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Chapter 66: It’s as If He Doesn’t Want to Go Home
🕑 Added 2022-02-03 08:01:00 +0000 UTCThe comcry kept pulsing, but Instructor Ignatius didn't answer. Tori let out a little grumble and tried to quell her excitement. To be fair to Instructor Ignatius, he was either assisting with the arrival of the first-year students or working on a lesson plan. Tori slid her finger across the crystal and debated on calling Master Ramos.
She shook her head and flipped the comcry closed. Master Ramos had his hands full with the installation of the crystal pillars. It was best not to bother him. Tori rushed back out of the garden and fell back on her picnic blanket.
She flipped through her notebook to an empty page and scribbled down everything she could remember about the process, including doodling a simplified version of her visualization in order to show Instructor Ignatius later. If there was a way to utilize the terracrystal like they did carnelian and ice calcite, it could improve the lives of the villagers.
Not to mention cheer up Instructor Ignatius with another idea to work on.
Tori continued to wait under the tree and after a while, began to eat her lunch. It took some time for a few students to come by. She figured they’d be busy moving in and then getting to know their roommate.
As she saw a few first years in their uniforms approaching, she rose to her feet. There were two students and she guessed that they must’ve been roommates who were out together to explore the campus, just as Ilyana and her had done when they first arrived.
“Hello!” Tori lifted her hand and waved. “Good afternoon! Welcome to the Sword Association of Lycée du Soleil’s training and practice grounds!”
Once she had their attention, they walked forward and politely greeted her. She made small talk: asking where they were from and if they were academic or niche students. She welcomed them and tried to casually slip in her sales pitch about the Sword Association. Afterwards, she gave them directions to get elsewhere on campus.
Despite being in an out of the way location, she received a good handful of students and, aside from trying to lure them into visiting the Sword Association’s booth on orientation week, told them what other facilities were near-by.
“We missed the tours this morning,” a set of girls said as they looked at their map, where they had scribbled out a line to get to their classroom, only to end up at the training grounds. “I didn’t know they had them.”
“I would’ve come earlier, too.” The girl’s roommate looked at Tori. “Senior, do you know if they will have more tours? I asked the instructors at the check-in tables and some of the other student guides, but they didn’t know what we were talking about. Several of the students in our dorm had taken one this morning, though.”
“Ah, the two tours this morning were unofficial. It’s just that a few students caught me and my roommate outside the gate and needed assistance. We had time before we were to report to our positions for the day, so we took them on a tour,” Tori said with a weak smile.
“Are you going to do more?”
Tori shook her head. “I’m afraid not. Once a student guide is at their location, we can’t leave until we’re relieved later this evening.” Their shoulders dropped and they looked disappointed. “But your classes aren’t too far from here! Let me show you....”
By the time Instructor Rosemund came to find her and relieved her, Tori had finished most of her snacks and counted a total of twenty-three students who had come by. It was more than she expected. After folding her picnic blanket back into its bag form and putting her things inside, she slung it over her shoulder and headed back to the dorm.
She didn’t make it too far; Ilyana had come to find her, slightly out of breath having run from the greenhouse.
“Why did they assign someone there?” she said, flushed and annoyed. “I only had one student come up to me the entire time and they wanted to ask about a gardening club! Everyone else saw the greenhouses and then turned around and left before they reached me!”
Tori chuckled. “It’s probably because it’s so far out there, they’re worried about students getting lost.”
“Did you get any first years?”
“A few.”
Ilyana sighed and ran her hand through her hair as she fell into step with Tori. “I cut through the central courtyard on the way here and I don’t know who opened their mouths, but I’m afraid your rumors of being a mean-spirited snob who bought her way in have resurfaced. I wanted to stop them, but they got away.”
Tori shook her head and patted Ilyana’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. I still have that reputation in the south and an entire lifetime of it isn’t going to disappear after a year. The rumors will die down, I’m sure.”
“Just in case, we should get JP to poke around and spread word that the rumors are just that,” Ilyana said, confident. “And I’m sure he can find out who brought the rumors up again.”
“JP has better things to do than spread information on a rumor that’ll be forgotten in a few days,” Tori said. “He and Sonia have to do an exhibition ride during orientation week, and they have to wake up early to prepare. Besides, the first years will talk with other people and learn that what they hear isn’t always true. If it gets too bad, we’ll step in.”
“I still want to know who opened their mouths, though....” Ilyana wrinkled her nose.
“Good evening, Senior Tori! Senior Ilyana!” Two girls passed by and one of them waved at them enthusiastically.
She and Ilyana both waved back and gave them smiles.
“Who are they?” the girl’s companion asked.
“They’re the seniors who gave tours this morning. Senior Ilyana is ranked first in the second year and Senior Tori is ranked fourth. And they’re roommates!”
“Oh, they’re roommates!”
Tori chuckled as she and Ilyana turned a corner and headed towards the east dorm. A few more students greeted them on their way. There were a few students loitering around the front of the building, including a few they recognized from earlier that day.
