Chương 18: Trial By Combat

It was happening. It was really happening and in the dramatic confrontation style she imagined it would be. The love interest burst through the crowd, pointing fingers, and making claims as if he really believed himself to be the originator of a modest quilt vest. All this scene needed was Alessa holding him back to appear merciful while pretty-crying. Tori almost burst into a fit of maniacal laughter at the sheer glee of having been right. I really called it! Yay for tropes!

She got her first real look at the last love interest. He had that fiery red hair and those blue eyes; classically good-looking, of course, and had an air of confidence. She couldn't remember how old he was, but she was sure he was the oldest of the targets. Perhaps eighteen? Or twenty? If she was being honest, the love interests didn't look like how real fourteen-year-olds looked anyway, and that was to be expected in the world of a dating sim. All targets needed to be abnormally appealing to a broader audience.

If the Romance of Soleil was as popular as it was, a lot of it had to do with how appealing the characters were. Adrien's clothes were neat and clean, well-fitted and in earthy colors that complimented his features. He didn't appear incredibly wealthy and from what she could remember, he had a common background and worked hard to achieve the success he now had. Considering that he stole her vest and sleeping bag designs, Tori wondered what his hustle really was.

She tried to calm down and curb her burst of excitement, like when she was about to fight a match. She didn't want to be too excited and lose focus. This confrontation would not be driven with swords, but with words and a paper trail. Coming from a project manager background, she was used to having everything documented, either for later reference, legal purposes, or just the yearly audit. Everything had to have a record. Every coin spent needed to be accounted for.

She doubted someone used to being his own boss and doing his own thing would be able to compete against a corporate paper-pusher when it came to trivial legalities and processes. Thus, she couldn't wait to see how this all played out. She'd done her research. She'd gathered her evidence. She'd sourced, filed, recorded, and practiced her argument in her head over and over for this very moment. This was the closest she'd get to trial by combat with Adrien.

The crowd before her was talking amongst themselves and she couldn't hear exactly what was being said, but she knew they were confused. Guild master Skuldsen lowered the scissors and frowned. He narrowed his eyes as the young man who'd come storming in and walked forward.

"May I ask who you are, young man?" Guild master Skuldsen asked, looking the auburn-haired man up and down. With his back straight, the newcomer stepped forward with a proud look on his face.

"My name is Adrien Rosiek and I am the owner of the Golden Cow." He turned towards the awaiting crowd.

"Do not let this store open! These designs are stolen!"

"Mr. Rosiek, what do you mean to accuse these students as thieves?" the guild master asked, frowning.

"My company, the Golden Cow, was the first to sell quilted vests and sleeping mats!"

"They're called sleeping bags, idiot...." Tori heard llyana whisper under her breath. Adrien looked at the three students standing in front of the door and frowned.

"Who is the owner of this store?"

"I have partners, but I am the main owner of Lions Gate." Tori stepped forward. She was shorter than Adrien, but didn't falter from his glare. She'd faced off with middle-aged men in management on dozens of projects worth millions of dollars. She'd been shouted at and told off by drunken bozos on the street. She'd had men twice her size rushing at her with a sword. She'd ripped some towels out of a Karen's hands during a Black Friday sale. He. Was. Nothing.

"Is there a problem, Mr. Rosiek?"

"Of course, there's a problem! The Golden Cow started selling quiltwear weeks ago! Isn't it obvious that you stole my design?" He puffed out his chest and scowled. Tori squinted. Quiltwear? This guy is the 'genuis merchant' archetype and he fucking calls it quiltwear? Is this game shitting me? Tori took a deep breath and kept a calm look on her face.

"Mr. Rosiek, you bring up a good point with the word 'quilt'. While you did start selling vests and sleeping bags first, the basic idea stems from traditional quilts, which have existed for centuries. The idea of a layer of goose or duck down between two tightly woven pieces of cloth and then stitching them to keep them in place is not new."

