Oh my, it looks lovely, Miss Guevera! Headmaster Laurent looked at the small tal tin with a wooden tray inside. The carefully designed charcuterie board was made up of cured pork leg, bread, dried fruit, and cheese from Presidio. Shed made several boards that morning, before she left for Lyce.
She wasnt trying to bribe the headmaster, but he had been very understanding towards her and was a big supporter of Lions Gate. Besides, the tray was small, only three tis the size of her hand.
Thank you, Headmaster. I hope you enjoy it. Those are the flavors of the south. She gave him a small nod and turned around. She stepped out the door just in ti to hear Headmaster Laurent slap a hand away.
She gave it to , not you, Legaspi.
Tori held back a small chuckle and left the administration building. She had a basket in one arm and as she walked down the steps, she ntally crossed off the headmaster from her list of recipients. Shed run into Instructor Ignatius already and handed him a small box.
He seed very excited and thanked her. He beca even more excited when she ntioned the old crystals she wanted him to look at.
Instructor Rosemund had been in the faculty room and Tori ca to give her a box. The other instructors looked over, enviously, as Instructor Rosemund opened the tin and saw the prepared board, delighted.
Tori had also given a larger one to the dorm commons kitchen staff. She and Ilyana were familiar with them, as Ilyanas reviews ran late and so theyd co by and drop off sothing for her to eat.
The last person on her list was Master McDouglass, who was likely at the practice grounds, checking the equipnt in preparation for practice the next day. She headed down one of the walkways that cut through half of the school. There werent any classes yet, but the school was already quite active.
Students had been returning since morning and after bringing their things to their rooms, they went around to find their friends and catch up after the break. Her friends were getting together for dinner off campus later that evening, after they were settled in.
It shouldnt have surprised her to see that the heroine had also returned and was already with two of her main love interests. Normally, seeing Alessa would make Tori turn around and head in the opposite direction, but a small part of her couldnt help but parade in front of them just to show them that she was doing quite well.
She kept her head up as she walked forward, intending to pretend she didnt see them. She could see Alessa from the corner of her eye. The blonde protagonist seed to shrink back and lower her head.
Lady Guevera, good day, she said in a submissive voice.
Tori gave her a curt nod in response and kept walking.
It seems youre on good terms with my brother, Lady Guevera, Gideon said as she passed. Tori ca to a slow stop and wanted to smirk. So, seeing them at the Pri Ministers party did bother the second prince. She restrained herself and turned around, giving him a small nod.
He is the protege of my eldest brother and underclassman of my second brother, Tori said. Piers and I were introduced before school began. She watched Gideons eye twitch at the sound of his brothers na coming from her lips. Tori cackled internally. Thats right, Im on the first na basis with your brother. Were cool.
I see. Then you are familiar with him.
Familiar enough. Hes eaten my food and lets eat for free at his cafe. Co to think of it, how co Ive never seen Gideon at the cafe? Does he not know? Oh shit, maybe he doesnt know. Hah.
Gideons eyes narrowed. Then you should know that he doesnt like being around large groups of people. It was strange that my brother decided to suddenly attend Pri Minister Guthrys evening party. Was it because of you?
He made the decision for himself, Your Highness.
They said that he was escorting you.
Tori glanced at Alessa and noticed she looked surprised at this. Tori didnt show anything other than boredom as she answered. Even if he was, that is between and Piers.
Gideon scowled and took a step forward. My brother gets anxious in such settings! He hardly ever attends gatherings because of this. How dare you force him-
I didnt force him. I didnt even know he was invited until after I confird I was going, Tori said with narrowed eyes. I saw him standing by himself and went to accompany him because he looked uncomfortable. Since you knew he was there and was anxious, why didnt you stay with him?
This question seed to catch Gideon by surprise. He furrowed his brows, confused; as if the thought to keep his brother company never occurred to him. Tori almost wanted to sneer.
Lady Guevera, as a mber of the imperial family, it is necessary for His Highness to make his social rounds, Fabian said, walking forward and almost moving in between them.
Tori gave him a contemptuous look. Sir von Dorn, youre here, too. How are your ribs? The reminder of her beating him weeks ago made him flush with frustration and irritation. The corner of Toris lips curled up. Are they healed now?
He grit his teeth as hateful eyes bore into her. Im perfectly fine. The injury was minor.
