Chapter 190: Take Them to Holding

Chapter 190: Take Them to Holding

He jerked back his head and from the wide-eyed, speechless look on his face, he didnt expect such a rebuttal from her.

Tori didnt know what he expected. She wasnt a life coach. She was a forty-year-old woman in a teenagers body just trying not to meet a tragic ending for her and her family. And even if she wasnt, they were the same physical age.

She helped the love interests not to be altruistic, but because she had an opportunity to divert them from her death flag path. Sure, Tori legitimately cared for Constantine and wanted him to follow his passion. Yes, Gideon was Piers idiot little brother and she wanted them to be on good terms so it wouldnt appear as if there would be a struggle for power and Piers wouldnt have to exert too much energy to compete.

But Fabian really was loyal to Gideon and if he lost that, he would cement himself at Alessas side, destined to become a dagger hanging over Toris head. Montan was simply a pitiful young man who needed familial support and if he didnt get familial love, hed take whatever kindness Alessa showed him and become yet another weapon in her Tori-destroying arsenal.

But Dimitris power lay with his parents, and his parents not only liked her, but owed her family for saving his life. She didnt need to deal with Dimitri; however, it looked like she was dealing with him anyway.

Tori looked at the young man seated across from her. Im not yet seventeen years old and am still in Lyce. Why would I know what you should do with your life?

In her original world, she wouldnt expect someone their age to have such a set life plan. If they did, great. If they didnt, it wasnt a big deal. There was still time to figure it out. She was also aware that many people figured it out much later than they expected, thus changing careers. She knew several people, including her former lawyer who, upon retirement, decided his true calling was to become a writer.

Dimitri didnt seem to know what to reply. He stared at her, clearly having expected something else. Perhaps a pep talk or other words of encouragement. Maybe even a brand-new life plan. If thats what he wanted, he came to the wrong tent.

I thought you would know.... He trailed off and knit his brows, confused. You always seem to know what to do.

Perhaps for me, but not for everyone else, Tori replied. I cant tell other people how to live their lives even if I want to. I can make all the suggestions that I want, but that doesnt mean they will listen to me. If they have a passion or goal, I will of course encourage them, but, for instance, if Ewan didnt want to become a knight, I wouldnt have dragged him to Sur to train or sent him to Axton and my brother. Do you understand?

Dimitri nodded his head slowly. My goal was to become Prime Minister one day.

Thats not going to happen, Tori told him, not caring if she crushed his hopes. Even if you learned from your mistakes as a teenager, your past mistakes will be used against you. This wasnt a small incident, either. It was a miracle no one was killed.

Her words seemed to stab at him, and Dimitri shrank further in his seat. I...I saw your...nephew, is it?

Robert Benedict de Guevera, Tori told him. What about him?

Hes the one who lost his leg, isnt he?

Tori nodded. Hes using a prosthetic leg now. She paused. Do you feel guilty when you look at him? Dimitri closed his eyes. He didnt speak, but his answer was clear. Well...I suppose thats a good sign in a way. At least you know you did something wrong.

I should apologize to him.

Okay. Im not going to stop you, Tori said. But dont expect forgiveness simply because you apologized. He doesnt owe you forgiveness.

I know.

Do better, Guthry, Tori said. She returned to her work and Dimitri sat for a bit longer. As if knowing there was nothing else to say, he pushed himself up. By the way, there is nothing stopping you from public service work and Im not talking about your punishment. She caught a quizzical look from him, and she continued to speak as she stamped some more documents. There is always a need for those who work on public policy for the benefit of the citizens. It isnt as glamorous as being a politician, but it is honest work that helps the people. If your goal was to become Prime Minister for your familys prestige, then I advise you to forget such a path. But if helping the people of Soleil as Prime Minister is what your goal was, then nothing is stopping you from helping the people of Soleil outside of politics. In a way, I find that just as honorable, if not more so. She slammed her stamp onto a sheet and looked up. You have to know what you want to have even a remote idea of how to get it.

