Tori Transmigrated Chapter 13: Hunger is the Best Seasoning

The worst-case scenario was that one of her group mates got hurt or worse.

The second worst case scenario was the one in front of her.

Why did they keep appearing in front of her when she wanted nothing to do with them? What sort of bullshit forced conflict was this?

Ignoring the NPC that filled out their groups, five out of the seven Romance of Soleil targets were standing in front of her with the heroine. There was no way Tori wouldnt feel suddenly cornered. This wasnt her bad end, but it was bad enough.

A dozen teenagers appeared from the forest, appearing cold, hungry, and obviously tired. They hadnt set up their camps yet, let alone selected a spot to set up at, and were now looking at her groups camp with expectant eyes. She knew exactly what they wanted even before Alessa opened her mouth.

While her grip on her dagger loosened, Tori still instinctively stepped in front of her boiling pasta to protect it from unwelcod mouths.

She now faced a dilemma.

The heroine just asked her for a favor. If she agreed, there was a good chance theyd want their food, take up their space, and ruin the overall relaxed atmosphere Lions Gate was enjoying. She didnt know what Alessa and her wall of love interests would ask for, but she was sure it wouldnt just be permission to camp next to them.

On the other hand, if she disagreed and told them what she felt in her heart: hell no, find your own damn camping spot; she would upset the group, worsen her already shit reputation with them, and possibly open herself up to future retribution that could inadvertently lead to death at the hands of sex slavers.

She really didnt like either choice.

Tori looked towards her now quiet and serious group, silently asking them for permission.

Five pairs of eyes looked back at Tori, as if saying youre the leader; you make the call.

She swallowed hard. She settled on the third choice: avoid saying yes by feigning ignorance.

You're in luck. The area around here is a good place to set up camp. She turned towards the stream and looked over Ilyana and Henriks heads. That area over there is flat and suitable for laying down bedrolls. Its close enough to the river so you can fetch water with just a light crystal without fear of getting lost or running into anything, but far enough away that the ground is dirt and there are no large, protruding river rocks. She turned back to Alessa with an enthusiastic smile. Plus, its enough space for both your groups.

It is also far enough away from mine. Her suggestion wasnt permission to join her group, but since Tori didnt give them a flat no and reject them, they couldnt really criticize her. After all, she did recomnd an area nearby that would be beneficial.

Alessas hopeful smile still faltered. She didnt make her disappointnt obvious, but Tori had the distinct feeling that she was not used to being rejected.

Oh...is this area across from your fire not good enough? Alessa asked, glancing at the dirt patch opposite their tents.

We cleared that space for fire hazard reasons, JP said, suddenly. The wind was blowing in that direction earlier and we were worried any embers from the campfire would be blown over, so we kept it clear.

Tori ntally gave JP a thumbs up. That space was empty because they had nothing to put there.

Well, our good classmates are kind enough to recomnd an ideal spot to us, Dimitri said as he put his hand on Alessas sunken shoulders. He looked towards the princes lackeys. Why dont we get at it? Its already dark.

The breath of relief that escaped Tori and her group was either unnoticed or ignored, but Tori still remained standing where she was, watching the two other groups.

As most of the boys lumbered towards the open space between them and the stream, Tori could see Girl NPC 1 and 2 huddled together to keep warm. Like Alessa, they also wore pants and long sleeve shirts, but none of them seed to consider that the temperatures would drop significantly once the sun set.

Toris eyes moved to the protagonist to compare. She narrowed her eyes; that was quite an oversized jacket on Alessas narrow shoulders. Tori almost wanted to smirk. Which one of the love interests got the honor of giving her their jacket? She scanned each target and noticed that the blue-haired guy was in a long sleeve shirt and didn't have a jacket, like the others.

There were nine boys in the combined two groups and out of the three girls, only Alessa was offered a jacket. This ga was treating Alessa as the pretty friend while ignoring the two plain ones, like so douchebag in a club.

How long do you think it will take to get a fire going? Girl NPC 2 asked.

It shouldnt take long. Fabian has had so wilderness training, Gideon said, sounding confident about his knights abilities.

Tori glanced over at the second campsite and crinkled her eyes. They didnt even have any kindling. What was Fabian going to start a fire with? Dirt?

While theyre setting up, do you girls want to sit by the fire? Tori motioned to the campfire between them. Its not very big, but its a bit warr closer to it.

Thank you!

I was hoping youd ask!

