She really shouldve considered him more. Any position with that much prestige, power, and responsibility also carried a significant burden. As much as Tori didnt want Gideon to beco the crown prince, she also didnt want to put Piers in a situation that he really didnt want.
He was her friend. She shouldve thought about this more and she was a bit upset at herself for not having done so.
Piers expression didnt change. He looked at her and seed to think for a mont before he answered. Do you think I am fit to be crown prince?
For a mont, Tori wondered what he heard about himself and if it caused him to doubt his abilities. She wanted to defend him, but that wasnt the question.
Considering his intelligence, which she already knew about; his interest in matters relating to the stability of the empire, which she learned from listening to him talk about his studies; and how well hed been able to execute all the demands shed given him about the delta, she thought he would make a very suitable crown prince.
Her brother was absolutely right and considering the other option, Piers would do a far better job because he was so observant and thought things through. He also wasnt as awkward as she initially thought.
It had taken her a few years of practice to co out of her shell and learn to be social, especially in a professional setting, so she knew it was possible with effort to improve even a little.
But all of that took a back seat to what really mattered.
It doesnt matter if I think youre fit to be crown prince, Tori said in a firm voice. She took a step closer and t his eyes. Do you want to be crown prince?
Piers was quiet. He lowered his eyes. Ive never thought about it.
She wanted to ask how that was possible. He was the first born and had only one other sibling. The position would go to one of them; how could he not have considered it before? Her eyes crinkled up. Did he automatically think that it would go to Gideon?
In the ga, if Gideon beca the crown prince, then did that an Piers just let him have it, uncontested, and then disappeared into the background? Her stomach twisted at how unfair it felt. Piers was so much better than his brother and could do so much good. What if in the original ga, Gideon just threw all the difficult work to Piers and lived the high life with Alessa?
She could see Gideon doing so and had to fight the urge to want to punch him.
Perhaps her displeasure was too evident on her face, as Piers tentatively touched her hand. I will consider it.
Tori closed her eyes and took a deep breath. If you dont want to do it, dont force yourself. It pained her sowhat to say that, if she were being honest.
Do you think I wouldnt do a good job?
Her eyes snapped open and she frowned. Of course, I think youd do a good job! All twelve marches think youd do a good job. Im sure the Pri Minister thinks youd do a good job.
The corners of his lips curled up a bit and she felt his fingers hold her hands a bit more firmly. Then, I cant let them down, can I?
If you want to hold hands, can it wait until were not in soone elses house? a dull voice asked further down the hall. Tori turned her head and saw Axton approaching them in his usual calm, lazy gait. He motioned his head back. Lord Gyles is asking for Piers. He wants to introduce you to so people.
Piers released her hands and nodded. I will go back. He straightened his back and headed up the hall, towards the dining hall.
Axton moved to the side and watched him go before looking towards Tori. He raised a brow. You asked him if he wants to be crown prince?
Tori tried not to cringe. Is that bad? Axton, who had spent most of his life with Piers, probably knew him better than anyone. And hed tell her the truth.
The knight and aide smirked. No. Im glad soone finally said it. He lifted his hand to pat her head, as he often did, but paused as he rembered her hat. He chuckled and instead put his arm around her shoulder and gave her an affectionate hug. No one ever seems to want to ask him about it. He never showed an interest and if hes not interested, there is no use in changing his mind. Trust , Ive tried.
Axton, I dont want to put unnecessary pressure on him. She couldnt help but be sowhat worried.
You didnt put any pressure that wasnt already on him. He just ignores it, Axton said. He would be a far better crown prince and emperor than his brother.
But he needs more support doesnt he?
Axton squinted into the distance, as if thinking of it. He nodded. Because he doesnt go to these things, I wouldnt be surprised if most of the nobles and elite of the city don't know what he looks like.
Tori grimaced. He was right. Do you know if most of those people are supporting his brother?
I dont think its really a conscious decision made after careful consideration, Axton said, truthfully. Its more that they know Gideon. He makes his social rounds and is easy to talk to. Not to ntion that hes young and easily influenced.
Tori almost wanted to snort at that. Gideon was easily influenced all right. Then, what should Piers do? More social events? Talk more? Both things he didnt seem to be interested in.