“There they are!” a boy gasped and pointed in their direction.
Tori raised a brow and Ilyana tilted her head, unsure why they were pointing at them.
“Seniors!” The small herd of students seemed to come towards them, and Tori stopped in the walkway, reaching out to stop Ilyana as well. “Seniors, will you be doing any more tours?”
Ilyana furrowed her brows. “The sun is going to set soon. I’m afraid we can’t.”
Once more, the students looked visibly disappointed. “Everyone has been asking about the tours. You’re the only two who know about them.”
Tori smiled helplessly. “It’s because we did them on a whim. Lycée doesn’t have official tours. We just had time and thought it would help.”
“Senior, what about this weekend? Will you be able to do more tours this weekend?”
Tori and Ilyana looked at each other. Student guides didn’t need to return to their position after the first day of move in, but they were asked to wear their sashes and continue to walk around campus to help any lost and confused first years. And they could do so with a partner, so that was their plan.
Ilyana drew in her lips and shrugged. “I don’t mind.”
Tori took a deep breath and nodded. “All right. Let’s make a schedule.”
“How many tours did you two do this weekend?” Captain Messer asked Tori as she roped off the exhibition area.
“We did one per hour, stopping for two hours for lunch, and ended when the commons opened,” Tori said. “And then we did three more yesterday, so ten.”
She and Ilyana had made three fliers to put on the announcement boards at each dorm and in front of the administration building. It listed the days and times they planned to do a tour and capped it at a dozen students each, which was a manageable amount. They included a signup sheet with the administration building flier so students could figure out amongst themselves what time slot to go on.
When the two came to check on it after breakfast, they were surprised to find nearly all slots filled for the first day and the remaining three slots on the second day each about half filled.
As Tori had heard, many of the other student guides were confused and didn’t know what tours the first years were speaking of, but they were quick to figure it out once they saw the fliers and Tori and Ilyana’s names mentioned, so as not to confuse the first years.
There were a few students who had been on tours the day before and accompanied their roommates.
“Your tours are immensely popular. I’m sure all of the first years know who you two are now,” Captain Messer chuckled. She rubbed her hands together, deviously. “And with you two both here today, I’m sure we’ll get more than our fair share of interested first years.”
Tori shook her head as she spread out the information pamphlets on the table. She and Tiff, another second-year academic student, were going to staff the table; calling over any vaguely interested looking first years, answering questions, and signing people up for the Sword Association.
During orientation week, most groups wore what they’d wear during their activity, so everyone in the Sword Association’s exhibition area were in their usual training clothes. The exception was Ilyana, who was volunteering to help with the pinecone challenge. They decided to put it up in between exhibition matches, so any student interested could try it.
Also, it was the most popular activity at the Spring Festival, and Captain Messer hoped it would lure more people in.
“Captain, the Sword Association isn’t short of people,” Tori said.
“I know, but we always lose people through the year. The more we sign on now, the more who will be retained.”
“Captain, I think we’ll have enough pinecones for the day, but we should have a day to gather them before the festival,” Ewan said as he arrived with three other students, each with a large basket of pinecones.
“Noted,” Captain Messer said. She looked around and sighed, throwing her arms down in frustration. “Where are Gabriel and Esteban? They’re supposed to be the first ones to do an exhibition!”
“I’m here, Captain! Sorry!” Dark-haired Esteban came running forward. “Gabriel’s still changing, he’ll be right here. He had a problem with his roommate.”
“Again?” one of the other students setting up the exhibition ring asked as she looked up. “I thought he was going to request a dorm change this year.”
“He’s tried, but he still ended up with Alvere!”
“Don’t say his name in front of me!” Gabriel, a second year with brown hair and blue eyes, marched from the direction of the practice grounds, red-faced and seething as he gripped a waster in one hand and helmet in the other. “I don’t know what his problem is. He gets mad at everything I do!”
Tori looked over as she grabbed some paper and listened. “Gabe, I didn’t know you were Mr. Alvere’s roommate.”
Gabriel let out a low grumble and gave her a frustrated nod. “I didn’t want to be. He was switched twice at the beginning of last year and I ended up with him. You have no idea how annoying he is! He doesn’t like any noise and has several charms around the room to keep it that way. If I so much as drop a book on my desk, he’ll jump and then glare at me as if he’s going to kill me in my sleep. He won’t let me bring anyone else into the room, even if it’s for a moment. He’s always there and leaves food everywhere. If I try to clean up and throw it away, he yells at me. I don’t even feel as if it’s my room, either!”
“It’s a shame you’re not local,” another student said with pity on their face. “At least you can escape him for the weekend if you were.”
“I may not be local, but doesn’t his family have a manor in the city or something he can go to? He’s a duke’s son, isn’t he? He stays at the dorm unless they force him out. It’s as if he doesn’t want to go home.”
Tori paused in the middle of tri-folding pamphlets they had printed to hand out. Her eyes narrowed a bit.
