in an unladylike fashion. That wretched Matthieu-Philippe....

Mama, dont curse the Emperor.

I can curse him all I want. What is he going to do? Cry to Monica? Antonia sneered. Tori couldnt help but picture her mother as the domineering student on campus when she attended Lyce. No wonder it was said that the Emperor had a tough time courting the Empress; it was likely due to both the Marquis General and her mother, who didnt think he was good enough.

Tori squeezed her mothers arm and moved closer to show her affection. Mama, Ill still visit. Or you and Papa can visit.

Your Papa is working very hard to finalize the transfer of the title to your brother within the next five years. Then, both he and I will be free to visit more, Antonia told her. Unfortunately, the five years is still a bit away. Sebastian is so slow.

Tori wanted to snort as well. There werent any set requirements that an heir needed to meet in order for the position to be passed to them upon the retirement of the current marquis. It was up to the current marquis discretion. Gramps had passed the position down to her father as soon as Sebastian was born. He wanted to accompany Grammie on her research trips.

Unfortunately, Gramps was a massive hindrance, so he was sent back.

Tori suspected that her parents wanted to pass the title down so they could have more free time. Of course, it wasnt as if theyd be completely free of march work. Gramps still did work for the march, but it was in a limited capacity, and it was up to him to decide how much he took on.

Considering Kasen was also doing work for Soleil in whatever super-secret position Tori was afraid to ask about, and Idunn still worked on agriculture, a lot of the marchs management would go to Sebastian. Had Tori moved back to Presidio, as his younger unwed sister, shed also have some work ready for her.

But now she had her own territory to deal with. In retrospect, of my siblings, Im the first one with an actual landed peerage. My brothers are much more capable, how did this happen? Tori frowned. Stupid Emperor.

Godmother! A voice cut through Toris thoughts, and she turned and saw Montan seemingly speed walking towards them.

Her mother slowed to a stop and turned towards the blue-haired young man. In the past few days, Montan had been staying with them in Viclya on leave from Duel. Tori had spoken to Mr. Sommerset about it and decided to start training Montan in the escape rooms. After her birthday, theyd go back to Horizon to meet with the carpentry and masonry guilds to plan out the rooms in the new building.

The new building had already been gutted and Tori had sent the prospective blueprints and sketches of the rooms to Guild master Blomgard to review.

Montan. Her mothers voice was still somewhat stern when speaking to Montan, but her actions were gentle. She raised her hand and touched Montans head as he reached her. Did you finish your review with Kasen?

Montan nodded, eager to please. Yes, Godmother. I am going to see my brother, but saw you and wanted to greet you.

Antonia gave him a small nod. Do not overwork yourself. Your godbrother is a demanding instructor. If it is difficult, tell him and he will adjust it.

Tori drew her lips inward. With how experienced Montan was in charms, he should be able to remain on track with Kasens reviews. In addition, Kasen was instructing Robert at the same time and Robert had no problem keeping up. Kasen was always smirking with pride when someone brought up Roberts ability. The boy was like a sponge. A sponge who had time to play with his cousins as if he didnt spend hours a day practicing Old Sulfae and building his charms foundation.

Montans eyes were bright, and he smiled. I will pace myself, Godmother! He looked at Tori with undisguised earnestness. Countess, do you know where my brother is?

He went somewhere with Piers-

Tori!

And here they are. Tori let out a tired breath and sighed. Axton and Piers were approaching from the steps that led down to the dock. She furrowed her brows. Did you go to another island?

I wanted to show Piers how Reina de la Lunas pools are coming along, Axton said. He gave the man beside him a sidelong glare. He says theyre just holes. Of course, theyre just holes right now. They just started working on them!

It was not as impressive as you made it sound, Piers said in a dull voice.

It will be impressive later!

Then you shouldve taken me later. Piers turned his attention to Tori and her mother and gave them a small, polite nod of his head. Marquess, Tori. Good evening.

Antonia looked him up and down and then responded with a small nod. She looked back at Montan and touched his head once more. You were looking for your brother?

Yes! Montan had been quiet when they were talking and looked towards Axton with excited eyes. I have been invited to play the new card game by His Highness Prince Gideon and would like to invite you.

Axton let out a sharp laugh and narrowed his eyes. So, he wants a rematch, but isnt brave enough to challenge me himself, is he? Ill be glad to disappoint him once more.

He ushered Montan back towards the encampment, as it was where the teenagers played their tabletop games. The resort area where theyd usually play was taken up by older guests playing cards and tiles.

Once they were several paces away, Piers glanced towards Tori and her mother. He turned towards them with a cautious expression. My lady Marquess, my mother was asking about you earlier. Will you not be joining her to play tiles tonight?

Antonia raised a brow and her look hardened. I am walking with my daughter.

I will walk with Tori, he seemed to offer.

Antonia stared at Piers, who couldnt hold her gaze and looked down. Her lips tightened into a frown and Tori felt her arm holding hers tighten. Are you trying to steal my daughter?

Tori barely held back a small hiss. Piers shook his head. He looked up, his eyes trying to meet her mothers.

