Chapter 194: These Love Interests Have Gotten Out of Hand

Chapter 194: These Love Interests Have Gotten Out of Hand

There was a time and a place for Tori to correct an individual on her relationship with Piers.

And this was one of them.

Across the table, next to Prince Cyrus, Gideons head shot up as soon as he heard the foreign princes words. His eyes went from his brother to Tori, and carried a mixture of uncertainty and horror. Axton flinched a bit, but didnt show any outward discomfort; almost as if he expected it.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Piers raised a brow and slowed his eating. Those who were seated closest to them were high ranked nobles, including Duchess Fekete. Though she maintained a regal composure, Tori could feel her eyes boring into her side as if waiting for new, savory gossip.

Before she could think of a way to correct the visiting prince respectfully and clearly, Piers spoke up.

The Countess comes from a region where marriages are not decided so early, especially when she is still in secondary school, Piers said in a surprisingly calm voice. As such, we are not formally engaged.

Toris sharp eyes shot at him. Formally? Why do you have to say formally? Cant you just say Im not your fiance? If he could read her mind, he mustve been purposely avoiding her hostile gaze.

Prince Cyrus didnt react much. He seemed to consider Piers' words before nodding once. I understand. The matter of marriage, especially for someone of our rank, is not a simple matter and must be well considered. He looked towards Tori. I apologize for the mistake, Countess Guevera.

Not at all, Your Highness, Tori said as she pasted a smile that didnt reach her eyes on her face. She had to consider the situation. She couldnt push that he was mistaken once hed apologized. After all, he was a visiting prince, and they were trying to make him an ally. In addition, the vagueness of Piers statement would quiet down those who were eyeing both him and her.

According to her fathers calls, there had been an irritating increase of inquiries about her future since she was given her title and land. Peers and acquaintances had name-dropped young men in their family. Her father and brothers werent stupid. They knew what was happening and they did not like it.

But they were in Presidio for the most part. Her family could detour interested parties there, but Horizon was a bit out of reach.

Tori didnt want to use the concept of fake dating. She read fanfics when she was younger; she knew where that led. However, as much as she didnt want to admit it, Piers always hanging around her being misunderstood as something else was useful. God knows she did not want or have the mental capacity to deal with the headache of suitors or whatever they were called.

With everything going on, shed probably lose her patience and stab someone.

Okay, Piers. You win this time.... She slowly drew her sharp eyes away from Piers.

Prince Cyrus seemed at a loss. I had heard that you often escort Prince Piers and made an assumption.

Tori kept smiling. It is one that is often made as I accompany His Highness often. His Highness Prince Piers is my senior and his seniors are my brothers. When I came to Horizon, they entrusted him to watch over me. I can only do my best to avoid being so troublesome.

She pretended she didnt see Axtons sidelong look. She troubled Piers so often, it was why Fiona called him her sidekick.

The Countess has proven one of my staunchest supporters, Piers said. I could not ask for a better one.

Prince Cyrus lifted his glass and made a little salute towards Tori. Tori lifted her own drink to return it and then took a long sip of her wine.

She managed to avoid the subject for the rest of the evening, but did hear it discussed around her as she wove through the crowds making small talk and letting familiar guests of Viclya know that she was going to open spaces for winter visits, as a new building had gone up at the foot of the hill near where the ice-skating rink was. While built with a matching facade as the other buildings, the inside was versatile and could be decorated according to the weather and season.

Yes, we have had a sizable migration of people recently, as relatives of my villagers mainly from the border region have come to settle. Weve been very proactive in getting them resettled and introducing them to the culture of the delta, Tori said as she spoke with Ambassador Izel. They are looking forward to the opening of Chili Xicalli next summer.

Do they like the hot sauce? Ambassador Izels smile widened.

They love it. This summers most popular food was, unexpectedly, oysters with hot sauce, Tori said.

The...after taste, as you call it, is strangely addicting, the woman replied with an acknowledging nod. Countess, the chefs who will come to cook at the restaurant have been selected. Their paperwork should be completed by their arrival this winter. Will they be able to move to Viclya then?

Yes, Tori said with a nod. There are several buildings with courtyards on Rois that Ive selected for our foreign chefs. She looked past Ambassador Izel. Where is Ambassador Das? I should tell him about this, too.

Ambassador Izel looked around for the other dignitary and found him with his wife, enjoying the frozen fruit cream.

The Countess should consider adding crushed nuts to this, he was saying with a look of concentration.

Additional topping options would be good, his wife agreed. Tori caught their eyes and made her way over to tell them about the living arrangements.

