Chapter 19: Feed Off Enemy Tears

Maybe she was being too cautious, but rather than sit at one of the tables close to the window, where anyone outside could see them, Tori bypassed the front of the cafe alltogether to sit in a small, corner table in the back, past the counter. Alessa looked frantic when she grabbed Tori’s arm and Tori was willing to bet the entire Guevera hereditary fortune that somewhere in their upcoming conversation, Alessa would cry.

How would that look to any potential clients outside?

Alessa had followed her into La Lumiere, which had a dark wood interior. Sitting in the back would allow them to blend in. Alessa had tried to take a seat at a vacant table by the window, but Tori walked past her, without a glance, and sat in the back corner. She lifted her hand and ordered a coffee.

This is what you call a power move. Tori shifted her eyes towards Alessa, who was still sitting by the window, and tilted her head. She then looked at the seat in front of her and back. It wasn’t until Tori’s coffee was brought to her and she thanked the server that Alessa and Adrien, who was resigned to sit at the counter and wait for them to finish their conversation, realized that Tori wasn’t going to move.

Like near every instance of them crossing paths in this world, Alessa had to come to her.

Shifting awkwardly from foot to foot, Alessa crossed the room, avoiding the eyes of any other customers before sitting down in front of Tori.

“What do you want to drink?” Tori asked as she stirred her coffee aimlessly. Her eyes went up and down Alessa’s small, nervous figure. “Tea, perhaps?” Alessa nodded, as if she’d nod at anything Tori said. “Miss Dejeau, may we have a cup of your breakfast tea? Thank you.” She looked back at Alessa. “Their breakfast tea has a nice hint of sweetness and it’s light.”

Alessa nodded her head once more and Tori couldn’t help but compare her to a shivering chihuahua. She held back her amusement as a small cup was placed in front of the blonde across from her.

Alessa stirred the tea with a small spoon once before she stopped and placed the teaspoon on the saucer. “Lady Guevera, I’m sorry. I was the one who gave Adrien the vest you lent me.”

Yeah, bitch. I know. “I see.”

“I didn’t know you were also planning to sell it. It’s an amazing design! Michelle, Zofia, and I...none of us got sick, but two of the boys in Gideon’s group got hypothermia.”

I know that, too. Their dumbasses didn’t think to make a second fire. “Uh-huh....”

Alessa squinted her eyes and looked unsure of what to say. “Because the vest was so useful, I thought it would help a lot of people, so I went to show Adrien. He’s a friend of mine, you see. We met when I was coming to Horizon. When all the supplies for the excursion were sold out, he provided me with the items I needed.”

That must’ve been an encounter. “Is that so....”

Faced with Tori’s calm, unfazed demeanor, Alessa’s pale face reddened. She swallowed hard. “It was me who suggested that he try to sell the vests and sleeping mats, Lady Guevera. As you said, the quilt has been around for a long time and this is just a wearable alternation.”

There was the confession. Tori continued to stir her drink, the light clink of the spoon against the cup filled the silence between them. She squinted and stopped. “I looked into the source of most of Mr. Rosiek’s merchandise. They came from Chetterwickshire.” She pinched the small handle of her mug and brought the coffee to her lips. She took a sip and lifted her eyes to meet Alessa’s. “He contracted several artists in your hometown, Miss Hart.”

Alessa sat up straight. “Yes! I know! Chetterswickshire is a very poor village. We’re just farmers. He wanted to help me by bringing some work to my village.”

Tori gave a singular nod and lowered her cup. “That’s very good of him.”

Alessa appeared uncertain and drew her head back. “You aren’t angry about this, are you?”

Tori raised a brow and let out a low breath as she leaned back against her chair. “He didn’t come up with the design. He stole mine. Then, he had the gall to accuse me of stealing the design.” She cocked her head and narrowed her eyes. “Should I be happy?”

At once, Alessa’s eyes reddened. They began to glisten with tears.

Tori almost rolled her eyes. Oh, fuck no. Don’t cry to me. I feed off enemy tears.

Alessa sniffled. “He only wanted to help me....”

“And that’s fine. A friend should help a friend in need. However, would stealing my design and accusing me help you?”

