Piers house across from Universit was also close to Lyce. Henrik revealed that he had registered the comcry of the buildings caretaker, Mr. Aldir, who was one of Piers personal valets from the imperial palace. Mr. Aldir would give Henrik access to a ground floor room that could only be entered by entering the building itself.
The ground floor rooms that Tori rented had separate entrances facing the inner courtyard for ease of access to the carriage house. Piers had told her that the house once belonged to a wealthy family that died out and was turned into a multi-flat apartnt decades earlier.
The owners wanted to sell it and move back to their ancestral village, so Piers was able to purchase it and sent Mr. Aldir to oversee the renovations. That explained why Piers and Axtons flat was so extravagant while the rest of the building appeared average and not heavily modified.
The ground floor interior rooms included Mr. Aldirs flat, a supply room for the buildings upkeep, a supply room for the knights, a kitchen and dining area for the knights that functioned as a break room, a small reading room, and an office. Henriks papers were filed away in the office, in his own special cabinet.
When did he start keeping them there? Ilyana asked as she walked towards their horoom. While Tori didnt want to let many people know, Ilyanas na was also on the paperwork and it was good for her to know where the docunts were, if needed. Its not surprising that hed find a secure place, but I didnt think hed go to Prince Piers.
Piers suggested it early on, apparently, Tori said. Henrik doesnt feel comfortable storing all our important docunts in his dorm, since he has a roommate, and he isnt ho most of the ti. Not to ntion his house is across town. Its much more convenient to have them at Piers house since its close and secure. Henrik trusts Piers because I trust Piers.
Ilyana nodded in understanding. Its good to have powerful friends.
Tori snickered. Yes, but he cant protect us from everything. With the leak on the Lunar Pavilion, we might as well start releasing bits of information here and there. If we try to keep it a secret, our opponents may grow more daring to find out more. I dont want to put anyone in a worriso situation.
Should we talk to JP?
Lets start off with the guild masters. Their words would be taken more seriously. Ill also talk to Axton about releasing so information on his portion of the inn, Tori said. They reached their classroom and were one of the first to arrive. Ilyana put their breakfast pastries on the table. Tori carefully picked out her croissant and then fished out a new bottle she had made in Viclya.
The design on the outside were sea motifs and her initials were on the lid. Tori carefully unscrewed it, turning the lid into a cup, and poured out the still warm coffee with sweet cream shed made that morning.
Is it keeping the coffee warm?
Yes, the ceramic around the bottle is supposed to keep the contents hot or cold longer. Im going to see how long it lasts. Tori bit the end of her croissant and then dipped it into her drink. In her original world, shed usually do this with hot chocolate, but rembered watching her grandparents dip bread into their morning coffee. She missed the chocolatey taste, but this was still good.
Mr. Tobias said that since were feeding Prince Gideon, Mama J had included so of his favorite pastries.
That was thoughtful of her. What did she include?
Scones stuffed with sweet cream and jam.
You have scones with sweet cream and jam? A voice spoke up behind Tori as Gideon reached them. He stopped beside his desk and put his bag down, his eyes fixed on the wrapped pastries on Ilyana and Toris desks. He didnt move to take one, but had a hopeful look on his face.
Were you behind us the whole ti? Tori asked, jerking her head back.
No, I was coming from the commons, Gideon said. He glanced at them curiously. Agafonova, you brought a lot this morning.
Tori and Ilyana exchanged a quiet look. Ilyana sighed and pushed forward two small packets. Mama J sent you so scones with sweet cream and jam. You can thank her the next ti you visit the cafe.
Gideons face brightened at once. Thank you! He happily accepted the two pastries and sat down to unwrap them.
By the way, do you also have a nanny? Tori asked.
Gideon had already opened one of the packets and nodded, distracted as he admired the delicious pastry. She was only with until I was twelve. She went to Nord to assist my cousins with their small children.
Didnt Nanny Rey stay with you until you were twelve, also? Ilyana asked. Tori nodded.
