Chapter 200: It Scares Piers, Too

Chapter 200: It Scares Piers, Too

Tori and Ilyana were up early on their first official class day of school. They picked up their breakfast from Cafe Fortuna and then rushed to their homeroom to ensure that they arrived well before the expected entertainment started. They took their seats at the back of the class, spread out their breakfast on the table along with extra for Gideon and Fabian, and waited.

You look too happy. Dont look too happy, Tori told her in a quiet voice.

Its hard, Ilyana whispered back. She caused so many problems and tried to turn so many people against you.

She never actually admitted to that.

But still, she did it!

They heard a click behind them and one of the doors opened. The two sank back in their seats and pretended to go through their things.

Oh...I see you two already brought breakfast.... The shadow of Gideon moved over their seats. He put his bag on the desk. Cafe Fortuna?

It is tradition for Ilyana and me to get our breakfasts there at the beginning of each semester, Tori said. She and Ilyana liked their little rituals. She looked over at Gideon and the young man awkwardly looming behind him. Von Dorn.

He gave her a small nod. Gideon took his seat, but looked back at Fabian, who remained standing. He moved one hand over the desk next to him, in front of Ilyana. Take a seat.

Fabian hesitated. He looked towards Tori, as if asking for approval.

Tori raised a brow, silently asking what he was doing just standing there. She motioned to the empty seat in front of Ilyana. Are you going to stand the entire class?

Fabian drew his head back. Youll let me sit there?

I dont own the desks and chairs in the school, von Dorn. You can sit wherever you like. Tori was aloof and didnt invite him to sit.

Gideon gave Fabian a smile. I told you shed be fine with you sitting here.

Fabians eyes drifted to Ilyana. Lady Agafonova? he asked.

Ilyana swallowed the bite of her pastry that she was chewing. She looked at him with a dull expression. The sooner you sit, the sooner you can eat breakfast. We brought a lot, so eat up.

He was taken back and for a moment didnt appear to know what to say. Ilyana offering food was a sign of peace. He knew all about Ilyana punching Dimitri in the face, so Tori wasnt surprised that he looked as if he didnt expect Ilyana to agree.

Fabian swallowed hard. Thank you, Lady Agafonova.

Ilyana took a bite of her pastry and looked to the side, as if uncaring. Fabian rounded the desks and took a seat in front of her. There was a slight smile on his face as he turned around to look at the pastries on Tori and Ilyanas desks to pick up a piece.

Gideon had already taken what was prepared for him. Fabian cocked his head to the side and looked at him. Is this why you didnt go to the commons for breakfast?

Mama J packs breakfast for me sometimes and gives it to them, Gideon said. He gave Tori and Ilyana a small nod. My thanks.

No trouble, Ilyana replied. His Highness Prince Piers is generous and doesnt allow us to pay.

Yes, my brother is the most generous.... Gideon said with a proud look. His voice trailed off and he paused. He doesn't allow you to pay?

Ilyana nodded. Yes. He doesnt let any of us pay. Ewan even comes all the way from La Garda to get snacks there.

Gideon stared at her. He doesnt let...what about Skuldsen and the Vissage twins?

No.

Martin?

No. Alvere, too.

Tori held back a laugh. When Piers allowed Montan to eat for free at Cafe Fortuna, a series of conflicted expressions had filled Axtons face. On one hand, he was quite happy that his best friend was making such an allowance for his younger brother. On the other hand, his best friend had not made such an allowance for him.

He had called Tori to rant about it for an hour and then dragged Ewan to spar.

Gideon looked struck. I have to pay.

Ilyana and Tori exchanged looks. Axton has to pay, too. Its not just you, Tori said. In fact, even the knights have to pay.

But Im his brother....He lets his best friends brother eat.... This was quite a blow to him, and Tori wasnt sure if it was funny or pitiful.

Im going to tell you a secret, Tori said. You know how you ate for free at the delta this summer with the meal cards? Gideon looked up and nodded. You didnt. Piers paid for you. Piers pays for his food, Axtons, and his knights when they stay at the delta. They dont know that.

