She expected this from Kasen, but not Sebastian.
So, yes, the quality of a crystal does depend on where it's sourced. The better the vein its from, the stronger, sturdier, and longer lasting that crystal is. He was hunched over a large oak table in the fortress library with a massive map of the world as they knew it unrolled on top. The corners and edges were held down with various books, a candelabra, and a hollow bronze bust of one of their ancestors. There are places where the energy veins are extrely strong from how they interconnect. Even weak crystals used there will be amplified. If you want to do sothing big, those would be the places to go.
Tori nodded, only half paying attention.
Sebastian always seed so flighty around her that she often forgot that he was also once a top ranked student at Lyce and Universit, a competent heir to the march, and had a sequel to the ga where he attempted to resurrect her and instead also summoned an army of undead. He mustve had so knowledge on the subject in order to attempt such a feat.
I see. Should she be concerned that Sebastian would try to resurrect her if she died? Perhaps she needed to have a backup plan to deal with it, such as a will or assigning the care of her body to soone who wont go as far as trying to resurrect her in grief.
Sebastian looked up and smiled. Do you have any questions?
No.... You said you wanted to see the crystals I bought, so I brought them down. She still held the box Mr. Ramos packed for her in her arms. Sebastian looked at the box for a mont, as if realizing he began lecturing his sister as soon as she entered the library.
Oh, right. He bead. Let see what you bought.
Tori pushed aside the map with one hand and then placed her little wooden box on the table. She lifted the lid off and began to take so out. Instructor Ignatius says to always go with crystals that get your attention, as it ans they resonate with you and you can work with them better. Even if they didnt have any energy, I picked them based on that.
Theyre not bad, Sebastian said as he picked up a polished piece of fluorite still jutting out from so quartz. Crystals are a dium for energy. Each crystal has a specific use. You picked a good array, Tori. What else did you buy?
A book with so used charms.
In Old Sulfae?
Yes.
Did you call Grammie? Sebastian picked up a smooth, palm sized stone. It was dark with shining streaks of green, blue, purple, and gold. Tori wasnt sure what it was called here; she found that so nas carried over and so didnt. She was planning to ask Instructor Ignatius when she got back. In her original world, it was labradorite.
I did. She said she will have Kasen prepare so notes for .
Kasens well-versed in Old Sulfae, too.
Tori sighed, defeated. Kasens good at a lot of things.
Sebastian held the labradorite in his left hand and closed his fingers over it. He was quiet for a mont and Tori began to see a faint glow coming from between his fingers. She furrowed her brows, watching as the glow grew stronger before it began to dim. Sebastian opened his hand and brought the stone towards her.
Aurora stone is good for life energy, he said. It helps clear your lungs and settle your tummy. He reached out with his other hand and took her right one, placing the aurora stone on her palm.
Its warm. Her eyes widened. There was a faint energy, like a gentle current moving up her arm, that was easily picked up without her trying. She looked at her brother. Did you charge the crystal?
Sebastian smiled and nodded. Fully charged.
For a mont, Tori stared at the stone, unsure how to feel. On one hand, she was impressed. On the other...it took her an hour to charge a crystal the size of her thumb nail and it was clear quartz, the easiest of the crystals to charge. Her brother took - what was it? Ten seconds to charge a dense stone that fit in her palm to the fullest.
No wonder he raised an entire undead army.
So, its not just Victoria who is the inept child of this family. I, too, am an underachiever. This has been a depressing day. Tori lifted the stone and admired it a bit before placing it back into the box. Thanks, Sebby.
Her brother looked very pleased with himself. I may not be as skilled as Cry Baby Benny, but Im capable.
Why do you call him that? Tori asked as she closed the box and gave her brother a confused look.
Sebastians smile didnt leave his face. He knows why.
Maybe it was best she didnt inquire further. Have you decided when were leaving tomorrow?
After lunch, Sebastian said. He glanced down at the map. Well stop at a few different towns. Wed reach the outskirts of Horizon in the evening and spend the night at a small inn. That way when we get to Horizon, it will be daylight.
Where are we staying? Tori asked. Auntie Lucia wont be back for another week after we arrive. Her aunt and her family had left the day before to visit Uncle Maurizos family southeast of them for a few days. Did you rent your flat again?
