Tori Transmigrated Chapter 8: Sorry, I Thought You Were a Mugger

You were so fast! Ive never seen anyone strike that fast. I couldnt even see what you were doing! Ilyana was a half-step in front of her, bringing her arm down in a slashing motion as Tori chuckled behind her. The whole courtyard was watching you beat those two! It was so gratifying!

Tori had to admit, it felt nice to have a fangirl in her corner cheering her on when everyone else was booing her. To thank Ilyana for holding her things and rooting for her during her match, she was treating her to dinner off campus.

It takes a lot of practice to get the movents down smoothly, Tori said as they turned a corner in the main plaza. Once the movent is smooth, you can speed it up.

How long did it take you to get so good?

mories of having her hands hit and getting whacked on the shoulders, arms, and legs filled her head. In her original world, Tori had classes three tis a week after work and, when she was able and confident enough, she began to participate in tournants and exhibitions at local faires and gatherings. People were always very kind and encouraging, as well as interesting to talk to, so she kept at it and she ended up moving through the local and regional rankings.

As of her last tournant, she was ranked first in the regions wons long sword and, if she hadnt died in a train accident, she wouldve gone to the next international event in Prague.

Tori let out a heavy, regretful sigh. It was a sha. She really liked Prague and also planned to et up with other swordsn she got to know through the events. They were always happy to guide her through armored combat and practicing against them really helped her progress.

Instead, she was in a dating sim, forced to show the most basic level of skills just to be accepted into a stupid high school sports club. By far, the most satisfying thing about the whole ordeal was the dead silence of the stunned, disbelieving crowd as she followed the captain back to the table.

He pulled out a piece of paper from a small folder and stamped it with a wooden stamp that bore the associations seal. He then slid it to her to fill out. Tori wrote her na, relevant details, signed it, and then returned it.

Captain Patrick then extended his hand. Once more, welco to the Lyce du Soleil Sword Association, Lady Tori.

A wide grin appeared across her face and Tori shook his hand. I look forward to working with you, Captain.

She changed out of her borrowed clothes, returned them with the helt she silently vowed never to touch again, and headed back to the dorm with Ilyana to wash up and then head out for a victory al. Going out to eat also had the dual purpose of avoiding whatever gossip was being spread in the dorm commons during dinner.

Tori led her roommate to the main plaza two blocks away and followed Piers directions into a narrow alley. The sun hadnt set yet and she could easily make out an ivy covered brick building wedged in between two others. There was a single door with large windows on either side. From the outside, they could see a few small tables taken up by one or two people each. There were so cups and plates in front of them.

Cafe Fortuna. Ilyana read the na of the cafe on a small wooden plaque above the door. It was almost covered by ivy. Have you been here before?

An acquaintance recomnded it, Tori said. She opened the door, letting Ilyana step in first before following. The interior was larger than it looked outside. It was fairly wide with over a dozen small tables that could squeeze four people around them. A long wooden counter was in the back where a man was pouring black liquid into small, white mugs. The walls had shelves of books alongside mounted maps of Soleil.

There was a faint, but warm scent of coffee and fresh bread that lingered in the air, and the gentle sounds of cups and dishes moving around. There was an occasional clink of a spoon against the side of a cup and towards one wall, there was a large hearth behind an iron grating. There was a fancy red chaise with two smaller, plush chairs on either side of it facing the hearth. A comfortable crackling fire sound finished off the ambiance of a warm, relaxed cafe to study in.

Tori and Ilyana looked around and a skinny young man with black apron over his plain clothes approached them. Tori greeted him with a smile.

Hello, its our first ti here. Do we just seat ourselves? she asked as he reached them.

Yes, please sit anywhere you like. I will bring you a nu. He welcod them warmly and Tori could make out the freckles across his face.

Lets sit by the window, Ilyana said, already making her way towards a vacant table. Tori followed, her shoes clacking quietly against the wooden floor, and sat across from her. They each got a simple, folded paper nu. Ilyana ordered a light soup and bread while Tori ordered a heartier stew. Ilyana was satisfied after Tori ordered. Good, you must be famished after today.

It was a long first day. I saw the people who would kill , Ilyana. The sword fight was nothing compared to that.

Did your father teach you how to use the sword?

