Chapter 193: I Like the Codenames

Chapter 193: I Like the Codenames

Welcome! Ewan and Albert chorused as they stood in the foyer in their togas with a gray and brown palla wrapped around them, respectively. Their animal masks went over their faces, leaving their mouths exposed, as smiling eyes looked at Ilyana from the eye holes. Happy birthday!

Ilyanas eyes were wide, and she almost took a step back as her face lit up. Its a masquerade! Oh, I didnt guess that!

Happy birthday! Sonia and JP appeared by the entrance to the hall that led to the dressing rooms, also dressed in their costumes and masks. Sonias light-yellow horse mask with gold detailing covered her entire face whereas JPs fox mask covered up to the tip of his nose.

Ilyana clapped her hands with glee. Amazing! I knew it had to be good when Tori told me it was a secret!

You have a dress, too, Sonia said as she hooked Ilyanas arm. Madam Midstrom will help you change into it.

Ilyana seemed to barely hold back a squeal of joy as she happily followed Sonia down the hall.

Tori peeked from the entrance to the courtyard, clutching her black and silver palla against her. She lifted her hand to her earpiece.

Cat to Raven. Cat to Raven. The Owl has entered the building. Over.

Tori, do we need to use code names? Henriks tired voice asked. Tori stood up straight and glared at the space ahead of her. Henrik was on the floor above.

You said you were fine with the code names.

I didnt think you were serious.

I like the code names, Ewan piped. All their earpieces were linked. I think theyre fun.

Theyre also easy to remember. Theres only one of each animal.

Henrik sighed. Why cant we just use our names?

All right, fine! Tori tilted her head back. Ilyana arrived. Give her five minutes and then have the musicians start playing the ambient music.

What about the lights?

Lights can start now. Have Master Holloway start with the low level display. Well increase the display levels through the night. Tori walked around the porticos. Pairs of knights were stationed at all entrances into the building from the courtyard. There were a dozen second tier imperial knights patrolling the inner halls.

Most of the interior of the pavilion was still under renovation, but Tori didnt want to risk any security breach or injury. There were plenty of tools and construction materials laying around, as well as some dangerous areas that needed major repairs. There were more second tier imperial knights stationed outside all the entrances to the pavilion itself and third tier imperial knights patrolling the plaza outside and in the stables and carriage house.

Piers told her it was unnecessary, but Tori had opened the main restaurant as the security room. It was a break room for the knights to rest during patrols, drink water or coffee, and have light meals. Tori had asked Piers and Gideons escort knights to spread news about the security room to attract knights.

She heard that Gideons knights offered to assist Piers assigned knights, but Piers rejected their offer. Sir Dobchek had been smirking when he told Gideons knights that they need not come except as guards to Gideon, which meant they would be working the entire night and not be allowed into the security room or have access to the promised food.

Tori had memorized the locations and patrol routes of the knights, as the same knights, providing nothing happened to them in less than a week, would be assigned during Piers ball.

Horse to Cat. Owl is ready to enter the nest. Over. Tori heard Sonias voice in her ear.

Cat to Horse, wait for my signal. Over. Tori rushed around to gather the guests who had already arrived and herd them towards the center of the courtyard, near the entrance. Their friends gathered under the portico. Tori lifted her hand to her earpiece. Cat to Horse. Proceed with entry. Over.

The music was playing in the background and the courtyard was illuminated with white light while light crystals pulsed waves of different colors across the sides, like a pulse coming from the entrance.

Tori excitedly held her breath as Ilyanas tall, slender figure dressed in white and silver entered the foyer and turned towards the entrance to the courtyard. She took hesitant steps, occasionally looking back at Sonia who was ushering her from behind.

Ilyana took one step out and gasped. Her yell of glee was drowned out by the shouts of her friends, family, and guests as they welcomed her and wished her a happy birthday. Ilyana squealed as she was engulfed in a hug by her mother and brother.

Everythings glowing! Its beautiful! Ilyana couldnt stop looking around, distracted as she was warmly greeted by those who had arrived.

Do you like it? Tori asked as she casually slipped by her side. Ilyana threw her arms around Toris shoulders and hugged her.

I love it! And I love you! Youre the best! Ilyana pressed her masked head against Toris shoulder and held on to her tight. Thank you....

Tori smiled as she heard Ilyanas sniffled voice. She lifted a hand and patted Ilyanas arm. Happy birthday, Ilyana. She tilted her head and rested it against Ilyanas. For a moment, Ilyana stood at the edge of the portico, embracing Tori.

You always outdo yourself, Ilyana said.

