Yes, the sales are good. Tori had her comcry open and placed on the ground, near her left hand. Im having weekly reports done to track the sales in each store. I plan to review the data when I co ho for winter break.
She bent her elbows and lowered herself until her chin was about a palms length above the floor, then pushed herself up until her arms were straight and her body was level with the bed. Her legs were positioned on the edge of the bed as she worked out, alone in her dorm, after her nightly review.
Since Ilyana ca in second in the midterm rankings and then first in the second review exams that followed, shed been approached by nurous students for guidance. Many believed that she mustve been a fantastic tutor since her roommate, the notoriously low ranked Tori, had jumped significantly in the rankings.
Tori was in the third spot on the second review exam, missing overtaking Dimitri by a paltry two points. At the very least, Ilyana was confident enough with Toris stable ranking to let her do whatever she wanted. Ilyana now ran reviews for whoever wanted them in one of the study rooms on the ground floor of their dorm.
People felt comfortable asking her; Ilyana was friendly, as well as smart. As a result, her reviews were popular and shed had to switch to a larger study room twice. With their finals approaching in two weeks, she had to make a point to keep one seat open, as Henrik attended to raise his rank after dropping during midterms. If he was too slow, all the seats would be taken.
Ilyanas review sessions now ant that even after Tori returned from the sword practice grounds, shed have the dorm to herself for so ti. It made it convenient to call her family without bothering her studious roommate.
Have you started selling at Daybreak Garden yet? Kasens voice asked from the comcry.
Yes, but its more rugged material for frequent use in harsher terrain and climate, Tori replied. She did another push-up and snorted. We got a lot of help from Armando for them, but he thought that the vests were ugly at first.
Armando has bad taste.
He does not. Tori rolled her eyes.
You know he and Sebastian went out a few tis, right?
Tori stopped in mid-pushup. No...no one told that.
It was two dates.
Did they have clashing personalities? Tori lifted her feet off the bed and pushed herself into a standing position. She picked up her comcry and put it on the bed before rolling her shoulders.
I dont know, but he still made Sebastian the godfather of his son. Kasen paused. His wife has bad taste, too.
Tori chuckled. How does his wife have bad taste? Because she married Armando?
Because she also dated Sebastian.
Tori stopped stretching and looked at the comcry. Her eyes crinkled up. How many people has he dated?
Im not judging, but Sebastian -
Kasen! What are you telling my precious baby sister! Tori heard a loud thud and then her eldest brothers voice.
Get out of my office! She heard Kasen yell back.
I cant get through to her comcry! Hurry up so I can talk to her!
We agreed on fifteen minutes maximum per family mber and I have two minutes left. Kasen sounded cold and unyielding on this. Youre wasting my ti! A mont later, the door slamd once more. Kasens voice softened. Did you have any more trouble with that cow person?
She pretended she didnt hear her brothers yelling at each other. No, but I still dont feel completely at ease. How could she be, considering the forced conflict constantly awaiting her? Im worried hes going to retaliate.
Hire guards for the stores.
I did. Ive had guards there since we rented and renovated the storefronts. Im just...I dont know...paranoid. She sighed and sat down on her bed. Do you think Im overthinking things?
No, if sothing inside you is telling you to be careful, listen to it, Kasen told her. Where did you get the guards?
Daybreak Garden helped hire them. Theyre rcenaries and I have two at each shop. They take shifts at night. I also did what Auntie Lucia recomnded and had them introduced to the patrol and constable.
Good. Daybreak Gardens recomnded personnel are very capable and reputable, Kasen said. Theyll know what to do.
Do you think that the Golden Cow will retaliate? Its been a few weeks since the grand opening and last week, we opened Lions Gate East in the eighth district. Nothing happened, but I keep expecting him to do sothing...sothing underhanded. I want to be prepared.
Adrien was a particular concern. Unlike the love interests who were classmates she unfortunately saw every day, she didnt know Adriens whereabouts and current focus. She had no idea where he was or had a clue at what he could be planning. Not knowing was unnerving.
Shall I look into it? Kasen asked.
No. Tori sighed. I dont want you to have to co all the way here for that.
She heard him chuckle. I dont need to. Whats the mans na? Rosie?
Adrien Rosiek, his store is the Golden Cow rcantile in the fourth district and his company is the Golden Cow. He mainly deals with reselling, but has his own production contracts. In particular, he has contracted artisans in Chetterswickshire to make the copied vests and sleeping bags, Tori said.
Hmm...my little sister did so research.
Research is important. She didnt need to tell the scholar that, but she said it anyway. Are you sure investigating him wont be too much work for you?
Im positive, Tori. Dont worry. I can handle sothing this simple.
