Chương 119: And They Were Wrong

Ilyana's birthday was fast approaching and to ease Tori's burden, she decided that she was going to plan the party herself. Or rather, take over what Tori had planned and confirm the final details. At first, Tori didn't think it was fair, as she planned everyone else's birthday party. Ewan and the others weren't troubled with the details. They just sat back and enjoyed themselves. Ilyana was not only her first friend in Soleil, but also her best friend. She deserved a stress-free birthday party.

However, Ilyana insisted that she would be upset if Tori denied her, so Tori succumbed. She had to fight the urge to constantly check-in on Ilyana and focus on her own recovery. She had progressed from the wheelchair and on to a walker. Anette recommended that she use a cane, which was common at this stage of recovery in Soleil. Tori was afraid that she'd put too much pressure on the cane and buckle, so she had someone build a walker.

It was customized so she could stand up straight while using it rather than be bent at an angle. It had two small wheels at the front, wooden feet in the back, and a small board across it so she could sit. Tori was much more mobile and was able to walk most distances on her own, but after long periods of standing and walking, she had to stop and rest so as not to overexert herself.

The walker attracted the attention of several people, including some elderly villagers, who thought Tori's novel walker would be useful for family members whose body control weakened and risked falling. Tori's walker also came with a small wicker basket in front, which she put various things in when she was going from place to place. That was more for carrying around things to meetings like her notebooks, writing utensils, and snacks. Of course, at least one knight accompanied her in case she fell.

"Next month is the Empress' hunting event celebrating her birthday," JP said as he flipped through a notebook he used for Tori's schedule.

"You agreed to go to the ball the evening after the hunt, but I know you're not... happy with the Emperor right now. Do you want to cancel? You can say you're still recovering." Tori shook her head.

"It'll reflect badly on us if I don't go. I just got my peerage; people will talk if I don't attend. I'm local and Piers' friend. It's too suspicious if I try to avoid it. I can't afford any negative rumors that could affect the delta. Also, I'm still the daughter of a march and we're bound to the imperial family. We must show our solidarity." JP sighed.

"All right. What about the hunt two days before, at the Fekete Duchy? If you leave, we need to schedule it."

"I want to, but I can't participate in the hunt," Tori said.

"I can't ride a horse and I don't know how to use a bow and arrow. I'm also a bit tired of forests this summer." She narrowed her eyes and looked ahead of them. JP smirked.

"According to Duchess Fekete, those who attend, but will not participate in the hunt will spend the two days at her familial estate, Granite Tower. Considering who is likely to go, it may be beneficial to at least attend and network with the other guests."

"Since we plan on opening Duel this winter, it would be a good opportunity to promote it," Tori said, thinking aloud.

"The guests for the hunt have deep pockets." JP nodded.

"Do you want to attend?"

"Yes, let's schedule those dates with travel days before and after. We'll bring some games; the Duchess' son will be interested. By the way, Piers and Axton can bring two more people if you and Sonia are interested in hunting for the Empress' honor," Tori said. She glanced over her shoulder and JP seemed to be considering it.

"Shooting still targets while mounted isn't the same as shooting animals. They move around and we're not used to their movements. We don't have much experience in that sense. Sonia may be interested, though."

"The second prince and von Dorn are hunting for the Emperor-""Why didn't you say so? In that case, Sonia and I will take part." JP's eyes seemed to sparkle with anticipation as a predatory look appeared on his face.

"I'm sure we can at least get one game animal."

"Piers said that the two knights he selected to guard them that day are experienced trackers and familiar with the area; they should be able to find game in the forest. The second prince likely has the same plan; guards and knight escorts can track, but are prohibited from killing game themselves."

"Sonia and I still need to practice. Animals have different moving patterns. If we can get used to it, our chances of kills will improve. I know someone we can ask." Tori narrowed her eyes.

"I didn't think you'd be this interested."

"A little competition is good every now and then," JP replied.

"Sonia will think it's a good challenge."

