ailaaurie
patreon
Chapter 194: These Love Interests Have Gotten Out of Hand
🕑 Added 2022-12-08 06:00:06 +0000 UTCThere was a time and a place for Tori to correct an individual on her relationship with Piers.
And this was one of them.
Across the table, next to Prince Cyrus, Gideon’s head shot up as soon as he heard the foreign prince’s words. His eyes went from his brother to Tori, and carried a mixture of uncertainty and horror. Axton flinched a bit, but didn’t show any outward discomfort; almost as if he expected it.
Piers raised a brow and slowed his eating. Those who were seated closest to them were high ranked nobles, including Duchess Fekete. Though she maintained a regal composure, Tori could feel her eyes boring into her side as if waiting for new, savory gossip.
Before she could think of a way to correct the visiting prince respectfully and clearly, Piers spoke up.
“The Countess comes from a region where marriages are not decided so early, especially when she is still in secondary school,” Piers said in a surprisingly calm voice. “As such, we are not formally engaged.”
Tori’s sharp eyes shot at him. Formally? Why do you have to say ‘formally’? Can’t you just say I’m not your fiancée? If he could read her mind, he must’ve been purposely avoiding her hostile gaze.
Prince Cyrus didn’t react much. He seemed to consider Piers' words before nodding once. “I understand. The matter of marriage, especially for someone of our rank, is not a simple matter and must be well considered.” He looked towards Tori. “I apologize for the mistake, Countess Guevera.”
“Not at all, Your Highness,” Tori said as she pasted a smile that didn’t reach her eyes on her face. She had to consider the situation. She couldn’t push that he was mistaken once he’d apologized. After all, he was a visiting prince, and they were trying to make him an ally. In addition, the vagueness of Piers’ statement would quiet down those who were eyeing both him and her.
According to her father’s calls, there had been an irritating increase of inquiries about her ‘future’ since she was given her title and land. Peers and acquaintances had name-dropped young men in their family. Her father and brothers weren’t stupid. They knew what was happening and they did not like it.
But they were in Presidio for the most part. Her family could detour interested parties there, but Horizon was a bit out of reach.
Tori didn’t want to use the concept of ‘fake dating’. She read fanfics when she was younger; she knew where that led. However, as much as she didn’t want to admit it, Piers always hanging around her being misunderstood as something else was useful. God knows she did not want or have the mental capacity to deal with the headache of suitors or whatever they were called.
With everything going on, she’d probably lose her patience and stab someone.
Okay, Piers. You win this time.... She slowly drew her sharp eyes away from Piers.
Prince Cyrus seemed at a loss. “I had heard that you often escort Prince Piers and made an assumption.”
Tori kept smiling. “It is one that is often made as I accompany His Highness often. His Highness Prince Piers is my senior and his seniors are my brothers. When I came to Horizon, they entrusted him to watch over me. I can only do my best to avoid being so troublesome.”
She pretended she didn’t see Axton’s sidelong look. She troubled Piers so often, it was why Fiona called him her sidekick.
“The Countess has proven one of my staunchest supporters,” Piers said. “I could not ask for a better one.”
Prince Cyrus lifted his glass and made a little salute towards Tori. Tori lifted her own drink to return it and then took a long sip of her wine.
She managed to avoid the subject for the rest of the evening, but did hear it discussed around her as she wove through the crowds making small talk and letting familiar guests of Viclya know that she was going to open spaces for winter visits, as a new building had gone up at the foot of the hill near where the ice-skating rink was. While built with a matching facade as the other buildings, the inside was versatile and could be decorated according to the weather and season.
“Yes, we have had a sizable migration of people recently, as relatives of my villagers mainly from the border region have come to settle. We’ve been very proactive in getting them resettled and introducing them to the culture of the delta,” Tori said as she spoke with Ambassador Izel. “They are looking forward to the opening of Chili Xicalli next summer.”
“Do they like the hot sauce?” Ambassador Izel’s smile widened.
“They love it. This summer’s most popular food was, unexpectedly, oysters with hot sauce,” Tori said.
“The...after taste, as you call it, is strangely addicting,” the woman replied with an acknowledging nod. “Countess, the chefs who will come to cook at the restaurant have been selected. Their paperwork should be completed by their arrival this winter. Will they be able to move to Viclya then?”
“Yes,” Tori said with a nod. “There are several buildings with courtyards on Rois that I’ve selected for our foreign chefs.” She looked past Ambassador Izel. “Where is Ambassador Das? I should tell him about this, too.”
