How could you do this? Ilyanas face was red, and her lower lip trembled with indignation. After what he did and said about you?
Do you have ti to do this? Our final exams are coming and youre short of ti as is, Henrik said with a frown as he sat on a plush chair. Ilyana paced in front of the hearth at Cafe Fortuna, unable to calm down after Tori told them that she would be visiting Dimitri every other day.
Tori took a deep breath from where she sat on the settee. I couldnt see his mother like that. Besides, if he doesnt get better, he cant do his public service.
Ilyana snorted with indifference. She clearly wasnt buying it.
You do too much, Sonia said as she put down her coffee. You already have so much to do. What ti do you have to spare to make ho visits?
Tori rubbed her left temple with her fingers. I know its irresponsible of to take on this task, but his mother and father were miserable.
Youre not responsible for their familys happiness, JP said in a firm voice.
Helping people makes Tori happy. She cannot help herself. A low voice spoke up behind them. Tori didnt need to tilt her head back to know it was Piers. He stood behind her and looked down with a glint of worry in his eyes. But this is too much.
I just want to get him in a routine, so he doesnt starve himself and waste away.
How long will this take? Ilyana demanded as she put her hands on her hips.
I dont know.
Tori-
I know I shouldnt have told him what I said, but I did, and it would be cruel to take it back! Tori sat up on the settee. She frowned at the others. You put a dying teenager in front of with his mother begging for help and you expect to pretend I didnt see it? I know youre just worried about my health because I do so much, but at least I have you all to depend on. I have my family, my masters, even my villagers. What does Guthry have in comparison? His own relatives have distanced themselves from him and his mother. His father isnt even talking to him. I dont like him, but I dont want to see him waste away. I can at least try to help him.
Her friends were quiet, and Ilyana lowered her eyes.
Does it have to be every other day? Albert asked in a quiet voice.
Just until he starts walking more and is a bit healthier. Im also talking to his mother and the maid to make a schedule for him to help him recover, Tori said as she slumped back against the cushions. Im still leaving as planned for Presidio, so Ill do what I can before then.
Do you think hell actually get better? JP asked. He had a nervous breakdown. From what our neighbor told us, recovery can be difficult, and patients can beco volatile or depressed.
Tori nodded. With the right help, he can heal. His breakdown was a result of all his pressure and stress. Once he is calr, we can address those little by little, help him work on handling his stress, and hell get better.
Ilyana was frowning and Sonias lip curled up. You dont want him to?
He blad Tori for the ceiling collapse! Ilyana threw her arm out.
And you punched him for . Lets just put that aside for now. Besides I dont think he fully comprehended what he was saying at the ti, Tori replied and frowned. But dont misconstrue my actions. I dont forgive him either.
You have a surprising way of showing it, JP said with a slight grin. Tori shrugged.
It doesnt hurt for the Guthrys to owe a favor. They are a political dynasty, and they know enough to know they can recover, even if it isnt in this generation, Tori told them.
While her actions appeared foolish and even frustrating to her friends, there was a bit of selfishness also driving her. She didnt know what would happen if Dimitri died and worried about any possible reaction that could negatively affect her. There was also the thought that if she did this now, then he would be less likely to have a hand in her death later.
Did you promise anything else? JP asked. Tori tensed a bit and avoided his eyes. She could feel their eyes drilling into her. Tori.
I said Id give him guidance on his project once its been cleared by the school to continue.
Tori! Ilyana threw her arms in the air and turned around. She let out a groan and leaned forward against the fra of the hearth, lifting her fist and making tired thuds against the brick. Why are you doing this to yourself?
With his background, is there really no one who could help him? Henrik asked as he raised a brow.
Tori took a deep breath and exhaled. The better question is who would be willing to at this point? The group went quiet with the knowledge that it was unlikely that the contacts of the forr Pri Ministers family would continue their forr relationships to their past extent.
If thats the case, is his project still under review? Sonia asked.
I havent a clue, but it should be released before he returns in the fall.
Tori estimated that with the ti they reported to her in the beginning, it would be another few months. She expected Dimitris project review to be completed and released back to him soti in the middle of the sumr, just before he returned to Lyce to re-start his third year.
What she didnt expect was that one afternoon, the week before final exams, she would be called to Headmaster Laurents office to discuss Dimitri.
Tori climbed up the steps to the Administration Building, already tired without having heard the Headmasters news yet. Mr. Legaspi t her at the door and gave her a small nod. Countess Guevera, thank you for coming.
Usually, instructors and staff would forgo a students social title and address them as miss or mister, with the exception of imperial family mbers. If they were outside of Lyce, then their social title would be used. Instructor Ignatius always called her Miss Guevera in class or in a school function, but would revert to Lady Guevera when they were outside.
It seed that whatever the Headmaster summoned her for wasnt sothing related to school.
