Tori Transmigrated Chapter 113: Countess of Cosora

Do you want to watch their progress? Piers asked.

Tori finished her iced coffee and thought for a mont. She had so ti before she had to return to the kitchen for a final check. She tugged off the scarf she was using to wrap her hair up to keep it from getting into any of the food. Sure.

He stood up and took the knights place behind her wheelchair to push her forward. As he rolled her through the plaza, Tori admired the decorations they had put up. Ropes were stretched from one side of the plaza to the other with white paper lanterns illuminated by light crystals. The lanterns were simple four-sided lanterns she had asked to be made. Two sides had the number 16 and the other two sides had two crossed swords in an x.

The rows of lanterns would keep the open plaza area brightly lit that night. There was a small area set aside for a band to play as Tori thought it would be fun for everyone to be able to dance. With such an open space, it would feel less cluttered, and Piers could watch from the side with her if he didnt want to join, which was likely.

They passed the large fountain at the entrance of the plaza, right on the pronade. It was a three-tiered, round fountain with the base tier lined with enough space to sit. There were two colors of stone; a pale white streaked with gray, and then black with streaks of gold for accents.

The cardinal directions were on four points, marked by black stone. Right beside them were marble carvings of four animals atop black spheres, where water shot out of. Tori tried her best to draw the four auspicious beasts from Chinese mythology; the turtle and the tiger ca out great, although the tigers stripes could barely be seen. The phoenix was more a glorified rooster. The dragon was basically a snake with claws, horns, and a shaggy beard.

She was sure that her reference art was just terrible, but the stone carvers were enthusiastic and didnt ask any questions. The second tier of the fountain was black stone and carved with waves to resemble a clam shell. The top tier was white marble again, also carved to resemble a clam shell. Originally, they agreed on putting a black pearl at the top, surrounded by the waterspout. The pearl itself was about the size of a basketball.

The black pearl was still there, but a white marble lion had been placed over it. It didnt touch the pearl; it was more a cage, and the lion was posed as if it were protecting the pearl beneath it; its teeth were bared, and one front paw was up. It was very well carved.

Ilyana told her that the lion could be removed and that theyd put the lion up for big celebrations and holidays. Shed commissioned it herself to celebrate Toris birthday and Tori was touched.

There were to be two more smaller fountains at either end of the pronade. They were smaller, two-tiered versions of the main fountain. There were no animal statues, just spheres. Next to them were nasone, or small drinking fountains, for guests to get drinking water. The plumbing and filtration for the nasone were complicated, which was why the far ends of the pronade were the last parts built.

Piers pushed her past the parking and drop off area. The building where they had gas for the Spring Festival had been changed into a boardwalk style arcade with simple gas that were part of the Spy Gas challenge options. Many of them involved balls, rings, or bean bags that needed to hit a target, go around sothing, or fall into a hole. There were also darts and the more extre ax-throwing.

Since the player being challenged could pick the activity, Tori wanted to include simple ones so that the kids could play.

How did they beat us? Tori looked towards the stairs leading to the beach and resort tents. A defeated GG was climbing the stairs with several current and forr mbers of the Sword Association.

The better question is why did you pick outrigger canoe racing instead of sothing like darts or one of the other gas in the arcade? Forr Captain sser, or now just Giselle, said with a dull look on her face. Now your challenge card is used up.

GG tilted his head back and groaned. Tiff was beside him and grasped his arm, stroking it gently as she rested her head on his shoulder to soothe him. Its all right. We didnt know how good the Biancci twins are at racing. You still did great!

The timing was very close, GG, Captain Patrick, or Tori supposed she could just call him Patrick now, said from beside Giselle. Both his and GGs clothes were a bit wet. We tried.

Were you scamd? Tori asked as she stopped by the fountain and grinned. The group of four looked over at her.

Tori! Tiff smiled widely. We havent seen you all day. Were you cooking?

There is a lot of prep work for dinner, Tori said with a grin. She looked at the four people. Marco and Mateo have been using the outrigger canoes since last sumr. Theyre small, but are light and have a lot of stamina and coordination.

GG let out another pained groan. I underestimated your cousins. Is there anyone who can beat them?

