Montan looked nervous. He glanced from his hands to the shore and back as the small ferry vessel was steered through between the islands to get to the embarkation island.
You dont have to see her, Kasen said from the wooden seat across from Montan. The negation charm needs to be within a certain distance. It wont be affected by walls. He grinned a bit with amusent.
How will I know behind what wall shell be? Montan asked with furrowed brows. He wasnt convinced.
Ive checked with Mr. Farkas. Shes held in the corner room on the ground floor, closest to the office. None of the holding rooms have windows facing outside, so if we go behind the building and stand at that corner, you should be close enough to negate the charm on her person, Tori said.
Is there any chance of her seeing us from inside the building? Kasen asked. Tori shook her head.
The holding rooms doors and windows face the inner courtyard of the holding complex, so unless we go inside the building, they wont see us, Tori replied.
That should put your mind at ease, Kasen told Montan.
I was worried that if she sees , she might ask questions and know I had sothing to do with her charm failing, Montan said. He shifted awkwardly on the wooden bench. What if she asks for another one?
Tell her your master prohibits you from creating new charms until youve finished your foundational studies, Kasen said, leaning back against the side of the boat. He crossed his arms over his chest. Its the truth.
Montan nodded without a word.
While he had been working with charms his entire life, he was only now doing so in line with the empires laws and regulations regarding them. It was a similar, but different system to what Montan was used to, so there was a bit of a learning curve to adjust. As such, not all of Montans new charms worked or worked as they should.
It would be dangerous if he tried to make a similar charm for Alessa now. It would be best if Alessa didnt know why her charm failed, if she noticed it failed at all.
Tori had observed Montans new thod of making charms and from what she recalled of what she saw before, his previous style of making charms wasnt as constrained. Legal charms had to be written in a way that kept the effects to a designated individual and could not spill out towards others.
Montans previous system appeared similar, but didnt do that, allowing for such open-ended reach that it affected anyone who had a positive or even neutral option of Alessa within a certain radius. Kasen told her that they, as in the empire, were not sure how many unregulated schools of charms still existed, and of them, how many still had practicing individuals.
However, when such dangerous cases were found, they were quietly erased, as publicizing the existence would draw attention. Attention brought curiosity, which brought renewed interest and renewed interest spread the knowledge they were trying to end.
Aspects of cultural genocide were not always big, bloody massacres. Sotis, they were quiet and slow deaths, making them disappear before anyone even noticed. The populace wouldnt be alard. They wouldnt even be likely to care. Montan himself was willingly part of destroying the system he learned.
He wouldnt be the first. The Soleil Empires history was dotted with similar thods used to consolidate the land and people; to make an empire. It wasnt as glorious as war, but it did prevent unnecessary chaos and death.
The boat reached the transportation hub dock on the island and Mr. Farkas was waiting to take them to the back of the building. The two-story building lacked windows on three sides and Montan appeared relieved when he saw this.
Once they reached the corner nearest to the room where Alessa was being held, Kasen gave Montan careful instructions.
This is where it is similar to crystal using. You must ground and then feel for your energy lingering on a charm. I know youve had trouble with this, but the distance is just a few paces, so you should be able to sense it, Kasen told him.
Montan was almost leaning against the wall, trying to be as close to Alessa as possible. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
Tori and Piers stood to the side and observed. If Tori concentrated, she could feel a faint energy coming from Montan. However, if she didnt see him, she wouldnt have known it was his.
I found it! Montan gasped in a quiet voice.
Activate the negation charm. Youre in close enough range. Kasen kept his firm eyes on Montan.
Tori could feel a slight increase of energy, but instead of fading out, it seed to suddenly disappear. She furrowed her brows. That was unexpected; she thought it would be like when a crystal suddenly lost energy. After a few monts, Kasen nodded his head in approval.
Its done? she asked.
Kasen nodded and patted Montans shoulder. Its done. You did well without a visual target. Good job.
Montans face lit up at the praise. Thank you, Master!
Then we should get back, Tori said, looking towards the shore. She shouldve expected such efficiency from her brother, even if Montan was the one doing the work.
The four went back to the mainland and Tori noted that they were just in ti for dinner. They went straight to the restaurant just across the plaza.
Out on the outdoor seating area, Tori was surprised to see Dimitri taking a seat at a table. The would-be host of the table looked up and waved.
