Chương 164: Life Is So Hard

It was approaching the three-year mark of when Tori woke up on a bed in Presidio. She counted another three months or so and then there was her rebirth anniversary. In that time, Alessa Hart had always been the source of her, the villainess', 'death flags', as the genre would call them. Alessa was the heroine, and it was the heroine's influence over the love interests that would be used to first get the villainess kicked out of school and then later killed. This was the logic Tori was coasting on and it made sense.

Even when she dreamt or hallucinated those moments from Victoria's point of view, and acknowledged that Victoria wasn't so much a terrible person as she was young and incompetent, Tori still saw Alessa as the source of the problem. And now, every fiber of her being was telling her that Alessa wasn't the problem. Alessa was a tool. Adrien Rosiek was the problem. And that brought up new concerns. Tori was fairly confident in dealing with Alessa and thus the love interests at this point.

One could even say she was relaxed to a degree. She saw Alessa almost daily and felt she had a good understanding of her. Alessa wasn't exactly mysterious and had hidden dangers. Adrien did and that was cause enough for alarm. If Alessa remained so close to him, the threat Tori thought she was avoiding was still very much present, and Tori did not know how serious it was.

"Auntie Tori! I'm ready!" Fiona hopped in front of her, and Tori looked down at the little girl dressed in a small yellow apron with chicks on them. Her hair had been pulled into two little buns at the top of her head. Tori pushed the concerns plaguing her out of the way. She didn't want to spend this weekend worrying about Adrien and Alessa when she had a party to put on. She immediately gave a wide smile and looked down at her adopted niece.

"You look great! Does the apron fit?"

"Yes! It has baby chickens!"

"It sure does! Did you wash your hands?"

"Yes!" Fiona lifted her hands to show her how clean they were. The cooks further away chuckled as they did the prep work for that night's dinner.

"Okay! Hop on the stool!" Fiona easily stepped on to a wooden step stool with guard rails around three sides. It was pushed up to the prep table where they were working.

"Today, we are going to prepare the chicken nuggets for your snack later." Fiona licked her lips as Tori motioned to the tray with a few chicken breasts.

"So delicious...."

"First, we must chop them up a bit and then add the seasoning. Keep your hands on the railing while I cut them into smaller pieces, okay? The knife is sharp." Fiona nodded obediently and her little hands grabbed the railing around her stool. The process took a few minutes and Tori chopped the chicken breasts into an almost ground consistency. She then transferred the meat on to a bowl and had Fiona dump in the pre-measured seasonings.

"Do I mix?" Fiona asked. Tori handed her a wooden spatula.

"Now you mix." She stood behind Fiona and held the bowl firmly in place as Fiona did her best to mix the seasoning with the chicken. When it looked consistent, Tori had her wash her hands again and prepared a clean tray. Fiona climbed back onto her stool.

"Is it time to make the nuggets?"

"Yes. Remember to keep your hand a little wet, so as not to stick. Afterwards, we'll dredge and chill them." Fiona let out a little hum and watched Tori take a piece of chicken mixture and shape it into a ball, then flatten it out a bit.

"Auntie, these are really good. If I make them for Grandma and Grandpa, do you think they will like me?" Fiona asked as she tried to copy Tori with her little hands. Tori felt her heart ache.

"They already like you. Didn't your dad let you talk to them before?"

"Yes, but what if they see me and they don't like me?"

"I can promise you they will like you," Tori said.

"Everyone will like you. Uncle Sebby, Auntie Idunn."

"Cousins Marco and Mateo don't like me," Fiona said as the small ball in her hand was squished.

"They only like my brother."

"No, you're just too little for them to play with. When you are bigger, they will play with you, but right now, it's difficult for you to keep up and they're worried you'll be hurt if they're too rough with you," Tori told her gently.

"Didn't they bring you sweets from that shop in the First District?" Fiona hummed again, but still felt left out. The twins were willing to carry Robert from place to place if his wheelchair didn't allow for it, but Tori had forbidden it for fear that it would aggravate his healing leg. Uncle Maurizo was charged with making sure the children didn't break their new cousin since Nanny Rey was assisting Auntie Lucia with security.

"If I make these for my other cousins, will they like me?"

"Baby, you can't use food to make people like you." Even as she said it, Tori drew her lips into a tight line. That felt like the most hypocritical thing she'd said in both her lives. She used food to connect with people all the time, but didn't want Fiona to see it as a crutch.

