Chương 183: Disturbance in the Force

"Why are you crying?" JP asked his sister with crinkled eyes. Sonia sucked in a breath and shook her head as her eyes watched Tori trot around the corral on a pure black horse.

"I'm just so happy for her," Sonia said.

"She's such a beautiful horse." Henrik squinted and gave her a questioning look.

"Are you happy for Tori or are you happy for her horse?"

"Both." Tori listened to the conversations around the corral praising the beauty of Layla and how lucky Tori was to get her. She didn't usually like to listen to such ridiculous praise, but she would make an exception. She had been riding Layla for some time; as soon as Lady Bettencourt brought out a saddle for her. Unfortunately, Tori's heavenly ride had to come to an end. Not because she wanted to or because they had to go, but because she wasn't used to riding on a horse and was getting saddle sore.

She led Layla to the side of the corral and Sebastian pushed forward some boxy wooden steps.

"Do you want to use the mounting block?"

"No! I want to get down by myself." She was well aware she sounded like a child, but she wanted to get used to getting on and off by herself. She handed the reins to a stable hand and carefully grabbed on to the saddle. Her movements to dismount were slow and awkward, and she could hear Sonia and JP snickering because for a while she dangled above the ground due to her height and inexperienced assessment of how far she was from the ground.

She landed neatly on the ground, though Sebastian was hovering behind her in case she fell, and stretched.

"No bad!" JP shouted.

"Take your time walking. You were sitting on her for so long and aren't used to it!"

"I know!"

"There's no shame in waddling!"

"Shut up!" Knowing that she would just waddle off if she went too fast, Tori took her time taking one small step after another to get towards them.

"I can't believe that Alexander picked out your horse," Albert said, looking at the fluffy gray cat sitting on the fence post and wearing a little black hat with a wide brim.

"And where did he get that hat?"

"Fifi had Nanny Rey make it for him," Ilyana said.

"I think it looks good on him."

"Alexander is fastable!" Fiona said as she threw her arms up.

"Fashionable," Tori said as she reached them.

"Fashionable. Yes." Fiona beamed.

"Can we bring Layla to the villa?" Tori asked Sebastian. He and Idunn weren't going, as they were still playing hosts to various guests, but they had helped arrange it.

"I don't see why not," Idunn replied.

"The villa has proper stables."

"Great! I can do some more riding when we get there."

"Finally," Sonia said.

"We can go around some trails with you and you can experience the joy of being an equestrian."

"I hardly think with my level of ability, I can qualify."

"You qualify. Don't diminish your passion due to inexperience," JP told her as Sonia nodded in agreement.

"That's a very profound statement," Henrik said as he passed them on the way back to the main building.

"It's surprising it came from you." JP shot him a glare as the others laughed. As Tori entered the back gates, they rounded the area past the main entrance courtyard. There were usually a few horses, as someone was almost always coming or going, but she didn't expect to see a carriage already parked in front of the steps. They didn't leave for another few hours and the carriages usually had the majority of their preparation and stocking done before they were brought to the courtyard. It was likely a visitor.

Tori craned her neck to see if she could make out any symbols or words on the carriage doors that gave away the owner. There was nothing telling, no heraldry, no crest, no family seal or motto. It was unusual considering how gaudy the carriage was. As the thought occurred to her she felt a slight weight on her shoulders. She narrowed her eyes and craned her neck.

Such a flamboyant carriage would usually belong to wealthy lower nobility or new money aristocracy to show off their wealth as opposed to the subdued symbols from the powerful and settled families. And there was only one woman Tori could think of at the moment who would parade into the Fortress and fit as the carriage owner.

"Something wrong?" Ilyana asked as she saw Tori's scrunched face.

"Disturbance in the force."

"What?"

"I said I think my aunt is here." The group followed her gaze towards the carriage. Considering that Auntie Lucia was staying at the Fortress and Auntie Maria was a nun who didn't have a private carriage, they had an idea which of Tori's aunts had appeared.

"If your aunt is here... does that mean Hart is here?" Albert asked as his lips turned down. Tori clenched her jaw.

"Fifi, why don't you take the others to check on your chickens. Alexander hasn't gone to see his friends yet. I have to go and greet some people, so I will meet you there later." Idunn put Fiona down and the little girl nodded. She took Ilyana's hand and pulled her forward.

