Inside Tori, there were two wolves. The first wolf said be responsible; work on your project and the delta. Focus your energy there. Helping people makes you feel good. The second wolf said fuck Adrien Rosiek and not in the sexual way. Destroy him to make yourself feel better.
And as Tori pored over the report her brother gave her, the second wolf was winning. She had a sense of urgency, and it was likely due to Adrien going to Chetterswickshire. Her brothers information sources didnt have much to report, but Tori had a bad feeling.
Adrien was seen leaving the manor, without Alessa, but he didnt leave the village. He went to check on garnt factories there. That was nothing out of the ordinary for a businessman. Of course, hed need to check in on his investnts every now and then.
Her brothers sources said that Adrien wanted to shift the focus of the workers from bootleg puff vests and sleeping bags to everyday clothing. Tori didnt like what that implied. Did he hear about Lions Gates Delta Collection and want to steal it? The clothing was designed for the climate of the delta; it was very casual and relaxed.
It wasnt necessarily sothing to wear in Horizon.
Tori thought of it as a local style. What youd wear on the beach and around Miami wouldnt be what you wore in Paris or Hong Kong, for the most part. No one was stopping you from wearing what you wanted, but youd get so looks. In addition, the Delta Collection was only sold in the delta for marketing purposes.
She looked down at the pieces of paper in front of her. Each palm-sized card had a type of business under the Golden Cow umbrella. Tori narrowed her eyes. She didnt necessarily have to fight him using Lions Gate. A lot of money was needed for investnt, and she didnt want to drag her two friends into a personal battle any more than they already were. Although, if she ntioned it, Ilyana would be happy to fight. Ilyana was much more aggressive than most people thought.
At the mont, Lions Gate competed with Golden Cow through clothing and accessories, as well as outdoor equipnt.
Adrien still had cafes, ho goods, dry goods, liquor, and a print shop. Henrik and Ilyana told her that they were clustered around Golden Cow rcantile in the Fourth District. In addition, he had many contacts all over the empire for supplies. He had a small team of people who went around the empire buying things from impoverished nobles and forrly wealthy families that could be resold.
He also had small general stores in towns along major trade routes. And that was only what they knew; there could always be more.
It was very impressive.
Doesnt it make you want to ruin it all?
JP looked up from the other side of the desk with a hint of worry on his face. When he volunteered to be her assistant while she was recovering, he seed to have noticed a new side of Tori in that she would occasionally say so dark things.
You have a terrifying look on your face.
Its a terrifying ti, Tori said, tapping her fingers on the table and keeping her gaze on the little cards. Were growing rapidly and need to strengthen our infrastructure. That requires money. Since I wont depend on my family to support the delta forever, I need other sources of inco to pay for continuous developnt.
You want to compete with the cow?JP furrowed his brows.
When Henrik and Ilyana returned from their errands in Horizon, Ilyana had gone on a tirade about seeing so many stores that belonged to the Cow Man. They were an eyesore, according to Ilyana.
I initially selected the Fourth District for its location, affordability, and foot traffic, but also because the Cow Man is headquartered there and Im petty, Tori said. We were able to get a suitable location, so it was fate.
Henrik said it was expensive.
It was three small shops. Ilyana paid for one store, Henrik paid for a quarter of another store and was in charge of all the paperwork and hiring, and I paid for the rest and remodeling, Tori said. JP looked horrified at the amount of money being used, so she lifted a hand to try to calm him. Ilyana and I are considered two of the wealthiest students in school for a reason. This is our birthday money.
JP looked like he wanted to choke. Your birthday money was enough to buy two stores?
I got money from my parents, my grandparents, godfather, and my brothers, Tori said, sitting up straight. It was enough to buy an entire shopping block in the fourth district. Her sixteenth birthday was special, and the amount given to her reflected that. However, no one really needed to know. And Im spending most of it on Duel. I know its a risk, but its one Im willing to take.
Her would-be assistant ran a hand down his face. According to these, he said as he waved his hand over the desk. The Cow Man isnt in the ga business.
Duel wasnt ant to compete with him. I have other ideas. Tori took the piece of paper that said clothing and moved it aside. Lions Gate is already competing with him in clothes and accessories. We have also launched Lions Gate Den, which will compete with his ho goods, such as furniture and cookware made here at the delta. She moved that piece of paper to the side, as well.
JP pointed to the remaining pieces of paper. Liquor, cafe, print, and general stores remain.
