Chương 151: A Shrew at the Marketplace

"What is wrong with her?" Sonia's hand squeezed the tall glass of iced coffee and Claire put her hand on her arm to try to calm her before she hurt herself.

"She didn't ask you. She just put your name on her stupid invitation."

"If the Countess did not appear for the dance after it was announced that she would, it would reflect badly on her considering it is for such an event," Claire said. Tori knew she knew what she was talking about. Claire was very familiar with the aristocratic and noble circles in Horizon.

"But Hart is using her name without her permission!" Ilyana insisted.

"We should report her!"

"It's on an invitation for a charity's program schedule, not legal or financial documents," Tori said with narrowed eyes.

"Aside from damage to my reputation, it has no direct legal or financial repercussions. It may influence people working with me, but it will not cause legal or financial issues by itself. This is different from when the Prime Minister was charged with corruption, as legal and financial documents were involved. Money was definitely involved."

"An invitation wouldn't meet the legal requirements to punish fraud," Claire told them. She furrowed her brows.

"In fact, the way it would cause damage to the Countess' reputation doesn't constitute as slander, either." If Tori's guesses were correct and Alessa did send invitations to various influential and wealthy citizens, then all of them would be under the incorrect impression that Tori had agreed to dance. If Tori didn't show up, as she planned, then it would put her character into question. Who would suddenly back out of a charity event? Soleil's culture put a heavy emphasis on noble obligations.

The empire was nearly built on it. It was why there were so many public works, social programs, and charities for aspects that public works and programs couldn't support. Her own family took supporting their march so seriously that mismanagement would get a family member kicked out. Tori could feel this responsibility in her bones. What was worse was that it was on the date of her store opening.

Obviously, to her it was more important, but since the orphanage was a charity and the store opening was to make money, it would also reflect badly upon her. Now, Tori was practically extorted into doing a dedication dance, else it would negatively impact her reputation. She'd been building her reputation amongst the city's elite for some time to gain influence so people would go to her shops and support her project.

She knew such a trick wouldn't ruin her, but she still didn't want to look like a greedy monster who hated children, either. She was a high-profile person. She wasn't naive enough to think that there weren't people out there waiting for her to slip up. Tori wasn't going to give them that ammunition so easily. Her lips pulled into a tight frown and Ilyana aggressively chewed on a cream puff.

"How does she know you can dance that dedication dance to Saphira?"

"It's not a secret that Tori can dance," Sonia said.

"Even the other equestrians know she had changed electives from crystals to dance."

"But dedication and blessing dances to the gods are different," Claire said with a furrowed brow. She was also frowning.

"They're more complicated and ritualistic than ballroom or folk dances. They can't be learned in a day or two."

"They also have different variations," Ilyana said.

"Tori's dance for Lord Sebastian and Lady Idunn's wedding is the Nazaria version of the blessing dance for Suraelle. It's the longest and most complex version."

"The longer and more complex, the stronger it is said that the blessing will be," Tori muttered as she carefully read the invitation once more. What annoyed her most about this was that if Alessa had asked her if she could spare time to dance, she would've arranged to do it. Alessa, or whoever was directing this, didn't have to go this far. Tori was petty, but she wasn't going to let a bunch of innocent orphans pay for her pettiness. A single dance wasn't a big deal to her anyway.

Also, it would give her an excuse to see the classroom cobbled together with Alessa and Dimitri's efforts. Sonia looked towards her with a wary face.

"Do you know how to dance for Saphira?" Tori slowly nodded her head and looked up over the top of the invitation.

"Sebby is also blessed by Saphira. Of his trifecta gods, Saphira's dance is the simplest, so in a way I got lucky."

"Got lucky?" Ilyana scowled at once.

"Don't tell me you plan on doing it." Tori let out a heavy breath. She put the invitation in front of her and tapped the actual date and times.

"The ceremony is mid-morning. It states the time right there. We won't open until the late afternoon."

"Yes, but we'll be welcoming people before!" Ilyana looked worried. Tori had taught her how to 'work the crowd' to get them excited for entering.

