Chapter 206: She's Going to be Jealous

Chapter 206: She's Going to be Jealous

The consistency is malleable, and it will retain its stickiness until it dries in place. Mr. Hale, one of the master tanners that did business at Daybreak Garden, told her. Tori sat at the counter where he usually showed customers examples of his work. She touched the sticky resin that she harvested from the trees at the Rotunda Garden.

Its not as sticky.

Rather than glue, its more like a sticky putty, Mr. Hale told her. I added some minerals to keep it malleable for longer, while still being sticky. It also darkened the color and made it opaque, as you requested. He turned around and took out two pieces of scrap wood a finger thick and about the size of her palm. He took a small bead of the altered resin and pressed it against one broken plank before sandwiching it with the other.

He then picked up the top piece of wood. The second piece stuck to it. Tori pursed her lips and nodded with approval.

Thats not bad, she said. Will it be permanent?

On a smooth surface without any grooves or pores, its strength will weaken as it dries. However, on surfaces that have some grit, it should stay in place. It would need to be forced apart, Mr. Hale told her.

Tori used her pinky nail to take out a small piece from the palm-sized glass jar and rolled it into a little ball. She looked past the middle-aged man and into his booth. She then turned to the booth next to him.

Mr. Wickerham, can I borrow that piece of wood? The scrap piece with the twigs there, Tori asked, motioning to the small pile of broken pieces in a corner of the booth. The thirty-something year old woodworker next door followed her line of vision and nodded.

Of course, my lady. Just one piece?

Just one, thank you. Tori gave him a nod and accepted the piece of wood. She then picked up a tiny sliver of a pebble and covered it with the resin putty. She pressed it onto the piece of wood and narrowed her eyes. She could prepare the tracking crystals in the carriage and have them ready to apply to the shipping containers, the wagon, and even on a discrete part of the horses reins if she were fast enough.

What do you think, my lady? Mr. Hale asked. He looked at her face with some trepidation. Tori kept her eyes on the piece of putty holding the tiny pebble in place. The corners of her lips pulled up into a smile and her eyes rose to meet his.

Its exactly what I needed for my project! Thank you, Mr. Hale, Tori said. She peeled off the resin putty and put it on top of the small jars lid so she could examine how it felt when it hardened. Mr. Hale had already shown her a piece, but she wanted to try it for herself. How long did you spend on this?

The middle-aged man looked relieved and smiled. Not long at all. Ive worked with all sorts of glues for a while. Do you know you can add wood ash to the resin, as well? It makes a durable glue and firestarter.

That may be something I can share with the Sword Association, Tori said. She screwed the cap back on the jar. Im sorry to have to take up so much of your time to work on this resin glue.

Not at all, my lady. Daybreak Garden belongs to your family. Serving a Guevera when we can is an honor, he replied with a laugh.

Tori tried not to appear suspicious. Still, it mustve cost you at least a days worth of work. Thats a few silver coins.

Mr. Hale shook his head. I only charge by project.

How many projects can you do in a day?

Two or three smaller projects, or I could spend up to multiple days on one.

How much is the average small project? Tori brought her jar of resin putty towards her. The man furrowed his brows and thought for a while.

Oh, Id say custom orders are about 5 silver coins on average. That was actually quite a high daily rate for a craftsmen, but then again, people who came to Daybreak Garden were ready to spend money on quality goods.

So...lets say fifteen silver coins a day. Lets see...I dropped this off at the beginning of the week. Its been two days.... She took out the coin purse in her satchel and plopped it on the wooden counter. Thirty silver coins.

Mr. Hales eyes nearly bulged out. My lady, no! Youre overpaying. I cant accept so much for such a small job.

You convinced me. Ten percent discount, so twenty-seven. Without looking up at him, she counted out her coins.

Countess, I cant-

Mr. Hale, my project is worth this much, Tori said as she lifted her head and met his gaze with a firm expression. Let me assure you, its an important project and you gave me exactly what I needed.

He still appeared uncomfortable with the money, but Tori closed her coin purse and shoved it back into her satchel. He didnt take the money from the counter. My lady, I did have other jobs while working on your glue. It did not take all my time, nor did I have to pay for any additional supplies. Tori had provided the resin, which was the most important part.