“What is he going to do when he’s home? Attend social events?” the first student said with a shake of her head. “Everyone knows about his father and mother....”
“Okay, we’re losing focus,” Captain Messer said, stepping in and clapping her hands to rally their attention. “Gabriel, put your helmet on and get in the ring. The first years are going to be released soon.”
Gabriel rolled his shoulders to try to relax himself and Captain Messer looked towards the table beneath the tent to see how it was coming along.
Tori gave her a reassuring smile. “If they’re not folded when the first years come, we can just hand it to them, as is. Relax, Captain. We’ll get new recruits.”
Captain Messer let out a low breath. “I want to introduce more people to the art, but everyone thinks that the only people who join are those who have some experience. If we don’t encourage newcomers, we wouldn’t get many people.”
“As a newcomer last year, I was intimidated, but everyone was very nice and helpful,” Tiff said, brightly. “It was also an effective way to release some stress during exams. Lady Tori was very informative when we were starting.”
Captain Messer’s eyes widened. She looked at Tori. “Can you give a camping lecture to the first years to prepare them for their excursion? I remember your group came in third. No other clubs or associations offer something like that, and it may be fitting for us to.”
Tori furrowed her brows and thought for a moment before slowly giving a nod. “I don’t mind. Actually, that’s a good idea. A lot of these students are from cities and households of means; I doubt they really know what they’re doing.”
“And it would show that we’re taking care of our own,” Tiff added. Captain Messer nodded in agreement.
“Then, you two let them know that Tori will give a small lecture on some camping basics this week.”
“At least give me some time to prepare, Captain,” Tori sighed.
“You’ll be fine! I believe in you!” Captain Messer seemed to float away, and Tiff patted Tori’s shoulder comfortingly.
“You’re a good teacher, Lady Tori. And your group came in third last year. You helped my group cross the river.”
“I was worried you all would be swept away.”
Tiff giggled and continued dutifully folding.
The entire association, and all other groups in the area, seemed to count down the time to when the first-year students finished their classes and were released. As soon as they did, Esteban and Gabriel began to spar.
“Lady Guevera!” Tori looked up and gave a smile and a nod at Constantine. “Does your association need any help?”
Tiff leaned over to Tori and whispered. “Lady Tori, he’s good-looking. It would be beneficial to have him here since our guys are...average. We already have Miss Ilyana, we can use a boy, too.”
Tori nodded. “Mr. Zisos, we are looking for someone to attract students!” she said with a wide smile. He gave her a curious look as he came over.
“What do you need me to do?”
“When the pinecone challenge starts, you can call people over. Are you familiar with it?”
“I’m afraid not. I didn’t have a chance to try it during the Spring Festival.”
“Not a problem,” Tori said with a firm nod. She looked over her shoulder. “Ewan! Ilyana! Mr. Zisos is going to help us promote the pinecone challenge. Tell him what it’s about.”
“Tori, do we have a prize for it today?” Ilyana said. “I was talking to Ewan, and we think a down vest would be good, as they’re going to go on their first-year excursions.”
“I’m fine with that. Announce it!”
Tori made a mental note to inform Henrik later. He and Albert had their things checked and sent to their dorm rooms, but weren’t actually coming until mid-week. Henrik was at Lions Gate East, organizing products to be sold for the First Year Excursion. They thought of doing a predetermined set of equipment based on what items they used on their excursion the previous year.
They had full sets for a group of six individuals that included cookware and various tools, and individual sets that could be built a la carte. They were of the same quality as what they had used, and full sets were priced almost at cost for Lycée students. Any additional items were 10% off.
Lions Gate East was a good distance away from the Academic Quarter, but from Albert and Henrik’s research around the area, most shops had a small handful of equipment at most. For the majority of stores, they only had basic equipment, such as tents or sleeping rolls. They simply didn’t have space to store the merchandise and since there were multiple stores in the area selling them, they each didn’t bother to sell more than a few for fear of being left with excess stock.
It would be even more limiting if someone swept up their stock before the students had a chance to.
Camping equipment wasn’t cheap, especially for merchants who didn’t normally sell it. Lions Gate had access to Daybreak Garden, a team of skilled textile workers, and volume discounted materials. Their products went from the craftsmen to consumers directly through their store and there was already a stock available, as they had storage space.
All they had to do was advertise what was available. If they didn’t sell out, then the products would be sold through the year or stored for the next. As long as students were exposed to Lions Gate, they would become potential customers that recognized the brand.
“Ewan, Miss Agafonova, and...I don’t know who you are, but you, the blond,” Captain Messer shouted, looking at Constantine. “What are you three doing standing around for? We’re going to start the pinecone challenge next!”
“Just stand here and shout out what we discussed,” Ilyana said as she pointed at the entrance to their exhibition area. “When they come, send them to me and I’ll get a line started.”
Constantine nodded and he, Ewan, and Ilyana split up like a team after a huddle.