"That may be so, but I was the first to come up with the vests!"

"Do you not think it's possible that two parties could make similar developments at roughly the same time, independently of each other?" Tori asked. He laughed and gave her a mocking look.

"Oh, there is a possibility, but it's almost none." The corner of her lip curled up.

"I agree."

"Mr. Rosiek," Guild master Skuldsen said, once more drawing everyone's attention.

"As the process of quilting is neither new nor rare, do you have any evidence that these students stole your design?"

"Naturally. I have the receipts of materials purchased and labor invoices from our contracted artisans, as well as records of the first sale, all of which occurred over a month ago."

"Then do you have the record of design development? Such as the initial drawings, measurements, and fabric samples?" Tori asked with a raised brow.

"I do!"

"Great. As this is a conflict between merchants, why don't we ask the merchant guild's regional committee to review your 'proof' and judge whether we are the thieves in this case," Tori said smoothly. Adrien sneered and shook his head.

"Do you think I'll agree to that? The guild master's son is involved in the theft!" He pointed to Henrik behind Tori. Henrik crossed his arms over his chest and gave him an incredulous look. Guild master Skuldsen's annoyance turned into a fierce glare.

"Watch your mouth, Mr. Rosiek. You have not proven they've stolen anything." Tori took a step forward once more and met Adrien's eyes defiantly.

"If the merchant guild will not suffice, what do you propose?"

"A neutral party," he answered, as if he'd prepared the answer.

"Why don't we invite the members of the Imperial Commerce Commission and bring this matter to their attention?" Oh, shit. How long will that take? Tori narrowed her eyes. Adrien smirked.

"What's wrong, miss? Afraid to be proven guilty?" She returned his smirk with a haughty look of her own. It wasn't that she was afraid; she just didn't know how long it would take to call for the Imperial Commerce Commission, the ruling trade regulations and patents board in the empire, to review their work. She didn't want to delay the opening of her store.

"We are willing to review the contested ownership of the wearable quilt designs." A low, even voice spoke out from the crowd and Tori blinked. A random person couldn't make a decision over something like this. Guild master Skuldsen looked surprised. He was looking in a particular direction, seemingly stunned to see someone.

"Your Highness." He lowered his head and gave a small bow to a tall, slender man with white streaks on the sides of his coiffed gray hair. He had a small mustache and wrinkles in the corners of his violet eyes. He walked towards them in a neat suit with four individuals behind him, all likely the same age and, from the way they carried themselves, came from significant backgrounds. He stopped between Tori and Adrien and seemed to acknowledge them with a small nod each.

"All five heads of the Imperial Commerce Commission are present today, Lady Guevera, Mr. Rosiek," he said. His eyes lingered on Adrien's.

"We can start at any time." She didn't know what was going on, but screw it, she'd take the deus ex machina. She looked at Adrien with a puffed-up sense of bravado.

"Isn't this timely, Mr. Rosiek. We can get this ugly mess sorted out immediately. The Imperial Commerce Commission and I are ready when you are." Tori saw the brief flash of surprise and disbelief in Adrien's eyes. He likely didn't expect whoever these esteemed elders were and was hoping to delay her opening. Now that his plan backfired, he was put on the spot, but couldn't back out.

"Then give me some time to gather my evidence. Where will we meet? The guild hall?" he asked, looking back at Tori.

"You have an hour and we'll meet here," she said. There was no room for argument in her words.

"After all, you already have your so-called 'evidence' ready, don't you?" He shot her a glare, but kept his look of confidence and nodded.

"Then, we shall see in an hour." He turned around and stalked back through the crowd. Tori watched him leave and after a few moments, clapped her hands together.

"Everyone! I apologize for the sudden chaos, but it seems that our opening will be momentarily delayed!" She kept a brilliant smile on her face as she looked at the crowd, addressing them as if this were a slight inconvenience and not that they were about to enter some sort of litigation.

