For a mont, she forgot to breathe. Toris mouth was agape as she stared at the Empress. She couldnt help such a rude action, but her mind went blank. Fabian not taking the La Garda exam was not processed.
She had figured two routes for Fabian: one where he chose not to enter La Garda to stay with Alessa, and the other where Alessa failed to accumulate enough romance points and so Fabian continued his life path.
However, she was certain that Fabian would enter La Garda. It was to the point where Tori didnt think romance points mattered. She knew how desperate he was to prove himself. Not to ntion how much he goaded Ewan and was trying to challenge him. There was no way Fabian would give up without warning so close to the exams.
Fabian didnt spend months under the brutal tutorage of that Duraga agent....
Oh. Tori's mind settled quickly. She blinked and turned her gaze back to her plate and put on an air of casual indifference. No wonder Ewan didnt see him. Did he go to Osten for sumr training?
No, he went to Anlar, the Empress said, smiling a bit. He followed Gideon.
Toris eyes flickered across the table. He caught her gaze for a mont before responding with a brief nod acknowledging her suspicion.
Fabian chose not to enter La Garda because he knew he was implicated by his master and if it was found out, the consequences were dire. If La Garda was not an option, he could wait to join the knight cadets after Lyce or find a different path through the military to give him an acceptable background as a personal knight and aide. Since Gideon decided to go to the Naval Academy, then it made sense for Fabian to go with him.
Not only would it still give him so prestige, but following Gideon to the Naval Academy was an action worthy of a personal knight.
Tori nodded to herself. She wasnt sure if it was purely for professional reasons and pride, or if part of Fabian sincerely wanted to be at Gideons side, supporting him when he was far from ho.
Thats admirable, Tori said. Although, I hope they know theyre not in for an easy ti. Everyone in Moss Hill told the Naval Academy is so intense, new recruits often get sick after training the first few weeks. That tidbit was proudly told to her by Ava. Tori didnt know how her little cousin even knew that.
The Empress let out a little snort. They will be fine. Fabians been practicing swordsmanship for years and Gideon has the blood of marquis in him! I would be embarrassed if he were sent ho.
Mother, he also has Soleil blood, Piers said with a blank expression.
The Emperor paused in the middle of a drink and cast so side-eye at his eldest son. Oh, youve learned to have humor now.
Ive always been funny.
Tori lowered her head to hide her smile. Is the second prince planning to transfer to the Naval Academy? Please say yes. Please say yes. Sixteen was the age of majority; Gideon could transfer himself out if he wished.
No.
Dammit all.
However, if this sumr goes well, he will likely join again next sumr, the Emperor said. He was very earnest about going. I rarely see Gideon like this unless it involves Piers.
Several eyes moved over the first prince and Tori saw him stab at his food.
He has not called ho to complain once, the Empress said, almost proud of this. Tori gave her a strained smile.
Thats a terrible asure of status. Do you think he may want to join the navy when he graduates Lyce?
The Empress let out a tired sigh. Well see how this sumrs training tempers him.
The corner of the Emperors mouth rose. There have been sailors in the imperial family before. This is not unheard of.
My Aunt Celine transferred to the Naval Academy for her third and fourth year, then went on a tour, Piers said before taking a bite of a vegetable.
The Emperor sneered. Yes. One tour. Then she said she was tired and gallivanted around the empire with her lovers, abandoning all her imperial duties-
Darling, you know Celine has no affinity for political or economic work. The Empress reached over and gently patted her husbands arm. She prefers to live free.
I dont mind her living free, but she could at least live free with her own money.
Tori held back a laugh. Now the conversation sounded more familiar.
Speaking of Aunt Celine, I think we should invite her next Spring Festival to Viclya, Piers said, looking towards Tori. Aunt Celine is the most famous socialite in Soleil. If she likes Viclya, its popularity will spread.