You should thank Master McDouglass. Imagine if he didnt force you to wear the helt and padded jacket. Part of her knew she shouldnt keep poking at him, but she wanted to remind him that the only thing that stopped her from utterly destroying him were the safety precautions they were forced to take and adult supervision.
Lady Guevera is quite skilled with the sword, Alessa said with a weak smile. It was impressive.
Tori glanced at her and gave her a small, appreciative smile. Thank you. You should see with a dagger. She looked back at Gideon and gave him a small bow of her head. If youll excuse , Your Highness, I have an errand to finish before dinner. She looked at the trio as she stepped back. Have a good day.
My brother is very kind, but dislikes large events. I ask you not to force him to attend gatherings where he is uncomfortable, Gideon said.
Tori had turned her back and took a deep breath as she heard him. In general, she wouldnt force her friends into a situation where they were uncomfortable, but if they wanted to go outside their comfort zone, she would do her best to support them. Piers was an exception to this. For both his position and her survival, he needed to be forced into uncomfortable situations. However, she wasnt going to just leave him to flounder around by himself.
As a mber of the imperial family, it is necessary for His Highness Prince Piers to make his social rounds, Tori said as she looked over her shoulder. And since Axton is in training for another month, Ill accompany Piers when asked. If that is a problem, then you should bring it up with Piers.
The second prince looked awkward, as if he didnt want to bring up the subject with his brother. He didnt say anything further and Tori took her leave. As she held the basket against her, she wondered how Piers relationship with his brother was.
In retrospect, no one really ntioned it. Piers never brought up Gideon and the only ti her brothers had was in comparison to Piers. The wiki article also only ntioned Piers in passing. There was no detail on their relationship, but it didnt seem close. Not in a bad way, but simply distant.
Gideon seed to hold legitimate concern for his brother. Or at least didnt want his brother around her. Would it be too much to ask Piers if he and Gideon got along?
Tori wrinkled her nose. Maybe that was a bit too personal. She continued walking, passing by nurous students as she headed to the practice grounds. She was stopped a few more tis and greeted by acquaintances. Captain Patrick even stopped her to ask if she was really going to cook that rice dish for Ewans birthday the following month.
She just finished dropping off the charcuterie board to Master McDouglass and was heading back when her pleasant afternoon hit yet another roadblock. Since she left the practice grounds, she couldnt help but feel that she was being watched. She slowed down a few tis and glanced around, but couldnt find anyone who was looking at her.
Am I being paranoid? She brought the basket closer to her and quickened her step. Tori thought shed be used to people looking at her by now, but whoever was looking at her wasnt doing so casually or because they were silently judging her. Its a weird vibe....
Lady Guevera.
She whirled around and switched the basket from her right arm to her left before throwing her right arm behind her and letting the dagger slide from her sleeve and into her palm. She kept the weapon hidden behind her skirt as she adjusted her footing into a fighting stance.
Tori gripped the hilt of the dagger and narrowed her eyes. She recognized the person who called her na, but didnt relax.
Mr. Alvere, she said. Dont stab him. Calm your ass, Tori. He didnt do anything. Yet. Can I help you with anything?
Montan stood a few paces behind her, expressionless. No, not expressionless. She could see that hint of disgust, as if he were looking at a pest. Tori hadnt heard him approach nor did she see him standing near-by. Was this magic brought on by a charm?
Or so sort of horror movie trope where the killer wasnt seen until he was about to kill soone, in which case, Tori wanted out imdiately. Her eyes went over his body and noticed a slip of paper in his left hand. She let out a low, breath of relief.
Charms she could deal with. She looked back at Montans face and was almost annoyed at how he was looking at her as if she were beneath him. She wasnt sure if it was because she was a noble and he hated nobles, or if it was because of Alessa.
I suggest you stop bothering Alessa Hart.
Okay, its because of Alessa. Tori took a deep breath. It looked like it was going to be another one of those conversations. Mr. Alvere, I havent done anything to Miss Hart.
His eyes narrowed. You have caused her village to suffer. You had her friend arrested. You injured Sir von Dorn when he tried to reinstate her honor.
No, Tori said. Not that youll listen, but the state of her village is none of my business. Her friend broke into my store and vandalized my property on his own. And Sir von Dorn is overrated. I have instigated none of those things. But I know you dont care, so lets get to the point. What is your threat? If I bother Miss Hart again, youre going to retaliate on her behalf? Maybe place one of those charms of yours on ?