"However, for our guests, we have arranged coffee and pastries from our neighboring cafe and patisserie, La Lumiere. We are working with them today to provide a hot beverage and snacks to all our honored guests. While we wait for Mr. Rosiek to return, please go, and get something warm to drink and sweet to eat and have a seat. We will sort this out soon!."

Ilyana, Sonia, and JP immediately began to join the crowd and try to lighten the mood, joking about the 'lunatic' who disrupted their opening and suggested pastries to people. Her aunt and uncle also sought out familiar faces to try to ease the awkwardness of the situation. Tori remained standing by the door with a smile fixed to her face.

"Lady Guevera." Guild master Skuldsen turned back to her with a hint of concern on his face. Tori almost wanted to laugh at his worry; she and Henrik had already told him about the Golden Cow and what could happen. She supposed the guild master didn't take the threat too seriously until then.

"When did you invite the Imperial Commerce Commission?" She shook her head and leaned closer.

"I didn't. I don't even know who they are." Guild master Skuldsen let out a heavy breath. He stood beside her and directed her attention to the group of five older people talking and then heading to the cafe.

"The man in the center who spoke out. That's His Royal Highness Prince Emil, the Emperor Emeritus' youngest brother and the current Emperor's uncle. They are very close. The rest are lesser city lords and nobles who are all well versed in trade." He let out a sigh of relief.

"I don't know how you got them here, but you're lucky."

"That's not a word I usually describe myself as, but yes...." Tori nodded.

"Today, I'm lucky." She lifted her hand and patted the guild master's shoulder.

"I'll check with my aunt. Perhaps she invited them." She slipped away from the doors, but not before telling Henrik to arrange for some tables and five chairs to be brought to the front. She searched the now separated crowd and found her aunt chatting with some men and women and showing off her trench outside the cafe. Through the window, Tori could see her cousins already munching on some pastries with their father.

"Ah, there she is. Tori, are you all right?" Auntie Lucia came towards her.

"Who was that man? Is that the Golden Cow you were talking about last week?" Tori nodded.

"Yes. All our documents are in order, so I'm quite confident this will be cleared up soon." She looked at the people her aunt was speaking to and politely excused them as she pulled her aunt away.

"Auntie, did you invite the Imperial Commerce Commission here?" Her aunt shook her head.

"No, although I often heard that someone usually comes from the department when a store on high street opens. Perhaps they heard of your jackets?" Tori shook her head. She doubted that. She wandered back to the front of the store where Henrik was having Ewan arrange the chairs in front of two tables they borrowed from the outdoor seating of La Lumiere.

"Madam Midstrom was livid," Henrik said as she reached him.

"Master Midstrom was just barely restraining her from running out and yelling at the Golden Cow fellow." Tori sighed.

"It'll be made clear soon enough. Are all our documents here?" Henrik touched the leather satchel at his side.

"We have all our documents in order and have the original items." He gave her a questioning look.

"Are you nervous?"

"More excited than nervous. I've been waiting for this since I saw those knockoff vests in his storefront."

"I almost can't believe he chose to make such a scene instead of going through legal means to try to stop us."

"He has no ground if he went the legal method and that would take some time. If he makes a scene, he gets attention and can throw doubt on us while he's at it. If he's lucky, he'll be able to at least lower our reputation and scare off potential customers." If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

"If he dares, he won't leave this place standing...." Ewan grumbled as he shuffled behind them with another chair.

"We discussed this," Tori said in a droll voice.

"This is a society with laws and rules. We can't just start physical fights every time someone does something against us. We could get injured, fined, or arrested. We do not have time for that."

If this world was one of those web novels where the transmigrated lead could just use super magical cultivation powers that were barely explicably better than everyone else's and steam roll over everyone who opposed her, as well as give a general 'fuck you' to rule of law, of course she'd be beating Adrien's ass to the ground. If this was her original high school, she'd also be beating Adrien's ass to the ground.