Tori is not an object to steal, he said with a surprising amount of conviction in his voice. He dared to hold her mothers scrutinizing gaze. She makes her own decisions.

She knew he was a prince and that his rank was higher than her mothers, but for a moment Tori wondered where he got the guts to counter her mother with such confidence. She looked towards her mother, ready to calm her.

Antonias sharp eyes narrowed a bit more, but she drew her head back. She lifted her chin and seemed to look satisfied. Good answer, Your Highness. She slipped her arm off of Toris and looked at her. I have been invited to play sun tiles with the duchesses and Monica. Do not overwork yourself.

Mama, its already evening. Im done with work for the day.

Her mother smirked a bit before leaning down to kiss the top of her head. My dear, as long as you are awake, you will think of something to do. She stepped back and cast one more unreadable look at Piers before turning towards the resort tents. Four Guevera knights followed dutifully behind her, leaving Tori with Piers and a few distanced knights.

Tori looked towards the side entrance of the resort deck, which had been expanded, and saw Robert walking beside Montan while Kasen followed a few steps behind. Fiona, who was munching on her cut up burrito, saw her father. If she wasnt eating and strapped into her booster seat, she wouldve flown out to him.

Daddy!

Kasen smiled and walked directly towards them. He knelt down and Fiona kissed his cheeks, then offered him some of her food. Daddy will get his own burrito. Fifi should eat all her food.

Okay! Fiona nodded and continued to happily eat.

Mr. Alvere? Are you visiting here as well? Tori ate her sausage and egg burrito while watching the two love interests interact from a distance. Dimitri looked surprised to see Montan, but Montan, who was in a good mood, didnt seem too surprised to see Dimitri.

Yes, I am spending the summer here at my brothers suggestion, Montan said. Tori could see the pride in his eyes. I also recently became the godson of Marquess Guevera.

Dimitris eyes were wide, and his jaw dropped a bit. If he werent gripping onto his tray, it wouldve fallen from his hands. He seemed to put together the connection and glanced at Tori and then back at Montan. Then...the Countess is your godsister?

Montan nodded. He lowered his eyes. Much has happened this summer. We can speak later.

Yes, of course, Dimitri nodded. He seemed to float back to the table with his parents.

Tori was sure that theyd find out soon enough about the death of Montans parents and Montans trifecta ceremony. With so many noble, aristocratic, and wealthy guests at the delta, it wouldnt be difficult to casually hear about it if they didnt already know. Luckily, Montan didnt seem to have a problem with it.

She supposed she could understand his relief to be free of such parents. He was also happy to be her mothers godson.

Tori, I just realized something, Albert said. If Duke Axtons godmother is the Empress, and the Empress, the late Duchess, and your mother are all close friends, was the duchess the godmother to any of your brothers?

Tori shook her head. Sebbys godfather is the Marquis General, but Sebby calls him Master since he taught him the sword. Kasens godmother is a professor at Universidad del Sur; she was Mamas mentor.

Why didnt she pick one of her friends? Ilyana asked. It seemed that the trio had been extremely close.

Mama felt that they were irresponsible, Kasen answered as he took a seat between Ilyana and Fiona. Ilyana sucked in a sharp breath as Kasen sat down and lifted a napkin to wipe Fionas face. Also, the Duchess knew she was ill by the time Tori was born. She would not have been suitable.

Tori nodded. Her mother was a practical woman.

I wonder who the Princes godparents are, Albert said.

Piers godfather is Chamberlain Thorpson, and I dont know who the second princes godparent is, Tori said.

Princess Celines husband, Kasen replied. Petir Dursten, though his original name was Edgar Petir Warrington III.

Warrington? Ewan looked up. As in Commander General Warrington of the Imperial Knights?

Thats his father, Kasen said. Princess Celines wife, Georgia Lanadottir, was her escort knight, but Edgar Warrington III was the shame of the Warrington house, as he was born weak and sickly, so he couldnt meet the physical requirements of being a first-tier imperial knight. Though, not for lack of trying. I dont know the entire story, but he eventually cut ties with his family, ran off to be with his wives, and is now quite fit.

Ive never met Princess Celine and her family, Tori said. Though, she still recalled their rather glamorous portrait in the imperial palace.

You will, a voice said behind her. She tilted her head back and saw Piers standing there. I will invite her to my ball.

Youre having a ball? Kasen looked up from midbite.

You are invited, as well, Senior.

Its during the Harvest Festival, so youll likely have returned to Presidio, Tori said with a sigh.

If its during the Harvest Festival, then I wont make it, Kasen nodded.

Piers looked off to the side and didnt seem the slightest bit disappointed. How unfortunate.

After breakfast, Tori continued on her work in her tent with various people from Ilyana and Henrik to village leaders and administrators coming in and out to speak to her. Her tent was guarded outside with two imperial knights stationed at her door.

She broke for lunch, but ate at her desk. She had hoped that the rest of her family and friends would enjoy their leisure time, as she didnt want them to feel trapped while she was working. Considering that aside from Henrik and Ilyana who visited her on business matters, and Piers, who ate lunch with her and then went to take a nap in her room, everyone else was busy enjoying themselves.