"Come with me. Nugget is starting to grow big chicken feathers. He's ugly now, but I still love him." Tori's friends followed her niece without question. No one wanted to deal with her aunt or Hart. Sebastian held Idunn's hand as they walked with a neutral look on his face. Those who had to went to the dining hall. Knowing that it was likely that Gideon had woken up late and went to eat, Tori had a sense of urgency to intercept Alessa.

There was also a good chance Fabian had finished his forced morning training with the knights and went to eat breakfast with Gideon, as well. She was trying to wean the two love interests from her and Alessa appearing over their planned Alessa-free summer threatened to derail her plans. Since Alessa appeared, Tori's mind had been coming up with all sorts of countermeasures.

She'd written down a few while she was preparing for the wedding yesterday morning and wished she had a chance to review her countermeasures more. Unfortunately, Alessa and her aunt appeared sooner than she expected. Still, some countermeasures were better than no countermeasures. Tori followed behind her brother and sister-in-law with Piers beside her.

"Are you sure you don't want to go see Fifi's chickens?"

"I am the first prince of Soleil," Piers said, as if reminding her that it was more proper for him to greet people than check on Nugget.

"You don't like my aunt."

"I don't like many people."

"Fair enough." They reached the dining hall and Tori put on a pleasant smile as she walked in.

"Auntie Fabiana, good morning!" Sebastian greeted them with an upbeat smile and Idunn gave their aunt a small nod of her head along with her smile.

"I see you brought Baroness Hart," Idunn said.

"We missed you at the reception here last night." Tori turned her head away and held back a laugh. She'd only found out when they were spending time together on the battlements, but Piers had prohibited Fabiana, her husband, and Alessa from coming. He allowed for Fabiana's two children and their families, as he felt they had a 'sense of shame and decency'.

"It was strange that our invitations were rejected," Fabiana said with a huff. She looked at her sister with a haughty look.

"Antonia, you must see your knights and find out what's wrong. To refuse entry to the heir's aunt? They're crossing a line!" Antonia didn't answer. She only took a deep breath and remained seated next to her husband. Closer to the far end of the table, Gideon and Fabian seemed focused on their meals, cutting through the ham with concentration or carefully measuring out sugar to put in coffee. They were quiet and neither said anything about inviting Alessa to join them.

Either they knew to wait for the hosts to do so or they didn't want to offer for fear of indirectly inviting her aunt to sit.

"At least you were able to come this morning," Sebastian said before motioning towards the table.

"Have you eaten yet?" It was well past mid-morning. If they were there, they should've already eaten breakfast.

"No, not yet! Thank you for the offer!" Fabiana took a seat and motioned for Alessa to take a seat beside her. This surprised no one. Antonia didn't say anything, only lifted her hand as a signal to bring food for the two.

"I couldn't not come and greet you after the wedding, so we made a point to come today. We haven't spent much time with you since we arrived so late." Sebastian took his seat across from their mother with Idunn beside him. Tori quietly made her way to a knight and whispered something before leading Piers to sit at the far end of the table, away from her parents and aunt, but closer to where Gideon and Fabian were seated.

"Auntie, what are your plans for the rest of your stay?" Tori asked as she took a seat on Piers' right.

"I was going to ask you," Fabiana said with a bright smile.

"You know, Alessa isn't familiar with the city and being dragged around by some old lady isn't very fun-""Godmother, don't say that. I enjoy accompanying you," Alessa said as she reached over and touched Fabiana's arm. Fabiana looked satisfied with her reaction and cupped her hand over Alessa's.

"And I enjoy your company, as well, but I'm sure you'd have more fun with people your own age." Fabiana's eyes drifted to Tori and Tori readied herself.

"Tori, why don't you take Alessa with you?" I knew this moment would come.

"I heard that since she just arrived a day or two before the wedding, she hasn't had time to explore Presidio. Unfortunately, I and the others have prior engagements scheduled for the rest of our time here." She saw her aunt start to open her mouth and Tori cut her off.