Tori had heard the womans na a few tis, but didnt know she was that famous. Then again, it wasnt as if she really dabbled in elite circles outside of being a young rchant and her work in the delta. From what she knew of Piers aunt, the Emperors younger sister and only sibling, she stepped away from any work the imperial family could throw at her and preferred to live as a common, wealthy lady traveling Soleil and indulging herself with her two long-term lovers.
Soleil did not allow for multiple spouses at once; it could get ugly with inheritance and property amongst extended family, but there were poly-amorous people. It wasnt common, but Princess Celine had been with her two lovers since Piers was a child. He referred to them as Auntie and Uncle, as well.
The portraits of Princess Celine and her family had them in bright, extravagant clothing and posing. Tori could respect the glamor, but it was a bit much for her personal taste.
I think we should wait until Viclyas infrastructure can accommodate more people. If Princess Celine does spread news of it, I dont want to be overwheld at once, Tori said. Piers gave her a small nod.
Oh, Tori, Ilyana told that you were establishing a recreational center for workers? Albert asked, leaning forward with bright eyes. Will there be anything like that open for guests?
The recreation center is for the workers to relax. Its another benefit to keep them after their initial work contracts are up.
Is it necessary to lure them? Albert raised a brow. They get paid more than I do.
You're an intern, not a master craftsman, Tori reminded him with a dull look. And yes. Viclya is still building its foundation. We have a lot more to do and its going to take longer than my Lyce project. When I leave, I plan to hand things over to the village council weve been grooming to continue building it.
Lady Tori, why is it that only the workers get a recreational center? Instructor Ignatius frowned. Is that not unfair to the villagers? Since he moved his residence registration, he was now officially a resident of Viclya and thus a villager.
It is in phase three. Initially, we didnt plan to build a recreation center for workers, and by extension, knights, but there isnt much else for them to do at the delta, but work. Monotony and challenging work conditions can negatively affect people. Aside from stress, which can make them prone to sickness, it can be ntally taxing. People lose their patience and are easier to anger. They are more prone to depression, frustration, and anxiety. Sotis even violence. The recreation center was added to give them an outlet; sothing to look forward to other than a al and a few coins. They can socialize, have friendly competitions, and let out excess energy. It may not help everyone, but it is better than nothing.
That is very thoughtful of you, Lady Guevera, the Emperor said. I did not know there was a recreation center.
We were working on it after the last boat race, where the knights cheated us. They had been racing without telling us, Tori said. The Empress let out a small snort of dissatisfaction as she rembered.
They couldve warned us first.
What does the recreation center have? The Emperor asked. Tori opened her mouth to reply, but slowly closed it. If she told them, would they want to co again? It seed the Emperor read her concerns and smirked. I am curious. Perhaps we can have sothing built here. For the knights.
Piers gave his father a glance and almost sneered, not believing his fathers words.
Tori had to answer. We started off with the usual: chess, darts, billiards. Then we organized an outrigger racing association of sorts. Were organizing fishing trips further out into the lagoon. I also told them to encourage spaces where workers who play instrunts can get together and play.
The Emperor and Empress gave her thoughtful nods. Those were indeed sensible activities.
What about the ax throwing? Albert bead and Tori snapped her head towards him and gave him the sa sharp, silencing look her mom gave her when she said sothing she wasnt supposed to. Albert sucked in a sharp breath and lowered his head, pretending he didnt say anything.
Ax...throwing? The sweet, and interested, voice of the Empress ca from beside her and Tori silently cursed Albert.
We...take scrap wood and compress them into thick, large squares to use as targets. The idea is similar to an archery range, except that the players hurl axes at the targets. Tori had been to one for a work group outing in her original world and it was great. Very cathartic, but she was terrible at it. She turned back to the Empress and smiled. Shall I send you a target and so axes?
Would you? The Empress looked pleased and then looked at her husband with a satisfied expression.
Is there anything else you can offer? the Emperor asked carefully.