"Have you two ever hunted on horseback before?" JP shook his head.

"We'd have to go at least a day's ride outside of Horizon to find a suitable location. The closer the area to the city, the less likely there is anything to hunt. We also have to register for hunting permits, which has a fee. It's a lot of trouble and neither of our parents know how to hunt, so they can't teach us. We have no guarantee that we'd catch anything. It would be a waste of money." Tori nodded and scrunched her lips. Hunters in Soleil did have to get a yearly permit or join a guild.

There were also seasonal restrictions on how much game could be caught, which varied from location to location. Certain animals couldn't be hunted at all. A hunter also had to have a certain level of skill. For hunts on private property, like Duchess Fekete's ancestral grounds, such permits and fees weren't necessary if one was invited.

"I can ask what game you'll be hunting. Do people hunt with dogs?" She wasn't sure if it was allowed, but plenty of cultures in her original world bred dogs specifically for finding, flushing out, or retrieving prey.

"They do, but Sonia and I don't have a dog." The two lapsed into silence, both wondering if anyone they knew had a dog. JP and the others were all raised in the city and didn't have any working dogs. Dogs weren't allowed in the imperial stables, apparently.

"A dog isn't necessary." Tori brushed off the idea.

"The knights will track anyway, it's not an inconvenience to go without a dog," JP replied. He wrote something in the notebook.

"I will send a note to Duchess Fekete to expect you. How many people will be in your party?"

"You and Sonia, me, and two knights, so five," Tori said. JP glanced over the top of the notebook.

"You're not going to invite the others?"

"It's not my event. I can't bring too many people; it's rude." He snorted.

"Plenty of nobles travel with a large entourage."

"Aside from knights and a valet or two, have you seen my family travel with such a group?" Tori asked as she raised a challenging brow. JP knit his brows together and then nodded. The only entourage Gueveras had were weapons-wielding knights and two or three servants, who were also proficient in fighting.

"That's fair," JP said.

"I'll make note of it." They continued walking down the wooden pathway, back towards Tori's tent from the operations tent. Tori had completed three several hour-long meetings with village leaders that day and she still wasn't done. They reached her tent and Tori looked at the two knights on either side of her tent's entrance.

"Have they arrived?"

"Yes, my lady. Mr. Sima gave them a tour of the encampment and the promenade when they arrived this morning. They will be returning soon for their interview," one of the knights reported. Tori gave him a nod and walked inside to prepare for her interview. For the last week, Piers had sent her two people per day. He didn't have a preference; he only selected people who applied who met the requirements they had agreed upon.

Kasen and her mother agreed that she should hire two assistants: one to focus on the administrative count duties and the other to focus on infrastructure and public works. Piers managed to narrow down the applicants to ten candidates and all their relevant information had been sent. Today was the last day of interviews. Tori took her seat at her desk. Her chair had been moved back and JP placed her walker to the side.

She pulled out the folio for one of the candidates and sent JP out to escort the candidate in before they began. The interview would be up to Tori, and JP would be with her. Her mother wanted to sit in, but Tori refused. She needed to show the interviewee that she was their boss and that she was competent. If her mother was there, the interviewee might unconsciously see her as the authority figure because Antonia was older. After all, Tori was sixteen years old and looked the part of a schoolgirl.

They didn't know that Tori had years in management, and interviewed and hired dozens of people. She understood the assignment. JP entered with the first applicant of the day, a young lady with suitable experience who studied Soleil law in Université named Carmen Bustamante. Tori politely greeted her, introduced herself as the Countess of Cosora, and then reviewed her credentials to confirm.

After that, she told her what she was expecting from the two positions; asked if she was able to do the duties required of them, what she knew of the administrative duties in marches and other counties; the usual strengths and weaknesses question, as well as what she expected to gain from the position. Tori then asked about her thoughts on the delta and Viclya, as they would have to move. She didn't hide that living in the delta would be a challenge compared to the convenience in Horizon.

