Chapter 219: Naïve and Foolish

Chapter 219: Naïve and Foolish

Auntie, please tell Daddy to stop giving me so much work. If he keeps giving me work, I wont finish and cant go to Moss Hill. Fiona sounded upset as she complained to Tori.

On her seat at a corner table at Duel Cafe, Tori adjusted the opaque pale blue and white crystal that was shaped and smoothened to fit in her ear. Your dad told me that you dont like doing your school work, so it piles up.

I told you! Roberts voice could be heard from the crystal earpiece scolding his sister. Just do your school work every day and it wont seem like a lot.

But Im tired! I have so much to do!

Youre going to be five soon and your tutor only comes three days a week. How busy are you? Robert almost demanded of his sister.

Im very busy! I have to check on my chickens, then I have stamina training with Grandpa, the manners training, then I have class, and then dance. Afterwards, I have to feed my chickens again and read to Val!

You call looking at a picture in a book and making up stories reading?

Auntie Idunn says my stories are more interesting than whats written in the book!

Okay, okay, you both are very busy, Tori said, placating her niece and nephew. The volume on the ear piece could be adjusted and as their voices rose, she tapped on her left ear piece to lower the volume. The right earpiece was to raise it. Fifi, I cant tell your dad to lessen your school work. I know you want to come to Moss Hill, but you have to work hard for it. If you do your school work every day, you wont have to do so much on the weekends.

She heard Fionas defeated, dramatic groan. Im dying....

Tori rolled her eyes. She was glad that she was wearing an earpiece so the other people in the cafe wouldnt hear.

Fifi, its only for a few more months and then well come to pick you up. Can you keep up and finish your school work in a few months? Tori asked with an encouraging voice.

I might not make it.

Then if you dont make it, you cant go to Moss Hill. Auntie, can I bring my friend Vivi instead?

There was a horrified gasp on the other end. You dare abandon your sister for someone else? Youve changed, Robi! Im telling Daddy! Tori heard loud steps fading and Roberts tired sigh.

Robi, did you make a new friend? Tori asked. She could almost see the exasperated expression on Roberts face.

We have the same tutor and hes also from Horizon. His family moved here for business, Robert told her. Weve gone into the city a few times to explore.

Tori smiled, relieved that her nephew was making friends. Growing up as a noble limited ones social circle to similar or higher ranked families, and from experience, they werent always the best company. In addition, there was always a lot of security around them, so going out to play casually wasnt something that was done.

Find anything good?

Some new restaurants. When you visit, Ill take you.

Thank you, Sweetheart, I look forward to it. Im sure your Uncle Ewan will be ecstatic.

Auntie, since you are bringing your friends, can I bring Vivi? Robert asked once more, and Tori leaned back against her chair and furrowed her brows.

I dont mind taking him with us to Moss Hill, but will his parents let him come?

Safety isnt an issue! There will be Guevera Knights and when were in Moss Hill, there will be OTuagh knights! Roberts voice grew excited.

But what about his parents? Robi, we cant make him come if his parents say no, Tori told him in a gentle voice. Ultimately, it is up to them and if we force it, it could upset his parents and make Vivi upset with his parents.

Daddy will talk to them.

But didnt I also tell you that the travel plans have changed? Tori kept her voice even and rational. My plan is to go to Karap first, as I have to visit a friend and attend his dedication ceremony to the church as a witness. Then, we will go to Tres Arcos and Presidio for a few days, then take a ship to Kings Harbor to visit our cousins. That was the original plan, but now, my friends and I are also going to Enda in Nord and will end the sea portion of our trip at a northern port, and travel by land to Gorask.

Where Auntie Ilyana is from, Robert said. Is that going to take long?

To Gorask, perhaps half the summer, then well visit Buchenberg and make our way back down to Viclya. The journey north and through Osten will take the bulk of the summer and Im sure that Vivis parents dont want him to be gone for so long.

Robert was quiet for a moment. Are you going to take us there, too?

Well, that was an option. Your dad is still considering it, as that is a long time to be away, and safety is always a concern. He suggested having you and your sister end in Moss Hill then another ship would bring you back to Tres Arcos before returning to Presidio. When I get back to Viclya, you two can come visit and play there until the end of summer.

But Ive never seen Nord.... Robert sounded as if he wanted to go, and Tori chuckled.

I dont think I can handle so many children at once. Marco and Mateo are coming with us to Moss Hill and if I take you two, Id have to take them. If I take them, then Ava and the others will want to come, Tori replied. That means the nannies will come, and at least one parent per child.

