Chương 62: We Cannot Let Him Become Distracted

"Matthieu-Philippe." Tori thought the General looked like Piers, but as he greeted the Emperor in a surprisingly annoyed, if not cold, voice, she thought he sounded more like Sebastian and Kasen when they talked to Piers. Maybe it's an older brother thing? Tori wrinkled her nose a bit. Perhaps the General also thought no one was good enough for his sister. The Emperor didn't look at all bothered by the unimpressed look on the General's face.

It was likely that this is how the General always looked at him, and Tori was sympathetic. The Empress had told her that the Emperor wasn't very athletic, and Tori had seen that firsthand at the spring festival when he only hit four pinecones. If she were the General who was lauded as the best living swordsman in the empire, and that was the quality of the spouse her sibling married, she'd be somewhat disappointed, too. At least the Emperor loved his wife.

"Love should be considered," Tori said to herself with a nod.

"What?" Her brother appeared beside her and gave her a confused look.

"Nothing."

"When the crowd around him clears a bit, we'll go and greet him," Sebastian told her. Tori nodded and looked towards Piers.

"You look like the General." Piers nodded once.

"Many people say that." Axton chuckled and grinned.

"Godmother used to brag that her blood was strong; as expected of marquis' blood. Then she had the second prince, who is a spitting image of the Emperor." Tori lifted her hand to cover her mouth to keep from laughing.

"Piers!" A voice called out to the man next to her, and she suddenly began to walk forward. She looked towards her hand, wondering when it had returned to Piers' arm. Sebastian and Axton followed behind them as they stepped out from the dark corner they were waiting in and towards the area just below the imperial couple's thrones. The General looked towards them, and his face seemed to brighten. Tori squinted her eyes, feeling almost blinded by the man. She quietly admonished herself.

She thought she was used to seeing handsome men. Nearly all the men around her were good-looking; she should've been numb to it.

"Is this our little Victoria?" The General's low, deep voice was smooth and gentle as he looked at her with thoughtful affection. Tori stopped and took a step back. She grasped the sides of her dress to give him a curtsy and lowered her head. She could feel the warmth on her cheeks at his attention. It was as if she was acknowledged.

"Good evening, General Marquis von Schwert." He let out a barreling laugh and stepped forward with his arms open.

"Why are you so formal?" he said as his arms pulled her into a strong embrace.

"I used to carry you around when you were still in diapers! Look how big and healthy you've gotten!" Tori was sure she was red with embarrassment. She couldn't stop herself from cringing as the announcement of her in diapers, even as a baby, filled the area. To the side, she caught both her brother smirking and Axton snickering while he was still hugging his godmother and telling her 'happy birthday.'

"Thank you...." Tori trailed off as she was released. The General continued to hold her at arm's length as he studied her face.

"You definitely have Gregorio's hair and eyes."

"Yes, but at least her face is like Toni's," the Empress said firmly. She glanced at her son.

"She's here tonight escorting Piers." The General's eyes widened, and he turned to his eldest nephew with mirth.

"Is she?" Piers bowed his head to greet him.

"Hello, Uncle." The General's face softened, and he looked at Piers fondly. He took a step closer and lifted his arms just a bit, but stopped. He seemed to want to embrace Piers as well, but restrained himself.

"It's good to see you, my nephew." Piers nodded his head and the General turned to Sebastian. Amusement filled him and he reached for Sebastian's arm. The two men grasped each other's forearms and pulled themselves into an embrace.

"It's good to see you again, Master," Sebastian said as he gave the General a firm hug and pat on the back.

"How are you doing, Sebastian?" The General stepped back, still holding Sebastian's arm and giving it a shake. Sebastian took a deep breath before looking towards Tori and Piers with a disappointed expression. Tori drew her head back and gave him a questioning look. Why are you looking at me? I didn't do anything.

"Ah...." The General tightened his lips and gave him an understanding nod. He patted Sebastian's shoulder sympathetically.

"We will talk."

"Uncle!" Another voice rang out and the General turned around. Tori looked past him and tried not to show her displeasure as Gideon arrived with Alessa on his arm. When they were close enough, he released Alessa and stepped forward to embrace his uncle.