Axton shrugged his arm off her shoulder. You need to make them trust him to a certain extent. He threw her a smile and patted her shoulder. Good luck!
Toris eyes widened. Wait, youre not going to help?
I can only do so much, Axton said as he moved his arms helplessly in front of him. Ahead of them, people were starting to walk out of the dining room. My influence is limited.
Sir Nassaun! There you are, my wife and I wanted to know if you are looking to open a new inn in the north. Soone called for him.
Axton pretended to look at a loss before wandering over to a middle-aged couple. Tori gave him a disparaging glare before searching the crowd for Piers. She found him speaking to Lord Gyles and made her way over.
In the end, she didnt reach Piers for at least another thirty minutes. She was intercepted several tis by curious people who asked about her store and her Lyce project. Tori didnt know her project in the delta beca so well known, but it was clear that many eyes were now on her.
And it made her stomach hurt.
She fell asleep on the way back to Lyce and Axton had to wake her to tell her that they had arrived. Next to him, Piers had also fallen asleep and Tori wondered if he always kept a spider silk eye mask on him during carriage rides. Tori quietly crept out of the carriage so as not to disturb him and then trudged back to her dorm.
Ilyana hadnt returned yet, but Tori eyed the stack of cards on her desk that needed addressing. She took a deep breath and fought her urge to simply lay down on her bed and ntally check out for a few hours. Instead, she changed into a more casual dress and sat down at her desk to write out invitations.
She was nearly done when Ilyana returned.
How was the luncheon? Ilyana asked as she shrugged off her coat and hung it on a wall hook.
It went well. Lord Wolfgang was there and so we talked a bit about how the delta construction is going along, Tori said as she carefully wrote out one last na on the card. When she finished, she moved the card away to let the ink dry and set her brush pen to the side. She turned around in her seat and saw the bag with a rolled-up piece of cloth that reached Ilyanas mid-thigh. Whats that?
The banners for the three-day competition, Ilyana said, proud. Both JP and Sonias were ready, so we picked them up.
That reminds , we need to buy our tickets to the competition to secure seating, Tori said. It was a few weeks away, but Tori wanted to buy up a space close to the ring so that they could unfurl the banners and not block anyones view. The competition was held at the Imperial Stadium, between the tenth and eleventh districts.
The spare rows of adjacent stables and garrisons would be used to house the horses of competitors while the inns would be taken up by visitors in town for the competition. The stadium was a remnant of ancient tis, but continuously in use, so the facilities were well maintained and replaced every few decades.
Tori had yet to see it or the Imperial Arena, but Ilyana, who had gone with Sonia and JP during winter break, told her it was huge. Taking that into consideration, Tori and Ilyana ordered the largest signs they could.
Where do you want to go for dinner tonight?
Lets go to Azul, Tori said. I want sothing big and filling. The post is also close by and I need to mail off the invitations.
Ill call the others to see if they want to co, Ilyana said.
Call Ewan and Albert, too. You know they complain when we go out without them, Tori said as she began to stuff envelopes. She shook her head. Even when theyre not on campus.
Ilyana dutifully called everyone. Henrik was reviewing so papers and said hed et them at the restaurant. Sonia didnt pick up, but JP did and said theyd be a few minutes late, but would see them there. Albert had dinner plans with his family and Ewan was babysitting and couldnt co.
An hour or so after sunset, the two collected the invitations and headed out, chattering about what to serve at the prototype exhibition and the release party. The prototype exhibition invited very few people: Toris aunt and uncle, Princess Vivian, Madam Martin, Madam Guthry, and Henriks parents.
It was ant to show them the samples and allow them to pre-order the goods to their asurents. Readymade clothing for the populace wasnt new, but it wasnt popular as no one wanted to make clothing and waste materials if it wasn't going to sell. Most commoners stitched their own clothing or altered existing ones, such as hand--downs. The wealthy had their clothes made by professionals.
Unless there was a specific niche market they were catering to where the garnts could be uniform and would be purchased no matter what, it wasnt common. Most clothing shops were basically tailors and orders had to be put in.
Lions Gate had a few readymade items on hand, but custors were encouraged towards, and almost always ended up, having the readymade garnts tailored inhouse or ordered custom garnts based on a pre-existing design they were able to see and feel. This helped lessen the amount of waste material from unsold racks of readymade garnts and increased the relationship between the store and the custor.
