Chapter 22: No Oversight is How People Die

Chapter 22: No Oversight is How People Die

What are you doing! Gideon was the first to respond. He shot forward and reached for Sonias raised wrist.

JP reacted instantly. He took a step forward and snatched Gideons arm before he could grab Sonia. His eyes darkened as he spoke in a low voice. No one touches my sister, Your Highness.

Gideon glared at him. Your sister hit another student!

Then let that student fight back, JP said. He released Gideons arm to the side and put himself between Gideon and Sonia.

Tori stepped around Ewan and moved towards Sonia. Let me see your hand.

Sonia was still scowling, but held out her arm to Tori. In front of them, Gideon was seething.

Did you order her to do this? he said, his violet eyes fixed on Tori with resentment.

She knew to expect him to blame her, but was too tired to care. Without looking at Gideon, she pressed her fingers gently against Sonias hand. Does it hurt? Sonia shook her head. Dont do that again. You need your hand for riding, Tori told her in a soft voice. Sonia lowered her eyes and nodded. Toris expression hardened as she turned towards Gideon. No, I didnt order her to do this. If I wanted to hit someone, then Id do it myself. She took a step forward and met his gaze with an unfeeling one. And theyd be on the ground, unable to stand, if I did.

Gideon drew his head back and narrowed his eyes. There wasnt a hint of a joke on Toris face. Are you threatening me?

Do I need to? Her eyes flickered to Alessa. Class is going to start in an hour. Go and take care of your cheek unless you want everyone to ask why its red and swollen.

Alessa swallowed and looked at Gideon. Lets go.

Gideon shot Tori a final glare and took a step back. This isnt over. Im going to report your friend.

Sure, youre good at that. Tori brushed him off. She stood there, hips over her knees and arms bent at her side, as if ready to defend if Gideon had any crazy thoughts. She watched the second prince and the protagonist head towards the west dorm. When they were far enough away, she turned towards Sonia. Lets go see the headmaster.

What? Sonia blinked. Her eyes crinkled up. Are you going to report me?

Yes, Tori said. Its easier to ask for forgiveness if you admit you did something wrong. Besides, we need to tell the headmaster what happened before that jerk does. Hell just make it seem as if you tried to beat her.

I wanted to.... Sonia grumbled.

Ilyana, Ewan, Henrik, can you grab us some breakfast and meet us outside the administration building? Tori asked as she took Sonias arm and led her away. JP, come on.

Do you think this will work? JP asked.

Tori nodded. Maybe not as well as Id like and Sonia will still be punished.

Huh? Sonia frowned and tried to break away, but Tori held her firmly. But what if he doesnt report me? Isnt this unnecessary?

Do you really think he wont? Tori gave her a knowing look and Sonia groaned. She lowered her head and sulked as she was almost dragged into the administration building.

As it was early, the building was still closed, but Tori insisted on waiting. Her patience paid off as, after five or so minutes, Headmaster Laurent, in a familiar hunter green Biancci mens trench, arrived. He saw the trio on the steps and smiled.

Good morning, students! Who do we have here this morning? He climbed the few steps to the building and reached into his pocket for a crystal key fob. Miss Guevera, Miss Vissage, and Mr. Vissage. Are you waiting for the administration to open? He pressed a dark green stone against a clear crystal panel embedded next to the door frame and a moment later, the doors let out a click and unlocked.

We are waiting for you, Headmaster, Tori told him. I hate to take up more of your time, but wed like a moment to speak to you.

The old man looked a bit surprised, but nodded. Of course. Lets talk inside. Its cold out here. He ushered them in and waved his arm in the air as soon as they stepped into the foyer to illuminate the room. They followed him down the hall and back to his office, where he used his key fob once more to unlock the doors. Have a seat. He motioned to the chairs in front of his desk as he walked to a coat rack and began to remove his down trench. By the way, Miss Guevera, I wore my coat to a dinner with Dean Njal of the Natural Sciences Department at Universit and he was quite impressed. The old boy wouldve stolen it off my back if it wasnt green. I told him he could custom order one. Hell have to, with that strange taste of his.

Tori smiled and gave him a thankful nod. We appreciate your support, Headmaster. Ill be sure to let you know when we release some designs for spring and summer.

Oh, I cant wait. The headmaster walked around his desk and took a seat. Then, tell me. To what do I owe the pleasure of my students visit?

He looked like he was waiting for good news and Toris eyes crinkled. Headmaster....

I slapped Alessa Hart. Tori snapped her head to look at Sonia, who was seated next to her. Sonia looked nervous and uncertain as she sat on the edge of the big, leather seat and gripped her knees.