All right, but if it gets in the way of your work, dont trouble yourself.
I should be telling you that. Kasen sounded a bit amused. Opening a store while designing all its rchandise just before your midterm exams was reckless.
I ended up fine and had a lot of help. I wouldnt push myself so far if Id suffer, Tori told him. She stood up and paused as the flashing of the comcry caught her eye. Her brows knit together. The comcry only flashed when she was receiving a call. During the call itself, the quartz remained faintly illuminated. Kasey, soones calling .
Its probably just Sebastian.
She leaned over and picked up the palm sized compact. No, its not. I should answer.
All right. Study hard and if you need anything, tell , Kasen told her. His voice sounded a bit sad. I dont want to have to keep finding out from Axton or Benedict.
I will...whos Benedict?
Ignatius.
My instructor? Wait...well discuss it next ti. I have to go. Tori shook her head. Goodnight, Kasey.
Dream of glory, my sister.
She slid her thumb across the crystal and the faint illumination dimd. Only the pulsing crystal around the rim continued to glow. The na on the crystal made her uneasy, but she didnt want to tell her brother.
Lions Gate East was calling and at this ti of night, the only ones who would call would be the guards.
She slid her thumb back across the letters that appeared and held her breath. Hello?
Lady Guevera! This is Harold from Lions Gate East, a man replied at once, sounding rushed.
Good evening, Harold. Is everything all right? She squeezed the comcry, trying to quell her unsettled feeling.
Yes, my lady. Everything is under control. I am calling to report that we caught a vandal.
Her brows shot up. A what? She was almost certain she heard incorrectly.
A vandal! Several minutes ago, just past the hour, soone ca in through the back door. The back door is only for us and deliveries, which had already arrived for the day, Harold told her. As instructed, we waited to see what they would do and once they began to cut apart the interior displays, Sasha and I ca out to stop him at once. We have already contacted the patrol. They have arrived and...one mont, my lady.
There was so shuffling and Tori brought the comcry closer to her ear.
Lady Guevera, this is Lt. Rosas of the eighth districts patrol unit, would you be able to co to the patrol office?
Toris heart pounded in her chest and for a mont, she wasnt sure what to answer. The eighth district was halfway across town; almost as far as Daybreak Garden but in the opposite direction. It was also getting late. If she left now, depending on how long it took, she might not make it back before curfew and the gates were closed.
Lt. Rosas, Im a student at Lyce. Its difficult for to leave this late. Is it necessary for to co to the patrol office? Tori paced the space between her bed and Ilyanas as she knit her brows. If she had to go, then she had to go, but she needed to figure out what shed do if she couldnt return on ti.
As the owner of the store, we need so of your information to file the report and ask you so questions, Lt. Rosas told her. It shouldnt take long, Lady Guevera. We can escort you back once the process is completed.
She didnt seem to have a choice and Tori nodded to herself. All right, Ill be there as soon as possible. Are my guards all right? she asked.
Yes, Lady Guevera, your guards are fine. They did an excellent job apprehending the vandal.
Then Ill see you soon, Lt. Rosas. Tori slid her hand across the crystal and let out a low breath. She pursed her lips and turned around to get to her coat. As she removed it from the hook, Tori brought the comcry back up. Call Lucia di Biancci.
She shoved her arms through her coat sleeves when her aunt answered.
Good evening, Tori.
Hi, Auntie, Im going to a patrol office; can you co with ? Tori rushed out the question and tried not to cringe. What adult wanted to hear that their child, or in this case, niece, was going to what was essentially a police station at night?
There was a pause on the other end before Auntie Lucia cried out. Youre what?
The conversation between them was short, but held a lot of information. Tori asked her auntie to et her at the eighth districts patrol office and refused to wait to be picked up. It would take too long since her auntie would need to go in the opposite direction to pick her up. Tori assured her that shed get a shared carriage to take her from the main plaza down the street and go directly to the patrol office.
First, Tori had to tell Ilyana just in case she didnt co back for the night. She didnt want to worry her roommate. As soon as the conversation with her auntie was finished, she ran down the stairs and went to the largest study room of their dorm. As she finished buttoning her coat, the door to the study room opened a few paces away.
A small wave of students stread out of the room, talking amongst themselves about notes and what to expect from the exams. Tori stood to the side, waiting for them to clear the door before she slipped inside and looked towards the back of the study room. Ilyana and Henrik were erasing the board that was littered with various points from whatever subject they reviewed last.
Good, you both are here, Tori said as she walked between the large tables surrounded by chairs.
Ilyana looked over her shoulder and smiled. You missed it! We had a good review about the influence of the local nobles on empire-wide policy. She lowered her arm and the large chalkboard eraser as she saw Toris solemn look. She squinted as her smile fell. Is everything all right?
