Chapter 210: Annual Operating Plan

Chapter 210: Annual Operating Plan

Aside from the crystal masters, Kasen, and Piers, Tori didnt share the results of their mem crystal experiments on the island or the information learned from Master Balan with anyone else. It was a rare high vibration crystal that could move air to anyone who asked.

Now that she had a far better understanding of the crystal and what it could do, not to mention how it was coveted, Tori was almost too nervous to wear it. What if she lost it? What if it was stolen?

Never mind that none of her other crystals were ever lost or stolen, and that only she could use the mem crystal. It was as if she were walking around a crowded subway station with rolls of cash hidden on her person. As a result, the crystal that had been proudly dangling over her chest was securely wrapped by wire and double looped onto a braided metal circlet around her neck that she custom ordered.

It also remained hidden and tucked under her uniform blouse, as if Tori were unwilling to let it see the light of day.

What do you think, Countess? Alessa asked from the other side of the small table where they sat in a corner in Cafe Fortuna.

A few nights earlier, shed asked Tori if she could review the draft of her final project report when she caught up with Tori returning to campus. Tori had agreed and scheduled to meet at the cafe to review the project report.

Tori reached out, not taking her hand off the sheet of paper she was reading, and brought her iced coffee to her lips. After taking a long sip, she placed the glass back on the table.

Have you reviewed this with Instructor Rosemund?

Alessas face paled a bit and she shook her head. No, not yet. I didnt want to miss anything, so I thought to ask you to review it first.

Tori raised her brows and slowly nodded her head. There is a lot of detail up to where it is currently, and as is, that is enough to submit; however, in the case of this particular kind of project, is it sustainable?

Alessa tilted her head to the side and furrowed her brows, confused. What do you mean?

After next semester, your project should be complete and there is no reason for you to continue to have any part in it. Or rather, you are no longer required to oversee it. You need to include a section in your report on what will happen to the project after you are finished. What plans have been put in place to continue employment of those teachers? Where is funding coming from to pay for supplies? Is there planned future growth for more teachers? You should look into the forecast for the next three years.

Alessas eyes widened. Three years?

Tori nodded. There should be an annual operating plan put in place to guide the abbey on spend and growth. This isnt mandatory, of course, but at the very least, I recommend that you continue to keep in touch with them and the project for another year after you graduate.

Alessa sat up straight in the chair and nodded earnestly. Thats not a problem! I also wanted to continue working with the orphanage in some capacity after graduation.

Tori nodded with approval. She carefully gathered the various sheets and brought them together in a neat pile before putting them in a folder and pushing it back to her.

When youve arranged for an annual operating plan, we can review it again, but everything else is fine. Just clean up the verbiage and organize it to be more chronological.

Relief filled Alessas face, and she let out a heavy breath. Thank you, Countess.

Tori brought her iced coffee back to her lips. Not at all. Im happy to help. Ensuring that the children are able to continue their education without worry is a responsibility all adults should have.

Alessa nodded once more and carefully put her papers back into her bag. My lady, dare I ask, what are your plans for winter break? She looked at Tori with some hope. Would you like to go see the construction site of the caravan stop?

Tori raised her brow and continued to drink her iced coffee. She lowered her cup and licked her lips. Im actually curious to see how construction is going. Alessas eyes lit up. But I have plans to see my family during winter break.

Alessas shoulders immediately slumped down and her excited look faded. Oh...yes, I remember. Youre very close to your family. Tori nodded her head once, but didnt mention that she was going because she was going to have a new niece or nephew soon. Alessas lips pulled into a wry smile. Are you going with your friends?

Tori shook her head. No, its a family trip. Also, most of the others are finalizing their final project reports, as well.

Thats true. Ill be busy with it, too. Alessa sighed and looked at her bag stuffed with papers. Is it a long trip in the winter? It didnt seem to take too long by ship.

Ship is probably more convenient. No matter where on the coast its faster. And then in the winter, even the mountains in the south can be snowed in for a day or two.

Alessa nodded. Yes, I can imagine. Thats why were excited about the trade route to the caravan stop. Alessa lifted her hands and seemed to be drawing lines across an invisible map. Along the north of Osten, the Central Corridor, and Anlar, its difficult to get through the mountain passes into Nord half the year, but the caravan stop is conveniently located below the mountains on the way to Anlars west coast. Its on flat land, so travel shouldnt be difficult.

Tori nodded. Is there a major trade route directly from the caravan stop to the coast?