Of course, Tori said. Did Ewan and Gael team up? Aside from the knights, theyre one of the top pairs.

No, Ewans stuck with our niece and nephews, so Sir Navarro and so of the La Garda guests are on their own, Patrick replied. Are you going to go down to watch, my lady?

Tori shook her head. She motioned towards the stairs. I cant get down without soone carrying and the wheelchair. She thought shed wait by the arcade to watch the action.

Tiff furrowed her brows and Giselle cocked her head. What about the ramp?

What ramp?

Henrik and Mr. Zisos had a wooden ramp prepared for you the other day. You were busy and they didnt tell you. Piers rolled her to the top of the stairs and Toris eyes widened. A long wooden ramp had been built over a small portion of the stairs. It reached the ground below and then a wooden path connected it to the regular pathway leading to the beach.

Tori lifted her hand to her chest, and she felt so pressure on her nose. She didnt ask for this. The railings theyd installed in her tent were more than enough. They are so good to .

You are good to them, Piers said quietly above her. Without waiting, he rolled her down the ramp and towards the beach. She could hear yelling as they approached and Tori sat up straight, growing more excited as they walked through the rows of resort tents and to the deck where breakfast was served.

There was another, shorter ramp that led towards the beach, but Tori was worried sand would get into the joints of her wheelchair, so she had Piers stop on the deck. They stood beneath the tarp that shaded the deck as they watched a large crowd on the edge of the beach, yelling at the water.

In the distance, two outriggers were rounding a buoy.

Tori! Ilyana waved her arm and rushed towards the deck.

Whos racing? she asked.

Its your brothers! Against each other! Ilyanas face was flushed beneath her straw sun hat. Lord Kasen won against Marco and Mateo, and then Lord Sebastian challenged him.

Tori frowned at once. He challenged Kasen in paddling? He had his stomach cut open several days ago! Is he insane?

Your brother wont learn otherwise, a smooth voice said from one of the lounge chairs. Tori turned and saw her mother stretched out beneath an umbrella, sipping a fruit drink. If his scars rip open, its his fault.

Mama, Seb will be fine. Idunn was seated on a chair beside Antonia, keeping her future mother-in-law company.

Senior Benedict healed Masters wound well, Piers told her. It will not open.

Tori was still scowling. Her narrowed eyes were kept on the boats as they approached. The competition was tight. Her two brothers were almost in sync.

Who do you think will win? Tori asked aloud.

Seb.

Lord Kasen.

Tori raised a brow as two won answered at the sa ti. From her side, Ilyana flushed and looked panicked as Idunn casually glanced over her shoulder and gave her a questioning look. Ilyana quickly diverted her eyes back to the water.

Kasen will win. The Marquess spoke up and several sets of eyes fell on her.

Tori cocked her head to the side. Why do you say that, Mama?

Your brothers are equal in terms of strength and stamina, as well as coordination. However, Kasen knows best when to conserve energy and when to release it.

Ah...then after the final buoy, hell speed up, Tori said. Her mother gave a nod. They stared out at the water and just as Tori thought, as soon as the last buoy passed, Kasens boat began to move forward a little faster. It took a second for Sebastian to figure out what was happening and adjust his speed, but Kasen had already jutted forward half a boats length.

Ilyana clapped her hands and almost jumped beside Tori as her eyes sparkled. Hes going to win!

Its impressive considering he just had a race against the twins, Tori said.

Winner: Lord Kasen de Guevera! One of the knights assigned to call the race yelled and everyone began shouting at once.

All right, whos next? Kasen easily climbed out of the outrigger canoe and held out his arms, as if inviting soone to challenge him. A wide smile was on his face as Sebastian smacked the back of his head as he passed. It only made Kasen smirk. Sore loser?

Shut up. Im still recovering, Sebastian sneered and headed up the beach. Idunn! Tori rolled her eyes as her brother sought comfort in his fiances arms.

Dont be shy! Kasen said as he looked at the group, still smiling from ear to ear. Ill accept any challenge! Although he was encouraging, no one else seed to want to accept the challenge. Tori was sure there were still players with valid challenge cards, but their opponent was Kasen.

They had to weigh their chances well or theyd waste their challenge. Considering that Kasen just won two in a row, and against his formidable older brother, she could see why theyd be hesitant to throw away their challenge card on Kasen.

