Tori Transmigrated

Chapter 129: The Empress was Crying

She was so confident in her belief that the Emperor made her Countess of Cosora to exploit her work abilities and resources. Tori never considered any other reason that didn’t involve keeping her there to develop the land. What did Piers’ grandfather mean about crystals?

Tori narrowed her eyes and wracked her brain. To her knowledge, no one in the imperial family was a crystal master. They all knew the basics and could ground and charge, but nothing more advanced than that. Gideon was in her metacrystals class, but they weren’t exactly ‘advanced’ students.

A possible exception could be the Emperor Emeritus, if what she heard from Master Ramos meant anything. She vaguely recalled that Prince Emil had asked Master Ramos if his brother, the Emperor Emeritus, knew Master Ramos had moved to the delta. Master Ramos himself had mentioned ‘Jean-Philippe’ a few times by name.

But Tori had assumed they were simply acquainted since Master Ramos was the foremost crystal master in the empire. She didn’t think that the Emperor Emeritus would have advanced crystal knowledge.

She wanted to listen for longer, but the Emperors were interrupted. Tori took the opportunity to scurry away and head to the nearest hall. The knights on guard said nothing, but she did catch the confusion in their eyes as they opened the doors to let her in.

It took her a moment to realign herself and figure out where she was to get to where she was going.

“My lady, the ballroom is to your left.” Tori felt her face heat up. She forgot that Sir Pinzon was following her. Though at a distance, she probably saw Tori body slam a wall beneath the Emperor’s office veranda so she could eavesdrop. Not her best moment.

“Yes, thank you, Sir Pinzon.” She straightened up and put on a pleasant smile before turning to her left. She recognized the change in the corridor rugs, as certain sections were color coded by carpets and had subtle changes in decoration.

The sounds of a crowd were coming up ahead. She turned the corner to get to an adjacent hall. In the narrower corridor, she saw a few knights on guard by doors and the familiar figures of Piers and Axton approaching. She looked over her shoulder.

“I can find my way from here, Sir Pinzon.”

The woman gave her a bow of her head. “Then, I will see you back in the room tonight, my lady.” She stood in place and seemed to wait until Tori reached the two men.

“Piers.” Tori grasped the full skirt of her gown and quickened her speed. The man in the gold trimmed white formal uniform seemed to take a deep breath as the corners of his eyes creased. His lips pulled into a smile as he abandoned Axton and turned towards her, his hands extended.

Since they were one hall over from the main entryway, where the rest of the guests had gathered to be announced and enter the ballroom, Tori didn’t think anything of grabbing on to his hands when she reached him.

“Tori, we went to your room, but you weren’t there-”

“Is your grandfather here?” She looked over his shoulder and squinted at Axton. Her eyes swept over him. “Why are you still wearing a formal knight’s uniform? I thought you were going to come as a duke.”

“I’m still Piers’ personal knight and in an imperial function, which comes first, but I’ll still be announced as Duke Alvere,” Axton said. He furrowed his brows. “Are you talking about the Emperor Emeritus?”

“Right!” Tori turned her attention back to Piers. He seemed to be distracted by the tiara on her head. “Piers, is your grandfather here? The Emperor Emeritus, not Elder Marquis von Schwert.”

He shook his head and met her gaze for just a moment before looking away. “No. I heard he was somewhere in Nord last.”

Tori’s lips pursed. Her eyes lowered as she furrowed her brows. If the Emperor Emeritus wasn’t in the palace, then to whom was the Emperor talking? The voice sounded too clear to have been from a comcry.

Then again, she was outside and didn’t see the people talking.

“Is something wrong?” Piers titled his head to the side with a curious look. It deepened into a concerned frown. “What happened?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” Tori shook her head. She grabbed onto his arm and put her hand in its usual place. “I was just wondering, since this is a big event.”

His frown relaxed a bit, but he didn’t seem completely convinced. “If something is wrong, you can tell me.”

She tried not to avoid his eyes. “Uh...are you still angry at your father?”

Piers’ face hardened. He didn’t say a word, but that was a clear answer to her question.

Axton gave him a firm look. “Don’t make that face when you’re in the ballroom. You’re here for your mother.”

“I am happy for my mother,” Piers replied.

Tori smiled and rubbed his arm. “I know. You’ve worked very hard to prepare. No matter what happens, your effort will be appreciated.” Piers gave her a singular nod and she looked towards the side door. “Are you two going inside now?”