Alessa shook her head wildly from side to side. “No! It’s just that he knew I came from a poor village and wanted to bring income to my people!”

This girl just wasn’t listening.

“Which is acceptable, but was copying my design and accusing me his only option?”

Tears began to slide down Alessa’s face as she gasped for air, speechless. “I...I....”

“Lady Guevera, I think that’s enough.” A stern voice said ahead of her. Tori looked from Alessa to the man approaching.

Oh great, another one is here today. Tori lifted her cup and made a little toasting motion to the newcomer before taking a sip. “Good morning, Mr. Guthry. You’re a bit late. You missed all the action.” I really do sound like a villain. But it sounds pretty cool, I can see why people like this.

Dimitri knelt beside Alessa and lifted a handkerchief to wipe her eyes. “Don’t cry. Lady Guevera can’t do anything to you.”

Tori nearly choked on her coffee. She snapped her head back and looked at him with wide eyes. “Excuse me? Do you think I hurt her?”

“She’s crying, isn’t she?” Another voice filled the room and startled customers, earning them a disapproving look from the workers. Adrien didn’t pay attention to them and instead loomed behind Alessa, as if ready to grab her and shield her from Tori’s attack. “I’ve been watching the whole time.”

“Then did you hear us talking?” Tori looked at him as if he had just gotten stupider before her eyes. “She asked me if I was angry about this and I asked her why I should be happy if someone stole from me and then accused me of theft.”

Adrien slammed his hand on the small wooden table and Tori lifted her almost finished coffee to keep it from spilling.

“I know you’re blaming her for this! She has nothing to do with it. I’m the one who wanted to make the vests and decided to hire artisans in her village!” Adrien gave her a challenging look.

Tori’s unimpressed expression remained. “Then why.”

He jerked his head back. “What?”

“Why?” Tori repeated. “You know that someone else made the design. Why did you decide to copy, sell it, and then accuse me? What does any of that have to do with Miss Hart?”

The look on his face, and on Alessa’s, was confusion. As if the conversation they were expecting to have suddenly changed direction and they weren’t prepared.

“Lady Guevera,” Dimitri said, trying to be rational. “Very few people knew that you designed and commissioned the products yourself. Mr. Rosiek likely didn’t know you were the original designer.”

Oh, now that’s a reach.... “So, he decided to claim the credit.” Tori took another sip of her coffee and then placed the cup down. “Miss Hart, if you wanted to bring attention to the vests and sleeping bags so that they could help people, why didn’t you just come to me and tell me? The night I lent you the vest, I told you I designed them to keep you warm. Was it necessary to get Mr. Rosiek involved?”

Alessa’s head was downcast as she wiped her crying eyes. Her shoulders heaved and her voice trembled. “I’m sorry...I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to....”

“Lady Guevera.” Dimitri frowned. “Alessa has acknowledged her mistake. She’s very sorry.”

“This wasn’t her fault to begin with,” Adrien said as he looked at Alessa helplessly. “Like I said, I made all those decisions. She shouldn’t have to apologize to you.”

“Then you apologize.” Tori lifted her gaze and looked at him with an awaiting expression. “You stole my designs and claimed them as yours, then you accused me in public, slandering my name. Apologize.”

His face reddened and his hands turned white as he gripped the back of Alessa’s chair. He grit his teeth. “I...I’m sorry.”

Well, that has no sincerity. “Do you plan to continue selling the products?”

Adrien scoffed. “Don’t go too far. They’re just clothes.”

“They are, but I hope that I won’t see another cheap imitation of my designs in your cow store again, Mr. Rosiek. I have patents for the designs and methodology by which they are made. If you try to sell fakes, you are infringing on my right and there will be legal action. Costly, time-consuming legal action.” Tori lifted her cup and finished her coffee. She placed it on the table and looked across at the uneasy Alessa seated across from her. She softened the expression on her face and spoke in a placating voice. “Miss Hart, let’s just put this behind us. I’m sure that this time it was an accident.” Not fucking likely, but whatever. “And that you didn’t mean any harm.”

Alessa sniffled and looked up with hopeful eyes. “Really?”

