Chương 207: You Hate Parties

Perhaps it was the lull after her first real 'mission' in collaboration with Piers and his intelligence team, but Tori felt as if a weight was lifted off her shoulders. While she knew that the mission was still in progress, it was no longer her responsibility. Piers had insisted that he would oversee it, and would not tell her any updates unless she asked. Even when she did, his answers had been short. Usually, he'd tell her a location where the tracking crystals were leading his men.

Tori had expected all the tracking crystals to go in one direction and for a week, they had. Then, they split.

"Did one stop?" Tori asked as she rummaged through the samples of invitations for Axton's birthday party. Piers was reviewing a guest list.

"The wagon and horse stopped for a day, but the barrels remained for three days before moving, but they weren't on the same wagon." Tori narrowed her eyes.

"Where did they go?" Piers' gaze lifted over the edge of the guest list and met her eyes for just a moment.

"I thought you were going to focus on the party planning?" She wrinkled her nose and wiggled down in her seat.

"I'm just curious." She separated three of her top picks for the invitation.

"I know that gold looks good with hunter green, but I want to go with this white marbled gray and the gold foil."

"Okay."

"What do you think?"

"It's fine."

"Do you think Axton will like it?"

"Axton won't see the invitations."

"I mean the color theme," Tori said with a frown.

"Ilyana is waiting for me to settle on a color theme so she can get the table linens and decorations ready." Piers squinted his eyes a bit.

"What decorations are you ordering?"

"The usual. Banners, garlands, some seasonal flowers, or plants," she said, counting off her fingers.

"And then we have to program the lights."

"Axton will care about food the most," Piers said in a dull voice.

"Piers, I'm having a whole roasted pig prepared by the chefs from the Hong Empire's embassy," Tori said in an exasperated voice.

"Have you ever had Hong-style roasted pig? It's amazing." In addition to that, she was having numerous noodle soups prepared, as Axton's birthday was at the beginning of winter. It was a sort of buffet style, but there were pre-set soups to pick from if one wasn't sure. She was sure Axton would love it. Piers seemed to think for a moment and nod.

"Axton will like that." Tori lifted her chin, proud of herself.

"There will be fresh oysters to go with the hors devours to start off with and then everyone will be free to pick their own food." Piers nodded once more.

"Axton likes choices. What about dessert?"

"Since it's winter, I am considering pastries over cold treats. Of course, along with this, I'm also going to be serving an after-dinner coffee, and for those daring, a drink from the Tona Empire. It's a warm milk-based beverage, sweet with a hint of cinnamon, thickened with corn, and a touch of sugar and a seed of a plant...." As she explained, she could see the doubt creep in Piers' otherwise stoic face. This is my fault. I don't know how to explain chocolate or champurrado.

"It'll be good, I promise." He let out a small hum and continued to look over the guest list.

"What about his cake?"

"Salted caramel over chiffon," Tori said.

"Mr. Jaeger is taking care of it." She put aside the white and gray invitation and decided to go with it.

"What are you getting him for his birthday?"

"I am paying for this party."

"Piers."

"I am throwing it. Is that not enough?" Piers asked.

"Well... I suppose it is," she said.

"You ordered fireworks and musicians, too." Piers gave her a satisfied nod.

"Are you giving him a present?" Tori nodded.

"It's a sword."

"He has many swords." She gave him an irritated look.

"It has engravings and crystals embedded around the guard, hilt, and beneath the grip. Sebby helped me get it done."

"Swords used for battle will be damaged."

"That's why I didn't put any on the blade. It's very subtle. They're hardly noticeable. Don't worry, Sebby knows what he's doing." Tori puffed out her chest with pride. Piers was quiet for a moment and nodded.

"Should I get him something?"

"I thought you were just paying for the party and helping me arrange it?" she asked with a raised brow. His eyes were on the table.

"Axton is my closest friend. This will be his first celebration at Nassaun House. I must make it special." A warm smile filled her face and she reached towards him to touch his head. She stroked the side of his head and he leaned towards her hand.

"You love teasing him, but you love him even more."

"Don't tell him." Tori laughed.

