Tori Transmigrated Chapter 215: Do You Have Money?

The fabric was soft and cool; comfortable despite the seasonal chill weather. Tori closed her eyes and buried her face beneath it. If she could slide underneath, she would do so.

I missed you so much, she said in a soft voice. Her fingers curled into the familiar cat patterned blanket. My bed.

Nyaow! Alexander rolled on his back over the bed in her tent. From the entrance, Ilyana stood with a warm smile as she watched Tori snuggle against the soft blankets and fluffy pillows.

Are you sure you dont want to take a nap? Ilyana asked. You ca straight from Embarkation Island and have been traveling for days.

Tori was still face-planted on her bed. I have work to do. Even though her muffled voice replied, she didnt move from where she lay.

Ilyana sighed. No one is going to force you to work today, Tori. Besides, its already afternoon. Just take the rest of the day off.

I already took so days off. Tori remained unmoving.

Then why dont we bring work to your tent? Henriks voice suggested from the main room.

You dare? Sonia chided. She was attacked by pirates, Henrik! Let her rest!

And His Highness got her angry, Ewan added. You know how she is when she gets angry.... His voice was quieter when he said the last sentence, but Tori still heard him. She turned her head to the side and narrowed her eyes.

I didnt know you enjoyed living life so dangerously, Ewan.... JPs voice sighed.

Huh?

Never mind.

Tori lifted her head, let out a heavy sigh, and pushed herself up. She slid her legs over the edge of her bed and stood up. Henrik, bring the things to review for Piers party at the Lunar Pavilion. JP, fetch the weekly reports from the Operations Tent.

She heard their confirmations and then sudden exclamation. What is she doing here?

We couldnt stop her-

She cant go inside! The last voice sounded like one of the knights. Tori furrowed her brows and stood up, wondering who had the gall to force their way into her tent. She frowned as she saw Ilyanas surprised expression from the doorway.

Did she escape? Sonia was standing just outside and gawking at the massive black beast that had two hooves and half her body in Toris tent.

Layla! Toris face softened at once as her horse chuffed. Tori rushed forward and stroked her head. My baby girl, I missed you so much! No other horse is as good as you. She kissed the top of Laylas lowered head and scratched the side of her muscular neck. Were you a good girl?

Tori, she escaped the corral, Sonia said with squinted eyes.

I said good, not obedient. Tori defended her horse, who chuffed once more and rubbed her head against Tori in affirmation. Okay, lets go for a ride.

Sonia rolled her eyes. I thought you were going to work.

I can go check on construction. That counts. Tori averted her eyes.

Lets go to the stables. Well co with you, Ilyana told her. She looked back into the chamber. Alexander, do you want to co for a ride? We can get your basket.

Nyaow! A mont later, the large gray cat trotted out. He managed to leap on top of Laylas back with ease. Layla had sohow gotten away from the corral and the stable hands, so she wasnt wearing her tack, let alone a saddle. Still, she followed at Toris side while Alexander sat regally on her back.

A few children were coming back from the ice-skating rink and greeted Tori, but were especially excited to see the village mascot had returned. Ewan joined them and borrowed a horse. Second and first-tier imperial knights were assigned horses when they were finally assigned a position after several years of training.

Knowing this, Ewan continued to ride when he could and even worked with Surs war horses when he visited Presidio. Sebastian promised to arrange a horse for him once he was assigned, assuring him that Surs war horses were the superior horses.

Layla was a pri example.

They reached the stables and the stable hands whod chased Layla all the way to Toris tent rushed to prepare the riding equipnt. Sonia prepared her own and just as she was finishing up, JP ca to join them.

What about Henrik? Tori asked as she fed Layla an apple.

He found Prince Piers and cornered him for information on so details of the party, JP told them. Albert is arriving with Madam Midstrom and the clothes ordered. Obviously, His Highness cannot attend his first new year party in drab clothing.

Tori nodded in agreent. Impressions mattered, especially in the circle Piers would be entertaining.

Is she bringing Toris dress, too? Ilyana asked.