Im looking into a wrestling ring and perhaps one for boxing, Tori replied at once. The Emperor frowned and Tori scrambled to think of sothing else. Or bocce ball? Do you know bocce ball?
It took so ti, but Tori and the Emperor managed to divert the Empress attention. Instructor Ignatius was escorted to a room to rest, though he had tried to talk them into letting him return to the delta that afternoon. A look from the Empress killed that idea imdiately. Piers sent Albert out to pull so reference logs from one of the imperial archives. He was to leave them on Piers desk and afterwards, he was done for the week, but was to return before dawn if he wanted a ride to Viclya.
Tori called her father to confirm that she had arrived safely at the imperial palace. She tried to call her mother, but no one was answering. Just as she was about to try to call again, Sebastian called her, and the two siblings talked about a travel schedule.
Just leave without . Ill arrive tomorrow, after lunch. Tori spoke into her comcry as Piers pushed her down a andering brick path around the imperial gardens.
We can leave with you tomorrow. What ti are you leaving? Sebastian asked without a hint of compromise.
Before dawn. Are you sure you want to wait until then?
Yes, Idunn and I are already at Aunties. I had interviews yesterday and today for Ewan. I dont want to set out for a several hour-long ride this afternoon, Sebastian told her.
Toris eyes widened. Do we know yet? Has he been accepted?
Official announcents will be posted tomorrow, but I had multiple interviews because he advanced. That was a good sign.
Tori almost bounced excitedly in her seat. Did you tell them we wanted him in Sur?
Sebastian let out a small snort. I slipped it into the conversation. Their eyes dilated and they asked how weve been training him. Navarro and the other sparring partners he made also submitted letters of recomndation on his behalf. Captain Gaumont of the imperial knights wrote him a recomndation. How does Captain Gaumont know about Ewan?
Captain Gaumont? You an Sir Gaumont? Tori furrowed her brows. An image of a tall, graying knight shed often seen around the delta crossed her mind. She thought he was of a higher rank, as shed seen him order other knights around, but she didnt know he was a captain.
Captain Gaumont is personally in charge of the rotation of knights at the delta and has co to the delta multiple tis to assess the situation and arrange knights as needed. Sotis, he works with Axton when Ewan is training, Piers said behind her. He is also a graduate of La Garda.
Tori, if Ewan isnt accepted, then soone is targeting him out of jealousy, Sebastian said, off-handedly. Ewan will let us know tomorrow, once the official announcents are posted.
Tori nodded. All right. Ill see you tomorrow morning, then.
Master, we are leaving two hours before dawn. Please et us at the southern side gates, Piers said, leaning forward so his voice carried to the comcry.
Sebastian let out a small grumble and ended the call. Tori put the comcry on her lap and had a bright smile on her face.
Were going to have a great party next weekend. Im excited! My little cousins will be arriving soon. My friends from the sword association are coming. Everyone will be there!
Except Axton. She could almost hear Piers smug smirk as he spoke. We should call him and let him listen in.
Were not going to torture Axton, Tori said with a roll of her eyes. When he cos back, well have another celebration anyway. Ilyanas birthday is in the late sumr, and were seeing off Constantine. That reminds , I must finish preparing his gifts.
Youre giving him gifts? Piers voice lowered.
Yes, we all are. Theyre mostly supplies to last him two years, since hell be cloistered, Tori said. She let out a heavy sigh and leaned back against her chair. Im going to miss him. At least Ewan will be in the city, and we can see him often. We wont see Constantine for two years.
Hmm....
Did I tell you Ill be his witness if he decides to join the church? Thats a big honor, isnt it? Piers let out another hum, but was otherwise quiet.
Tori continued to chatter on about her plans for the next week: the ga she planned to have for her friends, family, and guests before the big birthday and Ewan-accepted-into-La-Garda dinner; what changes shed ordered for the pronade; and how she planned to decorate the pronade plaza in front of the restaurant with lights.
