Tori Transmigrated Chapter 77: Do You Want a Hug

Most of their discussion returning back to Lyce revolved around Gideons annoying interest in their ga. Sonia and JP werent interested and would wander around if they were hanging out with them. Piers had watched plenty of tis, and despite having the occasional judging look at one of their gaplay decisions, he never made a comnt or questioned their actions.

Gideon had slowly inched himself closer to their table until he was seated between Axton and Henrik and giving suggestions. Tori asked him, as politely as she could, not to talk so that the others could concentrate.

But he kept talking. After thirty minutes of it, Piers had finally clamped his hand on Gideons shoulder and told him it was late and that they were leaving earlier, so he had to go to sleep. Gideon had looked around the table, at the students who were his age, and seed to want to protest, but one look at his brother and he conceded.

They were able to play normally for another thirty minutes after that, but everyone was complaining about Gideon, so Tori called it a night. It seed that a nights sleep still didnt quell the rage he induced.

My first ga actually playing and he ruined it, Henrik leaned against the side of the carriage with his arms crossed and glaring at the window. Why did he co to your tent? He doesnt like you.

I dont know, Tori said, rubbing her head. Shed worked so hard on the story and Gideon kept interjecting, like a child who wanted to appear intelligent by poking holes into and questioning everything. I think he followed Piers in.

I still dont understand if he was just interested and wanted to play or if he was purposely sabotaging our ga. Even Constantine was confused and tired of Gideons crap.

What does he know about being a sorceress? Ilyana scowled next to her. What does he an I cant just do magic? I can do magic - I have special blood!

Tori inhaled deeply and patted Ilyanas arm to calm her. This was a oneti thing. Hes not going to be around the next ti we play.

We wont play again until you and Ewan get back from Sur after winter break, Henrik said. The mood of the carriage dropped once more.

Beside him, Ewan perked up. Wait, Ill be with the Biancci twins when we take the carriage ride down. Tori, can we play on the way down?

Sure, but you have to ask Marco and Mateo. You know how they are, Tori said. Ewan smiled and nodded. They also have a separate ga.

Thats fine!

Ilyana, are you doing reviews this week for final exams? Henrik asked as he slumped back against the carriage bench.

Across from him, Ilyana nodded. Lecture hall for four evenings, each covering a major subject per night. Then a night to rest, followed by our private study sessions at the cafe.

May I join you again? Constantine asked. Ilyana nodded.

Of course. Theyll be in the late afternoon, early evening of next weekend and Ill be studying there after school next week, so you can all co and go when you feel like it. If you have any questions, get them ready.

Thanks, Ilyana.

Thank you, Miss Agafonova.

Tori leaned back against the carriage and closed her eyes to try to take a nap before they got back.

She wasnt sure if she was surprised or not, but the next two weeks were uneventful. It could have been that final exam weeks were keeping everyones head down, so she didnt receive as much trouble from the usual group. Gideon didnt approach or speak to her at all, though she did notice him looking back at her a few tis.

If he thought she was going to invite him to play dungeon crawl with them because he was Piers brother, he was more delusional than she thought.

Ilyanas reviews went smoothly following their process from the midterm exams. Students had to sign up ahead of ti and each session was focused on a different subject. The format was very popular and it was requested that she do it again. Ewan took a break from his after-school training sessions to go to Ilyanas reviews. Not to review, but to make sure nothing got out of hand.

Tori ca the first two nights just to make sure there was no trouble. However, she still left Ewan with a small canvas bag of ice calcite and a charm, and told him that if another riot happened, to throw the calcite into the crowd and slap the charm on the ground to activate them.

It was a system combining both crystals and charms that shed been earnestly working on after preparing ice calcite cooling bags. Not every first-year group initially had soone who could charge a crystal. Tori had to call Instructor Ignatius, who was at the delta that weekend, to give a quick introduction. Fortunately, most students could ground and gather the smallest bit of energy needed to activate the crystals.

However, for those who couldnt, she wanted to have sothing. Normally, charms needed to be activated by those who made them, but they could be programd to start working under specific conditions, such as with her drink-chilling charm. She had already activated them to be used. All Albert and the others had to do was trigger the activation by placing the cup on a specific area.

Her current side project at Anahata Island was ice calcite chilling plates that would do what the charms did, however, with varying beverage temperatures and volus. Shed have to work on it when she returned, as the main focus at the mont was on a crystal powered plowing device. She and Instructor Ignatius had been working on it for months and he was going to continue working on it that winter.

Despite the classified nature of the project, another crystal fanatic heard about it.

Yes, Your Excellency, Tori said as she stood to the side of the training grounds. After hours of reviewing her notes, she wanted to stretch out and had co the second to last day of finals to stretch her body and loosen up before her final exam of the sester. Shed just arrived when her comcry lit up. Were testing it on a much smaller scale at the mont, but as of right now, we are trying to connect distance with the amount of energy needed.