Toris fake smile started to hurt. She watched the two Girl NPCs scramble forward and instead of crouching near the fire to warm their hands, they lood over the log where Ilyana and Henrik were seated.

They didnt say a word, but it was obvious they wanted to sit on the log. Ilyana rolled her eyes and scooted down, forcing Henrik to scoot down, and making Sonia lower her arms to make room. The Girl NPCs smiled brilliantly, as if they just didnt use social pressure to get the seats.

You should stay here and get warm, Gideon told Alessa as he stood in front of her. You worked hard today.

Alessa pulled the jacket tighter around her. No, I'm part of the group! I can help set up!

Gideons face softened. Dont worry, we can set up the camp quickly and get the fire up in no ti.

Tori squinted. She couldnt believe she was forced to watch this at her own campsite. Turning to Ewan, she picked up the large spade that was next to the fire hole.

Help them clear a spot for a fire. When youre done, co back and well get them started with so kindling and the fla so they dont have to start from scratch, Tori said, handing him the spade. She leaned forward and lowered her voice. The sooner they have their own fire, the sooner theyll leave and we can eat in peace.

Any resistance Ewan had vanished and he smacked JPs arm as he passed. Grab so kindling for them. Just enough to start them off. We have plenty to last us.

JP raised a brow, glanced at Tori for confirmation, and then stood up once she nodded. JP gathered a bunch of twigs and a handful of bark and straw and followed Ewan to the other camp.

Thank you for your help, Lady Guevera, Alessa said as she picked up the bowls JP had put on the stump and placed them on the ground next to it so she could sit.

Tori could see her group mates barely contained disgust. Sonia reached over to pick up the bowls and dusted the bottom one off before putting it on her lap.

Ilyana took a deep breath and offered the Girl NPCs a pleasant smile. Were surprised to see you here. We strayed away from other groups so ti ago and hadnt seen anyone since we set up. Were you all looking for a place to set up camp?

Yes and no, Girl NPC 1 said. We were fishing and lost track of ti. We couldnt find a clear place to set up our camp and the sun set faster than we expected.

We were going to make do with camping in the brush or by the river, but Fabian slled smoke. Alessa looked excited as she spoke. Dimitri said it was likely another group and we walked a bit further and saw the fire.

Tori cursed the campfire, as if it had betrayed them.

You have to be more careful tomorrow night, Henrik said. He didnt bother to sound pleasant. Before the sun sets, you should be setting up camp. Its dangerous to continue when night falls.

We planned to, but we had an accident, Girl NPC 1 said. One of the Armada boys was refilling our water canisters after lunch and his bag fell into the river. It was swept away before anyone could get to it.

It was the bag that carried our food. Girl NPC 2 looked gutted by this, but then looked towards Alessa with admiring eyes. Luckily, Alessa caught so fish.

Tori stirred the pasta in the pot and crinkled her eyes. She went fishing? Is that like a side ga?

She heard giggling and from the stump, Alessa clapped her hands. I used to go fishing all the ti in Chetterswickshire. There were many streams near my ho. I also cleaned the fish myself. All we have to do is roast them now.

Oh...lucky, Sonia said with a nod. It wouldve been tragic if you had nothing to eat.

"Alessa isn't like other noble girls." Girl NPC 1 bragged openly. "She had no problem getting her hands dirty and gutting the fish."

Tori caught her three remaining group mates exchange silent, dubious looks, and she pulled in her lips to keep from snorting. I'm not like other noble girls because I can gut fish. Bitch, please. I watched my Marquess mother take part in a pig slaughter over the sumr just to get the entrails so she could make Papa the sausage he likes so much.

Fire pit is set up. JP returned and began to pick through the various burning sticks in their campfire.

Wheres Ewan?

Digging a toilet. JP pulled out one of the sticks that was lit up like a torch. Everyone out of the way!

He marched back, passing Gideon who was coming to retrieve the girls. Gideon swung out to the side to avoid the torch and glowered at JP before turning back to Toris camp. He approached Alessa and knelt down by the stump.

Once he starts the fire, well be ready to roast the fish you caught, he said. You really saved us, Alessa.

Both Girl NPCs chorused with agreent and Tori vaguely heard Sonia whisper its just fish under her breath.

Alessa rose to her feet and smiled. Great! Lets start imdiately! She motioned her hand up to signal the Girl NPCs to follow her and Tori wondered if she rembered that the other two didnt have jackets. She looked towards the other camp and could see JP crouched by a small glowing pile of embers, blowing into it while several other boys stood around like mannequins.