She'd already interviewed two or three candidates who appeared hesitant after their initial tour. People who were used to living in the city could have problems adjusting to life in rural Viclya and she couldn't afford too much adjustment time. The interview lasted almost an hour and Tori was satisfied with the answers she received. She thanked the young lady and walked her to the door of her tent, saying she would contact them next week with the results. After they left, JP looked over at Tori.

"Thoughts?"

"Not bad. Good insight. Capable and driven. She looked very excited to live in a tent, but that novelty could wear off," Tori walked back to her desk and gathered the candidate's papers and her notes and put them to the side.

"But I am considering her." JP nodded.

"I also think she would be a good fit. She answered the questions your brother gave you."

"Not too quickly and not too slow. I like that she considered the scenarios and questions before answering," Tori said. She reached for the last folio.

"Send in the next person." JP walked towards the tent and called for a name. There was some surprise in his voice and Tori looked up. JP was holding the flap of the tent open as a young, brown-haired man with pale eyes rolled himself in.

"Good afternoon, Countess Guevera." He had a sunny smile and stopped a few paces away from her desk to bow his head before continuing forward.

"I am Robert Ingram." She did not expect a candidate in a wheelchair. Tori rarely saw people in wheelchairs in the city. Horizon and old cities like it were simply not built to allow for ease of movement for someone in a wheelchair. What was more, wheelchairs were not cheap. The wheelchair bound people she'd seen were usually wealthy elderly folks accompanied by a servant. Aside from herself after crystal shock, she didn't recall seeing young people in wheelchairs.

She'd seen several people walking with crutches or canes, but the people with difficulty walking would oftentimes have to be wary of deep curbs and uneven pavement. According to his background information, Robert was the youngest son of a low-ranking aristocratic family in Horizon. A note from Albert was included in Robert's folio with more information on the Ingram family. They weren't large or influential. Their family's fame came from a few generations back. Since then, the family had slowly begun to decline.

They were kept afloat by a few shops in the Second and Fifth Districts. Robert was in an accident when he was a child and Tori suspected that there was nerve damage that could not be treated, putting him permanently in a wheelchair. Despite her surprise, Tori kept her face neutral and continued with the interview. She followed the same format as she did with the other interviewees.

"Your qualifications and education more than meet our requirements," Tori said as she shifted through some papers and made notes.

"I'm especially impressed that you were able to work for the Seventh District's planning committee. That experience is valuable. Are you still working there now?"

"Yes, my lady. I am still working at the planning committee. I started shortly after I graduated from Université last year," Robert replied with confidence. Tori nodded.

"You worked assisting in the planning of school repairs for the secondary school, fixing neighborhood roads, and repairing two wells in the district."

"Yes, my lady. I pulled a lot of information for the projects, reviewed policies, and guidelines, as well as assisting in balancing the budgets and negotiated contracts with workers for the repairs. I have included the names of my superiors at the planning committee for your reference." All of this was reassuring, though Tori didn't need to check. Piers had had Albert check the references already.

"All right." Tori closed the folio and looked across her desk.

"Mr. Ingram, do you understand that this position would require you to move to Viclya? We are a small, developing village and lack the conveniences of Horizon. For instance, you will have to live and work in the encampment tents, which do not have a private kitchen or bathing facility." Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. That had been a concern for some of the earlier interviewees.

Shared bathing facilities and a communal kitchen and dining area were uncomfortable for some people and would require getting used to. It would be easy for people who aren't used to it to become resentful. The construction workers were used to moving from place to place around the region to work, and the workers' encampment was very satisfactory to them. The villagers had no choice in the matter, but the encampment was much better than the refugee camp slowly sinking into the shore that they started with.

White collar workers who were used to the city and desk jobs might not adapt well, which was a concern of Tori's. Robert took a deep breath and seemed to try to hold back a smile.

"But I can move here." Tori furrowed her brows and tilted her head to the side, silently asking what he meant.