Yeah. Twelve is about the age when nannies are released from their positions, unless there is a special reason to keep them employed, like with Mama J and Nanny Rey.
That reminds , I should call her to confirm that our dagger lessons are on hold this week for midterm exams. Ilyana quietly chided herself for forgetting. I need to call her when I get back to the dorm.
Gueveras nanny gives dagger lessons? Gideon was opening his second pastry as he looked over his shoulder. How much do they cost? Is she still taking students?
Tori lifted a hand to stop him. Nanny Rey specifically ca here to teach Ilyana how to use a dagger. She also took on teaching Albert, and sotis Ewan and I get training from her. It is not an open class.
Gideon looked at her with confusion. Your nanny ca to teach Agafonova?
Ilyana is very important to , and I want her to learn so sort of self-defense, Tori said in a low voice. Shed never forget how she felt when she found out that Ilyana was stalked and almost assaulted one winter.
Ilyana leaned towards her and rested her head on Toris shoulder. I want to learn to defend myself and it is good exercise. Im not as good as Tori, but Nanny Rey says Im a quick learner.
Youre better than Albert.
Albert is surprisingly uncoordinated.
Gideon chewed his last pastry slowly before looking back at them with so trepidation. Agafonova, are you having your reviews for exams this week?
Ilyana nodded. After classes today and the next three days, each covering different subjects. She narrowed her eyes. The ban still stands.
Tori tilted her head to the side and held back a small laugh as Gideons face fell. He lowered his head. I see....
Ilyana looked at Tori and wrinkled her nose. But, since Tori is your guard, it would be good for her to know where you are. You may attend all the reviews. This ti.
Tori chuckled and patted Ilyanas arm as Gideon smiled gratefully. Thank you, Agafonova. My ranking has dropped, and Id like to raise it.
Ilyana muttered under her breath, but didnt respond.
Perhaps it was because it was midterm exam week that everything was quiet and no one bothered her, but despite the stress of studying, the week flew by. Ewan had told them that it was also his midterm exam week at La Garda, but aside from so tests on conduct and strategy, they were taken to the woods to run instructor-reviewed exercises.
Those exercises would run into the weekend, so he pleaded with them to send him food when he returned. Normally, Tori would be happy to oblige and prepare so filling jambalaya for him herself, but that weekend and after school the following week, she had plans. Ewan would have to make do with Senior Southards at pies and burritos made by Mama Js sons.
The morning after her last midterm exam, Tori t Instructor Ignatius and Master Ramos at Piers' house. At the ti, Sir Lloyd was watching Alexander gallivant around the courtyard and get so sun.
After this, Master Alexander will go with His Highness to the imperial palace. He will be always leashed, my lady. Rest assured, Master Alexander will be safe, Sir Lloyd told her.
Has he been eating well? Drinking water? Tori asked.
Yes, my lady. As per your instruction, the imperial veterinarian has examined him, and Master Alexander is growing well. It is suspected that his abnormally large size is attributed to the breed of whoever sired him. His father may have been a temple cat.
Ah, so perhaps he is a Declian Temple cat, Master Ramos said as he moved around a feather attached to a stick for Alexander to pounce on. They dont normally have such long fur.
Whats a Declian Temple cat? Tori asked as she unpacked so treats she had made for him.
In the southern continent, the temples breed large, agile cats to catch rodents and snakes. As the climate is hot, they dont have long fur. Theyre quite an ancient breed and have a long history, Master Ramos told her. Declya is the region from which they ca. It is famous for its necropolises.
Tori slowly crinkled her eyes and turned towards him. Necropolises...as in burial cities?
Yes, the temples of Declya are dedicated to the afterlife and Omnie, god of death. They are often depicted with two temple cats, one white and one black, both with gold eyes. The white cat is the judge, the black cat is the guide. They say Declian Temple cats can sense death approaching.
Tori looked at Alexander, rolling on his back with his paws in the air and batting at the feather. My cat is a death cat.... A cute death cat.