Not yet, but there had been in the past! Tori could see the light of excitement and hope in Alessas eyes and decided not to bring up the immense amount of work required to revitalize a dead route. Ah, speaking of trade, I had asked the suppliers who dropped off spices two weeks ago if they would accept another customer.

Tori tilted her head to the side and gave Alessa a curious look. You asked again?

Well, the round trip for spices and delivery takes some time, so there are two parties that deliver on behalf of the spice company. They alternate every two weeks. Alessa shifted awkwardly on her seat and blushed. I wanted to try to ask again, in case the other delivery men would be willing.

How did it go?

Alessa flushed and lowered her eyes. Im sorry, they said no.

Tori cracked a small smile and shook her head. I told you before, its all right. I will find another vendor, she said in a gentle voice. You are not responsible for my business contacts, though I appreciate your effort.

Hearing her words, Alessa perked up and nodded. I wanted to ask the delivery men this morning who dropped off this months supply, but they looked rather unpleasant and the manager advised me not to ask them.

Understandable. Tori nodded. She took a sip of her iced coffee once more. I heard there was some disturbance at one of the major shipping ports. Is everything all right? No disruptions?

Alessa shook her head. They havent mentioned any.

Lucky, Tori said, lifting her drink in a little toast. Either there really was no disruption because they were hiding it from Alessa, or were smuggling spices and other items through an unknown cave system on the border and were thus unaffected. It couldve also been that the relaxation of restrictions in Pargaths port helped.

Countess, do you think that perhaps during the Spring Festival or after graduation, you would be able to visit my caravan stop? Alessa asked. She appeared rather serious and sincere about this. You have so much experience planning business and villages where there was nothing, so I dont know anyone better to look over the caravan stop than you. She let out a tired sigh and gave Tori a helpless look. Adrien himself said that this is more complicated than what he is used to working with. I think your insight would be invaluable to us.

Was it possible to be both flattered and suspicious? Tori pursed her lips for a moment. She couldnt see any deception on Alessas face or in her words. Tori did have legitimate experience and while finer details of city building were over her head, she had been able to learn a few things here and there simply from experience and aid from masters and professionals in their fields.

She didnt build Viclya on her own, after all.

At the same time, while Alessa had legitimate reason to want a second opinion and additional guidance on something she was really hoping would turn around the fate of her barony, Tori couldnt let go of the suspicion lingering in the pit of her stomach.

She could never forget that Alessa was the heroine and she was the villain. Even if their goals were similar and they were willing to help each other, they were naturally diametrically opposed.

If Tori wanted to see the caravan stop, which she legitimately wanted to see and judge, she would need to be well guarded and take precautions to ensure her safety. The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

I keep hearing you talk about it and I do want to see it, Tori said. However, my free time to do so is very small right now. Our projects are finishing up, Im busy with the businesses and foreign contacts for businesses in Viclya. In addition, I still study with my master and have familial obligations. Time was tight and that was the truth. Alessas shoulders fell once more as disappointment filled her face. If I can fit in some time after we graduate, we can arrange it then. I have your comcry registered on mine; it isnt as if Ill disappearing after we graduate.

Alessas face lit up and she nodded. Thank you, Countess.

No need. I havent done anything yet. And its only a visit. If you have everything under control, then there is no need for my input at all.

I doubt your input would be useless! Alessa defended her proudly. You created a prospering village!

I didnt do it alone, Tori reminded her. And I had a lot of money and power to back it up. All the skill and knowledge I have would be severely limited if I did not have the ability to leverage them somehow. Tori reached for her drink and noticed that her comcry, which was resting on the table, was lighting up. She raised a brow and glanced at Alessa. Excuse me a moment.

Alessa nodded obediently and waved her hand for another cup of coffee while Tori rose from her seat and walked to the stairs. She slipped through the new door and walked up the narrow stairway as she flipped open her comcry and looked at the name flashing across. Her brows furrowed as she answered.

Countess, I am afraid there is bad news, the nervous voice of Manager Sassure of the Three Queens told her in a breathy voice.

Toris heart shot to her throat. Oh no...Axton found out about the surprise party? Who told him? Goddammit! I bet it was Ewan!

No, my lady, its stranger than that. His Grace canceled the decoy party.

Tori stopped in the hallway. He canceled the decoy party?

Yes, he called just a few moments ago to tell me to free up the date he reserved in a few weeks, Manager Sassure said with uncertainty. I inquired as to why and he said that he wont be here.

What do you mean he wont be here? Toris voice filled the hall way and she grit her teeth and slipped into one of the rooms to try to keep the conversation private.