“Yes, but not through the side door,” Axton said . He looked at Piers and seemed to silently confirm something before turning back to Tori. “He’s here to formally give greetings to his mother, so he’s going to properly enter.”

Tori nearly jerked her head back as she blinked. She looked at Piers. “Are you sure? The entrance is crowded.”

Piers seemed to moisten his lips with his tongue and took a deep breath, readying himself. “I’m certain. I have done this before.”

She rubbed his arm again to reassure him. “The crowd is larger than usual, so if you start to feel overwhelmed, tell me and I will get you out of there. We can always come in through the side.”

His Adam's apple moved as he swallowed hard and nodded once more. Tori looked towards Axton and gave him an affirmative nod. He returned it and began to lead them towards the main entrance of the ballroom. The closer they got; the more people lined the corridor.

The music wafting from the open double doors seeped out, but as Axton led them forward, the chattering around them grew quieter. Tori kept her eyes ahead and kept an even pace beside Piers as she escorted him down a purple and gold tasseled rug. In front of them, Axton in his formal knight’s uniform with his many pins and ceremonial sword at his side, parted the crowd to let them through. He wore a neutral expression and gave guests small nods to acknowledge them when they moved to make way.

On either side of them, guests bowed and curtseyed, and didn’t rise until Piers had walked five paces ahead. Tori was silently timing it.

When they reached the entrance, the guests who were about to step forward quickly moved to the side. Axton gave them small nods. She and Piers remained behind and as Axton stepped forward to prepare to be announced, she stole a look from Piers.

His expression was somewhat rigid, but neutral, as well. He looked straight ahead, his back straight and shoulders down. Tori resisted the urge to nod, satisfied. Not a hint of nervousness could be seen despite all the attention on him. He looked every bit the cold CEO-type prince she’d labeled him as when they met, and she had to restrain her giggle.

“Duke Axton Michel Sherez de Alvere, Duke of Alvere and Knight of His Highness, Prince Piers Emil!”

Axton has a long name, too? I’ve known him for two years and I didn’t know about the Michel Sherez part. She tried not to show her surprise on her face and watched as Axton, with his hair tied in neatly at his nape, walked into the room.

She felt a small squeeze over her hand and her eyes glanced down at her arm against Piers. He moved his other arm to his side and led them forward. It was their turn and Chamberlain Thorpson took a deep breath.

It’s because we also have long names. Formal names are tough. Good luck, Chamberlain.

“His Highness Prince Piers Emil Geron du Soleil, First Prince of Soleil, and Countess Victoria Antonia Sophia de Guevera de Sophos, Countess of Cosora!”

They stepped into the ballroom and headed straight for the double thrones placed towards the back. The Emperor and Empress were already standing there in matching colored clothing that seemed to sparkling in the crystal light. To one side, Gideon was standing to attention with Fabian just a half step behind him, at his side.

Tori kept her gaze on the Emperor and Empress, resisting her urge to glare at Piers’ father. By the time they reached the imperial couple, Axton had just finished a warm greeting with the Empress and moved to the side opposite Gideon, where he and Piers would stand during the greetings.

When she and Piers stopped, she maintained her hold on Piers' arm with one hand and grasped the side of her skirt with the other to do a curtsey as Piers bowed.

“Good evening and happy birthday, Your Majesty,” Tori said before they straightened up.

The Empress’ face was soft and filled with affection as she looked at the two of them. “Thank you for winning the hunt in my name,” she said as she took a step forward and extended her hands to Tori. Tori reached forward to take them, putting her pale hands on the Empress’ gloved ones. “I heard Alexander made quite a contribution. When you go back to Viclya, I have something for him.”

Tori cracked a smile. “That’s not necessary, Your Majesty. He seems to like hunting.”

“I heard he likes chicken. I procured some from an imperial supplier. They are large, but tender. I’m sure he’ll like them.” Talking about livestock was unexpected, but Tori accepted it.

“Then, thank you, Your Majesty.”

The Empress moved closer to give Tori a light embrace before letting her go. Tori stepped to the side and turned. Piers hadn’t said anything to his mother yet and remained standing.

Tori bit her lips and waited.

The Empress turned towards her eldest son with a loving smile. Before she could open her mouth, Piers’ arms moved out and he stepped forward.

A stunned expression filled the Empress’ face as she seemed to freeze. Piers wrapped his arms around his mother, closing any gap between them. It was smooth, natural, and didn’t seem at all like it was meticulously practiced.

Tori heard his voice. “Happy birthday, Mother. I am very thankful to have you as mine.”