Tori smiled graciously. “Yes. Don’t trouble yourself further with this.” She rose to her feet. “I should get back to my grand opening. Don’t worry about the tea, all right? It’s on me.”

She went to the counter to pay and apologize for any scene they must’ve caused. The owner assured her it was fine and thanked Tori for buying them out this morning. After a bit of friendly chatter, Tori headed outside and made her way towards her store.

“Lady Guevera.” She was almost to the store front when she turned and almost wondered if she heard wrong. However, the man was looking at her and approaching.

“Your Highness Prince Emil.” Tori lowered her head and gave him a small, respectful nod. “Thank you for all your help today. It was unexpected to see you here, but I’m glad you were able to come. You and the committee really helped us.”

He gave a slight shake of his head. “We deal with claims like that all the time. Sadly, it takes up a large part of our staff’s time. Your case was quite clear.” He smiled and chuckled. “It was as if you were prepared for an audit.”

Tori gave him a weak smile. Audits were always such a pain. If procurement and finance wanted answers, they would hound you until they got their answers. “Did you come to see the store opened by Lycée students, Your Highness?”

“Yes, my wife and I both came. I heard this is where to buy those ‘down jackets’.”

Tori’s brows shot up. “It’s an honor that you’ve heard of them. Have you been inside already? You’re an important guest, I should show you around our showroom floor.”

The old man chuckled once. “Oh, it’s fine. My wife loves to shop.” Leaned a bit closer and whispered. “She’s probably in there, trying to get one of everything.”

Tori cracked a smile and laughed. “As long as she likes what she sees, I’m more than satisfied.” She paused and looked at him, quizzical. “But Your Highness, don’t you want to go inside, as well? It’s a bit cold out here.”

“Actually, I was waiting for you.”

“Me?” A surge of panic swept through her as she wondered if she’d done anything wrong recently.

“Yes, a young entrepreneur who just started at Lycée is opening two stores and selling at Daybreak Garden. That’s rather unheard of.”

“Well, I do have the best resource of all. Money.”

The old man let out another bellowing laugh. His eyes narrowed into amused crescents. “Yes, I’m sure! Ha-ha, but money doesn’t just design vests and jackets and whatnot alone. It’s very clever. The first time I held it, I was amazed by how light it was.”

Tori tilted her head and furrowed her brows. “Were you able to see one of my jackets previously?”

Prince Emil raised a brow. “Did you not gift one to my great nephew?”

I most certainly did not-wait.... Tori jerked her head back. “Piers? I mean...His Highness Prince Piers?” She grimaced a bit. She really should pay attention to how she addressed him, but since her brother was so casual about it, she seemed to have picked it up.

Prince Emil nodded thoughtfully. “He came by my office and was wearing his. We went for a walk and it began to get cold, so that boy took off his own jacket to give me to wear. I forgot I was wearing it and ended up taking it home. Vivian, my wife, saw it and asked about it. I called Piers and he said you made it and that you had several designs. He even told us to look out for your aunt and uncle’s versions.” The elder prince chuckled to himself. “The next day, Vivian crossed Université’s campus first thing in the morning to find Professor Biancci at the greenhouse.”

Tori took in a sharp breath. “She went all the way to Université?”

“You didn’t know? My wife is the Dean of the School of Mathematics. Professor Biancci told her that there was a women’s version of his that you were selling, and so Vivian accosted your aunt when she saw her this morning.”

Tori grinned. “Had I known, I would’ve brought some samples to show you and let her choose ahead of time instead of having her come all the way here, to wait in the cold.” Dammit, Piers, why didn’t you tell me? Now I feel bad for giving you whatever random jacket I thought would fit.

“And rob her of her shopping?” Prince Emil snorted and shook his head. “But it’s good we came today. It seems I was of use.”

“Your Highness, that’s an understatement-”

“Emil! Emil, what are you still doing out there?” A woman was standing in the doorway of the store. It was the same lovely old woman who entered the shop first once the ribbon was cut. While there was still some lingering excitement on her face, she was looking towards the elder prince with impatience.

Prince Emil gave her a helpless smile. “My heart, I was just talking to-”

“Yes, yes, but they’re going to run out of your size for that Biancci style....” Her voice trailed off as her brown eyes squinted at Tori. Suddenly, her face filled with surprise. “Is that her?”

