Chapter 158: You Can Yell My Name

Chapter 158: You Can Yell My Name

What? Tori narrowed her eyes. Weve been open for over a month. Why are we just being reported for this now?

I dont know, however, this is an official letter from the Imperial Commerce Commission. They said that the business registration for Duel was never submitted and that were missing operating permits, Mr. Somerset told her.

Tori frowned more so. Thats impossible. Henrik and I went to submit it ourselves. What do they mean it was never submitted?

She took the letter with the embossed seal of the Imperial Commerce Commission from Mr. Somerset and leaned back against the chair of the small office hidden behind the display shelves behind the lobby. It was a standard form letter telling her that Lions Gate Duel was missing both its business permit to run a business in Horizon and the permit to sell food.

She had until the end of the week to either submit a copy or reapply. If she reapplied, it would take at least two weeks for the permits to be issued. During that time, they could not continue to operate. Henrik had applied months ago in advance, then the two of them went for the final procedures to ensure that everything was ready before the soft opens.

Will we have to close? Mr. Somerset asked with a concerned look.

Tori shook her head. No, not at all. We have copies of the permits. We can take it to the commission tomorrow.

Perhaps the permits were mis-filed.

Its always a possibility when youre working with so many at once, Tori said. She let out a heavy breath and folded the notice carefully before putting it into the breast pocket of her jacket. I will call Henrik about it.

Mr. Somerset smiled, relieved. Thats good. I will leave it to my lady and Mr. Skuldsen.

They opened the door to the office and stepped out. The popularity of Duel had not waned since opening and even now, after school had started across the city, there were still plenty of people coming to play.

The daytime crowd is mainly off-duty knights, Mr. Somerset told her. Its a bit calmer than now.

There are a lot of students in the afternoons, Tori said as she looked around. At least seven or eight different uniforms, including Lyce du Soleils were spotted in the crowd. How are the weekend party rentals going?

We have bookings for equipment, supplies, and game hosts for the next four months, my lady. The Emperor has also paid to reserve a date late next summer for the Empress birthday banquet, Mr. Somerset reported. He wishes to have a deluxe, custom curated game event for Her Majesty. The managers face contorted a bit with confusion. He also mentioned something about ax throwing?

Tori closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She mentally cursed the imperial couple and their requests. I will take care of it. Although, I better not get a request for Gideons birthday. I have things to do, dammit.

My lady, have you considered making an entertainment parlor? Mr. Somerset asked.

I have, but at the moment, funding is tight, Tori replied. Renovations at the Lunar Pavilion are starting and due to the age of the structure, it is a very slow, laborious, and expensive process.

Mr. Somerset sighed. A shame. Im sure there are many who are interested in the various card and tile games here.

Tori nodded, distracted. I am keeping an eye on the property around the area though. If I must take out a loan, I will if we can secure the location.

My lady, there is a young man here on the 403 list. He requests to see Mr. Villalobos, one of the employees who was stationed at the lobbys counter turned around as they reached him. Tori furrowed her brows.

She had a list made up of people forbidden from setting foot past Duels lobby and cafe, as well as prohibited from purchasing goods or services from Duel and the rest of Lions Gate. The list was short, but mainly consisted of Alessa, some love interests that were still clinging on to her, anyone Adrien Rosiek had a connection with that Tori knew about, and the former Duke Alvere and his mistress.

She turned her head towards the tall young man standing on the other side of the counter, looking surprised to see her. Tori resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

What was Tom expecting? This was her store; why wouldnt she appear in it from time to time. Tori took a deep breath and put on a placid smile that didnt reach her eyes.

Mr. Fields, this is a surprise. To what do we owe the honor? Tori said in a droll voice as she walked over and stood across from him on the other side of the counter.

Tom drew his head back and frowned. If he wanted to say something, he had to watch his words considering he was well within her territory and with a superior social status to him and his most noble friend.

Countess Guevera, I heard that Mr. Villalobos has moved here to work. He has helped me a lot when I was in Presidio and I wanted to greet him, Tom told her.

It was a legitimate answer, and Tori felt there was nothing alarming about it. Mr. Villalobos had told her that Tom worked with him and had good things to say about the love interest. There was a pleasant relationship, and it wasnt abnormal for a former employee who left on good terms to come and greet a work mentor.