And that was enough to get the Empress to start crying. Her slender arms rose and held on to her son as her eyes watered. She choked out an awkward muttering of ‘my son.’ Piers remained in his position for longer than his usual three counts.

He smiled down at his mother as she struggled to hold back her tears. He pulled back and Tori could see the Empress struggle to allow him to leave her arms.

Piers didn’t want to be touched as a child and reacted violently when he was. This would be the first time since then that the Empress held him, and it showed.

“I am the grateful one....” The Empress sniffled over and over, looking unsteady as Piers stepped back. She kept her hands on his arms, as if to keep hold of him for even a moment longer. He didn’t snatch his hands back, but instead kept his arms out for her to hold.

“Mother, after dinner, may I have the honor of your first dance at your banquet?”

This was usually reserved for the Emperor, but the mother and son didn’t seem to care. The Empress didn’t look at the Emperor at all. Her head bobbed up and down, disregarding any imperial grace. At that moment, the only title the Empress held was Piers’ mother.

“Yes, yes, of course! I would be happy to dance with you!”

Piers lowered his arms and stepped back to give her another formal bow. He continued to look at his mother with a soft, thoughtful smile as he stood up and turned to walk towards Tori and Axton.

“Are you crying, too?” Axton whispered behind her.

Tori sniffled and had raised her eyes to the ceiling to rapidly blink to keep her tears from coming down and ruining the painstakingly applied make-up. “I’m just very moved by familial love.”

Axton chuckled behind her as Piers reached them. “How did I do?” he asked in a quiet voice. He held out his arm and Tori immediately took it and gave him a squeeze.

“You did very well! Look how happy your mother is.” They looked towards the Empress. The guests who were behind them, waiting to greet the imperial couple, looked amused as the Empress wiped the corners of her eyes and tried to collect herself after her son’s unexpected greeting.

“My eldest, you know, I am the only one in the family he’s embraced,” the Empress almost seemed to be bragging. “Yes, I’m very proud of him.”

As Tori was seated nearby during the dinner, she had a front seat to listen to the Empress talk about Piers and how she looked forward to the dance. She kept praising how outstanding her eldest son was; how handsome he looked in his suit and reflected the good looks of her side of the family.

The dukes and duchesses with them were both amused and exasperated, but no one spoke out or complained. Everyone around them knew about Piers' aversion to people and to see him willingly approach his mother and embrace her was shocking, but it made the Empress happy.

At her banquet, that’s all that mattered.

She didn’t care that her husband’s pleasant smile didn’t reach his eyes or that he had tried to quietly regain his first dance. Monica sent him a silencing look the moment he brought it up. Did he not understand how important this was?

Her son, her son who she hadn’t been able to hold since he was three, had come to her for an embrace and asked for a dance. She’d danced with Matthieu hundreds of times and Gideon dozens. There was nothing special about dancing with them.

But Piers was different. This could be a once in a lifetime chance.

Piers was her first born and it had devastated her when he pushed her away, practically fighting her off as a toddler because he didn’t want to be touched. It was brutal on a mother. She came from an affectionate family. Hugging was common amongst the marches. In some places, kisses on the cheek were greetings.

For her own son to reject her so violently when he was such a small child had made her feel not only as a failure of a mother, but abandoned and helpless.

All she could do was watch Piers from arms’ length, and she had fought against her urge to embrace him when he waddled close. She had hoped and prayed that he would grow out of it, but as her eldest son aged, he only grew more distant.

That was why when she had Gideon, she showered him with physical affection because he allowed it. However, being able to hug one child didn’t mean the pain from being rejected by the other didn’t remain. Her heart was still broken.

Piers didn’t spend much time with them, and he spoke very little. As an adult, most of their conversations were rather formal and focused on school and now working for the empire. Axton was the one who had to fill her in on Piers’ lack of a social life and possible interests. At the very least, Axton was there.

Monica didn’t think her eldest son had any friends aside from Axton. He respected Toni’s Sebastian as his sword master, but it wasn’t what Monica would consider an equal friendship. Then there was Toni’s younger son, Kasen. Kasen was a bit cold and stern himself. He guided Piers and Piers’ Lycée project accordingly.

They liked Piers to an extent, and Piers wouldn’t spend time with them for any reason if he didn’t like them to an extent, but again, it didn’t feel like an equal friendship.

Third time's the charm.