Yes, but the final details have to be sewed on and Madam Midstrom wants to check to make sure it fits right.

Ilyana nodded in approval and looked at Tori before making cupping motions over her chest. You grew a bit, so I arranged to keep the dress a bit looser so adjustnts could be made.

Thanks, Ilyana....

The group, and two imperial knights, got on their horses and crossed the river to do rounds around the construction area. JP had been keeping an eye on the construction for her and updated her on any changes. A few tis, they ran into the construction heads, civil engineers, and planners who stopped to talk to Tori for a bit.

My lady, is there any news about Architect Sophos? One of the planners asked her with a hopeful expression on his face.

Uncle Dom or Artemisia? Tori raised a brow. If its Sia, Im still trying to convince my cousin. At best, she promised to co for a few weeks after the new year to assess if she is a good fit for the position-

She will be! The young planners sun kissed face flushed.

Tori pursed her lips. She really wanted her cousin to co and didnt want anyone annoying her. Please dont scare my cousin away with any overzealousness. A mortified look filled the planners face.

Of course, my lady! I just admire her greatly! Its a sha she didnt co to Universit despite the invitation. The planner rambled on and Tori gave him a vague nod. Eventually, one of his superiors decided to end his awkwardness and drag him away.

Tori, how many people in your family went or were invited to Universit? JP asked, a bit impressed.

Mama, Sebby, Kasey, Auntie Lucia, Uncle Maurizo, Uncle Dom, Auntie Anita, Grammy, and both Sophos grandparents and their siblings, Tori said. On the OTuagh side-

I thought they all went to the Naval Academy, Sonia asked.

Cousin Siobhan and Cousin Bridget attended in conjunction with the Naval Academy. Cousin Siobhan t her husband at Universit. Andy and Cousin Eili only went to the Naval Academy, Tori said. Sebby said that the older children tended to go as they got more responsibility in running the marches. Aiden plans to go to Universit. Maeve is likely going to go to the Naval Academy with her personality and Ava....

I cant see Ava at Universit, Ewan said.

Riri said that Ava will go because they are a team, Ilyana told them. Maybe she will do both, like her mother.

That reminds , Tori said as she glanced over her shoulder. I know Ewan is going to go into the imperial knights. Ilyana, Henrik, Albert, and I are hoping to get into Universit-

You say hoping as if you and Ilyana havent already been invited and have spots waiting for you, Sonia said with a proud grin.

I bet she was talking about Henrik and Albert, JP smirked. The group snickered amongst themselves.

What about you two? Tori asked. You havent spoken much about your plans.

JP looked at his sister with a knowing expression. Sonia avoided their eyes. Sonia, theyre going to know eventually.

The results havent been announced yet. I couldve failed.

What could you have failed? Ilyana asked.

Sonia bit her lips. JP rolled his eyes. Ive been wanting to tell them. If you dont, I will.

All right fine. Sonia sent her brother a slight glare before turning to her friends. JP and I took the exam for Soleil Animal Managent College two weeks ago.

What? Ilyana sat up straight. Why didnt you tell us?

Ewan frowned a bit as well. JP and Sonia were his friends from childhood.

Shes afraid that if she doesnt pass, shell be embarrassed and let everyone down, JP said in an unimpressed voice. Both of us tested and filled out our interests. Im interested in dostic animal veterinary dicine and Sonia is interested in wildlife managent.

Wildlife managent? Tori blinked. Did she not know Sonia as well as she thought?

Last year, when we went hunting with Dede, I really enjoyed observing wildlife. Youve talked about the importance of keeping a balance between manmade areas and nature, and how you wanted to make sure the surrounding hills and marshes had healthy animal populations for both sustenance and tourism. Dede and my parents talked about it and they brought up working here.... She trailed off and let out a heavy sigh. Anyway, lets not get our hopes up.

Was the exam difficult? Ilyana asked.

She looked at JP, who nodded. That was likely the reason Sonia didnt want to talk about it.

There are other options if Sonia doesnt pass and get accepted, Tori said as she turned her head forward. If she cant take formal classes, she can take an apprenticeship route and get training elsewhere in the empire.