"Gideon!" The General smiled and returned the second prince's embrace.

"I heard you did very well at the tournament this year." Gideon's smile faltered a bit as he stepped back and nodded.

"I will do better next year."

"To be able to lead a team at your age, and to the final match of the tournament, is very good," Piers said, calmly. At his words, Gideon's eyes seemed to sparkle.

"Thank you, Piers!" Tori was impressed with his admiration of his brother. With Piers at her side, Gideon hadn't glared at her once that evening. He's like an anti-Gideon forcefield....

"And who is this young lady at your side?" The General asked as he looked past Gideon and gave Alessa a small, acknowledging nod. Alessa took a step forward to curtsy as Gideon introduced her.

"Uncle, this is my classmate and friend, Lady Alessa Hart. She is escorting me tonight and is from Anlar."

"Lady Hart, a pleasure." The General gave her a more formal greeting.

"You must've traveled far."

"It was no trouble, Your Grace," Alessa said as she stood up straight.

"My father and I have come to Horizon and plan to stay until Lycée starts in the fall. He will be attending chamber meetings during this time; perhaps you'll be able to meet him." The General nodded and his sister looked at him curiously.

"How long do you plan on staying?"

"Not long, actually. I only came to see you for your birthday and to drop off Axton and Fabian," he replied.

"Fabian has returned?" Gideon asked, appearing surprised. The General smiled a bit.

"Yes, but he is likely in his quarters. We arrived at the Cosora Delta quite late this morning, then it took some time for us to travel here. Thankfully, Axton called one of the instructors working on the islands and they arranged for a carriage to come to bring us here. Fabian must be exhausted after the journey." Alessa took in a sharp breath and tensed.

"Is Sir von Dorn all right?"

"Yes, Lady Hart. He is fine. He wasn't injured. It's more that he's tired," the General told her patiently.

"I made sure to keep him away from any major skirmishes and he was only allowed to join minor ones with an auxiliary team."

"Most of his time was spent doing drills and participating in the daily training of the soldiers," Axton said. He sighed and shrugged his shoulders.

"However, they are adults with years of experience. It was difficult for someone as young as Sir von Dorn to keep up consistently." The General nodded in agreement.

"Especially when he doesn't practice often enough." He turned to look at the Emperor with a stern look.

"If he is going to continue being Gideon's personal knight and aide, I suggest he join in more consistent training. Having him join La Garda or participate with the training regime of the imperial knight cadets is recommended." The two men stood across from each other with formidable looks, as if discussing something serious. Then again, the ability of the second prince's personal knight was something important. They could not approve of one who could not do their job.

Tori looked at Axton and wondered if his training was more rigorous. She'd only sparred with him once and she could barely hold out for a few minutes. Axton also left Piers' side periodically to go to the eastern front to train under the General. That was more than she'd seen Fabian do. Now that she thought about it, when did Fabian practice? He didn't join the sword association and from what she overheard from the General, he also didn't train with knight cadets.

When would Fabian have time for professional instruction when he was in school and following Gideon around? Did he practice on his own? That was fine for foundational work, but experience, even just sparring with another person, was an absolute necessity for improving one's reaction and flexibility. After all, empty space didn't fight back. In the sword association, Captain Connor also had them cycle through each other for partners in order to be exposed to as many styles and levels as possible.

The Emperor seemed to take the General's words seriously.

"I will take this into consideration, General. Thank you for taking him this summer." The General shook his head.

"He is protecting my nephew; his training should be his top priority. We cannot let him become distracted." The gardens of the inner palace were all connected and after doing another round of greetings, Sebastian suggested they go out for a walk to relax a bit. Tori agreed, as Piers started to look around more and was growing tense, signs of his increasing discomfort. They sneaked out from the same door from which she and Piers came through and wandered back through the garden.

They crossed the courtyard and out of a gate to get to another section of the palace. From there, the sprawling gardens seemed to melt into the darkness, but they kept close to the palace buildings, where there were light crystals illuminating the stone walkways.

"Do you see that terrace?" Sebastian said as they came upon a wide, stone brick patio.

"That is where I used to train Piers." Her brother smirked and looked at Tori with mirth.