“We are about to start the pinecone challenge in five minutes!” Constantine spoke in a clear voice, attracting the attention of onlookers around the exhibition area. He had a bright smile and opened his arms, making him stand out at once. “The Sword Association of Lycée du Soleil proudly presents the Pinecone Challenge! Test your skill and see how many pinecones you can block with a wooden training sword. High scorers were be listed on our scoreboard and the one with the highest score for today will get a down quilted vest, courtesy of Lions Gate!”
Nice plug, Constantine. Tori gave him an approving nod.
Several first-year students came to watch and ask, but the first participants were upperclassmen, eager for a chance to try once more. While the students were waiting for a turn, they came by the information table and Tori did her best to sell the association to prospective students.
“Yes, our after-school schedule is very flexible, and we actually encourage students not to attend during exam weeks. However, the grounds are left open for those who want to come and de-stress a bit to take a break from their studies,” Tori told a small group of first years. She handed out a few pamphlets.
As she turned to get a few more, a familiar piece of paper was placed on the table in front of her. The application to join the association was filled out and Tori did a double take as she saw the name at the top. Her head shot up, unwilling to believe that the person submitting it was who she thought.
It had to be a joke.
“I’d like to join the Sword Association.” Fabian’s cold eyes met hers and Tori’s jaw dropped.
“I’m sorry,” she said as she shook her head a bit. She furrowed her brows and looked at him as if she’d misheard. “Can you repeat that?”
Fabian took a deep breath and pushed the application form closer. “I said, I’d like to join the Sword Association.”
“Why?” Tori couldn’t stop the word, dripping with disbelief, from coming out her mouth. Tiff had to elbow her. “I mean, I see. This is a surprise, Sir von Dorn.” She tried to collect herself. “You didn’t join last year.”
He shot her a glare. “Are only first year students allowed to apply?”
“No, no, of course not. We welcome students from all years,” Tori said. She picked up his form and scanned it. She really didn’t want to approve it, but had no legitimate reason not to. “Let me confirm that everything is in order with the captain and Master McDouglass.” She gave him a tight-lipped smile and turned around, gripping his application in his hand.
She marched towards where Captain Messer and Master McDouglass were standing, watching the equipment piled beneath a tree.
Master McDouglass saw her approaching and eyed the paper in her hand. He raised a bushy brown and grinned. “Something the matter?”
“We don’t have any restrictions outside of academic probation, do we?” Tori asked as she handed the application to Captain Messer.
The upperclassmen chuckled and looked over the application. The smile on her face fell and she lifted her head to Tori and narrowed her eyes. “Is he serious about this? We kept asking him to join last year and he said that there was no use to joining a ‘mediocre group’.”
Tori nodded. “He’s standing at the tent right now.”
“Why would he want to join now?” Captain Messer lowered her arm, still holding the application. She looked towards their information and sign-up tent.
“His ability is questioned by the Imperial Family,” Master McDouglass said. The two young women looked at him with curious eyes. Tori wondered how he knew. He crossed his arms over his thick chest. “I make a point to keep an eye on all ranked swordsmen in the school and am always in contact with my colleagues at La Garda and with the imperial knight cadets. There have been rumors of his transfer and a request to let him join the cadets for weekend training as the imperial couple seem dissatisfied with his ability.”
Captain Messer let out a low whistle. “Aside from Tori and you, Master, I don’t think we have anyone who is on par with him that he can practice with.”
“He may still benefit from daily work on his foundations and increasing his stamina,” Master McDouglass told them. He looked at Tori and nodded. “There is no actual policy we can cite to keep him from joining; however, he did point a sword at you last year. How do you feel about this?”
Tori drew her lips inward and thought for a moment. On one hand, she and Fabian had some issues between them. On the other hand, if she knew Fabian was at the training grounds, then she knew that he wasn’t with Alessa and plotting against her. “As long as he doesn’t do it again, we won’t have a problem. If he tries it again, I’ll do more than break his rib.”
Master McDouglass nodded his approval.
“If he breaks our code of conduct even once, he’s out,” Captain Messer said in a low voice. “Make sure he knows that.”
Tori nodded and took the application before turning around. She returned to her spot under the tent and put the application on the table. She reached into a box behind the table to take out the stamp and flipped open the ink pad. She pressed the stamp on to the pad and then moved it over the application.
You better not make me regret this, you little shit. She slammed it on the application and seemed to press down hard. She lifted the stamp and looked up at Fabian.
“Welcome to the Lycée du Soleil Sword Association, Sir von Dorn.” She narrowed her eyes as she met his. “Tiff will give you our schedule and code of conduct. Should you break the code, you will be expelled from the association at once. Is this understood?”
Fabian gave her a stern nod. “It is understood, Lady Guevera. Thank you for your time.” He gritted his teeth and moved on to Tiff, who handed him a pamphlet with a bit of uncertainty. He turned around and took two steps before pausing. He gripped the pamphlet in his hand and looked over his shoulder, glowering. “One day, we will have a rematch.”
Tori sneered back. “The day I have a rematch with you is the day you’re no longer Prince Gideon’s knight.”