Tori signed off on a few land allocation agreements and applications for new migrants from the border region when the knight outside her door let her know that she had another visitor.

Let them enter, Tori said as she finished signing her name. She removed the lid off a black and gold inkpad and pressed her Countess of Cosora seal into it. It was a shield with wave filigree around the outside borders topped with a lions head baring its teeth. Above the lions head was the coronet symbol of a count.

When colored, the inside of the shield was black. There were three wavy gold lines at the bottom representing the river, bay, and ocean, and the gold outline of a crystal with three points. Beneath the shield was the Old Sulfae for benevolence, knowledge, and fortitude, which Tori pulled from her trifecta gods because she needed to register her countys information and was in a rush.

She pressed her specially ordered stamp into the paper and moved on to the next one. The curtain to her tent moved aside.

Countess Guevera?

She raised her eyes as Dimitri entered. Guthry, she said with a nod as she stamped another sheet. Have you had a chance to look at the new amenities and stores in the village?

A bit. I spoke to Mr. Alvere, Dimitri said. He took a deep breath as he stood in front of her desk. Tori closed the lid on her ink pad and met his eyes. There are some things that came to mind.

She cracked a slight smile. Guthry, I know you want to begin work on your project, but take a few days to relax. We can begin reviewing it after my birthday celebration, yes?

He gave her a wry smile in return. I appreciate your consideration, my lady, but my question was not in regard to my Lyce project.

Tori cocked her head to the side a bit. Then can I help you with something else? She motioned for him to take a seat across from her and he quietly sat down.

He swallowed hard and opened his mouth. He seemed to freeze for a moment before finally finding the words. Mr. Alvere mentioned that he gave a charm to Alessa that was meant to increase favorability towards her. Is this true?

Tori took a deep breath and exhaled. It was meant to help her when speaking, but the way he wrote the charm made it susceptible to abuse without him or the Baroness realizing it. If one was unprepared and open to her to begin with, they would be influenced by the charm.

She watched him swallow hard once more and clench his hands. Then all those times I argued on her behalf...was it the charm?

If Im being honest, it is a combination of the charm and your pre-existing favor towards her. Montan didnt give her the charm until after our First Year Excursion and at that point, you and several others were already on good terms with her. The charm increased your existing favorability towards her, Tori said. In other cases, for those who did not have a pre-existing favor-

Such as yourself?

Tori pursed her lips. Yes, such as myself. We were naturally resisting it as a result. I dont want to put the blame entirely on Montan or the Baroness, as they were ignorant of the consequences of the charm.

Dimitri let out a low breath and seemed to deflate back against the chair. I did so much for her. I considered her my friend and I was taken advantage of?

Tori didnt want to think that Alessa was doing it on purpose when she got the charm. If she was activating the charm on purpose, then it was likely because she noticed the difference. The moral questions of doing so likely werent considered much, if at all.

I didnt know until I asked Montan by chance. Since such a charm is prohibited, it will be negated upon the start of the school year. Its a complex process to negate the charm, Tori said. She didnt want to explain all the technicalities. Dimitri wasnt a charms or crystal user, so she didnt know how much he understood.

Had I been thinking clearly-

Stop. Tori raised her hand to stop him and frowned. If you plan to put all the blame on the charm for your negligence that inadvertently led to the collapse of the orphanages ceiling, dont. We dont know just how much you were affected. The actions of those directly involved in embezzling funds werent controlled by charm.

But it was an oversight failure that didnt catch them-

It was your oversight failure, Tori stressed. She narrowed her eyes. Keep in mind that the effects of the charm fade if the one being influenced is not present. The longer you are away from it, the more its effect is lost. There were plenty of times when you had the opportunity to think clearly, as you said. There were plenty of warnings and signs that you either ignored completely or found a temporary solution to. You cannot put all the blame on the charm.

Dimitri took a deep breath and lowered his head. I know I made mistakes, but cant I be angry that my good intentions were manipulated?

Of course, you can be angry, but you cant pretend nothing is your fault, Tori said. She leaned forward on her desk and scrutinized him. Guthry, that has been one of my biggest peeves about you since the beginning. Nothing is ever yours, and in some cases, Harts fault. Youve always put the blame on someone else. Didnt I tell you before? It was like talking to a wall when I tried to reason with you. She leaned back against her chair. I know you dreamed of going into government like your father, but youre not suitable for it.

Dimitry closed his eyes and bit his lips. Even if I was, I dont have much of a chance now do I? My reputation is tarnished. My family lost the publics trust. Tell me you can understand my anger and frustration. He lifted his head and let out a small, bitter laugh. What am I supposed to do, Guevara? All my life, my path was laid out for me. Lyce, Universit, enter politics, become a Prime Minister like my father. Its what my family does. Its what everyone expected of me. Now, after Lyce - if I even finish, what am I supposed to do?

Tori stared at him and raised a brow. Guthry, how the fuck am I supposed to know?