"When he first started, he could hardly hold a sword. The General handed him a wooden waster that was appropriate for his size and his arms shook. It was like watching a fawn standing for the first time." Tori chuckled and looked at Piers. He was looking out at the terrace with a tight-lipped frown.

"I could hold a sword. I was just not accustomed to holding it for so long."

"There is also an old playhouse on the grounds," Axton said as he squinted down one of the gravel paths.

"Down that way. It was built as a miniature of the Fortress in Presidio."

"Huh...." Tori looked towards the gravel path, as well, though it was too dark to see anything past a few paces.

"Is it still there?" Axton nodded.

"The gardeners keep it up, even if there are no children. I don't think Gideon ever used it."

"Speaking of the second prince, why did he bring that Hart girl? Are they involved?" Sebastian asked with a frown. Tori shook her head.

"No. They're friends from school and sit across from each other." Her brother continued to frown, and Axton looked at her curiously.

"The girl escorting the second prince?"

"She's the one who instigated Tori sitting in the front of her class for a test," Sebastian said. His eyes narrowed.

"And then some...." Axton's brows rose.

"Is she the one Miss Vissage slapped after her friend was arrested?" Tori cringed. She remembered that.

"Yes, that's her." Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Piers looked displeased at this.

"Is she not a good girl?" Tori took a deep breath and exhaled.

"I don't know Lady Hart that well. It's complicated, Piers. Don't worry about it. It's just some conflicts of interest at school. Nothing I can't handle." She glanced towards him and found the crease between his brows hadn't eased.

"Anyway, Axton, did you just arrive this evening? I didn't see you or the General at the banquet."

"We just missed it," Axton said. He put his hands over his stomach and groaned.

"That's what I was doing in the garden. I was planning on cutting through to get to the kitchen and try to appeal for some food, but you two were dancing and I didn't want to interrupt." He looked over at Piers, annoyed.

"If you're hungry, you should've. A knight shouldn't starve," Sebastian said, as if Axton made some sort of mistake. Axton sighed.

"I was caught up catching up with everyone and forgot." He stopped and turned around.

"I'm going to get something to eat. Does anyone want to come?"

"I'm not hungry," Piers said.

"I'm fine." Sebastian gave him a dismissive nod.

"If there are any pastries, can you bring me some?" Tori asked. The dessert they had was good, and greeting nobles and elites at a ball was exhausting. She wanted more sugar. Before Axton could nod, Piers also turned around.

"I will bring you some." Axton narrowed his eyes at him as Sebastian snorted and crossed his arms over his chest. The two younger men began to walk away, and he called out.

"We're going to keep walking. Just meet us at the fountain where we started." Axton shouted that they would. Tori looked up at her brother.

"Where else are we going?"

"Let's give them enough time to get food and bring it out," Sebastian said.

"If Piers is with Axton, the kitchen staff may set up a table and chairs by the fountain for him." Tori nodded.

"Oh, then it's good he went. Axton can take his time eating." The two siblings continued walking down the path.

"Tori," Sebastian said as he kept his eyes ahead.

"Are you sure the Hart girl is someone you can handle?"

"You all need to have more faith in me," Tori said.

"The biggest issue thus far was Lady Hart's merchant friend who bought up all the bricks we were hoping to buy. It was a minor inconvenience, at best. In addition, Lady Hart has seen me beat Sir von Dorn to the ground and seems intimidated. She rarely crosses paths with me on purpose."

"As it should be." Her brother accepted her reasoning, but still appeared serious.

"You outrank her. You're wealthier and you have formidable resources. I don't see what reason she has to cross you." Tori held her tongue to keep from telling him that Alessa needed her to start trouble and get sympathy from others. Instead, she shrugged.

"Perhaps we just met at the wrong place at the wrong time." Sebastian seemed to consider that as they rounded a corner, entering another courtyard adjacent to one of the palace wings. Without a word, Sebastian took a step forward and held out his arm to stop her from going around the corner. Tori looked at him, confused. His brows were knit and he seemed to be listening as he lifted his free hand up and brought a finger to his lips to signal her to keep quiet. Tori froze, not daring to take a step further.