Piers! Gideon rose from his chair and Piers gave him a nod. Do you want to join us?
No, Piers said, bypassing him completely to get to his usual table inside. The plaza is too loud.
Save us a seat, Piers. My uncle and his family will dine with us, Tori said as she raised her hand and put it on his arm. He gave her a nod before going deeper into the restaurant.
Gideon slumped a bit, but quickly recovered. Alvere, do you want to join us?
All right. Thank you, Your Highness.
Did you go sowhere with the Countess? Dimitri asked.
Montan paused for a mont just as he was pulling out a chair. His eyes widened and he looked towards Tori.
Her eyes dulled. She shouldve gone to the foyer instead of standing around. Now, she had to explain. Baroness Hart arrived.
Shes here? Fabian was, surprisingly, the one who spoke up first on the matter. His head snapped up and his eyes were wide as several other pairs of eyes turned towards her.
Tori did not expect to one day walk into the restaurant, in her territory, and find that four love interests; the most sought after and favorite ones according to internet polls, would sit around a table together, waiting for dinner to start. However, she could understand why Dimitri would take up the offer to join the second prince. She wouldnt feel comfortable sitting next to Ilyanas death glare, either.
She arrived with my aunt, my moms younger sister, who happens to also be her godmother, Tori said, looking at Dimitri. As he wasn't present at her brothers wedding, he likely didnt know about the headache that was her Auntie Fabiana. But they ca to a closed settlent without invitation and papers, so until those docunts are sorted out, theyre in holding on the embarkation island.
The temporary prison? Gideon asked.
Its not a prison, Tori said with a slight frown. Prison implies theyve been sentenced for and are being punished for a cri with ti. Theyre just being held while an investigation is happening. Theyll be released soon.
Then, Alessa will be coming here? Dimitri asked. He seed upset at the implication. Tori shook her head.
No, they have not been invited or approved to co to Viclya, so we will send them directly to the Cosora-Fekete border. They will be responsible for their own transportation from there, but they cannot re-enter the delta. Tori paused for a mont and frowned. At least, they cannot officially enter through the roads in. I cant stop them from sneaking in, but theyd have to walk through the forest, which I doubt theyll do.
Countess. Dimitri looked at her with a hesitant expression. What about the charm?
Toris gaze drifted to Montan. The young man shifted in his chair and took a deep breath. Its been negated.
Dimitri and Fabian looked at him with surprise. How? Dimitri asked.
Tori looked back at Montan.
When the energy of a charm ran out naturally through the course of its use, it felt as if it faded out of existence. It was similar to what it felt like when a crystal lost energy. However, when the charm was broken and negated, the energy seed to disappear. Tori didnt know how else to describe it; it seed to gather and then there was an expulsion of energy, then nothing. That was why she had watched her brothers expression to see if the charm had been negated or not, as she wasnt sure.
When crystals exploded, the energy in the crystal didnt disappear into the air at once. The energy remained in the shards and quickly leaked out, as if air was coming from a deflating balloon.
The exact details of it were complicated to explain to those who didnt use charms, so Tori didnt bother. What was important was that Alessas charm no longer worked.
Its not sothing you need to worry about, Tori said in a firm voice. Montan was able to get guidance on how to negate it. Hart was not hard in any way and its likely she wont notice the difference. That was a lie. If Hart had noticed the difference when she got the charm and started to try to actively use it, then shed notice the difference now that it was negated.
Youre sure the charm was on her person? Gideon asked.
I could sense my energy still in the charm, Montan replied. He kept his eyes down, as if unwilling to et any judging eyes. She usually wears it folded in her locket around her neck.
Tori cast one last look at the group and stepped back. Dont worry too much about it. Just enjoy dinner. She patted Montans shoulder and left him with the other love interests as she returned to the foyer.
Part of her wanted to stay and listen to what they were talking about, but it would be uncomfortable for all of them, including her.
Uncle Dominico and his wife, who had changed into breezy clothing from the delta collection, appeared smiling at the entrance while looking around. Artemisia was still dressed in her travel clothes, but her wide green eyes were admiring the ceiling decorations made of fabric that moved in waves when the breeze went through.