Sebastian nodded. Its close to the first district. Ill drop you off at Lyce at the beginning of the week when you start. Since you have a few days, you can invite your friends to co and eat the pork leg you bought.
That sounds good. Thanks, Sebby. Ill tell Ilyana to tell the others tonight.
He smirked. Youll like the flat. Its very spacious and the kitchen.... His voice trailed off as he looked over her head, towards the door. Yes, Samuel?
Tori turned around to find the familys old butler standing by the door. He gave them a polite nod of his head. My apologies, my lady, young lord, but Lady Tori has guests.
Tori, surprised, looked towards her brother and Sebastian gave her a curious look. Are you expecting anyone?
She shook her head and looked back at the head butler. Whos here?
Lady Beltran, Lady Duarte, Lady ndoza, and Lord Esquivel. Tori narrowed her eyes. While all four were at Count Ferreros ball, she didnt interact with them until the last ball at Viscount Duartes. From what Kasen told her, she didnt have a good relationship with this particular group of peers.
Of the young nobility in Presidio, they were at the top of the social ladder and because of this, were at odds with Victoria, who saw them as her rivals in popularity. Toris only eting with them at Viscount Duartes consisted of a polite greeting, an apology for past rudeness, and then a curt have a good evening. She didnt plan to get involved with any of her noble peers in Presidio and, after a week, figured that they didnt want to get involved with her either.
Where are they right now?
The east garden chamber, the gray-haired man said. Shall we serve them coffee?
Tori gave him a nod. Tell them Ill be there in a mont. I just need to bring sothing to my room. The butler bowed his head and walked out.
Theyve never visited before, Sebastian said as he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the table. What do you suppose they want?
Tori shook her head and picked up her box. I have no idea.
She carried her box of crystals back to her room and placed it on top of her trunk to be packed away. Before she left her room, she checked herself in the mirror. She hadnt planned on seeing anyone today, so she wore training pants from that morning and a buttoned-up blouse under her down vest. She was tempted to change, but decided it wasnt worth the effort.
Tori headed to the east garden chamber, unsure if she was rushing because she was curious or if she just wanted to get whatever this ordeal was over with.
She opened the door and stepped into the room that used to be an extended portico, but was made into a partial greenhouse that overlooked the east garden. As she stepped inside, the four teenagers within looked up from their coffees as Tori walked in and gave them a small nod in greeting.
Good afternoon. She kept her voice polite and calm. To what do I owe this afternoons unexpected visit? She gave the maid standing by a small serving cart a nod to excuse her before taking her seat. The maid swiftly prepared a cup of coffee and placed it on the small table in front of her.
Lady Guevera, the dark-haired young woman seated closest to her, gave her a small nod. How are you?
Im tired and still have to pack. She clenched her jaw for a mont before giving Lady Duarte a nod. Well. And you all? A series of murmurs answering her were given. Tori reached forward and picked up her coffee. She blew over the top and took a small sip.
Her eyes peered over the lip of the cup. The three young won and young man seated in front of her seed to avoid her eyes as they busied themselves with their own cups. No one seed to want to talk.
So, you all are just going to co into my house and waste my ti? I have more stuff to pack than what I ca with; I dont need this right now. Tori lowered her hand and let out a low breath. She prepared to break the silence when one of the young won seed to finally reach the limit of her patience.
Lady Beltran slamd her coffee cup back on its saucer and turned to look at Tori with a demanding expression. Whats wrong with you? What are you planning?
Tori squinted. What?
What are you planning? Youve been acting strange since you returned from Horizon. Lady Beltran was on the edge of her seat, her face flushed. Beside her, Lady Duarte reached out to hold her arm to try to calm her.
Cynthia, calm down.
How can I calm down? Shes not normal! Shes planning sothing, I know it! She pointed at Tori, whose lips tightened into a line.
You think Im secretly planning sothing against you? Tori asked, careful.
Well, what else could it be? Lady Beltran nearly shouted.
My cousin simply thinks its strange that you have refused all the invitations that have been sent to you, Lady ndoza said in a calm voice. In the past, you never turned down an invitation.