"I can spare a little time to rush out and do the dance. Henrik has a firm grasp on what to do and you and JP can help him. If I'm a little late, it's all right," Tori said.

"It isn't as if the orphanage opening will last into the evening." Both Ilyana and Sonia didn't look convinced. Sonia gritted her teeth and crossed her arms over her chest.

"This isn't right. She can't just use you like this."

"She didn't even ask you," Ilyana said. She sat up straight.

"You should ask her what she means by this when class starts." Tori held up her hand to calm her.

"I want to see what she does first. Maybe she has an excuse." Sonia snorted.

"An excuse... when doesn't she have one? She'll just get teary eyed and turn to Guthry for help, as if she's the victim." Claire looked a bit surprised at Sonia's clear hatred of Alessa.

"Is this Baroness Hart woman really this unpleasant?"

"Yes." Sonia and Ilyana chorused at once.

"She tends to play the victim, but at the same time, pushes her errors and faults onto others. She usually says that she was only trying to help or had good intentions. Perhaps something was an accident and out of her hands," Tori told her.

"However, I still want to see how she reacts to this. If she'll mention it to me in class or if she won't and plans to set me up for failure completely."

"She knows you can dance and purposely put you in such a situation. This still doesn't explain how she knows you know how to dance this particular dance," Ilyana said. Sonia frowned.

"Perhaps she doesn't. Perhaps she simply used Tori's name." Tori narrowed her eyes. Her fingers tapped on the tabletop.

"No, there are people who know." A trio of eyes looked at her.

"Who else have you told?"

"In the dance class elective, there is a roster of all the active students and a list of dances they are competent with. It's voluntary and used so other students can ask for assistance." Tori closed her eyes and momentarily regretted her decision to be open to help her classmates.

"My list is the longest with a total of twelve different blessings, seven ballroom, and ten folk dances from Sur and Anlar. And those are only the ones I feel comfortable teaching." Victoria was proficient in many more dances, but proficient did not mean mastery. Tori had spent some time considering which dances she could assist with seriously. If she wasn't certain she could perform it without technical error, then she didn't write it on the list. Still, the list was long.

"Where is the list located?" Sonia asked. Tori let out a small scoff as her lips pulled into a dry, bitter smile.

"In the dance studio where we have the class... and you know who else is in that class?" Ilyana's face immediately darkened.

"Von Dorn." She spat out the name with such vitriol, it was as if Fabian and her had some sort of blood feud.

"Let's say Hart really didn't mean any malice and only wanted to have a blessing dance performed, which is common for these sorts of things, right?" Tori looked at Claire, who nodded.

"Yes, especially for events connected to the church. This orphanage is run by an abbey."

"Exactly. Then, she would've looked for someone who can dance. She's with von Dorn all the time. It's very possible that he mentioned me in passing."

"But why didn't she ask you first?" Sonia demanded.

"I'm sure we'll find out when school starts next week." It was too far aways for Sonia, and despite Tori's reassurance that she'd find out when class started, as Alessa had to come to class, Sonia still went to Alessa's dorm room to look for her. Alessa's roommate told her that Alessa wasn't there that weekend. Sonia was sure she was lying, but Tori said they had better things to do than wait outside Alessa's room.

Sonia still had practice and Tori, Ilyana, and Henrik were poring over the exit surveys from their soft open. Tori had also asked that the girls keep the invitation issue to themselves, as she didn't want to add another cause for concern to her friends' plates. Of course, Sonia and JP were twins and she blurted it out to her brother. She told JP not to tell anyone and, for a gossip, JP kept his mouth shut, though his irritation was palpable. Henrik and Albert were too focused on Duel to notice, thankfully.

Tori mentioned the invitation to Piers.

"Golden Cow Print Shop...." Piers said in a low voice from her comcry.

"I will look into it."

"What's there to look into? It's either a set up or an accident," Tori said. She sat cross legged on her bed as she clumsily embroidered a somewhat coarse handkerchief with Old Sulfae.

"Whatever the reason, Hart and I are already at odds. Finding out the truth won't really change anything."