"But I didn't want to simply leave Baroness Hart without a guide, so I prepared a suitable list of places of interest and food recommendations for her for the next few days." She lifted her hand and a knight stepped forward with some papers that Tori had asked to be retrieved from her room. She pretended she didn't see her aunt's face freeze up as she shifted through the sheets.

"Guevera, that was very thoughtful of you," Gideon said. He looked across the table and gave Alessa a smile.

"Guevera planned out our activities when we arrived as well. You'll be satisfied with the board array she's selected. Presidio is an old city and there is much to see historically and culturally." Oh... nice assist, Gideon. You earned yourself a meal. Tori gave him a satisfied nod. She stood up and went to sit next to Alessa.

"I've separated it into three lists and there is a lot in each, so I don't recommend you try to do them all at once. The first list is historical and culturally important places in the city. Start from the Plaza Mayor and work your way out into the city. There are churches, museums and galleries, and artisan quarters. The second list has the best recommended restaurants for particular Sur specialties.

A few are so popular, it is difficult to walk in and get a seat, so I had some knights book tables for you throughout the next few days. Don't worry, they're done according to mealtimes best suited for their signature dishes.

"The last list are my personal recommendations in the artisan and craft quarters. You mentioned the Golden Cow and as I know that with a transition of ownership, there are often some suppliers who are hesitant to work with the new owner, so for your consideration, these are some suppliers of common goods usually made in Sur and sold across the empire. I think it would be beneficial for you to see what items are available, if only for later purchase for resale in Horizon.

It is unfortunate that I can't personally take you, but I wanted to give you useful information to make the most out of your trip." This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. For a moment, the table was quiet. Tori had an inviting smile as she spread out the three sheets in front of Alessa. Alessa looked surprised at first. She blinked at Tori and then looked down at the sheets presented to her.

"Countess Guevera... I-""Victoria, a list?" Fabiana scoffed and sat up straight with her lips drawn into a frown.

"Alessa is visiting and rather than be a proper host and take her-""Baroness Hart is your guest." Piers spoke up, making the woman snap her mouth shut.

"Not Tori's. She is not obliged to care for the guests of others."

"His Highness is correct." Antonia lowered the paper she was reading and looked across the table at her sister.

"Tori has prior engagements that cannot be changed. She is hosting the first prince, the second prince, Duke Alvere, and good friends from Horizon, including Sebastian's pupil. Fabiana, are you suggesting that Tori abandon her plans to host the first prince to host your guest?" Her sister looked affronted.

"Of course not! Can't Tori simply bring Alessa with her? They're the same age."

"What makes you think there is room to bring Baroness Hart?" Sebastian said as he cocked his head to the side.

"Auntie, everything has been prepared for a set number of guests, including several children and our O'Tuagh cousins, since before they arrived. Due to the importance of the guests, there are strict logistical issues."

"No doubt Tori wishes she could bring the Baroness with her, but as she can't, she's spent hours putting together these lists and making reservations to try to give the Baroness a good experience in her hometown," Idunn said, giving Alessa a knowing look.

"She's even noted possible suppliers to help with the Baroness' business."

"When did you have time, Guevera?" Gideon added, appearing to look impressed.

"You spent most of your time before the wedding practicing."

"Yes, the Countess was unable to join us in the tours of the city as she had to practice the blessing dance," Fabian said as he poked at his food.

"Alessa," Gideon looked across the table at Alessa with a thoughtful look.

"Although we can't join you as we are accompanying my brother, and Piers hates it when plans don't go as scheduled, you'll find that there is plenty to do. Guevera's list will be exceptionally useful."

"What do you think, Baroness?" Tori asked.

"I have some time before we leave. If you want to go through this list further, we can." Alessa seemed unsure whether she should accept or not. She looked towards her godmother, who was still frowning, and then at Gideon's expectant face. Piers sat at the far end of the table with a cold, unmoving look. No one dared to change his plans. With no other better choice, Alessa seemed to force a smile as she looked at Tori.

"If you have a moment, I'd like help narrowing down my choices."

"Good idea!" Tori nodded with satisfaction.

"Don't tire or overwhelm yourself. When you're done with breakfast, come out to the terrace and we'll discuss. I'll ask for a map of the city for you." Tori jumped up and went to speak to a knight before wandering out of the terrace outside. Piers rose from his seat and called for Gideon to accompany him. If Gideon went, then Fabian went, too, and the three of them walked out through the terrace, thus fleeing the dining room.

