It was that dull, throbbing headache again. The low buzzing in her ears also seed to surround her and she shut her eyes. She wouldnt describe herself as dizzy, but certainly she felt a bit off. She reached out to try to steady herself, but there was nothing for her to hold on to.
She heard muddled yelling cutting through the haziness. She tried to open her eyes, but they remained shut. For a mont, her heart froze.
The last thing she rembered was falling. She exerted too much energy far too quickly to move earth with crystals, so she was sure she was crystal fatigued again. She lost her balance, fell, and passed out, then that was it.
How long was she unconscious this ti?
The yelling grew louder, and she couldnt make out the words, only the frantic voices.
Did I go back? The thought crossed her mind, and she didnt know how to feel about it. There was both a sense of relief and disappointnt. She could see the friends and family she left behind...but she also left behind friends and family.
...arrogant bastard!
The voice was so familiar, Tori felt her heart clench. That was Ilyanas voice. She heard it practically every day, and while Ilyana raised her voice when she was extrely excited or angry, it was rare that Ilyana called anyone a bastard.
Regardless, hearing Ilyanas voice ant that she hadnt gone back. Tori felt more relieved than she thought she would be.
Her eyes began to open, as if automatically. It was daylight and she could make out the blue sky, so she was outside, but everything was blurry. She wanted to cock her head, but it wouldnt move.
The clear sky surprised her. That morning was gray and cloudy. When did the sky clear up? Had she been passed out all day? And did they leave her unconscious body outside?
Dont get fucking near her! Ilyanas voice was hyper aggressive, and Tori wanted to calm her at once.
Wait.
Ilyana wasnt with her at the orphanage. She shouldve been at Duel. She opened her mouth to ask what Ilyana was doing there and how long shed been out, but her words were different from what she intended.
Im fine. Dont worry about . She lifted her hand and gently brushed away the helping arms that had been holding her up. Tori felt cold. Her body was moving, but the movents werent hers.
Lady Victoria, dont stand! You hit your head! What if you fall?
Tori held her breath. Ilyana never called her Lady Victoria. Her eyes focused on the pretty, familiar face beside her, and Tori wanted to squint. She was Ilyana, but not her Ilyana. Her soft, silky brown hair had been chopped off and grown out rather awkwardly. Her clothes were sowhat unkempt, far from the usual perfect pressed uniform of the top ranked student. There were bags under her eyes, and she was thinner than before.
My hair cushioned my fall. Im not hurt, Tori heard her voice speaking. She tried to move her body, but found that she could control nothing. Her body stood up, but was as if she were just along for the ride.
Her hands went down to her skirt and gracefully brushed off any dirt and leaves that couldve clung on. She could feel herself doing the action, but couldnt control it. She, or her body, then turned her head towards a small group. They were all familiar, but Tori hadnt seen them like this in so ti.
Gideon was standing at the forefront with Dimitri at his side and Fabian on his other, shielding a pale, scared Alessa. Montan was there, too, right beside her as one of her hands clutched his sleeve for support.
You dare shove the daughter of Marquis Guevera, Tori heard herself saying. This was Victoria speaking; Tori was sure of it. There was such a natural and well-used arrogance in this voice. Is that what your parents taught you, Your Highness? I expected better.
Shut up! Gideon snapped. I wouldnt have pushed you if you didnt trip Alessa! Everyone saw what you did! He held his arms out to motion to the crowd around them.
The location was familiar. They were in one of the courtyards on campus, just outside so of the classrooms. She didnt know what ti it was, but there were plenty of students around them, watching.
She heard a thought echo around her. Ridiculous! I didnt trip the stupid blonde on purpose, she almost ran into Ilyana and I pulled Ilyana away. How was I supposed to know that shed run into instead and fall? There was an indignant snort. It isnt as if theyll listen to .
Those mustve been Victorias thoughts. Tori put the clues together.
She was in Victorias body, and this was an actual scene from the ga. It was weird and Tori wondered if she were having so sort of dream, but this did imdiately bring up the thought of point of view.
Everything Tori knew about the ga was a summary of the gaplay from the wiki-article. The original ga and its Universit sequel were all from the point of view of the heroine, Alessa Hart.
Then...its possible that Victorias actions were misinterpreted? GDI, Tori, you shouldve considered that. In Presidio, shed already figured out that Victoria was at odds with her local peers because they started the animosity and Victoria simply reciprocated and tried to best them in the limited ways she knew how, which mainly consisted of waving around her status.
Even if I tripped her, can you prove it was on purpose? Victoria asked in a haughty voice. If she ran into Agafonova and Agafonova fell, would you say I shoved Miss Hart forward because I happened to be standing here? Dont be ridiculous. Miss Hart ran into and fell on her own.
You expect us to believe that? Dimitri sneered.