Tori gave her a small nod of her head. “Good day, Your Highness.”

The woman was faster than she appeared. In a moment, she was in front of Tori, studying her face and reaching for her hands. “Oh...oh, she’s pretty.” Princess Vivian’s eyes twinkled as Tori smiled, embarrassed by such a straightforward compliment, and looked away. “My dear girl, are you done speaking with my husband? He’s just a boring old man who knows nothing about fashion.”

Prince Emil looked a bit aggrieved. “I’m stylish....”

“Because I picked out your clothes,” Princess Vivian said with some pride. She looked back at Tori and smiled warmly. “You are the designer, my dear. Tell me: which one would you recommend for me? The only good taste Emil has is in his wife.”

Tori’s smile was broad and amused as she gently took the princess’ arm and led her back into the store. “Let’s take a look. We’ll settle on the design first, then select the colors and take your measurements. If we can finalize all of that today, it should be ready by the end of the coming week.”

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Princess Vivian looked taken aback. “End of the week?”

Tori nodded, as if it were obvious. “Yes, aren’t we custom making one for you? After all, today’s friends and family discount applies to custom orders, as well. Might as well get a ready to wear one now and a customized one, yes?” She gave the old woman a wink and watched as the princess’ eyes lit up.

She got closer to Tori, holding on to her arm as they entered the store. “In that case, I like light purples and violets.” She leaned towards the young woman and blushed. “Like my Emil’s eyes.”

“And all she did was cry?” The amount of disgust in Sonia’s voice was palpable.

“She was very distraught,” Tori said as they sat in one of the gardens in school, eating their lunch. “It was an intense situation she was in the middle of. She probably didn’t mean to cry.”

“You didn’t even blame her!” Sonia nearly threw the wrapper of her meat pie onto the ground in frustration.

Tori sighed. “I did imply that she was benefitting from the sales somehow.”

“Yes, and she admitted that her village is benefiting,” Ilyana said as she circled something in a book. “We can’t say for certain that she didn’t intentionally leak the vest.”

“Having the products made in her hometown was the merchant’s action. She doesn’t control him.” Unless she gets enough romance points, then I’m sure he’s a puppet on strings.

Sonia shook her head. “I can’t believe you’re going to let that cow store person continue to sell vests and sleeping bags.”

“At this point, the whole city probably knows that I’m the one who designed them and he likely stole my work and claimed it as his own. If they see one of the Lions Gate designs in his cow store, it’ll be clear he’s stolen my designs and is selling fakes. No decent merchant wants that kind of reputation.”

Sonia scoffed. “You think too highly of him if you consider him a decent merchant after what he did. You’re too nice, Tori.”

I just don’t want to be hunted by the protagonist’s love interests. Please let me live. “Electives are up next. I should get going. I have some questions for Instructor Ignatius on the crystals I’m working on and want to know if he’ll supervise my experiment so it doesn’t get out of hand if I make a mistake.”

The other two bid her farewell and watched her leave, heading in the opposite direction of their classes. Tori was lost in thought thinking about her project. Crystals could be charged and store energy in this world. That energy was used for different things, like communication and light. It was low level magic, at best. At the same time, there was more temporary, but much stronger energy, in customized paper spells. This is what the blue-haired love interest, Montan, was especially good at.

However, because those were temporary; they needed to be used up within a certain amount of time and once they were used, they were pretty much useless. They were good for small, explosive bursts of magic, but only a skilled user could prolong the charm's life. Even then, its life was limited.

That was how Montan was able to stablize a tree that was caught in some rocks during the excursion. The two groups had to act fast to cross, as the paper charm he'd used to freeze the tree in place could be washed out or disintegrate quickly in the river. There was conviently enough time for both groups to use the tree as a bridge before the charms were swept out and the tree was swallowed up.

A paper charm was also able to track Victoria in the game’s sequel. Montan stuck what was essentially a charm on to Victoria and used it to find her. The fact that there was a limited time to find Victoria added to the pressure.

Currently, the school didn’t offer any classes on it, but the charms needed to be written in some esoteric language and Montan’s elective was that said esoteric language. It was unfortunate that one of her greatest weak points was learning new languages.