"But sharing is fine." Fiona put her awkwardly shaped nugget on the tray.

"Life is so hard, Auntie Tori."

"Tell me about it." The two of them sighed simultaneously. They made almost two dozen nuggets with the prepared chicken breasts and Tori had taken the back of a spoon and used it to poke at the edges, shaping some of their round nuggets into baby chick-shaped nuggets. Fiona's attempt to make a giant nugget was stopped after explaining it would be difficult to fry. After Tori put their nuggets in the cold room to be fried later, she and Fiona cleaned up and left the restaurant.

The plaza was decorated for the birthday celebration and there were many guests, as Piers had extended invitations to political and business allies. This year, Ewan and Piers had split their celebrations. Though on the same weekend, Ewan's had a lunch BBQ by the beach. It was far more informal and filled with boisterous teenagers. Meanwhile, Piers' guests were partaking in some of the more relaxing activities Viclya had to offer, such as sailing or picnicking.

Some guests were just enjoying the small town that had popped up. Tori held Fiona's hand and slowly walked towards the resort tents, where the BBQ was being held.

"Fifi!" Several voices called to the little girl, and she turned her head as they passed the arcade. Marco, Mateo, and Robert in his wheelchair were waiting from the doorway.

"Look what we won for you!" Mateo held up a large brown and red creature with a yellow beak and feet.

"Chicken!" Fiona's eyes lit up and she dropped Tori's hand.

"Chicken!" She cried out and Tori followed behind her as she dashed towards her cousins and brother. Mateo laughed as he lowered the chicken and allowed her to run into it. The stuffed animals made for prizes were made by older women in the village who signed up. They were relatively simple, and Tori provided all the materials needed. The pay was decent, so many elderly women with little to do sold plushes to Tori for the arcade. They were mainly popular with little children. Fiona was no exception.

"Do you like it?" Robert asked with a chuckle as his sister buried her face in the chicken's side.

"I'm going to name him Ewan after Uncle Ewan because Uncle Ewan also likes chicken," Fiona said, clearly explaining her genius. She peeked her head over the top of the chicken and flushed.

"Thank you, Robi. Thank you, cousins." Tori nodded, pleased she thanked them without being prompted. The twins looked far too proud of themselves.

"How'd you win it?" Tori asked. For a plush of this size, the number of tickets needed to be won was quite a bit. The twins and Robert all froze. They avoided her eyes.

"Don't worry about it, Cousin Tori," Marco said with a weak, somewhat arrogant chuckle.

"It was nothing." Tori squinted and looked past them. Uncle Maurizo was standing in the shade of the arcade, looking tired. She made a mental note to reimburse her uncle. Tori led the children to the beach, where teenagers and Ewan's family were doing everything from canoe racing to throwing around a wicker ball. A few people were already playing games and seriously discussing the tournament.

"Fifi, what is that?" Sonia pretended to sound extremely impressed when she saw the little girl strut over clutching a chicken almost as big as her.

"It's Ewan the chicken. My cousins and brother won him for me," Fiona shamelessly bragged.

"Wow, it's so... did you say Ewan the chicken?"

"Did you name it after me?" Ewan asked from where he was seated with some friends going over the tournament. Fiona rushed over.

"Yes! Because you also like chicken!"

"I do! I'm honored!" Tori squinted at their matching energy as Fiona puffed up her chest even more. JP, who had been standing to the side with a clipboard, slowly shook his head. Tori let out a heavy breath and waved him closer.

"How's it going here?"

"Going well. Everyone is eating and they can't seem to get enough of the chilled fruit drinks. It's much warmer than we thought, so it was good to have brought out the cooling boxes for some of the food," JP reported. Tori furrowed her brows. It was unexpectedly warmer, but it wasn't a bad thing if they were out on the beach.

"How is the ice-skating rink?"

"It's good you charged the crystals last night. It's fine and it's actually a bit refreshing to stand by it when it's this warm," JP told her. She let out a relieved sigh. She did not need to deal with a giant puddle.

"What about Piers' guests?" JP looked over his clipboard and moved a few pages up.

"Currently, they're all on schedule and will be coming in from their various tours for coffee in the plaza. His Highness is with them and Duke Alvere.