Ambassador Izel looked around for the other dignitary and found him with his wife, enjoying the frozen fruit cream.
“The Countess should consider adding crushed nuts to this,” he was saying with a look of concentration.
“Additional topping options would be good,” his wife agreed. Tori caught their eyes and made her way over to tell them about the living arrangements.
She also managed to get several other ambassadors she was working with to clarify the living arrangements for the cooks being sent to Viclya. The rent for the restaurants and living arrangements would be rent free, but the foreign investors of the restaurants were covering the staff, ingredients, and specialized cookware. Tori was also investing in each restaurant by personally ordering all the table, serving, and general cookware required from the other country, and having them shipped over.
She was also working closely with each group of investors to arrange and decorate each restaurant appropriately. Unfortunately, since comcry technology required contacts to register each other in order to communicate, she could only write letters and have comcry meetings when one of the dignitaries was available.
Still, all investors had been invited for the next Spring Festival so they could look over the restaurants, give it a dry run, and make any minor changes before they officially opened in the summer. She made sure to keep them all up to date with dashboards and project timelines, as well as being very transparent about where spending went.
“Is it too late to arrange a restaurant that would serve Hong food?” Ambassador Wu had stood with the small crowd of other ambassadors as Tori went through the living arrangements and current construction status.
“It is not,” Tori said with a bright smile. “As we are a fledgling village, we are building in phases so as not to overuse our current resources. Rois is a relatively large island and there will be plenty of room for more restaurants and shops to cater to our guests. The current group is our stage one for the Cosora Cultural Exchange program. Next summer will be our initial test.”
“When will you be accepting partners for your next stage?” Ambassador Wu asked.
“We have a running list,” Tori said. “Nazaria is currently deciding on a location from the areas provided, and Lords Nobuzaki and Lady Mizuha are working on a suitable menu of food that can be served bearing in mind the availability of ingredients and transportation costs. The Xhor Empire has also been invited, but we are still sorting through possible investors.”
“Then, I would also like to put Hong on the running list.”
“Of course!” Tori perked up. “Do you have some time to visit the delta? It is a small, developed area, but the weather right now is ideal for visiting.”
“I will accept the Countess’ invitation,” Ambassador Wu said with a nod.
“I will have my people contact the Hong Embassy to arrange for a visit this month,” Tori said. “Please expect a welcome packet within the week.”
Ambassador Wu looked pleased, and Tori caught sight of Axton raising his hand just a bit to beckon her over. Tori excused herself and made her way across the courtyard.
“Can you prepare one of the apartments in Rois for Prince Cyrus?” Axton asked.
“Yes, a few are ready for guests and face the King’s Plaza,” Tori replied. “I will need to ask for additional imperial knights.”
“I will arrange it,” Axton said, keeping his voice a bit low. “Piers also wants a small meeting space that is secure.”
“There are some available on Rois. This isn’t a problem. I will have everything prepared,” Tori assured him.
The third Prince of Pargath was a higher priority than the ambassadors and dignitaries. Soleil had good relations with Pargath, but with the current King of Pargath ill and no announcement on who the heir apparent was, they weren’t sure how long the good relations would continue. If the information they had on the first Prince of Pargath was correct and he was on suspiciously friendly terms with the Duraga Federation, then there was a chance that Pargath would no longer be neutral.
What Piers was concerned about was the border region and proximity of Pargath to Soleil. It could easily be used as a launching point for the Duraga Federation to bypass the land border. In addition, Pargath was the nearest gateway for land trade east. It’s where it got the majority of its wealth.
Tori’s land trade connections came directly through Pargath. Prices had gone up as merchants faced increased trading taxes and the flow of goods had become more scrutinized. She was notified that some items were being confiscated or could not leave by trading ship, as before. This included her supply of fireworks.
The fortified city-state had lasted so long without being swallowed up by surrounding powers because of its neutrality and willingness to work with other nations. They protected themselves with a small, but strong navy around their waters, and their topographical position as a peninsula with a large bay made it easy to defend from land.
But political positions changed.
If Piers wanted to make an ally of the third prince to ensure continued neutrality and trade, then Tori had no hesitations about assisting him.
“Axton, tell Piers I want to go to the crystal table,” Tori told him.
Axton gave her a confused look. “When?”
“Soon.” Tonight, had given her a flood of information and at that moment, her brain couldn’t organize all of it. The theory behind the crystal table was that it would help a user solidify their thoughts based on collected information, both conscious and subconscious, which influenced their intuition.