"I don't need to." Piers hummed once more and turned his face towards her hand. A knock came from the door, and he snapped back in its direction with an annoyed scowl that reminded her of the look on Ava's face when she was annoyed. Tori lowered her hand and looked towards the door, barely holding back a chuckle.

"Go away." Piers had no qualms about sending off the visitor. Tori sighed.

"Who is it?"

"Axton." Tori sucked in a sharp breath and nearly threw her body across the table to hastily collect all the papers that hinted at his birthday party. Axton wasn't supposed to come.

"Give me a minute!" She did her best to put them into a pile under Piers' frowning gaze and shoved them into her bag. She just knew the uneven, unorganized pile bothered him.

"Come in!" The door didn't open for another few counts. Finally, it creaked open, but only for about an inch.

"Are you decent?"

"What are you talking about?" Tori glared at him.

"We're not in here alone." Axton pushed the door open the rest of the way and looked from her to Piers and back.

"There are only two of you."

"Alexander." Piers pointed to the daybed and the massive gray cat sprawled on his back, his belly exposed to the sunlight coming through the windows. His whiskers moved and one of his feet twitched, but he didn't get up from his comfortable position. Axton took a deep breath.

"I came to get something to eat after training and saw the knights, so I figured you were here," he said, looking at Piers.

"Mama J said not to bother you." Piers looked away.

"You disobeyed Mama J."

"That's not the point," Axton said, slamming a hand on the table.

"You've been busy with your information gathering, so I haven't bothered you, but I want to start discussing something important since the date is getting closer." Tori furrowed her brows.

"Do you need a moment with him?" Axton shook his head. He closed the door and took a seat across from her.

"No, actually, it's better to talk to you about this." She nodded and gave him a concerned, but encouraging look. Axton took a deep breath.

"I want to have my birthday party at Nassaun House." Goddammit, Axton. Tori blinked and kept a calm expression on her face. Her voice, however, was forced and robotic.

"That's nice." Axton squinted at her and shook his head. He looked back at Piers.

"What do you think? I talked to Mr. Mercer, and he didn't seem sure if we could accommodate such a party since the renovations are still being done. Construction does slow down when the weather drops."

"Rather than rush it, there are other options," Piers replied.

"What about the Lunar Pavilion?"

"You're going to have your new year party there and the third-tier knights are having their party there next month." Axton crossed his arms and leaned back against the chair with a somewhat annoyed look.

"I considered Viclya, but we go there so often."

"Are you saying it's boring?" Tori narrowed her eyes and he tensed.

"No, of course not. It's just that we always have parties there. I was thinking we should do someplace... new?"

"Then where?"

"That's what I want to discuss with you." Piers also narrowed his eyes.

"With me?"

"No, Tori. Why would I ask you? You hate parties." Tori drew her lips inward and bit them. Axton looked back at Tori, unperturbed.

"I did have a second option. Do you think reserving the Three Queens is too much?"

"No, not at all." She was on good terms with Mr. Sassure, and he'd be able to help with acting as the decoy for Axton's party.

"That's a good idea. You'd have to reserve the entire building, since not everyone will fit on the roof." Axton rubbed his chin and looked down thoughtfully at the table.

"I'd need to check to see if there is a weekend available. If there are existing reservations, they'd need to be notified of rescheduling."

"You should also compensate them, at the very least," Tori added. He nodded once more. She glanced at Piers, who had a dark look on his face. He was still likely irritated that Axton would doubt him. Another knock came from the door and before they could answer, it swung open. Ilyana walked in with Albert behind her, carrying a wooden box of fabric.

"Tori, I got some samples for the table clothes, napkins, and banners for the-" Tori saw Ilyana's eyes widen as she saw Axton sitting there. She immediately looked towards Piers.

"New Year party at the Lunar Pavilion. It's good His Highness is here, too. We can get his opinion." Good save! Tori silently gave Ilyana thumbs up. Axton craned his neck to look into the box. He raised a brow.

"Green for winter, though?"

"Grandma says that it's good luck to have some green for the new year!" Albert's voice was abnormally high, but it was a good excuse.

"It's to... uh... hope for a good spring and planting." Axton pursed his lips and nodded, buying the excuse completely.