I wasnt very interested at first. My brothers were the ones who helped . As you know, I co from a marquis family that currently controls a significant number of southern troops, so there are a lot of people in my family who are connected to the military in so way, Tori said. My eldest brother, Sebastian, is heir and my second brother, Kasen, has just started working for the Marks logistics. I was lucky that they were able to take ti to show around Horizon before school started.

Ilyana let out an envious sigh. It must be nice having older brothers to co guide you. My family is a months travel away and couldnt afford to take that much ti to co. I didnt originally want to go to school here, even after I tested in, but my father and stepmother were very persistent. Its the best school in the empire and no one in our family has ever gone.

A month away is still far. Thats a two month round trip, you'd hardly have ti to visit before you had to return, Tori said as she leaned back against her chair.

Ilyana nodded with a sad look on her face. My brother is only four years old and didnt want to go. He clung to my dress when I got on the carriage. Mother had to pry him off. Then he chased the carriage down the road, crying that he wanted to co with . She lifted her hand to her heart and her eyes reddened. I cried, too.

Tori smiled softly. Your family sounds very close.

My mother died when I was born and Father resisted marrying for the longest ti for my sake. I had a nanny who was with since birth and she ended up falling in love with Father. She was afraid it would impact negatively, so she decided to quit and leave. Of course, I was little at the ti and didnt want her to go. I stowed away in her carriage. It wasnt until they got to their first stop that they found sleeping with the baggage.

They had to go back at once and I refused to let her go, so Father offered to marry her if she stayed. I was very excited to have a mother and the two of us are very close, Ilyana said, proud. And I also think Father developed feelings for Mother.

Tori chuckled. Well, you do have a little brother now.

Ilyanas face lit up. His na is Illarion. We call him Riri. Tori was sure that if they were in her original world, Ilyana would've shoved a picture of her little brother in her face.

Thats cute. The server returned with their dishes and Tori listened to Ilyana talk about her family with affection. In many stories, the stepchildren and step parents were always enemies, so it was refreshing to hear that Ilyana and her stepmother were very close and had a healthy relationship.

They finished their al just as the sun set and Tori went to the back counter to pay.

Excuse , miss, but I heard your friend call you Tori. Are you Tori de Guevera? the man behind the counter asked. Tori drew her head back and gave him a suspicious look, but nodded. The man seed to accept her answer. Then, your al has been paid for.

Tori furrowed her brows. What? Why?

The mans lips curled into an amused smile. That is the instruction of the owner.

He must an Piers. I see. Then let pay for my friends share. She had the day's soup and bread. She took out a little cloth coin purse from her pocket.

Its already covered, my lady.

No, no. He said that my charges would be covered. Not my friends, so let pay for my friend. She took out so coins and placed them on the counter. The man hesitated and Tori leaned forward. This is just between you and . This is a loophole in his argunt. If he is upset, I will tell my brother.

The man on the other side of the counter finally cracked a grin and laughed. All right. Its a secret, my lady.

Thank you, sir.

I am Tobias Jager and my family runs this cafe, he said. Please co by any ti.

Thank you. The food was really good; we'll definitely co back. Tori gave him a small, appreciative smile and headed back to where Ilyana was waiting for her by the door. Ready?

Yes. The two young won headed out the door, discussing the al. The soup was good, but the coffee at the end was the best part.

I know; it really is a cafe.

The servers cute, too.

Tori almost snort-laughed. She looked at Ilyana with teasing eyes. I thought the first ranked student was your type?

Ilyana sighed and made a waving motion with her hand to dismiss the idea. Hes handso, but he looks the type to be friendly with everyone to the point that he probably treats everyone like theyre special. Its too ambiguous.

Tori nodded, relieved that Ilyana was distancing herself from one of her prospective enemies. Yeah, you cant trust him.

A hand clamped down on her shoulder. Hey!

The hell? Tori grabbed the hand and twisted it, dragging the person forward and slamming them against the nearest building wall. Ilyana let out a cry as Tori twisted the figures arm behind his back with one arm while using the other to press his head against the brick wall. What the hell do you think youre doing?

Its ! Its ! A young man floundered as he found himself rubbing his check against the brick. Ilyana, who had jumped back, squinted in the dim street lights of the alley.