My apologies for oversleeping! Instructor Ignatius stumbled out of the ground floor flat where he was staying, his hair a ss. I didnt get much sleep on the journey here last night. I forgot how tiring it was.
Its all right, Instructor. We have so ti before we et Dean Zanuto, Tori said, checking her ti piece. Lets go.
Universit had several entrances, and the School of Natural Sciences was at the west end of the campus, furthest away from Lyce and Piers house. The carriage circled the sprawling campus that took up much of the Academic Quarter and arrived at the main gate to the west end.
Tori squinted and leaned towards her crystal-tinted windows. It was a weekend, and she didnt expect to see that many people.
Which one of them is Dean Zanuto? There were seven people standing beneath the pergola by the west entry gate and all except for one had displeased looks on their faces.
Instructor Ignatius peered over the top of her head and Master Ramos craned his neck. He frowned and narrowed his eyes. It seems that the imperial order allowing you access to the restricted areas was taken worse than we thought.
Those are the heads of Universits various schools, Instructor Ignatius said in a weak voice. Dean Zanuto is the tall dark-haired man with gray temples in the center.
The one scowling as if you killed his loved ones, Master Ramos added with a snort of irritation.
The carriage rolled to a stop in front of the gate and the footman jumped off to open the door. Instructor Ignatius stepped out first followed by Master Ramos and then Tori. She reached into the carriage, pulled out a large bag, and slung it over her shoulder.
Good afternoon, Tori said as she faced the Universit heads. She gave them a little bow of her head, but was leaning to one side to keep her balance with her heavy bag. Instructor Ignatius reached over to take it from her so she wouldnt topple over.
Dean Zanuto looked her up and down and opened his mouth to say sothing, only for the Dean of Mathematics, Princess Vivian, to cut him off.
Countess Tori, welco to Universit! The woman was bright and cheerful with a warm smile as she squeezed past Master Ramos to take Toris hands. She leaned forward as she brought Tori close and whispered in her ear. Dont be afraid, my dear, I wont let them bully you.
Tori relaxed a bit and smiled back. She squeezed Princess Vivians hand. Thank you.
Zanuto, what is the aning of this? Master Ramos said as he puffed out his chest and glared at the graying man in a suit. Are you trying to intimidate my pupil?
Dont be absurd, Master Ramos, Dean Zanuto said with a proud look. He lifted his chin and looked at Tori with disdain. Many of us were curious about the young lady the Emperor ordered to allow access to our collections and vaults.
Hmph. Master Ramos stood beside Tori. If you have questions, you can ask us inside. Universits hospitality has waned since I was here. Who holds their introductions outdoors? You wait until Imperial Grand Scholar Sophos hears about how you treated his granddaughter!
Tori drew in her lips to keep from laughing as Dean Zanutos face reddened. We ca to et you. Coffee and cakes have been prepared in the greenhouse pavilion.
Follow us, Master Ramos. Princess Vivian held on to Toris arm and led her down a path to a large building facing the west gate. Just beyond it, Tori could see the glass and tal of a greenhouse. Is this your first ti on Universit grounds?
Tori nodded. Yes, Your Highness. Ive passed by it often, but Ive never set foot here before.
Youll find that its quite large. Each of the departnts takes up about as much room as Lyce du Soleil. There are nurous libraries and research facilities that take up more room than lecture halls and offices. Its extrely easy to get lost, so be sure to stay with a vault keeper.
Toris head continued to bob up and down as Princess Vivian tried to ease the tension by chattering away. As Dean Zanuto said, a table with coffee and so pastries were waiting for them in a small pavilion inside the green house. Tori was seated in the center with Master Ramos to one side and Instructor Ignatius on the other. Princess Vivian took her seat at one end of the table.
Once everyone was seated, Tori decided to go straight for it.
Thank you all for taking ti to et with today. Im unsure if you were inford by His Majesty Emperor Matthieu-Philippe, but I am here to do a crystal experint that requires access to one of the restricted vaults. While I cannot disclose the details of my experint, I will be supervised by both my crystal masters and accompanied by the vault keeper.
