Chapter 138: It's Not My Fault You Were Useless

“A Count’s Manor?” Tori looked at Albert with both confusion and surprise. “Isn’t it a bit too soon?”

The carriage left Viclya after a long weekend focusing on land partitioned for farms to villagers who wanted to return to farming. Idunn and her future successor had worked with Université Professors, researchers, and villagers to review suitable locations for farms. Tori, as the Countess, felt it was her duty to sit through the entire report. She left Viclya exhausted.

“How is it too soon? You’ve been Countess for over two months and still live in a tent,” Albert said.

“Yes, but everyone on the mainland lives in a tent. A Count’s Manor isn’t necessary when funding is needed elsewhere.” It wasn’t that she hadn’t thought about it. She had already secured the island NE12 as the location for her noble residence, but in the not-too-distant future. “The tents are comfortable and I’m not here for long periods of time. I don’t need to host important guests, and if I did, we have suitable space to do it. I want the focus to be on infrastructure and economic growth to fuel it.”

“...Are you hesitating because you spent all your money on the Lunar Pavilion?” Ewan asked in all seriousness.

“No, but now that you reminded me, yes.” Tori leaned back against the carriage bench with Alexander on her lap. “I don’t want to use money reserved for the delta for my personal residence. I know it’s quite common, as a noble’s residence is used in receiving important guests, but it’s an unnecessary expense at the moment.”

“Do you ever plan on building one?” Ilyana asked beside her.

“Of course, but we must reach phase three of my project first and complete the basics of phase one of Cosora planning. At the earliest, we’re looking at starting to build next summer,” Tori told them. “And that’s only if I can afford it.”

Albert let out a disappointed sigh and slumped back against the carriage bench. “Is it still going to be on NE12?”

Tori nodded. “Grandpa Sophos says he wants to design and engineer it.”

Henrik furrowed his brows and gave her a quizzical look. “Isn’t your Grandpa Sophos a teacher?”

“Grandpa Sophos is called an Imperial Grand Scholar for a reason. Many people say Mama and Kasey are geniuses, but only in select fields. Grandpa is a....” She didn’t know what the term for Renaissance man was or if such a term existed in Soleil. “He’s talented and skilled in many fields. He has the necessary qualifications and background to be an architect.”

Albert shook his head as he looked at her, dumbfounded. “Has anyone ever told you that you have an impressive family? Your eldest brother is the second-best swordsman in the empire. Your second brother and mother are brilliant. Your grandfather is an Imperial Grand Scholar....”

“Oh, Grandma Sophos is a gifted musician and composer, and Grammy is considered the world’s foremost expert on pre-dynastic northern Nazaria and Phariss.”

Ilyana tilted her head to the side. “What about your papa and his father?”

“They’re very competent marquises.”

Henrik lifted the corner of his mouth. “Somehow, that’s not as impressive....” Tori cracked a grin and looked back out the window.

“Ewan, are we dropping you off at your parents’ or at La Garda?” she asked.

“La Garda, please. I have dawn exercises tomorrow. You know, the daily training so far isn’t as difficult as I thought it would be,” Ewan said. “When I train with my masters, they’re much more demanding.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” Ilyana asked. “You’re more than prepared for what is expected of you.”

“And it sounds like you’re more than just keeping up,” Albert added.

Ewan nodded. “The rest of the students said they took a break after the entrance exams, so they have to regain their peak forms after being lethargic for a few months. Master was right to have me continue training through the summer.”

“Sebby and Axton didn’t push you as hard over the summer as they did before your exam.”

“Yes, they said that they just wanted me to remain competitive. It wasn’t necessary to drastically improve, but I just couldn’t deteriorate.”

“Have you heard from Sir Navarro?” Tori asked. “He should’ve started the special training for upper tier knights.”

“He said that they’re going to go to the mountains, then cycle through training with the marches.”

“What tier is he aiming for?” Henrik asked.

“First.”

Tori and the others all looked impressed and nodded to each other. To be accepted in the program preparing for first tier imperial knights, they had to have significant accomplishments and high scores in La Garda.

