After having so many first years around the previous week, it felt much quieter now, when they were on their excursion. The upperclassn and those in her class were able to focus on their training sets without having to stop and instruct the first years. Captain sser was having a good spar with GG while Master McDouglass watched and shouted from the side of the ring.
Tori finished checking on the plants in the garden next door. She had the fence fully repaired and had a new sign made at Daybreak Garden that said Lyce du Soleil Sword Association: dicinal Plants Garden. Master McDouglass helped them hang it up the other week.
Uncle Maurizo had co with so of his students to help them plant and then give instructions on caring for them. The garden was surprisingly popular with the sword association mbers and theyd had so agricultural niche students co by to take a look.
Tori locked the gate and walked back to the practice training grounds. She delivered the key to Master McDouglass then went to grab a waster from a barrel.
Where is Connor?
She paused in mid step and turned around. She jerked her head back and looked at Fabian. For a mont he wondered if she heard correctly. Shaking her head, Tori turned back and weighed the training sword in her hand, making sure she pulled one out that was suitable for her height.
Im talking to you. That was Fabians voice for sure.
Tori turned around once more and looked at him with uncertainty. ?
He was also dressed in training clothes, albeit slightly nicer looking ones. He narrowed his eyes. Yes, who else would I be talking to?
I dont know. No one here talks to you. Tori almost snorted. She rested her waster over one shoulder. If youre talking about Ewan Connor, hes having lessons.
Lessons? Fabian sneered. Is he doing that badly in school?
Ugh.... Tori rolled her eyes. No, hes doing quite well. After classes, in the middle of the week, he ets with Axton for additional sword lessons and advanced sparring.
The corner of his eye twitched and Tori wanted to smirk. No one else was training with soone like Axton. Does he train with Sir Nassaun three days a week? He was only here for two days last week.
Why are you asking? Tori asked as she lowered her shoulders. She couldnt help but be suspicious of him, but there was really nothing to be suspicious about. What could he do even if he knew Ewans schedule? Fight him? She would put an end to that real quick.
Hes trying to enter La Garda. It only takes twenty-five students a year from around the empire. As far as Im concerned, hes competition. Fabian lifted his chin and Tori raised a brow.
Oh...so you see him as good enough to be competition. She was a bit happy to hear that. However, when she said it, Fabian seed to realize what he said and jerked his head back.
His face reddened. He would be if he was any good!
Is that the best counter you have? The knight matches the prince, I see. Tori sighed and lowered her sword.
If you must know, at the beginning and end of the week, he has dagger lessons with my nanny along with Ilyana and Albert. Dagger lessons are only suspended the weeks of midterm exams and finals. In the middle of the week, Ewan has training with Axton. He also goes with us to the delta every other weekend and trains with Axton while hes there, Tori said, almost proudly. And I wouldnt worry about his academic performance.
Fabian scoffed and turned his head to the side. Being slightly above average in terms of niche students is still well below average overall.
Then, its lucky Ilyana is personally tutoring him, Tori said as she lifted her head and turned away. I hope youre able to find just as good an instructor to guide you before the application period next year.
That isnt sothing for you to worry about, Lady Guevera.
Tori gave him a cold smile. Youre right. Why would I worry about you if you dont even cross my mind? She skipped off to join so other second years with their forms.
She just finished leading them through an eighteen-form sequence when Master McDouglass called her over.
There is soone here for you, the burly man said, almost exasperated.
Sorry about the trouble, Master. Who is it this ti? Tori asked as she wiped her brow with a towel and put her sword in a barrel as she passed.
Mr. Guthry.
Fantastic. Tori said in a dull voice before heading towards the gate. Just outside, standing by the wall of the training grounds was the forr first ranked student, looking sullen, but determined. She took a deep breath and readied herself to talk to a brick wall once again. Mr. Guthry, I was told you wanted to speak to ?
He stood up straight and turned towards her. He seed to size her up, his eyes going up and down her body as she approached. Maybe he thought she was intimidating in training clothes, though her dagger wasnt on her. She technically wasnt supposed to wear any weapons on campus, so she removed it when she ca to train, otherwise it would be visible.
Lady Guevera, I apologize for bothering you.
Then stop bothering .