Toni’s youngest child and only daughter befriended her son and seemed to understand dealing with him in a way that no one else did. Admittedly, Monica was a bit envious. She wanted to be able to communicate well with Piers, but she couldn’t understand and was afraid to ask for fear of distancing themselves further.

Tori appeared and Axton spoke of her often. Her name escaped Piers’ lips multiple times and not in a reserved, formal way, as if she were an acquaintance he knew in passing. When Axton complained that Piers let Tori eat for free at his restaurant while still making Axton pay, Monica knew her son was interested in this pretty girl with wild curly black hair and sharp blue eyes.

Tori made her son food. Tori attended gatherings with him - gatherings that Piers would never have gone to months earlier. Tori was able to touch Piers.

So of course, Monica wanted to meet her. After all, not only had Tori befriended her son, but Tori was also the daughter of her best friend. She had a legitimate reason. It was just that she was sure Piers was making it difficult for them to meet. It took until last summer for her to meet Tori and even then, Toni had been stingy and kept them away from each other.

But Toni couldn’t keep them apart for long.

When Gideon had told Monica that he believed Piers was changing for Tori, Monica had wanted to scream in excitement. This was really happening!

Then she found out that Tori had no plans to marry, and her hopes were dashed like a flimsy ship against the rocks during a storm. Part of her had wanted to comfort her son, but Piers hadn’t seemed to be at all bothered by it. He had even defended her decision. The two remained close and Monica hoped that maybe one day, Tori would change her mind.

However, even if they didn’t, Monica supposed it was fine. At the very least, her son had another loyal friend. Someone to support him.

Her heart swelled as they exited the dining hall and instead of taking Matthieu’s hand, Piers helped her up and escorted her out. She looked towards Tori, who followed beside Axton with a proud look and glistening red eyes. She seemed to watch them happily.

Monica and Piers were announced for the first dance and the guests filled the sides of the ballroom, leaving the center area clear. She walked towards the center, her hand held and led forward by her son. She wanted to hold on tightly, but was afraid he’d get nervous and drop her hand.

Piers was surprisingly steady. He ignored everyone around them and turned to face her. One hand under hers and the other gently resting on her hip. The music started and he led her across the dance floor as if he had done so many times before.

She couldn’t contain it any longer. Monica’s emotions swelled and her eyes brimmed with tears. “I thought you didn’t like to dance. You’re very good.”josei

Piers smiled a bit. “I practiced. Nanny Rey instructed me, and I practiced with Tori and Axton.”

Monica chuckled a bit. Tori she could understand, but Axton must’ve complained. The two were roughly the same height and it would’ve been awkward. “What were you practicing for?”

“Tonight,” Piers said. He said it so clearly, it was as if he were reminding her. She looked up at him. Their eyes met for a moment before he lifted them to look at the crown on her head. His eyes were still avoiding others, but he seemed to have tried to hold her gaze.

Her heart tightened in her chest. “Did you practice in order to dance with me?”

“Yes.”

Monica choked up. “Why? You don’t like to dance.”

“I don’t like to dance,” Piers said with agreement.

Monica sniffled once more. “You also don’t like to hug. Did you practice that, too?” Her son nodded. He seemed a bit distracted focusing on their dance, but he answered in small sentences. That was enough for her.

“Since my birthday party. Tori taught me, and I practiced with her and Axton.”

“Since your birthday party?” Monica couldn’t help but laugh. “You worked hard.” The affection was written all over her face, but she couldn’t help it. It must’ve been difficult for her son, but he did it all for her. She appreciated his effort. “I’m incredibly happy, Piers. This is the best birthday gift I’ve received in…in my life. Thank you. Mother is very happy, but you don’t need to push yourself.”

She knew her son had limits.

“I’m not pushing myself.” She doubted that if he constantly had to practice. Her eyes crinkled up with smiles. Her son was trying to be strong for her sake. Her heart was full.

“Piers, I know it’s difficult for you. You don’t like dancing or hugging.”

“I don’t like it,” he said, serious as always. “But I love you.”

Monica stopped in the middle of the dance floor.

The Empress was crying.

Tori was crying.

Anyone who had any idea how significant the moment was should’ve been somehow emotional. Axton took a deep breath, his own eyes red as they watched the Empress’ tears stream down her face as she cried out that she loved her son, too, and that she was so proud of him.

Piers looked taken aback at first and then tensed. He looked at his mother, asking if she was all right. Before she could answer, he looked around the room, as if trying to find someone to help.

The Emperor saw this as a chance to move forward and he walked down from the steps before the throne, where he and Gideon had been watching, and swept in to embrace his wife.