You wouldnt believe anything that Miss Hart doesnt tell you, Victoria replied. Even if I did trip her on purpose, it does not give any of you permission to shove .
Tori wanted to nod with satisfaction. Huh...shes calr and more rational than I thought.
You deserve it, Fabian said in a low voice.
Victorias eyes narrowed. You know nothing about , Mr. von Dorn.
I know you bought your way in.
Its been proven that I havent, yet you still desperately cling to that, Victoria hissed. It seems that the rumors of Victorias temper werent for nothing. Tori could feel her growing annoyed quickly.
Your ranking is rock bottom for our year, Dimitri glared at her. He looked towards Ilyana. I told you before, Miss Agafonova, you shouldnt waste your ti with Lady Guevera. Shell only bring you down. You went from entering rank two to the low sixties.
Tori heard heavy breathing behind her, and Victoria looked towards Ilyana. The girls face was red, and her hands were clenched at her sides. Tears were in her eyes and the thought clicked.
This Victoria didnt force Ilyana to get guards for their first winter break. No guards ant no one protected her when she was in the inn that winter, aning....
Oh my God, Ilyana.... Tori felt her heart tear. No wonder Ilyana looked so worn and thin. No wonder her grades had dropped.
In the ga, Ilyana had been assaulted. This wasnt ntioned in the article as Alessa didnt know.
Shut up, Guthry! Victoria moved to stand in front of Ilyana. Tori could feel the surge of anger and frustration. She has nothing to do with this! You can fight all you want, but leave Agafonova alone! Ilyana, I told you not to get involved with , a pained voice echoed around Tori. Why didnt you listen to ? I cant let them know what happened to you.
Its not her fault! Ilyana insisted.
Agafonova, just go back to the room! Victoria nearly barked over her shoulder. She turned back to glare at Alessas posse of love interests. Im not going to waste any more of my ti talking to these dogs sniffing up her skirt.
She turned around and felt soone grasp her wrist. Victoria snapped her head around and found Gideon gripping her wrist and boring his eyes into her. Apologize to Alessa!
Im not apologizing to anyone, Victoria replied in a cold voice. And if I did, Id like to have actually done the act first. If you want an apology.... She ripped her arm away from Gideons grasp. Then Ill gladly trip her on purpose.
Gideons eyes widened. You! Youre just jealous of her!
Victoria balked. You think Im jealous of a poor barons daughter?
Dont try to hide it, Fabian said. Youve been following His Highness since our first year and always telling him to stay away from Alessa. His Highness only danced with Alessa the night of his coming-of-age ball, even though you were on the recomndation list.
I didnt want to be on that list! The only reason I paid attention is because I dont trust Hart! Are you sure youre not the one jealous, Sir von Dorn? After all, its your liege who got to dance with her. Not you. She smirked and Tori silently comnded her for trying to hit where it hurt. Youd be more fitting with her, dont you think? A knight from a fallen family and a poor barons daughter. Does His Highness know?
Fabians face reddened. I am loyal to Prince Gideon!
For how long? Victoria scoffed.
Thats enough from you, Lady Guevera, Dimitri said, cutting in. If you apologize to Alessa, you can go.
Oh, I can go? You will allow to go, Victoria sneered back at him. You are in no place to order around, Mr. Guthry.
If not him, then what about ? Gideon asked. I am the second Prince of Soleil.
Tori felt an unexpected feeling of loathing around her. Did OG Victoria hate the second prince, too? Then why did the ga say she was in love with him? Did love turn into hate?
Is this an order from the second Prince of Soleil? Victoria said, keeping her voice restrained.
Gideon didnt hesitate. It is an order.
Hah...throwing his weight around. No wonder Kasen and Sebastian dont think hes fit to be the crown prince. Victoria took a deep breath. She forced a wry smile on her face and gave Alessa a mocking bow. Apologies.
Everyone could tell that she didnt an it, but as soon as she said it, she turned around and began to walk away.
What kind of parents do you have that would teach their daughter to be so rude? Dimitri said in a low voice. How can such a family run one of the marches yet still produce a daughter like you?
Victoria stopped and Tori could feel her anger. Her family was obviously a sensitive topic to her. She turned around and faced Dimitri and the others with an arrogant expression.
My family has served this empire since it was founded, Mr. Guthry. They have done so well doing so that your little village has not been ripped apart by war and your entire family hasnt been slaughtered. You can criticize all you want, but do not question my family.
This only seed to goad Dimitri further.
Then perhaps you should act like a proper noble daughter.
And what is a proper noble daughter supposed to act like? Like her? Victoria lifted a manicured finger at Alessa. Alessa gasped and seed to shrink further behind Montan. Hiding behind four n because she doesnt want to get scolded for running into another person? Should I cry and apologize so people will pity ? Victoria sneered once more. A marquis family doesnt raise such pathetic children.
No, instead they raised an arrogant, stubborn, stupid daughter! Gideon growled. I shouldve had you expelled when I could!