"This is unacceptable."

"I know, but it's already been done. I can only act according to the situation to use it in my favor. I don't know who the invitations have been sent to, but if I got mine, it means other people have also gotten them, and there is a good chance someone will ask me about it. If I say I didn't agree to it and don't want to do it, they may still wonder why I won't, considering it's for charity. After all, at this point I'd know and would have time to practice.

Someone might even ask why I didn't volunteer in the first place since Hart and I are classmates. It's not exactly good publicity to put a grudge before helping orphans."

"You are not upset?"

"Of course, I'm upset, but I don't have time to dwell on it," Tori replied with a snort. She was a busy woman, and this was a minor inconvenience.

"If I must dance, then I'll dance. It's not a problem and I won't be doing it for free. I already have dance clothes in the right colors and the dance is simple. It doesn't even have any musical accompaniment. I just jiggle the bells on my wrists and ankles."

"Where are you going to get the bells?"

"I can borrow them from class. Lycée has a lot of dance accessories." She heard Piers let out a low huff.

"It is good that my brother is separated from Baroness Hart," Piers said.

"I do not like this." Tori chuckled.

"I'll let you know what happens tomorrow." He hummed.

"I will check on the print shop."

"I told you that's not necessary."

"Tom Fields has entered the city." Tori narrowed her eyes.

"Does he have anything to do with the print shop?"

"You said he was working in a print shop under Master's order in Sur. If that is his trade skill, he would try to find a trade job in Horizon." Tori let out a tired breath. Obviously, Tom would be hooked up with a job from Adrien because of Alessa. While she didn't think he would be problematic, the less love interests Alessa had at her fingertips, the more comfortable Tori would feel.

"As long as he doesn't do anything that could cause me or the others or our shops harm, let him be. That boy needs a job," Tori said. Tom didn't have wealth or influence, but considering his financial situation and that of his family, he really did need a job. Still, she didn't want to underestimate him. She didn't think he'd do much in the beginning and he tried to trash her store. Even if she weren't hurt, someone connected to her could be. Collateral damage was something she needed to take into consideration.

The next day, she and Ilyana got up early to pick up their breakfast pastries and get to class to wait for Alessa to arrive. Gideon, who was now used to receiving his breakfast pastries from them, had been waiting by the entrance of their homeroom. He politely held the door open for them and followed behind them without a word as they went to their seats. Ilyana spread out the pastries and Gideon took the familiar packed scones.

"Thank you," he said in a calm voice, as if Ilyana still wasn't giving him a suspicious look. He'd been surprisingly calm and civil, and had even left Duel with a bright smile on his face and thanked them as he left with his brother and Axton. He didn't appear torn up about not being forgiven; perhaps he was content to at least be treated normally.

"Guevera, do you know when we'll be notified if our request to come to the next soft open is approved?" He had a hint of worry in his voice. The playing area had a maximum capacity, of course. There were only so many tables and chairs, otherwise, guests would just stand around or wait in the cafe. There were very few people who could reserve rooms. Mainly Sir Granger, who was heading the party of Piers' escort knights; Ewan, who arranged for his La Garda classmates; and Axton, who would do whatever he wanted.

Spots for next week had to be reserved outside of those three people. Only knights who were off duty could attend, and some of the La Garda students had training, so Ewan said a different set could come. Duke Fekete and his son would be around with their people. Tori also had another small set of guests coming, including Tiff and some Sword Association members. Gideon had to apply to come again. Tori knew he could always just tag along with Piers.

Piers and Axton were always invited and if they brought him, she couldn't turn him away, but Gideon went the proper route and applied to return. She respected that.

"Midweek," Tori said.

"I'm waiting for confirmation from the non-escort imperial knights, as they were invited for this week's soft open. If you don't mind waiting for a spot at a table or staying in the exhibition hall to play, you can just come with Piers." Gideon perked up and looked at her, shocked.

"Really?" Tori bit into her croissant and nodded.

"You're still a beginner and Ewan and the others can be very aggressive players, so it's best to keep you with other beginners right now. Most of the people invited are experienced." Gideon nodded, understandingly.