"I can move around easily. My duties are mainly desk work. If my work area is on the ground floor and I can rent a place on the ground floor, I won't have many mobility issues."

"Mr. Ingram, you will be working in the operations tent and, for the time being, you would live in a tent in the encampment. This means common eating and bathing facilities. Eventually, government offices will be located on an island." His eyes crinkled up with a smile.

"That's fine, Countess Guevera. As long as I can get to the island, I can work. I am used to living by myself. While at Université, it was convenient to live nearby, so I had a small single room flat across the street. I can cook for myself. I only need to hire someone to occasionally clean, as I can only do so much."

"Has it been difficult being wheelchair bound?" JP spoke up and Tori shot him an annoyed look. JP grimaced and flushed a bit. She was curious, too, but she didn't want to ask so rudely.

"We rarely see young people in wheelchairs," Tori said. She didn't pay attention to people with varying physical disabilities mainly because she hardly saw them in Horizon. There were more people with disabilities in Presidio, as there were many retired soldiers who had been injured. Even then, it hadn't been jarring to see. She only started trying to make Viclya wheelchair friendly when she got crystal shock and was reminded that it would be beneficial for her county to be wheelchair accessible.

She thought it would be helpful so people who couldn't walk or had difficulty walking, for whatever reason, could still get around and enjoy themselves without having to deal with minor headaches, like curbs and uneven pavement.

"It has been difficult," Robert replied. He gave them a wry smile.

"Because I am unable to go upstairs without relying on others, I had difficulty with classes. I could only take the ones I was able to get to. The smallest steps set me back. Luckily, some of my peers were kind enough to help me, but I couldn't depend on them for everything all the time. As a result of that, it took me longer than usual to complete my studies." Tori nodded. She spent a few weeks in a wheelchair and there were times when she felt helpless as she couldn't do a simple task and had to call for help.

It was frustrating and embarrassing. She didn't want to have to call a knight to help her get to the toilet at midnight. If she weren't flexible enough, she would even have difficulty putting on her shoes.

"Compared to many others in my situation, I at least had the opportunity to continue studying and work outside my home. Most people who cannot walk can only be a burden to their families," Robert said with some pain.

"If they're lucky, they would be able to make or sell something without having to leave their home often. If I would have been born into a farming family, I'd be useless." For a moment, Tori thought about Alessa's farmer love interest, Tom. He could walk, but his dominant hand could no longer grip things. That alone made it difficult for him to find work. Since he couldn't use one hand well, most craftsman and artisan work would be out of the question. The same was true for Robert.

Labor-intensive work often required the use of one's legs. Even staff at Lions Gate had to stand, walk around dealing with guests, and work on displays and carry out stock. Working at a desk in an office would work for him.

"May I ask, how did you find out about this position?" Tori asked as she leaned back against her chair.

"His Highness Prince Piers told me that he was interviewing recently graduated alumni, but you graduated the year before." Robert nodded.

"Certainly, my lady. I learned of this position from the Chief Surveyor of Horizon's Planning Committee, Lord Wolfgang. He put me in touch with His Highness. I believe Lord Wolfgang has assisted in the development of the delta." Tori nodded.

"Yes, he still is."

"Lord Wolfgang told me about you." Robert looked a bit hesitant to continue, but Tori gave him a small nod to encourage him.

"That is, he told me that you couldn't use your legs temporarily due to an injury and were bound to a wheelchair. As a result, you started to incorporate ramps and railings in the village, which would be beneficial to myself.

"I will be honest, Countess Guevera. I am satisfied with my job in the Seventh District; however, I feel that I would be able to live independently at the delta. I took note when Mr. Sima took us on the tour. I understand very well that Viclya is still developing, and many people continue to live in tents. It is rural and lacks the conveniences of the city, but small details like ramps, railings, wide streets, and even ground are particularly attractive to me.

When we saw the bathing tents, I noticed that there were wooden railings along some walls and bath stations."

