So...who do you think approached the other first?
Tori gave him a droll look. Baron Hart, obviously.
Oh? Why is it obvious? Andy leaned back against the carriage seat, peering out the window, towards the unsuspecting couple.
Tori sat across from him, also looking out the window as she rested her arm against the sill. A common working woman busy desperately trying to keep her family business afloat, and a widow with teenage sons, no less, approaching a poor nobleman? No matter how low ranked and poor Baron Hart is, I doubt a woman in such a position would be the first to approach.
But what if Madam Voss noticed Baron Hart first?
Noticing isnt the sa as approaching, Tori said, with confidence. They had just finished lunch and Kasens extensive, but successful negotiation. She didnt think hed be so aggressive, but compared to him, she wouldve vastly overpaid. However, she couldnt allow him to completely take advantage of the desperate position Stackhouse Bricks was in.
She poked him a few tis before he withdrew. However, Madam Voss was still more than happy to sign the contract. Her contract was altered, as with Baron Hart knowing who they were, it would be difficult to keep their agreent classified. Tori now expected Alessa, and therefore the cow-man, to find out.
Still, once everything was completed and Tori shook hands with Madam Voss, a wide smile filled the Baron's face.
After the contract was signed and lunch was finished, Tori, Kasen, and Andy were in their carriage waiting for Baron Hart to finish his good-byes and accompany them to Hart Manor. Tori and her cousin were watching the middle-aged man and woman awkwardly part and making various theories to entertain themselves.
Baron Hart is also a widower and has a teenage child of his own. He is tasked with overseeing his village, Andy said. And under the circumstances, Madam Voss is left as the head of her family. Im sure they can understand the pressure each other is under.
Tori raised a brow and looked at him with a slight smirk. And thats how they fell in love?
Andy raised his hands. Im not saying thats what happened, but its likely, dont you think? Although their displays of affection are subtle, they are still there and not only accepted, but reciprocated.
What displays of affection? Tori leaned forward, curious.
Andy began to count off his fingers. He reached for her hand and Im sure if we werent there, he wouldve done so sooner. He then escorted her into the house.
He was just being polite when he offered her his arm.
Kasen let out a small snort and she looked over at him as he sat beside her, putting away various papers into his bag. No, he wasnt.
Tori rolled her eyes and looked back at Andy. He was just excited when he heard I was buying the bricks.
Really? Andy motioned his head out the window. Tori looked outside and saw Baron Hart standing in front of Madam Voss. Their hands were lowered and in front of them, with her fingers resting in his hands. Both were avoiding eye contact, but their faces were red. Isnt that obvious?
Tori opened her mouth, but she didnt have a real rebuttal. It was quite obvious that Baron Hart and Madam Voss had so sort of mutual attraction.
A man wouldnt hold anothers hands like that if he didnt have a strong interest in that person, Kasen said. Andy nodded in agreent.
A strong interest doesnt necessarily have to be romantic, Tori said. P- She snapped her mouth shut before she could say the na of the man who, in retrospect, started to hold her hand, either in his or on the crook of his arm, much more often.
Her eyes flickered from her cousin to her brother and noticed Kasens blue eyes sharpen. What were you going to say?
People dont necessarily have to have a romantic interest to touch others! Good job covering your tracks! He has no idea! Ilyana is always grabbing onto our arms when were walking around and when its cold, all of us huddle together.
Her brothers gaze seed to bore into her, as if trying to find out the truth. Tori held firm and kept her expression steady. After what seed like a full minute of being under his scrutinizing glare, Kasen finally retracted and leaned back against the carriage.
You should know by now what to do if soone touches you without your consent, Kasen said, as if expecting her to know.
Luckily, Tori did. She and Andy spoke at the sa ti.
Stab them. She looked towards her cousin, who seed very satisfied with her answer, with a look of disbelief.
Is my entire extended family like this? Are all marquis families like this?
My lords, my lady, my apologies for the delay, a voice said outside her window. Baron Hart was on his horse and had co up beside the carriage. Hart Manor is not too far away. Well be there soon.
Andy gave him a nod and the baron rode ahead to lead them. Tori could feel her stomach twisting as they started forward. Now that the order had been made and there was nothing else for her to focus her attention on, her mind settled on the inevitable run-in with Alessa.
There is still quite a bit of daylight left. We can make it to Woodhaven, so we dont need to trouble the baron, she said.
Were already on our way and he mustve already prepared, Andy told her. It would be rude to leave now.
She knew that, but she still wanted to. She crossed her legs and arms, and looked out the window, annoyed. Since her cousin had arranged this, what more could she do? Throw a fit like a child? Cry and scream? Tori silently snorted.