In Lions Gate East, where the target market was less wealthy, custors would buy the readymade garnts and alter them at ho. The more complicated and difficult work had already been done for them. All they had to do was take in so excess cloth that could later be taken out if needed.
Tori wanted to leverage this flexibility and speed. There were plenty of excellent tailors and workshops willing to work with them. Several exceptional tailors were on a recomndation list at Lions Gate High Street that Manager Dolores would let custors select from for more detailed work.
However, all prototypes were done by Madam Midstrom and her family. They would also be present at the exhibition on High Street.
Id like a small al setting, but do you think we have enough room in the store? Tori tried to imagine how much space they had. Even if they shoved all the current shelves and mannequins in the back, she felt it would be too crowded. We can set up a table to the side with the food and then standing tables. I can ask if we can contract two servers from La Lumiere to serve coffee to each table. I think itll feel roomier without the chairs.
I like that idea, too. It feels less formal, Ilyana said. And you said you wanted it to be less formal and more for friends.
Im expecting between ten and twenty people, aside from us, Tori said. As Madam Martin and Madam Guthry may bring guests with them.
What if she brings the Pri Minister? Ilyana perked up. Her eyes were wide. You said they didnt seem to know about Mr. Guthrys...um...unpleasantness to you?
They dont, and thats between and Mr. Guthry. His parents have been very kind, so I will reciprocate in the sa manner, Tori said. Of course, she hadnt spoken to Madam Guthry since the evening party weeks earlier. For all she knew, Dimitri had disparaged her in front of his parents and made her out to be so monster who was harassing Alessa.
She and Ilyana had their arms looped together as they walked out the front gates of Lyce. There were a few carriages parked there, likely dropping off students who had gone ho for the day.
I feel I can focus more on Lions Gate now, since midterm exams are over and we dont have review exams this half of the sester, Ilyana said. Although, I have heard that because of that, many students ranks dropped in the last sester because they didnt keep up as well.
To be fair, there are also a host of things happening between midterm exams and final exams. Tori told her. Not only are academic students engrossed in their projects, but there are also nurous competitions, performances, and the spring festival. All those clubs and activities that shed seen during her first week of school often did so sort of exhibition or activity that coincided with Horizons spring festival.
Tori didnt want to get her hopes up, but she secretly hoped it was like those cultural festivals shed read about in manga as a teen. Her university had a spring quarter open house to prospective undergraduates that was of a similar line, but it was usually the big frats and sororities that dominated it. Her club for her major was small and they always ended up just setting up a pop-up tent and selling popsicles.
About that, are you going to help with the Sword Association during the spring festival or are you going to help with the horoom?
The Sword Association always does an exhibition, Tori said. I volunteered to lead a few fifteen-minute-long beginner classes for different ages, since the campus is open and they told that there are a lot of visitors.
Ilyana nodded. Do you need help?
Youre not going to help with the horoom?
Ilyanas eyes narrowed. I take it you didnt hear, she said in a sowhat irritated voice. Since there arent a lot of students in horoom who dont have an after-class activity, Mr. Guthry suggested we work with the baking club.
Tori nodded. That doesnt sound so bad. Free cookies, right? I might have to stop by.
Ilyanas irate look didnt lessen. Miss Hart is in the baking club.
Well, fuck that then. In that case, co by the Sword Association. You and Ewan can do a dagger demo. Nanny Rey says youve improved.
Her roommates face imdiately brightened.
Is that Lady Tori? a womans voice called behind them. The two turned around as a carriage that had just passed them ca to a stop. The door was pushed open and a stoic faced Dimitri stepped down. His mother was peering out the window, smiling wide.
Madam Guthry, good evening! Tori imdiately put a smile on her face, both pleased to see the woman still appeared to look at her favorably and that the favor bothered Dimitri. How are you doing?
Im well, thank you. Are you off to dinner? Madam Guthry looked curious as Tori, still with her arm looped with Ilyana, walked closer.
Yes. This is my roommate, Ilyana Agafonova. Were eting so friends who stayed on campus today for dinner at the plaza.
Ilyana took it as her cue to greet the Pri Ministers wife with a respectful bow of her head. How do you do, Madam Guthry?
Very well. Are you the Miss Agafonova that has been giving students review sessions?