Robert let out a heavy, conceding sigh. I know....

But, if we meet you later in the summer, after our portion of the trip through Nord and Osten is done, Vivi is welcome to come with you to spend some time in Viclya, Tori told him with some reassurance. Is this something you can consider?

I can consider it, Auntie. Ill talk to Daddy about it and let Vivi know. He said he wanted to go back to Horizon to visit his grandma this summer.

Well, then, there we go. It may just work out better this way. We can spend some time in Horizon, too.

Can we visit the orphanage? Robert asked in a hopeful voice. Daddy is letting me make safety charms and Id like to give them out.

Tori lifted her hand to her chest and pressed against it. Her nephew was an angel. Of course, we can go to the orphanage. We can invite them to Viclya for a weekend. They recently came for ice skating early this year.

Okay! Youre right, Auntie. This is probably a better plan. Ill discuss it with Daddy and convince Fifi, Robert told her with determination.

All right, when you get confirmation, call me. Ill let you go, as Im at Duel and my food has arrived.

Okay, wait! There was a pause. Fifi! Aunties going!

There was some silence, then heavy approaching footsteps. An out of breath little voice panted. Bye, Auntie Tori, I love you!

I love you, Auntie Tori, Robert added.

I love you, both, too. Good night. Instead of sliding her finger across the comcry, she put her finger on the earpiece for two seconds. She heard a small ding and the comcry on the table dimmed.

My lady, your quiche. One of the staff members at the cafe brought her a tray with her quiche and a drink. She gave them a small nod before reaching up to remove her crystal earpieces.

How are they? Henrik took a seat across from her and waved for a coffee.

Theyre working very well. Surprisingly comfortable for being crystal, Tori replied as she wiped the earpieces on a clean napkin and then put them into a small compartment with a sliding lid build into the comcry compact. The call quality is very clear and it syncs up well with the comcry now that the compact has been changed. If Im wearing it, I can hear the dings when someone calls if Im away from the comcry itself.

Henrik furrowed his brows and looked at the modified device. Do you think three paces distance from the comcry is too little? he asked.

I think its enough, as too far and the earpiece will drain energy faster in order to maintain the connection with the comcry. The further away, the more strained the connection and the more energy needed to keep it. At three paces, the earpieces can last two or three hours.

But theyll be charged once theyre back in the comcry compartment, Henrik said. Tori handed him her modified comcry and he flipped through it.

The compacts that comcry came in were interchangeable, as they were designed to protect the actual crystal that facilitated communication inside. If they cracked or were broken, what was important was the crystal inside. That crystal could be removed and put into another comcry compact.

Anahata Island had created modified compacts that allowed for easy transition and had a compartment for earpieces. In addition to the flashing ring, these new compacts had another crystal that made it vibrate with incoming calls. Tori had sought out a few people to test it at Axtons belated birthday party and the reviews were very positive.

Henrik nodded. When do you think we can go to market with them? he asked. Everyone Ive spoken to who is testing the compacts speaks very highly of them and likes the advancements with the compacts. They especially like that if they lose an earpiece, they can make it beep from the comcry to find them.

The amount of ear buds Tori had lost in her original world was so frustrating, she went back to using Bluetooth headphones that connected one earpiece to the other. They were just easier to find and were more difficult to drop accidentally.

Thats good. There have been some issues with raising and lowering the volume with taps and stokes, but once people are used to it, its fine, Tori replied. A tap raised the volume, a slow stroke down, like scrolling, lowered it. One could use either ear piece, but it did take time to get used to. I think with this in mind, we can aim for mid-summer and start with pre-sales during the Spring Festival.

Henrik made a little triumphant fist and nodded. Excellent, thats what I was hoping for. Having pre-sales will give us a good idea of what designs people want and will alleviate some of the rush in the mid-summer.

Tori nodded. Thats what I was thinking, too. I want to try to keep them as affordable as possible and luckily the crystal pieces are just scrap crystal.

Dont waste any of it, Henrik replied. His coffee came and so did another quiche. He reached for the fork beside it and it was suddenly swept up.

Axton shook his head. No, that sword has been used for this ceremony since the Unification.

Tori rubbed her aching biceps. She looked out the window and tried to hide her tired expression. She lifted her hands and waved as they began the slow procession through all of the citys districts.

At least I can take a rest.