"Great, put the box over here and we'll check it later." Tori smiled and motioned her hand towards the corner of the room. As Albert put the box down, Tori gave Ilyana a meaningful look.

"Can you check on Henrik-""Tori, I've found a suitable pig farm as a source. I reserved three." Henrik's voice came from the door. He adjusted his glasses as he walked in and came to an abrupt stop as soon as he saw Axton.

"Sets of piglets to be purchased for the pig farm at the delta that's supposed to supply the restaurants there."

"Three sets are more than enough," Tori said with an approving nod. She couldn't help but glare at Piers from the corner of her eye. He swore to her that Axton was supposed to be busy that afternoon, which was why they scheduled a party planning meeting. Albert, Ilyana, and Henrik had forced smiles on their faces. They were told the celebrant wasn't going to be there, as well. This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Axton looked at them thoughtfully.

"What do you three think if I have my birthday party at the Three Queens?" Ilyana clenched her jaw and Albert and Henrik didn't seem to know what to say. Behind Axton, Tori nodded her head vigorously, ordering them to agree.

"Yeah! That sounds great!"

"The food will be top notch for sure."

"Will we have to dress in accordance with the usual dress code?" The other three students replied at once, appearing interested. Axton looked relieved.

"I'm still considering it, but I think that's my best choice," Axton said.

"If I could have it at Naussan House we could make a weekend of it, but the renovations are still being made."

"That's a shame...." Albert said. Tori ran her hand down her face "Piers and I still have to go over the choices for the New Year party. Can you three go with Axton to look over the Three Queens? We need measurements, approximate capacity, see if they have a set menu."

"We should go over now." Henrik did not hesitate.

"We have a good amount of time before the sunsets."

"We can pick up food on the way back," Albert agreed. His comment somehow made the entire request appear normal.

"SIG One is still parked in the alley after they took us to pick up fabric," Ilyana said.

"We can take that."

"Great plan!" Tori stood up and circled the table. She grabbed Axton's arm and pulled him up. She leaned closer to him.

"Axton, don't forget to set a budget. I know you're willing to spend a lot, but we need actual numbers to work with." Distracted by her orders, he nodded.

"Of course. I'm not a fool. I know how to make a budget."

"Ilyana and Henrik know what to ask for, so if you have any questions, ask them." Tori ushered them outside and Axton nodded once more before following the other three downstairs without questioning anything.. Tori waited until they disappeared down the stairwell before whirling around and slamming the door shut. Piers handed Tori her comcry and she quickly flipped it open and slid her finger across.

"Call Anton Sassure!" As she waited for the call to connect, Piers put down a silence charm and waited. When the manager of the Three Queens didn't answer, Tori called again.

"He may be busy and doesn't notice his comcry," Piers told her. Tori hated it when this happened.

"I need to make this thing ring or vibrate or something!" She called him three times and was sure that Axton was already on his way.

"Piers, do you know anyone else at the Three Queens?" He shook his head and Tori groaned. The comcry did not connect.

"Dammit!" She tossed her comcry onto the table and threw open the door.

"Sir Meyer!" She shouted out the door. Someone rushed up the stairs.

"My lady?"

"I need you to rush to the Three Queens and get there before Axton and the others. Tell manager Sassure to call me at once. If he asks why, tell him I need him to stall Axton for his birthday." Sir Meyer bowed his head.

"At once, my lady!" He whirled around and rushed back down the stairs. Tori let out a heavy breath and lifted a hand to rub her forehead.

"Of all the times that Axton wants to plan his own birthday...."

"I told you he is troublesome," Piers said with a nod. Tori opened her mouth as she glared at him, but caught her comcry flashing. Thinking it was Mr. Sassure, she snatched the device from the table and answered it at once without looking at the name.

"Hello?"

"My lady, it's urgent!" A woman's frantic voice filled her ears. Tori's eyes focused on the name and her brows furrowed.

"Master Hansen? What's wrong?"