How do you know that? Ewan asked.

Lady Bettencourt, my godfathers sister, manages the wild horse populations in Sur and she both formally studied at a college and had training. She mainly breaks in young feral horses now and oversees her familys husbandry programs, but she had several pupils and not all of them had formal schooling. In fact, she thinks that if you are more inclined to field work, the apprenticeship will be best for you. Tori looked over at Sonia. Whatever your choice, well support you.

Ewan and Ilyana both nodded earnestly, and Sonia nodded. Thats better than my back up plan.

What was your back up plan? Ewan asked.

Live off Tori and work in Viclya teaching riding for the rest of my life, Sonia said with an almost proud shrug. Tori snorted.

Thats my backup plan, too, JP told them.

Tori shook her head. Do you all just want to live here the rest of your lives?

Yes. A series of voices chorused behind her.

Im not asking for an island.... Ewan added in a quiet voice.

No one is going to get an island except , Tori said. Most of the islands are slated for developnt or are too small and will remain as natural nesting grounds for seabirds.

What about by the shore? Ewan asked.

Ewan, a knight will live in Horizon with the imperial family, Sonia reminded him in a dull voice.

But what if I end up guarding Tori? Shell spend most of her ti here instead of Horizon.

Why would you end up guarding Tori as an imperial knight? Ilyana asked. Ewan puffed out his chest and pointed to the two knights behind them. Touch.

Ewan, Sir Atienza chuckled. We dont pick those to whom we are assigned. You could be assigned to anyone.

What if youre assigned to Prince Gideon? Sir Wagner said with a grin. Ewans face fell at once.

He frowned. Then, Ill quit the knights and ask Master if hell take in Sur. Master will let shadow Tori.

Ewan, lets not be too hasty! Sir Wagner backtracked at once. The future has yet to co!

Ewan, dont worry, Tori told him. Once the closed settlents end, I will give you all priority to reserve decent sized plots in the town and surrounding area. Rural is reserved for farming and future villages, and the east shore is mainly industrial and comrcial, but there are so nice areas on the west shore with good energy I think would be suitable for residences.

Really? Ewan asked.

Youll have to pay, so start arranging with Henrik for a loan, JP said with a smirk. Ive saved up my prize money from riding competitions.

Sonia nodded. Sa.

Ilyana also nodded. Daddy wants to buy property here for a sumr house that I can live in, so my family will have a place.

Ewan deflated. He fished out his comcry and called Henrik. Henrik, do you have money?

What kind of question is this? Henriks annoyed voice asked. You know my finances are tight and locked into investnts right now.

Ewan looked even more uncomfortable. How much does property cost?

It depends how big and where...why are you asking?

Toris going to let us buy property, but I dont have money....

What do you an?

Can I borrow so?

There was silence on the other end of the comcry. Ewan...do you know how two of Lions Gates down jackets are nad after you?

Ewan nodded his head. Yes....

Theyre the most popular and bestselling jackets and vests. A small percentage of each sale of the clothes nad after us is set aside for us. Tori arranged when we started in return for advertising them. Out of all of us, you made the most money in terms of sales. There was so annoyance in Henriks voice about it.

Tori? Ewan looked towards Tori, who pretended she didnt notice his burning gaze.

Its been about three years. Id estimate that you earned enough to buy a phase one lot, Tori said. In a few years, youll have more. If you want to save up, you can continue to let it sit while you work.

Ewans eyes watered. Tori, youre the best.

Give so credit to Henrik, Tori said. Hes the one who brought it up.

I didnt think youd give us percentages based on sales! Of course Ewans going to get the most if his styles are the bestselling ones! Mine is the least popular! Henriks irritated voice ca from Ewans comcry.

Henrik. A mans low voice ca. Youre loud.

Sorry, Your Highness. Henrik almost squeaked. We can discuss later. He ended the call and Ewan had a bright smile on his face.

Ilyana giggled on her horse. Im glad that well all still be together, even if we have to study apart for a while. I cant think of a better future.