'Aunt Nika' has yet to leave the ice-skating rink and 'Uncle Matt' got tired, so he's taking a nap at the apartment." Tori nodded. Piers was really trying to be more sociable and get to know the people he was already starting to work closely with. Axton and his Great Aunt and Uncle were also with him, so she didn't have to worry about him being overwhelmed too much. He had far less guests than Ewan anyway. Tori looked back across the beach. Ewan was ridiculously popular in La Garda.

An amiable and cheerful person, top of the class, and always willing to share things he enjoyed with others, practically his entire year and a few upperclassmen were there. In addition, there were all their friends from Lycée, his massive family, and guests like Auntie Lucia's family.

Aside from being Tori's aunt and being favored by her twin cousins, Ewan had gone to Uncle Maurizo to ask for help to plant medicinal plants around La Garda for students to get accustomed to seeing and identifying, as well as preparing and using in case of emergency. He'd gotten the idea from the Sword Association's unofficial medicinal plant garden.

It was a personal project of his and it had impressed the school higher-ups and students were encouraged to learn to identify and use them, as they might be needed when on missions. Thinking about Ewan, who was telling his friends as the celebrant, he would not be participating in the tournament, Tori thought of Fabian. She looked around. There was a fifty-fifty chance Gideon was on the beach with people his age.

The other place he'd be was following around Piers, but she knew Piers had told him to stay with students his age. Gideon had talked Fabian into coming with them, though she heard Fabian had wanted to back out at the last minute to stay with Alessa. This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. From what Tori heard, Alessa was going to see her childhood friend, so Fabian came with Gideon.

Tori found several imperial knights standing by the water's edge, barefoot with their pant legs rolled up past their knees. They were all looking out at the water and Tori followed their gazes. Two boats were coming in fast, and Tori nodded. Fabian and Gideon were in the lead, and both had looks of utter concentration. When their names were called as the winners, both seemed to lose all their energy at once and slump into their seats. Still, Gideon lifted his paddle and pumped in the air as a sign of victory.

Despite their flushed, exhausted faces, both seemed to be smiling wide. Tori nodded, satisfied. She turned around and JP finished his report on where most people were. Henrik had taken a leave of absence from Lycée the latter half of the week to file some legal paperwork and try to fix what he could of what his sister caused. It wasn't going well and all four of their renters had been kicked out. The Skuldsens had to compensate them, and Henrik had used the money Annika sold the stores for without a second thought.

Henrik was still furious at his sister as the more he investigated the sales, the worse the situation became. Annika had used her father's guild seal to approve the sales without telling him. They could contest the sales by reporting fraud, but if they reported fraud, Annika would be arrested. Even if at the most she'd have to pay a fine and do some public service, their parents didn't want to report their own daughter to authorities for fraud.

When asked why she sold the stores, Annika had said there was a store she wanted to buy, but couldn't afford. Henrik had built up his own stores, so she wanted to do the same thing to 'prove herself'. Whatever that meant. She had sold the stores to Adrien to get enough starting funds to buy the store she wanted as soon as possible. The seller had told her that there were others considering buying and Annika was in a rush. She figured she'd tell her parents eventually, after she bought the store.

Adrien had told her that he'd hold the small stores for her until she could buy them back. None of that happened, of course. The store Annika wanted to buy was bought by someone else, and Adrien, upon realizing his con with Annika was over, sold the small stores to others, who then kicked out the renters. Henrik had tried to buy the small stores back, but the new owner refused.

The Skuldsens were missing several pieces of property, their two main stores were going to start losing products in a few weeks, and their daughter betrayed them for a man who was only using her. The blow was still a lot for the Skuldsens, and Henrik asked Tori to let his parents stay in Viclya for a few days while Annika's godmother took her to their house in the countryside. Whether it was to keep Annika from doing anything stupider or to stop Henrik from having her arrested, Tori wasn't sure.

After the Guildmaster collapsed, Henrik suggested a change of scenery to relax him, so the couple came to the delta. In Viclya, there was Dr. Cooper-Fontaine and the rest of the medical crew who could see him if he felt uncomfortable. Of course, from what Tori was told, the Guildmaster was depressed. She was sure he'd likely step down from his position at the guild because of this. Thankfully, the Vice Guildmaster was a competent man who'd worked with Henrik's father and his predecessor.

Henrik almost didn't make it to Ewan's birthday weekend. He was so tired from trying to deal with the problems at home that he'd slept all the way to the delta. Aside from eating meals, Henrik was in his tent, resting. Tori asked one of the villagers who check on him every so often.