Everyone had a hand in helping. Even your mom kept you occupied so we could prepare, Tori said with a helpless grin as Ilyana hesitantly peeled herself away. Dont hug too tight. Youll mess up your mask.

Im an owl, Ilyana said with a light sniffle.

Auntie Ilyana, were both birds! Fiona rushed forward and jumped up and down. Im a chicken! She pointed to the yellow face paint around her eyes.

Ilyana laughed. Yes, yes! Youre the cutest chicken!

Ily, Im a cat! Riri said, trying to draw his sisters attention. His face was painted as a white cat, whereas Ava was a gray cat. She had described Alexander to the face painter in as much detail as she could, but the words 'fierce and a natural killer didnt exactly translate into cute face painting.

What a cute cat! Ilyana beamed as she stroked her brothers hair back. Too bad Daddy isnt here to see it.

Riri puffed out his chest, proud. Ava elbowed him gently. He gave her a confused look. What?

Ava rolled her eyes. Arent you going to ask her? Riri stared at her blankly. Ava stomped her foot. You know! That! She motioned towards the dance floor and Riris eyes widened.

Right! He stepped back and bowed to his sister. Ily, can I have a dance?

Thats not how you say it! Ava threw her arms in the air. Its like this! She marched in front of Tori. My lady, she began in a regal voice as she took a step back and bent forward, extending her small, chubby arm. May I have this dance?

Tori laughed and took her cousins small hand. It would be my pleasure, my lady.

Ava stood up straight and gave Riri a proud look. See. Thats how its done.

Riris face flushed as Ava dragged Tori to the dance area. Ilyana giggled and took her brothers hand. I will still love to dance with you, Riri. He beamed and led her to the dance floor.

The dancing was all over the place, at least for Tori and Ava. The two seemed to just make random movements as they laughed while Riri tried his best to lead his sister into a dance. The music was folk and what they usually danced to in the delta, but Riris only dance lessons were formal.

Tori lifted her hand to her ear. Cat to Raven. Have them play some waltzes.

I thought we werent using the code names.

Just play the waltzes, Henrik! Tori hissed as she tried to keep a smile on her face. After about a minute, the music began to fade, signaling that another song was going to start.

As the first notes hit, Riris face lit up. I can dance to this!

Oh, really? Then show me. Ilyana encouraged her brother.

Tori stepped out of the dance floor to check on the greeters in the foyer.

Why didnt we get animal masks? Gideon was frowning. Tori rolled her eyes as she saw him, Fabian, and Montan standing in the foyer. They were invited by association, though Dimitri was not due to Ilyanas personal grudge against him.

I dont know, Your Highness. Tori said that animal masks were only for Ilyanas friends and mother, Albert replied.

Dont complain. You have been invited. Piers spoke up behind her and she wondered when he had appeared and how he managed to sneak up behind her. He and Axton were also allowed to wear togas with Axton in a hunter green palla and Piers in a deep purple. Both of them wore animal masks that stood out even amongst the others.

Axton was somewhere in the courtyard wearing a gilded deer mask that Mr. Merced had brought him from Nassaun House. Piers was in a white rabbit mask with some gold detailing. His masks ears were upright and went far above his head.

Piers! You got a mask? Gideons voice, as well as face, were filled with envy. Tori didnt know why. His brother was a rabbit. It wasnt exactly the most majestic animal fit for the first prince of Soleil.

I am a friend of Lady Ilyana, Pires replied in a smooth, almost taunting voice. Tori rolled her eyes behind her black cat mask and touched his arm.

Dont aggravate the situation, Tori said. She looked back at the three love interests who had arrived. Were also giving guests the option of putting on a costume-The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Where do we get the costumes? Gideon asked as he stepped forward.

Down the hall. Master Midstrom can help you, Tori said, motioning her arm down the opposite hall.

Gideon led the other two away and Ewan and Albert continued greeting guests, checking their invitations, and then letting them pick masks.

I knew Gideon would want an animal mask, Piers said. He enjoys this sort of thing.

He seems the type that would, Tori said. She turned around and found that Piers offered his arm. She took it and they walked back out into the courtyard. I should check on the knights.

Sir Dobchek will make sure that the knights are in place and following their orders. The captains are also inspecting. You neednt worry about them, Piers told her as he led her out. Should there be any blind spots or weaknesses, they will take care of it.

There are many high-profile visitors coming for your ball next week. Security must be as close to perfect as we can get, Tori said as she narrowed her eyes. She scanned the guests who dotted the courtyard. Ilyanas birthday party had fewer guests than Piers planned ball, but Tori still watched their expressions carefully.