Tori squinted at him and questioned allowing them to play. Why are my brothers like this...?

No one? Kasen asked, glancing around. It doesnt have to be paddling. I am generous and will let the challenger choose. We can try one of the gas in the arcade. He looked towards a pouting little girl. What do you say, Ava? Do you want to challenge to ring toss or knocking down blocks?

Ava narrowed her eyes and glared at him. Dont try to trick .

Cousin, Ill challenge you. Aiden bravely stepped up and held up his challenge card.

Daring. As expected of the heir of OTuagh, Kasen said with praise. What do you want to do, Aiden?

Sack toss!

Tori nodded in approval. Palm-sized cotton sacks were filled with little clay balls, and they had to toss them into holes made on a wooden board, tilted at an angle. There were several holes on the board with painted rings around them. Each hole was of varying size and difficulty, thus having different points attached to them.

It was very possible for Aiden to accumulate more points than Kasen.

With that, the group seed to migrate to the pronade.

Tori, whats that sll? Albert had joined Ilyana and the others beside Tori as Piers pushed her towards the ramp. Is that the marinade?

Yes, I did a demonstration earlier, too, so the smoke from the grill got on my clothes and hair. Tori wrinkled her nose and tugged at her dress.

It slls good. Nothing like weve made previously, Henrik said. He leaned forward and sniffed her head. What is that? Sort of salty and sweet....

No, its oily. Sonia shook her head, also leaning forward to sniff Toris hair. There is a heaviness to it.

Theres a nutty scent, JP said.

There is so spice, too, Ilyana added, holding a curl in her hand.

Tori pursed her lips. Please stop slling my hair. I know I sll like grilled at.

Delicious grilled at, Ilyana insisted.

Tori let out a tired sigh. They waited until the large group following the ga had climbed up the stairs before Piers pushed Tori up the ramp and on to the pronade.

Do you want to watch? Piers asked as they approached the arcade.

No, I should get back to the kitchen and make sure everything is ready before I go get ready for dinner.

Im going to challenge them soon.

Your Highness, youre playing? Albert looked surprised. Piers gave him a small nod.

I see, hes waiting until there are less people who can challenge to increase the chances of holding on to it, Henrik said with a nod. I shouldve thought of that.

Did you already challenge soone?

The Empress and your mother found the secret ssage and Henrik had to start the challenges because a lot of players didnt want to, JP replied. Your mother is good at puzzles. It was as if all she had to do was glance at a clue and then move on to the next one.

At one point, everyone just followed them, Sonia said with a nod.

There were so physical challenges, too, Tori said. Her mother wasnt as active as her brothers at her age.

She pointed and then said Monica, go, Albert said in a careful voice. His eyes crinkled up, as if unsure if he dreamt it or if it actually happened. Then, the Empress would do whatever the challenge was for the next clue.

Mother is not very good at puzzles, Piers told them seriously.

Henrik, does that an you won the challenge against Mama? Tori asked. She was impressed.

It was against the Empress, and it was ring toss. I got lucky, Henrik said. But it didnt last.

Sir Navarro beat him, and then the secret ssage exchanged hands another dozen or more tis at the arcade before we got to the outrigger canoes. Ilyana sighed. I feel like Marco and Mateo tricked us.

They stopped just outside the arcade and could hear the yelling co from within. I win! Aidens voice shouted.

It was imdiately followed by a little girls voice. I challenge you!

Aiden snorted. Pass.

Then how about I challenge you, young lord? Constantine had sided with Ava, so he dutifully stepped in.

Avas smug voice reached her ears. You cant pass a second ti! Beat him, Constantine!

Tori chuckled and looked at the others. Ill see you all later. Albert, dont forget to change into the clothes I sent you. You and Ewan are my escorts tonight since were all celebrating sothing.

Albert gave her an affirmative nod before Piers pushed her back to the restaurant.

Piers didnt say much. He continued to push her to the restaurant and then handed her off to the knight before turning around. Im going to challenge them.

Are you really going to keep the prize if you win? Tori asked. If the spy won, none of the other players would get anything. Not even the snack voucher.

Piers gave her a small nod. Yes.