“Sir Navarro’s more skilled than I thought. He’s from Sur; why didn’t he become a knight of the march?” Ilyana asked, looking at Tori.

Tori’s lips tightened into a line. “Sir Navarro is the youngest grandson of Viscountess Navarro and she’s been trying to get him married or engaged since he was sixteen.”

Albert and Henrik drew their heads back. “He’s running away?”

“Essentially, yes,” Tori replied. “Also, half his brothers, sisters, and cousins are either Guevera knights or soldiers. He said something about not wanting to be compared to them. To be honest, I can’t blame him for either reason.”

Ewan counted off his fingers. “If he’s training for the first-tier knights, then they won’t be able to get a hold of him for at least four years.” He looked at the others, impressed. “The knights are so busy training; they don’t have time for much else.”

“What do they do in this special training?” Albert looked horrified and Tori smirked. She could only imagine what torture Albert was envisioning.

Ewan furrowed his brows and seemed to think. “I know that a lot of it is still the standard conditioning, drills, and teamwork exercises, but they also get special training for different life or death scenarios from specialists. Like Nanny Rey!”

Albert seemed to relax. “That doesn’t sound so bad. Nanny Rey is an incredibly good instructor. Ilyana and I have learned a lot.”

“Albert, the way Nanny Rey teaches you and Ilyana is different from the elite training she runs for top march knights. Axton is terrified of Nanny Rey because he had to go through her training regimen,” Tori told him with an amused smile.

Albert’s face paled. “But she’s so nice...and your nanny....”

Henrik snorted. “Tori’s nice to us, but you saw her with von Dorn. You can be nice and still be dangerous.”

“Special treatment!” Ilyana beamed as she clapped her hands together once and grinned.

“Speaking of special treatment, Axton’s birthday is in a few weeks. I asked what he wanted to do, and he wanted to invite us to the reopening of the first of the renovated phase one inns,” Tori said. “It is about a day out on the main route to Anlar.”

“What did he change?” Henrik asked as he leaned back.

Tori took a deep breath and tried to recount the details. “The main building facade remains the same, but the lobby and rooms have been remodeled to what the standard lobby and rooms will be for all his inns. The stables and guest carriage house are also being renovated, but they’ll be done later. Think of this first inn as the template for all the others. There is also a two-story extension that was built. Ground floor has a general goods and travel supply store and kitchen. The upper floor has a dining area and smaller rooms for private dining.”

Albert sat up straight. “He built a general goods store attached to the inn?”

Tori nodded and tried to suppress her grin. “Yes, that was my idea. It includes travel supplies from bags to carriage spare parts, and a ready-to-eat section of baked goods, dried meats and cheeses, and palm-sized versions of Senior’s meat pies under the name ‘Golden Fields Pie’.”

She caught the sly smiles appearing on her friends’ faces. “Is this perhaps in direct response to the Cow Man?” Albert asked, almost tentatively.

Tori looked out the window with an air of nonchalance. “I think we all know what it’s in direct response to.”

Henrik let out a loud guffaw. “Is that where you invested in his inn?”

Tori shrugged. “If the inn has food and supplies, the guests don’t need to go anywhere else. In addition, Axton and I have rebranded the inns for consistency. When people see the logo and already have a set expectation of the inn’s quality and amenities, they are more likely to want to stay at that inn. They know what they will get.”

“So, you two did change the name,” Henrik said. He gave her a suspicious look. “Please tell me that you didn’t use a portmanteau.”

“I did that once!” Tori slapped her hand against the door frame. Alexander looked at Henrik and seemed to snort before swishing his tail, irritated. “We gave it a very simple name: The Lunar Inn. This particular one is The Lunar Inn at Miller’s Row.”

Not only was it simple and screamed out ‘this is a fantasy inn’ to her, which she personally found funny, but it was also based on the Lunar Pavilion, which would be the most luxurious of Axton’s inns. Each location would include the name of the village or town it was in for ease of identification, unless it was out in the middle of the forest, in which case it would be something akin to The Lunar Inn at Mountain Pass.