His face darkened before he turned around.
They watched as he took the paper and left in a hurry. Tiff let out a low breath she was holding in and looked at Tori with confusion. “Why did you let him join?”
“We didn’t have an official reason not to and while we have a personal grudge against each other, I did nearly break his ribs,” Tori said, her slitted eyes watching Fabian’s figure disappear. “Besides, how is he going to be a knight to a prince if he doesn’t practice?” She looked at Tiff, vexed. “I’ve never even once seen him practice.”
“But what if he tries to fight you again?”
Tori scoffed. “Then it’ll be the end of his career as a knight.” Tiff’s eyes widened as the color drained from her face.
“Lady Tori....”
Tori looked at her and jerked her head back. “No, no, no, I mean, he’ll be dismissed from his post. It turns out, the imperial couple does know about what happened and were so angry, they were going to dismiss him then. If he even points his sword at me, all I have to do is call my mother. She and the Empress are friends.”
Tiff nodded, relieved. They continued with their sales pitch.
As soon as the first pinecone challenge was over, Ewan and Ilyana came to ask what Fabian was doing. Ewan looked at her as if she’d lost her mind and Ilyana nearly screamed ‘what are you thinking’?
“Tori, are you courting death?” Ilyana looked pained as she grabbed onto Tori’s arm.
“To live is to court death.” Tori shrugged. “It’s fine. He knows what will happen if he tries to duel me again.”
“You said that he said there would be a rematch!” Ewan ran a hand down his face. “And he went to Osten to train this summer. We don’t know how much he’s improved.”
Tori’s lips drew into a line and wanted to reply ‘not much.’ She shook her head and patted Ewan’s shoulder. “Then, if I can’t beat him with a sword, he’ll have a chance to see me use a dagger.”
“Tori....” Ewan groaned and she smiled energetically.
She ushered them back into the exhibition area so she could continue her job coaxing first year students to join. At the end of the day, they had a solid thirty applications and most of them were from students who were curious and wanted to try swordsmanship for the first time.
Captain Messer was ecstatic. She noticeably yelled less as they cleaned up the exhibition area and carried everything back to the training grounds.
“I’ve told the student who won the pinecone challenge with fifteen to meet us at the front gate this weekend and we’ll take them to Lions Gate to get her sized for a vest,” Ilyana said as she walked with Tori towards the main gate. Ewan and Constantine followed behind them. Sonia and JP were going to meet them at the gate to go to dinner.
“She was disappointed at first, but was excited when she found out she was ranked first. She kept coming by to check to see if someone had blocked more than her.” Constantine chuckled.
“Her and another girl waited until the last person finished and then started jumping and screaming.” Ilyana’s eyes were filled with joy. “She’s very excited.”
“That’s good. I’m glad. The vest will be useful when they go on their excursion.” Tori smiled, just as pleased that today went smoothly. As they walked, Ewan suddenly sped up and narrowed his eyes.
“It’s JP and Sonia.” Tori followed his gaze and saw two figures running towards them, still in their riding uniforms.
“Why are they running?” Ilyana frowned.
Tori pursed her lips. “This can’t be good....”
“Tori!” JP shouted as he reached them. “Good, Ilyana, Mr. Zisos, you’re here, too. We still have to call Henrik and Albert.”
“I’ll call, I’ll call!” Sonia said, out of breath as she reached for her comcry.
“Call about what?” Tori asked. She held out her arms to try to steady a flushed, panting JP. He brushed her arm away and kept pointing towards the central courtyard.
“They just posted a notice on the board...in front of the administration building,” JP said, looking at her. “It has to do with the academic students’ Lycée project.”
Tori felt a cold chill sweep over her.
“What about it?” Ilyana asked. “Are they changing the due date for the report?”
JP shook his head. “Do you already have your budgets set for your projects?”
Ilyana and Tori exchanged looks. “No....” Ilyana said.
“Mostly,” Tori answered, almost hesitant. It felt as if she’d be jinxed if she said yes.
“I have a general idea, but I still need to finalize the finer details and outline this coming semester’s plans,” Ilyana told him. “Why?”
JP looked tired. “They said a budget limit would be implemented starting this semester.”
Tori’s eyes widened and without asking for any more information, she took off running. She could hear Ilyana shouting her name behind her. Tori could feel a ball of dread twisting in the pit of her stomach as she saw the administration building ahead of her.
There had never been a budget limit for Lycée projects. Anything that was spent on the project was a tax write off for students’ families. Whatever was spent was considered part of the taxes paid. In addition, each project was assigned to a student after careful consideration of their abilities, connections, and the financial situation of their family.
Hers notwithstanding, she was sure.
It was very unlikely that a student would spend more than what they and their family could afford in the three and a half years the project was worked on. She doubted a student’s family would even allow them to get that far. Not to mention that their reports were used to monitor spending for a reason.
She’d already submitted reports with her exorbitant spending, and no one had questioned her, let alone tried to stop her.