Twenty-silver coins or Im going to tell Papa, Tori said with slightly narrowed eyes. I am not the type of person to take advantage of honest labor.

The craftsmen let out a conceding sigh and accepted twenty of the coins. Tori smiled, satisfied, and took back the rest of the coins. She put some copper coins on the neighbors table for the wood. She thanked them again before heading out towards the entrance of Daybreak Garden.

As she walked through the interior of the building, a small voice called out to her.

Auntie! She turned her head and smiled. She stopped and turned around, reaching for the chubby little boy waving his arms at her.

Istvan! Tori kissed his cheeks with a sloppy sound as he giggled and clung on to her. Are you following your dad to work today?

Istvan nodded. Mommy went to the doctor, so I came with Dad!

Tori furrowed her brows. She carried him back into Armandos store. Is everything all right with Istvans Mom? she asked. Armando was putting up a few new bags on display.

Yes, my mother-in-law went to take her to the doctor. Shes recently been unable to stand the smell of some of her favorite food, so-

She might be pregnant? Toris eyes brightened. Ooh, Istvan! You could be a big brother.

The little boys eyes went wide. Big brother.... He began to tremble. I need to tell Fifi!The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Tori laughed and put him on the floor. She reached for her comcry. Call Fiona de Guevera. She looked at Istvan with an affectionate smile as she waited for her niece to answer. Are you going to share the good news?

Shes going to be jealous!

Tori froze for a moment and her eyes crinkled up. Fionas voice spoke up from the comcry. Hi, Auntie Tori!

Fifi! Its me! Istvan grabbed hold of Toris hand and Tori let him have the comcry. Guess what! He ran off into a corner to brag excitedly on the comcry with his little buddy.

You think shes pregnant? Armando approached Tori carefully. He seemed hopeful, but didnt seem to want to get his hopes up. Youre sure?

Well, sensitive smell and nausea is a common, but not definite symptom of pregnancy, particularly early on, Tori said. But, you wont know until-

Armando! A womans voice cried out from the entrance and an excited Csilla seemed to fly in. Were going to have a baby!

Tori was all but forgotten as the couple embraced and Armando started crying. Istvan was nodding at the comcry, as if Fiona could see him.

Mommy just said she was going to have a baby! Im not lying! Istvan said.

Oh, then you have to help take care of her. Sometimes it will be difficult for her to move or get things, so you can get them for her. When her belly gets big, you can talk to the baby. I talk to my cousin all the time and tell her stories, Fiona said, almost proud, as if she was the more senior of the two.

Tori furrowed her brows. From her talks with Idunn, there was a sort of pregnancy test available, but no one really knew the sex of the child until the child was born. There were always folk methods of guessing, but they werent anywhere near dependable. Then again, maybe Fiona just hoped for a little girl cousin.

Tori, are you done? Piers question faded as he narrowed his eyes and took in the sight of Armando crying against his wifes shoulder while Istvan and Fiona talked loudly. Piers looked at Tori in silence.

Csilla just found out she was pregnant, Tori said. Piers nodded once.

I will wait outside. He turned around, rubbing his ears. It took Tori another few minutes to get her comcry back and leave, but not before promising Istvan to visit again.

Piers carriage was just outside the entrance to Daybreak Garden and several knights were around. Tori walked out and climbed in without hesitation. She touched the silencing crystal installed in the carriage and Piers tilted his head from the seat across from her.

Did you get what you wanted?

Her lips pulled into a grin. A sticky resin putty that will adhere to wood well and opaque enough to hide the tracking crystals, Tori said. She took out the jar. The sample on the lid has a small pebble.

Piers looked at it, but didnt reach out to touch it. Will that be enough?

Alessa placed a small bottle in front of her. Tori gave her a smile and poured some milk into her coffee before stirring it. Her crystal still did not glow.

The suppliers should arrive soon. The manager usually lets them in, and hell arrive soon, Alessa said. I asked about it and I dont know if the delivery people can help, but you can exchange information.

Thank you for checking. If theyre interested, I can exchange information. If they already have too many clients, its all right. Its worth the effort, Tori told her. Alessa looked relieved.

She looked down and smiled pitifully as she cupped the mug in her hands . Ive caused you a lot of trouble since school began, havent I?

