There is a shop in the fifth district that is closing. Guild Master Skuldsen sat with Tori out on the lounge chairs, just past the deck where another surprisingly tense ga of bingo was happening. It may fit your needs.
We will need quite a bit of storage space, as well as open areas for the machines, Tori said. The fifth district was a good location for shops, but perhaps not necessarily for everything else. This is a rather unique venture that will work as both a factory of sorts for our Lions Gate Duel gas and a standard print shop.
Henriks father raised his hand and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. How much space will you require?
A large work area in the back, a store front, and an upper floor for storage and ga tables, she said.
It may take so ti, but I will look for venues that will accommodate what youre looking for, he replied. When you said print shop, I didnt think it was going to be that big.
My familys print shop isnt made for producing the gas were developing. The Guevera print shop in Horizon was small and usually only handled making invitations, announcents, and nus for private events. Tori used them when she could, but there were limitations, and she didnt want to take up their ti with her projects.
After discussing with Henrik and Ilyana, they decided to open their own print and gaming store. The fine details had yet to be worked out, but they had a general idea of what they wanted. The various gas they often played proved popular, not only at the festival event, but Ewan said that dungeon crawl was extrely popular in La Garda.
It was brought over by Sir Navarro and his friends who sparred with Ewan. Rumors had it that so knights who were training La Garda students had also been caught up with it. There was a good potential for sales and Lions Gate wanted to develop it and corner the market while they could.
She needed to call her family to discuss assistance in procuring the supplies they needed and perhaps getting an experienced print shop manager and designer from one of the existing shops around the empire.
12! she heard Henriks voice call out further behind them.
Thats ! I got the bingo! Duchess Fekete raised her arm at once. Lady Agafonova, please check my card!
Ugh...thats her second ti tonight. Duchess Tetri scowled.
What can I say? Duchess Fekete smirked smugly. Im simply lucky.
Ilyana went to check her card. That nights prizes were all-inclusive, two sumr night stays in Viclya. Theyd spend the night in luxurious tents, play and explore during the day, and eat and drink for free.
Once her card was confird, Duchess Fekete scheduled another two nights next to her first two nights.
Well done, Dear, her husband said in his stern voice beside her. If we are able to win one more, we can make a week of it.
Tori chuckled and leaned back, sipping on fruit juice as the warm delta breeze swept over her.
Compared to Ewans birthday, there were only about a half dozen families invited for the overnight portion. The Pri Minister and his wife had played a round of bingo and after winning a stay over the sumr, they had gone off to walk up and down the pronade.
After dinner and fireworks, the majority of the guests returned to Horizon. Many were envious that several groups were able to stay. It was almost a sign of prestige to be invited to spend the night, though Tori had tried to describe it modestly and not really worth being envious of.
The plaza was still open and there were local musicians. Villagers had taken over for their evening walks and dancing. The atmosphere was very relaxed and amongst the villagers were off duty knights, workers, and employees of Lions Gate.
Many guests were interested in the delta now and Tori hoped to open it to a few people for overnight reservations over the sumr. While it was hotter than in Horizon, there was also the breeze off the water and calm atmosphere. It was an ideal place to unwind and if this event did its job, then news would spread about the delta and others would inquire to stay.
Albert, Ewan, and Constantine were on hammocks along the shore, along with Prince Emil and Alberts grandfather. Prince Emil and Alberts grandfather were friends from their Lyce days, and it was Alberts grandfather who introduced Prince Emil to Princess Vivian, who was his neighbor. Tori always admired such long-lasting friendships and hoped that one day, when they were old and gray, shed also be in a row of hammocks with her friends.
Tori stretched out and pushed herself up. Im going to take a walk by the water. If you need anything, just raise your arm, Guild Master.
Thank you, Lady Tori.
Tori took off her sandals and walked towards the water's edge. Everything was going well. The stores and restaurants were very popular. Theyd made so many sales with the new styles of clothing. Interest in the delta was high and they even managed to get all the kittens save one or two adopted.
She was still trying to coax Armando into agreeing to adopt a tuxedo kitten. Baby Istvan had patted the painting earnestly, but Armando held out. Csilla was interested in the kitten and Tori planned to take the kitten to their ho next weekend to introduce them.
She, Instructor Ignatius, and Lady Idunn also managed to start a relationship with the Tetri Duchy. Tori made a ntal note to prepare crystals for her trip and wrinkled her nose. She couldnt keep carrying them all in a sack. It wasnt efficient and shed have to dump all the contents out to find the right crystals.
Huh, looks like its back to the drawing board. Should I make a bag or a box?
She decided to discuss with Master Ramos and instinctively reached for her comcry. Tori paused her hand over the device before taking it out and looking at it. She didnt know how long her brothers work would take, but she usually spoke to Kasen twice a week. She couldnt rember when she didnt, and they werent together. Piers was even worse.
She spoke to him nearly every night. Hed missed their usual ga calls. Piers had a specific ti he called and was never late. She knew he was busy, but it was strange not to stare at an open comcry with frustration as she walked him through an adventure.