The Bishop of Karap let out a frustrated groan. I want to go and see this. You say you have a working model?

Yes, its very small. We spaced off a small plot of land on Anahata Island to do the tests, Tori said. The results are very promising, but adjustnt to distance, depth, and soil type are where were having concerns. We hope to eventually test in other locations to get more data to work with.

The Bishop let out another heavy breath. Lady Guevera, have you spoken to the church about putting Viclya and the Cosora Delta under my jurisdiction?

Tori closed her eyes and ran a hand down her face. Not yet, Your Excellency. I think this should be discussed amongst yourselves. I am more than happy to have the delta considered a coastal jurisdiction. However, you are still based in Karap....

I will discuss with Archbishop Luther in Horizon and His Holiness about it. The Bishop sounded determined. Also, Lady Tori, Benedict has told that Viclya plans to open itself to select guests at the end of the Spring Festival. Coincidentally, I will happen to be in the area....

Tori rolled her eyes. She could only guess why. I will prepare a tent for you and your guards in the encampnt. Unfortunately, Anahata Island is a bit of a ss with all our testing right now and there isnt much room for additional tents.

I can stay with Benedict.

Your Excellency.... Tori sighed.

Just consider it, Lady Tori. Ah, I need to go. I have kitchen duty today. He let out a chuckle before ending the call. Tori slipped her comcry into her bag and put it under the tree before walking towards a practice dummy to work on footing and strikes.

Ewan was finishing doing his jogs around the training grounds and moved on to stretching, as Axton and Sebastian had instructed him.

Connor! A voice cut through the training grounds, and the sparse group of people who were also there to unwind as a break from studying turned towards a corner of the grounds. Fabian removed his helt after sparring against a first year who had won a few youth tournants. The kid looked not only tired, but defeated. When do you think youll be able to spar with ? No one here is challenging enough!

Ewan looked at him and then looked at Tori. Tori t his eyes and gave him a light shake of her head. Im sorry, Sir von Dorn, but I am not at your level yet. Perhaps after winter break.

Fabian seed to smirk. Then, I hope you will be ready then, though I doubt a month or two will make a difference.

How about fifteen fucking years with a sword, asshole. Tori shot him a glare. Her hand twitched over the grip of her waster.

Ewan smiled and stretched his body forward. Maybe not, but at the very least, I have good masters. He looked away and turned his body to the side. I heard you also have a new instructor.

My master has seen combat for nearly two decades, Fabian said. Youd be surprised what I learned.

Oh, dont keep it a secret, Tori said as she rolled her shoulders. Who is your master?

Fabian shot her a sneer. Thats not any of your business, Lady Guevera.

Tori shrugged. Now youve made curious.

Perhaps youd like a rematch? Fabian asked as he narrowed his eyes. I have improved since our last match.

Tori rolled her eyes. Well, thats wonderful for you, Sir von Dorn, but I am not interested in sparring with you. If you dont think there are suitable swordsn here to spar with, then perhaps you will find so with the imperial cadets. Or you can ask Master McDouglass.

Fabian rely scoffed and called for another challenger. Tori was half tempted to take him on, but forced herself to turn her attention elsewhere. She cut at the practice dummy until she cald down.

Dimitri hadnt approached her for so ti and JP said that he was struggling to keep up his rank. Tori hadnt seen him, nor Alessa, outside of class. Since they were banned from Ilyanas review sessions, they had to make do on their own. It was essentially them against an entire class that had review sessions. Their chances at improvent were slim.

After the last day of the final, Axton invited them for one more dinner at the Three Queens, as he would leave for winter training. Fabian was not going with him this ti, making Toris curiosity about his sword master even stronger. She couldnt help but voice it when she had dinner that night.

Im just saying, Tori said as she stood outside the dining room on the roof, making smoke clouds with her breath in the cold air. What kind of instructor is so good that hed give up a chance for training with the von Schwert march army?

She looked towards Piers, who shook his head. Gideon doesnt know. Only that the man they hired has twenty years combat experience.

Tori furrowed her brows. She leaned against the low wall overlooking the busy street below and looked blankly through the glass doors, to where her friends were hanging around, eating, and discussing their exams with tired expressions.

Shouldnt your family have done a background check? Tori asked.

Gideon is only giving Fabian money to pay for his lessons. The instructor is not in direct employnt of the imperial family, Piers said.

Shady..., Tori muttered under her breath. Sebastians assessnt of the difficulty of finding a fitting sword master lingered in her head.

Tori, do you have a mont? Axton stuck his head out of the dining hall before stepping out. I have sothing to give you.

Tori stood up straight. Sa here. She extended her hand towards him. Give the obsidian necklace I gave you last spring.

He froze in front of her. His hand seed to automatically reach up where the copper wrapped obsidian rested against his chest. Why?

