There were two carriages that Tori contracted for her weekend trip to the delta: one for Constantine and the brother at the Eshra Shrine, and the other to carry her, Nanny Rey, and Axton. Ilyana and Henrik ca with her last week and were spending this weekend, after midterm exams, going over legalities at the guild for their Lyce Projects.
They were also finishing their mid-sester reports on the projects. Tori had taken continuous notes since she started and compiled the various important points into a portfolio. She made a conscious decision not to outline her entire grand plan and instead focused on the slow, thodical resettlent details.
She didnt want to raise expectations or reveal the intricate details for trying to revive the villages economy after their previous way of life proved near impossible in the new environnt. In addition, she also didnt know whod happen to see her report and after the brick purchase incident, she beca a bit more cautious.
Your friend isnt riding with us? Axton asked as he sat across from Nanny Rey as Tori climbed in.
No, he has to pick up soone from the Eshra Shrine. Fitting five people into this carriage is difficult, so they'll sit in the second one, Tori said as she placed her basket of snacks on the seat next to Axton. Were going to go there first.
My lady, Mr. Zisos is ready, the footman said from outside.
Then, lets go to the Eshra Shrine, Tori said. She felt the carriage bounce as the footman climbed on to his seat beside the driver. Thanks for coming this weekend, Axton. Are you sure its no trouble?
Axton shook his head. No, we just finished our midterm exams, as well, so there is a lull.
Nanny Rey wrapped a blanket around Tori as Tori furrowed her brows. Piers doesnt have anything for you to do?
He has a family dinner and will be at the palace all weekend, Axton replied as he leaned back against the seat bench. If they ask about , hell tell them Im helping you with your project.
Is that all right? Tori asked, frowning a bit. I an, youre Piers aide. Even if he doesnt need a knight at his side at all tis, shouldnt you focus on him?
I am focusing on him, Axton told her with a small grin. Hes the one who ordered to go to the delta and help you. You have the support of the first prince for your project; I dont think anyone else has that.
Thats true, Tori said with a nod. And Mr. Zisos and his brother from the church may be able to work with .
Axton looked impressed. Zisos as in Pope Zisos? Is that his son? Tori nodded.
We t on the road to Horizon before Lyce started and it was a bit awkward, but hes been polite. I thought Id reach out to him about working together with the projects, like Im doing with Ilyana and Henrik. Surprisingly, he agreed. I hope that this weekend will solidify his commitnt.
I am sure it will, Nanny Rey said as she combed Toris hair. The church would love to get involved in a project like yours. It would look good for them if they assisted in the resettlent of refugees, even if it is simply giving blessings or leading prayers.
I also hope that Mr. Zisos and his brother will be able to ease my reputation with the village elders. Tori let out a tired sigh. She looked out the window as Nanny Rey braided her hair. Just as she finished, they reached the Eshra Shrine.
Tori climbed out of her carriage, bringing a canvas bag out with her. Constantine was already outside of his carriage, walking towards a young priest in a dull gray robe. He looked about Kasens age and likely just finished his theological studies to enter the priesthood.
Brother Cassius. Constantine greeted him with a warm embrace. Thank you for coming with us.
Im happy to co to serve those in need, Brother Cassius said as he patted Constantine on the back. He looked past Constantine as he was released and saw Tori standing by the carriages. He smiled warmly and gave her a small bow of his head. Lady Guevera?
Tori returned the smile and gave a nod in return. Brother Cassius, thank you for your ti.
Not at all, Lady Guevera. Constantine has told of your work at the delta resettling the refugees. Though I know it is a project assigned to you, you have acted quickly to do what you can. That is admirable.
I appreciate your words, Brother Cassius. Please, she said as she stepped back and motioned to the carriage. Have a seat. It is a few hours to the delta and we will arrive well before sunrise. So as not to burden the refugees further, I have made it a habit to supply the als for all non-villagers and my party each ti we go. She held out the canvas bag in her hand. There is a snack, so coffee in the canister, and in the heating box, so breakfast sandwiches prepared at my friends cafe. My nanny is with and she will prepare our als once we are at the delta.
The two seed surprised that shed prepared a al for them during the trip. Brother Cassius face softened as he gratefully accepted the bag. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Lady Guevera.
She shook her head. It is what I should do. She stood by the open door to the second carriage and pointed to the compartnts underneath the seat benches. There are pillows and blankets there to make your ride more comfortable. If there is anything you need, please let one of the guards escorting us know. She gave them one more smile. Ill see you on the delta.