“My son loves me!” The Empress was still holding on to Piers’ hand, as if unwilling to let go.

“Of course, he loves you.” The Emperor tried to soothe her. He smiled and shook his head helplessly. “That isn’t anything to cry about.”

“Mother, I will ask for some water for you,” Piers said. He pulled away from his mother’s grip and motioned for one of the knights as the Emperor led the Empress her throne. She was dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief.

Tori sniffled and wiped at her eyes.

“Were you moved again?” Axton asked beside her.

“Your eyes are red, too.”

He chuckled. They continued to watch as Piers spoke to his mother once more before coming towards them. His eyes seemed to land on Tori and instantly frowned.

“Why are you sad?” His voice was tense and his last few steps towards her were fast, and he seemed to want to reach for her hands, but she was busy wiping her tears.

“I’m not sad....”

“Why don’t we take her outside for some air,” Axton said. His eyes looked around the room. “We can wait until the excitement settles. Now that you’ve danced with Godmother, others may want to dance with you.”

Piers frowned at the thought. He lifted his arm and Tori grabbed on to it. They slipped towards the back as the Emperor gave a speech to thank everyone for coming. The usual door Piers sneaked in and out of had a knight standing guard. A single nod from Axton and the knight opened the door for them.

Outside, in the garden courtyard, Tori took a deep breath. “You did a great job, Piers. Your mother was so happy, she was crying.”

“Is that why you’re crying, too?” Piers asked. He hadn’t let go of her hand and looked worried.

Tori chuckled and nodded. “Yes. I’m so proud of you.”

“I see....” Piers furrowed his brows and seemed to silently take note. “I was worried when Mother began to cry.”

“It’s almost two decades of pent-up emotion,” Axton said as he casually sat down on one of the stone garden benches. “She hasn’t been able to hug you since you were a small child. She was probably overwhelmed with joy.”

“Then, I am happy that she is happy,” Piers said. He paused and thought for a moment. “I will embrace her more.”

Tori wanted to hug him, as well; she was so happy for him. “Can I hug you, too?”

His eyes lit up. He opened his mouth and seemed to want to agree, but Axton spoke up.

“Uh, Tori, you may want to fix your make-up first,” he said. He lifted his hand and motioned to the area below his eyes. “There are dark streaks and splotches here.”

I forgot this world doesn’t have waterproof make-up. “Thanks for the reminder.” She stepped back as Piers lifted his arms. “I’ll go to the powder room to wipe it off. Wait for me here!”

“Do you remember where it is?”

“Yes, there’s one near-by.” Tori dismissed Axton’s concern with a wave of her hand. She turned around and headed back into the palace, leaving Piers still standing with his arms out.

She made her way to the powder room through the back corridors. The imperial knights on guard didn’t say a word as she passed with streaked make-up; however, when she stopped and looked around to see if she was going the right way, one of them gave her directions to it.

No one was in the room and Tori was able to wipe off the smeared kohl-like substance used around her eyes. She looked in the mirror and decided to just wipe off her face. It would only get warmer in the ballroom, and she’d start sweating anyway.

After some time, she looked at her reflection with satisfaction and exited the powder room. She began to walk back to the garden when she felt a familiar pulse sweep over her. Tori stopped at once and furrowed her brows.

What was that? She waited, thinking it was a mistake, but she felt it again. She looked down at her arms and saw the small bumps that rose. The second time was clear, and she knew why it felt familiar.

It was a similar energy to what she felt in the delta, on the energy vein. Last year, Sebastian had showed her his goosebumps and said he could feel it in his bones. It took her some time to finally understand that feeling and it was one she wouldn’t easily forget.

Her lips drew into a tight line as she turned and waited for a third pulse. It came again and this time, she knew it came from behind her. Tori turned around and narrowed her eyes. They were too far from the delta for her to feel the pulse of an energy vein. Horizon was also built on top of one, but it was nowhere near as strong as in the delta.

Tori only felt it if she concentrated.

This energy pulse was much more concentrated, and fleeting. It came in waves.

I should get back to Piers and Axton. They’ve been waiting.... She felt it again and it was stronger. Curiosity was tugging at her. Tori shook her head. She forced herself to turn around. No. I must get back to my friends-

The fifth pulse felt like a wave of energy from the sacred geometry and as it retreated, she could feel herself being physically drawn back with it.

Her brows rose as she looked down the corridor. It led further into the imperial palace. Like River View and Granite Tower, the very heart of the imperial palace was the oldest part, the original fortified settlement of the tribe.