Countess Guevera, before we allow you inside, I believe it would be common courtesy to at the very least inform us of your experint, Dean Zanuto said as he sat at the other end of the table.
So Universit staff who dealt with such social eting preparations ca forward to begin pouring coffee for the seated faculty and guests.
Tori looked towards Master Ramos for confirmation. Though he was frowning, he still gave her a small, affirmative nod.
I am experinting with the combination of charms and crystals by engraving crystals with the characters typically used in charms in order to program them as one would a charm, Tori said.
A few people looked at her curiously. Soone leaned forward with suspicious eyes. I heard that you and Master Ignatius have created a cooking plate using carnelian. I noticed that the carvings in the carnelian are in Old Sulfae. Are you well-versed in the language?
As far as speaking, no. Reading and writing as I would normally is not very sophisticated. Im not very familiar with the tenses, conjugations, or have a large vocabulary. What I know Ive learned from dissecting charms.
A series of murmurs swept over the table and several uncertain glances were casted in her direction.
With all due respect, Countess, is it safe for you to experint without understanding the language? one of the deans asked.
It was a valid question.
A person can know the language; read it, write it, and speak it eloquently, but would not know how to use the characters on a charm. There is a particular way it needs to be written. The best way to describe it is a specific code and only when that code is written correctly will it work. There have been many tis where I wrote a charm, but one character was incorrect or misplaced, and the charm could not be activated at all.
When she started dissecting charms to figure out how to program crystals, it had given her horrible flashbacks to learning C when she was in high school in her original world. Sure, she was at the top of the class, but it also made her never want to go into computer science. Who knew that her entire previous lifeti of avoiding coding to the point where she actively declined opportunities at work would be aningless.
The Countess also uses , Benedict, and her brother, Kasen de Guevera, as reference when working with Old Sulfae. All three of us have studied the language extensively, Master Ramos said. He narrowed his eyes and looked around the table. I am sure you are all familiar with Lord Kasen de Guevera?
My brother is a genius! Tori had to hold herself back from shalessly exclaiming her thoughts. I understand that you may be concerned that damage could be done to the collection should sothing go wrong with my experint; however, we have conducted a trial experint using different resources. The engraving does work as planned, though it was with a much smaller sampling than we plan to do.
What is the purpose of your experint? another dean asked.
It is to detect a sample without actively touching it. The trial experint was able to detect types of seafood in dishes, Tori said. The goal is detection from a distance.
This can potentially be used for food allergies, Princess Vivian said with so enthusiasm. Or finding minerals in soil samples.
Yes, with the right programming and registry, which should be possible, Tori nodded.
How much ti will you need?
I am not yet sure, Tori said. As she didnt have access to the vault or any information on it, she didnt know how many items she needed to register. The initial preparation would take several minutes, and she would need to do checks in between every few items registered to make sure the procedure was working.
If it werent, shed have to start all over or at the very least, repeat a step. For the dozen different seafood, she had used prior, which included fish, shellfish, and marine vegetation, it had taken her at least a day and a half, as she did checks to test the use of the crystal after every sample was registered.
To her knowledge, the number of samples that could be registered was near infinite. She had to consider the possibility that the crystal could have an unexpected limit in the middle of registering samples, in which case, shed need to prepare a second crystal.
Tori cut through a small tart as she went over the procedures in her head once more.
Do you expect any dangers while doing this experint? soone asked. Crystals can be volatile if too much energy is used.
I dont expect any dangers such as crystals exploding or reaching crystal fatigue, Tori said. As I said, if the Old Sulfae used is out of order or incorrect, there will be no effect. The energy used is miniscule. Rather than the experint itself, what Id consider a danger is the exposure to the items in the vault.
She ate a piece of her tart and could feel the critical eyes on her. The silent question was obvious: what items in the vault would be considered dangerous?
Countess Guevera, you have yet to disclose which restricted vault you require access to, Dean Zanuto said as he lowered his coffee.
Tori nodded and put her fork down. I require access to the toxicology vault.
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