Tori blew across the top of her coffee. Its nothing.

Youve done so much for me. You even helped save me the summer before last...and in return, I trespassed on to your delta. Im sorry about that.

As Ive said, it was my aunt. I know shes your godmother, but she really shouldnt have done that. She dragged you into it. That much was true. No wonder her mother and her mothers other siblings were so exasperated with Fabiana.

Regardless, I want to apologize and make it clear that I mean you no harm. I didnt know my words were taken with such seriousness in the past and damaged your reputation. Rest assured, I will be more cautious now, Alessa said as her eyes met Toris. I hope we can be on good terms.

Tori thought for a moment and nodded. You are a classmate. A fellow student. I will of course treat you as such. Dont overthink the past. We were all young and foolish once. She made careful note not to speak words of friendship.

Alessa still looked relieved. Thank you, Countess. She took a sip of her coffee and seemed to relax in her seat. The two spent a few more minutes in calm silence. They only spoke every now and then about Alessas project. Tori could see the relief on Alessas face as she spoke about how instructors have been hired and how they were hoping to work with the teaching graduate school to be a location for teachers to practice before graduation.

Doing so would require a senior teacher to be present, but the school would pay for them, not the orphanage.

Alessa had a wide smile and sparkling eyes as she talked about it. Tori was sincerely glad for her. At least those children were getting the education they deserved.

Suddenly, Alessa sat up straight. She lifted her head up and craned her neck towards the door. I hear the back door opening. Its the manager!

Tori drank the remainder of her coffee in one long swig then put the mug on the table. She gave Alessa a firm nod. All right. Im ready when you are.

Alessa didnt bother finishing her coffee. They walked down the narrow stairs that led down to the ground floor. Tori could feel the cold air coming from the open doors as she saw the manager adjusting a metal latch to keep them in place.

Good morning! Alessa greeted him with a cheerful voice. The manager looked up and gave her a smile before noticing Tori and immediately scowling.

Good morning, Baroness. His eye seemed to twitch. Countess.

Tori threw him her business smile. Alessa checked her timepiece and then looked out the doors. Her face lit up. Theyre here!

She stepped to the side as Tori approached her. She stood beside Alessa by the entrance and craned her neck as she saw a large, covered wagon pulled by four horses lumbering towards them. The horses werent big draft horses, but about as big as Layla. There was even one that was all black except for its white feet and star on its head.

The wagon was driven by a tall, thin young man, and a large middle-aged man was seated next to him. They carefully pulled into the side street to align the back of the wagon with the door.

Good morning, Mr. Gundersen! Alessa walked forward to greet them as they climbed off the wagon. The back was unlatched and allowed to drop with a loud thud. A third young man was in the back and pushed out a thick, wooden ramp.

I must warn you, Countess, our supplier is in high demand. Dont be upset if they refuse to work with you, the manager said in a sly voice as he moved beside her.

Tori raised a brow. It doesnt hurt to ask. If they can, thats great. If not, then Ill simply look for another vendor.

He turned his head away, but Tori still heard his slight scoff of indifference. She ignored him. It was likely that he had issues with her because of Adrien and if that was the case, she didnt care if the manager liked her or not. Shed prefer it if he didnt.

Of the three men who showed up to pick up the barrels and drop off, Alessa went to the older man. Tori walked outside and looked over the carriage. The two younger men used a thick piece of reinforced fabric to place under each barrel and then attached it to their shoulders. They stood up at the same time, lifting the heavy barrel and then walking down the ramp at the back of the covered wagon.

As they were focused, Tori reached into her pocket and took another tracking crystal. She reached under the wagon and pressed the resin into one corner. She then circled the carriage and pressed another in a corner beneath the drivers seat.

Pretending to coo over the horses, Tori managed to wedge one of the resin balls in between a piece of leather on the horses bridle.

Hey! What are you doing? A loud voice cut through the area, and she drew her head back, her hand still petting the horses head. The tall, burley middle-aged man who Alessa was speaking to lumbered forward.

Shes a cute horse! Tori said with a cheerful smile. My Layla is also black, but she doesnt have the star on her forehead.