"I am lucky, then. Thank you, Guevera." He turned around in his seat with a slight smile on his face. The corner of Ilyana's eye twitched. She wanted to play this week, too, and had already reserved a spot at Axton's reserved table for seasoned players. Tori finished off her croissant and then the rest of her coffee as the door opened and the young baroness she was waiting for appeared. A new warrior has entered the ring. Heh.

Tori glanced at the aisle and waited for Alessa to approach her and bring up the invitation. When Alessa passed to get to her desk, Tori heard Ilyana's stunned gasp. Tori grabbed her arm and shook her head to keep Ilyana from yelling.

"Just wait...." she said under her breath. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Ilyana grit her teeth and nodded, tearing off another piece off her pastry with her teeth. She fixed her eyes on the desk. Tori pretended to look over her notebooks, but watched Alessa from the corner of her eye. Alessa hadn't been alone when she entered. Fabian and Dimitri flanked her.

The trio seemed to be discussing something amongst themselves at the front of the room, where their desks were. Tori caught them looking towards her a few times and could only guess what they were talking about. She waited for Alessa to come towards her, but she, and Dimitri and Fabian, didn't go back. They seemed to come to a consensus and then took their seats, waiting for class to start. Tori heard Ilyana snort beside her.

"Are they avoiding you? They must know."

"Let's wait. The day isn't over yet." Instructor Rosemund arrived and when they took a break for lunch, Tori remained in her seat while Ilyana rushed to get them lunch and come back, hoping not to miss anything. She didn't, as Alessa quietly ate at her desk. It wasn't until class was over and Tori was just about to give up waiting for them to come and fess up. She purposely slowed her packing and kept some of her attention on Alessa.

The class was partially empty, and most students were leaving when Alessa stood up, seemed to take a deep breath to collect herself, and then walked up the aisle with a purpose. She was not alone. Dimitri and Fabian were in front of and behind her, respectively. How could they let Alessa face her alone?

"Countess Guevera, I'm sorry to bother you, but may I ask for a favor?" Alessa offered her a peaceful smile. Tori's hand shot to Ilyana's arm and gave her a tight squeeze in an effort to keep her from snapping back. Tori kept a placid look on her face and returned Alessa's smile with a neutral one.

"What is the favor, Baroness?"

"I was wondering if you received my invitation?" Ilyana seemed to desperately want to say something, and to stop herself, she began to violently gather her things and keep her head down so no one would see her infuriated red face. Tori didn't falter, but cocked her head curiously to the side.

"Invitation?"

"There was an error at the printer's, and they were sent out too early," Dimitri said before Alessa could answer. His eyes flickered and he seemed to have answered too quickly. Tori decided to lie.

"Are you sending me an invitation? To what?" There was both confusion and relief in Alessa's face, and Tori wasn't sure if Alessa knew the invitation got to her. After all, it had been a third-party messenger that handed off the invitation to one of the guards rather than directly to her.

"There was a mistake with the printer. I just got the samples this weekend from Adrien. They weren't supposed to be ready yet and I hadn't asked you." Alessa shifted awkwardly and Tori continued to look confused.

"You mean you haven't asked if I wanted to be invited?"

"No, she wanted to know if you could do the blessing dance to Saphira for the opening of the orphanage's school," Dimitri said. He was quite confident of himself to give Tori such a demanding look, as it was only natural that she would agree. If Tori hadn't already decided to do it for influence and symbolically hope for the orphans' good future, she would've sneered and coldly rejected him. Instead, she pretended to be surprised.

"Are you asking me to do a blessing dance?" Tori furrowed her brows. She looked at Alessa curiously.

"How did you know I know how to do the dance for Saphira?" Alessa swallowed hard and her smile faltered.

"Well, I heard you are a skilled dancer and Fabian said that you are familiar with the dance." Tori's eyes slowly shifted to the young man standing behind Alessa. Fabian's eyes immediately diverted, avoiding hers. She knew it was him.