"It's convenient for the elderly and those with difficulty moving," Tori said. Railings in bathtubs and showers were common in hotel rooms that accommodated disabled persons in her original world. When her original world mother had surgery and was recovering and unsteady, Tori bought railings and a special chair for the shower to lessen the chance of an accident. The village had many elderly individuals; Tori figured it was a good option to put in the bathing tents.

"I believe that Viclya will grow and the living situation here will improve." Tori nodded once more.

"I'm happy you think highly of our little village, Mr. Ingram. I am very satisfied with your abilities, but in all fairness, you have stiff competition."

"I understand, my lady. His Highness has told us that there are others applying." He paused and looked at her with a glint of hope in his eyes.

"Even if I do not get a position, is it possible for me to move to Viclya?" Tori drew her head back and blinked. She and JP looked at each other with surprise. They'd heard plenty of knights and hired workers talking about one day coming to live in Viclya or retiring there, but those people had lived and worked in Viclya for some time. They were used to it. Today was Robert's first time in the village.

"Mr. Ingram, I appreciate your interest, but priority for housing is for the villagers who came as refugees from the border. You would be at the bottom of the list and could live in a tent for some time."

"And while it's very pleasant now because it's summer, the delta is wet and cold during the winter," JP added.

"I've taken that into consideration when I applied, Mr. Vissage," Robert replied with a firm nod.

"We are also not accepting new residents at this time," Tori told him.

"At best, you can only be a temporary resident if you are employed."

"I understand, my lady. I appreciate your consideration." Tori and JP walked Robert out and towards the main road where a covered wagon was waiting. Piers arranged for all their transport and two men lifted Robert on to the wagon. He waved at them and thanked them for their time once more before the wagon turned and left.

"What do you think of Mr. Ingram?" JP asked as he and Tori turned around and headed back to her tent.

"He has over a year of experience working in planning. We can really use that." Tori nodded.

"His qualifications are better than that of the others. He's especially suitable for infrastructure and public works. He'd also be conscientious of providing for those with disabilities. Cities and towns that are long established aren't equipped to make things easier for people who can't walk or have difficulty doing so."

"We have the opportunity to integrate that into Viclya and the Cosora Delta since it's slowly being built." Tori took a deep breath and nodded.

"I knew it was going to be troublesome for me when I had crystal shock. I didn't expect that everyone would have ramps and railings installed for me here, and they did make my life easier." She still felt moved that her friends had a massive ramp installed just so she could get to the beach. It wasn't essential, but having that option made her heart swell.

"We were able to do that because Henrik, Ilyana, and Constantine had the authority and opportunity to have them installed," JP said.

"They didn't have to ask anyone for permission. It fell into Constantine's project scope."

"They made a difference for me, JP." They reached her tent and JP held up the tent flap so she could walk in.

"Should I prepare an offer letter and employment contract?" Tori smiled.

"Let's do that." Three days before Ilyana's birthday, they received a surprise. Tori vaguely remembered Baroness Agafonova telling Ilyana that if her father could finish some work, he would come. Of course, Ilyana knew how busy her father was and didn't expect her father to make it, so they didn't plan for it. Then in the morning, Tori was eating breakfast in her tent when her comcry lit up. The village's gate house reported that there was someone who was coming for 'Lady Agafonova.'

"What's their name?"

"My lord, your name?" she heard the guard ask.

"This is Isaac Agafonov," the man said, speaking slowly.

"Baron Agafonov?" Tori jerked her head back in surprise.

"Let him in and direct the carriage to the promenade. I will inform Ilyana."

"Yes, Countess." Tori immediately called Ilyana.

"Tori?"

"Did you know your father is coming?" Tori didn't bother with the greetings. Ilyana sounded surprised.

"He's coming? Hold on. Mom!" Ilyana called out to the Baroness and Tori could hear muffled talking in the background. Suddenly, Ilyana answered.

"He's coming! He wanted to surprise me for my birthday!" Ilyana gushed and Tori couldn't help but smile at her friend's reaction.

