She knew it was bad when she saw her midterm exams as a break from the stress she was currently experiencing. Just after midterm exams, a small report was due on the status of her Lyce Project and while she had plenty to write, the thought that Adrien Rosiek had the gall to supply-block her made her want to fill her report with angry manifestos about how he was a corrupt coward whose businesses should be banned by the empire.
At first, she tried to be reasonable and logical. Perhaps there was a legitimate reason. Maybe the bricks really were going to help a bunch of nuns and orphans. However, the number of bricks purchased, by her calculations, far exceeded the amount that was actually needed to simply rebuild crumbling walls.
Was he trying to rebuild his reputation by appearing generous? Was he planning to rebuild the entire church and maybe show people that he wasnt a cheating bastard who stole designs from a fourteen-year-old girl?
Tori couldnt help her suspicions and borrowed Axton to take her to the church in order to gauge the situation better. In order not to arouse suspicion and be identified, she brought Nanny Rey, as well, and had her ask around about the bricks and rebuilding. Her nanny was clearly the best person for the job.
As unassuming as she appeared, the white-haired woman was sharp as the daggers hidden beneath her dowdy clothes.
The nuns are very excited, Nanny Rey said as they rode back into the city. Their generous donor plans to completely rebuild the entire church and orphanage, as well as build an adjacent school for the children.
The bricks were indeed going to help rebuild a decrepit church and its orphanage. And that orphanage was the sa one that Alessa was assigned to because of course it was.
Tori couldnt be upset that the bricks were going to the orphanage.
Tori shook her head. No, I totally can be pissed, but its just ssed up to be pissed at an orphanage. The hell, Im not an asshole.
Then, thats fine. We need to find another source for bricks, Tori said. She narrowed her eyes. I need to secure the other materials before he tries this again.
My question is how does he know that you were in need of bricks and that you went to that particular brick maker, Nanny Rey said.
Tori glanced over from where she was forced to sit in front of Axton, on Blue River. Do you think soone tipped him off?
It is always a possibility. Information is vital in war and business, Nanny Rey said. Her face softened as she looked at Toris frustrated expression. Do you want to look into it further? To see if there is soone on our side with loose lips?
Oh my God, is my nanny so sort of secret agent for the marches? Tori wasnt sure she felt comfortable putting such an overpowered individual in her personal war against the love interests. It was good to know that Nanny Rey was there and supported her, but she wasnt confident that Nanny Rey wouldnt just straight up kill Adrien Rosiek.
Tori didnt know how that would affect the ga situation and it just felt more trouble than it was worth. It was likely that if he was killed, shed be sohow blad and rather than being expelled, shed be sentenced to death, exile, or life in prison. She was not willing to risk it.
No, it's not necessary. We will keep any future sources confidential, Tori said. In the anti, Mama has secured several clay roof tile makers from Sur for us. Several wagon loads are already on their way up and that should be enough for all the hosteads on the test island. I doubt the cow-man and his company will be able to block that.
Tori sat up straight, pleased with this. The southern marches were at least a good week away, but she doubted Adrien and his cow company could extend their grubby hands there, where her family pretty much controlled everything. Thus, she decided to source what materials she could from the south, at least for the ti being.
Yes, it's good that you're getting help, my angel. Such a project cannot be done alone, Nanny Rey praised in a sweet voice. Tori didnt see Axton make an uncomfortable expression behind her. The entire ti Nanny Rey was with them, hed hardly spoken. Is it guarded?
Yes, Tori said, confident. The familys private guard will escort the supplies and then the imperial knights stationed at the camp will guard the supplies as theyre waiting to be brought to the construction site. The villagers have been made aware that we are in competition for building materials. They will be protective of the materials.
It is good that you are honest with them, Nanny Rey said. Her eyes glowed with affection and pride. You have grown up so well.
They dropped Nanny Rey off at her flat and Axton took Tori to get sothing to eat at Cafe Fortuna, as well as pick up dinner for Piers. He shuddered as he walked inside.
Shes so nice to you. Ive never heard her be that nice to anyone, Axton said with a haunted look on his face.
Tori gave him a dull look. Shes my nanny, of course shes nice to . How was she when she trained you?
Cold, yelling, telling us that if we failed, we would die in the frozen tundra, Axton said. He looked at Tori, aggrieved. She made elite soldiers cry. How did she beco your nanny?
Tori shrugged. I dont know, she just was. Sebby and Kasey had a different one, though, since theyre so much older.
"Take a seat. I have to order dinner for and Piers. What do you want?"