Tori saw the board ahead of her and nearly skidded to a stop before she ran into it. A few other people moved away after reading and she could hear them asking each other ‘who can spend that much.’
There was a small wooden container hanging on the board, filled with printed copies and Tori snatched one from the box. She stepped to the side to read it as the others arrived. Ilyana and Constantine also took one each.
JP, Sonia, and Ewan grew quiet as they stood and watched the other three. Constantine furrowed his brow and looked up.
“This is still a massive amount. How is this a limit for most students and projects?” he asked. “This is more than most nobles make a year, isn’t it?”
Ilyana let out a low hiss as she read the amount listed and then turned to Tori.
There was likely only one student, at least in their year, who would be affected by the imposed budget.
The paper in Tori’s hand was crushed as she grit her teeth and began to tremble with fury.
“Well....” she said in an unsettling, amused voice as a cold smile filled her face. “It seems I need to speak to the Headmaster again.”
Comments
tibbish
Yeah it's ridiculous, lots more justification and fleshing out is needed here to make it work
Neferyti
Agreed. The crown prince has been looking over her shoulder the whole time with academics from the college and other schools looking over her expenditures and usage of resources. To pull this after the fact will make it blatant to everyone involved that this is targeted.
Hoooo, Hi, well back to the main story finaly. That's a very good cliffhanger (don't abuse them please). First thank you for this great story. Now, i have the same opinion than mightguyishot. You need to develop the "gaming" plot. Or his this a plot to ruin the Guevera house and make 1 of the 4 kingdom house fall ? The headmaster doesn't supervise the student projects ? Who decide of them ? We need more informations and see the antagonist side (alessa and co or other faction) and were they want to go. Another question : How the Guevera house are going to react politically at this ? Because actually they have Tori that colonise and create a small city on the royal land with zero benefit for them. And that's a direct attack to they're economy, power and independance from the royal family. Why and who target Tori and her family with this ? And how the royal family gonna act now ?
Jacob Armstrong
I would also like to chat on a discord. Could you fob off the mod responsibility to some volunteers or something? I understand if it's too much effort though, I'm just another happy reader who would like to see more discussions in between chapters to get my fix.
Julkur
I know of some Discord channels where the author made only the setup and nothing else. But I admit that I have no idea how much work that is. Would be nice anyway 🥺🙏
Yeah, showing her do her drills and practice her form and occasionally spar would get boring. If something new or relevant happened while at practice, that would be written out.
BeepBoop
Kaching! All those exciting sounds and pretty lights! It is totally not her fault for throwing away all her money! Who would have thought that the 9th roll will be black after yhe the previous 8 was black too! The Math was perfect, the villains must have cheated!
Sorry, guys, there is no discord. I don't have the time or energy to moderate.
Now I'm imagining them in a casino setting....
A lot of people learn a second weapon in HEMA or sometimes move on to add grappling. I would say it's a combination of that and having some basic instruction with a dagger as Victoria (likely nothing beyond 'this is how you hold it' and 'this is where you stick it'). In an earlier chapter, she did tell Gideon & co that "they should see [her] with a dagger"; she's also sliced Montan's charm; while camping, she held the dagger in a defensive position in case of attack when it was just Alessa's group coming out of the forest, and she has chatted with Nanny Rey about her dagger skills, to which Nanny smiled and said they were good - but, those are all tiny details that mostly just hint at her ability and can be seen as intimidation or meaningless banter with Nanny. I've never actually shown it in detail and won't for a while.
I also wait to binge read (2 weeks to a month), but I know what you mean - when it's updated, you want to click. The mini-arcs will be over in 2-4 chapters, though!
She will make a call~ And no discord; I just don't have the time to moderate it.
Lou Gar
I think I remember her telling Ewan in the early chapters to tuck in his elbows, if he didn't want to get them cut off, and the other students started copying that. They watched, but were to afraid of her to ask directly. Later, when "Fabio" challenged her, she was in the training grounds helping anther student (evidently they worked up their nerve to finally ask her). So, she was training, and practicing. It was just not played up. I'm guess that it was not, because it was not worth mentioning, or there was not a story-worthy reason to mention it. Whichever...
Sekander
Alternatively depending on how the budget limitation is implemented she maybe be able to write of investments from outside her family as not being part of her budget. After all what can she do if Piers or Axton or the other nobles want to develop some real estates there ^^
Nikola
Well, Tori is going to be an absolute nightmare with the sword. Right now she has 15 years of experience with it, it just that her current body doesn't have the strength or muscles memory to bring all that skill to bare. She has an incredible advantage and if she keep sparing with Edwn who is being trained by some of the top swordsmen, yeah she going to be monstrous. Fabian is probably going to be distracted by Allisa and somehow still blame Tori for his lack of skill and/improvement. As for the budget cap I can see that being called off or changed. There are too many people watching the Delta along with other students projects connected to it for the budget restrictions to stick, that's not even counting the university staff and investors. On top of that it will endanger the lives of the villagers, Tori seem to be far more willing to ask for help and use her connections especially when it's to help others. I can see her taking a lower grade or out right failing her project then sticking to a budget that can harm the Delta.