"Well, I just got a call from the gatehouse. His carriage arrived and I told them to send him to the promenade."

"We'll go at once! Thank you, Tori!" Tori chuckled at Ilyana's excitement. She decided to wait until dinner to meet with Baron Agafonov. Gorask was several weeks away, over mountains. He must've been tired from his journey, and Ilyana confirmed it. Baron Agafonov was so excited that he couldn't sleep, so as soon as he reached their resort tent, he'd fallen asleep. Ilyana had to apologize to them and excuse her father. It would be best for him to rest instead of being bombarded by Ilyana's friends.

Besides, Ilyana was dealing with much of the hospitality and could accommodate her father. Tori called her other friends one by one to let them know that Ilyana's father had arrived. Henrik said he would arrange the dinner and let them know. Tori also informed her parents. She couldn't help but feel like a child with a playdate and the parents had to meet. The meeting of the parents went exactly as Tori expected that night.

Her parents extended their hands to formally greet Baron Agafonov and commend him on his daughter, who was in good standing with them because of Tori. Baron Agafonov reacted the way his wife had upon meeting the Marquis Guevera and his wife: awkward and nervous. Ilyana was trying to calm her parents, but Tori could understand their feelings. The ranks and background were too far apart. Tori stood to the side with the others, waiting for their turn to be introduced." He's Ilyana's father?"

Ewan's voice was filled with disbelief and Tori drew her lips inward and bit them. It was their first-time meeting Baron Agafonov, as well, but they had expectations. Since Ilyana and Riri were both good-looking, and Ilyana's mother fell madly in love with him, they expected Baron Agafonov to be as good-looking as his children. And they were wrong. Reality doused them like ice water, and they could only do their best not to look confused. It wasn't that Baron Agafonov was bad looking. He was just average.

Average height. Average appearance. As average a middle-aged man as could be. He had hair loss and the top of his head was bald, with hair only growing out from the sides. It was long, graying, and tied back at the nape. Compared to his attractive children and wife, it was… unexpected.

"Maybe he was better looking in his youth?" JP offered under his breath.

"When he had more hair?" Sonia elbowed him to shut him up.

"Dad, let me introduce you to my friends!" Ilyana looped her arm in her father's and pulled him towards Tori and the others. The group immediately put on big smiles.

"Everyone, this is my father, Isaac Agafonov. Dad, this is Tori."

"Countess!" Baron Agafonov lowered his head at once to greet her.

"It is an honor to finally meet you. Thank you for taking care of my Ilyana."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, as well. And it's no trouble at all. Ilyana takes good care of all of us, too," Tori said as she reached forward to stop him from kneeling. She shook his hand and stepped to the side so Ilyana could introduce everyone. The Baron had heard much about them and after being introduced, he'd say something he knew about each teenager.

Complimenting Henrik's business acumen; congratulating Ewan on La Garda; voicing how impressed he was with the twins' Three-Day competition results; and Constantine's work with the villagers to make Viclya possible.

"And Mr. Martin!" He reached towards Albert and shook his hand. For a moment, Tori wondered if he knew anything of interest about Albert. She and the others often teased him for being rather bland, but in a loving way.

"To be so young and already carrying your weight as an aide to His Royal Highness. It's impressive!" Tori's brows rose. The Baron was good at dealing with people. No wonder Ilyana's stepmother fell for him. Kudos to you, Baron Agafonov. Albert smiled like an idiot and thanked him for his kind words.

"It's really just an internship...."

"I know it's not much, but I wanted to thank you all for being such good friends with my daughter," the Baron's eyes reddened a bit as he motioned for two village porters who were standing to the side. There was a wooden crate at their feet, and they carried it over.

"Baron, this is unnecessary," Henrik said, shaking his head.

"Ilyana is a good friend of ours," Ewan added.

"If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have passed my La Garda written exams."

"In truth, all our Lycée rankings have risen because of Ilyana," Sonia told him quickly.