Piers nodded and interjected with a soft acknowledging hum or an I see every few sentences. They made it towards the small lake where the Empress outrigger canoe was docked on the shore, beneath a waxed canvas tent. Just as Piers was about to turn them around and go back, a voice called out to them.
Your Highness. A knight approached them in the garden and Piers stopped pushing Tori. He turned around and the knight knelt beside him.
Did you find out? His earlier distracted voice beca stern.
Yes, Your Highness. He is staying at the Francesca Inn in the seventh district. Further inquiry has shown that he occasionally works part-ti at a stationery shop across from the Seventh Imperial Secondary School. It is expected that he will return to his part-ti job next week.
Tori furrowed her brows and looked towards Piers curiously, but didnt speak out. Each district had two elentary schools and one secondary school that was publicly funded to ensure widespread literacy and general education. Most commoner children went to elentary schools from ages six to thirteen or fourteen. That was the end of their mandatory education.
Afterwards, they could start apprenticeships, work for their families, or continue to secondary schools. It wasnt rare for students who went to empire-funded schools to go on to universities, either. There was a decent population of students from common backgrounds at Universit.
I understand. Keep an eye on him and let know who has contact with him, Piers said. The knight bowed his head before standing and turning around to leave.
Youre watching soone? Tori asked as Piers placed his hands back on the handles of her wheelchair. She wanted to ask if it had sothing to do with her brothers mission, but didnt want to ask out in the open.
Piers began to push her through the garden once more. I am curious about Montan Alvere. I sent two knights to watch him, as I want to keep an eye on Duke Alvere while the reclamation of Sun Garden is in process.
Tori nodded. Piers mustve been worried about Axtons property and any threats. Are you waiting to see if Duke Alvere approaches Mr. Alvere?
She tilted her head back and saw Piers nod. I do not know if the Duke is aware that Mr. Alvere is working.
At a stationery shop.... Tori said, wrinkling her nose. It made sense that he would. Montan was a charms user; hed need a large supply of parchnt, brushes, and expensive soot ink for quality charms. If he planned to sell them, hed need suitable supplies. A stationery shop would likely give him a discount. Do you think there could be trouble?
Nothing that the lawyers cant manage. I am more concerned with Mr. Alveres safety.
Tori narrowed her eyes. Safety? She felt her stomach twist as she recalled her own suspicions.
We had doctors co to check on Lady Hart, Mr. Guthry, and Mr. Alvere to ensure that they were not seriously injured when they were captured, Piers told her. Aside from the scrapes, bruises, and lack of food and water that was similar to what Lady Hart and Mr. Guthry had, there were so older scars and bruises on Mr. Alvere. When asked about them, Mr. Alvere said he fell.
Tori lowered her eyes. Piers, if I told you that I thought Mr. Alvere was being abused by his father, do you think Axton would care?
Piers was quiet. I dont know. Tori frowned. She didnt know Axton as well as Piers knew him. If Piers wasnt sure how Axton would feel, then the only thing they could do was bring it up with Axton. Tori wasnt sure how to do so. Do you believe that the Duke is abusing his son?
Yes. Call it a gut feeling, Tori said as she looked out ahead of them.
It would explain why he isnt going to the Alvere Duchy and instead remaining in an inn within the city. It also explains why he went to Chetterswickshire this sumr. He doesnt want to go ho.
I dont like him, but this isnt sothing I can condone. Im also not in a place where I can really do anything about it.
You care a lot for people you dont like.
Tori snorted. Just because I dont like them doesnt an I cant be a decent person in regard to other matters.
Then, shall I tell Axton?
Tori pursed her lips. I think you should ntion it. We cant force him to do anything. Even if we did, what can he do? He hates Mr. Alvere and hates his father even more.
I will bring it up when he cos ho, Piers said. I will have my n continue to watch Mr. Alvere.
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