Tori walked in, having come from the courtyard through a hallway. Her ankle length cyan gown was off the shoulder and made with thinner fabrics to keep her cool. While crystals regulated the air temperature within the courtyard for the guests, Tori would overheat while she was running around behind the scenes.

She chose to wear less ornate jewelry for the event, although it was the first time she was wearing a simple, gold filigree coronet with black and clear gemstones and the faint shapes of a lion. Her necklace was a gold snake chain and dangling on a gold chain was a golden-wired wrapped water moon crystal shed hastily made herself. Her wrist had her usual crystal bracelet and she had shined it furiously to make sure it sparkled well. Her hair was tied back three times down her back and decorated with gold pins. While she wasnt the official hostess, she knew that shed automatically assume the role.

How are you feeling? Tori asked, keeping her voice low as she stood beside him.

Manageable, Piers said. It is only a greeting.

If you get overwhelmed, you can step into the inner halls at any time to collect yourself, Tori told him. Just tell Axton to cover for you.

Piers gave her a demure nod. She was about to step away when Piers turned his head. Hes here.

Who? Tori followed his firm gaze towards the entrance. Surrounded by four large men in well-fitted white and orange military uniforms was a tall young man with thick dark hair braided partway down his back, and dressed in a white Soleil-style suit of slacks and a button up jacket. He handed a dark hat to one of the men whom Tori presumed was his guard.

There were fine metal embellishments across his chest, and he had several rings on each hand. His complexion was a little darker, as were the men around him, and he had sharp features made prominent by a neatly trimmed goatee. His eyes were a rich, dark red.

He looked like hed stepped out of an otome game as a possible love interest, too, if Tori were being honest with herself.

The young man straightened as he caught Piers eyes and immediately walked towards him.

Your Highness Prince Piers. The man extended his hands.

Your Highness Prince Cyrus, Piers greeted and took the mans hand, shaking firmly. Thank you for coming.

Thank you for having me, the man said. Ive brought four of my bodyguards with me. Thank you for extending the invitation to them.

Of course. You are all guests in Soleil and your safety is also paramount, Piers said as he retracted his hand. It wasnt too fast or too slow. Tori watched him carefully for any signs of discomfort, but was pleased to find none. In fact, he looked as if hed done this many times in the past.

Youve practiced well, Piers. Kudos to you.

I believe youve met my personal knight, Duke Axton de Alvere, Duke of the Alvere Duchy, Piers said, motioning to Axton on his right.

Yes, good to see you again, Duke Alvere. The Prince shook Axtons hand and Axton gave him a pleasant smile.

And she is Countess Victoria de Guevera, the Countess of Cosora and the daughter of Marquis Gregorio de Guevera of the Sur March, Piers said with a nod of his head in Toris direction. Tori, this is Prince Cyrus Isaiah, Third Prince of Pargath.

Tori stepped back and did a formal curtsy. Your Highness.

Countess Guevera. He gave her a respectful nod of his head. You are the relative of Commander Romulo de Guevera de Bettencourt.

Yes, Your Highness, he is both my uncle and my godfather.

He spoke highly of you when he met with us, Prince Cyrus said. You are as beautiful as he said.

Godfather praises me unnecessarily, Tori replied with a pleasant smile. She took a step back. My apologies for my rudeness, but I must see to some things.

They gave her a nod and Tori returned to the hall. Ilyana was waiting for her clutching a clipboard. Henrik says that they will start the low-level light displays when youre ready.

The third prince of Pargath has arrived. Tell him to start, Tori said. How are the drink and chilled food stations?

Theyre up and running and there is a crowd around the frozen fruit cream table. Mostly visiting dignitaries, Ilyana reported. Ambassador Wu of the Hong Kingdom is looking for you, as he heard from Ambassador Das that you are opening restaurants on Rois featuring foreign food.

I havent met Ambassador Wu yet, Tori said as they walked through the hall to get around the courtyard.

That seems to be why hes looking for you. He wants to make a connection.

They emerged at the far end of the courtyard to the awestruck gasps of guests as the light crystals around them began to move with the music playing. Many guests stopped where they were to watch the lights.

What about the kitchen?

The twelve-course tasting meal is on schedule. There are no problems to be reported, Ilyana said.

Report to me if there are any issues. I will let you know when to start serving the meal.

Confirmed.

The two split up with Tori stepping back into the courtyard and making her way towards the dignitaries she recognized. She was warmly received and even embraced a few familiar faces.

Madam Das, when are you going to visit my delta? Tori asked in a playful voice. If youre concerned about staying in resort tents, we have a few private apartments along the main street. The Empress stayed there when she last visited.