She gave him a curt nod, officially dismissing him from her tent. Tori heard the shuffle of fabric as Dimitri left.

For someone who does not give life advice, you give it quite freely.

Piers peered from the entrance into the backroom, where he had been napping. Tori took out another folder to review. Seeing others listless bothers me. It depresses my mood. She paused and lifted her head, her eyes squinted. Now that I think about it, why does everyone come to me?

You are dependable.

Ugh. Tori returned to her work. How dependable can a workaholic teenager be?

There are times when you appear older than you are.

Tori stopped reading. Her eyes remained fixed on the papers. She wasnt trying to hide her mental age. In fact, aside from being much calmer, more experienced, and more confident than when she was sixteen in her original world, Tori thought her general personality was still the same.

She relied on the knowledge, mannerisms, and linguistic ability of Victorias body to help her blend in. Luckily, nothing was too jarring. As long as she wasnt too excited about the newness of the environment, no one seemed to notice anything too out of the ordinary. If she stood out, she didnt think it was because of transmigration, but simply because of her family and pre-existing reputation.

How much older? She looked up at him curiously.

Piers seemed to think for a moment. Simply older. It is normal for a noble child to mature quickly. The demands of being in such a position shape children into adults so as to train them for future responsibilities.

She pursed her lips. When my brother, Kasey, was my age, did he appear older than he was?

Piers was quiet for a bit. Senior Kasen was an excellent student. He always ranked first.

I know that, but what about outside of school? Piers hesitated and Tori squinted. Piers...did Kasey get into many fights?

Senior has told me not to tell you. Piers immediately put the responsibility on her brother.

Toris brows rose. If its about him fighting, I already know.

Senior also drank a lot, accompanied rough individuals, and was often followed by many girls. He was out late often, including sneaking out of the dorms-

Kasey did what-

Master was also quite reckless in his youth. He was well known in the red quarter.

Wait, Sebastian frequented the red quarter? The red quarter of Horizon wasnt exactly a redlight district, but it came close. There were also plenty of what shed consider underground clubs there. The only reason she knew was because she looked up the reputations of prospective business locations and Henrik filled her in.

It was after Master was dumped by Lady Idunn. He did not take it well. Senior Benedict is very knowledgeable on their goings-on during their time at Lyce and Universit. You can confirm with him. He was there. He knows everything.

Tori stared at Piers, dumbfounded. She knew her brothers couldnt possibly be as squeaky clean as they presented themselves to her. She supposed she should expect young nobles with money and time to at least experiment with some vices. It wasnt as if that was strange in her original world, let alone this one.

She was a bit curious about her brothers youths. In this world, Tori had no urge to indulge in going out and partying. Been there, done that. In addition, to some extent, she doubted that shed be impressed by what was offered in Soleil after what shed done and been to in her original world.

She blinked and shook her head. I thought my brother told you not to tell me.

He did.

Then why did you tell me?

You asked. She shouldve expected that. Tori furrowed her brows for a moment.

Will my brothers be upset if they knew you told me?

The corners of his lips pulled up a bit. You will protect me.

She rolled her eyes. She caught the light on her comcry glow and reached for it. The watch tower at the entrance of the bay was calling. Hello?

My lady, a ship registered in Tres Arcos has requested entry into the delta. It is a passenger ship and has a letter of entry to drop off passengers.

Tori furrowed her brows. Proceed with the usual entry protocol.

Yes, my lady. We were also asked to inform you that Dominico de Sophos and family are on this ship. His name was on the list of expected guests and had provided the letter of entry.

Wonderful. Thank you for informing me. I will await them on the embarkation island. Tori ended the call and slid her finger across the crystal to call her mother.

Then I will join you on the embarkation island.

I will arrange for their things to be taken to their resort tents, Tori said. After finishing the call with her mother, she looked towards Piers. Want to come?

He nodded once, but it would take some time for the passenger ship to enter the delta and make it to the embarkation island.