She also managed to get several other ambassadors she was working with to clarify the living arrangements for the cooks being sent to Viclya. The rent for the restaurants and living arrangements would be rent free, but the foreign investors of the restaurants were covering the staff, ingredients, and specialized cookware. Tori was also investing in each restaurant by personally ordering all the table, serving, and general cookware required from the other country, and having them shipped over.

She was also working closely with each group of investors to arrange and decorate each restaurant appropriately. Unfortunately, since comcry technology required contacts to register each other in order to communicate, she could only write letters and have comcry meetings when one of the dignitaries was available.

Still, all investors had been invited for the next Spring Festival so they could look over the restaurants, give it a dry run, and make any minor changes before they officially opened in the summer. She made sure to keep them all up to date with dashboards and project timelines, as well as being very transparent about where spending went.

Is it too late to arrange a restaurant that would serve Hong food? Ambassador Wu had stood with the small crowd of other ambassadors as Tori went through the living arrangements and current construction status.

It is not, Tori said with a bright smile. As we are a fledgling village, we are building in phases so as not to overuse our current resources. Rois is a relatively large island and there will be plenty of room for more restaurants and shops to cater to our guests. The current group is our stage one for the Cosora Cultural Exchange program. Next summer will be our initial test.

When will you be accepting partners for your next stage? Ambassador Wu asked.

We have a running list, Tori said. Nazaria is currently deciding on a location from the areas provided, and Lords Nobuzaki and Lady Mizuha are working on a suitable menu of food that can be served bearing in mind the availability of ingredients and transportation costs. The Xhor Empire has also been invited, but we are still sorting through possible investors.

Then, I would also like to put Hong on the running list.

Of course! Tori perked up. Do you have some time to visit the delta? It is a small, developed area, but the weather right now is ideal for visiting.

I will accept the Countess invitation, Ambassador Wu said with a nod.

I will have my people contact the Hong Embassy to arrange for a visit this month, Tori said. Please expect a welcome packet within the week.

Ambassador Wu looked pleased, and Tori caught sight of Axton raising his hand just a bit to beckon her over. Tori excused herself and made her way across the courtyard.

Can you prepare one of the apartments in Rois for Prince Cyrus? Axton asked.

Yes, a few are ready for guests and face the Kings Plaza, Tori replied. I will need to ask for additional imperial knights.

I will arrange it, Axton said, keeping his voice a bit low. Piers also wants a small meeting space that is secure.

There are some available on Rois. This isnt a problem. I will have everything prepared, Tori assured him.

The third Prince of Pargath was a higher priority than the ambassadors and dignitaries. Soleil had good relations with Pargath, but with the current King of Pargath ill and no announcement on who the heir apparent was, they werent sure how long the good relations would continue. If the information they had on the first Prince of Pargath was correct and he was on suspiciously friendly terms with the Duraga Federation, then there was a chance that Pargath would no longer be neutral.

What Piers was concerned about was the border region and proximity of Pargath to Soleil. It could easily be used as a launching point for the Duraga Federation to bypass the land border. In addition, Pargath was the nearest gateway for land trade east. Its where it got the majority of its wealth.

Toris land trade connections came directly through Pargath. Prices had gone up as merchants faced increased trading taxes and the flow of goods had become more scrutinized. She was notified that some items were being confiscated or could not leave by trading ship, as before. This included her supply of fireworks.

The fortified city-state had lasted so long without being swallowed up by surrounding powers because of its neutrality and willingness to work with other nations. They protected themselves with a small, but strong navy around their waters, and their topographical position as a peninsula with a large bay made it easy to defend from land.

But political positions changed.

If Piers wanted to make an ally of the third prince to ensure continued neutrality and trade, then Tori had no hesitations about assisting him.

Axton, tell Piers I want to go to the crystal table, Tori told him.

Axton gave her a confused look. When?

Soon. Tonight, had given her a flood of information and at that moment, her brain couldnt organize all of it. The theory behind the crystal table was that it would help a user solidify their thoughts based on collected information, both conscious and subconscious, which influenced their intuition.

She wanted to try that.

Axton gave her a small nod and they parted ways. Tori continued making rounds and bolstering Piers reputation amongst his peers and visiting dignitaries. In between small chats, she checked on the available snacks, and was questioned about her current research on crystals.

Most of the focus was on home goods and the improved lifestyle of her villagers. Overall, the ball did what it was supposed to do, and Tori felt she came out on top with a few more contacts and possible investors.

What do you think? Axton asked as they sat in Piers carriage going back to the palace. Success?