Headmaster Laurents brows rose and he seemed stunned. You...slapped Miss Hart? he repeated, slowly. Sonia nodded. He narrowed his eyes and leaned forward. Why would you do such a thing, Miss Vissage?

Sonia looked at Tori with uncertainty and Tori gave her a small encouraging nod. The young equestrian then looked back at their headmaster. Sir, she kept wrongfully blaming Tori. I couldnt stand it.

When she said it like that, it sounded as if her action was in excess. Tori scooted forward and tried to explain.

Headmaster, last night someone broke into Lions Gate East and vandalized some of the merchandise before our guards could stop them. The patrol office was called and the vandal was taken into custody. Hes currently in holding in the eighth districts patrol office. We found out this morning that the vandal is a friend of Miss Hart, Tori said, keeping her words clear and unmuddied with needless emotion. Miss Hart came to me this morning to try to release her friend from custody. The most I can do is waive the cost of damages, but as he was caught and arrested, it is beyond my hands.

Miss Hart continued to beg Tori and began to blame her for the vandal losing his apprenticeship and being banned from the city, JP said. This isnt the first time that Miss Hart has harassed Tori and blamed her for something when it was Tori who was wronged. My sister lost her temper and made a mistake.

Tori looked at Sonia, as if willing her not to say, I didnt make a mistake; I wanted to slap her. Luckily, Sonia continued to act guilty and ashamed for her actions. She kept her head down and wore a tight-lipped frown.

I will properly apologize to Miss Hart, Sonia said. Tori tried not to grimace. Sonia sounded as if it would kill her to do so. No matter how upset I was that she was slandering my friend, I shouldnt have raised my hand.

Thats correct. Im surprised you would, Miss Vissage. The headmaster was disappointed as he leaned back against his chair and let out a heavy sigh. You understand that we cannot stand by and allow you to go unpunished despite your turning yourself in.

Sonia bit her lips and Tori grabbed her hand to try to calm her. Sonia nodded. I understand.

She will accept the punishment given, Headmaster. I only asked for leniency as it was a first-time offense and it was in defense of a fellow student, Tori said, squeezing Sonias hand.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

The headmaster thought for a moment and then slowly nodded. Physical violence against another student, for whatever reason, is prohibited. Miss Vissage will be required to write a reflection and apology letter to Miss Hart to be posted on the board. Second, she will also be prohibited from any after school activity until the end of the semester.

Sonia gasped and sat up straight. Her brows knit together in worry. But who will feed my horse?

The headmaster raised his hand. The exception will be to feed and care for your horse. However, you will not be allowed to participate in practice or competition exercises until next semester. In addition, once next semester starts, you will be required to fulfill a month of campus beautification duties.

The name sounded much more pleasant than it actually was. It meant picking up garbage around campus and the grunt work of gardening.

Tori looked at Sonia and saw the hesitation on her face. Tori thought for a moment. Headmaster, can Sonia be assigned a section of the campus for beautification duties and once that section is completed, her punishment will be over?

Yes, that has been done before.

Then, can I request to volunteer to help her with that section? Tori asked. This whole situation is partially my fault. Sonia was coming to my defense and I shouldve handled it better.

At this JP straightened up. He looked at the headmaster, as well. Id also like to volunteer.

The headmaster seemed to be trying to hold back a smile. His eyes crinkled a bit and he raised a hand. One volunteer is more than enough, Mr. Vissage. As Miss Guevera volunteered first, I will allow her to help Miss Vissage in the beautification duties. The area will be worth a month of work for a single person and I will discuss with the grounds services which area is suitable for this punishment. Miss Vissage can come check with Mr. Legaspi at the end of the week to find out what section she will be assigned for punishment and drop off her apology letter then. I will inform Madam Autumndottir that you are prohibited from equestrian activities for two weeks starting today.

Sonia grit her teeth, but nodded. I understand.

Thank you for your leniency, Headmaster Laurent, Tori said.

Then, if there is nothing else, you are dismissed, the headmaster said. Tori and Sonia rose from their feet. The headmaster stood up, as well. Miss Vissage. Sonia turned around to look at him as she was halfway to the door. While I am very disappointed that you hit another student, even for such a reason as defending your friend, I am pleased you came to take responsibility for your own actions. I trust you will not do this again.

Sonia took a deep breath and nodded. I will not, Headmaster. He gave them a nod and the trio walked outside. Once they were out of the hall, Sonia let out a groan and finally cried out. Two weeks! How can I be banned from practice for two weeks!

Thats what youre complaining about? JP looked at his sister with a quizzical look. She shot him a glare.