His Grace informed me that he will be in Osten.

Her jaw dropped and she squinted her eyes. Axton didnt tell them anything about going to Osten. Since when was he going to Osten?

I dont know, my lady. He sounded in a rush.

Tori shut her eyes and took a deep breath. On Manager Sassures side, nothing had to be done, as there was no actual party scheduled at the Three Queens. The managers job was to distract Axton while feeding important party planning information to Ilyana and Henrik. They were the ones who arranged all the decorations, finalized the catering, and sent out the formal invitations two days ago.

Tori grit her teeth. I will find out whats going on, Manager Sassure. Thank you for letting know. Ill take care of it.

She slid her finger across the crystal to end the call and then let out a heavy breath. She leaned against the wall, organizing her thoughts into a list of what to do first to deal with the situation.

Before she cancelled anything, there was one thing she had to do: confirm the problem.

Tori kept her eyes on the sword leaning against the side of a chair. Youre going to use that? Axton followed her gaze and cracked a small smile.

What else would I use?

She shoved the leather wrapped sword into his arm. Birthday present.

His brows shot up as Tori walked into the living room and sat down on the sofa across from Piers. Axton looked at the object in his arms and smiled. My birthday isnt for another few weeks.

Whose fault is it that you wont be here? Tori replied with a slight sneer. Axton laughed and gave her a warm smile.

Can I open it?

Its your present.

He untied the leather straps around it. Alexander meowed for attention and Tori got up to pet her cat and then, while Ewan, Axton, and Piers were paying attention to the sword, she buried her face in her cats fluff.

Ground. She heard Piers voice behind her and lifted her head. Piers was still seated and Axton gave him a confused look.

Ground?

There are crystals in the core of the guards and hilt, Piers said. Master helped Tori with the sword.

Axton sucked in a sharp breath and looked back down at the sword. The importance of the weapon seemed to increase in his eyes. He took a deep breath, gripping the hilt and pommel like normal.

Ewan was watching him with expectation all over his face.

Tori, Axton said in a low voice. Whats inside?

Black tourmaline, heliotrope, and clear quartz, all with engravings, Tori told him as she returned to her seat. Sebby helped me have it made so that its balanced.

She heard a whimper escape Axtons lip. He has a sword with those crystals. Legend has it that it was with such a sword that he earned the nickname the Monster in the anniversary tournaments.

Tori crinkled her eyes with indifference. What legend? Thats exactly what happened. Sebby is a crystal master and swordsman, so he had a sword made. Thats why I went to him for help.

Axton let out a small laugh and shook his head as he lifted the tip of the sword and stared at it so intensely that he seemed to be trying to burn its image into his mind. After a few moments, he turned his head towards Tori. His wondrous eyes warmed with affection, and he lowered the sword.

Tori....

She lifted a hand and turned her head away, brushing him off. I dont know if you want to use it since its new and youre not used to it yet-

A pair of strong arms wrapped around her shoulders from behind the sofa and he nuzzled her mop of curly hair with the side of his face. No one takes care of me like you.

You can take care of yourself, a low, dull voice said from across the way. Piers was giving Axton a deadpan look.

Axton tightened his arms around Tori and returned Piers look with a defiant one. Youre just jealous of my sword.

Piers eyes lowered to his book. Tori, I want a sword, too.

Sure, but Sebby already told me hes not going to help if Im commissioning one for you, Tori said. Piers lips frowned even more.

Master is so stingy.

You are a good sister. Axton kissed the top of Toris head before ruffling it affectionately.

Then be a good brother and tell your actual brother that youre leaving. He if finds out you left, hell be devastated, Tori told him in a firm voice. Axton gave her a sheepish look and walked back to where Ewan was seated, carefully examining the sword with awe. She turned her attention to Piers and lowered her voice. What exactly is Axton going to do?

Piers lifted his eyes and looked towards Ewan and Axton before looking back at Tori. She sighed and removed a crystal from her bracelet as she got up. She dragged the crystal around the sofas and chairs, getting confused and strange looks from Ewan and Axton as she bent down.

When the circle was complete, she knelt towards one edge and wrote out some Old Sulfae and activated the silence circle. She took her seat and looked back at Piers expectantly.

The barrels have not yet reached northern Osten, but I contacted intelligence stationed there. They are posing as prospective miners and Baron Agafonov had recommended several surveyors to assist them in finding caves. The surveyor with our intelligence group identified a network of caves beneath the mountain range that separates Soleil from Duragas lands.