"Axton said he'd join Ewan to eat breakfast at Fiona's courtyard after their training," Piers said.

"We will see you later." Tori gave him a nod and looked at the other two.

"Good job. Think about what you'd like to eat when we return to Viclya. I'll make it." Gideon's eyes widened and he and Fabian exchanged surprised looks.

"You'll make it?"

"I appreciate your assistance inside," Tori said, motioning her head towards the doors leading to the dining hall. Gideon looked pleased.

"I didn't speak for a reward, but I'll accept it. I don't think I've tried the jambalaya Conner spoke of." Tori nodded.

"I will have the ingredients prepared." Gideon followed Piers and von Dorn paused a bit behind him.

"Guevera, Alessa may still have that charm," he said in a quiet, hesitant voice. Tori drew her head back, surprised he brought it up. She remembered that Fabian had been with Gideon when Montan gave him the charm. She narrowed her eyes a bit. Did von Dorn understand the problem? Better yet, did he know it was being used on him? That strangely made him smarter than Gideon in her eyes. She didn't ask, but nodded instead. She lifted her bracelet and tapped on the purple crystal.

"I'm well prepared. Thanks, von Dorn." He gave her a small nod and quickly caught up with Gideon. Just after the map arrived, Alessa came out. Tori didn't ramble on with pleasantries. She enthusiastically dove right into her list, as if excited to show off her hometown, in order to lull Alessa into a sense of comfort, and then she could ask some questions that had been on her mind since Alessa appeared with her aunt.

"... if you'd like to take a horseback tour of the scenic hills around the city," Tori said.

"My godfather says that sunset is the best time and the guides there will take you back safely." Alessa nodded and wrote some notes on the edge of the paper.

"That does sound lovely. I used to ride."

"I remember. Mr. Mulligan mentioned it when we came to Chetterswickshire," Tori said.

"I thought he said that both your parents were from Chetterswickshire. How did my aunt become your godmother? She loves living in Horizon. I don't think she'd leave unless it was for an event like this."

"Oh! Godmother and Mumsy were classmates at Académie d'Horizon. Mumsy was two years younger than my godmother, but they were assigned as mentor and mentee," Alessa replied with a bright smile.

"It's often done at Académie, but unfortunately, such a system isn't done at Lycée." Tori nodded her head, not really caring.

"They must've been close."

"Yes, my godmother said that it was because of her that Mumsy was able to marry Daddy. You see, he was coming to Horizon to represent himself at the Chamber and since Mumsy was also from Chetterswickshire, she came to see him. My mother's side was considered well off before; my grandfather owned a lot of land, but there was that drought, and the land didn't bring in as much." Tori nodded.

"We are all at the mercy of nature."

"Yes!" Alessa looked enthusiastic that someone understood.

"Godmother said she encouraged my mother to talk to Daddy to discuss the plight of Chetterswickshire. When Mumsy graduated and returned to Chetterswickshire, she lost touch with my godmother since they were so busy trying to fix the state of the barony. When I was born, Mumsy reached out to my godmother. Unfortunately, Godmother wasn't feeling well and could not make it to my trifecta ceremony, but she did choose the god."

"Oh, which one?" Tori asked.

"Njael, god of luck and wealth." Tori tried not to cringe as Alessa giggled. Her eyes saddened a bit.

"I supposed Godmother wanted me to be lucky and bring wealth back to the barony."

"It does take a lot of money to run a territory," Tori agreed. She didn't want to judge what other people selected to bless their godchildren, but the god of luck and wealth was a bit tacky. Most people choose positive virtues or strengths. There were multiple gods of luck, too.

"Did you see your godmother when you arrived in Horizon? I know it's been difficult considering how busy we've all been. Lycée lives up to its reputation as being a demanding school."

"I sent her a message, but she told me to focus on school, as she's aware of how demanding it is," Alessa replied.

"Luckily, I ran into her at the Golden Cow. She heard I suddenly had such a responsibility and offered help. Your uncle has various properties around the city, so if needed, they can rent to me for cheap."