"Lord Kasen has arrived and he's badly injured" The tightness in her chest seemed to constrict further no matter how much she tried to rationalize the situation. Her pale hands were buried in the fur of her cat as they raced along in an imperial carriage. Her eyes were staring at the empty seat in front of her. Be rational. Don't get swept away by your emotions. Get the details then assess the information. Then, you could act accordingly. That was her usual mantra when dealing with unexpected situations.

And that's what she did. She asked Master Hansen what had happened, and the nervous crystal master told her that the transportation hub had let in an authorized merchant ship. They had waved the nautical flags for medical assistance, so Dr. Cooper-Fontaine and his team were waiting at the embarkation island when the ship docked. This was the standard procedure. Everything worked as it should. Dr.

Cooper-Fontaine boarded the ship with his crew immediately and the person lying unconscious in a private room was Tori's second brother. Kasen's skin was cool to the touch. He had seemed to go in and out of consciousness. There was an arrow wound on his shoulder that had been bandaged carefully, but from what the doctor could tell, it wasn't dealt with soon enough and Kasen had lost a lot of blood and there were signs of fighting off an infection.

Instructor Ignatius was still following the tracking crystals in Horizon and Master Ramos was still enroute to Viclya with the researchers from the Naval Engineering. Dr. Cooper-Fontaine requested the aid of a crystal master to facilitate healing and called Anahata Island. Master Holloway had answered and made the decision to allow Kasen and Dr. Cooper-Fontaine onto the island, as it was an emergency. Not to mention the injured was the Countess' beloved brother.

Master Hansen had called Tori while they were frantically preparing a place to put Kasen. Tori had praised their quick reaction and said that she would call Instructor Ignatius and request for him to return. She would also be there at night. All her orders were given carefully and clearly. Instructor Ignatius was informed, and Piers arranged for him to be taken to Viclya by imperial carriage. Tori notified the village gates of their arrival.

She then called Sebastian to inform him and let him tell the rest of the family. They were a marquis family. Injury, and even death, during service to the empire was not uncommon. Sebastian had been calm and told her to keep him informed. He would take care of the rest of the family. Tori then called Ilyana, informed her that there was an emergency she needed to deal with on Anahata Island and to notify the school that she would be out the rest of the week.

Although Ilyana was worried, Tori assured her everything was manageable, just time consuming. Piers had gathered her things, slung a lazy Alexander over his shoulder, and led her downstairs where another imperial carriage was waiting for them. The usual ride to the delta felt so long, though they were going faster than usual. Alexander nuzzled his head under her chin, as if knowing that she needed some sort of comfort.

"He'll be okay." Tori wasn't sure if she was telling her cat or reassuring herself.

"Kasey will be fine." It was just some blood loss. He was still alive. Dr. Cooper-Fontaine gave him medication for his fever.

"It will be fine." The arm around her shoulders tightened, pulling her closer. Piers looked out the window, though it was dark out.

"Senior Kasen will not die so easily." She nodded.

"An arrow wound... why didn't he get it bandaged at once?"

"He may not have been able to," Piers replied in a steady voice.

"We do not know the circumstances in which he was wounded. At the time, he may not have been able to address the injury. We will know more when we arrive." As Kasen needed the attention of the available crystal masters on the island and Tori needed to arrange travel and inform Instructor Ignatius that his best friend forever was injured and barely conscious, Tori was forced to end the conversation before she could get all the information she wanted.

She also wanted to speak to the men who arrived with Kasen, as they were part of the mission and discuss with Dr. Cooper-Fontaine and Instructor Ignatius on what they should do to help her brother recover. Most of all, she just wanted to see her brother.

"I'll feel better when I see Kasey," she said as she hugged Alexander a little tighter.

"If I can see him and get an idea of what happened and what to do, I won't be so worried." Piers squeezed her shoulder.

"I know. You want to see with your own eyes. This is similar to when a tiger mauled Master." The corner of Tori's lip curled up a bit at the memory. It was a bit funny now, as she knew her brother was fine, but at the time, she was willing to roll out of her bed and drag her half-paralyzed body to the floor below to see him and assure herself that he was alive. She lowered her eyes and felt some pressure on the bridge of her nose.

"Kasey was there when I woke up. I forgot so much, and he re-taught me everything." Her eyes began to sting and then blur. Piers tensed beside her and shifted awkwardly.