Passenger ships were private vessels that went along the coast of Soleil to transport people from port to port. If one wasnt privileged enough to have a private ship at their disposal, or knew someone who did, then most Soleil citizens who traveled along the coastal areas of the empires mainland used passenger ships.

Different ships catered to different groups: some were for single individuals where the accommodations were shared rooms with multiple bunk beds in a cramped room. Others were for families, where a family could rent a private room. Private rooms varied in size and amenities depending on the ship and the cost.

It was a regulated transport business, and each port had a schedule of ships coming and going, their capacity, and where they were stopping.

Viclya wasnt an open port. The delta was still a closed settlement, so in order to enter its coastal waters and come to port, the ship needed a letter of entry. Letters of entry were in the possession of the individual traveling that needed transport to the closed settlement. In this case, it was Toris uncle.

Auntie Fabiana, Baroness Hart, please first fill out these forms, sign, and press two thumb prints on each page, Tori said. Mr. Farkas and Miss Kuzcar will guide you through the paperwork. The Cosora Delta is a closed settlement, and we are strict with who comes in and out.

Even for your aunt? Fabiana choked. Alessa didnt say much, but followed directions. She put her bags at her feet to begin filling out the paperwork. Is this really necessary, Tori?

Of course, it is, Antonia snapped. You came without warning! Do you think you can just walk into Viclya as if you own it?

I am the Countess aunt! Shouldnt I have such a privilege?

Fabiana! Uncle Dominico was flushed. If you know that this is your nieces territory, you should abide by the rules.

You didnt have to fill out...paperwork...upon arriving! her aunt sneered.

Uncle Dominico and his family had a different set of paperwork that had already been approved, Tori said in a dull voice. We were prepared for their arrival. You are an unexpected arrival. As is policy, you must fill out these papers and confirm your identity before you leave the island.

Her aunt had been signing her name when she heard that she couldnt leave the island. What? Are you saying Im trapped here? Her face reddened.

Only until your identity is confirmed and your purpose is approved, Tori said. I advise you to answer honestly.

Her Auntie looked disgusted, but snorted. I dont know how your mother raised you...so rude-

My daughter isnt the one trespassing on a closed settlement, Antonia said in a dangerous voice. She has been merciful.

Merciful-

Trespassing on a closed settlement involves arrest, fine, and punishment, Piers cut off Fabiana. The Baroness should already know this.

Tori saw Alessa tense up. She lowered her head and pressed her thumbs into the ink pad to then press on the papers.

Fabiana scoffed. She pressed her thumbs into the ink. Such a heavy punishment for such a minor thing. What does this place need to protect that its a closed settlement?

Tori kept her eyes on her aunt. As soon as her thumbprints were pressed, Mr. Farka reviewed the documents. Are they complete?

Yes, my lady.

Tori nodded. Take them to holding.

She turned around and began walking to the transport hub dock across the island.

Victoria! She heard her aunts voice scream behind her. What is going on? Let go of my things-let go of my arm!

Countess! Alessa gasped. Whats going on?

Tori stopped. The Cosora Delta is a closed settlement in order to regulate growth and resource usage. Any individual attempting to enter without proper paperwork must be identified and their purpose for entering must be approved. The process takes two to three days-

Two to three days!?

Business days, Tori said in a smooth voice. Once their identities are confirmed and they are not a threat to the delta, they will be allowed off the island. Until then, they will stay in the holding building. Three meals will be delivered daily until the paperwork is approved.

Victoria, I am your aunt! How can you do this to me?

Tori pursed her lips and turned around to face her. Fabiana was held back by two guards while Alessa was clutching her bag and flanked by another two.

I can do this because I am the Countess of Cosora, and I will not break the rules of my county for the sake of nepotism. Uncle and his family, my mother, and all my friends are approved visitors. You and the Baroness are not. All their paperwork is in place. You tried to sneak into my county. You will go through the proper channels, and it is my grace that I am allowing this as opposed to sending you back immediately, Tori said. She gave the guards a firm nod. Take them to holding.

Yes, my lady.