She saw him grit his teeth and she tried not to grin. Dimitri clenched his hands at his sides and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath before opening them and eting her gaze. Lady Guevera, I am asking you to withdraw your lawsuit against the school.
No.
His jaw clenched again and she almost wondered what he thought would actually happen if he asked her. There was no way she was going to agree.
Is it absolutely necessary for you to sue the school simply because you disagree with their policy? he asked.
You are mistaken, Mr. Guthry. Im not suing the school because I disagree with their policy. His brows shot up, surprised. Tori smiled. Im suing the school because their policy was enacted suddenly, without a chance for students to review it and raise their concerns, and because after much consideration and review; I am the only one affected by the policy, putting forward the question: is this policy targeting specifically?"
I believe youre looking far too deeply into it, Lady Guevera. It is a coincidence that you are being affected and you will likely not be the only one affected in the future. The policy was made to help students, and your reaction to sue the school and ban and blacklist the Governing Board mbers is unnecessary. Its an overreaction.
Tori cocked her head. Who told you that I banned and blacklisted the Governing Board mbers?
Dimitri stared at her for a mont, as if unable to believe shed say such a thing. Lady Guevera, everyone knows! A dozen families are complaining that they are being targeted in retaliation for the policy!
And?
His jaw dropped and the burning irritation in his eyes fizzled out into a blank stare. Tori almost wondered if she broke him.
What.... He gritted his teeth and lifted his hand to rub his forehead. Lady Guevera, why else would you ban the Governing Board?
Pre-emptive move, Tori said with a shrug. I knew they were going to try to boycott Lions Gate to try to pressure into withdrawing the lawsuit, so I banned them before they could. It just so happens that I have very supportive family, friends, and acquaintances. She smiled and raised her hands, as if she were helpless. I dont control them, Mr. Guthry.
His eyes crinkled up and he seed to want to argue back, but she had made a good move. He grit his teeth and shook his head. Then what do you want from them in order for you to withdraw the lawsuit?
Tori raised a brow and looked him up and down. Mr. Guthry, did the Board send you to try to negotiate with ? She let out a small laugh. It seems theyre not taking this very seriously at all.
Lady Guevera, you already have so much to do with your project and your business, not to ntion Lyce. Do you really need to continue with this unnecessary course of action? Dimitri asked. Both you and the Board have better things to do.
I dont know about the Board, but I personally enjoy the challenge, Tori said. She gave him a nod and stepped back. Now, if youll excuse , I want to get so sparring in-
My mothers friends family is being affected by your actions, Dimitri told her.
Every action has a consequence, Mr. Guthry. They shouldve been prepared for that, Tori said as she turned around, waving her hand dismissively as she walked away.
She heard him let out a frustrated huff. Lady Guevera, are you not afraid that this will reflect badly upon you?
I would rather have this reflect badly upon than negatively affect the villagers at the delta and everyone who is currently working there. Tori didnt stop walking. Mr. Guthry, if the Board asks, tell them that they should send a proper representative to speak to next ti. If they expect to yield so easily, then they have severely underestimated Victoria de Guevera.
She didnt think that telling Dimitri to essentially shut up and tell the Board to deal with her mano a mano would actually work. A day later, soone from the administration building intercepted her when she ca out of her tacrystals class and told her that she had been called to Headmaster Laurents office once more.
Oh, goodie. This must be round two. The administration staff mber looked at her strangely, but didnt say much as they walked across campus.
It didnt take them long to reach the administration building and Mr. Legaspi was waiting for her at the entrance of the building to escort her directly in. Tori gave him a nod and a pleasant greeting before following.
He let her into the headmasters office and she found Headmaster Laurent sitting at his desk, looking exhausted, as two well-dressed middle-aged n stood to his side. When the door sounded, they all turned towards her.
Tori bounced into the room, smiling. Good afternoon, Headmaster Laurent! And...gentlen. She gave the other two n a forced smile. I hope this isnt going to be a long eting. Im scheduled to study with my friends off campus soon, in preparation for the exams.
Miss Guevera, please have a seat, Headmaster Laurent told her, motioning towards the seat in front of his desk. By now, Tori almost felt familiar with that chair.
Lady Guevera, I am Tyler Allen and this is Clarence Copperton, we represent the Lyce du Soleil Governing Board, the younger of the middle-aged n said, motioning to himself and then the other man in a dark gray and mustard suit.