Brian P.
Yeah, a bit emphatic for my taste but not wrong.
Sdff
it has also been stated i forget where, Character 1, " now that youve defeated x theirs nowone who you can spar against thats your equal tori". Tori says something like, "thats ok ill just go through some exersises". character three thinks, " her movements were mesmerizing like a dance and struck shivwrs at my heart"
mightguyishot
At this point it's not even a high schoolers petty fight. People with REAL JOBS and REAL RESPONSIBILITIES are causing erriversible ECONOMIC damage and costing LIVES! People need to be held responsible for this. someone needs to be fired. Starting with that headmaster.
Radosty
It was mentioned quite a few times in the first year how she spend time on practice grounds, e.g. the cheating scandal, her getting first after opening the shop, Fabian knowing to find her there for a duel, adding the info the local sword master helping her train. Additional it was mentioned that she was even training while the slap-punishment as well as her beeing quite close to a lot of the association members. And I think it's good to avoid repetitive mentions of the training sessions since that would become boring.
Sunless
I think her going to the sword club implies that she is training there
Max Lopo
Sorry, but he has a point. As I have said, the "magic narrative" has clearly only power over the "main protagonists" and the licèe. This is pissing out of the toilet. I don't care if the headmaster is "brainwashed". At the end of the day he is an EMPLOYEE. Since reason doesn't work (spoiler spoiler), DO AS YOU ARE TOLD or go into forced retirement. We are beyond stretching the credibility now.
nugitoBambino
I... don't know about an overthrowing the royals plotline. But I agree this is too big of a deal for a school to truly stop. At worst I can see Tori just throwing up a middle finger an taking an L on the grade for the project. She'll be pissed - and maybe not get to University - but there's *no* way she stops investig in the delta now
Drew Kerstens
Tori talking about never seeing someone train with swords, I may have missed mentions of it but I’ve hardly seen her train either. For someone in her past life who was so passionate about it and who is still good at it I find it a little strange she isn’t constantly putting training time into her busy schedule.
WhyNot42
Wow - what a cliff! Thanks for an awesome story, can’t wait to see the next chapter!!!
mightguyishot
IF SHE DOESNT CALL HER PARENTS OR ASK FOR HELP! WITHIN 3-4 BUSINESS DAYS??? IM QUITTING THIS STORY RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW. I'm sorry but "the mysterious game is mind controlling" is weak at this point and shouldn't even impact anyone besides main characters. THE AUTHOR CANNOT CONTINUE GIVING US UNREALISTIC CONFLICT WITH NO LOGIC WITHOUT A FUCKING ANTAGONIST!!!!. I NEED NAMES! I NEED (HOW, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY) EXPLAINED N I NEEDED IT YESTERDAY!
Nobody
I'm going to guess this is going to be about Alessa spending the entire combined fortunes of the imposter Alvere, her merchant "friend", and her own specifically to block others from getting resources and gambling. But the game is interfering again so the real reasons she's out of money are being conveniently ignored.
Sunless
Ok if she does not immediately call her parents this becomes ridiculous. For all intents and purposes, this is an organized attack on her family. You can argue that it is the game doing voodood mind magic all you want but that does not change that this is a targeted campaign against her family (more proof can be fond in how the game series systematically kills all her family according to the wiki ) The family needs to have an investigation about what is going on in the school because if that policy is not blatantly targeting them I don't know what is. And let's say Toris theory that there is a game affecting the world is false, then they need to start looking into this stuff. Maybe it's Gideon who is dropping hints about how unfair what Tori is doing and the staff take their ques from him thinking it is the stance of the imperial family Maybe it's something more sinister, perhaps related to the baby Tori kidnaping and whatever has happened at a succession ceremony to tighten the security so that the price got arrested on suspicion of being an imposter This is way to serious to just chuck out to it's game logic I can deal with this. She is 40 for crying out loud she should know better and ask for help
Brian P.
I thought the focus was on him not wanting to go home. But yeah, he seems the most likely to attempt serious harm against Tori or her friends. She’s really got to get on those anti-charm crystals.
Tjark
You know with the whole budget limit, the conversation on the Duke Alvere's son was a little lost. I wonder how him being a shit roommate will come back later. Him 'glaring like he's going to kill Gabe in his sleep' and yelling when Gabe cleans up, reminds me of when he threatened Tori's life if she doesn't keep away from poor Alessa. Maybe that will escalte at some point.
Tjark
I was wondering about that too.
Sdff
Their's also the matter of national security with what appears to be the nations largest magical cristal researve in a half built swamp. And said magical crystals ability to explode or madically curse the nation if left unprotected/undeveloped. In the Games one or more of the plots involved magical curses that engulfed the capital or whole nation... So I'm not exactly sure how any well read noble, let alone the Emperer and Empress, would let Tori's Lycee project go underfunded, poorly completed, or left uncompleted. This whole thing almost smells like secret plotter trying to overthrow the Current Emperor/Empress. Maybe the Evil Duke/StepDutchess are actually behind the Gidian/LadyHart plot. And the Final show Down will be a Siege on the Dutchy and a Grieving Daddy Hart.