If something stopped Sebastian, that something was likely dangerous. He gently moved her back against the wall and stood beside her, craning his neck towards the corner. Tori couldn't help but do the same.

".... is a surprise," a breathless male voice said.

"I didn't expect to see you here." Tori's brows shot up and she made a little 'o' in her mouth. Did they stumble upon a tryst? Should they leave?

"I came with Gideon." Tori grit her teeth to keep from yelling. That was Alessa's voice. Tori chewed her lower lip, wanting badly to peek around the corner and see who she was talking to. Sebastian seemed to notice and held out his arms, making a tell-tale cutting motion with an imaginary sword. It's Fabian! Tori grew even more excited and hunkered down to listen in beside her brother. Neither of them seemed intent on leaving.

"Did you attend the Empress' Banquet?" Fabian asked.

"Yes, but we heard you returned. I wanted to see you." There was a pause in Alessa's voice.

"Are you really all right? I heard there were skirmishes." They heard Fabian chuckle quietly and it sounded strange to Tori.

"There were, but because of my age, the General only allowed me to observe. Most of my days were spent training. I did want to go out and join the soldiers, especially just before we returned, but the General wouldn't let me. He still believes I am too inexperienced."

"But you are!" Alessa gasped.

"You're still young, Fabian."

"I have to go to the front sometime," Fabian said, as if hoping for it.

"Sir Nassaun was already doing patrols when he was my age. I feel like a failure compared to him."

"You're not a failure! You're the best swordsman of our class!" Tori looked at her brother as Sebastian turned to look at her. Simultaneously, they rolled their eyes at Alessa's exclamation. If Fabian was the best swordsman, then the bar was low considering Tori nearly broke his rib. However, it seemed that the couple around the corner forgot about that.

"Thank you, Alessa," Fabian said, gently.

"You must take better care of yourself. They say an injured knight is a liability."

"I will." Fabian assured her.

"I need to prove that I am a suitable knight for Gideon. He is my friend and I must protect him." Tori gave a small nod of approval at the determination in his voice. At the very least he acknowledged that.

"The General said that your training will be a priority," Alessa told him.

"It is. I've given an oath." Fabian seemed to hold his breath.

"If... if I am unable to meet the requirements of my position as I am now... then I will transfer to La Garda come next year." Around the corner, Tori's eyes widened. She didn't know how far Alessa had progressed with Fabian, but she didn't expect Fabian to want to go to La Garda.

"You... you want to go to La Garda?" Alessa's voice trembled as she spoke, as if unable to believe he'd agree to do so.

"I am a knight of the second prince."

"But shouldn't you stay with him at all times?"

"While it is a personal knight's duty to accompany their liege, our priority is their safety. I must be able to protect him properly and to the best of my ability," Fabian said seriously.

"What kind of knight would I be if I couldn't?" A shitty one. Tori furrowed her brows. She didn't think highly of Fabian, but she had to give him credit. He was loyal. At least when it came to supporting Gideon and keeping him safe.

"Are there alternatives?" Alessa sounded hopeful.

"Can't you train at Lycée? If you leave...." Her voice trailed off and Tori leaned closer to the corner to try to hear her.

"Alessa?" Fabian gasped. Tori heard sniffling.

"If you leave... I won't be able to see you." Sebastian's eyes widened and he looked at Tori, who lifted her shoulders and gave him a helpless look. She didn't know what was going on between the two, other than Alessa was trying to keep Fabian in Lycée for points. It seemed that Fabian had yet to hit 100%, so Alessa was working hard to keep him.

"I... I don't want to leave Lycée, either." Fabian's voice was laced with hesitation and Tori almost scoffed. What happened to his determination just seconds earlier?

"But my duty...."

"If you're able to improve while at Lycée, do you have to leave for La Garda?" Alessa asked.

"I suppose I don't, but-""Then all we need to do is find you an instructor who will be able to help you improve!" Alessa nearly shouted this, as if it were the answer to all their problems.

"It shouldn't be that hard! Who wouldn't want to train and guide the personal knight of the second prince?" Fabian seemed to let out a low breath.