"Am I late?" Tori turned around at the sound of the voice, but before she could greet Henrik, Ewan had shot towards him.

"How are you feeling?" Ewan asked as he studied Henrik's pale face closely.

"Do you still want to rest?"

"I can rest later. It's your birthday and I want to be here. Did you cut your cake already?" Ewan shook his head and turned around.

"Tori, can I cut my cake now?" He sounded like Fiona asking for dessert and Tori nodded.

"All right, get the large table cleared and call everyone in," Tori said. She vaguely remembered that she'd been to children's birthday parties that were like this in her original world. Tori called for the cake to be brought out and went to get the candles shaped into Ewan's age. JP helped ready the table while Sonia shouted for the guests to come in for the cake. Food was always ready so guests could come, eat a little, and then play, but the cake was the highlight of the meal.

Tori pushed out a little cart with a three-tiered cake. Their bakers had improved greatly in cake decorating and each tier had a different dungeon crawl location theme: a dungeon, a forest, and a mountain top with a little sugar person with a sword. Ewan had Henrik sit down next to him and, despite the chaos in his life, Henrik sat smiling as the cake was brought out. Tori lit the candles with carnelian and stepped back. Ewan stared at the candles, concentrating on his wish before blowing them out.

The crowd of guests cheered, and Ewan sliced the first slice of the cake, this time giving it to his grandmother and then the second slice to Henrik. Tori smiled and let the staff distribute the rest of the cake. Ewan's party would continue well into the night, but it was mostly just teenagers hanging around, eating, and playing. She didn't need to stand around a play hostess. She lifted her hand and reached across her body to rub her opposite shoulder.

"Are you okay?" Sonia asked as she reached her and sat down.

"You've been very busy these last few weeks, Tori."

"Everything is pretty much managed here," JP told her.

"Are you sure you don't want to rest?" Tori held back 'I can rest when I'm dead'. She looked across the small table where she sat. Her cousins, Robert, and Fiona were devouring cake and Fiona was especially messy.

"Someone has to watch Fiona."

"Ilyana!" Sonia called at once. They looked around and found her seated with members of the Tabletop Gaming Club. She stood up and walked over.

"What is it? Do you need help? I can help!" she said with a bright smile. Tori wanted to reject her offer, but Sonia cut her off.

"Tori needs to rest. Can you watch Fifi?" Sonia asked. Ilyana nodded, as if it didn't even need to be asked.

"Of course." She looked at Tori and gave her a nod.

"I'm good at watching little children. Get some rest so you'll have some energy tonight. You're hosting His Highness' party." Tori closed her eyes and took a deep breath. While casual, there would still be some formality in Piers' dinner.

"I know."

"Auntie, you should rest. You've worked so hard," Fiona said, looking up with frosting smeared across her face. Tori sighed and reached over to wipe her face.

"Be good and listen to Auntie Ilyana, all right? Don't go anywhere without telling her. If you're tired, then take a nap."

"I know, I know!" Fiona told her impatiently.

"Go rest, Auntie. I will be fine!" Tori crinkled her eyes. She gave Fiona a suspicious look, but slowly stood up.

"Her nuggets are ready for her snack this afternoon. Just tell the cooks at the restaurant. Don't let her eat too many. If she's sleepy, bring her to my tent."

"Understood!" Ilyana nodded. Tori went to tell Ewan she was going to go rest before she headed back to the encampment. She didn't know how long she slept. She woke up, stomach down on her bed with her head on a pillow. She opened her eyes and from the light penetrating the tent material, she estimated that the sun was setting. Tori let out a heavy breath. It was time to get up and play hostess. She rolled and felt something against the top of her head.

She tilted her head back and felt the fluff of Alexander in her face. Letting out another sigh, she rolled to the other side and felt something small and hot right beside her. She looked down and saw that Fiona had crawled on the bed with her for her nap, still clinging on to Ewan the chicken. The child was sleeping heavily with her mouth open and a small trickle of drool on top of the plush chicken's head. Tori chuckled and carefully wiggled away from her adopted niece.

She adjusted a thin blanket over the child and then stretched her arms out. Her dress for the evening had been prepared and was hanging on a hanger on a coat hook. It was an ocean blue dress with a matching shrug and some accenting white and blue lines along parts of the dress. Tori went to wash her face, then pulled up her hair into a loose updo before tying it back with a matching scarf that acted like a headband. Nanny Rey came to check on her and help her dress.