Gideons face immediately softened. My brother is so generous....

Ilyana leaned over to Tori and whispered. His adoration for his brother is concerning.

Tori leaned towards her and whispered back. I know. It scares Piers, too.

A few more students arrived as Ilyana arrived in mid-explanation about how her final report for her Lyce project was almost complete. Henriks was also complete, and both wanted to go to their instructors to review the report before it was officially submitted.

Tori wasnt going to bother. She was going to follow the past notes given and submit it before winter break. Then she was done with it and could take some time to relax without worrying about schoolwork.

Are you going to join the Naval Academy? Tori asked as she looked at the two young men in front of her.

I want to do at least one tour, Gideon replied. I am unable to stay away from Soleil for too long, as I have responsibilities to the empire, but my parents have approved for up to a year.

Toris brows rose. You really thought this through. Im happy that you have found a path to follow.

Gideon smiled. My brother is capable. I only want to support him.

Ive gathered....

Fabian? The confused voice spoke up from the aisle. Ilyanas face immediately lit up and watched with gusto as Alessa stood stiffly on the aisle and looked at the desk next to Gideons. Fabians things were unpacked and on the table, along with a crumpled-up napkin from his breakfast.

Good morning, Alessa. Gideon greeted her first and Fabian nodded.

Good morning, he said, following Gideons lead.

Tori wouldve greeted her as well, but at the moment, Alessa didnt seem to have anyone else in her eyes except the two love interests. This left her and Ilyana free to watch with gusto.

Alessa seemed paler than normal as her hand gripped the strap of her school bag. Why are you sitting here?

Fabians rank dropped last semester and I told him to come here, as Agafonova is particularly good at explaining concepts and lecture points. He was covering for Fabian as the other young man didnt seem willing to say much more.

Did your rank drop that badly? Alessa looked past Gideon with a hint of pain on her face. Her eyes seemed to redden. You couldve told me.

A small crunch was heard, and Tori glanced towards Ilyana, who quietly moved a potato chip to her mouth. Tori closed her eyes and held back a heavy sigh. Why did her friends have such an interest in drama? A small bag of potato chips slid towards her in silence and Tori picked one out.

All right, we all like drama....

It was an embarrassing matter. I wanted to improve on my own, Fabian said, looking down at his desk. After giving Alessa a constrained greeting, he hadnt looked back.

Then, you will sit here from now on?

Yes.

Alessa swallowed hard and lowered her damp eyes. I see.... Her hand clenching her bag was white. She took a deep breath. Fabian, have I upset you? Before he could answer, she continued on. If I have, Im sorry.

Fabian gave a small shake of his head. There are personal matters I need to focus on. I appreciate the help youve offered, but after some consideration, Ive decided on the Naval Academy. Although I am no longer Prince Gideons personal knight, I am still his friend and want to be at his side.

Gideon turned his head towards him. His pupils dilated a bit, and he seemed moved by Fabians words.

I see. Alessa seemed to force a smile on her face. Supporting your friends is important. You and he have been together since you were children. Youre very lucky.

Fabians jaw clenched for a moment. I was able to have another chance. I will not give it up for any reason.

Ive brought two senior carpenters who are willing to take on two apprentices each to start with, Guildmaster Blomgard said, motioning to the two middle-aged men behind him who bowed their heads towards Tori. She was a well-known figure in the guilds as many guild members worked at the delta or had been employed by Lions Gate at some point. Guildmaster Kivinen has brought two of his own guild members willing to take two apprentices each.

Thank you for your willingness to help, Tori said with a slight nod. She turned to Dimitri. Shall we take a look at the facilities?

He nodded and prepared to lead the way when a voice shouted from the road. Tori turned her head and saw a thin man hobbling towards her with his face twisted in anger. Behind him were two larger men who appeared a bit younger. Perhaps sons? She didnt have time to think.

Stop! Stop where you are! Who are you? What are you doing here? Tori half expected the old man to pull out a cane out of nowhere and wave it in menacingly the air at them.

Dimitri frowned and seemed to be on alert at once.

Who is he? Tori asked without much feeling.