But this game was neither that genre nor the gang-infested high school she went to in her previous life. She didn't have cultivation-based martial arts or was on good terms with different factions who owed her for helping them pass a class. This was a dating sim and her superpowers consisted of her family and its wealth of resources and, apparently, her experience working in a corporate environment.

"Hey." Henrik elbowed her. He straightened up and looked towards the end of the street.

"He's back."

"Ewan, go and call the committee," Tori said, suddenly feeling a surge of giddiness. She rubbed her hands together.

"This is going to be fun." The five older ladies and gentlemen came out of the cafe and were directed to their seats. Adrien stood in front of them to the right while Tori and Henrik stood with Ilyana on the left, all facing the row. A blank pad of paper and some pens and ink were placed to one side.

"Secretary du Gulain will record this impromptu meeting as an official one. This will be a review case to determine the original owner of the 'quilted vests and sleeping bag' designs. Mr. Adrien Rosiek of the Golden Cow accuses Lady Victoria de Guevera and her company, Lions Gate, of stealing his designs. After our review, the decision will be final and the rights to the designs will be given to the winner," a man at the other end of the table said.

"The winner will then be allowed to pursue additional litigation, if they so please. Do all parties agree?"

"I agree," Adrien said.

"We agree," Tori, Henrik, and Ilyana chorused. Secretary du Gulain, who sat at the opposite end of the table, beckoned them forward to sign their names and then stamped it.

"Let us begin," Prince Emil said. He looked towards Adrien.

"Please provide your evidence." Adrien stepped forward and placed a leather folio in front of Prince Emil.

"Your Highness, esteemed committee members, what I have here are the original sketches I drew out and the invoice for the material ordered. I have the payment slips for the artisans who made the products. Included are the receipts of when the first vests and sleeping mats were sold. They are dated a month and a half ago while the invoices for the materials and artisan payment slips are dated three months prior." Behind her, Tori could hear the whispering of the crowd.

"Esteemed committee members, may I make an inquiry?" Tori asked. One of them gave her a nod as they passed the documents along to each other.

"Mr. Rosiek, can you prove that the material ordered on the invoice is the same material that was used in your products?"

"Yes."

"Where were your materials sourced?"

"They are listed."

"May I ask the committee if there is an invoice for goose or duck down within the time frame that Mr. Rosiek has confirmed."

"There isn't one." Adrien frowned as he answered her himself.

"The down was left over stock from the quilts the artisans made."

"Then where is the record of their purchase?"

"They were taken from neighboring poultry farms, Miss Victoria-""It is Lady Guevera, Mr. Rosiek." Tori cut him off and kept her eyes ahead.

"We are not familiar." She could almost see his red face twisting after being told off by a fourteen-year-old.

"Mr. Rosiek, it says here that your artisans are Humboldt," one of the women on the committee said. She looked up and squinted.

"Humboldt is several days west of here. Were your products transported over?"

"Yes, Madam."

"Where is the invoice for the transport?" she asked.

"I personally transported them over."

"When?" Tori asked. He was lying. It was so obvious she wanted to scream it.

"Over a month ago."

"Have all your products been made in Humboldt?"

"No, just the first batch sold a month and a half ago."

"Do you have any receipts from inns showing that you traveled from Humboldt, on the Western March border, to Horizon?" Tori continued.

"No, due to the cost of production, I could not afford to stay at any inns, so I camped in my wagon." He gave her a depreciative look.

"Not all of us are born into wealth, Lady Guevera."

"Yes, not all of us are being honest, either." Tori shrugged. The committee reviewed Adrien's papers and went through the pieces of cloth he included. After a few minutes, Prince Email looked at Tori.

"You may now show us your evidence to the claim, Lady Guevera." She gave him a small bow and Henrik carried over a large folio tied together. He also removed a ball of navy cloth from his bag and set it on the table.