You must have a reason! Lady Beltran insisted. No one changes overnight. Shes always been jealous of us! No doubt shes setting up sothing before she leaves.
Tori raised a brow. She let out a low breath and took another drink of her coffee. Youre overthinking things.
Then why have you been so quiet? Lord Esquivel asked, frowning. Tori looked over at him, unimpressed. Not counting her brothers, he was supposedly the best-looking young noble in Presidio. At one point, even Victoria took a fancy to him, but compared to the love interests, not to ntion their brothers, he was a bit lacking.
Tori silently shook her head. Victoria really did have bad taste.
Answer us! Lady Beltran said as Tori took another sip of her coffee.
She raised her eyes and frowned. After the last bit of coffee was swallowed, she slamd her cup on the table, making everyone jump.
Bitch, I fell off a horse! Tori narrowed her eyes and shot them a glare. If I recall, all of you were present at the garden party when it happened. I hit my head and was unconscious for days. I almost died. She waited for them to speak up, but found they had recoiled at her sudden change of tone and deanor. I woke up feeling as if my head was being cleaved in two. I could barely rember my own family, let alone anyone else in the fortress. I spent weeks trying to rember and relearn near everything. Do you not think that after such a traumatic experience, a person may just change the way they think and live? Hmm?
Or do you believe that everyone has a stagnant personality and are unable to learn and experience new things that will, little by little, change them? The reason I rejected all those invitations was because I know that I was a terrible person before the accident. I know how an I was. What ridiculous things I said and did. I know I hurt people and dont want to repeat it. If I was in your position, I would be ecstatic to never have to deal with again, so I dont know why youre here, demanding to know if I have so grand plan to socially ruin you, when I dont want to see any of you at all! Get your heads out of your asses!
Her voice had progressively risen until it almost echoed in the room. Five pairs of stunned eyes, including that of the maid, were fixed on her as she sat forward with a dark expression. She took a deep breath to calm down.
I want to make it clear that Im not planning anything against you. I simply no longer wish to continue making things difficult for anyone. I hope you all understand that. She looked around, at the four other teenagers, and waited for them to answer.
The air was heavy. This sort of direct explanation was likely unexpected, so Tori didnt think theyd snap back quickly. After a few monts, Lady Duarte moved her hands across her skirt to straighten it out.
Do you not hold us in your eyes at all? she asked in a low voice.
Do you hold in your eyes? Tori asked. Im very aware that the only reason I am invited to gatherings and parties is because I am Marquis Gueveras daughter. Had it not been for my rank, I wouldve been ostracized long ago.
Then...you hold no ill will towards us? Lord Esquivel asked with so hesitancy in his voice, as if he wasnt sure if such a thing was even possible.
Tori shook her head. No. I wasnt a pleasant person to begin with.
Even after I pushed you into Lady Duartes fountain when we were six? Lady Beltran prodded with suspicious eyes.
No.... Tori frowned. She didnt recall that mory. You what?
Or that ti I spilled grape juice on your spring dress three years ago? Lady ndoza asked. Toris brows were knit. She recalled a stain on a new yellow dress at the festival and sobbing ho about it.
That was you?
And no hard feelings after I called you ugly? Lord Esquivel added.
When the hell was Victoria ugly? There are portraits of her all over the fortress, she was fucking adorable since birth. Tori stared at all of them. Wait, was Victoria bullying them or was she retaliating? She leaned back on her chair and crossed her legs as she narrowed her eyes at them. What else have you done to that I should be upset about?
The four teenagers looked at each other with a sudden sense of urgency.
Lady Duarte suddenly shot to her feet and gave her a weak smile. My lady, it seems weve bothered you. You really have changed after your accident. I can see that youre trying to make ands.
Yes, Lady Anna is correct, it seems youve...matured. Lord Esquivel seed to put on a charming smile as he gave her a small nod. Since Lady Guevera feels it's best to distance herself from us after our strained past, we should respect her decision.
I agree! Lady ndoza said as smiled awkwardly. Lady Guevera, rest assured that we also wish to put the past behind us. Isnt that right, everyone?
A series of murmurs seed to agree with her, but their hesitancy to believe Tori had changed still lingered. She remained seated and drew her lips inward.