“Call Piers du Soleil....” Tori reached into the pocket sewn into the ruffles of her dress and took out her comcry.

“Tori?”

“Piers, I’m going to check on something in the palace.”

“All right.” He didn’t seem to think much of it, but Tori wanted to let him know so he didn’t become worried. She flipped the comcry closed and slipped it back into her pocket before walking in the direction the energy had come from.

Every so often, after three counts, she’d feel another wave. It wasn’t as strong as the fourth and fifth pulse, the strength of it was able to help her distinguish the direction. The wide corridors with gilded trim began to narrow into heavy stone halls. She was close. She could feel an energy source.

The doors she passed were closed, which made the single open doorway ahead of her stand out. Despite the hall having no windows, bright light crystals kept it illuminated and it wasn’t at all as scary as one would think wandering through a century, if not millennia old corridor would be.

The underground passages of Moss Hill were more frightening. And damp.

She walked through the doorway to an old study lined with books. There were no windows, but it also had plenty of light crystals in lanterns hanging on the corners and the center of the ceiling to keep it well lit.

Her attention wasn’t on the lanterns, but on the massive stone slab in the center of the study. It reached to about her waist and looked like a thick, round slab of granite. There looked to be hundreds of crystals of different colors, in different sized obelisks, placed around the slab.

As a crystal fanatic, she thought it looked cool, though a bit impractical, as clearly the table couldn’t be used for anything else. The energy in the room was calm and steady, no longer pulsing, or overwhelming, but she was sure it was centered around the crystals on the table.

She approached the table to get a better look and found faint lines across the surface, beneath the crystals. She bent closer and the faint lines didn’t seem like mindless scratches. At one point, the slab might have been carved, but she couldn’t make it out with all the clutter.

“Do you like crystals?”

Tori sucked in a sharp breath and froze in place. The voice came from a corner of the room and Tori didn’t recall seeing someone there. She straightened up and turned around.

A tall old man with short, white hair, a neat snowy beard, and glasses over blue eyes gave her a curious look. He didn’t seem upset to see her, but Tori still cringed.

“I’m sorry for barging in. I felt crystal energy and....” She trailed off and mentally chastised herself for wandering off to follow crystals. She was a bit disgusted with herself for having no willpower to resist. God, I really am a crystal fanatic.

The old man chuckled and smiled. The corners of his wrinkled eyes creased more so as he approached her. He was wearing neat clothes, but simple and unadorned. It was common for there to be caretakers of older parts of the important old buildings. Perhaps he was a caretaker.

“Then you are sensitive to them,” the old man said with a warm smile. “Can you guess what this is?”

“A table.”

The old man let out a guffaw and looked even happier. “You’re not wrong! It’s a chess board.”

“Chess board?” Tori snapped her head back at the table. She’d seen chessboards in Soleil; they were the classic grids with symbolic pieces she’d seen in her original world. She furrowed her brow. “Is it an old style? Ancient, maybe?”

“Indeed, it is,” the old man said. “This is a style carried over from pre-settlement. Our modern chess has evolved and a mixture of other similar strategy games, but you can say that this is Soleil’s original strategy board.”

Her brows rose. “Huh...there are so many pieces...what’s carved underneath?” Current Tori was a crystal fanatic, but original-world Tori was also an antiquities nerd of sorts. It didn’t matter from where, historical pieces and remnants of long-lost civilizations always intrigued her. Her attention was naturally drawn to the ‘chess board.’

“There are overlapping circles instead of a grid and the crystals are the pieces,” the old man told her. “There are four armies protecting a king.”

“I see...and they are defending against invaders?”

“They are defending and maintaining the kingdom - the board,” the old man said. “The goal of the player is to read the movements on the board and put the right pieces at the right places at the right time.”

Tori squinted. She looked at the crystals that dotted the table and couldn’t make sense of their placement, but four armies and a king sounded familiar. “Is it like our four marches and the Emperor?”

“As expected of Master Ramos’ pupil.”

Tori’s head snapped up and looked at the old man with wide eyes. “You know who I am?” She stood up straight and let out an embarrassed hiss. “I’m sorry, I’m so rude. I just wandered in here and didn’t introduce myself-”

“Countess Victoria de Guevera,” the old man confirmed with a chuckle. He moved his hand over the table to a reddish-brown crystal that appeared to have a crack, and moved it inward. “Everyone connected to the imperial family knows who you are.”