"Senior is... not worth crying about." Tori lifted her head and looked at him with confusion.

"What?" She could see the discomfort on his face.

"Don't cry for Senior." Tori's face twisted with irritation and began to pull away. The discomfort lingering on him began to become panic.

"I mean, it is not necessary to cry because Senior will be fine. He would not want you to cry over him." He paused every so often, trying to find the right words to comfort her, albeit awkwardly. Tori let out a heavy breath and slumped down. She understood what he was getting at.

"Crying helps get the emotion out. I'll feel better."

"Oh." He was quiet for a moment, as if letting her explanation sink in.

"Then cry."

"The moment has passed." Tori wrinkled her face and turned her head away. The carriage only slowed down at Viclya's gate. As they had been informed in advance, they were waiting for them to arrive. They headed directly to the main plaza and several knights were waiting. A boat was ready to take her and Piers to the island. The transfer from the carriage to the boat was only a minute or two; the amount of time it took to get off the carriage, walk to, and then board the small vessel.

Lampposts that hung their crystals over the water were placed along the edges of the islands, allowing for enough light to be used as a guide along the dark waters. Tori continued to hug Alexander, who was used to the swaying of the transport vessels along the somewhat choppy waters. Anahata Island's dock area was marked by the glowing crystals atop the main barrier crystals. Another crystal token was used to let them in. Master Hansen stood at the dock with a knit shawl, waiting for them beneath the lampposts.

"My lady." She bowed her head as Tori climbed out of the boat and on to the dock.

"How is he?"

"He was sleeping for a while, but woke up to drink the broth soup prepared. Dr. Cooper-Fontaine said it was important for him to have liquids. Master Ignatius arrived just moments earlier and he is checking on Lord Kasen." Tori gave her a nod as they swiftly walked down the lit pathway to the work courtyard. Nearly all the light crystals were on and two men she didn't recognize were seated on the patio of Instructor Ignatius' bungalow. Upon the sight of them approaching, the two men stood up and bowed their heads.

"Your Highness, Countess Guevera." They greeted in curt voices and Tori gave them a nod and bypassed them without another look. Piers followed a few steps behind her as she walked into Instructor Ignatius' home on the island.

"What is my goddaughter going to do if you're gone, huh?" A distraught man's voice reached her ears.

"You know what you were doing and should've had a plan to deal with injuries."

"I did, but I didn't have time. Even then, I could only fit so much in the disguise I was wearing. I also needed to hold the materials for the mission. Where was I going to put everything?" Kasen's voice was scratchy, and he sounded annoyed.

"Just heal the wound, Benedict."

"Heal the wound, Benedict. Get the bandages, Benedict. Don't tell my brother, Benedict...." Instructor Ignatius grumbled aloud but still knelt down by the edge of the bed. He adjusted a small lamp on the nights stand to give more light to the red-spotted bandages on Kasen's right shoulder. Instructor Ignatius put on an unexpected sneer.

"There is powder for reducing infection, you know."

"If I had known you were going to criticize, I would've told them not to contact you so I could rest."

"Kasey, let him work." Tori's firm voice filled the room as she walked in with a frown. Kasen turned his head towards the doorway from the main living area and smiled.

"It's just a flesh wound."

"Just a...." He was trying to make a joke, but it had the opposite effect. Now that she saw her brother in person, the relief she hoped to feel didn't come. She felt sour and her eyes watered as her hands became fists at her side. She clenched her jaw and bit her lower lip to control herself. Kasen's eyes softened. His voice became gentle.

"Tori, I'm fine. There were some slight complications before I was able to get my shoulder properly treated. Nothing vital was hit-""I'd advise you not to move your shoulder for a few days even after I heal the wounds," Instructor Ignatius cut him off in a cold voice as he moved a piece of bloodstone shaped like a cigar along the edges of the wound. Kasen grit his teeth and shot him a glare.

"Give the bloodstone to Tori. I want to talk to her."

"Instructor, have you eaten yet?" Tori asked as she moved to his side.

"I can get it started." Instructor Ignatius thought for a moment, but nodded.

"It is always necessary to have practice."

"Oh, I'm 'practice' now?"