His glare hardened. If you know, then stay away from her.
You know were in the sa class, right? Tori narrowed her eyes.
Montan walked forward and stopped in front of her. He was a half a head taller and his good-looking, but not-as-good-looking-as-his-half-brother, face lood in front of her with a darkened expression. I wont warn you again.
Tori frowned and leaned close. The sa to you.
She moved her hand and there was a ripping sound.
Montan looked down and saw that the piece of paper in his hand had been pierced by the tip of her dagger and ripped down the middle.
Charms were only good if they were charged and were in one piece, undamaged. Thus, the biggest flaw of charms, for all their quick charging and bursts of power, was that they were made of paper and simply ripping it disabled it.
Tori stepped back and as she relished his wide-eyed confusion. She presud no one had ever preemptively ripped one of his charms, but he was holding it in his hand the entire ti. She wasnt sure if he was trying to show it off to scare her or an idiot who didnt know how to hide his cards. She lifted her dagger and adjusted her hand to go from a forward grip to a reverse grip.
Thats a nice charm. I bet you have a lot of them, Tori said as she slowly stepped away, smiling pleasantly. It would be a sha if sothing were to happen to them.
His eyes turned to her and the earlier determination seed to have been shaken.
Tori! Are you heading back to the dorm? She heard a voice call out to her and she gave Montan a small nod as she slid her dagger back into her sleeve.
Have a good day, Mr. Alvere. She turned around and walked off, waving towards Albert who was lugging a large bag behind him. Yes, I just finished dropping off the souvenirs...did you just get back?
I was just dropped off. He looked past her, towards Montan and tilted his head. Is everything all right?
Tori sighed and gave him a dismissive wave. Just a small chat about charms. She patted his shoulder. Here, give that smaller bag. Ill help you carry it back.
She sniffled and lifted her hand to wipe at her eyes. What are they thinking: giving this to a kid? Ive only been in Lyce for a few months. I dont have any training or experience in anything like this! She didnt have any training or experience with refugees as a 40-year-old adult. These are peoples lives that have already been displaced. How could their entire resettlent be thrown into the hands of an inexperienced teenager?
She was angry, but not for herself. Even if this world was just one big ga in motion, it was still very much real and those refugees who fled because of war were real people whose real lives had been devastated and desperately needed real help. They deserved an actual, competent team of people to resettle and help them during such a ti.
Let alone not being a normal project, like helping orphans; this was angering and frustrating because the ga took it so fucking lightly. Did the developers think such a situation was a joke? People were dying and they thought it was a good idea to let so rich, sheltered teenager take care of them?
This ga was testing her.
Tori.... Kasen, for the first ti, sounded unsure. Have you spoken to the headmaster about this?
I have, she said, her voice still bitter. He says that its not as bad as it seems. It was just that with the encroachnt and raids by the Durage federation, its been difficult for these border villagers to live in peace, so for their own safety, theyve been evacuated and offered citizenship and land in Soleil. She let out a small, hateful laugh. They didnt even give them viable land, Kasey. The Cosora Delta is a bunch of marshy islands. These people are inland farrs!
It wasnt fair to them and she hated that the empire or the ga or whatever the hell forced this hand made this happen.
If this was a ga she was playing, sothing like building a civilization or sothing, shed think it would be a fun challenge. However, right now, this was not just a ga. It was her life and these people were real and she was in charge of them. She could not bring herself to act as if she had no empathy for the people, especially when she was going to et them.
I hate this stupid world. And feelings. Feelings are a burden.
She heard her brother sigh heavily through the comcry. I can look up so people who may be able to help you, he said.
Tori closed her eyes and took a deep breath. I need architects that know how to build on soft marshland, I need builders, I need supplies, I need well diggers and excavators, doctors, teachers.... There was so much needed.
You are not lacking money, Kasen reminded her.
Thats not the point, Tori said in a low voice. She took a deep breath. What the fuck does this ga want to do, build Venice? This isnt that sort of ga!
Tori, are you all right? Kasen asked.
She took another breath and shook her head, although Kasen couldnt see her. I need to do so research this week and then go to the delta this weekend to et with the village heads.
Dont go alone. Ask Auntie Lucia to go with you.
Yeah. Tori stretched out her legs on the soft, purple cushions of the settee and reached for the comcry on the windowsill. Thank you for listening to , Kasey. Im sorry I bothered you.