There was some criticism of my involvement in the deltas development, Piers said. With the show of crystal technology and the steady development of the city as a port resort town, including the popularity with foreign investors, those who had concerns were silenced.

Those are things to consider. I can see why Pargath is such an important trade port, Tori said. She wondered what the first prince of Pargath was offered by the Duraga Federation that hed waver from the kingdoms strict neutrality and put their political-economic ties in jeopardy.

She didnt think the Duraga Federation had money to burn, but she did know that they ruled over a vast, resource rich area. Perhaps there was something like land or some other resource offered to the first prince?

Weve sent a small delegation to Pargath to discuss the recent trade situation, Ambassador Wu said. From Pargath, our Hong merchants come directly to Soleil and Nazaria.

It is the same for us, Ambassador Das said. The two empires were neighbors and old trading partners. What affected one would undoubtedly affect the other.

Then, please let me know if there are any changes we may have to consider, Tori said. Okay, so maybe its not Ambassador Wu who is going to Pargath himself, but this is the next best thing.

Yes, of course. Id hate to delay our opening here, Ambassador Das said. I only hope that the restrictions are not so severe.

King Demetrius is ill...it is always a precarious time when such a thing happens.... Madam Das said in a quiet voice.

There was an unspoken acknowledgement that the sudden trade restrictions had to do with the first prince, but no one seemed to want to say it out loud. Tori put on a smile and deftly moved the subject to the transition from summer to winter activities.

After nearly a day on Rois, Tori brought the group back to the mainland and gave them each a packet with a map of the Promenade, resort tents, and main street, as well as a schedule of activities, and a snack card.

You pay with this? They stared at the metal cards in their hands that had embossed numbers, their names, and a clear crystal embedded into them.

Yes, the hole in the corner can be connected to these lanyards, Tori said as she held up one of her own. These are made here in the delta and more ornate ones can be purchased. If you wish to pay, you just tap the crystal against another crystal on a point-of-sale device. At the small kiosks and stands, it is at the cashier. At the larger restaurants, you can ask a server to bring you a mobile one. Each card has a set amount, allowing each card to pay for the most expensive individual meal at our main restaurant for the next four meals. I will take care of tonights meal personally, but tomorrow, when you are on your own, you may use these at your discretion.

Several ambassadors, their spouses, and occasional assistants held the metal cards in their hands.

Countess Guevera, were these cards developed by you? Ambassador Wu asked in a tentative voice.

Tori nodded. Yes, Ambassador. This proprietary technology of the Cosora Delta is meant to make things more convenient for our guests. The cards are tied to your names and rooms. Should you lose the card, you can go to any one of the information offices and let them know. They will deactivate your lost card and transfer the remaining balance into a new card. If you would like to add more funds to the card, you can also do so at the information office.

What if we do not spend the entire amount? someone asked.

For courtesy guest cards, such as yours which are for special first-time visitors, the cards will deactivate by the end of your stay. You can keep the card and reactivate it if you return, then add more funds if you so wish. Added funding is not courtesy, so they will remain on your card until they are used, or the card is returned. If the card is returned, the remaining amount on the card will be given back to you. Please keep in mind that when the balance is used up, the crystal will go from clear to opaque, Tori explained. She chuckled. I know it sounds rather complex, but returning guests prefer this method. They often add funds to the card at the Skuldsen Travel Center in Horizon before coming, so they do not have to bring too much money.

How do we know how much remains? Madam Das asked.

The point-of-sale crystal has a functioning comcry and they can call the information office directly to confirm what amount remains. We are still working on technology to allow for immediate balance check, Tori replied.

I want to try this! Ambassador Huandoy quickly rushed to the nearest kiosk, which sold spiraled potatoes. The group followed to watch, and Tori stood to the side, observing their curious reactions. When the payment was made, there was a burst of awe.

This is good if one has children and wants to limit their spending without fear of them losing money, one of the dignitaries from Nazaria chuckled.

When the small children of my family visit, they each have a card, Tori said. However, I do make sure that their nannies are made aware to oversee what they buy. The last thing we need is for them to spend all their money on sweets.

The group laughed and Tori said that they should take the time to rest a bit before dinner. She would see them later in the evening. Various valets escorted the group back to their resort tents.

Is this how youve been keeping track of what they eat? a voice asked behind her. Tori didnt turn around to know it was Gideon. She let out a tired sigh and let her shoulders sink.

Why are you here? Tori asked as she turned around. Sure enough, Gideon was there with Fabian. I wasnt informed that you would be coming this weekend.

Im going to be here until school starts.

What? Tori made an irritated face.

Alvere gets to stay. Why cant I? Gideon demanded, matching her irritated look with one of his own.