"There is no need to thank us, Baron." They tried to stop him and a step behind him, Ilyana's face was red. Tori grasped her hand and squeezed it. Her thoughts mirrored the others.

"No, I want to give these to you. They are small trinkets, really. Common things from Gorask. Think of them as souvenirs!" Baron Agafonov tried to ease any discomfort.

"Just take them," Ilyana said, stepping forward.

"My dad is sincere." With her insistence, the others conceded and accepted the gifts. Henrik got a leather satchel suitable for holding documents and had designated places for pens and inks. Ewan and Albert received some cured reindeer meat because the Baron heard they liked to eat. JP and Sonia received woven hats that covered their ears, which were suitable for riding on cold days, and Constantine got a pen made of reindeer antler.

"Countess Guevera, the rest is for you." Baron Agafonov stepped back from the crate and motioned for Tori to look inside. She glanced at her friends, who were each holding their gifts. She carefully moved her walker closer and peered into the crate. The gap between their gifts and hers was a bit too obvious. Her heart quickened as her eyes widened.

"All of them?" Baron Agafonov smiled, appearing a bit earnest.

"Is it to your liking, my lady? Ilyana says that you are a gifted crystal user training under a master. I hope these will be useful to you." Their friends gathered around the crate and looked inside. The light crystals illuminating the area in front of the restaurant made the contents of the crate visible. Nearly the entire bottom half of the crate were various crystals of different sizes in raw and tumbled forms. At a glance, Tori could identify most of them, but there were a few she hadn't seen before.

What was more impressive was that she could feel energy coming off the crystals without trying. Instructor Ignatius and Master are going to be so jealous....

"Baron Agafonov, this is a lot of crystals...." Despite her excitement, she didn't know if she could accept all of it. This was very generous, and Ilyana was the one who befriended her. Baron Agafonov waved his hand, dismissing her hesitation.

"It would be an honor to give the Countess of Cosora a few crystals."

"This is a few....?" Ewan said, his eyes widened. Sonia elbowed him, as well.

"Tori, you must accept it," Ilyana said, taking her hands.

"Dad had these picked out of our mines and collected from partners. He has been meaning to give you something for a while."

"Countess, I have not forgotten what you did for Ilyana on her winter break your first year," the Baron said.

"Please accept." Tori took a deep breath, looked at the crystals, and then nodded.

"Then, you have my thanks, Baron. I hope you enjoy your stay here in our village." She lifted her hand, and two knights immediately came forward.

"Please bring this to my tent. I'll sort them on Anahata Island with my masters."

"Yes, my lady." The crate was closed, and two knights picked up either side of it.

"Sebby," Tori said, lifting her hand and her brother walked forward. She introduced him to the Baron.

"Baron Agafonov, tomorrow, we are planning to go to Horizon for a few days. There are some Lions Gate things I need to do. Henrik is going with me, and we were bringing Ilyana, the Baroness, and Riri so they could go sightseeing while we're working. Would you like to join us?"

"It will be for two nights, Baron, and I have a flat in the first district that has been prepared for my sister and her friend to stay in." Sebastian gave the middle-aged man a brilliant smile and Tori could almost see both the Baron and his wife becoming overwhelmed.

"Then, we will trouble you, young lord."

"It's no trouble at all."

"Tori, are you sure you don't need me to come with you and Henrik to Duel?" Ilyana said, furrowing her brows. Tori shook her head.

"I can walk around better now and we're not doing anything too complicated; just checking in on the construction. It's a good opportunity to take your family around. Albert already agreed to accompany you. He has to go back for work by next week, so it's convenient for him." Ilyana nodded.

"All right. If you need me, just call me." Tori nodded.

"Don't worry. Henrik and I will be fine. Won't we, Henrik?" She looked over her shoulder and the young blond man nodded as well.

"We're only checking the status of the construction," Henrik said. He met Tori's gaze and the two of them smirked.

"And then do a little reconnaissance on our favorite competitor's stores."