She wanted to try that.
Axton gave her a small nod and they parted ways. Tori continued making rounds and bolstering Piers’ reputation amongst his peers and visiting dignitaries. In between small chats, she checked on the available snacks, and was questioned about her current research on crystals.
Most of the focus was on home goods and the improved lifestyle of her villagers. Overall, the ball did what it was supposed to do, and Tori felt she came out on top with a few more contacts and possible investors.
“What do you think?” Axton asked as they sat in Piers’ carriage going back to the palace. “Success?”
“There was some criticism of my involvement in the delta’s development,” Piers said. “With the show of crystal technology and the steady development of the city as a port resort town, including the popularity with foreign investors, those who had concerns were silenced.”
Tori frowned beside him. “How much criticism was there about your involvement?”
“That is not something to worry about,” Piers said.
“Was there a lot?”
“It was mainly concern about the use of imperial knights guarding the delta, not so much about what’s happening there,” Axton replied, ignoring Piers’ glare. “The first, second, and third tier imperial knights are funded by the imperial family, but the fourth and fifth tier imperial knights that typically patrol the city are from a separate budget.”
“The majority of the patrol knights in the delta were fifth tier,” Tori said. They were either first or fifth tier knights. “Their accommodations and food were paid for by my budget though.”
“It was only a relocation assignment and usually this isn’t enough to cause an issue,” Axton told her. “We think it is because it was in relation to you.”
“I’m so popular,” Tori said in a dull voice as she rolled her eyes and looked out the window. “The budget for my delta is available for review at all times and I have been transparent with my project budget and funding sources.”
“There isn’t much they can do. They can only complain,” Piers told them. “The majority of the funding has been from private resources: your family, myself, Henrik and Lady Ilyana, and individual investors. The money from public funds initially came from the emergency disaster fund.”
“We stopped getting funding from that after the first year,” Tori said. She scowled in her seat. “No matter what, I am sure there will be criticism. I’m sure allowing foreign investors in restaurants is being scrutinized.”
“It is,” both Axton and Piers chorused.
“This just hasn’t been done before,” Axton said. “There are restaurants in the first and second districts catering to foreign guests, but it is limited. If you want foreign food, it is best to go directly to the home of a dignitary, as they bring their own household staff.”
“Does Pargath have an embassy?”
“Yes, it’s where the third prince is currently staying,” Axton said.
“The Ambassador from Pargath is his mother’s brother.” Piers kept his eyes out the window. “His mother’s side is a particularly influential family.”
“But one family versus the Duraga Federation? How much weight could they possibly have in comparison?” Axton asked with a raised brow.
“There is reason for concern.” Piers looked out the window.
Tori leaned back against the seat and furrowed her brows. She was silent for the rest of the ride to the palace and when they arrived, Tori went directly to the crystal table. When she was close enough, she could feel the pulses calling to her.
The doorway was clear, and she could see the glow from the room.
“Alexander?” Tori stopped two steps into the room and squinted. Her cat was lying at the foot of the table, right next to the hole that went into the ground.
“Nyaow!” As if caught, he jumped up and trotted over, nudging her dress, and leaning upwards to be carried. Tori bent down and picked him up, draping her long cat over her shoulder.
“I really don’t want you wandering so freely around the palace, Alexander. What if you get locked in somewhere?” Tori said with a frown as she walked towards the table. Her cat nudged her head and let out a purr, as if doing so would soften her heart to him.
“I can assign a knight to him while he is here,” Piers said.
Tori gave him an annoyed look over her shoulder. “That’s not necessary, Piers. He’s a cat.” She walked to the table and looked down at the glowing surface. The map was limited to Soleil’s mainland and a few surrounding areas, but nothing beyond that.
Tori handed her cat to Piers and put her hands on the edge of the table. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, grounding. The pulse of the table matched her heartbeat, and she opened her eyes.
Immediately, her gaze was drawn to the brighter than normal glow around the Cosora Delta. She frowned, as aside from her crystal, there were no others placed there. In addition, the table surface of the map was glowing, but her crystal was not.
“Can I add crystals?” she asked without taking her eyes off the table.
Piers put Alexander on the ground. “There are spare pieces. I will get the box.” He crossed the room and seemed to scan one of the shelves for a wooden box. He pulled it out and frowned. “It is dusty.”
“That’s fine,” Tori said. “Open it and bring it to me.” He took out a handkerchief and wiped the top of the box before undoing the latch and holding it open beside her. Inside the cushioned, fabric lined box were various clear crystal obelisks. They were no larger than her pinky finger.