At the very least, it was only for one night. We leave in the morning, she said, as if there was no room for discussion. Two sets of eyes looked towards her, seemingly caught a bit off guard by her tone. Weve already lost a lot of ti. I want to go to Moss Hill and see Kings Harbor.
Andy looked a bit perplexed, but nodded. All right. Im sure we could all use a good rest after such a journey. He glanced towards Kasen, as if expecting an explanation for Toris demand, but Kasen didnt reply and instead, opened his book to read.
In that short ride, Tori could only ready herself for what she was to find, or rather, who, when she reached the manor.
The na suggested a large house, but considering that Alessa ca from an impoverished noble family, it was likely that the house only had the facade of grandeur, but was falling apart. As they approached a well-worn dirt road leading to a blocky, three-story manor house surrounded by an aging, ivy patched stone wall, her guess was confird.
The gray structure stood out amongst the flat wheat fields surrounding it and had a picturesque background of a thick oak forest line behind it. It had peaked roofs with very weathered wooden tiles and narrow windows.
Still, the sturdy stone brick building was holding up well considering its age and sowhat dilapidated details. It wasnt large enough that it was intimidating, at least to her. It actually seed very intimate and comfortable. The whole structure scread of this is a house of love and warmth; an ideal place for the protagonist to grow up and beco the kind, gentle person seven love interests fell hard for.
The carriage followed Baron Hart through an arched gate and into the small courtyard in front of the entrance. There was just enough room for the carriage, which was larger than normal, and their escort knights on horseback. Baron Hart dismounted and quickly walked up the few steps to the door.
Patrick! Patrick, the Admiral and his guests have arrived! Baron Hart called through the open door and imdiately, an old man with white hair in a black uniform ca out. He looked excited to see the newcors.
The footman jumped from the carriage to open the door for Tori, Kasen, and Andy and they stepped out. Tori looked around, steeling herself for the worst and waited for the appearance of the blonde-haired protagonist. After a few monts, Alessa didnt appear. Tori narrowed her eyes.
Did Alessa go out for the day?
Now that Tori was there, she wanted to face the enemy.
Andy walked forward to greet the butler as the de facto guide of the group.
Good afternoon, Admiral OTuagh, the butler said as he bowed his head. Welco to Hart Manor. I am Patrick Mulligan, the Harts butler. If there is anything you or your party needs, please do not hesitate.
Dinner will be served in a few hours, Baron Hart said. Would you like to take a small tour of the house? It may be small in comparison to Moss Hill and the Fortress, but it has a long history.
Tori opened her mouth to accept, but Kasen answered first. It has been a rather long day of travel and business for us, Baron Hart, Mr. Mulligan. I would prefer to rest in my room the remainder of the afternoon. Tori cast him a suspicious look. He said rest, but he was likely going to go over paperwork and make so calls. Kasen glanced over at her and the corner of his lip curled up. My sister, however, has an interest in buildings and structures of historical importance. Perhaps she would like to go on a house tour?
Tori nodded.
In that case, Ill accompany you, Andy said. He looked at Tori. Lets go to our rooms first and rest for a few minutes and then we can go on the tour.
Okay, sounds good. Tori agreed, pleased that she wasnt going to be relegated to her room until dinner when there was information to be gathered.
Then, Admiral, my lord, and my lady, the butler said. Please follow .
Baron Hart motioned for them to enter the house and said he would take care of their luggage. Tori thought he would call for others, but then saw him walk out towards the carriage himself. As they walked through the large house and up a set of stone stairs to the second level, Tori noticed that there were no other servants.
There werent any maids or valets running about. There werent even any guards. She looked at Kasen and reached for his sleeve. She gave it a gentle tug and he glanced down.
Perhaps Baron Hart could use so assistance? Now she understood that hed carry their things up himself.
Ive instructed the knights to assist him carrying our things, as they do when were at an inn. Kasen assured her as he lifted his hand to pat her head. Dont worry. Besides, all you have is an overnight bag.
Tori was a bit relieved, both because Baron Hart wouldnt have to strain himself to show his hospitality and also because she trusted her familys knights more than Baron Hart. Shed only known him for a few hours, and most of it she spent imagining possible cute-ets he had with Madam Voss. Nothing about him seed overly suspicious despite being the father of the protagonist, but she didnt want to take any more risks.
After all, she was already as deep into enemy territory as she could be.
Her room was near the stairs with Kasens room on one side and Andys room on the other. The knights would be given rooms in the servants quarters, which was a separate, adjacent building.
Her room was a bit smaller than her dorm room, but it was to be expected in an older building. There were narrow windows with foggy glass and an old wooden bed with a canopy. It was narrower than her bed at the Fortress and the sheets were thin, but a thick mink blanket had been laid across the top.