"I'm not a professional dancer," she replied calmly. Alessa's breath hitched, and Dimitri let out a scoff.

"Guevera, this should be a simple matter for you-""Hold on." Ilyana cut him off sharply.

"If you think it's so simple, why don't you perform the dance?" Dimitri nearly choked and he glared at Ilyana.

"I would if I knew how!" Ilyana's eyes bore into Alessa.

"How many weeks until your school opening?"

"Umm... three, no... four weeks!" Ilyana looked back at Dimitri.

"That's enough time to learn. I heard the dance studios can be reserved for private practice after classes." Tori turned her head to the side to keep from showing her amusement. Dimitri's face reddened.

"How can I possibly do the dance? I don't have any experience-""Did you say four weeks?" Tori looked towards Alessa.

"The weekend after our final exams?" Alessa nodded enthusiastically. Gideon, who hadn't left yet and was watching, seemed to understand a particular detail.

"That's the day Guevera's store in the Fourth District opens." Tori drew her head back, as if she'd just realized it as well. She gave Alessa a look of disbelief.

"Baroness Hart, I am busy that day."

"Why are you opening it on that day?" Ilyana got to the point and didn't bother to hide her suspicion.

"It's just a formal ceremony; the orphans will begin to use the classroom at the start of the next semester after the new year," Dimitri said.

"It was the most convenient day for us, as well."

"We've invited numerous people from around the city to the opening in hopes of getting donations to fund it," Alessa said.

"There will be some speeches from the nuns, the children, and then people will get to go inside the newly built classroom. Children will get a lesson that day."

"It's a celebration and we thought that having a dance for Saphira's blessing would be a good idea, but not many people know how to do it," Dimitri added. Tori stared at him. While informally learning the dances was common, many skilled dancers would register with the Belcoy Church for such occasions as prayers, dedication ceremonies, and other religiously connected events.

If Tori weren't planning to dance for her goddaughter, Sophia's, trifecta ceremony, they could check with the church for someone who could dance to be invited. When Tori had first transmigrated, she had found the forms to register with the church for ceremonial dances filled out in Victoria's desk drawer, dated with her birthdate. Victoria had planned to register herself when she reached the minimum age of 14. Once Tori figured out her body could still dance, she submitted the forms.

"You didn't ask the nuns at the abbey dedicated to Saphira if they knew someone who could dance a dance... dedicated to Saphira?" Tori asked in a deadpan voice.

"Did you try that first?" Ilyana scowled.

"But there are fees." Fabian dared to speak up and Tori shot him a silencing look.

"All right, well, if you're paying me, the fee would be based on duration, complexity of the dance, and the skill of the dancer," Tori said.

"Wait-" Alessa began, but Tori cut her off.

"All you need is a single blessing dance," Tori said aloud as she wrote a breakdown of the charges on a piece of paper.

"Travel time, preparation, supplies, and the dance itself should be... three hours. The most basic dance to Saphira is an intermediate level at most, so it's not very complex. Skill is based on the dancer's years and any awards and recognitions.

I've been dancing since I was a child, won at least a dozen awards through festivals, student competitions, and placed first twice in regional competitions of my age group, as well as I am certified with the Belcoy Church as a proficient dancer in over a dozen blessing dances.... Considering my ability and time, approval of the church about the authenticity of the dance...." She circled a number on the piece of paper and pushed it forward.

"This is the cost." Everyone around her, including Ilyana, looked down to peer at the number. Gideon's eyes widened and Dimitri's breath stopped. Alessa paled and Fabian's eyes nearly bulged out.

"Are you joking?" Dimitri nearly ripped the paper in half after snatching it from the table.

"This much? Fo r three hours?" Tori shook her head, as if he were stupid.

"No, of course not." She poked at the paper in his hand.

"That's an hourly rate." Ilyana seemed to be smiling as the others looked at Tori.

"Guevera...," Gideon said in a tight, hesitant voice.

"Isn't this a bit much?" Tori sighed. She took the paper back.

"Since you are classmates, and it is for a charity...." she said. She scribbled on the paper.