Tori shook her head. Henrik also stopped to look at her. Whats wrong?
Tori exhaled and tried to be clear. Harold called from Lions Gate East. Soone broke into the store. Harold and Sasha should be fine, she said, emphasizing the last sentence. However, so of the rchandise was vandalized.
Ilyana gasped and Henrik looked stunned. Soone broke in and vandalized the store?
Mr. Harold and Sasha let them do that? Ilyana furrowed her brows.
Henrik shook his head. If they caught him when he was breaking in, its just trespassing. The offense isnt as serious as vandalism. We also dont know if he had a weapon on him, so they could have been trying to be cautious.
The vandal slashed up so jackets, so he had a sharp object on him. Tori looked towards the door. They reported it to the patrol office and the patrol office asked to co and do so paperwork since the store is under my na.
Henrik put down the eraser and clapped his hands to get the dust off. Do you want to co?
Tori shook her head. No, its late. I dont know how long itll take and I dont think Ill get back by curfew. I already called Auntie Lucia. Shes eting there. If its too late for to co back, Ill stay at Aunties and be dropped off in the morning. Lyce is on the way to Universit so I can get a ride with Uncle.
Henrik and Ilyana both looked worried, but knowing that shed be with her aunt was comforting.
Ilyana, you finish up here. Ill walk Tori to the main plaza and help her get a shared carriage, Henrik told the other girl. Ilyana nodded and hugged Tori.
Call when you get to the station so I know you got there safely, she said.
Tori nodded and hugged her back. I will. If anything, Ill see you tomorrow. She gave Ilyana a reassuring smile and headed out with Henrik.
He slung his bag over his shoulder and the two quickened their pace to leave the school.
Do we know anything about the vandal? he asked as they walked across the central courtyard. Tori shook her head.
I didnt find out much. One of the patrol officers wanted to speak to before Harold could give all the details.
Henrik nodded and frowned. Do you think theyre related to the Golden Cow?
I dont know, but I dont think we have that many enemies to suspect another group, Tori replied. If they are related to the Golden Cow, well push for maximum charges and punishnt. Ill find out when I get there. For all we know, it was a random attack.
We need to assess the damages, too.
We can check after class tomorrow. Lets not deal with that tonight. Theres too much going on. Tori ran a hand down her face. Why do these things always happen when exams are so close?
Think of it as making your life exciting, Henrik said with a small grin. Tori rolled her eyes.
This from soone who locked himself in his dorm to cram for midterms.
You gave all the papers to file for the store! Henrik nearly choked out as he looked at her. I didnt have ti to study when I was at the guild every day after class!
She cringed. I know...sorry about that. But opening Lions Gate was important.
You dont have to remind . I wouldnt work so hard if I wasnt so invested in it.
You did learn a lot, though. Tori glanced over at him. She smiled a bit. Thanks, Henrik. I really couldnt have done it without you.
He gave her a small nod. I know.
Youre a great business partner.
Uh-huh. So, you should work hard and get those designs for spring and sumr ready to repay .
She lifted her hand and gave him a little salute. Understood, boss. Ill do my best.
The corner of his thin lips curled up a bit. So, Im the boss now?
Co-boss. Tori chuckled. You did most of the paperwork in registering and setting up the company. Then you looked up the storefronts to rent, you had your dad help negotiate the rates for us, and you got all the information I asked for when we were dealing with the Golden Cow. Im likely the face of Lions Gate, but youre the shadow boss behind .
Henrik snorted to keep from laughing as he looked over at her and shook his head. This from the girl who planned an entire production and roll out process, from the materials to the budget to the opening schedule.
Yeah, except I didnt hire trumpeters, Tori said with so lingering bitterness.
It was just for the grand opening of Lions Gate High Street and everyone liked them, Henrik replied. He raised a brow. Are you still upset about that?
It was mortifying.
It was great.
Tori sighed heavily once more. Youre lucky youre a good partner, Skuldsen.
They reached the main plaza and Henrik waved down a shared carriage for her and arranged the fare. He opened the door and Tori climbed in.
If theres a problem, call , he said seriously as he prepared to close the door. I dont care how late, all right?
Tori nodded. If I am able to handle it, Ill tell you all about it tomorrow. Thanks, Henrik.
He began to close the door and paused. Dont be too soft-hearted. He shut the door and Tori scoffed.
Im not soft-hearted!
The carriage jerked forward and Tori settled in. Her leg bounced with anxious energy as she peered out the window, to the dimly lit streets. She took out her comcry from her pocket and held it in her hands, over her lap, just in case her auntie called.