Yes, Madam.
Ive heard about you from so of my friends who said their childrens scores have risen. How rare that two such talented young won are roommates!
Ilyana seed proud of this and clung to Tori a bit tighter. I am very lucky. Tori nodded in agreent.
Its already dark out, would you like a ride to the plaza? Madam Guthry asked as she glanced around.
No, we wouldnt dare trouble you, Ilyana said, shaking her head.
The plaza isnt far, Madam. Also, were used to going there to get dinner, so the route is familiar, Tori said with a pleasant smile. Though, I am glad we ran into you. She pulled her arm from Ilyanas and dug through her satchel. She took out two cards and lifted them to the window. This first one is for the prototype exhibition in about two weeks and the larger card is for the release party after that. Both are at Lions Gate High Street, but the prototype exhibition will be a closed afternoon coffee party. There wont be many people and itll be very casual.
The womans face lit up as she happily accepted the cards. Thank you, Lady Tori! Ive been looking forward to these. She brought the cards into the carriage and held them against her chest. You know, Ive been asking Dimitri if you ntioned them, but he doesnt seem to have much contact with you.
We sit quite far apart and Im afraid that outside of our horoom, we dont see each other. Tonight is an unfortunate rarity in that we ran into him.
Oh, this boy. Madam Guthry looked at her son, as if disappointed. Dimitri, be a gentleman and escort Lady Tori and Miss Agafonova to the plaza.
Oh, no....
We wouldnt dream of troubling him!
Im sure he is very busy.
We dont want to take up his ti! Tori and Ilyana began coming up with excuses at once while trying not to be too obvious that they didnt want Dimitri to escort them anywhere.
Its no trouble at all, is it, Dimitri? Madam Guthry didnt seem to notice and looked at her son. To his credit, he seed to be keeping a blank face through it all.
Were already on our way and Im sure Mr. Guthry has things to bring back to his dorm, Tori said, as seriously as she could. It would be out of his way.
The corner of Dimitris eye twitched. I only went ho for the day. I didnt bring any back with .
You useless piece of- Oh. Toris mind whirled. Well, why doesnt he wait with us here for a bit so he doesnt have to walk all the way to the plaza and back? Our friends should be coming soon.
Thats very good. Dimitri, be a dear and wait here with Lady Tori and Miss Agafonova, Madam Guthry said.
Dimitri smiled warmly at his mother and gave her a nod. Of course, Mother. Have a swift journey ho.
Ill see you next week! his mother said as she looked at him fondly. The footman closed the door and climbed back on to the drivers seat. Madam Guthry looked back at Tori. And I will see you in two weeks!
Safe journey ho, Madam. Tori gave her a small nod of her head as the carriage began to move.
The three students remained rooted in their spots, wearing forced smiles, and refusing to make eye contact with each other. It wasnt until Madam Guthrys carriage disappeared around the corner that Tori relaxed.
Without looking at Dimitri, she turned away and pulled Ilyana with her. Have a good evening, Mr. Guthry. Thank you for your ti.
I dont know what you said to my mother to get her to like you so much, but dont think you have any control over because of this, she heard him tell her in a cold, asured voice.
Tori didnt stop walking. She lifted a hand and gave him a dismissive wave. Not everything is about you, Mr. Guthry. Your mother likes my designs and was very enthusiastic, so I invited her. She looked over her shoulder and gave him a sneer. My relationship with your mother has nothing to do with you. Okay, thats a lie, but to be fair, it was Sebby who told it wouldnt hurt to be on good terms with the Pri Minister and his wife.
When they were further away, Ilyana let out a low breath and huddled closer. I was worried that hed end up coming with us for dinner.
Tori wrinkled her nose. I doubt hed let himself get that far. At most, hed walk us to the restaurant and then leave as soon as he could.
At least he hasnt said anything bad about you to his parents.
I hope not. She paused and furrowed her brows. And even if he did, what would he say? What have I done thats so terrible since we t? I know I havent crossed him personally.
Ilyana shook her head. I dont know. Maybe hed try to bring up Miss Hart...but you havent done anything to cross her, either. If anything, shes the one who is harassing you. Her voice rose, growing a bit angrier with each sentence. Is he crazy?
Who knows, Tori said as they walked across the street. But if he is, he isnt the only one.
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