Tori froze. She looked up from her drink and stared at JP. How much money?
I dont know, JP said. But it was enough for her and her father to get into a very intense argunt at the inn. Our neighbor works there and said they had to paste a silence charm on their door and around the floor because they were so loud.
I heard she ran out of the inn afterwards, Sonia said. But that could just be a rumor to make things more dramatic.
Tori let out a low breath and looked down at her drink. She aimlessly poked it with a small spoon.
It was likely that with Gideon playing in the final match of the tournant, everyone thought the central district would win. Even Piers had confidence in his brothers ability. The odds had the central district set to win and Alessa mustve been certain that they would. Thus, she took whatever money she could find to make a bet.
But the central district lost the tournant because of her brother. The only reason Sebastian was able to play was because he happened to be there. Because of her and the crystals in the delta.
Of all of my actions to affect this stupid ga, it has to do with gambling. It just needs to use to sohow put Alessa in a shitty situation where she can get help, doesnt it?
I cant believe shed bet her fathers money. Everyone knows that she cos from an impoverished barony. Where would they get more money? Sonia asked aloud as she shook her head and then took a sip.
Selling a carriage and horses, apparently, Henrik said. But thats not our problem.
Whats not your problem? Axton ca down from the stairs and raised a brow as he saw them all seated around the unused hearth. Piers did say you can go to the private room upstairs. Tori and her friends looked around the cafe and then back at Axton with knowing looks. They were the only custors there.
Master, my parents would like to know if I can accompany you to the delta when you go with Tori, Ewan said, sitting up straight.
It will be good for you to train, and I will allow you to train with any knights that are willing to give their ti, Piers said as he appeared behind Axton. Aside from Tori, the others rose to their feet and bowed to greet him. Piers gave them a small nod. Will Mr. Skuldsen and Lady Agafonova also be joining?
Yes, Your Highness, Henrik said. Perhaps not as often, but we will need to go for our projects.
There has been substantial construction in the foundational work, so I think youll be surprised. Tori sat up straighter and puffed out her chest.
By the way, do you plan on naming it? Weve all just been calling it the delta, Sonia said as she sat back down and leaned against the chair. Thats more a region and a landmark than a village or a city na.
I was going to let the villagers vote on a na after winter break, Tori said. Well start taking suggestions and then Ill narrow it down to the top five.
Ewan perked up and looked excited. Are you accepting suggestions from non-villagers?
No.
Oh....
Youre putting all your money into this, JP said as he lowered his cup. Shouldnt you get a say in what you want to na it?
Im going to throw in a suggestion, but if they dont agree, Im not going to complain. There will be guidelines on the na to limit anything that may be difficult, pose an issue, or confuse us with another location.
That sounds fair, Axton said as he stood behind them. He crossed his arms over his chest. So...what do you want to suggest?
Tori gave him a wide, cheesy smile. Its a secret!
Her friends groaned and Tori finished off the rest of her iced coffee. When they were done, they left the cafe. The small group walked Tori and Ilyana back to the gates of Lyce, chatting about the olive oil from Karap Tori had sent to their hos and how difficult its been trying to get the food to taste the sa.
Okay, Tori said as they reached the gate and turned around. Well see you all in a few days-
Piers! An excited voice sounded, and the group turned towards a carriage that was stopped a few paces away.
Fabian was standing by the door as Gideon finished helping Alessa out of the carriage. Dimitri got out after her, but Gideon was already walking towards them, or rather, to his brother.
Gideon. Piers gave him a nod of his head in greeting.
Tori and the others gave quiet mutters and small bows to Gideon, as they were not in school yet nor were they close to him. Even Tori gave him a small, quick curtsy.
Your Highness, are you also scheduled to move in today? Axton asked.
Gideon gave him a shake of his head. No, I am here to see off our friends, Lady Hart and Mr. Guthry. He stepped to the side and motioned to the two students already in their uniforms.
Were here to see off Tori and Miss Agafonova, Axton said, smiling. Piers nodded and looked at the two.
Dont worry about your lunches tomorrow. They will be ready for you both. Work hard, he told the two of them.
Thank you, Your Highness! Ilyana gave him a curtsy and Tori nodded.
Have a safe trip back.
Axton then ushered the two of them through the gates, as if trying to steer them away from Gideon and his friends. As soon as they were through the gate, Ilyana looped arms with Tori and the two of them began to walk swiftly to the east dorm.
Once assigned a dorm in their first year, students would have that room until they graduated or left, providing there were no issues that required a room change. Many continuing students left behind anything they wouldnt need during their break. Tori and Ilyana had left the majority of their school supplies and trinkets, only bringing with them things they really needed or had to be washed, such as sheets and clothing.
Dont forget that there is a eting this evening to discuss tomorrows placents, schedule, and distribute the student guide sashes, a voice said behind them.
Tori felt Ilyanas grip on her arm tighten and glanced over at her friend. Ilyana had a dark look on her face.
Thank you, Mr. Guthry, she replied behind gritted teeth. We are aware. As soon as they were out of hearing range, she lowered her voice. Does he think were stupid? All of that was on the letter informing us that wed be guides.
Dont worry about him. Just focus on being number one.