Right as the carriage ca to a stop in front of the patrol office, the comcry began to pulse and her aunties na appeared. She swept her finger across the crystal.
Auntie, I just arrived, she said as she opened the door and stepped out. She reached into her pocket to pay, only for the driver to shake his head.
The boy paid.
Tori thanked the driver and looked around. I see you! She heard her aunts voice both from the comcry and sowhere around her. She looked up and saw Auntie Lucia wrapped in her trench and rushing over. Tori!
Auntie. Tori put her comcry away as she was pulled into a pair of strong arms and squeezed. Im sorry to call you out so late.
No, no, its fine, her aunt said as she released her. Im glad you called .
Were you waiting long?
No, Auntie Lucia said as she took Toris arm and gently pulled her along, into the patrol office. But I was talking to Harold.
Harolds here, too?
One of them had to co for statents. They entered the building and from a wooden stool against the wall, a big, burly man with a scar going across his lower lip and chin, stood up.
Lady Guevera.
Harold, are you and Sasha all right? Tori asked, walking towards him. The man nodded.
Yes, my lady. The boy was ard, but he was nothing between the two of us, Harold told her.
Tori tilted her head to the side and frowned. It was a boy? She imagined it to be a young adult man that was either hired to vandalize Lions Gate East or was doing it for thrill.
Hes a fourteen, soon to be fifteen-year-old boy, a familiar voice said behind her. Tori turned around and squinted.
Lt. Rosas?
The brown-haired, middle-aged man with a full beard and in a gray and navy uniform nodded. Lady Guevera, Im sorry to have to have you co out so late.
She shook her head. It needs to be done. Can we get started?
Of course. Lt. Rosas led the trio to a desk further into the building. Tori and her aunt sat on the two available chairs in front of the desk while Harold stood behind them. The boy is a jewelers apprentice from one of the neighboring stores. Weve asked if he knew who the store belonged to and why hed target it. He only said that he doesnt like the sight of your store.
Tori tried to keep her professional expression. Thats a rather flippant reason.
What information is there on this boy? Auntie Lucia said in a cold, pragmatic voice. She leaned forward and narrowed her eyes. I highly doubt that hed target my niece and her friends store randomly.
Lt. Rosas looked over the papers in front of him. Thomas Fields, a native of the town of Chetterswickshire.
Toris brows shot up. Oh no.... She knew that na imdiately.
Could it be that his family was one of those who were making the copies of the vests and bags for the Golden Cow? Auntie Lucia said as she scrutinized the report in her hands.
Tori closed her eyes. She really wished that were the case because the only other option was so pathetic that Tori wanted to slap the boy and ask him what he thought he was doing.
Lt. Rosas, may I ask what the punishnt is for vandalism?
For trespassing and vandalism, there is a fine and labor ti at the Horizon scrapyard. We would need to know how much damage he caused at your store before I can approximate the fine and duration of labor. However, for an underaged boy, the labor is usually cut in half and isnt as physically demanding or dangerous. He would also have to pay for the damages incurred, Lt. Rosas told her. However, in this case, the boy is not a resident of Horizon and with non-residents, they are sent back to their hotown and banned from entering the city gates for a minimum of two years. Patrols in his hotown will oversee his labor punishnt there.
Tori sucked in a sharp breath. Theyre going to ban him? For a mont, she was excited. Wouldnt this an that she could get rid of one of the love interests for at least two years?
Thats acceptable, Auntie Lucia said. She looked at Tori. When you have a chance, find out how much damage was.
Tori nodded and tried to keep back her smile. How soon does the ban begin?
After we file all the charges and arrange for paynt for damages. You can also choose not to charge him for the damages and that portion will be bypassed.
That was rather tempting. It was a small price to pay to say good-bye to a potential headache for two years. But she didnt own the store alone.
Let check with my partners first, Tori said. And assess the damage. Will he be in holding for now?
Yes, until the charges are completed and paynt is arranged or confird to be waived. Then he will be escorted outside of Horizons extended borders, that is past the agrarian areas outside the city. A prison cart will drop him off and hand him over to his hotown authorities, Lt. Rosas said.
Sir, a voice said behind them. Tori looked over her shoulder and saw another patrol officer. The doctor has finished seeing the boy.
Toris eyes squinted and looked towards Lt. Rosas. He was injured?
In the scuffle, my lady, Harold said behind her. Tori turned back to him. He was holding a knife to cut the rchandise. We pushed him onto the ground and took the knife. It seed to hurt his hand.
Its a bit more serious than we thought, the second patrol officer said, looking sowhat regretful. It seems like sothing was torn in his thumb...the boy might not be able to hold things again.
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