"A good instructor is difficult. Instructors who teach beginners are plentiful. Instructors for more advanced students are harder to find. Those who have experience in battle may not be able to teach well. Usually, anyone who is capable of instructing and has battle experience is already-""Don't worry so much about that," Alessa told him enthusiastically.

"We'll find someone. I'll ask my friends to ask around and I'm sure Gideon will help. He doesn't want you to leave his side, either."

"Do you really think that we'll be able to find someone?"

"Yes! I'm certain of it!" I have to applaud their cheerful outlook. And Alessa does have a point: if they can find a good instructor to personally guide Fabian, he can improve. Tori rubbed her chin thoughtfully. Beside her, Sebastian continued listening in. Tori could make out footsteps and after a few moments, Sebastian dared to peer around the corner. He paused, almost scanning the area, before pulling back.

"They're gone," he said, lowering his guard. Tori also relaxed.

"Sebby, do you think they'll be able to find an instructor?" Even though the area was clear, she still kept her voice quiet. Sebastian appeared dismissive and shook his head.

"He was right about advanced instructors with suitable combat experience: they'd likely already be in a position where they are teaching others and they'd have to try to lure them away from that position. If they aren't already teaching others, then they won't want to. There is also a chance they could have been dishonorably discharged for misconduct. Those aren't the type of people you'd want teaching an influential kid." He made a good point.

They turned around and started walking back to the original garden, where they had started. Some time had passed and by now, Axton and Piers were coming out of the kitchen with food.

"Can't Sir von Dorn train with the knight cadets, like the General said?"

"That would be the best course of action until he can enter La Garda. I just hope he's not foolish enough to discard the opportunity to do so. La Garda only takes the best swordsmen and other weapons-based fighters. They're a training ground for imperial knights that will be in close proximity to the imperial family." Tori pursed her lips. When he put it like that, competition sounded fierce.

"Is it difficult to be accepted? How many people apply versus how many are accepted?"

"I'm not familiar with the numbers, as we don't join La Garda," Sebastian said.

"Most children of marquis families who go to Lycée would've already had strict formal instruction when it comes to fighting. We also rarely become imperial knights. However, from what I recall, it's a complicated process and the requirements are strict."

"Do they have to take tests or be recommended?"

"Both and then some. Aside from academic standing from secondary school, La Garda also looks at an individual applicant's ability through a series of in-person physical tests to judge skill and stamina. Then there are written tests that include parts on history, knightly conduct, and strategy. If they pass, then they go on to individual interviews and must provide recommendations. I heard those recommendations can also be followed up with interviews with those who gave them.

Then, the applicant and their family have a comprehensive background check done, as there is a good chance they will be guarding the imperial family directly someday. If they pass all of that, then they're accepted." Tori was tired just thinking of it. She let out a sigh and furrowed her brows.

"Do you think Ewan can get in?" Sebastian thought for a moment and nodded.

"It shouldn't be a problem as long as his ability stands out. His family already has several knights, doesn't it? There won't be a problem with his background check. How is he academically?"

"He's above average for a niche student. Will that suffice?"

"For the most part, but if competition is strong, then I recommend he study up." Tori nodded.

"I'll talk to Ilyana about it." Sebastian chuckled and looked over at her.

"Does he really want to go?"

"Piers asked him, and Ewan said he never thought about it because he didn't think he was good enough." Sebastian chuckled and looked ahead of him.

"Well, he certainly has the humility they want."

"We're hoping that Axton can spare some time to train him directly," Tori said.

"I think Ewan's actually rather good. His foundational work is solid, and he has good reflexes and control." Sebastian nodded.

"If he's really interested, bring him to the Presidio on Winter Break. The testing for applicants to La Garda starts in the spring. There is time for him to improve."

"You want him to train with the knights in the fortress?" Tori asked. It was a promising idea; Kasen told her that the knights of marquis families were held to a higher standard than that of imperial guards considering the position and responsibilities of the marquises. Sebastian grinned.

"I will teach him." They reached the gate to the first garden and Sebastian stepped forward to open it for her. She stepped through and they could hear the gentle gurgle of water from the fountain just above the faint sound of music still coming from the ballroom. As they walked up the path, Sebastian's expectations were met. A small table had been set up by the fountain, along with four chairs: one on each side. Axton was seated and already eating what looked to be a full plate of meat and bread.