Henrik let out a relieved breath and rubbed his chest. “Thank goodness. I thought you were going to name it something like Axtoria.”

Tori stared at him with a dull look. “That name is not that bad.”

“I liked it,” Ilyana said with a slight pout. “I think it sounds fancy.”

“You’re no longer allowed to name things,” Henrik told her with a straight face.

Ilyana scoffed, somewhat offended. “Why not?”

“Your names are descriptions.”

“That’s what names are supposed to do!”

“You don’t call a jar a vessel to contain things.”

“I mean for brands!”

“Lions Gate Den.”

“Furniture for a den; someone’s comfortable home, and by our Lions Gate Group. It tells you all you need to know.”

Albert scrunched his face and Ewan looked out the window, as if he heard nothing.

“We’ll just do a vote next time,” Tori said. “For example, we need to name the section that will be selling our crystal powered goods.”

“Like the hair dryer and heated brush?” Albert asked. Tori had let them try the finalized versions of the items and they loved it. “No wonder Alexander’s fur is always so soft after his bath.”

“It’ll also include the cooking plates, heating boxes, refrigerators, air conditioning units, tools for farming, things to charge crystals, and so forth,” Tori said as she scratched Alexander’s chin. “It doesn’t have to have the name Lions Gate on it, we’d just be the mother company.” Ilyana opened her mouth. “Just think about it for now! There isn’t a rush. Since the items will be sold at the Lunar Pavilion, there is plenty of time.”

Ilyana grumbled and sank down on the bench.

They dropped Ewan off at La Garda and he carried with him a bag of snacks he’d picked up while in Viclya. When he had started, he gave out beverage cooling charms to his peers when he was introducing himself and had invited a few new friends to play dungeon crawl. Tori didn’t think he was doing it on purpose to advertise the game and Duel, but rather, Ewan had just wanted to share his fun with others.

Tori dropped the other three near Cafe Fortuna so they could get dinner first, as she had to take Alexander back to Piers’ house. As the carriage stopped in front of it, Tori held her cat in her arms and squinted.

“Why do I feel like a parent who can only see their child on weekends...?”

“Nyaow....”

“Well, I know that’s what’s happening, but you know I can’t bring you to my dorm.” Tori rolled her eyes as one of the knights who was stationed at the entrance of the building stepped forward to open her door.

“Good evening, Countess,” Sir Lloyd said. “Good evening, Master Alexander.”

“Nyaow!”

She didn’t question why they referred to her cat as ‘Master Alexander’. At this point, she no longer cared. “Hello, Sir Lloyd. Are Axton and Piers already back?”

“Yes, my lady. Master Alexander’s food has also been prepared.”

“Wonderful. Thank you.” She was let into the building and put Alexander down, allowing him to race up the stairs, meowing. Perhaps he could already smell his food.

His long, urgent meowing echoed through the stairwell and halls. By the time Tori caught up with him, he was on his hind legs in front of the door to Piers and Axton’s flat, scratching at the door with his front paws, and sounding as if he were being starved to death.

The door clicked open. “Welcome home.”

“Nyaow!” Alexander wiggled through the crack between the door and the frame before it was fully opened.

“Did you have fun with your mom this weekend?” Piers was ignored as Alexander flew inside.

“He was so popular; how could he not have fun?” Tori asked as she raised a brow and stopped a few paces away. “He ate a little in the carriage, but slept most of the time.”

“It’s all right, I had Mama J prepare his meal and Axton just returned from the cafe,” Piers said. “After he eats, he will go to sleep without a fuss.”

“Thanks again for letting him stay here, Piers,” Tori said as she raised a hand. She turned around. “I’ll see you next week.”

“Do you want to come in?” Piers asked, taking a small step outside.

“No, I’m going back to Cafe Fortuna to meet the others for dinner.”

“Wait.” Piers took another step and Tori looked over her shoulder.