The village head, Mr. Pinon, Dimitri said with a heavy breath. He turned around and kept his back straight as he faced the older man. When Mr. Pinon was close enough he gave him a bow of his head. Good morning-

Young Mr. Guthry, what is the meaning of this? Your craft school has been closed for several months and is taking up valuable farmland. If you are no longer using it, quickly return it to the village so that it could be put to actual use! The red-faced old man rushed out his sentence.

Dimitri retained his rigid posture. Mr. Pinon, I am still continuing with the craft school-

No one from our village is interested in your craft school. All it attracts are con men and layabouts who do nothing. Not a single one of our villagers who attended your school became proper carpenters and one has been arrested!

Mr. Pinon, the one who was arrested had a hand in the property dispute-

It was under your fathers orders!

A flash of anger filled Dimitris face. My fathers name was used without his knowledge. Though he was framed, he still paid a fine. It was your villagers who were swindled without proof-

Guthry. Tori cut in before they could continue blaming each other and wasting her time. Her sharp eyes gave him a silencing look before turning towards the village leader. Mr. Pinon, I am afraid Mr. Guthry cannot return the land to the village for farming use as he still plans on continuing the craft school after much consideration and third-party reviews. She saw the old man open his mouth and didnt want to give him a chance to cut her off. With us today are Horizons guildmasters for the carpentry and masonry guild along with two senior craftsmen from each of their guilds.

They are here to look over the facilities and give instruction on what else is needed and how to prepare for four apprentice spots each. An agreement has been made with the guilds to oversee the training of four students for carpentry and four students for masonry, for now. Should the trial run be successful, more spots for students will be opened.

The old mans flushed face twisted with irritation as he clenched his hands and stormed forward to scold her. He made it two steps before he was blocked by two tall men with swords at their sides. Sir Atienza and Sir Dassler were wearing plain clothes, but still wore their imperial knights cloaks over their shoulders. The metal pin with the symbol of first-tier imperial knights kept the cloaks in place.

Mr. Pinon wanted to yell until one of the younger men behind him grabbed his arm. Father, wait, one of the men said. His eyes were fixed on the glistening silver pins. Theyre imperial knights.

Tori watched Mr. Pinons red face want to deny it, but then did a double take. He paled and looked rightfully shaken. Imperial knights were common in Horizon, and even in Viclya, but they rarely came out to the surrounding countryside. As such, seeing one in person usually meant that something terrible had happened and they were dispatched to find out what.

Sir Atienza, Sir Dassler, its all right, Tori said, giving them each a small nod in silent order to step back. Mr. Pinon and his village have had a negative experience with Mr. Guthrys crafts school. It is understandable that they would be upset to hear it is continuing. However, their personal feelings are irrelevant to the task at hand.

The man holding on to Mr. Pinon looked at her with wariness. Young Miss, forgive my rudeness, but who are you? The knights mustve made him cautious. While nobles and the imperial family were reined in by various laws so they couldnt do anything shed consider tyrannical, they still demanded a degree of respect if only for the amount of power they held.

Common citizens who didnt have much experience with nobles were often dumbfounded or terrified when they met one. In Horizon and other large cities, nobles were common and generally were treated as normal, albeit wealthy individuals. Proper titles were used, but most commoners didnt really care since there was constant exposure.

JP had said that in some districts, they couldnt throw a stick without hitting someone related to nobility or aristocracy. In their group alone, Tori, Ilyana, and Albert came from such families. More so if they counted Piers and Axton.

But it was different in a small village like Fosse.

Victoria de Guevera, Countess of Cosora and daughter of Marquis Gregorio de Guevera of the Sur March. Tori gave him a small, curt nod. A pleasure.

A high noble.... The other man with them looked at her as if hed seen a ghost and for a moment, Tori was insulted.

She didnt do anything to them. Yet.

My courtesy title allows me to be a high noble as my fathers daughter, but my peerage is middle grade, she told them. Mr. Guthry is my classmate, and I am assisting with his project to open a craft school. Rest assured that this time, we have reached out for assistance from respectable groups.