She raised a brow. Its broken.

Axton seed reluctant and tilted his head to the side as he narrowed his eyes. How did you know its broken?

She gave him a confused look, silently asking why she wouldnt. I cant feel my energy from it anymore when I search for it. Its sothing Ive been practicing under Master Ramos. Even if most of the energy was used up, which is unlikely for the obsidians purpose, I could still sense my energy in it. I havent been able to feel it for a while.

Axton quietly reached under his shirt and pulled the leather cord out. He held the crystal hed been so hesitant to wear last year in his hand.

It is broken, Piers said, looking over at it. What happened?

Axton looked away. I dont know.

Well, its useless if its cracked. The carving wont work anymore, she told him.

He held it in his hand. Its still a nice necklace, he said. He gave her a bright smile. Its okay if its broken.

No, its not. Its not doing its job, Tori said. She held out her hand once more. Give it to . Axton let out a heavy breath and slowly lifted the cord over his head. He looked at the broken obsidian wrapped in wire, as if engraving its image in his mind. Tori sighed and snatched it away. His face fell.

Even if it doesnt work-

His voice was cut off when she reached up and looped a new leather cord over his head. A flat pendant, about the size of her thumb, hung from it, enveloped in a sturdy leather case.

New and improved version, Tori said with a sly smile. I gave one to Andy and he says its been amazing when hes on night duty.

Axtons rough hand rose and lifted the black obsidian with a neatly trimd leather case around it. The small window in the front revealed the Old Sulfae scratched into it. Tori was pleased that her handwriting on obsidian had improved. She spent so long trying to find tools she could use.

What does it do? Axton asked, his voice quiet. The crystal felt cool to the touch.

Sa as the last one, but I also added awareness of surroundings'. Thats new, Tori told him. This crystal is also able to hold more energy. Ive been filling and draining it to increase its capacity. Its been charged at the delta, so its ready for use.

His face softened. When did you make it?

When I had spare ti. Finding tools to do a decent engraving was harder than I thought. Yours looks much better than Andys.

Axton swept her up into another hug and nuzzled the top of her head. Tori grimaced at his show of affection that dangled her off the ground, but her heart was settled. With this, she felt they made up. Piers smiled, appearing pleased.

I have sothing for you, too. Axton released her and reached into the inner pocket of his coat. He took out a small, round gray crystal that was half the size of her pinky. He took her hand and placed it in her palm. This crystal will glow when held up to a statuette of my mother in the lobbies of my inns. If you stay in any of them, show the token. Itll give you the best room, free of charge.

Tori drew her head back. Really? He nodded, lifted his hand, and patted her head. What if they ask who I am or why I have this?

There are very few of those, Axton said with a chuckle. Godmother has one, Piers, , and now you. Ive already spoken to the inns. They're expecting you.

Thank you, Axton. She stretched out her arms to hug him and he welcod her in a warm embrace.

He left the next morning, which was the day most local students began to return ho for winter break. Ilyana had packed her things to stay at Sonia and JPs for the month and hired her usual bodyguards, as she would once more be doing part ti work at the guild with Henrik. Constantines carriage had already arrived to take him back to Temple Mountain for the winter.

Tori and Ewan would be picked up soon, as well, to go to Auntie Lucias to leave the next day for Presidio with the Biancci family.

All the group had to do now was wait for the results of their finals to be released.

Theyd waited out in the courtyard outside the administration building for the rankings to be posted.

Theres Mr. Legaspi! Ewan nearly shot to his feet when he saw the headmasters secretary and a half dozen other staff mbers walk out with rolled up papers under their arms.

Calm down, Henrik said. Let them post it up first.

They werent the only group of students waiting and as soon as the rankings were posted and the staff stepped away, a small herd of students rushed forward, with Ewan leading the way.

Tori and Ilyana didnt make it halfway across the courtyard when Ewan yelled that Ilyana was first again and that Tori was third.

Im satisfied with that, Tori said with a nod. She looked at Ilyana, who was scanning the rankings.

Well, well, well..., Ilyana said as she narrowed her eyes. He managed to claw his way back to rank five.

Tori looked towards the board and saw Dimitris na in fifth position. Alessa was eleventh. Hes working hard.

Hmm...then I will work harder.... Ilyana said with quiet determination. She looked towards the others, who seed to be mulling over their ranks.

Its not that bad, Sonia said with a sigh. Before, we had an advantage with being the only ones who reviewed with Ilyana. Its not that you got worse, but everyone else caught up.

Good-bye, top twenty, Henrik said with a little salute.

Ilyana patted his shoulder. There is always next sester.

Its more that his parents wouldve given him a monetary prize if he ended the sester in the top twenty, JP said with a grin.

Im twenty-one.... Henriks voice was hollow. Twenty-one.... He turned and shot a glare at Albert, who quickly looked away. Trade with !