Tori knit her brows a bit. While she was happy that her uncle and aunt seed to make themselves at ho, she also didnt expect them to already be wearing holiday clothes. Especially holiday clothes that matched. Tori hadnt provided them with any, as she felt that theyd be better off doing their own shopping and picking clothes according to their tastes.
Did they already go shopping? Theyd only been in Viclya for a few hours.
Tori! Uncle Dominico was upbeat and led his family in. There is so much to do and see; I almost regret only scheduling two weeks to visit.
Youre always welcod back, Uncle, Tori said with a warm smile. Have you confird your schedule with Professor Grey?
Yes, hell be here tomorrow, and well go through Rois first, Uncle Dominico said. Artemisia will join us. I invited your aunt, but shes not interested.
I heard there are whales, Auntie Anita said with a determined look on her face. Where can I go to see them?
At this ti of the year, theyre just outside the bay, but sotis they do co in with their calves, Tori replied. Are you interested, Auntie?
Of course! Didnt your uncle tell you? I study local sea life in Tres Arcos. Due to the amount of shipping traffic, its important to monitor the health of the local sea life, her aunt said proudly. Otherwise, how can we continue to have sufficient harvests?
Tori blinked and jerked her head back. Youre a marine biologist?
Auntie Anita tilted her head to the side and looked a bit confused. A marine bio...? What is that?
Maybe thats not what theyre called here. Tori furrowed her brows. A person who studies ocean life, she said.
Mama is the foremost leader in the region on shellfish and shore fish, Artemisia told her with a bright smile. Shes written many books and recently finished one on regional fish breeding cycles and how this can be used to farm fish.
If youre interested, I will send you a copy, Auntie Anita said with a glint of excitent in her eyes. It is called Natural Shore Farming, by : Anita de Sophos de Garcia.
That may actually be very useful here, Tori said with a nod. We have a fishing industry that is mainly to support the villagers and our guests, but if we can ensure the health of our resources, it would only be beneficial to the delta.
Then, if Sia is interested in a position here, I can co with her to help her adjust, Auntie Anita said. I can be very useful, you know.
Tori nodded. There are many benefits to being a...person who studies sea life.
If you both co here, what about ? Uncle Dominico furrowed his brows.
You have your hands full at Tres Arcos. Tori recognized her mothers voice at once and looked over her shoulder.
Mama, you ca to dinner alone today? Tori asked.
The Marquess let out an exasperated sigh. Im tired of watching Monica lose. Shes terrible at tiles; I dont know why she keeps trying. There are other gas.
Tori sat her family together and tried to sell working at Viclya to her cousin. Artemisia appeared interested, but didnt want to make any promises. After dinner, she walked with her relatives up and down the Pronade, but lost her aunt and uncle to the square where villagers often gathered to play instrunts, dance, and relax in the evenings.
Her mother went off to call her father, leaving her with Artemisia, who was four years older. Perhaps it was because Artemisia graduated early from Universidad del Sur Tres Arcos, but she carried herself like soone in the midst of a career change rather than soone who was trying to find a project that suited her.
At the end of their walk, Tori led her cousin back to the resort tents. On her way back to the encampnt, a thin figure was seated by the steps and perked up when he saw her. Tori gave him a slight nod of her head. Guthry.
My lady, Im sorry for bothering you, but may I have a mont of your ti? Dimitri asked with a respectful bow of his head.
Tori raised a brow. Again, Guthry? Need I remind you Im not so all-knowing entity. She gave him a grin, but still waved to him to follow her. How can I help you this ti?
I spoke to His Highness the second prince at dinner. I wasnt the only one affected by the charm. Dimitri wore a wry smile as he walked a half step behind her.
Anyone who had a favorable opinion of her before she got the charm was susceptible. That was the nature of the charm, Tori replied. Is that what you four talked about?
Alvere-Young Master Alvere apologized for his negligence. After he was called away by Duke Alvere, the second prince told more about his birth mothers charm abilities. Dimitri seed to shudder. I didnt know there are those who dare to use unorthodox thods.
It was useful to a select group of people, so it didnt die. However, this matter shouldnt spread, Tori said with a look of warning. Dimitri nodded, appearing to understand completely. What matters is that Montan now has proper guidance and will no longer be ignorant of the problems that such rogue charms can create.