Julkur
Is there a Discord channel for this story?
Radosty
I actually expect her to fight the restriction head on because the villagers are affected. She only seem to hold back if nobody else is affected.
Julkur
Someone higher in status than the Headmaster but lower than the Empress? *tata tata ta-tah*(trumpets) It's time for Prince Charming to save our dear Tori. Piers, go fetch your white horse!
Different Nick
Can she afford to annul the contract? She needs bricks for buildings, and there might be some penalties for canceling.
Radosty
It could be the reason why it is brought up, but it's just too targeted. The limit is so high that is doesn't help anyone with low funds to begin with. I am still convinced that it is an attack on her reputation mostly. But I don't think the limitation will stand. The plots in the game were easy to counter after all.
Tjark
Damn it, I need moaaar! This is too good for its own sake.
Max Lopo
Hello? Gideons parents? Yeah.... He and the Licèe are interfering with the resettling of nearly 2000 refugees. Pretty sure this is the kind of thing that is a MATTER OF THE STATE. Problem solved. This is Petty. And targeted. If Gideon throws around an authority he doesn't actually have, maybe it is time to use some of the real one. Even if there is some kind of magical narrative, it appears that the only ones affected are the "main characters" and the Licèe staff, namely the headmaster. Just go over their heads.
Radosty
I agree it's left rather unclear. I'm either rolling with plain intimidation tactic or a sudden headache/memory dump while on a training session with nanny Rey.
BeepBoop
"It was very unlikely that a student would spend more than what they and their family could afford in the three and a half years the project was worked on." Unless, you know, the student gambles away their fathers money. Then goes crying how it is unfair that she has to do penny-less the project, while the evil villianess can go around "throwing money to the project"
Brian P.
Gideon's mom would have some heavy words with her if he intentionally antagonized Tori that way. I'm inclined to believe the theory above that it's Alessa's poor decisions that brought this on, but I also think the story absolutely needs more in-world justification than another decree from the headmaster.
Radosty
My guess, this is Gideon's late revenge for snatching away the teachers by offering more money. I even expect some remark from him about how she shouldn't have been so irresponsible to overpay teachers so much or import bricks of all things. She will likely get a permission to spend more, fueling additional rumors about her beeing bought into Lyceé. Anyway it was said that the animosity will escalate in the second year. Props to Aila for keeping up on that. But the cliffhanger still stings, even if it allows some discussions in the comments.
Brian P.
But this doesn’t take into account the scope of a project, so it’s effectively punishing anyone handed a larger project which is itself an arbitrary and effectively unchallengable decision by the lycée. Hell, these kind of decisions should also only apply to the incoming first years, as applying this to projects currently in progress is itself an egregious example of manipulation. Really, Tori needs to go above the headmaster for this if he’s addled. Even the Empress of the nation was shocked by Tori’s project, so someone has to be in charge higher than the headmaster but lower than the ruler of the nation. I know she’ll probably give up, mope and then deal with it instead, but I feel like we need more when the restrictions keep coming from the same vague, unnamed source.
Brian P.
Okay, I was wondering about the dagger. Early on in the story Tori is exasperated that the family gives her the dagger and continues to tell her to use it. This seems to say that Tori wasn’t expecting it, and that would mean, to me, that Victoria wasn’t trained with it. Later Tori gets Ilyana training with her nanny but doesn’t participate in the training herself. So why does Tori act like she knows dagger fighting here? Is this something she learned in HEMA alongside sword fighting? Is this actually memories from Victoria that came up off screen later on? Were her parents and brothers just… okay with giving Tori a dagger without her having demonstrated any ability and having no training in the first few chapters?
Julkur
That's a good point. "the recent events have shown that students under a certain age are unable to handle bigger sums. To prevent competition with who spend the most and the following bankruptcy of the stundents' families, a limit has been put in place. Only logical
Julkur
If this is again a game induced plot to make her fail and to find a reason to kick her out before graduating, then she'll have to cancel her contract with the brick lady. And Alessa has one more reason to cry because Tori brought misery to Chetter-what-ever-shire.
Sharon Ward
Ouch what a cliff. It could be interested to see the headmasters perspective of that meeting and what their reasoning was (and if it involved a student who had recently lost a lot of money in a bet).
Julkur
Oh come on. You seriously can't end every chapter on an mini cliff 😩 How shall I concentrate on my work now? Why are you every other day crushing my plan to save some chapters to bulk read them? 😣
Oxylus
Yikes. So, First she needs to figure out what's going on from the Headmaster. Then from there she needs to utilize her connections. We can guess the reasons and background of this, but without further information she can't go outside of the school to get help. That's too much a knee jerk. Try to alleviate issues at the lowest level and elevate from there as needed. On another note, is there a discord for this??