Tori watched them get into the carriage before turning around and climbing back into hers. She once more wrapped herself in the blanket and settled in for the long ride. Her mind drifted off to dreams of how the test island looked. At least one of the houses shouldve been built and was just waiting for the arrival of the roof tiles, which were en route.
Everyone working to build this city was invaluable to her and she was relieved that they were willing to give her ti.
They reached the delta in the dark hours of the morning and Tori woke, as if knowing that they had arrived. Axton was snoring lightly on the bench across from her and Nanny Rey was sleeping lightly beside her. Tori shifted on the bench to peer outside.
Unlike when she ca the first ti, they didnt stop at the camp that was situated so close to the shore. They were a good five-minute walk in-land, on a part of the delta that was granted to them for permanent use. Tori was surprised that a larger portion of land than she originally asked for had been allocated.
She didnt know if it was thanks to Piers or if it was her detailed report noting that there needed to be room for growth and future industry in the long term that got them that land, but they had it. The yet-to-be-nad village was in an area that had remained under the imperial family for ages since it could not be fard or wasn't seen as viable land by the local nobles.
Do you want it? Piers had asked casually the other week when she got news of the additional land grants.
Tori had laughed as she looked over the map. Sure. Are you going to make a land baron?
Well, perhaps not a baron....
There were no marches in this region that could oversee the delta and the existing barons and counts were hesitant to take on land now with refugees. It was also in an awkward area between the Alvere Duchy and the Fekete Duchy. The Cosora River was the border between the two, up to a certain point.
Tori did not want the region to fall into the Alvere Duchy. She didnt trust that Montan wouldnt get involved and disregard the lives of over 1,500 people to try to screw her over for personal, Alessa-related reasons.
The Fekete Duchy was also hesitant to take responsibility for the delta. It was difficult to live there with the soft, wet soil and the difficult farming conditions. They were a duchy that had majestic forests, gemstone mines, and produced luxurious fabrics. A poor, underdeveloped region would make them look bad.
Tori let out a little hmph. If the region was built up properly and industries developed sustainably to fit into the environnt, a thriving city could be created. Not to ntion that the delta was an energy vein. This ant that the lifespan of crystals in the area would be long and the effects they had would be much stronger. It was cost and energy efficient.
Of course, she didnt ntion the energy veins to anyone except her brothers. Even Instructor Ignatius didnt know, yet. She thought hed get too excited and want to co...and never leave.
The sun is going to rise soon, Nanny Rey said as she stirred beside her. Do you want to take a walk outside before breakfast?
Tori, still wrapped in a blanket, nodded. While it was still quiet, she liked to walk around the encampnt. Commander Kuhn had done an excellent job setting up the tents and splitting up the shared areas evenly amongst the smaller family tents. Tori had supplied heat crystals to the village and had them shipped as soon as she and Instructor Ignatius were able to charge them.
At the very least, the refugees were a bit more comfortable.
The carriage door opened and she hopped out, bundled against the cold, damp morning air by her camping vest and her travel cloak layered over it. Nanny Rey made her put on a knit sapphire blue cap with two pom-poms and made sure she pulled them down over her ears.
Do you want to co? Nanny Rey asked, lingering by the open carriage door. Inside, Axton began to shiver as the cold air sneaked in, but he didnt wake.
No, there are imperial guards and Im familiar with the encampnt, Tori said. I won't be out for too long.
Do you have your dagger?
Yes, Nanny.
Okay. Nanny Rey still seed sowhat hesitant, but allowed Tori to go on her own. She continued to look out the window as Tori walked along the wooden plank pathway into the tent village.
Small, cheap light crystals had been bought and hung over the front entrances of the tents, as well as along the pathways to provide so light. Tori was reminded of walking along wooden bridges between trees in Indonesia, where strings of lights were wrapped around the rope side rails and canopies of a resort she stayed at.
She smiled to herself. Of course, it wasnt this cold there and she wasnt wearing so many layers.
Lady Guevera. She turned around and saw Constantine closing his carriage door and wrapping his Lyce branded cloak around him as he jogged forward to catch up with her.
Tori gave him a small nod. Good morning, Mr. Zisos. Did you get so rest? I know its difficult on a carriage, with all the bumps.
