She was irritated with herself for being so curious as to wonder what was happening with Pargath and the Duraga Federation. There was an annoying sense of anticipation, as if she was waiting for an inevitable event. She didnt know how it would co about or when, but it would happen and part of her knew that she would be involved.
I bet this didnt happen in the original ga.... Tori muttered under her breath as she pinned her student guide sash.
Tori, the signups for student tour guides for tomorrow are full. I cant believe its so popular now, Ilyana said as she sat on her bed across from where Tori was standing in front of a mirror. Ilyana ran her eyes over the sheet with a wide, satisfied smile. We even capped it to ten tours tomorrow and five additional ones the day after.
There are only so many first-year students, Tori said with a chuckle. And they really dont need to take more than one tour. However, she had noticed that when students made friends and those friends hadnt taken a tour yet, theyd go with them when they did.
There are over a dozen volunteers to be tour guides. Ilyana turned the sheet around. They even scheduled themselves with a limit of two tours per student.
I dont want them to overwork themselves, Tori replied. But Im glad theyre enthusiastic.
She checked the clock on their wall and the two headed downstairs. Their dorm building had more top ten students from the three returning classes, so this ti it was their dining commons that were open.
Still, the two decided to repeat their usual ritual and have their breakfast at Cafe Fortuna. They passed many familiar faces who greeted them warmly, often calling out to them with familiar respect and warmth. Several got hugs from the two and were praised for working so hard.
When Ilyana and Tori turned the corner, with their arms still looped and chattering excitedly, and walked into the small street in front of Cafe Fortuna, they froze.
Is that a line? Tori almost spat out as her face dropped. She had never seen a line out the door for the cafe. Not even when the knights were swarming it.
Did we go down the wrong alley? Ilyana lifted her head and looked around. There were familiar brick faced buildings, ivy crawling on so of them, and the posts where horses were tied.
Tori squinted. Did they close and soone else rented the storefront? But Mama J or Piers wouldve told her.
Doesnt it belong to Prince Piers? Ilyana gasped and grasped Toris arm in panic. Did we overcharge him to use the Lunar Pavilion for his ball and now hes bankrupt?
Tori slowly turned her head towards Ilyana. Let assure you, with how much property and business he has his hands on, he is in no shortage of money.
Ilyanas eyes widened and her mouth made a little o. Tori pulled her forward, but they couldnt see through the windows. Tori cursed herself for having offered to tint them. There were about five young ladies standing outside the open door.
Excuse , are you in line for Cafe Fortuna? Tori asked. Even she was starting to doubt that she was at the right place.
Yes, were waiting for seats, one of the young won replied.
What if you want to order and take the food away? Ilyana asked as Tori tried to peer through the partially blocked door.
You can ask the server at the door. I dont know. The young woman looked at them strangely, as if taking their breakfast and going back to campus was strange.
Tori and Ilyana exchanged looks and cautiously took a step towards the door.
No cutting! The young woman dressed in what appeared to be a household staff uniform turned around and snapped at them. She gave them a threatening look as the young woman in a brilliant blue dress looked over her shoulder and gave them a dirty look.
Were not cutting for a table! We just want to pick up our food and go, Ilyana said. She looked into the small cafe and snapped her head back with surprise.
Toris mouth was slightly agape. Shed seen the cafe filled with imperial knights and with mbers of the tabletop gaming club, but never so many young won in beautiful dresses and their escorts. The cafe did not advertise itself as a cafe for young, wealthy won. In fact, it didnt advertise at all. Mama J had told them that Tori and her friends were their most frequent custors, sotis coming more often than Axton and Piers.
It was only in the last year that they had more custors, and they were almost all club mbers.
Tori wracked her head to try to think of a reason only one ca to mind. She gently pulled Ilyana away and once they were a few steps from the cafe, she leaned forward and whispered.
Piers threw his first ever ball and it was very successful, making a good impression on his peers and allies, right?
Ilyana nodded. Guests were raving about it as they left and if Ilyana couldve asked them to take an exit survey for their thoughts, she wouldve. Right.
Now, more people know that Piers can be social, and is a very competent and intelligent prince.
Ilyana nodded once more. Yes, you said the goal was to show how suitable he is for being the crown prince...oh.... Her eyes went wide with realization.
Tori nodded her head slowly in return. Their Ilyana was at the top of their class for a reason. Well...so much for vaguely implying hes planning to marry .
Ilyana wrinkled her nose and frowned. Why did so many people co for him? No one ca after you after that ball and youre a far better spouse material!
Tori hugged Ilyanas arm. Im far from it, but thank you. Also, Im just a seventeen-year-old countess who is still in Lyce. Piers is the first prince of the empire who is likely going to be the crown prince. Im sure as competition, we are on vastly different levels.