She reached in and closed her eyes, picking one at random.
She then placed the small obelisk in the delta and watched it begin to glow. It seemed that was the right move. She pinched the top with her finger and felt a shock. Her eyes widened as she snatched her hand back and stared at the small crystal.
“What’s wrong?” Piers asked.
“Does the crystal shock you?”
“No.” Piers frown. “You felt a shock?”
“I felt a shock and I thought of someone.”
“Who?”
Tori lifted her head to look at Piers. “Hadley Voss. Kasen recruited him to work in information sourcing before the summer. He’s been going between the delta and Anlar.” She didn’t know what exactly Madam Voss’ middle child was doing for Kasen, but she knew it involved observation and gathering information from small villages in the guise of a brick merchant.
Piers looked back at the table. “Is his crystal glowing?”
Tori turned to the crystal and nodded. “It’s glowing....” She wiggled her fingers and moved her left hand over the crystal once more. She pinched it and released it quickly in case there was another shock, but nothing happened. Suspicious, she pinched it again and lifted it up. Another part of the table glowed, and she quickly placed Hadley’s crystal on it.
“Fendersmith Fields, on the border of Anlar and the Central Corridor. It was an agricultural region until the drought and fires, creating an exodus from the region,” Piers said. “Farming is still difficult for the area.”
Tori tilted her head to the side. “Is this near Hart’s mother’s family’s ancestral property?”
Piers paused for a moment. “It is the location of her mother’s ancestral property.” Piers moved his hand over the table and traced an invisible line nearby, coming from the mountainous area near the lakes. “This is all agricultural or forested land. It is possible to put a trade route here to better access the area and go directly to the coast. It would pass Fendersmith Fields.”
Tori squinted. “A prospective trading hub. I wasn’t expecting that....” The delta was still glowing, and Tori took out another obelisk. She put it down on the delta and watched it light up before pinching it again. She let out a hiss. “Why does it keep shocking me?”
“Who did you see?”
Tori gritted her teeth and narrowed her eyes. “Ambassador Wu.”
Piers furrowed his brows. “And where does he go?”
Tori took a deep breath and pinched the crystal again. She lifted it up and immediately made a face. “Are you kidding me? He’s not even a Soleil citizen; I can’t make him go there.”
“Where?” Piers pressed.
Tori almost slammed the small crystal on a bay on a peninsula. “Pargath.”
“Oh no, that’s terrible.” Tori leaned forward with an expected look of annoyance and frustration, mirroring the look on Ambassador’s Wu’s face. “I don’t understand why it’s being detained. Has there been a policy change?”
“There was no official word, but if this continues, we will refocus our trade by sea,” the middle-aged dignitary said with an air of irritation. “We have met all the requirements for mercantile transport through Pargath for centuries. Now, without warning, they suddenly impose restrictions?”
“It’s ludicrous,” Ambassador Das agreed.
“Well, the only reason we go through Pargath is because it is faster to transport goods and there is less of a chance that weather or sea conditions will impact the arrival,” Madam Das, who came from a merchant family, said.
“Most of the goods imported are non-perishable,” Tori said with a thoughtful look. “Ocean transport may take longer, but for non-perishable goods, does it make much of a difference?”
“The distance is longer, so it takes at least a few more weeks longer than normal,” Madam Das replied.
“There are also weather and sea conditions to consider,” Ambassador Wu said as he knocked on the wooden table on the second-floor dining patio of what would become Tastes of Varsha. “It is unfortunate, but there are always ships lost every year.”
The others around the table Tori was having lunch with nodded. Many merchants in their country went through Pargath.
“There are seasonal storms in the tropics,” Ambassador Izel told her. “Which is why our trade and travel schedules are concentrated during particular times of the year.”
“Those will affect us, as well,” Ambassador Das said with a nod.
“Those are things to consider. I can see why Pargath is such an important trade port,” Tori said. She wondered what the first prince of Pargath was offered by the Duraga Federation that he’d waver from the kingdom’s strict neutrality and put their political-economic ties in jeopardy.
She didn’t think the Duraga Federation had money to burn, but she did know that they ruled over a vast, resource rich area. Perhaps there was something like land or some other resource offered to the first prince?
“We’ve sent a small delegation to Pargath to discuss the recent trade situation,” Ambassador Wu said. “From Pargath, our Hong merchants come directly to Soleil and Nazaria.”