"Senior should rest to promote healing," Piers said. He hadn't moved from the doorway and watched as Instructor Ignatius gave Tori his seat and put the bloodstone in her hand.

"Moving his mouth will only tire him." Kasen's burning glare didn't match with his gritted smile.

"I'm starting to regret encouraging you to speak out more-""Kasey, just lay down and relax!" Tori scowled as she gripped the bloodstone.

"Keep to the edges and don't move the crystal until the energy has been absorbed into the flesh. You will feel the transfer occur. It's very light. If you move too soon, it won't promote regeneration. If you linger too long, the flesh will be unable to absorb the excess energy and you'll only be wasting it." Tori heard this before, but nodded.

"Yes, Instructor."

"Try it first." He knelt down behind her and watched carefully as Tori held one smooth tip of the bloodstone over the opening of Kasen's wound. It was just enough to brush his skin and Tori gave herself to the count of five to transfer the energy. When she felt the absorption, she moved the bloodstone down just a bit. Instructor Ignatius nodded.

"Perfect. If you get tired, take a break. This amount of concentration is exhausting. Pushing yourself will only delay your work."

"Yes, Instructor." Tori kept her eyes focused on the wound as he and Piers left. Kasen remained quiet so as not to break her concentration. Sweat began to collect at her brow after some time and she furrowed it, forcing herself to focus.

"Even Benedict can't do this continuously for more than a few minutes," Kasen's dry voice said above her.

"Take a break." She wanted to keep going, but lifted the bloodstone from his skin. She stopped grounding and let out a heavy sigh.

"No wonder it takes so long to heal."

"This is a deep wound," Kasen told her. Tori lifted her arm and wiped her forehead and then her eyes. When she wasn't focusing, the thought that her brother could've died flooded her and her eyes reddened once more.

"Tori, it's all right. I'm fine." She sniffled and kept her head down.

"How worried were you when I was unconscious?" Tori asked with a hoarse voice. Kasen's lips tugged into a small smile.

"Even worse." Tori wiped her eyes one last time and took a deep breath.

"How come you're the only one on the team that was injured this badly? They told me everyone else only had minor injuries."

"I took the most... challenging parts." He gave her a wry smile and the pressure between her eyes strengthened. She shut her eyes.

"Why?" She swallowed hard.

"Do you really believe that out of all those agents, you're the best?"

"Of course not," he replied as he squeezed her hand.

"But I was the only one blessed by my sister." Tori furrowed her brows and looked at him as if he'd lost his mind.

"Is your brain not getting enough blood?" He didn't even manage to get a laugh out before he winced and grit his teeth. He pressed his head back against the cushion. Tori shot up and turned to call for Instructor Ignatius, but Kasen's grip, even while feeble, held her back.

"Tori," he said as he took a deep breath to relax himself.

"What crystal did you use to put that safety charm on my hands?" She looked back at him and frowned.

"Safety charm? The one I drew?" Her eyes went down to his hands. Nothing seemed amiss. She lifted her free hand and pulled up the chain with her water moon crystal.

"This one."

"When your usual safety charms are used, I really am faster, and my senses are heightened. I can keep my wits and my energy up when I should've reached a point of fatigue. It's better than black tourmaline talismans," Kasen said with a breathy voice.

"But this time, when I grounded, I could feel energy come from where you ran that crystal over my hands. I heard things from a distance where I shouldn't have. My vision in the dark was clearer. Every muscle in my body was light and I was moving before I even realized it. My speed increased and my mind was clear."

"That's... that's more advanced than normal...." she said, hesitant to admit it. His eyes narrowed.

"Dozens of arrows were shot, but only one hit me. I could feel air moving to push those arrows away before they hit me. A few close calls, some scratches, but only one hit me and it was aimed at my chest not my shoulder." His grip tightened.

"Air... but I didn't write anything about air...." She'd written the charm on him properly, as a way to show her hope and love for her brother, but she didn't expect it to work. It was written on him, not a piece of paper.

"When Master Ramos returns, show him that crystal." Kasen's eyes were serious. His voice was quiet.

"Whatever that crystal is, it's as if it makes a person a living charm."