“What is it?” Piers avoided her eyes and hesitated a bit before raising his arms. “Oh, right.” She nodded and turned around. “Greeting hug.” She lifted her arms and welcomed him against her. Piers’ movements were much smoother now. There was almost no tension in his shoulders. Tori mentally counted to three and lowered her arms, but Piers didn’t let go. She furrowed her brows after another few seconds and then gently patted his back. Something was wrong. “Are you all right?”

“No.”

Tori frowned. “What do you feel? Sad? Angry? Upset?”

“Upset. A little angry,” he said. He had hunched over and pressed his face against the top of her head.

“It is okay to feel that way. What made you upset and a little angry?” Tori asked carefully.

“Father is being unreasonable.”

She heard a heavy sigh from the doorway and looked over. Axton crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe, a tired and helpless look on his face.

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“Are you going to tell me, or should I ask Axton?”

“Ask Axton.”

“All right.” Tori remained in place, still stroking Piers’ back to calm him as she met Axton’s gaze. “What happened?”

“Someone has proposed to let Piers be introduced to young women as prospective brides and the Emperor agreed.”

“He’s only twenty!” The words came out before she could stop herself and Tori winced. To her, twenty was quite young to get married. Dating, sure. Perhaps the start of a long engagement as the couple tried to get their careers in order, but marriage was a bit too soon in her opinion, especially when the person was very busy. However, it was quite common in Soleil, and while unpopular now, arranged marriages amongst the nobles were still a thing. “I mean, a little early don’t you think?”

“Father was already married when he was my age.” Piers still hadn’t let her go.

Tori rolled her eyes. The Emperor had latched on to the Empress when she was still his senior at Lycée. Mama said he was like an annoying leech they couldn’t lose.

“Okay, let’s think about this rationally. He agreed to introductions. Were those his exact words?” She looked at Axton pointedly. He nodded.

“Your mother and I are selecting six young ladies to introduce to you. Several nobles recommend them. You are to have coffee or a small meal with them before the new year,” Piers seemed to repeat. “That is what Father said.”

“He didn’t say he was going to marry you to someone, right?” She felt Piers shake his head. “He didn’t say that you had to commit, right?” He paused and then nodded. “Then, that’s not so bad!”

“What?” Axton nearly slipped from the doorframe. “What do you mean it’s not so bad?”

Piers drew his head back and pulled away with a look of betrayal on his face. Tori sighed.

So dramatic. “The Emperor isn’t stupid.” My own opinions notwithstanding. “He didn’t confirm an intent to marry or an engagement. The meetings are only an introduction. It could be beneficial to meet and be in good standing with them.”

Axton stared at her, dumbfounded. “This does not bother you in the least?”

“Personally, I don’t think Piers is ready for marriage yet considering he’s still in Université and hasn’t been named crown prince, so we’re not sure what his future holds...and....” Her voice trailed off as Axton’s face grew darker with each word. “Oh...you mean Piers getting married or engaged from this? It’s not going to happen any time soon. I highly doubt that as soon as they meet, they’ll arrange a wedding.”

Piers looked down. “I don’t want to marry them.”

“Then don’t marry them,” Tori said. She sighed and stepped closer, taking his hands. “Piers, no one is forcing you to get married right now. I’m sure your father only agreed to introductions to quell the interested parties. Think of this as something similar to all those meetings and luncheons you’ve been going to for networking.”

Piers squeezed her hands and nodded. “Okay.”

“Good. And the same process stands. If you feel uncomfortable, leave. You can send an apology for any rudeness later. What is important is that you are safe,” Tori told him carefully. He nodded. “Axton and your knights won’t be far away, so they will help you.”

Piers seemed to stare at her hands in his. “Can you come with me?”

Axton stood up straight and blinked at Piers, surprised.

“Of course! If I can fit it into my schedule, I can come with you.” Axton turned to look at her, slack jawed. “You have to tell me well ahead of the meeting and I’ll need to confirm the date and time-”

“Tori, before you agree, shouldn’t you at least consider what it would look like for Piers to be introduced to other women with you on his arm?” Axton asked, almost squeezing between them.