"In order of date, the first are the initial sketches by Lady Guevera, followed by the finalized sketches along with six sets of measurements. The measurements match up to the six members of our Lycée du Soleil First Year Excursion group. Underneath that is the original pattern for the vest that was used in the prototype. It is marked with the artisan seal," Henrik told them.

"The vests were made for our excursion group to wear knowing that it is colder in Alpine Valley than in Horizon. The quilt method coupled with the spider silk and wool fabric make for a very light and easy to pack piece of clothing that also keeps the body warm."

"You will find the privacy and exclusivity documents signed by the artisans who made the vests, sleeping bags, and the tent for our excursion." Tori turned around to face the crowd.

"Please note the date and the notarization of the document. Included are the invoices of the purchased materials by the artisans and the final receipt of payment, including for the down from two local poultry farmers. There are also delivery notices, as the items were delivered to the Biancci residence in the third district once they were completed. All of these are dated within days of each other."

"Why are the dates so close?" another woman asked from the table. Tori turned back to face the committee.

"The supplies we needed for the First Year Excursion were sold out by the time we tried to purchase them. I thought of commissioning someone to make them for us and was recommended to the artisan by a protégé of General von Schwert." I'm going to just name drop that. Sorry, Axton. Henrik returned to the table with a sage colored bundle and unfurled it, revealing a sleeping bag.

"This is the original sleeping bag. I would expect there to be slight differences with Mr. Rosiek's, as we have an account of all the sleeping bags, but have lost one vest." More murmurs were heard behind them and Tori gave Henrik one more nod. He reached back into his satchel and took out a smaller folio.

"These are several affidavits from numerous students and instructors, including Lycée du Soleil Headmaster Octavio Laurent, confirming that we were wearing our vests and using them during our excursion over a month and a half ago. Our products were completed several days before the excursion. The dates of the excursion pre-date those of Mr. Rosiek's first sale and selling of his products in his store. Knowing that, how is it possible that we stole Mr.

Rosiek's product design if at the time, they were not on the market and we could not have been exposed to them?" Tori turned to Adrien with a triumphant smirk. He opened his mouth to try to counter her, but she continued.

"In addition, the date of the first sale was several days after we returned from the excursion. This can be verified with the witness accounts from the stores next to and across from the Golden Cow Mercantile; the vests appeared after our excursion. As Mr. Skuldsen mentioned earlier, we lost one vest. While we were on the excursion, I lent three vests to my fellow students; two were spares for my team that I planned on giving to my cousins afterwards, and one was my own.

I had spares in case one of my group members fell into the river we had to cross and soaked their vest. Only two of those three vests that were lent out were returned to me." Adrien scoffed and shook his head, giving her a disparaging expression.

"So, now you are accusing me of stealing your design, Lady Guevera?" Tori's smile was predatory.

"The Golden Cow isn't just a store. You know that better than anyone. It employs its own local artisans, as well as outsources work to other regions of the empire. This is well documented in the merchant's guild and imperial merchant registry. Within Horizon, the Golden Cow is contracted with two artisan groups. It doesn't take long to reproduce an item with that many hands, and put it on the market within a few days of having copied the original." His face darkened and he gave her an icy look.

"You are insinuating too much."

"Oh, I'm not insinuating."

"Mr. Rosiek." Prince Emil looked up from the folio of affidavits.

"Can you give a reason as to how Lady Guevera and Lions Gate would have the designs before your product was put on the market?" Tori watched her opponent, imagining little gears turning in his head. He looked up.

"She might've seen the designs when looking for artisans to commission her excursion supplies."

"In Humboldt?" Tori drew her head back. That was the best excuse he could give?

"I didn't know a student had so much time to travel there and back." Her eyes crinkled up with joy.

"Or were your first batch of vests and sleeping bags not made in Humboldt, as you claimed earlier, and made here, instead? If that is so, where are the invoices and receipts from over a month and a half ago supporting that?" She watched the anger he'd barely restrained fill his face. Tori took a deep breath, relishing his pained expression. The elders at the table seemed to have resigned and understanding looks on their faces. Prince Emil closed the folio he was looking at and pursed his lips.

