As the heir to the Guevera March, Sebastian not only knew every noble family in their region, but also aristocratic families and ones in influential positions. This included the Zisos family, which currently consisted of two people: Pope Stefanos Zisos, the highest authority in the Church of Belcoy, and his nephew-cum-adopted-son, Constantine.
Pope Zisos ca from a very modest background and was imnsely popular with commoners. He got along well with the ruling elite for his strict stance on remaining out of Soleil politics and focusing on the church being of service to, and leading the faith of, the people. He rose through the ranks to beco elected Pope early in his forties, just around the ti of the Macerian Plague, which swept through his hotown.
Surs policy was to quarantine the infected areas, leaving guarded, specific eting points to deliver supplies and dicine to try to aid those infected. By the ti the plague was starting to dissipate, it had caused the death of nearly everyone in Pope Zisos hotown, leaving only the infant of his younger sister.
With no other family, Constantine was thus raised in Temple Mountain.
From the information Sebastian had gathered, the boy was well-educated; as expected from a child who tested into Lyce du Soleil. He was strong in his faith, but reflected the usual casualness of most believers in the empire. Because of this, his Lyce project was public assistance through the church, of which he had a connection to.
Sebastian didnt think much of it. In fact, he thought it was completely natural. The entire point of Lyce projects was to connect a talented student to the empire by forcing them to use their resources on it. The goal was to make a future leader want to see it grow and succeed as their project. It made them invested in the improvent of the empire they were a part of.
And it worked.
Any money spent on the project was considered part of the taxes paid by the students family and deducted from the amount set to be paid. This was why it was very important to match a student with a project suited for them and within their ans.
However, he still thought Toris project was on the extre end. They were wealthy and everyone knew that, but no one in the right mind would expect a girl Toris age to do what she was asked. Sebastian expected so level of failure; sothing more difficult than a rival company buying bricks.
But Tori pushed along with an almost terrifying amount of efficiency and planning.
As such, he didnt think too much of his sister asking Constantine to focus his project on the delta. After all, so of Toris other friends were also focusing their project there. It was a good idea and Sebastian secretly applauded his sisters use of her connections to mutual benefit.
But, as Sebastian hadnt t Constantine in person, he wanted to find out a bit more about the boys personality and reputation in school.
Sebastian called one of his newer contacts.
Lord Sebastian, good evening. JP Vissage was one of his sisters friends and Sebastian found him and Henrik Skuldsen to be the best two sources of information in his sisters internal circle.
When he t Toris friends in the winter, he wanted to get their contacts - in case there was an ergency and sothing happened to his sister and she couldnt contact them. He first thought of asking Toris roommate, Miss Agafonova; however, they were often together and if sothing happened to Tori, then Miss Agafonova would likely be caught up in it as well. He also had a suspicion that there was so information she wouldnt share.
Sebastian respected that. Everyone needed a confidante.
Sonia and Albert also seed like they would be tightlipped. Ewan was a good kid, but he was most likely to tell Tori that he reported to Sebastian. That left Henrik and JP: both excellent sources of information. Henrik could reach out to him if there was sothing of concern regarding their company and get him information from the guild.
However, JP was the best source of information when it ca to people around Tori. He was observant and well connected to Lyces social information network. If Sebastian wanted to find out social information on another student in his sisters vicinity, JP was the one to go to.
My apologies for bothering you this evening, Mr. Vissage, Sebastian said as he sat on the chair of his resort balcony. He looked down at the terrace beside the beach where he was sunbathing earlier. Tori was still there, sitting across a small wooden table with their mother and talking. Their parents would leave in the morning with Kasen. If you dont mind, Id like to ask a question about one of your classmates.
Constantine Zisos, class 4A. Current rank 22, just under Albert. His elective is historical texts and art. No after school activities, although he volunteers at a near-by shrine. JP answered at once and Sebastian furrowed his brows and looked at his comcry with suspicion.
Were you expecting this call?
Tori called to ask if we wanted anything from Karap and said Mr. Zisos was going to be her tour guide, JP said. My lord, I dont believe you have anything to worry about. Mr. Zisos is very amiable and respectful.
Sebastian narrowed his eyes. Amiable and respectful? That was all well and good, but he had a specific question. What does he look like?
There was a brief pause. Pardon, my lord?
Constantine Zisos. Ive never seen him. What does he look like?
Oh...a bit tall, dark blond hair, gray eyes-
Is he good-looking?
There was more silence. If were going by his popularity at Lyce, then yes. Several young ladies in his class are quite fond of him and he has been asked to join them on outings, but has rejected both young ladies and young n across our school. He doesnt appear interested in anyone in particular and seems to treat everyone the sa.
Ah.... Sebastian let out a low breath of relief. Thats good-
Except for Tori. My sister heard from Ilyana, who heard from Mama J, that before we left for winter break, Mr. Zisos bought her coffee at Cafe Fortuna.
Sebastians jaw clenched. Is that so.
I dont know the details. One mont, my lord. Sebastian heard a bit of shuffling and then faint voices that seed to be shouting across a room. Sonia! Why did Mr. Zisos buy Tori coffee?
Why do you want to know? Miss Vissage sounded suspicious.