Tori snapped her mouth closed. Oh yeah.... She furrowed her brows. “I would...scare others away, wouldn’t I? And if they’re there with the intent of marriage and not just because someone forced them to, then it would be insulting.”

“Good, you understand,” Axton said, appearing a bit satisfied.

“But considering my reputation of being close to Piers, if they did come with the intent of marriage, isn't it just declaring that they’ll fight for him and a slap in my face?” Was she overthinking this?

“Well...I suppose that’s a bit true-”

“And whatever relationship I have with Piers should be seen as stronger now because I wore a tiara at the Empress’ Banquet. Wouldn’t their going after Piers be even more insulting to me?”

Axton looked confused. “What does a tiara have to do with anything? Many high-ranking noblewomen, especially those within marriageable age, wear tiaras at formal functions.”

“It was identified as a piece from the imperial family’s collection.” Tori shook her head. “I’m a bit impressed that someone was able to identify it considering it had been locked away for some time. Someone has a good memory.”

“I picked it because your dress was purple,” Piers told her. “It matched very well.”

“Yes, I know,” Tori said as she gave him a reassuring squeeze. “But you know how people are.” He nodded obediently and Tori looked at Axton. “If there is no way around the meetings, find out who is being introduced to Piers and their prospective motive: if they really want to marry him, or if they came under pressure from a family member or have some sort of obligation. Nobles won’t send a mediocre daughter to be introduced to the first prince of Soleil, so they must have some achievement. If they come under pressure or obligation, but have no interest in marriage, then maybe they’re someone we can work with in the future.”

“And if they’re not?” Axton asked, with a bit of resistance.

Tori looked at Piers. “Do you want me to keep them away?” Piers nodded. Tori looked back at Axton with a hint of defiance on her face. “Then, I will keep them away.”

“That is so exciting,” Ilyana said as she and Tori walked arm in arm towards their door. Albert and Henrik had already split with them to return to their own. “There are going to be some talented ladies, I’m certain of it. If the nobles want to compete against you, then they’ll send their best. If we can make a positive connection with them, it’ll be beneficial for all of us.”

“That’s what I thought. I’m really hoping that some of the ladies who were named at the second prince’s coming of age ball will be forced to meet with Piers. It’ll be a good excuse to meet them.”

“Invite them to Viclya!”

“Oh, that’s definitely on the list if we can get a good rapport going.” Tori knew Henrik wouldn’t mind such a plan at all. The more talented and suitable people they had connections with, the better.

Aside from a few minor noble and aristocratic daughters at Lycée and a few fans of Lions Gate, Tori was lacking connections in that particular social circle. She had better sway with the Duchies. Tori knew she had to make inroads amongst the next generation of social elite.

Of course, being the third wheel in prospective marriage introductions was not the way to do it, but who was going to stop her? She either made good connections or pissed people off. It was arrogant to believe, but in the cases of the people she angered, they knew what they were up against agreeing to be introduced to Piers.

She was a sixteen-year-old newly appointed Countess backed by marches, with the favor of duchies, several businesses, a growing village, and the greatest anti-Gideon shield in existence. Nothing short of the Emperor or his father could retaliate, and even the Emperor complained to his father because he knew he wronged her.

I have a taste of power...and I like it. Tori shook her head at her own ridiculousness. They reached the dorm and Tori frowned as she saw a figure standing near the entrance, appearing to wait for someone.

She felt Ilyana’s arm squeeze hers as she seemed to notice Dimitri, too. “I knew today was going too smoothly.”

Tori bit her lips to keep from laughing. She held back her chortle and slowed her pace. “Let’s wait until he leaves. I don’t want to deal with him.”

Ilyana nodded in agreement. They took a seat on a bench in the walkway. It was obstructed by some bushes and a column holding up the walkway’s roof. The light crystals overhead weren't too strong at night and in the shadow of the column, they would be unnoticed as long as they didn’t make a sound or large movements.