If I knew which carriage we were using, I wouldve put food in it ahead of time.

Tori smirked and moved her legs to the side to reveal the heating box. Lets see what my best friend got me. She unlatched the box and found sandwiches and some water.

Axton craned his neck. Did she pack any for me?

There is more than enough for two here. Its from Cafe Fortuna, Tori said. She had to spend the night at the imperial palace the night before. It was hectic and she didnt have the chance to arrange food for herself during the ceremony and procession. Ilyana was well prepared. Do you want ham and cheese or egg?

Egg.

There are some cookies and pastries, too.

Ill save them for dessert. She handed a paper wrapped sandwich to Axton and the two ate as they went through the city. With their hunger mitigated, they were in a better mood by the time they finished the procession and returned to the palace. The sun was setting and a trail of carriages with guests was waiting to enter.

The spectacular imperial palace was decorated even further for the event. The carriage went through the main gates and towards the center palace. Massive double doors were open and Tori realized it was the first time shed enter through them.

In the past, she went through the side entrance that family members used. She and Axton got down from the carriage and put on their stoic masks as they climbed up the steps. Tori had no time to admire anything, as she was focused on her task.

For the duration of Piers welcome and greetings to guests, she and Axton had to stand in position a few steps away like guardians. At dinner, they would be seated near Piers, and it wouldnt be until the ball portion that theyd be free of their duties. She looked towards Piers. She hadnt had a chance to talk to him since that morning. To most people, he looked serious and focused, but Tori could see the irritation in his brows.

As she and Axton came to greet him before getting into place, Tori made a point to hold his hand and praise him for his hard work. She him that if he was overwhelmed, she and Axton would cover for him while he took a break.

His gaze softened and he squeezed her hand. He didnt seem to want to let go, but Tori was steered away.

Guests were announced as they arrived. The process was similar. Curtsy or bow to Piers, congratulate him, then curtsy and bow to the Emperor and Empress before being walked to the ballroom where refreshments and such were served to tide them over before the meal.

Madam Martin came with her husband, son, and daughter-in-law and stopped to tell Tori that Albert was with the others, and that a knight had come to escort them through the usual side entrance to avoid any scrutiny from other guests. Tori thanked her for the news.

As the guests arriving began to dwindle, Ilyana somehow escaped the ballroom and asked if Tori got the food.

Its the only thing keeping me from rioting right now, Tori replied in a low voice. I wont be free until after dinner. Wait for me in the garden courtyard just outside. Look for one of Piers knights to bring you there.

Got it! Ilyana scurried away and Tori followed the procession to dinner.

They entered the ballroom and the Emperor walked ahead to make the announcement himself. He opened his mouth when he froze and looked over the top of the guests heads. Tori furrowed her brows and turned around.

Chamberlain Thorpson lowered his arms and seemed to be making a signal. When he got the Emperors attention he took a deep breath and stepped back, standing to the side of the entrance. He took another deep breath.

Her Highness Princess Celine Rosalie du Soleil, Honorable Royal Consort Master Petir, and Honorable Royal Consort Madam Georgia!

Toris brows shot up. It was her. Piers legendary aunt whom the Emperor complained about all the time. Tori was a little excited to see the woman for the first time. Shed only see portraits of Princess Celine in the palace. They were, for lack of a better term, glam.

All eyes seemed to be drawn to the entrance as a tall, slender woman with short silver hair walked through the open double doors. Big, shining violet eyes were bright with excitement as she entered with a smile and raised her arms.

Good evening, everyone! Her voice was high and sweet, like a bird. Her pastel purple dress had a square neckline and layers of draping over her full floral patterned skirt. It was very much a Rococo style dress with poet sleeves trimmed with lace, ending just above her wrist. She wore heavy, dangling earrings that could blind others while layers of silver chains draped over her chest. She held a matching fan in her left ring-covered hand. Forgive my unkempt appearance, I hurried to come on time!

From the corner of her eye, Tori saw the Emperors face twitch. The crowd of people parted as the princess walked through. A half step behind her on either side of her were her husband and wife. Soleil only recognized one spouse at a time, so many polyamorous partners could not be legally married, though they could get specific partnership rights.

There was no specific term for the partners who werent married, but had partnership rights, so most people just referred to each other as husband and wife. It was preferred to avoid legal marriage altogether, as it was felt that if two people were legally married within the partnership, that would devalue the other partners and their relationships. It was also easier to deal with if there was an inheritance and children, as each partner had their own set of rights instead of having to go with Soleils traditional inheritance system.