Faced with the perky, innocent smile of a teenage girl, the middle-aged man drew his head back. His face was still scowling, but he didnt yell at her further. His voice was still low and somewhat annoyed, but he wasnt in a rage.

Dont get too close to them. Horses can kick, you know. He grumbled and then turned back around.

Alessa caught up with him and motioned to Tori. Shes my classmate and has extensive businesses in the city. Shes the one looking for a spice supplier. She sounded a bit hopeful, but from the look on the mans face, he had no interest in working with Tori. Or anyone else.

Tori stepped away from the horse and approached the middle-aged man. Sir, I am planning to open a restaurant-

Im sorry, but we have to cap our customers. Our distribution amount is limited, and we cant take on another client unless we start reducing the orders for each customer, the man said in a firm voice. He looked Tori up and down and straightened his back. It would be unfair for our existing customers to break our contracts with them for the sake of a new customer.

He sounded self-righteous, but as far as Tori was concerned, that was contracts were for and wasnt worthy of praise. Following existing contracts was expected. Still, she nodded and let out a heavy sigh.

I understand. Long established business relationships are important. She gave the man a disappointed smile. Thank you for being clear.

His eyes widened a bit, as if expecting that shed argue about it. When Tori stepped to the side, he seemed to gather his thoughts and then nod, as if approving of her reaction. He went to check on the barrels and Alessa rushed to Toris side with a pained expression.

Im sorry-

Tori lifted her hand to silence her. Dont be. As I said, I was prepared for any reaction. I just wanted to ask. She gave Alessa a warm smile and patted her shoulder. This isnt your fault and its not the end of the world. Dont worry about it. Ill find another spice supplier.

Alessa smiled, but there was still some disappointment in her eyes. It seemed she was quite sincere about trying to help Tori.

The two stayed outside and Tori watched the men easily grab the empty barrels and load them into the wagon with heavy thuds. Even with the violent movement, the resin shouldve held. She knew this because she had attached one to the tip of a wooden waster and then had Piers spar with Axton to see how much it could take before falling off. The resin had held on and had to be scraped off later

One of the younger men climbed into the back of the wagon and the second one pushed the back closed and handed the ramp to the first man inside. The middle-aged man had the manager sign some papers confirming delivery before he climbed up onto the drivers seat with the second man.

A moment later, they were rolling down the street. The entire delivery took less than a quarter of an hour.

Tori let out another heavy sigh, as if disappointed, and patted Alessas shoulder once more. If I can find another supplier, I will let you know, Countess, Alessa told her.

Tori smiled and shook her head. That is not your responsibility. I appreciate you taking time to try to help me, Baroness. Thats all I can ask for. She looked up at the sky, noting the orange hue on the horizon. Its still early. Im going to check on my driver and then head back and try to catch up on sleep. Once more, thank you for your time.

Alessa forced a smile and nodded. She bowed her head as Tori tightened her cloak around her and walked down the street. From the front of the Golden Cow, it could see the corner of Duel. In particular, the corner with the cafe. The light crystals were on through the windows were tinted, the glass panel on the door was not.

She reached the door and as she lifted her hand, made a subtle move to call the knights watching her to close their distance. She knocked on the door and it was immediately opened by one of the knights in plain clothes.

She gave him a nod of her head and walked inside. Piers was at the table in the farthest corner, where no one would bother him. From his seat, hed have the best view of the cafe and know when someone was approaching. Yet, he didnt look up as she walked towards him. He was drinking coffee and immersed in writing.

Tori approached him and looked down at the notebook. He seemed to pause as he saw her shadow over the paper. Is it done?

Its done, she said. A new escape room?

For the third-tier knights. Most people wouldnt catch it, but Tori could hear the slight vindictive amusement in his voice.

Dont make it too difficult. Theyre bringing their families and it should be fun, not frustrating, Tori said with a frown.

Im making two, Piers said. Tori took a seat across from him. One will be suitable for children.

Tori narrowed her eyes. Dont make it what you think is suitable for children. Your idea of children are Fifi and Robi. Not all children are as clever as they are or will have my brother guiding them. The corner of Piers' lips pulled into a frown.

Then, I do not know what level will be suitable, he said with some reluctance.

Tori thought for a moment and then smiled. Make one suitable for Axton.