"Ten percent discount." Ilyana guffawed and covered her face with her hand.

"Guevera!" Dimitri's face twisted with anger.

"All right, all right." Tori waved her hand dismissively.

"Fifteen. I'm feeling generous." Alessa looked devastated.

"I... we can't afford that much of a payment...." Tori raised a brow.

"Then, how much can you afford?"

"Um...."

"You're really going to charge her for a single dance?" Dimitri glowered. Tori shrugged.

"Just because you're giving away your efforts for free doesn't mean I have to." As if she was going to do this for free.

"Countess, what about twenty-percent?" Alessa said.

"I can offer twenty-percent and will pay you by the end of the week." Twenty percent was about the amount an intermediately skilled laborer could make in a full day of work. It wasn't bad and Tori was a bit impressed that Alessa was willing to pay that much.

"Alessa, if she needs to be paid, I'll pay for it." Dimitri gave her a reassuring look. Tori rolled her eyes. Then again, perhaps Alessa was counting on someone else to pay. Dimitri's face darkened as he looked back at Tori, who put her things into her bag.

"Will you do this for twenty percent?"

"If you're paying for it, forty percent."

"What are you, a shrew at the marketplace?" Dimitri nearly screamed, getting looks from the few remaining students about to leave. Tori didn't flinch.

"Fifty."

"Fine! Forty!" Dimitri dug into his inner pocket and pulled out his crystal account fob. He held it out, expecting Tori to take out hers and receive the payment. Tori sat relaxed on her desk and after a few moments of silence, agreed.

"Forty." She reached for the paper, adjusted the price for three hours to forty percent, then signed her name. She turned the paper around, put the pen on it, and pushed it to Dimitri to sign. That would make it a binding contract. Dimitri's nostrils flared as he snatched the pen and signed the paper.

"You can't back out. How do you want to be paid?" Tori picked up her bag that she'd packed and stood up. She looked at Dimitri and smirked.

"Send the money to the abbey as a donation to the school in my name - I'll be sure to check for it. On the opening day, I'll arrive before the dedication ceremony begins and perform, but can only stay until about noon, as I need to return to the city for my store's opening. Let's go, Ilyana." She walked out into the aisle and past a stupefied Dimitri, Alessa, and Fabian. Ilyana giggled almost manically behind her as she followed.

They left the classroom and when they were far enough away, Ilyana let out the laugh she had been failing to keep contained.

"Did you bargain on purpose?" Ilyana asked.

"It couldn't possibly cost that much for a dancer!" Tori grinned.

"I did bargain on purpose, and planned to have the donation made, but it does cost quite a bit for a skilled dancer, especially for the more complex dances. The prices I gave weren't far off. They can always check with the Belcoy Church, but there is a varied rate depending on the dancer's skill level and accolades. I'd estimate my rates are middle to high. I just happen to have a good number of accolades." Thank you, Victoria. Ilyana nodded.

"Do you really think that Hart didn't know about your invitation?"

"I don't know," Tori said, truthfully.

"It was sent out by the Golden Cow, so it could've been done on purpose by Rosiek to put pressure on me." Perhaps she just had a severe bias against Adrien and therefore blamed him for everything she could. Ilyana wrinkled her nose, displeased.

"In the end, you're still doing the dedication dance."

"I am, but it is for a good cause," Tori said, satisfied. Despite the method she was coerced into doing it and her personal feelings on Alessa, Tori did actually like children. Had she been asked first, she would've complained to Ilyana in private about Alessa's nerve, but she still would have agreed to do it.

"I really don't mind. This isn't so much for Hart or the money as it is for the children. What is the harm in a single dance as a prayer for their success?" Her suspicion that Tom Fields would get a job at the Golden Cow's print shop turned out to be true and she was not surprised. He had very few choices to begin with, and after working at her family's print shop in Sur, he had suitable experience to work in printing. Tori sat in SIG One with Piers and Axton, parked closest to Duel Cafe with Alexander on her lap.

Diagonally across the street, near the cluster of Golden Cow-related stores, was a narrow building that just had a silhouette of a cow painted gold and 'print shop' beneath it.