His general stores are along the major trade routes. I think its quite clever and its sothing I want to delve into later, Tori said. For now, I want to keep it local and build up a brand that will be recognizable.
Lions Gate is already recognizable, JP told her. Anyone whos anyone in Horizon knows Lions Gate.
They know us for our clothes and accessories. Its limited.
JP nodded and looked at the pieces of paper. You want to expand into sothing else?
Tori tapped on cafe and liquor. Aside from our chilled coffee and fruit drinks, I can sell regular coffee and tea, which isnt very popular in Soleil, but its sothing. As for liquor, Kaseys reports say that he deals with wine and beer. He doesnt even have whiskey, fruit wine, or vodka. I doubt he has tequila or rum.
JP cocked his head to the side. What are those?
Hard liquor, best only drunk in moderation.
Do you plan to open a tavern?
No. Tori looked disgusted at the thought. Taverns need more workers, and we have to cook and serve food. It's too much trouble. Not to ntion people get drunk and when people are drunk, they do questionable things. Things like harassing workers and ruining property. I plan to sell them by the bottle in a tasteful private tasting room to be enjoyed later in their hos. Let them get drunk elsewhere.
He seed to be uncertain of her idea. You want to do this tasting room at Duel?
Of course not. Duel is different. Ideally, the wine should be sold in the Second District, near our flagship store or the Central Districts shopping area.
The Central District was easily the most expensive place to live and shop in Horizon. Many embassies and governnt buildings were in the Central District and the First District beside it. Anything being sold there was considered high end or rare, and thus expensive. Several teenagers trying to open a store, no matter what their background, would struggle to get a foothold in the Central District.
The cost was high, and the competition was fierce.
JP let out a low whistle. Those arent cheap locations, Tori. Even renting is expensive. And people who own property there arent willing to sell.
Tori nodded. I know. I dont need a large space or a storefront on a plaza or main road. Sothing discreet off a side street is better for the atmosphere.
Have you thought this through enough? There is a lot to do. There are permits for alcohol sales, registration with the empire, not to ntion you need to purchase what youre going to sell. The most difficult part is securing a location if you want it in the Central District.
Is it? Tori raised her brows. She leaned forward. Do you know who owns the majority of the Central District? JP furrowed his brows and shook his head. Various mbers of the imperial family.
JPs eyes widened. Are you going to ask Prince Piers?
Tori clicked her tongue and frowned. Why does everyone think Im going to get help from him?
JP gave her an incredulous look. Youre really going to pretend that you dont?
I didnt say I didnt. Im just saying that this and that are different. Tori brushed it off, though she was a little guilty. She was self-aware enough to know that she depended on Piers for a lot. No, Ive got a business proposition for his Aunt Celine.
JPs eyes went wide and he almost gasped. Princess Celine du Soleil?
Yes.
Horizons most infamous socialite?
Yes-infamous?
The Silver Storm?
Tori drew her head back a bit and her voice dropped. Why are you calling her that?
Because everyone knows that Princess Celine is difficult to handle. JP ran a hand down his face. She was raised strictly under the hand of her grandmother, the late Empress Henrietta. She was quite a wild child and rebelled when she entered Lyce. She didnt listen to what her father or brother told her and even abandoned her imperial duties. Everyone says shes just going around Soleil, doing whatever she wants with little regard for her position.
Tori knew that much already. She slowly nodded her head. Where does she stand on alcohol?
Her friend looked at her as if she were dumb. What does that matter?
It matters because I want her to be interested in my business proposal.
Youre still going to try? He looked both frustrated and pained and Tori tried not to laugh.
JP, this isnt just to irritate Adrien Rosiek. Thats a bonus. This is also to earn money to support the delta, Tori told him in a serious voice. Besides, trying is better than doing nothing. The worst she can do is say no.
Nothing I say will stop you, so you do what you want, JP replied in a dull voice. Though, Princess Celine is said to be traveling constantly. How are you going to contact her?
...Piers.
I knew it!
He suggested I get in contact with her! Tori countered. Albert was there. You can check with him.
JP rolled his eyes. Youre already so busy and just got a county to govern. Now, you want to take a bunch of risks to compete with the Cow Man.
We need money, Tori repeated. To govern said county. This is important.
JP t her eyes firmly. Are you only going into business to earn money for the delta? There is no ulterior motive?
Tori held his gaze for a mont and didnt falter. Petty revenge?
JPs lips tightened into a line. He leaned back against his chair and gave her a small nod. Okay, he said with a smirk. What do you need to do?
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