Montan is working on the escape room, Tori retorted. Hes not here for fun.

Your Highness! My brother said that he will be hosting an invitation-only happy hour tonight on the rooftop of the restaurant, and theyll have oysters! Are you attending?

Tori stared at the blue-haired young man racing across the plaza with an excited look on his face. Toris eyes slowly narrowed. You son of a bi-

Hes not here to have fun, is he? Gideon almost mocked. Then, how do you explain that?

Montan reached them, a bit out of breath. Good afternoon, godsister-

Alvere, didnt we agree that you could spend the rest of the summer here, but you must train to be a game master for this falls escape room opening? Tori asked in an incredulous voice. These love interests have gotten out of hand recently. Going and doing whatever they want in my delta...Ive been too lenient! Ilyana was right!

Montan flushed and looked away, embarrassed. I have. Im currently training in the advanced difficulty scenario. However, as His Highness Prince Piers is indisposed this weekend, I have it off.

Piers. Tori narrowed her eyes. She had been much too lenient. Because of Piers complex demands, the opening date of the escape rooms was pushed to the next month and scheduled to open during the weekend of Lyces first year excursion.

Tiff had insisted that it was a good idea, as it would give priority to senior members and then they could be of better guidance to their juniors when the juniors returned. All the tabletop gaming club members attending her, and Ilyanas birthday parties had agreed, and Tori was sure it was only because they wanted to play them first.

Still, Tori had agreed. The most difficult room was still being built, and after construction and painting, the props needed to be brought in, then they had to do a controlled dry run with Piers. At first, Piers played the game master while the others played the game, but it dragged on as Piers wouldnt let them leave until they figured it out.

Ewan had called from inside the first middle-tier difficulty room saying he was hungry and wanted to break for lunch, but Piers wouldnt let them. Tori had to call Sir Dobchek to get to Piers, as Piers hadnt picked up his comcry in his single-minded focus.

Call Dimitri Guthry, Fabian said into his comcry. Tori snapped her head in his direction.

Guthry is here, too? She couldve sworn that the Guthrys had returned to Horizon, as his parents had attended Piers Harvest Festival Ball. She stepped to the side and took out her comcry. Call Henrik Skuldsen.

He answered within a few seconds. Duke Axton is the one who wanted to host an oyster, beer, and wine happy hour, as youve called it. I dont know how he got his hands on the event catalog, either, but I think Ewan probably told him.

Im not calling about that, but why did the manager still agree to it? She paused and then let out a sigh at the same time Henrik answered. The money.

The money, yes.

Never mind that. Do you know if the Guthrys are still in Viclya?

They had an open invitation for the summer, and I was told that they had reserved every other weekend until Lyce starts for themselves and then reserved a seasonal resort tent for Guthry.

A seasonal resort tent? Tori asked. Seasonal resort tents were essentially villa-like tents that were treated as private residences for extended periods of time. They were rented by the month and came with a three-person private staff that cooked and cleaned, priority for activities, and reserved seating at restaurants during peak hours with a twenty percent discount on all food and drink served in the Promenade.

They were nearly booked solid before the season started. The Fekete ducal family was currently staying in one and the visiting OTuaghs had another. They werent cheap, either. Summering at the Cosora Delta was a bragging right to the wealthy of Horizon.

Yes, so Guthry hasnt really left. Maybe his parents think its good for his recovery, Henrik said.

Of course, you can come, Guthry. Duke Alvere is hosting it and he wont mind. Gideons voice was heard behind Tori as she pursed her lips.

My brother has already paid for the event, so there will be no charge to guests, Montan said. It starts in a few hours, but he said that it is a very casual party, so we can come and go as we please.

Tori took a deep breath. Next summer, remind me to re-think the open summer invitations.

You shouldve listened to Ilyana

I know I shouldve listened to Ilyana. Tori gritted her teeth and glared at the comcry before ending the call. Axtons happy hour mustve had something to do with hosting the Prince of Pargath. For a moment, Tori weighed the comcry in her hand and contemplated calling Piers to ask how it was going, but she resisted the urge.

The comcry in her hand began to glow and she flipped it open, expecting to see Piers name. She drew her head back. Shed just spoken to this person a few minutes ago.

Ambassador Wu?

My lady, may I ask for an audience with you and His Highness Prince Piers? His voice was rushed, and he sounded upset.

Yes. Is this an emergency? I will contact him immediately if that is the case.

Yes, Countess. We just received a call for our delegation to Pargath, Ambassador Wu said. The court will not see them and if they do not leave the kingdom within a day, they will be imprisoned.