If she were a suitor and had to go up against Piers, who could also slice her in half with a sword as easily as breathing, she wouldnt waste her ti. Tori couldnt think of anyone off the top of her head who could match Piers in terms of social rank, wealth, intelligence, fighting ability, and good looks. Plenty of people had much better emotional intelligence and ability to socialize, but in all other aspects, Piers dominated. She wasnt ashad to admit that her brothers didnt match up because of social rank. Sebastian and Kasen were still only children of a marquis, so their titles were courtesy titles.
Even if they werent, Piers was the first prince of Soleil.
I dont think so, Ilyana said with a proud look. If they knew you, they wouldnt dare.
Well, you never know. Maybe they really like him. They say the heart wants what the heart wants, Tori said. She put her hand over her gurgling stomach and frowned. And my stomach wants a croissant.
Ilyana mirrored her hand over her stomach and frowned. My hashbrowns are in there....
Countess Guevera! She perked up at her title and saw Mama Js middle son, Elias, squeeze through the door and call her. Tori felt dozens of eyes fixed on her at once with judging, if not predatory gazes. She, the main competitor, was identified. Your and Lady Agafonovas breakfasts are ready.
He held up a calf-sized round box with a handle in each hand. Cafe Fortuna had several specially ordered heating boxes for Piers use that Tori had designed and had made at the delta. They were created so they could be locked together, and the different foods kept separate. Food that needed to be warm could be kept warm and food that should be chilled could be chilled. The boxes also ca in different sizes depending on the al and the beverage was carefully placed in the top container.
Once they were used, they would be returned the next ti Piers and Axton passed by for reuse.
Mr. Jaeger, thank you! Ilyana looked relieved. Its good that we arranged it last night.
Were sorry to trouble you, Tori said.
Not at all, my lady, he said as he handed one box with a tag that had her na on it to Tori and the other to Ilyana. He gave them both a bow. I apologize for the delay, my ladies. Congratulations on the start of your new school year. My mother has added so cookies for you with the boxes. I will co by to deliver the lunches for the student guides later, as ordered. As usual, you need not worry about the cost. His voice seed to rise, and Tori saw his eyes dart to the line of young won. His Highness refuses to take your money.
Well, if that isnt a cry for help.... Tori tried to hold back a snort-laugh. Not at all, she said with a small nod of her head. She weighed the box in her hand. Is it all right for us to take these boxes?
Of course, Countess. His Highness says you are always free to use his personal belongings.
Tori almost wanted to cringe at how desperate Mr. Elias sounded in an effort to get the custors to leave. Any other restaurant wouldve been ecstatic to see a line at the door, but as the cafe was essentially front to feed Piers when he lived in the Academic Quarter, Mama J and her family mustve wanted it cleared out.
Piers would never co, even if he could hide upstairs, if there were that many troubleso people just waiting for him to appear.
I will call him and give him my thanks personally, Tori said in a smooth voice. Beside her, Ilyana bit her lip to keep from laughing. Tori had to pull her back and turn her around.
It was only when they turned the corner and the critical eyes on them were blocked that Ilyana let out a burst of laughter.
Did you see their faces? Ive never seen such ugly, envious looks!
Tori sighed. I didnt think he was that popular. For so many years, people didnt even know what he looked like.
Ilyana squeezed Toris arm and gave her a determined look. Dont worry, Tori. His Highness is loyal to you.
Were not actually engaged. He only said what he said at the ball to avoid ssy entanglents. You know that.
Yes, but hes an important resource. If we were a team, hed be a valuable mber, Ilyana replied. What is a hero without their sidekick!
That sounds like sothing the best friend would say.
I am what I am.
Tori snorted and laughed. They walked back through the gates of the school, telling other student guides that their lunches would be brought to them before lunch and reminding them about the group dinner. The second-year student guides were particularly excited.
When the first of the new students arrived, Ilyana and Tori greeted them in the central courtyard as the first of the student guides new students would encounter, and helped direct them to their dorm. Usually, students would wander in and imdiately go in the direction of their dorm according to what the registration table said. This ti, there was a two-person wide line in front of Tori and Ilyana.
She didnt know if they were confused and thought she and Ilyana were the next step and they had to check with them before continuing on, but even after Tori reminded them that they could ask any student guide they saw, new students returned to them.
Aside from the slight chaos and Ilyana affirming that popularity was exhausting, the first years arrival day went smoothly.
It was an excellent start to their final year of Lyce.
On the last day where they were to be student guides, Tori and Ilyana lingered by the front gates to give advice on local places to eat and shop to any first years who were leaving campus to explore the surrounding area.
Is it just or are there more returning students coming back this early? Ilyana asked as they sat on a bench by the gate with their student guide sashes still on. At the unofficial student guide dinner, they were hosting that evening, Tori planned to ask all the student guides to sign their sashes in mory and had suitable ink pens prepared.