I have been meaning to. I cant believe I caught a cold during the Spring Festival. I wanted to see where the restaurant would be located! Madam Das looked frustrated as she remembered. She held Toris hands warmly. They were in close contact for business reasons and if Tori found something good, such as her crystal powered air conditioner, she sent it to some close associates, including Madam Das.

Ambassador Izel approached to greet her and squinted. Well, I havent seen that in Soleil before. Is that a new crystal, my lady?

Tori lifted her hand to the crystal dangling above her chest and nodded. Yes, it was a gift for my birthday. I heard it was from the federation north of the Tona Kingdom.

Ambassador Izels eyes widened. Then it is a water crystal!

Is that what its called? I was told it was called a water moon crystal.

The ambassador nodded her head. Yes, many groups call it that, but to the tribes in the region where this comes from, they call it a term for water. However, water in the local language is synonymous with life. It is often gifted to highly ranked and important members of the tribe and guests. From the raw piece, it was likely a gift.

Tori nodded. I thought about having it tumbled or carved, but decided to keep the raw piece as is. I havent worked with it yet, but it has an exceptionally good energy.

Before Ambassador Izel could continue someone else earnestly cut in.

My lady, a middle-aged man with dark hair just lightly peppered with gray stepped forward. We have not yet been introduced. I am Wu Yengbei of the Hong Kingdom.

Ambassador Wu, good evening. A pleasure to see you here. Tori returned the respectful bow.

She chatted with several dignitaries for a few minutes before she caught sight of Henrik giving her the sign that the majority of the guests had arrived. With a bright smile on her face, Tori excused herself and informed them that dinner would be served shortly so they should take their seats.

She made her way around, both greeting guests and asking them to sit for dinner. She made eye contact with Gideon and made a gesture to the tables. He nodded and followed her silent instructions to invite guests to sit. Gideon could be particularly useful when he wasnt being annoying and needy.

As the standing crowds dispersed around the twenty tables, Tori lifted her hand to her earpiece. Ilyana, queue the serving staff to start with the warm hand towels, then the first plate.

Understood!

Tori walked around the perimeter of the courtyard, towards the head table where Piers was seated. Unlike Ilyanas birthday party, the table was a gentle u shape with Piers at the head and Axton on his right and Gideon on his left. Tori was seated next to Axton and a knight escorting them pulled out a chair for her.

As everyone seated and the music died down, servers stepped forward to provide drinks to the guests, depending on their preference. When the servers stepped back, Piers stood up.

Good evening and welcome, honored guests and respected peers.

Tori leaned towards Axton and whispered. Hes doing great. Has he been practicing?

Every night, Axton whispered back in a droll voice. Even I know the speech by heart.

Tori grinned and listened to Piers give his welcome speech, thanking his instructors and political allies for their guidance that year, and then thanking the foreign guests for their continued relations with the hope that they will continue to do so, but to grow together.

He then introduced the dishes, citing that each of the twelve plates were Harvest Festival recipes from a particular region of Soleil. He concluded by inviting everyone to enjoy the two light shows: the first during the palette cleanser, and the last during dessert.

He motioned his head towards Tori, and she stood up as she was acknowledged for her work with crystals. Many guests commented that they wondered why the pavilion felt so much more comfortable than the hot late summer night outside.

After pointing out various tables with crystal technology dedicated to food, Piers thanked his guests once more and hoped they enjoyed the meal.

Applause rang out and Piers returned to his seat. The meal was served, and Tori heard her title called from across the table.

Prince Cyrus looked at her curiously. Countess Guevera, I overheard that your territory is not far from here.

It is about a days travel, Your Highness. If one leaves Horizon in the morning, they will arrive in the afternoon, Tori said. She glanced at Piers, who gave her a subtle nod. She put a welcoming smile on her face. Are you interested in visiting?

She saw a flicker of relief cross the third princes face, but his posture didnt falter. I was told it is a closed settlement.

I can extend the invitation and arrange it, Tori told him.

Then, I will accept such an invitation, Countess Guevera. Several noble acquaintances of mine have lauded your work in the village. I was told that just a few years ago, it was a refugee camp and now it is a village welcoming tourist. I had hoped to see it at least once before I returned to Pargath. He gave her a respectful nod to which Tori returned one of her own. My sincere thanks. He then looked towards Piers . Prince Piers, I congratulate you.

Piers didnt show his confusion. He only nodded. Your congratulations are always welcomed, Prince Cyrus.

I am a bit envious, Prince Cyrus said with an acknowledging smile. To have such a skillful fiance who can build cities and improve crystal technology is a blessing. The Countess will make an excellent Princess.