They leaned forward to look around the column and wait for Dimitri to leave. He was obviously waiting for someone, and Tori had a sinking feeling she knew who it was.

Gideon appeared at the entrance to the dorm with the shadow of Fabian behind him. Tori wanted to groan aloud. Of course, it was Gideon and Fabian. Who else would join Dimitri in this idiot trifecta?

They were too far away to hear what was being said. Tori deduced it was a greeting and Dimitri motioned for them to move elsewhere. Gideon, appearing to have no wariness at all, gave Dimitri a nod and followed. Fabian maintained a two-pace distance behind them.

She and Ilyana leaned back as they passed the walkway, making sure they were as hidden and unmoving behind the column as possible. The trio passed them and headed towards some of the classroom buildings.

“What do you think?” Ilyana whispered. “Should we follow?”

“Why should we follow? Their business isn’t any of our business.” Tori said that, but she was almost twitching with eagerness to follow. I, too, find this nighttime call out suspicious.

Ilyana’s shoulders sank with reluctance, but nodded. “You’re right. We should go back-” Her words were cut off as Tori held out a silence charm. Her face lit up and took the piece of paper. Tori activated another charm and tucked it into her pocket as she watched Ilyana’s brow knit with focus as her hands pinched the bottom two corners of the charm.

Henrik had asked if Tori could create charms for others to use that didn’t require a beverage to be placed on it first. Surprisingly, his reason wasn’t for profit. It was so Ewan could use charms in case of an emergency. Ewan had been so touched; his eyes had watered.

It was a good idea and Tori used silence charms, as they were useful for studying and privacy. As they had to be activated at a specific time, Tori also had to teach Ewan how to activate them.

But why stop at Ewan? Her friends were still young enough to be trained to activate charms, so she taught them. It was useful. Albert and Ilyana had more difficulty than the others, but they were still able to.

Once her charm was activated, llyana also shoved it into her pocket and then followed Tori. Of course, just because they couldn’t be heard didn’t mean they couldn’t be seen. They were cautious and stayed against the shadows of the wall.

Dimitri had led Gideon to one of the courtyards of classroom buildings. It wasn’t a large courtyard, but there were trees surrounding the greenery and seating area within. Tori and Ilyana crept as close as they could, and the distant voices grew clearer.

“No, nothing’s wrong.” Gideon’s brows were furrowed as the corners of his lips remained downturned. Whatever Dimitri had asked him wasn’t good. They stood near a cluster of trees at the farthest end of the courtyard from the main walkway. Dimitri was in front of him and a few steps to the side was Fabian.

Dimitri looked flustered. He lifted his hand and ran it through his hair. “I was worried. You haven’t spoken much in homeroom.”

Gideon cracked a smile and seemed relieved that someone cared. “I’ve been quite busy recently. The hospital is near completion, and I’ve started the process of hiring staff. Due to the location of the hospital in the Thirteenth District, few qualified professionals are...eager...to come.”

That was actually a legitimate concern and Tori nodded her head in understanding. At the very least, it seemed that Gideon was honest about his Lycée project.

“I see.” Dimitri didn’t appear to completely believe that Gideon’s sudden quietness in class was solely due to his project. Gideon seemed to notice this, as well. He tilted his head to the side and his eyes narrowed a bit.

“Is something wrong?”

“Your Highness...Alessa is worried about you.”

If they weren’t trying to remain incognito, Ilyana and Tori would’ve thrown their arms up and exclaimed that it had to do with Hart again.

Gideon seemed to tense. “Is that so? I didn’t mean to worry her. I’ve just had so much to do recently.”

“You haven’t spoken to her in class. She thinks you’re avoiding her.”

Wow, Dimitri is giving no fucks tonight. He’s just going right to the problem.

Gideon cocked his head. “Why would she think I’m avoiding her?” His next words caught Tori by surprise and her brows couldn’t help but shoot up. “Does she think she did something to cause me to do so?”