The fourth-year students did not need to return their sashes. It was customary for them to embroider their nas on it and keep them as a souvenir. She didnt know where Kasens was, but Instructor Ignatius had his in a box with crystals. Instructor Ignatius had everything in a box of crystals, now that Tori thought about it.
The baking competition really got a lot of people interested in coming back early. I heard they expanded the number of competitors this year to twenty clubs and organizations, Tori said. The baking club rented more ovens for the event.
Ilyana wrinkled her nose. I didnt think it was going to be so popular.
Any ti one group gets to compete against another, it can get intense and draw more spectators. Tori paused. Did anyone volunteer for the tabletop gaming club?
Alvere.
Tori snapped her head towards Ilyana. Montan Alvere?
There are only two of them and Duke Axton already graduated, Ilyana said helplessly. I was surprised, too, but apparently, he once had a part ti job at a bakery, and out of everyone in the club, he was the only one who knew how to bake sothing more than a loaf of bread. Prince Gideon supported him volunteering and everyone thought it was a good idea.
Toris eyes crinkled up. I didnt even know he was part of the club.
He officially joined this sumr, so he counts, Ilyana said. Dont expect much though. We just wanted a representative in order to advertise the club.
Did he tell you what he was making?
Souffle.
Hes making a souffle? Tori almost threw her arms in the air.
With cheese, he said.
Souffles are difficult, Tori said as she lifted a hand and rubbed her forehead. Its either going to be perfect or he vastly overestimated his abilities. She didnt want to admit that it was likely the forr. If Montan wasnt competent, he wouldnt have volunteered to help the club. Her eyes narrowed and muttered to herself. I need to up my ga.
But she only had a few days left. Even when they werent out to get her, the love interests caused her stress.
Do you want to switch him?
No, thats not fair to him or the club, Tori said as she rubbed her chin. I will fight honorably.
Ilyana nodded. She looked back out towards the gate as another carriage arrived. Tori felt her elbow her arm and she looked up. Ilyana didnt say a word as she motioned her head towards the carriage.
The footman opened the door, but no one ca out.
Ashad? Ilyana asked with a raised brow and a slight glare.
Probably, Tori said. She stood up and brushed off her skirt. Ilyana groaned.
Dont tell youre going to greet him.
Hes having a difficult ti. Well deserved, but we dont want it to get worse and cause problems for everyone around us, Tori said as she walked towards the gate. She greeted a few students who had gathered and were catching up with each other after the long sumr.
The young man in the carriage still did not step down. Tori walked towards it, uninhibited. The footman stepped aside as she arrived. He bowed his head. My lady.
Tori gave him a curt nod and stood by the door. She could feel a nervous energy coming from within.
Youre blocking the other carriages, she said in a dull voice. She didnt bother looking inside. She counted to five in her head and before she could get to it, Dimitri erged from the carriage.
Tori didnt need to look around to know that the returning students who knew who he was were looking over. A few quieted their voices as they leaned closer to each other.
Dimitris head imdiately lowered, unable to look at other students. I expected this...but to experience it.... He let out a bitter laugh.
Tori looked over at the footn. Hand his things to the staff, she said in a firm voice. The footman imdiately went to get Dimitris things. She walked back to the gate without looking at him. Dont just stand there. Youll cause an accident.
He lifted his head a bit and nodded without a word. He followed behind her and walked through Lyces gates. It was very different from how he had walked through the first ti he entered as a first year. His head wasnt up, his back wasnt straight, and he didnt carry that air of superiority and pride.
Those that were whispering around him werent whispering in awe.
For people who lived a lifeti being looked up to and put on a pedestal, falling from it could break them. It could also drive them to do questionable things or join hands with questionable people.
Tori did not co this far just to have the love interests relapse. She knew full well that Dimitri would never enjoy the prestige he had before the orphanages ceiling collapse, but he could at least finish Lyce in peace.
When they reached the busy central courtyard, Tori turned around and spoke in a loud voice. Guthry, its good to see you again and I hope youre prepared to work on your project. Her voice almost echoed through the courtyard, drawing the attention of many who were nearby. Dimitri had jerked his head back, his eyes wide.
He didnt expect her to greet him so publicly. Thank...thank you, Countess Guevera.
She gave him a curt nod. Dont forget, we are set to review your project later this week. Theyd already reviewed it and even had the carpentry guild agree to help. Her words were all for show.
And Dimitri knew it. His eyes reddened a bit as he bowed his head. Thank you, Countess.
Tori gave him a curt nod and turned to return to the front gate. She paused. By the way, she said, drawing his attention once more. He lifted his head and looked towards her. Her voice returned to normal. Welco back, Mr. Guthry.
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