He smiled and shook his head once. No, Im quite used to it actually. The nearest town to the Temple Mountain is a half days carriage ride away, down a curvy mountain road.
The corner of her lip curled up a bit and she continued to walk forward. I assud the Temple Mountain would have whatever it needed brought to it.
For most pilgrims, they stay in town and make day pilgrimages up the mountain. The seminary is also located near town, at the Pagos Monastery by the shore. Constantine fell into step beside her. Youve never visited?
Its another few days in the opposite direction of Horizon from Presidio, Tori said. Ive never really left Presidio until Lyce started.
Constantine nodded. Thats a sha. The southeast is beautiful with many historical and religious sites. From Karap, the town at the bottom of the mountain, you can take a ship to Nazria.
I do plan to travel around Soleil, and wherever else I can, after we graduate, Tori said. Provided this ga doesnt try to kill before then.
What are your plans afterwards? Constantine asked as he looked around, seemingly admiring the neat rows of brown tents on either side of the pathway.
Maybe go ho. Maybe seek higher education. Im not sure what to study yet, though.
We have ti.
Itll move quickly, trust .
He chuckled. Ti does move faster the older you are, he said, nodding in agreent. I dont want to rush my future either.
Tori drew her head back. I thought you were going to join the church. That is, with your uncle...father...the pope.... She cringed. That was sothing she drew from the wiki-article. She never heard Constantine himself say he planned to join the church. It was a bit rude to expect such a thing from him. It wasnt as if they were close.
Constantine looked ahead of him and his eyes seed to narrow. That is what is expected of .
Do you not want to join the church?
Its not a matter of not wanting, he said, firmly. I grew up surrounded by the Church of Belcoy and I believe my faith is strong. However, it seems that everyone has always expected to join the church, since my adoptive father is the pope. He smiled gently and looked up ahead. I still call him uncle, by the way. He never hid from that he was my uncle and didnt want to replace my parents, so while everyone also acknowledges as the popes son, we are still very much nephew and uncle. And Uncle has told that I am free to choose my own path.
This was unexpected. Tori narrowed her eyes and looked ahead of them. She had no strong feelings for the church nor the pope, but she found it satisfactory that the pope would let Constantine have the freedom to choose.
Thats good, she replied. It's difficult to have such a weight of expectation on your shoulders. Especially at such a young age.
Constantine chuckled and looked over at her with an amused expression. You sound as if youre not at that sa age, Lady Guevera. And I may say the sa for you. As the daughter of Marquis Guevera, I am sure you have your own expectations placed upon you.
Tori let out a little snort. No, I have two older brothers. Im fine. He laughed beside her and quickly tried to muffle it so as not to wake the villagers. Im the youngest child and my family dotes on to an almost embarrassing degree. I am certain that if I wanted, I could go ho once I graduate, do nothing, and my family would accept this.
He still carried a smile and glanced over at her with a knowing look. But youre not the type to sit and do nothing, are you, Lady Guevera?
I can if I wanted to.
He muffled another laugh. Then you are certainly in an enviable position.
You are, as well, Tori said. Your uncle is letting you choose your own direction in life. That is not sothing often afforded to children of...influential people. Often, much is expected of us and it can be devastating if one is unable to et those expectations.
Hmm....
Have you thought about possible choices? Tori asked.
I quite enjoy history outside of theological studies related to it, he said. I considered looking into working in preservation of religious objects, texts, and structures.
Tori couldnt help but get excited at that. Having been an antiquities nerd when she was young, she was always very conscious of the importance of preserving historical objects. That sounds amazing! Preservation of historically significant items can teach us a lot. And for pieces that have to withstand the test of ti with constant usage, preservation is extrely important in order to keep them usable and in good condition.
Isnt it? His face lit up, as if pleased soone understood. I used to sneak into the old record vaults below the basilica to watch so of the monks clean artifacts or fix damaged scrolls and tapestries. One must be very patient and careful. Its not an easy task.
Its not. Tori agreed with a nod. Do you have to be a certain kind of monk to be able to do that? Do you need to join the clergy?
Constantine seed to think for a mont. I dont believe so, but it helps. In order to fully appreciate and understand various items, it is necessary to have a background in them. He furrowed his brows. It seems that in order to follow this path, Id still have to go to the seminary.