According to what Tori read, Soleil used to allow for poly-marriages, but there were a series of very messy inheritance battles that eventually ended them, and a simplified system was put into place.

Master Petir and Madam Georgia were both former imperial knights and upon taking Princess Celine as their wife, they were no longer formally knights, though they could keep their title. Tori squinted and studied the two people behind the princess.

They were much better looking than in the portrait and Tori assumed it was because their suits were very sleek; not at all flashy like in the portrait, which fit with their cold, statuesque beauty better. Master Petir had a gray streak in his thick, black hair. His brows were bushy, and his gray eyes were sharp. He had a neat beard and thin lips with a single scar splitting the corner of his left eyebrow. Tall, broad shouldered, with a stern expression on his face.

Madam Georgia was also tall and reminded Tori of an athlete. She had ice blue eyes and thick, straight blonde hair in a simple braid over one shoulder. Her clothes matched Master Petir, but her coat tails ran longer and her pants were loose, almost wide-legged, and from a distance, appeared as a skirt. All three wore matching rings.

Tori nodded with approval. As expected of Princess Celine. Also, she seemed to clearly have a specific type: tall, stoic, and cold.

Opposites really do attract.... she said in a quiet voice.

The flashy, perky princess stopped before the Emperor and his family and did a formal curtsy. Brother! Ive returned! She shouted in a dramatic voice and Tori watched the Emperor close his eyes, as if to remind himself that they were related, and he could not kick her out.

Welcome back, Celine, he replied in a regal voice. And welcome to my brother and sister. He gave the two behind her a nod and the two bowed.

Your Majesty, they chorused.

Monica! How are you, my sister! Princess Celine turned her attention to the Empress and almost skipped over to embrace her. The Empress looked much more amused and hugged Princess Celine.

I am well. Its good you could make it.

I was determined! Princess Celine released the Empress and gasped as she saw Gideon standing beside her. Silver hair...is this Gideon?

Gideons cheeks reddened. Hello, Aunt Celine.

Gideon! Princess Celine did not hold back and hugged her youngest nephew. Look how big youve gotten!

Your Highness, soon youll be as tall as I am. Master Petirs face softened, and Tori watched him and Madam Georgias expression relax into one of familiarity and fondness as they looked over Gideon.

A sharp gasp left Princess Celine as she stopped in front of Piers. Her eyes went up and down the man in his ceremonial clothing.

Piers.... Princess Celines face softened at once. Her hands rose for just a moment, before she brought them back down against her and stood up straight, restraining herself from her eldest nephew. Congratulations, Piers.

Piers gave her a small bow of his head. Thank you, Aunt Celine.

Her eyes reddened a bit as she looked at his face. Look at you...so tall and handsome. You get it from our side of the family.

The Empress let out a small, indifferent snort. All that travel seems to have made her eyes deteriorate....

Piers gave his Aunt a small smile and took a step forward. Princess Celines eyes went wide, and her mouth nearly opened and stayed agape as Piers put his arms around her and gave her a gentle embrace.

It was quick with only a single squeeze, but it was enough.

Piers.... Princess Celine gasped and seemed frozen in place. Even her husband and wife looked stunned. You hugged...did you see that? She looked at her spouses. My nephew hugged me! Hes never hugged me!

Madam Georgia looked helpless and nodded. I saw.

Hes grown, Master Petir said with an approving nod. Princess Celines lips trembled.

He hugged me....

The Empress lifted her chin proudly. He has started to embrace family more often, she said, as if she was constantly showered with Piers embrace. Hes been practicing with Tori.

Tori closed her eyes and held back the urge to groan as if beaten. While it was true, it didnt need to be spoken out loud.

Princess Celines eyes went wide and she looked at her sister-in-law. Where is she? Shes Countess Guevera, right? Gregorio and Antonias youngest? She turned around, almost frantic. Where is she.... Her voice trailed off as her violet eyes landed on Tori. Their gazes met and Princess Celine seemed to take a deep breath. She drew her head back and her eyes looked Tori over thoroughly.

Tori gave her a smooth curtsy. Good evening, Your Highness. I am Victoria de Guevera, Countess of Cosora.

The Princess drew in her lips and bit them excitedly. She nodded and grasped the arms of her husband and wife. Ive known this since he was a child, but now more so than ever, she said in a firm voice. My nephew has incredible vision!