"And you're sure he's using the print shop to get information?" Axton asked. Tori nodded.

"If the marches' intelligence divisions use our print shops to get information, why can't Rosiek? The wealthy and powerful who are throwing parties need to get fancy invitations done. If his print shop makes them, he'd know where they were gathering. Then, it's just a matter of attending those gatherings and using social engineering to collect information." Axton looked at her with uncertainty.

"What do they teach you in the marches?"

"I was taught to dance." He gave her a dull look as she put on a cheeky smile. Piers was sitting across from her with his legs crossed as he looked out the tinted windows.

"Is that why you are letting guests of Duel know about the print shop in the backroom?" Piers asked. Tori nodded.

"All the salespeople at the counter have been taught to both handle customers for games and customers for printing. Our invitations were printed in-house using custom designs."

"It'll give guests another option, at the very least," Axton said.

"So... why are we watching the other print shop?"

"I can't remember what Tom Fields looks like." Axton gave her a confused look and she shrugged.

"It's been some time. All I know is that he has blond hair and is pale and skinny." Axton raised a brow.

"Then how would we know what he looks like?"

"Piers." Axton looked at the man next to him.

"I remember what he looks like," Piers said in a calm voice. He seemed tense.

"That's him." Tori slid closer to the window and peered out. She vaguely remembered a younger man who was skinnier than the one she saw walking down the street towards the print shop. She narrowed her eyes.

"Are you sure that's him?"

"I'm sure."

"He's... bigger than I remember." Tori frowned. What did they feed him in Sur? He had blond hair that was now tied back at the nape and was wearing plain, unembellished clothing. Tom had grown taller and wider, as well. She really shouldn't be surprised; puberty changed people. If she didn't see a person for two years, they were bound to change.

"I checked with Master, and he said that Fields gave his notice to quit. He was well-liked and never caused trouble, but everyone seemed to understand that he wanted to be closer to home."

"Horizon is about the same distance from Presidio as Chetterswickshire would be." Tori rolled her eyes.

"You said he wanted to be close to Baroness Hart and that they're childhood friends," Axton said.

"Perhaps he wanted to make sure she was safe here." Tori rubbed her forehead. That really was the reason Tom had returned.

"Has he had any contact with Hart?"

"Yes, but nothing substantial. She welcomed him back, they went out to eat to celebrate their reunion and catch up, and she introduced him to Rosiek for a job," Piers reported.

"It is as you expected."

"Do you think he'll try to vandalize your store again?" Axton asked. Tori shook her head.

"If he's smart enough, he won't do it again, especially considering how he was banished from Horizon for two years. He should also figure that by now, I do have guards everywhere. Where does he live?"

"Twelfth District," Piers said.

"Block twenty. Many young laborers new to the city move there."

"We'll still go with the plan. If he doesn't do anything strange, I have no reason to retaliate. He's older now, and I hope a bit wiser," Tori said. She watched Tom walk into the narrow print shop. A few minutes later, he walked out with a large satchel of what looked like letters and a piece of paper clutched in one hand.

"I suppose they're starting him off with delivery duty."

"Well, now that he's settled, can we go into Duel?" Axton said. He turned his attention to the well-lit cafe. Sonia, Ilyana, and Albert were sitting around a table drinking some iced beverages before they opened the doors. Gideon, who had followed them from Lycée, was seated by the window with his eyes fixed on the tinted carriage, as if knowing Piers was inside.

"You are impatient," Piers told Axton.

"I have a new game story I want to use. Sir Wagner got a little too cocky last week and thinks the last story was boring." Axton narrowed his eyes and glared down the street, where people, including knights, were lined up. Tori rolled her eyes. She scooted to the other side of the carriage and twisted the handle. As soon as it clicked, the footman who was waiting outside reacted and opened the door the rest of the way. They climbed out of the carriage, and Albert let them into the cafe.

"Tori," Ilyana said as she handed Tori her drink.

"Mr. Somerset said someone came by to apply." Tori furrowed her brows.