“It is the same for us,” Ambassador Das said. The two empires were neighbors and old trading partners. What affected one would undoubtedly affect the other.
“Then, please let me know if there are any changes we may have to consider,” Tori said. Okay, so maybe it’s not Ambassador Wu who is going to Pargath himself, but this is the next best thing.
“Yes, of course. I’d hate to delay our opening here,” Ambassador Das said. “I only hope that the restrictions are not so severe.”
“King Demetrius is ill...it is always a precarious time when such a thing happens....” Madam Das said in a quiet voice.
There was an unspoken acknowledgement that the sudden trade restrictions had to do with the first prince, but no one seemed to want to say it out loud. Tori put on a smile and deftly moved the subject to the transition from summer to winter activities.
After nearly a day on Rois, Tori brought the group back to the mainland and gave them each a packet with a map of the Promenade, resort tents, and main street, as well as a schedule of activities, and a snack card.
“You pay with this?” They stared at the metal cards in their hands that had embossed numbers, their names, and a clear crystal embedded into them.
“Yes, the hole in the corner can be connected to these lanyards,” Tori said as she held up one of her own. “These are made here in the delta and more ornate ones can be purchased. If you wish to pay, you just tap the crystal against another crystal on a point-of-sale device. At the small kiosks and stands, it is at the cashier. At the larger restaurants, you can ask a server to bring you a mobile one. Each card has a set amount, allowing each card to pay for the most expensive individual meal at our main restaurant for the next four meals. I will take care of tonight’s meal personally, but tomorrow, when you are on your own, you may use these at your discretion.”
Several ambassadors, their spouses, and occasional assistants held the metal cards in their hands.
“Countess Guevera, were these cards developed by you?” Ambassador Wu asked in a tentative voice.
Tori nodded. “Yes, Ambassador. This proprietary technology of the Cosora Delta is meant to make things more convenient for our guests. The cards are tied to your names and rooms. Should you lose the card, you can go to any one of the information offices and let them know. They will deactivate your lost card and transfer the remaining balance into a new card. If you would like to add more funds to the card, you can also do so at the information office.”
“What if we do not spend the entire amount?” someone asked.
“For courtesy guest cards, such as yours which are for special first-time visitors, the cards will deactivate by the end of your stay. You can keep the card and reactivate it if you return, then add more funds if you so wish. Added funding is not courtesy, so they will remain on your card until they are used, or the card is returned. If the card is returned, the remaining amount on the card will be given back to you. Please keep in mind that when the balance is used up, the crystal will go from clear to opaque,” Tori explained. She chuckled. “I know it sounds rather complex, but returning guests prefer this method. They often add funds to the card at the Skuldsen Travel Center in Horizon before coming, so they do not have to bring too much money.”
“How do we know how much remains?” Madam Das asked.
“The point-of-sale crystal has a functioning comcry and they can call the information office directly to confirm what amount remains. We are still working on technology to allow for immediate balance check,” Tori replied.
“I want to try this!” Ambassador Huandoy quickly rushed to the nearest kiosk, which sold spiraled potatoes. The group followed to watch, and Tori stood to the side, observing their curious reactions. When the payment was made, there was a burst of awe.
“This is good if one has children and wants to limit their spending without fear of them losing money,” one of the dignitaries from Nazaria chuckled.
“When the small children of my family visit, they each have a card,” Tori said. “However, I do make sure that their nannies are made aware to oversee what they buy. The last thing we need is for them to spend all their money on sweets.”
The group laughed and Tori said that they should take the time to rest a bit before dinner. She would see them later in the evening. Various valets escorted the group back to their resort tents.
“Is this how you’ve been keeping track of what they eat?” a voice asked behind her. Tori didn’t turn around to know it was Gideon. She let out a tired sigh and let her shoulders sink.
“Why are you here?” Tori asked as she turned around. Sure enough, Gideon was there with Fabian. “I wasn’t informed that you would be coming this weekend.”
“I’m going to be here until school starts.”
“What?” Tori made an irritated face.
“Alvere gets to stay. Why can’t I?” Gideon demanded, matching her irritated look with one of his own.
“Montan is working on the escape room,” Tori retorted. “He’s not here for fun.”
“Your Highness! My brother said that he will be hosting an invitation-only ‘happy hour’ tonight on the rooftop of the restaurant, and they’ll have oysters! Are you attending?”
Tori stared at the blue-haired young man racing across the plaza with an excited look on his face. Tori’s eyes slowly narrowed. “You son of a bi-”
“He’s not here to have fun, is he?” Gideon almost mocked. “Then, how do you explain that?”