She was met with silence. If the three villagers wanted to say something, they werent sure what to say. Tori looked towards Dimitri and motioned her head towards the building. He took her cue and continued walking to the entrance with a key in hand.

Wait! Mr. Pinon called out to stop him. He took a step forward, but his eyes darted to the two knights by Tori. He looked almost resentful that he couldnt intimidate Tori. Not that he would be able to if the knights werent present. Mr. Pinon looked back at Dimitri. Our village has decided that none of our children of age will attend your craft school! Its best for you to close and move elsewhere if you want to continue with your project.

The project was assigned to Fosse Village, Mr. Pinon, Dimitri said in a solemn voice. The craft school must be here.

Then you will have no students!

The craft school must be located in Fosse Village and targets Fosse villagers, but if no one in Fosse wants to join, then he cannot make you, Tori said. Mr. Pinon looked a bit satisfied with this and the corner of Toris lip curled up. However, if students from neighboring villages want to join, he is under no obligation to deny them.

Tori threw them a smile and turned around to follow them into the building. Dimitri looked a bit relieved, and his shoulders relaxed. He unlocked the door and pushed it open. The light crystals illuminated the open space and he stepped to the side to let in the two guildmasters.

Sirs, please take your time to look over the layout of the facility. Let me know if anything should be changed or is needed, Dimitri told them. His voice was laced with respect and the carpenters and masons accepted his invitation.

Tori stood to the side of the entrance. She would be of no help in the survey of the facility, so she would stay out of the way. Dimitri stood closer to her for the same reason.

Get a lock for the gate around the property and discuss with Guildmaster Kivinen about building a better wall around the facility. It can be used as practice for students. The school will cover the cost of the materials, she said as she watched the carpenters and masons go around the building.

Is it necessary to get a new wall?

I am concerned that the resentment will increase harassment and cause problems for the school. It is better to take precautions, she replied. Dimitri nodded.

Thank you for coming today, Countess.

It is what we arranged.

Regardless of the reason, I am indebted to you.

Just complete this project to the best of your ability. If you can make this a success, then youll be able to graduate and can use the experience to get into a university to continue your studies.

Studies? He turned his head and gave her a quizzical look.

Public policy and government, Tori said. She didnt look at him and held back a knowing smile. Your mother said youve been looking into it and asking questions.

HIs face heated up. Im only curious. I considered what you said at the delta.

I see....

If I can attend a suitable university and focus on the subjects, learn more about them, I may be suitable to find a position working in a local government office, Dimitri said. Father says that this work is often thankless, but very important.

Universit would be a good school to go.

He let out a small, bitter chuckle. After what happened at the orphanage, I dont know if theyd accept me for such negligence.

You can always try, Tori said. But your decisions are up to you, Guthry. Dont stop trying to do better because you feel the chances of success are low.

Then, may I come to you if I have questions, my lady? She could see him looking at her from the corner of her eye.

She shrugged an unladylike shrug. You can, but I cant guarantee Ill have an answer.

That is also fair. Dimitri nodded. He looked back towards the craftsmen across the building. May I ask a personal question? My mother is curious and shes unsure how to ask. He added the last sentence in a rush.

Tori raised a brow. Go ahead.

Dimitri was quiet for a moment, as if thinking how he should phrase it. He took a deep breath and turned to look at her. Do you plan to marry His Highness Prince Piers?

Toris eyes widened, and she slowly turned her head towards Dimitri. By the entrance, the two knights looked at him as if he had lost his mind and didnt seem sure if they needed to step in or not.

Toris eyes crinkled up. Your mother wants to know?

In truth, it seems that many of the acquaintances in the political circle are curious, Dimitri said as he shrank back. Everyone wants to know. Its one of the most talked about topics right now, as you were the hostess of Prince Piers ball.

Tori took a deep breath. She bit the inside of her lip as the corner of her eye twitched. I think that no matter what I say, people will come to their own conclusions.

Dimitri let out a low breath. A slight smile came to his lips. Then, you are not going to marry His Highness.

Tori raised a brow. Her pink lips curled into a smirk. When did I announce that?