If that is the case, then Im glad we cleared the air.
Isnt it? Lady Duarte tapped her cousin on the shoulder, urging her to stand. We should let Lady Guevera rest. Shes leaving soon for Horizon.
Thank you for having us today, Lady Guevera, Lord Esquivel said as everyone other than Tori rose to their feet. He gave her a bow, prompting the young won to give her a proper curtsy.
With her hand clamped on Lady Beltrans arm, Lady Duarte nearly dragged her to the door. Thats it? Were just going to let it go like that?
Lets go, Cynthia, Lady Duarte hissed in a low voice. Best to leave before she gets upset.
Lady ndoza gave Tori one last awkward smile. Have a good journey, Lady Guevera...and I...uh...like your vest.
The corner of Toris lip curled upwards as the four young nobles walked past her and hurriedly left. She raised her hand and the maid ca forward to pour her another cup of coffee.
So, what was that about? Sebastian walked into the chamber and the maid prepared another cup for him.
Sebby...why didnt I get along with Lady Duarte and her friends? Tori asked as she picked up her cup. Isnt it because I was rude to them?
Its going to sound biased coming from , but its not your fault. You five have a long history. Mama wanted to find playmates for you and theyre around the sa age and from good families, Sebastian said as he reached forward and plucked a small biscuit from the platter on the table. He bit into it and thought for a mont. The four of them were already friends and their parents were forcing them to play with you and they resisted...eventually, your relationship with them beca worse. He swallowed the biscuit and frowned. When you were six, that little Beltran brat was jealous of your dress and pushed you into a fountain. After that, you seed to hold a grudge. It was very cute.
Tori gave him so side eye and drank her coffee. This gave a bit more insight into Victoria. Perhaps being the spoiled youngest child and only granddaughter werent the only reasons she acted out. She closed her eyes and tried to rember what other clashes they had.
She forgot that when she tried to rember sothing she hadnt yet, a mory may appear, but it was accompanied with a flash of pain.
Tori quickly put her cup on the table as a sharp, splitting headache ripped through her head. She raised her hands and pressed against her head, as if trying to push the two sides of together to keep from falling apart.
Tori? Sebastian nearly tossed his cup on to the table as he stood up and rushed to her side. Whats wrong? His hands reached up and were placed over hers as worry filled his face.
Nothing. Just a little...dizziness. The pain was fleeting, at least. Within a breath, it was as if nothing happened. She looked up, her eyes a bit red, and smiled. I dont think I drank enough water today.
Sebastian frowned. He looked at the maid and gave her a nod. A glass was placed in front of her and filled with clear water.
Take a drink. Quickly, Sebastian said as he held the cup to her mouth. She tried her best to take a few gulps without spilling before pushing Sebastians hand away.
Im fine. Its enough.
Thats enough coffee for you, he told her as he studied her face. His eyes squinted with concern. Are you still dizzy?
No, Im fine. Ill drink and sit for a while. Ill be better in a bit, she replied with as reassuring a look as she could give him. Sebastian didnt seem convinced.
Do you want to go to your room?
Ill walk up soon. I still need to pack.
Im going to call the maids to help you.
She sighed. Sebby, its fine....
Watch her. If she gets dizzy again, alert us imdiately, he told the lone maid in the room. The woman nodded her head and Sebastian stood up. He looked at his sister. Sit for a while longer.
Tori nodded with a tired smile. Okay. She watched him walk out the door and her face softened.
She rembered why Victoria retaliated against Lady Beltran when they were children, and likely continued holding a grudge. It wasnt about her dress, per se. Little Victoria had been stunned that her would-be playmate had pushed her into the water and ruined her dress, but she thought it was an accident and was ready to forgive little Lady Beltran.
Except little Lady Beltran had opened her mouth and called the dress ugly and that whoever bought it was a blind fool.
Little Victoria had then grabbed little Lady Beltrans hair, and ripped off her bow and a fistful of reddish-brown hair with it.
Sebastian had sent Tori that dress all the way from Horizon, where he had been in school at the ti, having picked it out for her himself.
Tori took another drink of water and nodded to herself. Worth it.
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