Youre not the one who cant ride your horse for two weeks!

There are only two weeks left of the semester, Tori said as she walked ahead of them. This week is partially over, then next week is finals week. You wouldnt have been able to go to practice anyway considering the school wants you to put priority on studying for the exams. Then the half week after that is for us to get ready to leave for the winter break, while waiting for the final scores to be released. Immediately after, you get to ride Ciel Noir home. She looked over her shoulder and smirked. And this ban doesnt cross over into next semester, when you need to start focusing on training for the empire-wide three-day equestrian competition in the spring.

Sonias footsteps slowly came to a halt. She stared at Tori. Thats what you wanted to avoid?

Tori nodded. Ilyana and I are getting signs made to cheer you on for the competition. How can you miss it?

Sonias eyes dampened and her lip trembled. She rushed forward and hugged Tori. Thanks.

I think the hardest part will be the apology letter, JP said with a smirk as he watched his sister cling on to Tori. Youre going to struggle trying to make it sound sincere.

She saw a pair of worn leather gloves fly forward and hit her chest with a dull smack. Tori blinked, surprised at the sudden action, but didnt grab them. She watched the gloves as they slid off and plopped to the ground.

The entire practice area was silent. Tori stared at the gloves at her feet and then raised her eyes to meet the party that threw them.

Fabian stood a few paces from her with a darkened look on his face and his hands clenched at his sides. His eyes were set with a cold glare and his lips were a thin line as he looked at her.

I wanted to see a glimpse of him fighting, but not like this. Not. Like. This. Tori wore a wry smile. I want to say that youre challenging me to a duel, but Im not sure if youre challenging me or just clumsy with your things.

She heard the gasps around her, as if shocked she had the audacity to say such a thing to Sir Fabian von Dorn.

Fabians look of utter anger didnt falter. Lady Guevera, I am challenging you to a duel.

Oh shit, its happening. Tori raised a brow and drew her head back. But why?

For the honor of Lady Alessa Hart!

Murmurs from the students dotting the practice grounds surrounded them, as Tori felt the corner of her eye twitch.

Is he kidding me? She took a deep breath. When exactly did I besmirch her reputation, Mr. von Dorn? They hadnt spoken for over a week, not since she came crying to her about her friend being arrested.

Fabian! Fabian, dont! Its not her fault!

Tori pursed her lips. Why was it that whenever she heard Alessa telling someone it wasnt her fault, Alessa was actually telling them to blame her? Did she have such a strong bias against Alessa that was causing her to skew her rationality?

She watched the teary-eyed schoolgirl rushing towards the practice grounds with Gideon at her side. Tori shook her head slowly.

No. Its Alessa who is wrong.

Fabian! Alessa broke protocol and rushed into the practice grounds without worry of being accidentally hit. She ran to Fabians side and grabbed his arm, pulling him back. Stop! Its not her fault!

No, let him, Gideon said in a cold voice. Because of her, youve cried so much the last few weeks. Your grades have even begun to slip and you entered ranked fifth. Then she had her friend slap you!

Tori felt everyones eyes turn towards her. Some were confused, some were accusing, but most were silently asking if this was true.

She sighed. Apparently, Miss Hart here knew the merchant who stole my vest and sleeping bag designs. She showed him the vest I lent to her during the excursion. Then her friend from her village broke into one of our stores, vandalized it, and was arrested. And I didnt ask anyone to slap her. Someone got mad at her for blaming me, then slapped her.

Upon hearing this, the gazes that were directed at her turned to Alessa and Gideon, as if they were insane. It clearly sounded like the person who was dishonored was Tori.

Alessa took a step forward with a pained look. I know you blame me for everything that happened, Lady Guevera, but I am sorry!

I know, Tori said with a casual nod. And I said were fine and not to worry about it. Though, I checked with the patrol office and I cant do much about your friend. He was caught and arrested, so its out of my hands at this point.

The pretty young blonde sniffled. She wiped at her eyes before reaching for Fabian. See, Lady Guevera checked. She cant do anything, so just stop. I dont want you to fight her.

Her pleading got the exact opposite reaction from Fabian. One look at Alessas crying face and the would-be knight seemed to grow even angrier. He looked back at Tori.

Lady Guevera, I demand a duel!

Tori stared at him blankly before turning to Captain Patrick, whod approached with a look of confusion. Captain, are we allowed to have duels? What if someone gets seriously injured? This was certainly a liability. She couldn't imagine that the school would be fine with this.

Captain Patrick took a deep breath. There have been duels in the past, but it hasnt been done in years. No one really does them any more...but there are procedures.