Montan reached them, a bit out of breath. “Good afternoon, godsister-”
“Alvere, didn’t we agree that you could spend the rest of the summer here, but you must train to be a game master for this fall’s escape room opening?” Tori asked in an incredulous voice. These love interests have gotten out of hand recently. Going and doing whatever they want in my delta...I’ve been too lenient! Ilyana was right!
Montan flushed and looked away, embarrassed. “I have. I’m currently training in the advanced difficulty scenario. However, as His Highness Prince Piers is indisposed this weekend, I have it off.”
“Piers.” Tori narrowed her eyes. She had been much too lenient. Because of Piers’ complex demands, the opening date of the escape rooms was pushed to the next month and scheduled to open during the weekend of Lycée’s first year excursion.
Tiff had insisted that it was a good idea, as it would give priority to senior members and then they could be of ‘better guidance’ to their juniors when the juniors returned. All the tabletop gaming club members attending her, and Ilyana’s birthday parties had agreed, and Tori was sure it was only because they wanted to play them first.
Still, Tori had agreed. The most difficult room was still being built, and after construction and painting, the props needed to be brought in, then they had to do a controlled dry run with Piers. At first, Piers played the game master while the others played the game, but it dragged on as Piers wouldn’t let them leave until they figured it out.
Ewan had called from inside the first middle-tier difficulty room saying he was hungry and wanted to break for lunch, but Piers wouldn’t let them. Tori had to call Sir Dobchek to get to Piers, as Piers hadn’t picked up his comcry in his single-minded focus.
“Call Dimitri Guthry,” Fabian said into his comcry. Tori snapped her head in his direction.
“Guthry is here, too?” She could’ve sworn that the Guthrys had returned to Horizon, as his parents had attended Piers Harvest Festival Ball. She stepped to the side and took out her comcry. “Call Henrik Skuldsen.”
He answered within a few seconds. “Duke Axton is the one who wanted to host an oyster, beer, and wine ‘happy hour’, as you’ve called it. I don’t know how he got his hands on the event catalog, either, but I think Ewan probably told him.”
“I’m not calling about that, but why did the manager still agree to it?” She paused and then let out a sigh at the same time Henrik answered. “The money.”
“The money, yes.”
“Never mind that. Do you know if the Guthrys are still in Viclya?”
“They had an open invitation for the summer, and I was told that they had reserved every other weekend until Lycée starts for themselves and then reserved a seasonal resort tent for Guthry.”
“A seasonal resort tent?” Tori asked. Seasonal resort tents were essentially villa-like tents that were treated as private residences for extended periods of time. They were rented by the month and came with a three-person private staff that cooked and cleaned, priority for activities, and reserved seating at restaurants during peak hours with a twenty percent discount on all food and drink served in the Promenade.
They were nearly booked solid before the season started. The Fekete ducal family was currently staying in one and the visiting O’Tuaghs had another. They weren’t cheap, either. ‘Summering’ at the Cosora Delta was a bragging right to the wealthy of Horizon.
“Yes, so Guthry hasn’t really left. Maybe his parents think it’s good for his recovery,” Henrik said.
“Of course, you can come, Guthry. Duke Alvere is hosting it and he won’t mind.” Gideon’s voice was heard behind Tori as she pursed her lips.
“My brother has already paid for the event, so there will be no charge to guests,” Montan said. “It starts in a few hours, but he said that it is a very casual party, so we can come and go as we please.”
Tori took a deep breath. “Next summer, remind me to re-think the open summer invitations.”
“You should’ve listened to Ilyana”
“I know I should’ve listened to Ilyana.” Tori gritted her teeth and glared at the comcry before ending the call. Axton’s happy hour must’ve had something to do with hosting the Prince of Pargath. For a moment, Tori weighed the comcry in her hand and contemplated calling Piers to ask how it was going, but she resisted the urge.
The comcry in her hand began to glow and she flipped it open, expecting to see Piers’ name. She drew her head back. She’d just spoken to this person a few minutes ago.
“Ambassador Wu?”
“My lady, may I ask for an audience with you and His Highness Prince Piers?” His voice was rushed, and he sounded upset.
“Yes. Is this an emergency? I will contact him immediately if that is the case.”
“Yes, Countess. We just received a call for our delegation to Pargath,” Ambassador Wu said. “The court will not see them and if they do not leave the kingdom within a day, they will be imprisoned.”