He stood up and convened the other four before returning to his seat.

"Your Highness, esteemed committee members," Guild master Skuldsen said as everyone's attention settled on the four wrinkled faces seated before the door to the store.

"What is your verdict?" Lord du Gulain stood up.

"There is no evidence to prove Mr. Rosiek's accusation that Lady Guevera stole his designs as his products were not available to the public until after the Lycée du Soleil's First Year Excursion, where Lady Guevera and her group were seen wearing and using the vests and sleeping bags in question. Mr. Rosiek's claim that Lady Guevera and Lions Gate stole his intellectual property has been repudiated. These designs in hand and all Lions Gate designs belong to Lady Guevera."

"Yes...!" Ewan said under his breath behind Tori and the others.

"That being said, Lady Guevera has shown a substantial amount of evidence that she designed and commissioned these items, and that they predate Mr. Rosiek's claim. The appearance of the products on the market after the excursion and the missing vest would need to be further investigated to confirm a connection that indicates theft on Mr. Rosiek's part." He looked towards the young woman.

"Lady Guevera, do you wish to file for a formal investigation?" Everyone turned their attention to Tori, whose eyes lit up. This was going well.

"Wait! Wait, Lady Guevera!" Tori didn't like that she could recognize that voice so easily. Alessa was rushing towards the store, still dressed in her school uniform, and with a frantic expression on her face. Tori let out a sigh. I expected her to rush in sooner.

"Hold on...." Tori heard Sonia whisper from behind them.

"It was her?" Her voice dripped with anger and disgust, but Tori lifted her hand a bit to calm her. Their entire group now seemed to realize that the person who didn't return the vest was Alessa. Ah, the drama continues to unfold, but I'm tired of this drama, so.... Tori stepped forward as Alessa reached them and raised a hand to calm her.

"Miss Hart, if you'll please wait a moment." Alessa looked at a loss and Tori immediately turned around.

"Your Highness, esteemed committee members, I have decided not to pursue this further."

"What?" Henrik nearly choked as he looked at her as if she'd lost her mind. Even Adrien and Alessa looked stunned.

"My designs, my decision," she said quickly. She smiled at the committee.

"As was discussed earlier, quilts have existed for ages. This was just an altered application to make them wearable and convenient for travel. However, as I have registered the rest of my designs and patented the methodology behind producing them, I will consider any future reproduction counterfeit and will reserve the right to take legal action." She looked towards Adrien, who had come closer to help an out of breath, red-faced Alessa stand.

"Anyone can sell a quilt, Mr. Rosiek. A quilt shaped like a vest is simple. Please, by all means, continue selling those. Think of this as healthy competition." She gave him a cheeky smile, despite feeling Henrik's boring gaze at the back of her head.

She'd need to placate him later, though she couldn't really explain that the reason she didn't push for a formal investigation was because Alessa would certainly be exposed and if she was in trouble, the love interests would lose their minds and descend upon Tori like a pack of ravenous wolves bent on revenge. She just really didn't want to deal with that.

Allowing them to continue to sell the vests and sleeping bags, but also putting pressure on them was the most peaceful way of settling this account, although she was sure that Adrien was now her enemy and she would need to be more cautious. Ah, fuck it, if he calls it 'quiltwear', I'll fight 'im.

"Now what?" Ilyana whispered as she looked around. The verdict was given. Tori made her decision. Now, everyone was just standing around. Her 'work smile' reappeared on her face and Tori looked back at the crowd.

"Well, this has been exciting, hasn't it?" She laughed and clapped her hands together once.

"Our blood is flowing; our hearts are racing after this turn of events. But now, I think it's time to open up." She looked over her shoulder and gave an earnest look at Guild master Skuldsen. He quickly picked up her signal and put on a smile before walking forward with the scissors.