That was fair. Duels did have rules, even if they were no longer common. Or made sense. Do we need to fill out liability forms so we dont blame the school if we are hurt? Call for a witness, perhaps have a doctor nearby?

We should check-

Do you accept the duel or not! Fabian was fuming and Tori gave him a dull look.

We need to verify the rules and regulations first, Mr. von Dorn. This is a duel, not a street fight.

Fabian was trembling with fury. He reached to his side and pulled a metal sword out of its leather scabbard. It made a scraping sound as it was pulled out and he lifted it with one hand, pointing it at Toris face. She reacted as soon as she saw his hand reaching for his side and raised her wooden sword.

Hey! No! Captain Patrick immediately straightened up and frowned. He stepped forward and put his gloved hand out to move the blade to the side as several swordsmen around them began to yell out in protest. Ewan lifted his sword at once and prepared to do a cut at Fabians arm, but an upperclassman stopped him. What do you think youre doing!

The disrespect! Tori narrowed her eyes as she held her sword on her left side, keeping it between her head and Fabian's sword. And when since did Fabian carry a metal sword with him? Did he carry it today just to fight her? How fucking dramatic.

Her eyes flickered from the sword that was now pointed over her shoulder. She took a deep breath and tilted her head to the side as she relaxed her stance. I dont have a metal sword.

Then get a weapon! Any!

Hate was a strong word, but was applicable here. She could see it all over his face. Tori couldnt help but wonder if this level of hatred was necessary in the game. She knew this was a pseudo-European-based fantasy world and she saw people carrying around weapons when they were outside the school, so someone must get into a scuffle every now and then. But it was still incredibly disrespectful to point a weapon at someones face when they were unarmed.

Not to mention dangerous. If that fool had decided to suddenly close the distance, shed barely have time to lift her wooden sword to block.

Are you sure you want to do this, Mr. von Dorn? If someone is hurt, we could face serious disciplinary action, if not expulsion. And it was too early for her to be expelled. She still had finals and, more importantly, the post-finals dinner she planned with her friends. She had promised Ewan steak if his scores went up.

If you agree to this duel, I will see to it that neither party suffers repercussions, Gideon said. Even if there is an injury, there will be no expulsion.

Tori sneered. Yeah, but I dont trust you. She looked back at Fabian. Are you actually serious about this?

What do you think?

I think youve lost your damn mind.

Mr. von Dorn, we are still on school grounds and you and Lady Guevera are still students. Whatever grudge you have, this is not the place for it to be resolved, Captain Patrick said, still keeping his glove against the blade to keep it from being pointed at Tori.

Captain, its fine. I will make sure there are no repercussions for this duel, Gideon said.

Tori rolled her eyes. No oversight is how people die, Your Highness.

Whats going on here! A mans voice filled the practice grounds. Tori didnt take her eyes off Fabian and his sword, but heard the Sword Associations sword master and advisor approaching.

Master McDouglass was a big man. Tall and thick with a bushy beard and small dark eyes. He was a retired training commander from the O'Tuagh March and a La Garda alumni. He enjoyed teaching students the sword, so he became Lyces resident sword master. Tori had seen him do demonstrations and teach; he knew what he was doing and was a very good instructor. Hed helped her through some movements that were troubling her.

Master, Mr. von Dorn has challenged Tori to a duel, Captain Patrick said, remaining where he was standing.

Master McDouglass frowned. He looked at Tori. Why is he challenging you, Tori?

He thinks I hurt Miss Harts feelings and wants retribution. She didnt care for any flowery words and just said what she saw.

Master McDouglass made a face filled with confusion, frustration, and disbelief. He looked towards Fabian, who was still holding the sword up and looked rather awkward at this point with Captain Patrick holding it away from Tori and Ewan still poised to strike him if he moved.

Mr. von Dorn, put the sword down. Is this true?

Sword master, Gideon said, stepping forward. He stood up straight. This is an argument between students. I would like you to allow this duel.

Master McDouglass face hardened. Your Highness, I will not allow students to fight with sharp blades, duel or otherwise, on campus grounds.

Then what about a wooden sword? Fabian asked in a low voice.

Master McDouglass shot him an annoyed glare.

Im fine with it, Tori said. She shifted her weight back and lifted her sword, lazily resting it over her right shoulder. How do you want to call the winner? Take the first fatal hit, torso only? First one to their knees? First one to drop their sword?

Fabian finally lowered his sword. First one to yield.

Toris eyes sparkled as a bit of excitement shot through her. Well, what a coincidence..., she said as a predatory smile tugged at her lips. Thats exactly what we Gueveras like to hear.