Wait! Alessa gasped. Countess, are you arresting us?

No, youll just be held until your identities and purposes are confirmed.

Held? Youre going to lock us up for days? her aunt gasped. Victoria de Guevera, how dare you-

Countess Victoria de Guevera, Piers cut her off with a sharp glare.

She is your niece, Fabiana, but she is still the Countess of Cosora, Antonia said, glowering.

This is ridiculous! What confirmation of identity? You know who we are!

Not according to a paper trail, Tori said with a slight shrug. Dont worry so much, Auntie. Itll only take a few days.

Countess, can you not approve of our paperwork now? Alessa asked with a pleading look.

Baroness Hart, Tori said. No.

She turned back around and continued walking. The cold look on her face turned into one of annoyance. She ignored her aunts yelling as she was dragged away.

Mr. Farkas knew her well enough to know that he and his staff should not give any preference to her aunt or Alessa.

Tori, will it really take two to three days? Artemisia asked as she caught up with her.

Tori nodded. Yes, the paperwork has to be reviewed by the embarkation office, then sent to the main office for approval. Though we are a closed settlement, we have started following standard port authority guidelines to record who comes and goes from Viclyas port. Calls must be made to properly identify the individuals, then the port authority must confirm, then review and approve their purpose of arrival in a closed settlement. If they find it acceptable, then I or my legal administrator will approve.

If they dont find it acceptable? Uncle Dominico asked.

Our choices are to send them back on a passenger ship to the next destination or take them out of the county lines, Tori said.

Auntie Anita scowled. Then Fabiana will get what she wanted! Shell get to visit Viclya! Tori, you cant allow her. Shell cause trouble and bother your people.

Tori smirked. No, she wont. Upon leaving the island, a boat will take her and the Baroness upriver, past the village, to the border between Cosora and the Fekete Duchy. They will be made to get off the boat in Fekete. How they get back to Horizon from there is up to them. The boat will bypass Viclya completely.

Fabiana and the Baroness will also be blacklisted from entering the county in the future, Antonia said with a wry smile.

She brought this on herself, Uncle Dominico said with a dark look. She didnt mention coming here at all when we saw her on the ship! She kept talking about shopping and sightseeing in Mezzaluna with her goddaughter! He raged on until the boat took them to the mainland. It went from complaints about what his sister had done recently to some childhood trauma Uncle Dominico clearly still harbored resentment about.

Uncle, calm down, Tori said with a raise of her hands. She cant go anywhere right now, and shell have to spend the next five days in the holding cell.

Five days? Auntie Anita asked as she drew her head back. I thought it only took two to three.

Business days, Tori said. I dont count the two days of the weekend...and tomorrow is my birthday, which is a holiday here in the county, so many people will not be working. County administrative workers will have three days off. She gave them a bright smile. Antonia nodded approvingly.

My lady! Several valets met them at the dock and Tori instructed them on what to carry.

Uncle, Auntie, Cousin, these are valets from our resort. They will take you to the resort tents then take you on a brief tour of the area. Dinner will be later this evening and I will have someone escort you to the restaurant, Tori said. She gave them a small nod. Please take some time to rest, as well.

Her mother accompanied her uncle and their relatives, and Tori remained on the Promenade with a gentle smile, as if she hadnt locked up her aunt for trespassing just minutes earlier.

I wouldve sent them to Osten, Piers said behind her.

That still gives them freedom to travel, Tori replied. I want to confine them, so they know that their goal is within reach, but unattainable.

Piers thought for a moment and nodded. Break the mental stability of your enemy?

Ah...speaking of the enemy. Tori dug around her pocket and took out her comcry. She slid her finger across and held the comcry up. Call Montan Alvere.

It took a few pulses for him to answer. My lady?

Do you have the negation charm for Harts illegal charm on your person? Tori asked. If you dont, have my brother assist with a new one.

I...yes, my lady, I have it with me. Montan sounded confused.

Good, Tori said. How would you like to use it sooner rather than later?