"That's good. Connections are important, especially in a city where we're not native." Tori felt some pity for Alessa. Fabiana clearly did not want to aid her in any way until Alessa became the owner of the Golden Cow. Even now, the Golden Cow was better known in the city than Lions Gate due to its longer history in the city.

"Countess, thank you for this list. I want to focus on the suppliers you suggested. Are you sure it won't compete with your company if I buy from them?" Alessa asked. Tori shook her head.

"Our sales are different. For now, I recommend building a steady supplier base. You're in Sur, so you should take advantage of your time here and find suppliers that can help your business."

"I understand. Thank you, my lady."

"Have you not heard from Mr. Rosiek?" Tori asked. He'd disappeared into the boonies the last she'd heard, but their intelligence hadn't reported any activity. However, since he was still a love interest, Tori doubted he'd cut ties with Alessa completely when he left. Standard love interests plots would have him leave for a period of time, but still secretly watch her, which Tori felt was the case.

"I'm assuming he worked on all the previous contracts and when they end, you may have questions. Some suppliers may not wish to renew if they're no longer working with him." Alessa let out a disappointed sigh.

"He is concentrating on a new endeavor in Anlar. I think he was driven by the sudden improvements of the Lunar Inns. He mentioned them a lot before he left." Tori tried not to look too interested.

"Is that so? I thought he was working with another to connect his stores along the trade routes to inns."

"He is, but he said it is a slow and gradual process. He also wants to work on improving business opportunities in Chetteswickshire." Alessa frowned.

"It's just that the Viscount is very strict and refuses to make concessions."

"Then, what else can Mr. Rosiek do?" Alessa perked up once more.

"My mother left me some property that used to belong to her father. My mother was the only heir and so it came down to me. Father was having the land rented before I came of age, but now, since farming isn't bringing in my income, we've decided to develop it as an inn and marketplace to cater to the caravan traffic from the lakes to Anlar." Tori tilted her head to the side.

"An inn and a marketplace? Will he be able to hire people from Chetterswickshire?"

"Yes. There will be a dorm, as it's a few days' travel from the barony," Alessa said.

"When it's ready, I will invite you to see it." Alessa's face reddened a bit, and she looked almost shy.

"I trust the Countess' opinions on the like." Tori gave her a small nod of her head.

"Then when it's ready, let me know. I'd love to see it." Piers sat stiffly beneath the shade of the portico as yells came from the lake just down the path from the back of the villa. His eyes were narrowed, and his hand tightened around the glass of chilled sangria.

"That falls in line with the reports of movements on property of the late Baroness," he said.

"Our people were told it was being developed by Neill, but it seems that the real developer is Rosiek."

"It makes sense. He must've been doing something since he left Horizon," Tori replied. She poured herself another glass of chilled wine as she sat on the other side of a small, round table.

"Developing farmland that isn't yielding enough to support itself into an inn and marketplace for caravans to rest and do business isn't a bad idea." Such caravan stops were quite popular, and cities had grown from watering holes. Depending on where the land was on the route, it could prove successful.

"Tori," Piers said as he frowned.

"We do not know much about her mother." Tori sipped her drink and looked over.

"Hart's mother?" Piers nodded his head.

"Our information is limited: the late baroness came from a landowning family based in Chetterswickshire and she was able to go to Horizon to study. No doubt some of her family's wealth had gone to the barony when she married." Tori shook her head.

"How bad is Baron Hart's business acumen that all his investments have failed?"

"Perhaps he should've been the one blessed with the god of luck."

"Piers, be serious."

"I am." She gave him a look and Piers brought the sangria to his lips innocently.

"Can we find out more about Hart's mother's side?"

"I will let our people know," Piers said.

"There were several well-off families in Chetterswickshire before the drought and subsequent decline of the barony. The Stackhouses included. If they are similar to Madam Voss' family, they either struggled to survive up until now or have left." Tori pursed her lips.

"Leaving for better opportunities is fairly common, though mostly for those who aren't tied to the land." Piers looked out towards the lake. Eili was on Tori's crystal powered water hammock. She, Deidre, Andy, and Kasen had been pouring over it since it was brought out. It was Deidre who wanted to do some tests with slightly larger vessels, just to see how much power was needed for particular sizes. Andy was fascinated that crystals could be used instead of sails and paddles.