Its a pleasure, Tori said with a small, curt nod. She reached into her pocket and took out her comcry as she sat down. Shed started making a point to bring it everywhere with her. One mont. She slid her finger across the crystal. Call Eduardo de Sophos.
She looked up at the three n and gave them another pleasant smile. A mont later, her mothers father answered.
Good afternoon, my dear, how are you?
Good afternoon, Grandpa. Im doing well. Im currently seated with Headmaster Laurent and two gentlen who are representing the Governing Board. You told to have you on the call for any etings. Do you have a mont to listen in?
The two n stiffened where they stood and seed to redden. For Tori, this was a precaution to make sure there were additional witnesses and for her to have a seasoned reference. Her grandfather worried that they would try to take advantage of her because she was a fifteen-year-old girl. As far as Tori was concerned, he was right to be worried.
She wasnt intimidated or would let herself be taken advantage of, but she did think that they would try to put pressure on her sohow. Having her grandfather on the comcry felt like evening the playing field.
All right, I am prepared to take any notes. Please proceed, her grandfather said.
Tori looked towards the two n and gave them a nod, as if allowing them to talk. The two exchanged looks and Mr. Allen took a deep breath.
Lady Guevera, we are here today to ask you to withdraw your lawsuit against the school.
Tori stared at them. I gathered. What else?
The two n looked at each other and then at Headmaster Laurent, who turned his head away, as if there was sothing extrely interesting on his other side and was not part of whatever was happening.
Lady Guevera, please withdraw your lawsuit, Mr. Allen repeated.
Tori crinkled her eyes. Is he serious? Grandpa Sophos muttered in a low voice laced with disbelief. Tori took a deep breath.
Mr. Allen, Mr. Copperton, please give a reason why I should withdraw the lawsuit.
Lady Guevera, it is an overreaction to a simple policy! There is no need for the policy to be retracted, Mr. Copperton said. It is a fair policy and you may feel targeted by it, but it affects all students.
No, it doesnt, Tori said. She leaned back against the leather seat and crossed her legs, looking at them with defiance. Does it, Grandpa?
My granddaughter has not only been unfairly targeted by this policy, but this policy was implented without warning to the students, her grandfather said, firmly.
Mr. Sophos-
Imperial Grand Scholar Sophos. Her grandfather corrected them sharply. There are only ten of us. Certainly, you who are on an education board can rember to use our titles.
Tori drew in her lips and tried not to laugh as the two n grew flustered.
Im...Imperial Grand Scholar Sophos, Mr. Allen seed to force himself to say. There were no procedures before. It was rely a courtesy to tell the students.
Courtesy is not a guarantee that students will be able to speak out if the policy enacted causes concerns. There should be guidelines in place that specify any exceptions, particularly if they affect the safety of the students. This is all in the docuntation we have sent to the Governing Board!
Imperial Grand Scholar, think about how his incident will reflect on your granddaughter! Mr. Copperton, red-faced and slightly sweaty, leaned forward and almost yelled at the comcry on Toris lap.
Do you think my granddaughter doesnt know that her actions have consequences? She is well aware of how this will reflect upon her. Unlike whoever it is who brought up the request for the budget limitation, my granddaughter, and our family, do not fear retaliation and hide! Who are you trying to hide?
Tori kept a smile on her face. You should be ready for push back with any policy passed.
This eting is useless. The docunts sent to the Governing Board contain all the necessary information gathered on things concerning and affected by the budget limitation, currently and historically, as well as the Education Ministrys guidelines. Grandpa Sophoss booming voice filled the room. Policy must be properly discussed with the parents of students before implentation, which this policy was not. Policy must not discriminate against a single individual or minority group, which this has. Policy should be presented to the students in a tily manner for an adjustnt period, which this has not been. Rather than you gentlen think about how badly this would look on Tori, I would very much think about how this would look badly on you.
Grandpa, I also heard that various mbers of the Governing Board are trying to stifle the economic developnt in the delta for their own benefit. Tori decided now would be a good ti to fan the flas. She watched the two n seem to lose the color on their faces.
What? No!
Lady Guevera...where did you hear such a thing?
Tori shrugged and glanced to the side. Around.
All JP had to do was tell the biggest gossip in the tenth district, who worked at a large, reputable inn, and it would spread like wildfire.