Im only ranked nineteen! Albert protested and jumped back.

Okay, Tori said, stepping between them. We saw what we ca for and theyre not bad scores. Mr. Zisos carriage is still waiting at the front gates. Lets not hold him back.

Constantine chuckled and patted Henrik and Albert. Ive dropped to ten, myself.

The two other boys shot him a glare. Top ten was top ten.

They walked towards the gate and, as they approached, Tori caught sight of two n and cringed.

Tori! Sebastian waved at her with a warm smile. Ewan! Im here to pick you up!

Master! Ewan looked excited and quickened his pace.

Sebby! Tori waved back and then smiled and waved at the other man. Hi, Piers!

He lifted a hand to greet her, but stood to the side, occasionally looking at Sebastian. The group walked out of the gates and Tori went to embrace her brother.

What are you doing here? We were going to ride down with Auntie Lucia, Tori said.

Im here for him, Sebastian said, looking towards Ewan, who looked taken aback. He lifted his hand and pointed at himself. Sebastian laughed. You only have a few months until you apply for La Garda and you still need to learn knightly conduct and strategy. At the very least, have a basic foundation. On the way down and back, well review knightly conduct and so strategy. However, when youre in Sur, youll be learning strategy from our uncle.

Tori perked up. Uncle Rom is coming?

Sebastian nodded and put his arm around her shoulders, giving her another hug. Hes coming with Uncle Lorenzo. They should be there when we arrive. Uncle Rom is already expecting Ewan.

Ewan looked from Tori to Sebastian and back. Is your uncle a good strategist?

Romulo de Guevera de Bettencourt is the foremost strategist in the empire, Piers said a few steps away. He has also taught . My uncle speaks highly of him, as well.

Hes my Uncle Lorenzos husband and my godfather, Tori said. There are books hes written at the Fortress you can study, too.

Ewan looked impressed and then swallowed hard. I will try my best.

Sebastian looked on proudly and released Tori to put an arm around Ewan. You are already trying your best, Ewan. Thats all we can ask of you.

Thank you, Master.

Piers, what are you doing here? With her brother releasing her, Tori wandered over to the handso young man standing to the side.

I wanted to see you off, he said. He looked at the others. And everyone. Did you already check your scores? Is Lady Agafonova ranked one?

Ilyana puffed out her chest and nodded. I am ranked one!

Im steady at number three, Tori said.

The rest of us dropped, but it wasnt substantial, Sonia said. Ewan got the highest score for the history portion in his class.

Piers looked at Ewan and gave him a small nod. Congratulations, Ewan.

Thank you, Your Highness! Ilyanas reviews are the best.

Ilyana seed to look even prouder and Tori chuckled.

She noticed the carriage with several gray and white clad guards standing beside it. Mr. Zisos, your carriage....

Hmm? Constantine turned and nodded. Ah, then this is where we say good-bye until next year. He looked at the group with a warm smile. I will make sure to keep you all in my prayers and will bring back so more cured at when I return.

Group hug! Ewan shouted and imdiately their arms rose as they closed in on Constantine. His eyes were wide with surprise, but quickly turned to joy as he was brought into a several-person huddle.

Have a safe trip, Mr. Zisos, Ilyana said as she patted his shoulder.

Yes, its cold out and the mountains have snow and it can be slippery for horses. Take your ti traveling, Sonia told him.

Safety first. Albert agreed.

Constantines eyes crinkled up and he nodded. Yes...thank you, my friends.

All right, one more group hug!

After it was broken up, Constantine headed to his carriage. He stuck his hand out the window and waved energetically as they passed.

Okay, individual hugs! Tori said as she held her arms out and embraced her friends one by one. She held onto Ilyana the longest. Rember not to go anywhere alone and to have the bodyguards follow you.

I know, I know, Ilyana said as she was released. Henrik and I may go to Viclya during the break and they will accompany us.

All right, good, Tori said. She hugged Sonia next. Nanny Rey is still investigating your stalker. So, shell be around, keeping an eye out, all right?

Thanks, Tori. Sonia squeezed her tight before letting go.

Take good care of Ewan for us, Henrik said as JP nodded. Tori stepped forward and grasped one of them in each arm for a hug.

And dont let him get carried away playing dungeon crawl with us, Albert said with a glance at Ewan, who grinned. Tori shook her head and gave him a light hug, as well.

I will. Tori turned to Piers, who hadnt moved from his spot. Piers.

Yes?

Dont overwork yourself and be mindful of your position while Axton and I are away, she told him. He nodded.

I only have one other chamber eting before the new year, he said. Then, I will assist Father with light desk work.

Tori gave him a nod. She glanced at her brother. Sebastian was watching them carefully. She hesitated for a mont, but wanted to test sothing out. She looked at Piers and raised her arms.

Do you want a hug?