Usually, Tori would chatter away or be on her comcry, calling to check to make sure parts of the event were ready, but with Fiona sleeping, they were quiet. As the sky grew dark, Tori stepped out of her tent and was escorted to the restaurant. The plaza and the promenade were lit up and banners were strong across. The band was just finishing setting up and greeted her as she passed. The patio had been extended to accommodate the guests, allowing for more room.

Henrik was standing to the side, examining the table decoration and settings.

"Did you get some more rest?" Tori asked as she reached him. He looked up and let out a tired sigh.

"I'm exhausted, but I'd rather be exhausted by this than by my sister," he replied truthfully. Tori nodded and patted his shoulder.

"We can talk later. Ilyana and I are willing to help if you need us."

"Thanks."

"Tori." They turned towards the entrance to the patio area and saw Piers walking towards them. She saw him at breakfast, and he had changed into evening wear. It wasn't as fancy as a ball at the palace, but it still made her feel it was too formal for a patio dinner at a beach town.

"Hey, happy birthday!" Tori smiled wide and raised her arms to hug him. Piers seemed to quicken his pace to embrace her.

"How was the hosting today? Were there any problems? How do you feel?"

"I am well. Several guests wanted to go to Ewan's beach party," Piers said as he paused for a moment before adjusting himself and trying to embrace her properly.

"They said next year, I should have it for the whole weekend so that they could also enjoy what the beach has to offer."

"It was unexpectedly warm this weekend, so we could do more beach things. Next year, it might be different," Tori told him. They didn't plan to bring out the boats until that morning. Piers pulled away from her and gave Henrik a nod.

"Good evening, Henrik."

"Your Highness." Henrik bowed his head.

"I hope my restaurant's service will be acceptable tonight."

"The service here is always good," Piers replied with a nod.

"Thank you for accommodating my parent's food requests." Henrik bowed his head once more.

"We should thank Ilyana for the potatoes." Piers looked around.

"Where are the others?"

"At the beach," Henrik and Tori replied at the same time.

"The gaming tournament started already. Albert and Ilyana are playing, and JP and Sonia are helping oversee it," Tori told him. She looked past Piers.

"Where's Axton?" He was supposed to be with Piers. She narrowed her eyes.

"Where is your brother?" Gideon should've been following Piers around, as well, and usually closer than Axton would.

"They are also at the tournament," Piers replied with a straight face, as if they weren't missing his party to play games. Tori stared at him for a moment. She inhaled a deep breath and stepped back, taking out her comcry.

"Henrik, I'll leave final details to you. Piers, just wait here for the guests to arrive. Greet them like we practiced. The servers will seat them once they enter. I'm going to make a few calls." Piers nodded and Henrik brought him to where he would sit. Tori walked away from the restaurant and then past the plaza, towards the promenade. The musicians had begun to play, and it would be difficult to hear.

Luckily, while there was a gentle breeze, it wasn't windy, and she didn't have to worry about her voice being lost in the echo. She clutched her comcry in front of her as she swept her finger across to call Axton.

"Tori, I'll be there soon-""It is Piers' birthday dinner. Why are you playing in the tournament?" Tori hissed as she reached the edge of the promenade and looked down at the dock below.

"Piers said I could! And it's in honor of my pupil!" Axton insisted.

"Master, you don't need to participate. You should go to His Highness' dinner!" She heard Ewan's faint voice from the comcry.

"…just eat the chicken nuggets, Ewan," Axton said in a dull voice. Tori rolled her eyes.

"Besides, Tori, you said that tonight's tournament game was a game of luck, so I wanted to try-""Axton," Tori said in a low voice.

"You can play some other time. Piers is at the restaurant welcoming guests all alone."

"Aren't you there?"

"I have a dozen other things to check up on!" Tori snapped. Axton grumbled.

"Then I want a platinum membership card to Duel."

"Those are only for club and guild leaders to organize events at the store," Tori told him in a deadpan voice.

"I can do it for the knights."

"Sir Dobchek already has one for the knights."" Other knights."

"Axton." There was a pause.

"Then the jade membership."

"Those are for children and students under fourteen."

"Why do they need it?" he demanded, affronted.

"They're kids!"