"We've already done our hiring. We even have part-timers for game guides." Ilyana sighed.

"I know, but he wanted to ask about seasonal work."

"Seasonal work?" Tori didn't think such a thing would really be necessary at Duel, but she shrugged and walked out into the lobby to speak to the manager, Mr. Somerset. The graying man was a retired imperial knight from Nord who came to Horizon when he was a teenager for work. At that time, he'd participated in the Imperial Anniversary Tournament, and was recruited.

He left the knighthood after an illness weakened his lungs, making it difficult for him to keep up with his peers, even if he was just a fourth-tier knight. He had been in a leadership position and while offered an office job, he had heard that Duel was hiring. Dungeon crawling was a popular pastime with the knights, and he came to apply. He was a large man with a beard and jovial disposition. When he saw Tori coming, he smiled wide.

"Countess Guevera!"

"Ready for another soft open, Mr. Somerset?" she asked as she walked towards the counter.

"I am ready. I know we're not supposed to sell anything yet, but last week, we had several guests asking us to hold items for purchase. I said at the time that we can't do that, but considering that many people have asked for it, do you think it is a good idea to take orders for games ahead of time?"

"A pre-order? Yes, we can do that, as long as they pay ahead of time. I'll let Henrik and the others know that's an option. Just have them fill out an order form and write 'pre-order' at the top. Make sure they keep the lower portion so they can claim their order when we open," Tori told him.

"In that case, Captain Somerset, can I get an order form?" Tori tilted her head up and saw Axton just behind her, with a chilled drink in one hand. It was getting cold out and he still wanted a cold drink.

"All right, you'll be the first, Your Grace." Mr. Somerset prepared a form for him, and Axton told him all the items he wanted to order. When the list was complete, Mr. Somerset read it aloud to confirm and put it on the table with a pen.

"Just sign here... here... and I will take your payment." Axton put his drink on the counter and began to fill out his information. Tori looked back at the manager.

"Ilyana said you were approached by someone for a job?"

"Yes, a young man had been waiting at the main entrance this morning when I came in," Mr. Somerset told her with some concern in his eyes.

"As you know, I come in almost at dawn. He was wearing your school uniform." Tori tilted her head to the side. It wasn't out of the ordinary for Lycée students to get part-time jobs, no matter what their social status.

"He wants to work here?" Mr. Somerset dug around beneath the counter and took out a sheet of paper.

"He gave me a resumé. I suppose he heard about the peculiarities of our hiring process." Tori accepted the sheet of paper, but before she could read anything on his actual work experience, her eyes landed on the name.

"Montan Alvere?" She sucked in a sharp breath, wincing when she realized she said the name aloud. Her head snapped to the side. Axton was still hunched over the counter, but had stopped writing.

"Yes," Mr. Somerset continued. His eyes flickered to Axton.

"I am unsure about hiring him." Since Mr. Somerset wasn't a native of Horizon or Alvere, he likely never paid attention to the rumors and story of the late Duchess, Axton's father, and his illegitimate younger brother; however, he did know that Montan went to a prestigious school and had Axton's surname. He likely asked because he wasn't sure if he had to seriously consider Montan. Tori held her breath and looked at Axton. He hadn't moved.

"Did he say why he wanted to work here?" Axton asked in a low voice.

"He did not, Your Grace. He only gave me his resumé and asked to be called if there is a position open." For a moment, Tori wondered if Montan had been fired from his previous job. He had returned the borrowed tuition money, so Tori didn't think he'd be fired because of doing so.

"There is no reason for you to hire him," Axton said. He continued to fill out the form.

"Treat him as you would all others who apply for a job." Tori bit her lips.

"My lady?" Mr. Somerset looked at her for confirmation and she nodded.

"Axton is correct. Unless we personally recruit someone for a position, as they had already likely been interviewed and screened by us, treat all applicants the same, regardless of their personal connection to me or my friends," Tori told him. Mr. Somerset smiled, pleased with her answer.

"Then, if we get busy and our bookings are filled once we open, I will call him in for an interview."