Comments
Nobody
It's not like aromantic people can't get married and be happy together, their relationships (based on my own family with aromantic parents) just don't have that many open displays of affection, it more resembles a platonic friendship than the 2 stereotypica Hollywood and pop cultute relationship types of "constant makeout" and "in anything approaching reality this would have never survived 2 dates".
Nobody
I figured she'd end up with Piers as at least a marriage in name just due to being possibly the only confirmed non-gold digger near his own age who he can stand to be around for prolonged periods. He's since improved to the point that isn't much of an issue but the political pressure on either of them should they stay officially single, or on one of them if the other chooses someone else is a decent motivation too.
Apollo Above
Probably because she realizes, correctly, that giving an inch on that will have the Royal family quickly arrange things to have her married by the years end if she shows even a small smidgen of give to her heart when it comes to romance...
Brad Jackson
Look at all the effort Tori has to go through to ensure security for the royal couple to visit Viclya and that's only a half a day away from the capital. Hosting heads of state is a massive logistical issue and a great burden. Sure, she'd be able to go to other nations but in a very controlled and limited fashion and only with the good will of the host nation. That isn't the type of travel Tori wants. Yes, she couldn't visit a hostile nation as a Countess, but even visiting neutral nations as a Crown Princess would be unlikely without a political reason to visit. Now compare that to the former Duchess of Sur who spends months overseas on archeological expeditions in various nations. Ignoring her potential to become the Crown Princess, Tori is indeed still a big deal... in the political/economic landscape of the empire. To other nations she would still just be a fairly notable person to keep an eye on.
Vladerag
Tori, travel incognito...? The beloved daughter of a Marquis family, the niece of the Empress, cousin to multiple other Marquis and Duke families, Countess of Corsica, master crystal user, celebrated businesswoman and innovator - would travel incognito? Or, rather, could she travel incognito? I find, whenever this argument comes up, a lot of people act like being Empress would put so much attention on Tori that she would be unable to do anything. Historically and in the current modern world, Heads of State have and do travel to other countries - but that isn't even a relevant point, because I am confused what makes people think that Tori hadn't crossed that line when Victoria de Guevera was born. In all seriousness, Tori has a plausible claim to both her parents title and the Imperial throne. If someone kidnapped her they could cause incredible damage in her name, even to the point of overthrowing the current Emperor and Empress. And she only added flowers atop gold here; she took a tiger and gave it wings - now, in addition to the value of her blood and inheritance, she now has value as an innovator and a crystal user. If someone was willing to attack an Empress, they wouldn't even think twice about going after Tori - so she might as well have Imperial Knights to protect her. And besides, who would be insane enough to actually let Gideon rule anything? Gideon wouldn't be able to handle managing a couple of cash registers, let alone an empire.
Vladerag
Practically, you would think that. In reality, you would be wrong. Historically, Kings, Queens, Emperors, Presidents and various other Heads of State have in the past, and do in our modern age, travel to other countries. Enumerating all of the historical examples wouldn't help much here. but suffice to say they are not a small amount. Besides, exactly how - from a political or personal point of view - would this change much of anything? Tori is a Countess and the doted upon daughter of a Marquis family. Tori is already limited in her travels by virtue of her birth - she could never visit a country that was an enemy of her own, for fear of being held hostage. Tori isn't low enough in status to be inconspicuous. It would be like a US Governor travelling abroad; sure it isn't the President, but attacking a Governor would be just as much an act of war. Tori's dreams of travelling without fanfare are - to put it bluntly - nothing but dreams without the intervention of the author. The moment Victoria de Guevera was born she was doomed to either fame or infamy, just like every other high ranking noble. Tori is the daughter of a Marquis, the niece of the Empress, a cousin to several other Dukes and Marquis, a friend to the First Prince, a noted innovator, an excellent businesswoman, and a Countess in her own right. I cant see how being Empress - presuming after dating Piers she agrees - is much of a difference in status.
Yeah that sounds fun too. My point was largely that I don’t see combat or complex strategic moves being what I personally would enjoy the most reading from the author. Using economics, politics, etc to beat enemies is what has been the most enjoyable thing so far. That being said, I just went back to her duels with “I’m no longer a Bodyguard” Boy and those were pretty fun, too. I dunno… The author’s writing is engaging enough that I’ll read either way lol
Lya
I don't Tori's travel dreams would have to end. Another way of looking at the situation is Tori becoming an ambassador and travelling around with their world's equivalent of diplomatic immunity to strengthen Soleil's international relations. She could travel incognito but still have the protection of her station when needed. Also, she is already getting a ship as a gift from Piers so it's clear he has no plans to stand in her way and will agree to have Gideon be his heir.