Im curious.
Psh.... Im not telling you, you giant gossip! Sebastian heard a door slam.
My apologies, my lord. Im afraid thats all I know, JP said in a droll voice.
No, this is enough. Just consider this brotherly concern. Thank you for letting know, Mr. Vissage. Sebastian heard him say it was fine and Sebastian ended the call. He frowned and looked down at the terrace once more.
Tori had her face in her hands as she shook her head. Their mother continued to talk, but with the distance between them, Sebastian couldnt hear what was being said.
He slid his finger across his comcry once more. Call Kasen de Guevera.
A mont later, the lazy voice of his brother answered him. What do you want?
Youve t the Zisos kid. What do you think of him?
Nice kid. Well spoken, intelligent, and diligent in his work, Kasen said. Why?
You know why. Shes going to spend ti with him in Karap.
Kasen let out an exasperated breath. You dont have to worry about young Mr. Zisos. No matter how good-looking he is, what matters is that Tori treats him, at best, as a work colleague.
And youre sure about this? Sebastian said as he rose to his feet. He paced his balcony.
Yes. Kasen sounded annoyed. I keep telling you; the one you should be keeping your eye on is that pupil of yours.
I had a talk with him when I dropped her off last winter, Sebastian said with irritation.
Well, it didnt work.
How do you know? Sebastian snorted. The kids said that Tori and Piers are just friends; this is sothing they heard confird from Tori and Piers mouths.
Dont pay attention to words alone. Kasen ended the call and Sebastian frowned. He shook his head and glanced down at the terrace. Toris face was flushed and she seed to be denying sothing.
He put his comcry in his pocket and left his room. He walked down the stairs and rounded the corner to get to the terrace. Just before he could step out, a hand reached out and grabbed him, pulling him back inside. Sebastian tensed at once; there were very few people who could sneak up on him and only one of them was present.
Dont disturb them, his father said in a low, stern voice. He craned his neck to look past Sebastian, towards the open door. Your mama is having a serious conversation with your sister.
Sebastian nodded obediently and stepped behind him, also still peering towards the door. Do you know what theyre talking about?
Your mama said it was ti that she had a woman-to-woman talk with Tori, Gregorio told him.
Sebastian grimaced. Is that necessary?
It is a parents duty to educate their children on such matters. Did I not do the sa for you and Kasen?
You an the traumatic events I tried to repress? Unfortunately, yes, Sebastian said with a deadpan look. He lifted a hand and ran it through his hair. Papa, did you tell her that its fine for her to co ho?
Yes. I told her she doesnt need to marry and can live at ho. When your mother and I are gone, it will be up to you to support your sister, Gregorio told him. He lifted a hand and placed it on Sebastians shoulder with pride. I know you will take good care of her, my son.
Sebastian nodded, accepting his duty. He glanced out the door. Tori was drinking wine with a haunted expression. How did she take it when you told her?
Gregorio smiled. She was quite happy.
Really? Sebastian couldnt help but be surprised. Shes been full of surprises since the accident.
Gregorio chuckled a bit, but had a glint of sadness in his eyes. He put his arm around his sons shoulders as they looked out towards the terrace. As long as she is safe, Sebastian.
I know, Papa.
...When youre in the delta and Horizon, keep an eye on that pupil of yours. His father narrowed his eyes. She insists that they are friends, but that prince has always been cleverer than we gave him credit for.
Sebastian frowned. Ill observe when we arrive. I told him before not to have such thoughts about Tori. He dares defy ....
His closeness to your sister has been noticed by the Empress. The rest of Horizons nobles mustve noticed sothing by now, or at the very least, heard rumors. Gregorio seed to grind his teeth. They may think the two are...involved.
Sebastian looked towards his father with a mirroring look of disgust.
What are you two doing, looming by the door? a womans voice called out, sounding exasperated.
Darling, I was waiting for you to finish so we could go on our evening walk. Gregorio stepped out with an innocent, gentle smile on his face.
Sebastian said nothing. His father likely was legitimately waiting.
Tori and I just finished, Antonia said as she rose from her seat. She stood up from her chair and reached out to stroke her daughters hair. Tori, rember what we talked about.
Sebastian watched his sister nod as she gazed blankly into the distance. He understood. The day his father sat him down for a talk had disturbed him, as well. At the very least, Mama didnt bring out books for her to review.
I will send you the books when I get to Presidio, Antonia told Tori before stepping back and extending her hand towards Gregorio. If you have any questions, call .
Sebastian, walk your sister back to her room when shes ready, Gregorio told him.
The middle-aged couple held hands as they wandered off to walk along the beach in the moonlight. Sebastian looked back at his sister.
Are you all right? he asked, carefully.
Tori ran her hand down her face. I appreciate Mama being responsible and proactive in my...education. But that doesnt make this any less awkward. She took a deep breath before standing up and placing her hands on the edge of the table. A determined look was on her face. Lets never talk about this again.
Sebastian nodded and followed behind his sister as she trudged back into the resort and towards her room between his and Andrews. When she was safely inside, Sebastian walked into his.
As awkward as Toris talk with their mother might have been, perhaps whatever was said would serve to rein in any misplaced interest his sister may have in others.
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