Still, Tori wanted to see what would happen if she tried to combine the two schools, like some sort of crystal-charm alchemist. Her studies on grids and energy lines alluded to the two schools being aligned in the past, but they became specialized as magic in the world progressed. It was interesting stuff to her.

“Lady Guevera.”

She wasn’t paying attention. Her mind had drifted into imagining Montan being blown up by his own charm in comedic fashion.

“Lady Guevera!”

“Huh?” She stopped and turned around, looking for the source of her name. Her eyes settled on the charismatic brunette who wasn’t wearing his usual amiable smile. “My apologies, I was thinking about something. Can I help you?”

She made herself look attentive, fighting her initial urge to tell him to leave her alone.

“Lady Guevera, may I speak to you for a moment?” He wore a serious look on his face and Tori hesitated. She weighed her options and ultimately decided to see what he wanted. She nodded and he led her into an empty classroom near-by.

“I do have to get to my class, Mr. Guthry, so I’m afraid I can’t stay long to talk,” Tori said as she stood by the door.

Dimitri nodded and took a deep breath. He seemed to measure his words before speaking. “Lady Guevera, I spoke to Alessa about the issue of the quilted vest and sleeping mats. The Golden Cow is having them made exclusively in her hometown and it’s helped alleviate the financial stress of several artisan families involved.”

Tori nodded. “That’s good.”

“Yes, it is. She is hoping that it will continue.”

Tori knit her brows. “Isn’t it? Mr. Rosiek of the Golden Cow doesn’t plan to stop selling the copied vests and sleeping mats. You were there; he was a bit defiant for a design thief, if you ask me.”

She was aware of how flustered Dimitri was getting, but didn’t intend to open herself up.

“I’m aware of his actions and condemn them; however, it was an accident. And the production of the goods is helping many people. They’re worried that now that you have opened your store-”

“Stores.”

“What?”

“Stores. Plural,” Tori said, looking at him, unmoved. “We have two stores and are selling at Daybreak Garden.”

Dimitri’s eyes widened and his jaw slacked a bit. “Why are you opening up more than one store?”

“Pricing tiers and the utility of the merchandise.” She gave him a reluctant, suspicious look. “There’s a bit of marketing strategy involved and I’d rather not get into it.”

Dimitri took a deep breath. He closed his eyes. “Lady Guevera, if you do this, wouldn’t it flood the market? No one will buy from the Golden Cow.”

Yeah, that’s the fucking point. “It’s the customer who decides. If one store has better, more affordable, or higher quality choices for the product, they will choose one store over another. Wouldn’t you?”

“The loss of the market would take away jobs from the people of Chetterswickshire.”

She gave him a blank stare. “Have you really considered this matter, Mr. Guthry?”

“Yes, believe it or not, I’m very concerned about our impoverished regions.”

“Let me ask you a question: are vests and sleeping mats the only thing The Golden Cow sells?”

He frowned and gave a small shake of his head. “No, they sell many other items. Mainly household items, simple clothes, and then a few imports, to my knowledge.”

“Then why does it have to be my copied designs that are made in Chetterswickshire and not other items that require the same artisans, such as the aforementioned clothes?”

He was quiet. His lips curled into a frown and Tori wondered whether he really didn’t think about it or if he just wanted her to let Alessa and Adrien sell her designs.

She sighed and ran a hand down her face, tired. “All Mr. Rosiek has to do to keep jobs in Miss Hart’s hometown is to literally give them jobs. It doesn’t necessarily need to be producing ‘quiltwear’ as he calls them. Do you understand, Mr. Guthry?”

The frown on his face didn’t not disappear. If anything, he seemed even more displeased. “I understand.”

“Great-”

“You won’t give them the chance to continue doing business.” He looked both upset and disappointed in her. “That’s very selfish of you, Lady Guevera.”

It took her a moment to register his words. She almost couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She wasn’t being vague. She wasn’t being dismissive. She gave him a suitable answer that would appease both parties.

At least she thought it was.