He was convinced that with the right crystal technology, their ships could be revolutionized. Unfortunately, Tori felt her aide was limited. She knew nothing about ships, motors, and sailing. She could figure out the theory and implement it on a tiny test device, but as far as expanding it to a larger scale and making it revolutionary, it would have to be left up to people who knew what they were doing.

There were a few crystal masters in Anlar, and Master Ramos had agreed to go speak to them about crystal technology for shipbuilding, should the O'Tuagh be interested. Considering that Tori knew she wasn't going to get her water hammock back, it seemed that she'd have to inform the old man that he was going to go to King's Harbor instead of back to Viclya with the rest of them.

"If the O'Tuagh can develop crystal technology with ships to a satisfactory level, I will propose a budget to supplement building and additional research," Piers said.

"We cannot become complacent with technology." Tori nodded with agreement.

"I will provide all I can to help with the crystal research."

"No matter what, this advancement came from Anahata Island. It is the product of your crystal research facility," Piers told her.

"You should ask for funding." Tori perked up and put her glass back on the table.

"I can ask for money for research?" She briefly imagined her shiny wizard-no, crystal researcher tower. I could do a lot of things if I had more money.

"Father is expecting you to ask eventually after several of the devices developed on the island have been released for commercial use. He said that eventually, you would turn your attention to technology to advance both the empire's living standards and military." She had to give the Emperor credit. Tori did hope that the research on the island could advance the empire's lives.

"How much money can be allotted?"

"It depends on what the research is on."

"How does he feel about water management?" Tori asked. It wasn't her usual focus, but after the flooding that Piers had seen and the occasional droughts elsewhere, having a system to manage water would be beneficial to the empire's agricultural industry. The construction of such a system could provide jobs and they could alleviate stress from areas prone to drought or flooding. They'd still be at the mercy of nature, but some preparation could go a long way to lessen collateral damage.

Piers raised a brow and glanced at her.

"You are interested in this?"

"I have people interested in it."

"What are you interested in?" Tori thought for a moment. Immediate wants and needs aside, she did have an ultimate goal, but telling Piers 'to do what I want' was vague.

"I'd like to get my delta running as smoothly as possible with enough food, shelter, and economic development to give my people a safe and comfortable lifestyle. Then I can be free to travel around and explore." The corner of Piers' lips curled up.

"It would be good if they can develop crystal technology to increase the speed of ships."

"Yes, then I can go to more places-""And come home faster." Tori chuckled and nodded.

"That, too." She reached for her glass again and saw that the comcry on the table next to the glass pitcher was lighting up. Tori picked it up and flipped it open.

"It's Mama." Piers gave her a nod and Tori stood up to take the call.

"I will ask for more snacks." He lifted a hand to summon an imperial knight stationed a few paces away. Tori moved to the far side of the portico to answer.

"Mama?"

"I can't get a hold of Axton. Is he with you?" Her mother's normally calm and steady voice was higher than normal. Tori tilted her head to the side and knitted her brows. She looked towards the lake. Axton yelled as he used a rope swing to launch himself over the water and released it just before he would swing back. He plopped into the water, making the others already in it yell.

"He's in the lake. Do you want to talk to him?"

"Yes, it's rather urgent." Her mother would not ask for such a thing normally. Tori felt a knot in her stomach as she walked out from beneath the portico of the villa and headed to the lake's edge. Axton was trudging up shore, grinning from ear to ear.

"Finally coming to join us?" he asked. Her chest tightened. He looked so happy right now. Tori opened her mouth and took a moment to gather herself. She lifted up her comcry.

"Mama wants to talk to you. She says it's urgent." The bright smile on Axton's happy, handsome face faded. His brows furrowed and he quickened his step to reach her. They stood on the banks of the lake.

"Auntie Toni?" he asked.

"Axton, your father is missing." Tori drew her head back, briefly wondering why that would be Axton's problem, as the two were pretty much estranged. Axton let out a small, bitter laugh.

"Auntie, I haven't seen him in months-""No, Axton, the authorities in Alvere and Imperial Knights are looking for him," Tori's mother said in a low, but steady voice. She took a deep breath.

"Rebecca Walter was found dead in Sun Garden this morning. There are bruises around her neck and they suspect your father may have killed her."