"Whatever you guys are having is fine," she said as she fell back against the familiar chaise. She looked over the back. "And sothing sweet!" It's been a long day. I deserve a treat.
"All right." Axton headed towards the back counter and Tori noticed a glowing coming from her pocket. She reached in and took out her comcry.
Kasey? Tori asked after sliding her finger across the cool crystal.
You were right to be suspicious, her brother said in a low, annoyed voice. The top five brickmakers closest to Horizon and the delta have suddenly been bought up. Three of them didnt have a surplus, but paynt has been made for future orders to secure at least a few months worth of bricks.
Tori took a deep breath and leaned back against the chaise. Golden Cow?
Golden Cow, Kasen confird. Mama did so calculations for you for brick suppliers here; there is a significant transport cost and the amount they can send out imdiately isnt much. There was an earthquake a few weeks ago and the priority has been to secure bricks for the Lopez March.
I understand. Thats fine. That needs to be taken care of. How much would it cost per thousand units, including transport with guards?
Its nearly quadruple what was estimated if you purchased bricks from makers near you.
Tori let out a low hiss and thought for a mont. If we concentrate on putting piles on the islands and the foundation stones for now, we can buy ti for bricks to be made and transported, but we dont know if hell continue to buy out the brickmakers, which is such a waste of money.
How is the supply going for wood and stone?
There are three types of wood that were recomnded and weve managed to source enough for a little over half of the islands were building on for phase one, Tori said. I dont want to destroy a whole forest for this, so we are working with three timber yards in the vicinity and checking in the north and east. As for the ifana stone, Ilyanas father has reached out to his contacts to secure more than enough for us. The Agafonov mines are usually for gemstone jewelry and decoration, since theyre not on an energy vein, but so pieces can be used for light crystals. Well likely get the majority of our light crystals from them.
Good, then you can focus on stone, roof tiles, and the wood piles, Kasen said. Also, good news. Gramps knows so fishern in the Glaukos Peninsula that are willing to co to the delta to see if their techniques will work. If they do, they can start teaching the villagers and are willing to stay for so ti.
Tori sat up straight on the chaise and bead. Really? When can they start?
Once the weather is warr. Id say another two months. Thatll give you ti to arrange for their lodging and equipnt.
If possible, can you ask them what theyll need? Ill try to get equipnt.
Youll need boats, too.
Its on the delta, Kasey. I know that we need boats. Tori rolled her eyes. Daybreak Garden is doing inquiries for .
Hmm, all right, he said, sounding amused. Do you want to continue to keep an eye on the cow?
Just see if hes making any more bulk purchases that would coincidentally hinder my progress, Tori said. For the ti being, we will continue with the test island and start the piles in the first phase of islands closest to the shore.
All right. One more thing, Kasen said. I know you were thinking about staying in the delta for the sumr, but we just received notice that Cousin Siobhan is going to have her succession ceremony shortly after Lyce ends. Do you want to go with us to the OTuagh March?
In the west? Tori furrowed her brows and tried to calculate how much ti that would take up. Aside from the ceremony itself, which would likely only be a day and then an evening reception, there was the travel ti. Part of her really wanted to stay and oversee the project. She didnt feel comfortable being away for so long. Can I think about it?
Of course, Kasen told her. Mama, Papa, and Gramps are going. Grammie is going to et us there.
What about Sebby?
Soone needs to stay at the march.
Tori could almost see her eldest brother distraught that he was left behind. Poor Sebby....
Hell be fine. Hes the heir. Its part of his job, Kasen assured her. Think about it and let know so I can make arrangents.
Okay. Bye, Kasey.
She slid her finger across the crystal and placed the comcry on her lap as she thought. Adriens attempt to present himself as a generous businessman who sponsored a church and orphanage would look good to the majority of people. What was the small cri of design theft to helping orphans?
Tori let out a small, bitter laugh. She had to admit it was a good idea. Not only did it help his brand image, but it dealt her a blow. The corner of her lip curled up. No wonder hed been lying low and they hadnt noticed anything out of the ordinary until he suddenly bought all their bricks.
She took another deep breath and let her shoulders sink as she rested back against the chaise and crossed her legs.
Custard tart, Axton said as he placed a small plate next to the chaise and took a seat on the plush chair to her right. He leaned back and brought a small cup to his lips as Tori reached for her tart and cut off a piece of it to eat. What is your plan now?
Mitigate any soft power he may have by appealing to a higher power, Tori said in a dull voice. Axton raised a brow and looked at her quizzically.
What does that an?
Tori chewed her tart and swallowed as she narrowed her eyes. It ans, I have to do sothing I dont really want to do.
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