Tori waded into the water, holding the straps of her sandals in one hand and her comcry in the other. She almost expected it to light up.
A flash filled the crystal and Kasens na appeared. Oh, shit, I manifested it. A surge of relief swept through her, and she eagerly slid her finger across. Kasey? Is everything all right? Are you done?
No, but I wanted to check in on you, her brother said. How are you?
Good! The event is going well, Tori said. She narrowed her eyes, hesitant. Are you free to call?
I can afford to take a mont, he said with a slight chuckle. Are you worried?
No. She lowered her eyes. Kind of.
Its mainly paperwork, he told her. Dont worry, were not engaging in any serious battle.
Oh...okay. She had to admit, hearing it was mainly paperwork was a relief. Is it very involved?
Yes, quite a bit. Were almost done with this particular portion and will make the final move soon, he told her. However, there are so things I need to deal with after this, so I wont be able to go back and have dinner with you when its done.
Her shoulders sank. Thats okay. This should co first. Your work is important.
I will have Axton take you to Three Queens in my stead, Kasen said. She could hear a slight smile in his voice and heard a faint voice in the background shouting not to take advantage of him. This job is longer than I thought, so I may not be able to see you for a few months.
Tori stood up straight and frowned. She wanted to ask what it was, but held back. She told herself it was important and classified. Are you going to be safe?
Perhaps a few paper cuts. I have to travel to collect various records and cross-check docunts. He let out a tired sigh. Its very ti consuming, but not dangerous.
Id rather that be the case, Tori said. She continued to wade through the water. I was going to ask if you wanted to spend so ti at the delta this sumr.
If Im able to get the information we need, Ill co. Sebastian wants to co for a visit, though. He hasnt seen Lady Idunn for so ti, and he seems restless.
Tori let out a small snort. That reminds , we were invited to the Tetri Duchy to exchange research on irrigation and look into their aquamarines. Instructor Ignatius and I plan to go. Lady Idunn is also making arrangents to join us.
When do you plan to go? Dont tell Sebastian.
Tori snickered. Likely just before Ewan leaves for the La Garda exam. The trip shouldnt take longer than two or three weeks and well be back before Ewan gets his results.
Let Mama and Papa know.
I will. Im still waiting for word from Cousin Siobhan to see if the kids can visit this sumr. Apparently, it depends on the results of their studies.
Kasen chuckled. Well, good luck to them, then. I need to go. I will call you again soon.
Tori let out a hum and ended the call. She was looking forward to having dinner with her brother, but at least he didnt seem to be involved in anything too dangerous. Still, a small part of her acknowledged that if he was, he wouldnt tell her.
She headed back towards the deck just as the ga was finishing up. Tonight, she would stay in one of the tents on the beach, in case any issues arose that needed to be dealt with. She stuck silence charms on the thick canvas walls before she went to wash up. Tori reviewed the sumr reservation list and sales records before her eyes grew heavy.
She climbed onto her bed and just as she sank into the cushion, she caught her comcry glowing from the nightstand beside her. She raised a brow and reached over to flip it open.
Its late. Shouldnt you be sleeping? she asked as she brought the comcry beside her head.
Your brother keeps busy. I havent been able to call you, Piers replied in a matter-of-fact voice.
Are you allowed to call ? Tori almost grinned as she rolled on her side and put her arm under her head.
I call when I want to call, he said, with a bit of defiance. Next weekend, are you going to the delta again?
Yes, since the weekend after that is just before final exams, Tori said. Why?
I need you to invite my brother.
Tori frowned at once and sat up. Why?
So he can bring Fabian, Piers told her. I need you to keep Fabian away from Horizon next weekend.
She was quiet for a mont and clutched the comcry. Her stomach twisted. Does this have sothing to do with my brothers work?
Yes.
Tori bit her lips. Does my brother know that youre asking ?
No. Fabian would normally go train with the cadets, but I dont want him in Horizon that weekend, Piers told her. Can you do this?
There is nowhere else von Dorn and your brother can go? Tori asked, reluctant.
Viclya is the best option. Take them whale watching.
Toris frown deepened. That was a very specific request. Do you want to keep him from using his comcry?
For several hours in the morning, Piers told her. Is this possible?
Yes, as long as he cos. I can distract him, Tori answered. What....
I will answer your questions when its over. I cannot tell you now; your brother threatened .
Tori let out a small huff. I understand. Take care of yourself.
Tori, Im sorry to get you involved, but after considering the options, this works out best, Piers said, with a hint of regret in his quiet voice. I will compensate you when I return.
You dont have to compensate . This...this is important, she said. Im a marquis daughter, after all. I have responsibilities.
I called to ask you for help because I trust you, Piers said. Not only because you are a marquis daughter. It is late now. Goodnight, Tori. He hung up and Tori pulled her head back. She let out a low breath.
She stared at her comcry for a mont and then lifted a hand and ran it down her face. She needed to bring both Gideon and Fabian to Viclya. Well...back to getting an ulcer.
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