Dont ever be sorry for such a thing, Kasen said, firmly. I am here whenever you need .
Tori slid her hand across the crystal and ended the call. She remained laying on her back, staring at the now familiar wooden beams above her, in the private room above Cafe Fortuna.
She had been upset the entire day because of her assigned project, but she shouldve known the ga wasnt going to let her have sothing manageable or even local. Of her class, her project would take her the furthest from the capital.
The Cosora Delta was a several hour carriage ride following the Cosora River southeast. It emptied into the Asona Sea, which was actually a large freshwater lagoon. The delta portion was just part of the extended marshlands.
No one wanted to try to live there or farm it, which was likely why it remained unsettled and vacant for the refugees. At most, there were fishern, but it was only seasonal. Not even the two nearby duchies wanted to have the region under them.
Tori ground her teeth together at the thought of it.
Is this a fucking dating sim or world building ga, she said as she sat up. She looked up and glared at the ceiling. You fucking ga, you really want to put in a helpless position dont you? If I fuck up in any way, my reputation is gone, everyone will think Im incompetent, and Ill fail my project, resulting in getting expelled.
Not only that, but if people suffer - if people die because of , thats ammunition for Gideon and Dimitri. I wont have ti for much outside of this project and there is so much that can go wrong. How easy would it be for that cow-bastard or magic-jerk to step in? Youre really fucking testing , you piece of shit world, she hissed in a low, hateful voice.
No matter how angry or resentful she was at this latest middle finger she was presented with, she could not change it. The only thing she could do was throw money at it, and even that had its limitations.
In order for it to be considered a successful project, the student must oversee the entire thing. She couldnt pay for soone to do everything for her. Even if the resettlent was a complete success because she hired a team to do everything for her, the project would still be considered failing because she did nothing but write a blank check.
In a way, it was tempting. She genuinely wanted to help resettle those people. There was no doubt in her mind that she wanted to help them. The problem was she was severely lacking in experience.
Not only did she not know what the hell she was doing, there was no guarantee that the villagers would want to work with her. If she was a village head and found out that the resettlent of her entire village was put in the hands of an inexperienced teenager, shed think it was a joke. Who would take her seriously?
Marquis daughter or not, there was nothing about her that would make her a legitimate, respected manager of the resettlent process. If they didnt want to work with her, her hands were tied. Forcing them would create resistance and tension. How good would it look if the village hated her? That wouldnt exactly be considered successful.
If she was going to throw money at this, she needed to be careful in how she did it. She needed to establish a respectful and trusting relationship with the villagers, which likely ant she had to prove her competence and ability. She needed to make sure they were safe and that their basic necessities were t.
Then, she could work with them to figure out a ans of livelihood on the marshes. So sort of industry to sustain them, perhaps fishing if they couldnt farm, or craft work to sell in bigger cities.
She narrowed her eyes. Or a store or a restaurant.... Her hand gripped the comcry as her heart quickened. She spent half her life traveling and one of her favorite things to do was hang out by the water, be it play on a beach, stroll on a river walk, or have a lakeside dinner. It was always a relaxing way to end a day and the delta wasnt so far from Horizon that people wouldnt travel overnight to spend a long weekend unwinding by the water. And it wasn't as if building by or on watery places was new. Ancient peoples had done so in her world; there must've been so history of such a thing in the Romance of Soleil's world.
Is this...challenge accepted?
There were worse scenarios the ga couldve thrown at her. Not many, but a few. If this were a Chinese manhua, she could be dealing with so plague in a godforsaken region of the empire and forced to not only battle a spreading disease, but also local governnt corruption and incompetence.
A knock ca from the door and she snapped herself out of her luxury lakeside resort delusions. She stood up and walked across the room. Mama J said she would bring her so of her comfort chicken soup when she arrived, but Tori asked for a few minutes so she could call her brother and let out her frustrations.
Now that she thought about it, she was embarrassed to have cried. Perhaps she just needed to let it out. She lifted her hand to make sure her eyes were no longer teary before she reached for the door handle and pulled it open.
Instead of the warm, round woman, a tall man was holding a tray with her soup, coffee, and dessert. Tori looked up, confused. Before she could ask what he was doing there, he spoke up.
Do you want to co with you?
How much did Piers hear? Tori shook her head. It didnt matter. Do you have ti? He nodded. Good. She reached forward and took the tray from his hands. Because as a mber of the imperial family, this is supposed to be your job.
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