Mr. Legaspi led her into the Headmasters office and opened the door for her. Headmaster Laurent stood from his seat and gave her a solid look as she arrived.
Good afternoon, Countess Guevera, Headmaster Laurent said as he motioned for her to take a seat. I was given your na by Madam Guthry as a local contact regarding Young Mr. Guthrys Lyce project.
For a mont, Tori sat on the leather chair with a blank expression. ...I hate being responsible. She ntally groaned and wanted to punch the seat cushion, however, held it back and kept a neutral look on her face. Yes, their family is having a bit of a situation that makes it difficult for them to co. She did tell Dimitri that she would give him guidance; she might as well go the whole way. Has Young Mr. Guthrys Lyce project completed its review?
Yes, my lady. His project was reviewed, and instructors and advisors have prepared notes to help him correct the errors in his project and put him in the right direction, Headmaster Laurent said as he pushed forward a leather folio. It was roughly as thick as her thumb and Tori pulled it towards her.
She didnt hesitate to open the folio as she put it on her lap. The first page was an objective report on what the project was and what occurred, the tiline of events, and the original budget and the actual spending. Then ca a review of Dimitris last few reports along with assessnts from various instructors and advisors who reviewed the project. Flags had previously been raised on where there were so issues with his project, but Dimitri either didnt fix them or did not follow through as was needed.
The further she went along the report, the more marks and flags there were. At the bottom of the folio was a separate report with what the advisors recomnded Dimitri do. Of course, Dimitri wasnt obliged to follow their recomndations, but anyone in the right mind who was at such a point would likely have no other choice.
Tori leaned back against the chair and flipped through the review report. She skimd the information and made silent notes of her own thoughts.
Young Mr. Guthry is scheduled to return to Lyce in the fall, isnt he? And he will be re-starting his third year? Tori asked without taking her eyes off the report.
That is correct, Countess.
Then, he would have another year and a half, at least, to complete his project. Tori raised her eyes over the top of the folio and Headmaster Laurent nodded. All right, thats good. He will need all the ti he can get.
Headmaster Laurent gave her a curious look. When will you be able to bring this to Young Mr. Guthry?
Im scheduled to visit tomorrow afternoon, after classes, Tori told him as she closed the folio.
Have they already returned to Horizon?
It was deed best for Young Mr. Guthrys health. Im sure his breakdown has been reported, Tori replied. She patted the folio on her lap. Is there anything else that needs to be done in preparation for his return?
No, he will need to report as usual; however, he will be assigned a new dorm room with another third-year student, and his horoom instructor will be different.
All right. Thank you, Headmaster Laurent. Tori rose from her seat and the Headmaster stood up to see her out.
Thank you for your assistance as well, Countess...by any chance, as you said you were scheduled to visit, are you planning on helping Young Mr. Guthry with his project?
I will see if there is anything I can do, Headmaster. This will need further review on my part and discussion with related parties.
Of course, I understand. We also look forward to seeing Young Mr. Guthry return to his peak. If there is sothing we can do to help facilitate a smooth return or if additional guidance is needed with his project, please let him know not to hesitate to ask us.
Tori gave him a respectful nod and left the Administration Building. She stepped outside and let out a heavy breath as she clutched the thick folio of project notes and corrections. She didnt think the review would be done, though it was within the ti fra they thought.
That night, she split her ti between reviewing her notes and going over the recomndations in the folio. When Ilyana returned from her review session, Tori was writing a list of people she needed to contact. Ilyana passed by her desk and craned her neck to see what she was writing.
The guildmasters? I thought this sumrs building plans were already approved and scheduled?
They are. This is for Guthrys project. Headmaster Laurent gave his review as Madam Guthry asked that I be the recipient while her son is recovering. Tori wrinkled her nose and looked at the recomndations. They give a lot of good information and suggestions, but they lack practical information, such as real people to contact. I think going to the guildmasters for help is sothing we cant do without.
Ilyana put her books and notes on her desk and furrowed her brow. Dont the guildmasters have so sort of grudge against Guthry?
Guildmaster Blomgard was willing to give him a chance, but Guthry was too stubborn and proud to go back even after I talked it over with the guildmaster. So ti has passed, and I think Guildmaster Kivinen of the masonry guild has cald down enough to talk into helping Guthry. Another resource would be Daybreak Garden, but I dont want to use them.
Ilyana drew her head back and blinked. Why not? Daybreak Garden is under your family, and theyll usually do what you ask of them, wont they?
Thats why I dont want to use them as a resource for Guthry. It belongs to my family and if I ask them to help Guthry, its an order and they could end up doing whatever Guthry tells them. I can introduce him to people and do so diplomatic work, but I dont want him to use my resources for nothing.
Ilyana pursed her lips and nodded. I suppose you cant do everything for him.
And Im not.
Youre not going to bring him to the wedding, are you?
Tori looked affronted and shook her head. No, Im not crazy.
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