Thank you for the fire, Gideon said. Tori almost wanted to sneer. At least he had the decency to thank them. He craned his neck as he stood up to see what she was cooking and curled his lip in distaste. Enjoy your dinner.

He turned away and Tori put a lid with several rows of small holes along one side on top of the pot. She reached into her bag and put on the oven mitts she borrowed from her aunts kitchen and carried the pot to the tree line. She drained the water and then returned.

Call JP and Ewan back, she said as she removed the lid and put aside the oven mitts. Dinners almost ready.

Sonia got up to fetch their missing group mbers as Tori took out a thick glass jar filled with dark red sauce. She forced the lid open and poured its contents into the pot. The tal hissed and she used the tongs to coat the noodles with sauce thoroughly. The sll of onion and garlic mixed with tomato and sausage filled the area.

What is that? Sonia asked as she returned with Ewan and JP behind her. The two had went to wash their hands at the river and were drying their hands with a small piece of cloth. Ewan sniffed the air and bead.

That slls good....

Its spaghetti with tomato sauce and at. I made it the day before we left, then froze it in Aunties cold box, Tori said. Get our bowls out.

The sll seed to beco even more fragrant as Tori put a fist-sized bundle of noodles coated with sauce into each of the bowls. She then took the pot off the grill and fire and placed it on so rocks next to her to keep the remaining food from burning.

Wait..., Ewan said as he stabbed and lifted up a piece of cut at. Is this sausage?

Yeah, its the one the twins mom sent. Its kind of spicy.

No, its perfect, Sonia said as she let out a small, pleased moan. It still has that snap...its so good, Tori.

Hah. Its only because hunger is the best seasoning. Tori opened a small jar of grated cheese. You can add cheese.

And youre the one who cooked this? Henrik said as he lifted up a forkful. Sonia and JP put a healthy layer of cheese over their pasta.

Yes, Tori said. Tomorrow, were also having dried pasta, but its cheese and pepper with prosciutto. The pasta is good to keep up our energy.

My mouth is already watering.... Sonia mumbled.

No wonder you told us youd prepare the food, JP said. He shoved a forkful into his mouth and closed his eyes. This is just what we needed after todays hike.

Ewan laughed. Praise the group leader!

Praise the group leader!

Tori nearly choked on her pasta as she laughed. All right, all right...all of you worked hard, too, you know. You should be proud of yourselves for getting this far so smoothly. Ilyana, youve never been out in the forest before and Henrik, when we first started putting up the tents, you nearly put your eye out with one on the stakes. Now you can set up a tent faster than I can make a fire with fire steel. All of you have worked exceptionally hard and it shows. I am very proud of you all. She couldnt help but look at her little group fondly as they seed to beco shy at her unexpected praise. So, eat up. You deserve it. If youre still hungry, there's more in the pot.

In the end, they all got a little bit more and Ewan and Tori went to wash the dishes by the stream while Ilyana cut up slices of fruit. After four rounds of cards, of which Henrik accused Ilyana of counting cards, Tori snuffed out the fire hole and announced it was ti to sleep.

They returned to the stream in threes to wash their faces and rinse their mouths before bed, all while blatantly ignoring the other two groups and the sll of burnt fish. However, Tori was curious enough to glance over long enough to take in several bedrolls arranged in three layers around the fire.

Alessa and her friends were the closest, then the love interests seed to line up around her while the pack mules were the outer periter, furthest from the fire. Tori shook her head. They shouldve just made two fires.

She, Sonia, and Ilyana were the last to return and upon approaching their camp, saw the silhouettes of two young n standing in front Ewan, JP, and Henrik. Tori narrowed her eyes as she saw the pensive looks on their faces and knew it wasnt good.

She straightened her posture and put her shoulders back as she lifted her chin and strode forward. Whats going on? She used the tone she used when asking her direct reports at work why there was a hold up on a project.

Dimitri took the lead and stepped forward. Lady Guevera, youve already helped us a lot tonight and I hate to trouble you once more-

What do you want. She didnt an for it to co so sharp, but she was tired and wanted to sleep. She gave Dimitri a deadpan look. Its late and my group is tired, Mr. Guthry. We walked all day and deserve a comfortable rest. She looked at him and gave a nod to her group mates. Head inside and get so sleep. We need to wake up early tomorrow.