The Governing Board has been notified of our demands. If we are unable to settle this out of court in a months ti, then I will schedule the court date. Do not forget to provide all the nas and docunts requested, including that of the individual who brought up budget limitations, Grandpa Sophos said in a cold, calculated voice. If you do not, you will be punished for contempt, which will be a hefty fine...and Im fairly certain I can find a way to push for prison ti.
Tori blinked and looked at the comcry with surprise. Hold up, is Grandpa straight up threatening them? Damn, Grandpa.
I advise you to retract or revise the policy, as well as implent a proper procedure following the Education Ministrys guidelines, or we will see you in court in a few weeks. Tori. When he said her na, his voice had softened. Do not speak to them any longer.
Tori nodded and stood up. She looked at the n and gave them a small nod of her head. She looked at the Headmaster and repeated the motion before turning around and leaving.
Thank you, Grandpa, Tori said as she left the office and walked out into the hall. I really appreciate your help.
You have been wronged and I should help you. Grandpas voice lowered and he sounded sowhat disappointed. I know Im not as influential as Victor, so this is all I can do for you.
Grandpa, you of all people should know that a brilliant mind can be just as dangerous as a sharp sword in the right hands, Tori said, smiling intently. Youre my hero this ti, Grandpa.
Such a sweet girl. I wont let you down, my dear.
Okay, I have to et Ilyana and the others at Cafe Fortuna. Were afraid that others are going to bother us if they see us in one of the study rooms at the dorm.
Is that cafe far from the school?
A block over, next to the plaza, Tori said, knowing her grandfather was familiar with the layout of the area. Prince Piers owns it. He lets us have access to the private rooms upstairs so we can study in peace.
Good. Hes a smart boy, Grandpa said. And Tori, if you wish to have him as a partner, you must weigh the risks first.
Tori laughed. He sounded so worried when he said it. Grandpa, Piers and I are just friends.
Friends can be partners.
Tori slowed as she walked down the steps of the administration building. She squinted her eyes and thought for a mont. Then, Ill keep that in mind. Tell Grandma I said hi. Love you all.
She slid her finger across the crystal and looked down at it, unsure how to feel with that unexpected comnt from her grandfather. Also how did her maternal grandparents find out? Did her mother tell them?
Senior Tori! A girls voice reached her and she snapped her head up. She looked around the courtyard and saw a familiar face; one of the first-year girls who was in their dorm and had been on their first tour of the campus. Whenever she saw Tori or Ilyana, she always greeted them enthusiastically.
Good afternoon, Miss Elsen. Tori greeted her with a warm smile.
The girl bead and grabbed her hand, shaking it up and down before releasing her. Have a good afternoon! She then imdiately ran off.
Tori knit her brows together and tilted her head to the side. She looked down at her hand, having felt sothing pushed into her palm before Miss Elsen closed Toris fingers around them to keep it from falling.
It was a tiny, folded piece of paper.
Tori looked around to see if anyone was watching and then quietly walked off to the side of the path. She doubted it was a love letter. Ilyana had received so many from first years that almost every day she was rejecting so poor boy or girl. A few tis, they were from seniors and Tori told her she wasnt surprised, citing our Ilyana is the most beautiful and intelligent girl in school.
However, Tori herself rarely received any. She stood beneath a tree and carefully unfolded the folded piece of paper only as big as her pinky nail.
The words were not what she expected, but they were quite damning.
Prince Gideon requested the policy change.
Tori sucked in a sharp breath. Her first instinct was to believe the note. It was sothing that Gideon would do and had the weight to push. Tori was also sure it had to do with Alessa, but there was no proof other than her gut screaming it.
Still, she was a rational person. She wanted to confirm that the note would have rit. After all, how would a perky first year student who had nothing to do with Gideon, to their knowledge, know? Elsen wasnt the family na of anyone on the Governing Board either.
She took the note and proceeded as planned to the cafe. Ilyana, Albert, and Henrik were already there, reviewing the latest set of problems in their books.
Ilyana, do you know anything about Miss Elsen? Tori asked.
The sweet little girl with the curly brown hair and freckles? Ilyana asked. She shook her head and pursed her lips. Shes not local, but she has family here. Last weekend, she went to her grandmothers. She apparently lives in Horizon. Why do you ask?