There was an open bottle of wine while a three-tiered tray of small pastries and cut fruit was placed in the center of the table. A coffee carafe was next to the wine bottle and there were small mugs along with the glasses. In front of one of the chairs was a small, round plate. Upon seeing the two of them arrive, Piers stood up, prompting Axton to look up from his food. He snatched a napkin from his lap and dabbed his lips as he rose to his feet to welcome them.

"Tori," Piers looked eager as he moved behind the chair that had a small round plate in front of it.

"I brought you pastries. Is this enough?" Tori looked at the three-tiered cake tray. There was easily enough for all four of them on that tray. Did he steal the whole thing from the kitchen? He's a prince; I doubt anyone would stop him. Beside her, she heard a gruff voice speak, exasperated.

"If I can teach that idiot, I can teach anyone." Until Sebastian returned to Sur, there was no need for Axton to accompany her to the delta. He and Piers had come to see off the General when he left, but they had returned the next day. They left behind Tori, Sebastian, and nervous new swordsmanship pupil, Ewan. Axton had agreed to take time to guide and train Ewan in order to prepare him for La Garda's physical and skill tests. Tori initially thought he'd be hesitant.

She didn't know his workload at Université and then there were matters of his businesses, though he didn't appear too involved in their management. However, Axton seemed interested. He'd apparently never really instructed someone before outside of leading training sessions.

"I think this would be a good test of my knowledge and ability," he had said.

"I'd like to be someone's Master Swordsman one day." After Axton agreed, he suggested that Ewan meet them in the delta before Lycée started so they could get an early start. Tori called Ewan from the garden immediately, and he almost didn't believe her. It wasn't until Axton took the comcry and confirmed it that Ewan was left speechless. Sebastian said if Ewan wanted, he could leave with them the next evening.

He had some time in between helping his own master on Anahata Island and could observe Ewan and make notes for a training regimen. Tori didn't require as much supervision when she was working, so he had free time. One of Ewan's brothers overheard and assured them that Ewan would be ready to leave the next day and that he didn't need to come back until Lycée started. Ewan seemed to want to protest, but his brother wouldn't hear of it. After all, it wasn't just any instructor who was offering to guide Ewan.

It was Sebastian de Guevera: the legendary 'monster' who was responsible for ending the anniversary tournaments. As a result, Ewan stayed in the spare tent Henrik usually used, which was next to Axton's, and joined Sebastian on his morning runs and training regimen. He'd also go to Anahata Island to practice his form and do drills as Sebastian worked with Master Ramos.

Sebastian was spending quite a lot of time on the island and Tori was starting to suspect he was avoiding their other guest, who had arrived the day after they returned to the delta after the banquet.

"Your brother is on the island again?" Lady Idunn asked as she looked around Tori's tent. Sebastian's cot was pushed to the side and his blanket was neatly folded and piled atop his pillow. Lady Idunn's eyes had a distant look as they settled on the cot, as if wishing for something more. Tori looked up from her desk, where she was comparing islands for her and Ilyana's dream resort spa.

"Yes, he took Ewan and went. They're going to start placing the first of the stone pillars that will hold the crystal pillars in place today, so it's kind of an important moment. All the calculations, placement, and processes need to be correct to get it up smoothly." Lady Idunn nodded her head once and seemed to tighten her hold around the papers in her arms. Her blue eyes lingered on Sebastian's cot for a moment longer before tearing them away. She walked towards Tori's desk and placed the papers on it.

"I have selected a few acres of land upriver from the map. Miss Sima and Mr. Reiter, who was one of the farmers in the old village, will come with me to take a look. Do you want to come, Lady Tori?" Tori nodded.

"I'd like to see. Will we need more people?"

"I was put in touch with some students from Université through a colleague. They will come with us to take soil samples, measurements, and record the existing plant life there."

"When do we leave?"

"I've arranged for some time after lunch," Lady Idunn said.

"If that is all right."

"That works out fine. I have to bring my brother and the others lunch on the island, anyway," Tori said.

"You're going to Anahata Island?" Lady Idunn's arms lowered, and her eyes grew just a bit.

"May I join you?"