Seminary, Tori mumbled to herself as they reached the end of the walkway and turned around. Is that after Lyce? She thought she hid it well, but it was a bit embarrassing for her not to know. Honestly, her world view of Soleil and the ga world was still quite narrow.
Constantine looked surprised and turned to look at her. It is after second year. She jerked her head back and he took the chance to elaborate. I am sure youve heard of La Garda. It doesnt accept students until they are sixteen, but our primary education ends at fourteen, so many prospective students go to a secondary school, like Lyce, for another two years and then transfer.
Tori nodded. That was what Axton did. The seminary is the sa?
He nodded. Yes, by the end of next year, I should decide whether I want to continue studying at Lyce or transfer to the seminary to begin further theological studies. It is two years long and after that, I can join the clergy or seek higher education elsewhere, should joining the church not be for .
Tori pursed her lips as they walked. Constantine, and Fabian, had a certain ti limit to secure them in the ga. She rembered that Alessa needed to gain a certain amount of romance points early for those two love interests or they'd no longer be viable love interests. It turns out that the reason was if Alessa didnt rack up early romance points for them, then Fabian would transfer to La Garda and Constantine would transfer to the seminary, taking them out of the ga.
Her eyes widened. She knew that Fabian was a lost cause, but since Constantine was still considering the seminary, that ant Alessa hadnt gained enough romance points with him yet. Coupled with the fact that Constantine rejected Alessas offer to work together earlier that week, wouldnt Alessas chances to gain points be limited? How can she gain points if there are little to no encounters?
She glanced over at Constantine, who warmly greeted soone who ca out of their tent. If she could take up Constantines ti with the resettlent, it would severely limit encounters with Alessa.
This works in my favor. I can both get help with the resettlent and point-block Alessa. And if it goes on until next year, Constantine is out of the ga! Okay, Tori, dont get too excited. You dont know how many romance points he currently has...although, its probably not much.
Mr. Zisos, I will need a favor from you, Tori said as the sun began to rise. He looked over at her and gave her an acknowledging look, waiting for her request. Part of the reason why I wanted to ask for assistance from the church was also to help coax the village elders to move here from the shore.
He knit his brows. There are those who refuse to move further from the shore? But spring is coming. The river water levels will increase. Wont that increase the water levels of the delta?
You understand that better than they do, Tori said. She let out a low breath. Actually, it's my fault. I angered them when we first t.
He seed taken aback by this. He narrowed his eyes curiously. How in the world did you manage that?
If you were the elder of a village who fled war, then your resettlent was thrown into the hands of a teenager, would you take that said teenager seriously? she asked as she gave him a knowing look.
He opened his mouth and seed to want to say sothing, but slowly nodded. I see. But thats not your fault. Lyce assigned you the task, which was authorized by the empire.
Well.... Tori trailed off and hesitantly told him about how she slashed the tent and climbed out after announcing that she didnt need their help if they didnt want to work with her.
Beside her, the popes adopted son turned his head to the side and tried to hold back a laugh. Thats...quite dramatic of you.
If His Highness Prince Piers wasnt there, Im sure it wouldve been worse, Tori said, kicking a rock on the pathway. The majority of the village has moved inland and weve done our best to make them as comfortable as possible while we are test building on the islands, but because of my conflict with the village elders, theyre stubborn and refuse to listen to . Or their families. Or reason.
I see, Constantine said, rubbing his chin. He nodded thoughtfully. Leave this matter to myself and Brother Cassius. Brother Cassius has always been very popular with old folks. Are there places for them to stay?
Tori nodded. Of course, when we organized the encampnt, every household was taken into consideration. A few of them even have children and grandchildren that moved here, but they refused to follow.
All right, then after breakfast, we will head to the old encampnt first.
Wait, what about your project? Tori asked, stopping him before he could march towards the carriage. When do you want to discuss it? Do you want to look around first? Speak to the refugees and find out what their needs are?
A thoughtful smile appeared on his face. His eyes crinkled up once more. First, we coax the elders to a safer area, then we can concentrate on the project. It is not as imperative as their safety.
Holy shit, this guy is dependable. A bit too smooth and always seems to know what to say, but if he can pull this off, this partnership may work out. Tori took a deep breath and lowered her head in a small, respectful nod. Thank you, Mr. Zisos.
We should all strive to do what the gods call upon us to do, Lady Guevera, he said. He looked towards the carriage. I should go wake Brother Cassius.
Of course. I will see you both soon and take you to the old encampnt.
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