“Are you purposely not listening to what I’m telling you?” Tori slammed her hand on a desk and looked at him as if waiting him for give her another stupid answer. “I’m not doing anything to stop them from selling what they’re already selling. The market will speak for itself and it’s up to them to adapt. A competitor won’t hinder itself so its opponent can flourish. Why do you think Mr. Rosiek refuses to stop selling the stolen designs? There are ways for the Golden Cow to adapt and still support Chetterswickshire artisans. I just told you the most obvious one!”

He grit his teeth. “Lady Guevera, if you allow the Golden Cow to sell your designs legitimately, it would be very beneficial to you. I am asking this as your classmate.”

“This subject is not suitable for discussion or negotiation between us, Mr. Guthry.” Tori shook her head and turned around. Her hand reached for the door handle.

“My father is the Prime Minister. If you give your word, I will owe you a favor.”

She wasn’t sure if her skin was crawling or if it was overheating with fury. She narrowed her eyes and slowly turned around to face him. “Do you know that accepting any sort of benefit outside of regulated trade practices is considered a bribe and against the code of ethics set forth by the Imperial Commerce Commission, Mr. Guthry? Are you suggesting I break the code of ethics? You? The Prime Minister’s son?”

Panic flashed over his face as he seemed to remember who he was and realize what he’d just said. He paled for a moment before the calm, collected look he usually had returned.

Yet, when he opened his mouth his words didn’t come as fluidly as before.

“You’re right,” he said after some thought. He swallowed hard and straightened his posture. “Such a thing should not have been said. Forgive me, I spoke out of turn.”

Tori gave him a curt nod. “Aside from the stolen designs, Lions Gate has nothing to do with the Golden Cow, Mr. Guthry. Please do not mention this again.”

She turned back to the door.

“Lady Guevera, I will ask you once more. Will you not reconsider your stance on the designs for the sake of your fellow student?” Dimitri asked. “This entire situation has severely upset Alessa.”

Calm down, Tori. You’re older than he is. Have better control. Just calm down...good lord, I need a punching bag. Tori turned around, not bothering to hide the exasperation in her face and voice. “This situation has severely upset me, as well, Mr. Guthry.”

“I understand-”

“Need I remind you that I am the one who was wronged in this whole ordeal?” She lifted her hand and placed it over her chest as she narrowed her eyes. “Someone stole from me and then accused me of being the thief. I have repeated this over and over. However, I am trying my best to deal with this in the most rational way. Are you going to hold that against me?”

She looked at her latest opponent. Dimitri was quiet for another second before he conceded in a tight voice. “No.”

“Then why are you asking me to continue to be wronged simply because someone else is also upset?” Tori shook her head. “I believe we’re done.”

She turned around once more and grabbed the door handle, pulling it open.

“I respect you as a classmate, Lady Guevera. I had expected more from you,” he said from the classroom. “However, I don’t think I can see you in a positive light after this.”

Tori looked over her shoulder, meeting his eyes without a trace of regret. “Then let’s keep our contact to a minimum.”

She stepped away and let the door close behind her. She let out a low, tired breath and shook her head. While she knew that he was asking her for the sake of Alessa, he did realize that this would bring her closer to Adrien, right? Then again, the raising of romance points on all the love interests was encouraged for more benefits.

In retrospect, that’s kind of sleazy. I’m all for friendship endings, but it doesn’t feel right to take advantage of them. Tori sighed once more. She was still waiting for the midterm results to come out and, with the last hectic few days, she’d hardly had a chance to really think about the game plot. She was too focused on crushing Adrien and her exams. She would have a bit of a lull before final exams.

It would be good to sit down and analyze how and if her change of personality from the original Victoria, and thus her altered actions, had any effect on the game’s story.

She lifted her arms over her head and stretched them out. She was sure that she and Dimitri weren’t going to be on good terms after this. Not that they were close to begin with.

I expect that kind of idiotic mental gymnastics from that douche, Gideon, but not Dimitri. He’s supposed to be smarter than this and it’s not as if we got off on the wrong foot. It’s like he’s programmed to hate me no matter what....

Her steps came to a stop and she could almost hear the ‘click’ of a light bulb turn on in her head.

Her eyes crinkled up as the color drained from her face.

“Oh. Oh, no....”

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