The second prince said that you were the one who noticed the charm at his birthday celebration. He looked towards her with undisguised curiosity. You were also the one who told Duke Alvere about Young Master Alveres familial situation.
Tori gave him a sidelong glance. What are you getting at, Guthry?
Did you save him?
It was a coincidence that I noticed.
But you did not have to get involved. You didnt have to speak about the charm or his parents. The second prince didnt seem to notice, but Mr. von Dorn did. Dimitri quickened his step to catch up with her. Im not so arrogant as to pretend that we never treated you harshly. If we were making fools of ourselves, you had no reason to reveal the problem with the charm.
What are you talking about? I had a huge reason! Tori almost scoffed. Are you still unable to figure it out? Alessa Hart is my reason. Have you forgotten everything shes said about ? All the misunderstandings? The misplaced bla? Im a petty woman, Guthry. Dont ever forget that.
She looked ahead and marched forward as the encampnt tents were in sight. Dimitri continued to follow her.
You couldve done sothing else.
You an to humiliate her or ruin her project? Sothing so blatantly petty revenge that its almost embarrassing? Tori rolled her eyes. For the student who entered Lyce with the first rank and has been around politics his whole life, you dont seem to understand. You know that whether she ant to or not, she was using the charm to gain your favor, yes?
Yes.
And if she has your favor, you would be much more likely to believe and assist her.
Yes.
That would allow her to use you and others to her benefit without having to give much effort in return outside of things she could afford to give: ti and emotional support.
Countess, l believed her to be a friend. Arent ti and emotional support exchanged in friendship?
Im not saying that she should buy you things or do things for you. Its just that it was obvious that you all were giving her what she gave you in return, and then much, much more. The relationship dynamic is unequal. If it was acknowledged, the party giving too much would beco resentful. If it wasnt noticed, the party giving too much would simply be used unknowingly. If you were willing to reciprocate so much and you felt it was worth it, Im in no place to stop you no matter what my opinion on the matter was.
Dimitri was quiet for a mont and Tori wondered if he was thinking of all the things, he did for Alessa. Then, why did you?
Once more, because I am a petty person. If she was taking advantage of you, then stopping her from doing so would put her at a disadvantage. I did not do anything directly to her, but severely impacted her...quality of life, lets call it. The gods know how much her mouth has impacted mine for so ti.... Tori muttered the last sentence, but it seed that Dimitri still heard her.
Then...every ti you stepped in to aid one of us, it was because of Alessa?
Yes.
Really?
He didnt sound convinced. Tori could see her tent up the wooden path with two imperial knights on either side of the entrance. That could only an one thing.
Is it so difficult to believe that Im only acting on self-preservation? she asked with as much arrogance as she could muster.
Dimitri didnt seem at all put off. Instead, he smiled a bit. Yes...actually it is. You are a kind person, Countess Guevera. He lifted his hand to the collar of his shirt and Tori could make out sothing small hanging around his neck. He squeezed it as a thoughtful smile filled his face. Thank you.
The door flap to her tent seed to almost fly open. Dimitri jumped and Tori turned her head. The guest she expected to be in her tent stepped out with a cold expression on his face.
Tori, youre late. Ive been waiting.
She gave him an apologetic look. Sorry, Piers, I walked Cousin Sia back to her tent, so it took a while longer than I thought to return.
Piers eyes werent on her, but instead narrowed on Dimitri. Co inside. It is late. He said it as if he were inviting her into his tent and not her own.
Guthry, the town is quite safe, but Im still going to have a knight escort you back to the resort tents just in case. Youre still recovering, Tori said. She motioned for one of the knights that usually guarded her tent to step forward.
My lady, thank you for your concern, but I can manage. Ive improved since we last t in Horizon.
Tori shook her head. Regardless, I dont want to take any chances. Sir Rueben will escort you. Get so rest.
Dimitri bowed his head to her and then to Piers before turning around and going back from where they ca. Tori slipped past Piers and into her tent.
He doesnt believe you, she heard him say behind her as she walked to her desk with the neatly piled escape room guides Piers had been working on.
Why do you think so?
Because he was there last sumr, Piers said as he followed behind her. When you collapsed to find and then save them. Tori slowed and took her seat. She scrunched her face a bit. You helped because you could not stand by knowing you could change their fate.
Tori took a deep breath and t his eyes. Sotis, its very frustrating that you know best.
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