JP ushered his sister and Ilyana into their tents, but lingered just outside, appearing hesitant to retreat. Ewan and Henrik also remained standing where they were with displeased expressions.

The bad feeling in Toris gut grew stronger. She looked back at Dimitri and gave him a curt nod. You should go to sleep, too. Its late.

Dimitri seed to hesitate. About sleeping....

Its cold out tonight. Gideon cut in front of him and glowered at Tori. We think that the girls should sleep in the tents.

I fucking knew it! She crossed her arms over her chest and cocked her head to the side. They were asking for too much considering the circumstances. Our girls are sleeping in our tents. We spent nearly a week practicing setting them up.

And it shows! Dimitri said. However.... He looked back towards his own camp, where the girls in his group were huddled by the fire.

Tori followed his gaze and then looked back at him. I dont understand. Fuck you, assholes. Im not giving up shit.

You have three tents, Gideon said with a glare. Surely, you can spare one so that Alessa and the other girls dont have to sleep outside in the cold.

She was seething. She t his eyes with a hardened glare of her own. No. We cant spare one. Her voice dropped and took a step forward, as if ready to fight him. We spent days preparing for this excursion and only packed the bare minimum supplies to provide for our group. She pointed towards Ewan and Henrik and JP past them. Those three carried our tents and now youre saying they cant sleep in them?

A look of surprise filled Gideons face, as if stunned she had the audacity to reject him. He soon narrowed his eyes. Thats very self-

Selfish? Tori mocked. Selfish is not properly preparing your group and then demanding that another make up for your losses at their expense. I am the leader of Lions Gate, Your Highness. It is my responsibility to make sure my group is safe and taken care of until we reach the end point and I will not allocate our few resources - that we had to scrape together, because another group was ill-equipped. You didn't accidentally lose your tents; you didn't bring any.

She took a step back and let out a heavy breath as she continued your tirade. We have already helped you find a place to camp, lent you tools, and gave you fire so you can stay warm and eat. Your group mates said it was too dark to find firewood, so we gave you so of ours. Between two groups with twelve people, I would think one or two of you would be better prepared than this!

Wow.... JP said in a whisper as he leaned towards Henrik. Shes really taking this leader thing seriously.

Henrik nodded blankly. Praise to the leader...."

Lady Guevera! Another boy ran up to them and Tori almost wanted to scream. Montan, with his face still full of disdain, stood in front of her. How much do you want for your tent? Na your price.

Tori stared at him in disbelief before slowly narrowing her eyes. She shook her head and walked past them. You three, get in your tents, she ordered as she passed Ewan and the others. They stepped back as she stord past. She knelt down and reached into her tent, pulling out her bag and then digging through.

Tori? Ilyana looked worried.

Tori didnt reply as she pulled out two more tightly balled navy bundles. She held them out as she stood and shook them so they could puff up. Her other arm moved back and she shook off her own vest as she walked past the love interests.

Her boots crunched on the dirt and dead leaves as she walked towards the second camp.

You three girls! She said as she barely resisted the urge to stomp over the laid-out bedrolls. Alessa and her friends turned around and Tori thrust a vest at each of them. I designed these. Theyre spider silk and wool quilted with goose down. Theyll keep your bodies warm and pack easily. I wont give up my groups tents, but I can give you these.

The trio were confused at first, but Girl NPC 2 put her arm through and folded the front flaps over her chest. Her eyes widened; she mustve noticed the chill was already being blocked. Her face broke out in a smile as she looked at Girl NPC 1.

Alessa and Girl NPC 1 put on the vests as Girl NPC 2 looked up at Tori with a grateful expression. Thank you, Lady Guevera! Well give them back to you in the morning.

Tori shook her head. No. We have one more night after this. Just return them after the excursion, when we get back to campus.

She didnt wait for them to acknowledge her and marched back to her camp. The love interests stepped aside and she ignored them despite her need to turn back and slap a few.

As she reached her campsite, the others looked out of their tents.

Tori...are you okay? Ewan asked.

She stopped just in front of her tent and took a deep breath. Dont feel guilty about not giving up your tents.

Henrik snorted. I dont!

She cracked a small smile. I gave them my vest and the spares. Itll at least keep them from freezing. Thats sothing, right?

She heard a few mutters and Ewan spoke up once more. Thanks for not making us give up our tents, Tori. I know theyre not happy about this.

She nodded, about to kneel down and crawl into her tent, when she froze. Shit...did I just make more enemies?