Tori furrowed her brows. She appreciated the sentint, but it was sumr. Then again, perhaps the temperatures could drop at night in the region and shed need it. She looked towards the small hearth. It was clean and had a new pile of kindling set beside it, but Tori decided she wouldnt need to use it.
After a few minutes of checking out her room, a knock ca from her door. A knight dropped off her bag and Andy ca out of his room to call her out to take a tour.
I suppose when youre building a city, youre curious about structures, he told her as they walked down the hall. Manor houses like these arent built much anymore.
I think theyre interesting, Tori said. By the way, did you not tell Baron Hart that my brother and I were with you?
I told him to expect myself and two relatives, as well as at least a dozen knights, but no, I didnt ntion you two by na. Andy didnt seem to think much of it as he shook his head. He leaned a bit closer and lowered his voice. To be honest, Tori, I know were troubling Baron Hart and I dont want him to strain his resources knowing that two more children of a marquis will be here.
Tori sighed. Cousin Andy, if you knew he was impoverished and would strain his resources, we shouldve stayed at Woodhaven. I dont want to burden him like this.
Andys face seed to soften. Hah, youve grown up from the little girl whod cling to my leg and try to talk into giving her my dessert.
Tori smirked. I have money of my own now. I can buy my own desserts.
Oh, how very mature of you, he said with a laugh. I also wanted to stay here because, aside from its proximity to Stackhouse Bricks, I heard Baron Hart has a daughter your age. I thought youd grow tired of the company of old n and may want soone your own age to talk to. Andy reached up and scratched the side of his head. However, I havent seen or heard of her. I wonder if shes here this sumr.
Toris lips tightened into a line and she stared ahead of them. Oh, Alessa is here. Maybe not in the manor, but she will be soon. I appreciate your sentint, Andy, but it wasnt necessary. I like traveling with Kasen, and you, and if I wanted soone my own age to talk to, I would call one of my friends.
She didnt an to sound so annoyed, but she didnt want to be made the reason for being in the situation she was now.
Andy looked a bit embarrassed and looked down. Is that so....
Tori nodded her head and her eyes narrowed a bit. Part of her wanted to tell Andy never to make such plans without telling her first again, but she didnt think it was appropriate. She liked her cousin, but theyd only known each other for a few days and he would not know all her preferences in such a short ti.
He had made the arrangents with her in mind, not knowing what an absolute mistake it was. It was irrational for her to get angry at a well-aning mistake, but she was. Tori glared down the corridor.
I would rather have gone to Woodhaven. The coldness in her voice seed to make Andy tense up. He looked over at her and frowned.
Do you really not like Hart Manor?
Its not the manor, Tori said in a low voice. Before he could ask further questions, they reached the top of the stairs and the butler was waiting for them at the bottom, in the foyer. His old, wrinkled face lit up as he saw them.
Admiral, my lady! Are your rooms to your liking?
Tori imdiately put on her business smile and gave him a polite nod. Yes, Mr. Mulligan, they are perfect. Thank you for your hard work preparing them.
The butler looked relieved with the praise and reiterated once more that if anything was needed, to let him know. He led them through the ground floor of the manor and Tori took in his words on the history of the house, the family, and the current residents.
When he ntioned Alessa, Tori took the chance to pry for more information.
I know Miss Hart from school, actually. I was expecting to see her here when we arrived. Is she not spending the sumr here? Tori asked casually.
The butlers smile widened. Does the lady also attend Lyce du Soleil?
Toris smile never left her face. Yes, I also just completed my first year.
The young lady has two visitors from Horizon who are also coming for Lady Siobhans succession ceremony and left this morning to show them our humble village, the butler told them.
Tori tilted her head to the side. Two visitors? One of them mustve been Gideon. Perhaps the other was the Empress? Tori shook her head. No, if it was the Empress, there would be many more guards or knights around, and Baron Hart wouldve told them.
Yes, two young gentlen classmates of hers. The young n grew up in Horizon and have never been out this far, the butler told her. Our young miss invited them to see the countryside.
Tori narrowed her eyes a bit. She had so guesses, but now that he said, classmates and didnt ntion anything specific, such as the prince or so-and-sos son, she began to wonder if Alessas guests were trying to visit incognito.
Are Miss Harts other classmates also staying here? She feigned so surprise.
Yes, they are in the wing opposite yours.
A small flurry of excitent welled in her. She didnt want to ruin their fun, but she was petty. And if the ga had gone through all the trouble to put her here to start shit, then shit she would start - on her terms. May I ask when they arrived and if well be eting them for dinner?
The butler was leading them out towards the back courtyard, which now had a sizable vegetable garden. They arrived the day before and yes, they will return for dinner.
The corners of Toris eyes crinkled as her smile widened. Good. I look forward to dinner.
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