Brad Jackson
Personally Tori would probably feel like she's leading Piers on and giving hope to something she has no real faith in. Pragmatically, dating Piers would end her future ambitions, to travel the world. There's a big difference between a single Countess (which she wants to get out of as well) that's good friends with the Crown Prince flitting about from country to country and the future Crown Princess of a nation doing so. The former can visit nations semi-inconspicuously using her trade connections. The latter would need a lot of diplomatic correspondence between the heads of state and a very large escort.
Vladerag
Hybrid Total War. Gotta go all out.
Vladerag
I don't see how those things are mutually exclusive, hybrid warfare is a thing. If -for example - I wanted to fight modern day Germany, it would be relatively simple to kneecap their military using "lawfare" because of how their procurement system works. I could sue during multiple steps in the process and bog the entire thing down for years - and I know it would work because it is literally happening right now, but (probably) without foreign belligerent intent. Or, for another example that actually has happened, when Russia and Saudi Arabia worked together to drive up the price of hydrocarbons. Russia did this to both fund their own military and to pressure Ukraine by increasing the costs in the West. Tori could absolutely devastate a country in a war without ever drawing a blade or commanding troops.
Vladerag
So... Why not just date Piers for real? Hear me out here- 1) As the daughter of a Marquis and as a Countess with her own land, she will never stop being pressured to marry. 2) As a Countess, she in fact has a duty to marry and have an heir to take over when she dies. 3) If she must marry, it is unarguably far better to marry someone who understands that Tori does not feel romantic attraction than it is to marry someone who would expect that from her. 4) Considering that this is still part of a game franchise - and an otome game in that franchise at that - in which she is the villain, dating and marriage to the first prince would insure her against being killed. 5) She finds Piers both attractive and likable. 6) Dating and engagement aren't actually marriage. If she MUST marry or be harried her whole life, then dating or being engaged to Piers as her best prospect to have a match who both understands her and is someone she doesn't mind spending time with, is clearly preferable to having to deal with it constantly; and she can always cancel the engagement. And those are just personal reasons, on the practical level: 7) it would immediately quiet people down about the use of Imperial Knights, because she would be a prospective Imperial family member. 8) she would have increased access to foreign diplomats (which she has now to some extent, but she has it because of Piers in the first place) and would be able to develop trade in the Delta at a far larger scale. 9) she would continue the firm relationship between her family and the Imperial line, which is just good politics. I am sure there are more, but that is just off the top of my head. I get that Tori is aromantic, but I am not entirely sure what that has to do with anything here. This is a semi-feudal political system with inheritance based power- the same system that grants her power and wealth as a member of the nobility comes with duties and responsibilities that she cannot easily escape. If it wasn't for her peculiar status - being the daughter of a Marquis and niece of the Empress, along with having multiple older brothers who can inherit the March - she wouldn't have much of a choice at all. Most lesser nobles probably don't get much of a choice and at best have to choose from a list of possible candidates. I understand that Soleil, because of its setting in an Otome game, is a lot more liberal than most feudal societies were - but the basic issues of inheritance and politics that drives them still apply. As far as I can tell, Tori is letting her perception of being forced into a romantic relationship, and what that would entail, swing her decisions as much as actual romantic feelings might cause someone else to make foolish mistakes. To be frank, while having a relationship is essentially mandatory for her, she doesn't have to let society define what that relationship actually entails. All she needs is for the relationship to meet the basic requirements society expects and the rest she can work out with Piers. In short, I would say that Tori is being stubborn because she has expectations about what a relationship would be without actually sitting down and trying to figure out what it could be, and what the consequences are if she tries to choose to have none at all.
Yeah I think I’m less interested in seeing Tori delve into combat and warfare than I am watching her weave a web of economics and politics. So far, the author’s execution of the latter has been excellent and I’m perfectly fine just consuming more of that lol Edit: This is not to imply that I doubt the author’s ability to write convincing or compelling war; I’m just not as intrigued by it.
Nikola
Ooh that would be interesting
Will C
Oh I wonder if Tori is about to introduce large scale Economic Warfare to an unsuspecting enemy.
White Neko Knight
I'm honestly a little terrified at what Tori might come up with weapons wise. At the same time I'm excited to see her as a Master Logistics officer.
Dave Quitit
Downside, they're all over your stuff. Upside, at least they can't reproduce