Ilyana’s hand had grabbed Tori’s arm as her jaw dropped. Dimitri’s face darkened.

“Do you blame her for something?”

“I asked first. Why would she think I’m avoiding her?” Gideon lifted his chin. “I’ve been incredibly busy lately. In addition to my project, I also have duties as a member of the imperial family. I cannot disappoint my parents.”

Holy shit, those are fighting words. Who didn’t know that Dimitri’s father was being investigated for corruption because of people working under his son? Tori’s wide eyes looked back at Dimitri, excited to see how he’d react. As expected, his expression grew even worse.

He took a deep breath and seemed to try to collect himself. “I should've expected as much from a prince,” he said, almost through gritted teeth. “But this is about Alessa. She’s been worried and upset that you may blame her for what happened at the delta.”

Gideon was quiet for a moment. “I don’t blame her. She was only concerned about Mr. Zisos and feared something was wrong. I blame myself for not being more cautious. I shouldn’t have ordered my knights to be silent.”

“You may blame yourself and feel responsible, but Alessa also feels at fault. It didn’t help that your parents were unreasonable in their punishment.”

Tori glared at Dimitri.

Gideon frowned. “Did she feel they were being unreasonable?”

“Aren’t they?” Dimitri asked, raising a brow. “Do you think placing her small barony under a viscount and withholding her Chamber rights is acceptable?”

“It’s not permanent-”

“And what about the fine?” Dimitri narrowed his eyes. “You know Alessa’s family is impoverished. Wasn’t it enough to restrict her power for such a long time? Did they have to fine her, too? They have so little as it is, how are they going to run their barony if they aren’t able to properly control their funds? Isn’t this just taking advantage of a poor noble girl?” He sneered. “I didn’t think the imperial family could be so vicious.”

They wouldn’t have remained in power for so long if they weren’t, dumbass. Tori rolled her eyes.

The criticism of his family seemed to trigger Gideon. “Oh, now you’re concerned about funds? Your father is being investigated because of your negligence and you dare criticize my family? They are fully aware of the Hart Barony’s financial issues and the viscount sent has been chosen to help.”

“Help?” Dimitri almost choked out the words. He threw his hands to the side. “Do you know what they’re doing right now?”

“They’re reviewing the financial status of the barony and will reorganize-”

“They froze the development projects that Alessa worked so hard to bring in for her people!” Dimitri nearly shouted. “Now that she is a baroness, she’s desperately trying to revitalize her barony and bring in more business. The viscount your family sent is stopping all of that.”

Gideon looked a bit flustered. He shook his head. “I’m sure there is a reason-”

“And what reason is that?” Dimitri demanded. “If the viscount blocks the economic development of Chetterswickshire, isn’t he just harming the people? This isn’t a punishment, this is revenge. Revenge for Alessa asking you to take her to the delta!”

“How dare you!” Gideon stood up straight. “What do you know of what the viscount is doing? Do you know who he is? What his experience is? How do you know that he’s not there to help the barony?”

“How is stopping businesses from starting in Chetterswickshire helping the barony?” Dimitri continued to sneer. “Alessa was right to be upset. She knew you were upset with her after the delta, but to think it was to this extent. Do you despise her this much? All she did was ask you; you’re the one who broke protocol.”

Gideon grit his teeth. His hands were shaking at his sides. “I’m aware that I broke protocol and have also been punished for it. It was my fault.”

“Of course, it’s your fault! You never should’ve broken protocol.”

“And how far do you think we would’ve made it if I allowed the knights to report that we were leaving the city without warning?” Gideon asked with narrowed eyes. “You’ve traveled with me and should know how strict my travel restrictions are. If the knights reported it, we never would’ve left the gates! Is it my fault that I was the only one Alessa could count on that night? She needed help and insisted I was the only one who could get her into Viclya because of my status! If I couldn’t help her, then who could? It’s not my fault you were useless!”

Dimitri’s body moved. He leaned forward and his arm rose.

Tori silently swore and shot out of her hiding place.

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