I just wanted to know if she has any connection to anyone on the Governing Board, Tori said. Ilyana gave her an understanding look. She likely thought that Tori didnt want to hurt anyones feelings. Ilyana always thought the best of Tori.
Lets ask JP when he arrives, Henrik said. If he doesnt know, he can find out.
JPs efficiency was terrifying. Henrik called him around the ti he and Sonia were set to leave riding practice. At the ti, JP didnt know.
When they arrived at Cafe Fortuna almost half an hour later, Tori had her answer.
Miss Elsens mother is a Jensen of the Jensen family in the fifth district, JP said. Albert perked his head up.
Then she does have a connection, Albert said. The fifth district was where his family and many other aristocratic families lived. Lady Karoline Jensen is on the Governing Board. Shes a senior mber and doesnt have any school age children, but I think all of hers went to Lyce at one point. One of her older daughters did marry out of the city; Miss Elsen is probably her granddaughter.
Tori narrowed her eyes. I see....Im going to step out for a minute. She stood up and walked outside their study room. There were three rooms on the upper floor of Cafe Fortuna and they usually went to the largest one, where Toris violet lanting chaise was. The dium-sized one had a smaller table and would fit about six people.
Tori walked into the smallest of the rooms. It had a small table with one chair and a wooden daybed pushed against the wall by the window. There was also a large bookshelf that covered an entire wall. After she closed the door, she reached for her comcry.
Call Erik Skuldsen, Tori said. She waited for the guild master to pick up. It took a few tries, but he finally answered.
Hello, Lady Tori! The man greeted her warmly before his voice deflated. Is sothing wrong with Henrik?
No, no! Tori cald him at once. Hes fine. Hes actually studying with Ilyana and the others.
Oh, thank goodness! The guild master let out a breath of relief. Honestly, we were worried hed fail out. Who wouldve expected him to do so well last year? We certainly didnt. Tori winced. How can I help you, my lady?
Sir, can you tell if the Jensen family of Lady Karoline Jensen have any businesses that may be affected by the ban? Tori asked. It was easier to ask the Guild Master instead of Henrik, as he knew more.
Henriks father let out a heavy breath. My lady, all of those Governing Board mbers businesses are affected, if not suffering, from the ban. Your brothers list was thorough. Perhaps if it was just Lions Gate and the Gueveras, they would be fine, but they have several duchies and two marches whove banned them. The influence is massive and its crippling the businesses of these smaller families. He let out a tired sigh. If it were , I wouldve given up and retracted it already. A policy that needlessly affects one student isnt worth it.
Tori verified enough. She clenched her jaw and took a deep breath. Miss Elsen had the right connections and if she went to her grandmothers, it made sense that shed hear of the ban, especially if the Jensens businesses were suffering because of it. Tori didnt know if Miss Elsen told her to try to help the Jensens or to help her, but everyone knew that the Governing Board was refusing to reveal who had requested the policy change.
JP had spread bits and pieces of information in order to disparage the Governing Board and gain sympathy for Tori. Keeping such a thing a secret made the Governing Board appear as if they were hiding sothing, which they technically were.
Thank you, Guild Master. I appreciate this. Im sorry if Im causing any trouble for you.
She heard him chuckle. The guild hasnt been this lively in a while; everyone is enjoying watching who will win. He seed to whisper this and Tori chuckled. She ended the call and leaned against the door.
Gideon, you douche.... She wanted to know where Gideon was or what he was doing in the late spring or early sumr. If he had had any contact with the Governing Board, then she was a hundred percent certain and could call him on it, perhaps even summon him to court. She slid her finger across the crystal once more. Call Axton du Nassaun.
What do you need? Axton answered.
Axton, do you know what Prince Gideon was doing about six months ago? Who can I go to in order to find out his schedule or whereabouts of the ti? Tori asked. Soone had to be keeping track of him; he was a prince.
Gideon? I dont know, Axton said, sounding confused. I dont normally pay attention to him. Why?
I just received a tip off today, Tori said as her hand squeezed the comcry. He was the one who requested the policy change.
She heard his sharp breath. Tori waited for him to reply, but he was quiet. Tori furrowed her brows and frowned. She opened her mouth to ask if he was still there when she heard Piers voice.
I will talk to him.
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