I havent done anything to be expelled for.
Youve been bullying another student! Montan shouted.
Its not a secret that you openly mock her, make fun of her for being poor, and then use your status to push her around, Guthry said.
Victoria rolled her eyes. Is she not poor? Everyone knows thats a fact. Am I not allowed to criticize her? Or point out her flaws and mistakes? Is it my fault the so-called proper noble manners you deny I have are also absent in her? Victoria looked at Alessa, disgusted. And am I supposed to stay silent when everyone thinks Im bullying her simply because she cowers every ti she sees after I scolded her for telling people I bought my way in or cheated?
Because its true, Gideon said.
Im not the one who condemned another student for an unfounded rumor when we moved in first year, Your Highness, Victoria said in a low voice. Nor was I the one who went around telling everyone I bought my way in. Or did you forget that shes the one who spread it through the dorms that I bought my way in without checking?
I didnt an to! Alessa cried out. I only heard it when I moved in. I ntioned it to a few people I t, but I didnt spread it around on purpose.
Victoria looked at her. You did it, but you didnt do it on purpose. My reputation was damaged from that point on and all you can say is that you didnt an to. And you wonder why I dont like you.
Alessas eyes filled with tears. Lady Guevera, I told you many tis already, Im sorry. It was an accident.
Dont cry! Ilyana hadnt taken two steps away from Victoria. All you ever do is cry and ask other people for help!
I dont! Alessa said. Theyre my friends!
Alessa is right. Shes our friend and well protect her, Fabian said.
Thats right, Dimitri added. Everyone likes Alessa. Shes never done anything to hurt anyone on purpose.
So, youre saying hurting other people accidentally is acceptable? But she runs into and falls, and you push to the ground, Victoria asked. You know what, thats an act of violence against a student. Im going to report you. She looked at Gideon proudly and turned around once more.
You cant report him! Alessa ran forward, pushing her way through her protective wall of love interests to get to Victoria. Lady Guevera! Please stop! You cant!
Lets see if hell be crown prince now after he pushes noble daughters for no reason.... Victoria grumbled. My family will never support you and if my family doesnt, you bet OTuagh wont, either.
Alessa grabbed onto her arm and pulled her backwards. Please, Lady Guevera! Dont! Gideon was only trying to protect !
How is he going to protect you, who already fell, by pushing Lady Victoria? Ilyana said, red-faced.
Let go, Miss Hart! Victoria tried to pull her arm away, but Alessa held her tighter.
Ill stay away from him! Ill stay away from him from now on. How about that? Alessa began to ramble on, looking at Victoria with hope. As long as I stay away from him, wont you be able to take your place as his prospective fiance?
Victorias face heated up and Tori felt a wave of disgust. No!
Alessa, dont say such a thing! Gideon shouted from behind them. I wont see such a woman!
Tori wanted to scream out that she didnt want to see him either, but she wasnt in control. Let go!
In a final act to rid herself of Alessa, Victoria pushed Alessas shoulder at the sa ti she pulled back her arm. Alessa stumbled backwards at the force, tripped over the ground, and fell on her bottom.
Alessa! Several screams rang out, as if Alessa had been shot.
Violence against a student! Montan yelled. Soone call a teacher!
Shes the one who wouldnt let go! Victoria argued. Another hand clamped on her arm and pulled her back.
Dont even think about running away, Fabian hissed. You pushed her down!
Let her go! Ilyana rushed forward and Fabian took a step forward to block her.
This is none of your business, Agafonova! he shouted and raised his other arm threateningly.
Ilyanas face turned pale, and Tori noticed the terrified look on her face. Her heart tightened once more, worried that Ilyana had lingering trauma from the assault. Victoria pulled hard against Fabian, but couldnt escape his grip.
Dont touch her! Dont you dare touch her! Victoria scread like a mad woman. Ilyana!
Saying her na seed to fill Ilyana with an expected surge of anger. She shot to her feet and rushed forward once more. Let her go!
Before she reached Victoria, Ilyana was violently pulled back and nearly tossed to the side by Dimitri. Miss Agafonova, if you insist on helping Lady Guevera-
His sentence was never completed.
Ilyana had rushed forward and slamd her fist into his face. Dont touch my friend!
Holy shit. Tori wanted to cry. Ilyana was hysterical. Her hand was red and didnt seem to close properly as she rushed to Victorias other side and pulled her away as Fabian stood, stunned.
Dimitri had stumbled back, his hands covering his face. Blood was seeping down his chin and between his pale fingers. His eyes were wide as Alessas screaming could be heard in the background.
Victoria grabbed on to Ilyana and held her against her, protectively shielding her body as she shot an angry glare at Alessa and the love interests. If it were Tori, she probably wouldve done the sa.
There was shouting coming from behind them and the teachers arrived.
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