"Your Highness Prince Emil," he said.

"Would you do the honors?"

"Oh! Hah!" Prince Emil stood up from the chair with a pleased look on his face.

"I would love to!" Henrik went to collect their evidence, wary of Adrien as the other man came to gather his collection of lies. Once the tables were cleared, Ewan and one of the guards returned them to their original location. The committee stood up and the chairs were dragged away. Prince Emil stood by the door and Henrik waved his arm. Tori's eyes widened.

"Wait, no-" The trumpets blared once more and she drew her lips inward and bit them. Dammit, Henrik.

"Oh...." Prince Emil nodded, appearing impressed as he looked at his peers.

"That's a nice detail." When the trumpets quieted down, he let out a small cough.

"It is my pleasure to declare Lions Gate High Street open!" He cut the red ribbon and it fluttered to the ground to a series of energetic applause and shouts. The guard opened the door wide and Prince Emil stepped back to let in the first woman in line; a lovely older woman with graying brown hair who looked eager to enter. Ilyana stood by the door, greeting people, and making sure there was an organized line entering the shop.

"I'm going to head in," Henrik said. Tori gave him a nod and went to thank the guild members who came to support the teenagers who had been running around the guild hall like mad the last few weeks.

"Tori!" a voice called out and she turned and smiled.

"Hey! You made it!" She slapped Albert on the shoulder as he reached her. He was already wearing a navy JP2; a gift from the group to thank him for alerting them of the theft. He had let out a yell and nearly jumped when he realized it was a full jacket and not just a vest.

"Of course! I have to support my friends." He laughed.

"Speaking of that, you haven't returned the feedback survey I gave you to find out what you think about the jacket." Tori crossed her arms over her chest with a knowing look as he gave her a helpless grin.

"We just finished midterms. I swear I'll get it to you this week." She laughed and grinned back.

"I know you will. I appreciate it." She noticed an older woman standing by Albert; one of the committee members and straightened up. Did she have further questions? The woman looked like she wanted to come closer. Albert seemed to notice, but instead of stepping aside, he reached for the woman's arm and led her forward.

"Tori, this is my grandmother, Madam Letizia Martin. She saw my jacket at home and wanted to come." Tori's mouth was agape. That was a connection she did not see coming but was pleasantly surprised about. A bright smile filled her face and she extended her hand.

"Hello, Madam Martin. It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you so much for today!" A warm hand shook hers.

"It's an honor for me, as well. I heard what you did for my Albert during the excursion. I can't thank you enough." Tori shook her head.

"He was injured and in need of assistance. Providing that assistance is the only thing that we could've done." She looked at Albert and sent him a small glare.

"If you were bringing your grandmother, you should've told us! Everyone was waiting out in the cold."

"I got a seat in the cafe, like the twins said." She sighed.

"All right, enough standing out here. Go inside. Madam Martin, please take your time and look around. Did you come with the entire committee? Had I known...."

"Oh, I just came with Patricia, our treasurer, and Claude, our general director. We always like to come when a store opens here," the old woman said with a chuckle.

"I was surprised to see Emil and Theo. Ah, I bet their wives dragged them out! Well, it's good they came, yes? We got that problem straightened out at once." Tori nodded.

"And I can't thank you enough. If it didn't look like a bribe, I'd give you a jacket of your choosing." Madam Martin let out a laugh and squeezed Tori's hand.

"Don't worry! Albert says he has a special discount!"

"Friends and family, half off today only." Tori beamed and the two headed into the store. She looked around the crowd and found that most of them had entered. Through the window, the store was looking a bit crowded and she was glad the guards were there to usher people in when Ilyana and the others were chatting up people waiting to get inside. Tori stepped forward to join them when a hand clamped down on her arm. She turned around and the pleasant look on her face hardened.

"Lady Guevera, please wait a moment!" Alessa looked at her pleadingly.

"May I please speak to you?"