Tori didnt release him and instead leaned forward to put more pressure on him. Who are you?

Ewan Connor! From the Sword Association? My brother is the captain! Tori looked at Ilyana, who craned her neck to get a better look at his face. She looked at Tori and nodded, confirming his identity. Tori pushed him against the wall as she released him and Ewan brought his arm in front of him, rubbing it as he looked at her as if she were crazy. Did you have to be so rough?

Sorry, I thought you were a mugger.

A what?

A thief, Tori said. She frowned and narrowed her eyes. Anyway, what do you want? Why did you grab all of a sudden?

Ive been trying to call you since you ca out of that building, Ewan said with a hint of complaint in his voice. Didnt you see waving at you?

Tori looked him up and down. Ewan was dressed in regular, bland-colored clothes. His head was shaved and he had dark eyes and average features. His entire image scread of forgettable background NPC aura.

She pursed her lips. I mustve overlooked you.

What do you want with Tori? Ilyana frowned. She put her hands on her small waist and puffed out her chest. A rematch? You cant beat her.

I know I cant beat her, Ewan said, as if it were obvious.

It was just one match, Tori said, raising her hands up. Thats not enough to judge whos better. Maybe I was just lucky. Okay, no Im not. You kept rushing forward. Such a newbie mistake.

You dont have to hide it. Ewan gave her a dull look. Youre fast and your technique is good. I can tell that much.

Tori crossed her arms. Then what do you want?

Ewan took a deep breath. Im in class three and I wanted to know if you have a group for the excursion yet. If not, do you want to join my group?

Tori drew her head back. She didnt expect an invitation from anyone considering her reputation. Even Ilyana beside her looked surprised.

Why.

Youre a good swordswoman and I think we can learn from each other. Ewan avoided her eyes awkwardly. Ive never seen that move you did before. The one where you twisted my brothers arm. It happened so fast. Ive never seen my brother lose like that. I shouldnt have underestimated you and Im sorry if my actions insulted you. My brother is right; I was acting haughty and need to improve. He dared to look back at Tori and extended his hand. So... friends?

She was more than just taken aback: she was confused. Wasnt this how it was in shonen ani? Where the main character fought a strong secondary character, beat them, and then beca super best friends afterwards?

Tori looked at Ewan, who seed hopeful, yet uncertain about what to expect. She didnt sense any malice from him. Just sort of sincere awkwardness. And he was a background character, so she doubted he was there to plot her demise.

She took his hand and gave it a firm shake. She tilted her head towards Ilyana. This is my roommate and friend, Ilyana Agafonova. Shes also in my class and we decided to partner up for the excursion. Ill only join if she can join, too.

A beaming smile filled Ewans face. He shook her hand up and down, like an excited child, and nodded. Thats not a problem!

We still need three other people, Ilyana said.

Right. Can you get three more people? Were from class one, so they need to be from other classes, Tori said as she pulled her hand away from Ewans enthusiastic grip.

I have so friends in other classes. Ill talk to them tomorrow about forming a group with you. We can et the day after tomorrow to introduce them to you. Ewan said. He looked quite accomplished. Are you two heading back? Ill escort you to the campus. Im in the west dorm, by the way.

He chattered on as they walked up the street, back to Lyce. Tori couldnt help but learn more about him: he was the youngest of six children, his father was a knight, and he hoped to one day also beco a knight. Ewan was naturally high in energy and talkative. He was invited into the school for his swordsmanship. That knowledge severely lowered Tori's opinion of the level of swordsmanship it took to be invited. There were ten slots available for "outstanding" fencers, but still. He politely brought them all the way back to the entrance of their dorm and confird that theyd et the day after the next at the main gate.

Tori closed the door to their dorm once she and Ilyana entered.

Do you think that his friends will agree to be in a group with us? Ilyana asked. She had a right to be concerned after witnessing just how much Tori was spurned by their class.

Tori shrugged off her cloak. If they disagree, what can we do? she said. And if they do agree.... She paused as she hung up her cloak. Her eyes squinted as she thought of the people who approached her pleasantly thus far. One was a devoted fangirl assigned by the ga and the other was a guy whose ass she just kicked. Im sure theyll be very interesting people.