"Didn't you apply for the obsidian membership? It's what Albert, Ilyana, and Prince Gideon have. When Evzen turns fourteen, he'll also trade his jade for obsidian," Tori told him with a frown. Axton scoffed.

"When did that come out?"

"It's always been available. Do you know what, just come here and I'll get it for you, okay? And while you're at it, bring Prince Gideon here, too. Ask him if he dares not attend his brother's party." Tori shook her head and slid her finger across the comcry. She rubbed the bridge of her nose. She looked out towards the water and was about to turn around and return to the restaurant, when one of the small ferry boats reached the dock. She squinted and smiled before heading down to the dock.

Master Ramos was attending and had changed out of his usual clothes on Anahata Island to look more presentable. The imperial family had seen him wandering around, but as he had been formally invited by Piers, Master Ramos seemed to want to dress for the occasion. Instructor Ignatius had also been invited, but he was overseeing the fireworks. Food would be delivered to him later. Tori went down the stone steps and waved her hand as she reached the dock.

"Master!" The old man looked up from the edge of the dock as he climbed off the boat.

"You came all the way here to get me? Master is flattered." He grinned and Tori laughed as she reached him.

"Master, you're seated with Prince Emil and Princess Vivian tonight," Tori said. They were familiar with each other, so Tori made such an arrangement. Master Ramos nodded.

"Good, good. It's been a while since I caught up."

"Is that Old Ramos?" A voice shouted from behind Tori and as she turned around, her master let out a scoff. He drew his head back and glared.

"Well, well, well.... I thought you were dead." Tori grimaced and stepped to the side to let her master step around her and rush towards another old man.

"Same to you!" The old man in a straw Panama hat and what appeared to be newly purchased resort wear from the promenade said.

"What are you doing here, you old bastard?" Master Ramos laughed as the old man took his hand off to reveal white hair.

"You're the old bastard, bastard," the other old man huffed. Yet, he was still smiling as he crossed the walkway and grabbed Master Ramos' arm. The old men pulled each other forward and laughed as they embraced like two long lost friends.

"Look at you! Every time I see you, you get older and older!"

"That's what time does! Haven't you seen yourself in the mirror? Not that I'd blame you for avoiding one." Master Ramos grinned. The two pulled apart and Tori cocked her head. The dock was brightly lit, but the two elders were further away. She squinted to try to make out the old man's face. She choked back a cry as she took a step back and stared at the other old man with wide eyes.

"It's you!"

"Eh?" The other old man craned his neck. His eyes crinkled up behind his glasses and he grinned.

"Countess Guevera! I was wondering why I didn't see you up there."

"You're not a ghost?" Okay, now you sound stupid. Tori grimaced at her own naivety as the old man tossed his head back and laughed.

"I'm not dead yet, child!" he said. Tori's jaw dropped. What was the old servant from the palace's crystal table room doing in Viclya? It was still a closed settlement and all guests needed invitations.

"Sir, do you have an invitation?" Tori couldn't help asking.

"Of course, I do!" the old man looked proud. He patted down his new shirt and found the crumpled-up paper in his pocket. He held it out and Tori quietly took it from his hand. It was one of Piers' invitations. He and Ewan had different ones, as one had a lunch celebration and the other had an evening one. Tori cocked her head to the side as she flattened it out and opened it.

"I see...." It was legit. She handed it back to the old man.

"I missed last year," he said with a bit of disappointment as he took the invitation back and looked at it fondly.

"For both my grandsons. I hoped to make it this time." The corner of Tori's eye twitched.

"Grandsons?"

"Yes! Piers and Gideon." Tori held back an awkward whimper as Master Ramos smacked the other old man who now had a very, very illustrious identity, on the arm.

"At least properly introduce yourself! You're being rude. You've run away for so long; you forgot your manners." The other old man sent him a glare.

"I didn't run away! I was-"" Taking in the sights and sounds of the empire you spent your life serving, yes, I know. You always say that." Master Ramos rolled his eyes and scoffed. He motioned towards Tori once more. The old man turned to face her and stood up straight. He gave her a regal nod of his head.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, again, Countess Victoria de Guevera. Allow me to introduce myself." I don't think it's necessary at this point-"I am Jean-Philippe Stephane Nathaniel du Soleil de Talon et Verille, father of Mathieu-Philippe, grandfather of Piers Emil and Gideon Francis," the old man said with a warm, proud smile.

"I am commonly referred to now-a-days as the Emperor Emeritus."