Tori narrowed her eyes. I assume thats where the smuggling has been taking place.

Piers nodded. Crystal masters that specialize in earth and stone were sent and within days, we should find at least a few major tunnel networks. There is already one major one that has been identified. These tunnels must be sealed to prevent infiltration and smuggling, Piers told her.

Tori nodded. Is that why the crystal masters that specialize in earth and stone were sent?

Piers eyes drifted back to Axton, who was talking on the comcry to his brother. They were sent to seek out and identify tunnels. Axton is going to bring these to the knights assigned by my uncle to seal the tunnels.

He looked towards a plain leather satchel tied closed on the table. Tori leaned forward and picked it up, untying it without a word. Piers didnt stop her. She reached inside and felt the familiar feeling of parchment. She pulled out a stack of sheets, each about the size of her hand and furrowed her brows.

She turned the sheets upright. Kasey wrote these. She recognized her brothers handwriting easily. The Old Sulfae was written with deft, quick strokes without a single error. She lifted her head and looked at Piers. How was he able to write this much? He already had to write his mission report and you made him write these? Didnt I tell you he was injured? Her voice rose with irritation and Piers shook his head.

Senior can write with both hands. He said that he had taught himself long ago in case of such a situation. Preparing these did not trouble him.

Tori still narrowed her eyes and looked at the charms. These would gather energy for a few minutes and then release them in half a second. Wont that cause an explosion?

It will be enough energy to collapse caves, Piers said. Senior Kasen wrote charms that are in sets. Once the master charm explodes, the energy released will trigger the remaining charms.

Tori stared at the charms on her lap. They were lumped together with specific characters matching them to a group. All they needed to do was be charged, then the countdown would begin, as the charm would collect energy like a vacuum. When it hit its limit, it would release the energy all at once.

My brother wrote bombs. He literally wrote out a series of explosives that use nothing more than paper and ink. I think the wrong brother has been nicknamed the Monster. Tori swallowed hard. Once activated, will the activators have enough time to leave for safety?

Axton is quick.

Tori felt her body grow cold. She lifted her head and bore her gaze into Piers. Axton is the one who will be placing and activating it?

There are others who are playing the sequential charms. Axton is only in charge of activating the master charm when the others are cleared from the cave system, Piers told her. Tori was gritting her teeth.

Has Axton ever done such a thing? What if he doesnt make it out in time?

Tori, Piers said, lowering his book. Have more confidence in Axton. Despite how it seems, hes competent and exceptional on the battlefield.

Tori looked towards where Axton had joined Ewan on the floor, tapping the hilt of his new sword and putting his ear against it. Her eyes squinted. Axton lifted his head and saw her looking at him.

He lowered the sword and frowned. I cant hear what Piers is saying, but whatever he says about me, dont believe him.

Piers let out a low snort. The corner of his lip curled up into a slight sneer. He wont be alone, and he knows what to do.

Accidents can happen, Tori said, lowering her eyes. She lifted her hand to the crystal on her chest. Look at Kasey.

Wont have that sword with him increase his speed and agility? That will help him, Piers said.

Tori chewed on her lower lip. The sword could do that, but what if Axton lost the sword? What if it werent advised to bring the sword into the caves because it would be difficult to maneuver it around, so he just didnt bring it? She sank into the sofa, her stomach twisting at the thought.

She knew Axton was an excellent swordsman. If he were going out to fight on an actual battlefield, she wouldnt be worried.

But an unknown cave system? One slip and he could be dead. Something could fall, and he couldnt stop it. It was dark. He didnt know his way around it. He didnt know who else was hiding there. He had no advantage that she could think of other than that he was fit enough to climb out fast.

She watched as Axton wrapped his sword up and continued packing his things while Ewan cleaned out his light armor. If she had known he was going into caves, she wouldve prepared more things for him. A light crystal on a headband to be a headlamp so his hands could be free, some terra crystal as an emergency talisman perhaps.

Tori drew her lips inward and stood up. She walked towards him and stepped out of the silence circle just as someone began knocking on the door.

Thats probably Montan, Axton said, looking towards it with a shake of his head. Even with his slight disapproval, there was a touch of warmth and affection on his face.

Ill get the door, Master. Ewan stood up and headed over.

Tori moved closer to Axton and almost loomed over where he was seated. He seemed to notice the shadow over him and lifted his head.

Tori?

She lifted her hand to the small crystal dangling over her chest. She clenched her jaw and narrowed her eyes with determination.

Axton, she said in the most authoritative voice she could manage. Take off your clothes.