Ilyana let out a little hmph. Not only will I be number one, but I will also make sure others improve just to lower his rank!
Tori snort-laughed. Didnt he go to your review session last ti?
That was the last ti. Now, hes banned as long as he sides with Hart.
Sides with Hart?
Ilyana nodded. Sonia and I discussed it, and since she made that remark at your cousins succession ceremony, as with everything shes done so far, she cant be good and therefore, the boys who follow her around are also questionable. I am banning them from my review sessions.
I appreciate the gesture, but-
Solidarity, Tori!
Okay. She didnt want to argue. They went back to their dorm and Tori handed her the gift from Karap. Ilyana shook out the folded shawl and swept it over her shoulders imdiately before going to admire it in the mirror.
As she inspected the embroidery and compared it aloud to what she had seen so far, Tori opened the trunk shed had sent to her room and began to take out assorted items. She took out her uniform, which was on a wooden hanger and in a garnt bag. She laid the folded garnt bag on her bed and took out the picture fra shed carefully packed in it.
Whats that? Ilyana asked as she looked over.
Tori held out the picture of a childs drawing and smiled. My little cousin, Ava, drew it for my birthday. She brought it to her desk and placed it on the bookshelf, between the sheet of cork she used to pin up notes and a few of her textbooks.
She then fished out her wooden warlock and put it on the small shelves that made up her headboard. It was where she kept her dagger at night, along with several crystals, and a broken rose quartz lion she found in her room during winter break.
It had been buried in one of her drawers and, though it was broken, the engraving at the bottom hadnt been completely cut off: From your loving bro-, Sebasti-. When Tori held the crystal in her hand, she felt a gentle warmth and comfort, and decided to bring it with her.
About two hours before sunset, the duo headed to the main courtyard to et with instructors and the other student guides. The top ten students of each returning year were asked to be pri examples of Lyce students and help guide the first-years, who were scheduled to arrive the next day. The older students got the busiest areas and so Tori and Ilyana were certain theyd be relegated to a field at the far end of the campus.
Lady Guevera, Miss Agafonova, welco back! I hope youre going to have your review sessions again, a student in their year greeted them.
Miss Halschmidt, nice to see you again, Ilyana smiled and gave her a nod. I do plan to continue. It seems I was able to help many people last year.
Thats a relief to hear!
A few more familiar faces greeted them as they sat on the chairs that had been set up in the courtyard. Soone complinted Ilyanas shawl and she proudly told them that it was a gift from Tori from Karap.
Students, thank you for coming and assisting us this week, one of the departnt heads greeted them as he arrived with a few staff mbers and Headmaster Laurent. One of the instructors passed out maps. These are maps to be used for your reference. Feel free to keep it with you when you are on duty tomorrow, as it will help direct the first years. It is quite common for first years to beco lost, so if you see one appearing disoriented, please reach out to them.
Tori and Ilyana received their maps and they looked it over to refresh themselves with the campus. After the instructor outlined their list of duties and how long they were expected to remain in their location, he began to call out nas and where they were assigned.
Miss Agafonova, the eastern green houses.
Ilyana let out a little grumble. I knew Id be stuck far away, but not that far.
You could be assigned to the stables.
Ilyana wrinkled her nose and shook her head. Sonia and JP said their upperclassn are overseeing that.
Miss Guevera, the sword practice training grounds.
Oh! Tori perked up. That wasnt bad. She was familiar with that area and could direct lost students from it back to the main campus easily.
Tori. A womans voice spoke behind her, and she turned around to see a brown-haired woman with gray eyes looking at her, excited. She was a fourth-year student and ranked 10th, but also the new captain of the Sword Association. This is our chance. Try to get so new recruits if any of them stray near you.
Tori gave her an affirming nod. Ill try to think of a small speech to get them interested and invite them to see our demonstration during orientation week, Captain sser.
Heh...I cant get enough of hearing that, Captain sser said with a grin. She leaned forward and lowered her voice. Hey, I heard that Ewan is being taught by both Lord Sebastian and Sir Nassaun. Thats very impressive.
Toris brows shot up. Howd you know?
I saw Captain Connor at the market, and he couldnt stop bragging-
Miss Gisela sser! The instructors voice bood before them, and Tori inhaled sharply as she sat up straight and looked forward. Behind her, Captain sser cringed and slowly leaned back. Please pay attention!
My apologies, Instructor Vinhaal!
The middle-aged man let out a tired sigh and shook his head. As I was saying: two of the fourth-year students are unable to make it here by tomorrow due to travel issues. So, the welco guides in the main courtyard will be Mr. Dimitri Guthry and Miss Alessa Hart.
Tori heard a surprised gasp from several rows ahead of her and saw Alessas blonde hair bounce as she sat up, looking at Dimitri beside her with excitent. Tori wanted to roll her eyes. How convenient that those two, despite being second year students, would get the posts with the most exposure to the first years.
With that, the west dorm commons will be open for your dinner today and breakfast tomorrow. The east dorm commons will open starting at dinner tomorrow, at the usual ti. We ask that all student guides wear their sashes the entire day and when they are on campus this weekend, Instructor Vinhaal said. He gave the group an affirmative look. Lastly, welco back, students, to Lyce du Soleil.
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