Still, Tori didnt answer immediately. She held her ground and eyed him until he avoided her eyes and showed some discomfort. Satisfied that he didnt seem to want to try anything questionable, she looked over her shoulder.

Call Mr. Villalobos, Tori said. The employee who had stood to the side nodded and rushed to the back room. Tori looked back at Tom. Hell be out in a moment, Mr. Fields. Please wait here.

Tom nodded his head, his face red as if embarrassed to be there. Tori glanced back over her shoulder and gave Mr. Somerset a knowing nod. He gave her a stoic one in return, and she slipped out of the counter and headed to the cafe. She sat at a corner table that had a good view of both the cafe and the lobby.

She didnt bother to hide the fact that she was watching Tom. Mama Js son saw her sitting and came with her usual iced coffee and a small plate of puff pastry with meat. Tori glanced down and paused.

Is this new? she asked.

Yes, my lady. Its a puff pastry with beef tenderloin, dry-cured ham, and duxelles.

Beef Wellington, Tori muttered to herself. Tobias gave her a curious look and she smiled and picked up one of the small bite-sized pieces. She bit into the warm meat pastry and slowly nodded. I like it. Good job, Mr. Jager. Did you want to add this to the menu?

To the pre-ordered catering menu. Theyre not difficult to make, but it is necessary to procure the mushrooms, he replied.

Tori nodded. Ill make a note and have it added to the spring menu.

Tobias gave her a bright smile. Thank you, my lady. Shall I pack some for you and Lady Agafonova?

Please do. Tori ate another one and looked towards the lobby. Mr. Villalobos came out, still in his apron, and laughed as he saw Tom. He extended his hand and reached out to embrace Tom as if seeing an old friend. Tom looked happy to see him and his joyous expression didnt falter as Mr. Villalobos led him to the cafe.

Tori lowered her eyes and continued to eat her bite-sized beef Wellingtons. They were not surprisingly addicting. Mr. Villalobos and Tom sat close to the windows, so Tori couldnt hear them, but she did look up occasionally to try to get any physical clues on what their conversation was about.

The first few minutes were likely catching up and following up on where the other was now. Then Tori noticed Mr. Villalobos smile falter. He was nodding his head, but the earlier excitement on his face had faded.

Its getting good. Tori sipped on her drink; her eyes fixed on Toms back. After about half an hour, Tom seemed to lower his head. Mr. Villalobos gave him a kind smile and leaned forward to pat his shoulder. He said something comforting to him and then stood up. Tom followed and Mr. Villalobos brought him to the door.

Tori heard some parts of the conversation including some encouraging words to Tom before the young man left.

Mr. Villalobos lingered by the glass door and watched the young mans back disappear into the night. He let out a heavy breath and turned around. He saw Tori seated there and gave her a tired smile.

Did he say something to upset you? Tori asked. The old man shook his head and came forward.

Perhaps I shouldnt be upset with what he said. In most cases, it would be quite flattering, Mr. Villalobos replied.

Tori squinted her eyes for a moment before enlightenment filled her face. He tried to recruit you.

Mr. Villalobos nodded. It doesnt seem that he knew that I was a former knight and that my position here is related to being a Guevera knight.

Tori pursed her lips. The practice of retraining knights for other occupations after their service isnt common in the Central Corridor. Did he at least offer a lot of money?

Mr. Villalobos cracked a wide smile and laughed. I wouldnt say that its a lot, but certainly well above the average pay rate of a master printer. His smile faded a bit. However, I have no desire to work for the Golden Cow.

Tori nodded in understanding. He came here to poach my workers, she said, looking out towards the window in the direction Tom had left. Its good that hes on the 403 list.

I wish it wasnt necessary, but considering the amount of intellectual property in Duel and their popularity, it does make it an appealing target for knockoffs.

We cant keep it a monopoly forever. Eventually, other companies will develop their own games to compete with us. We can only continue to evolve and stay relevant to our customers, Tori replied.

Mr. Villalobos nodded. He paused for a moment and cocked his head to the side. My lady, Tom mentioned something when he was trying to convince me to join the Golden Cow. Tori furrowed her brows and gave him a look telling him to continue. He said that he came because he heard Duel was closing.

What? Tori frowned at once. We opened just a few weeks ago and sales have been steady. Where did he hear that?

There are likely those jealous of Duels success. Its fairly common to speak ill of competition, Mr. Villalobos told her as he rubbed his chin. I asked Tom where he heard such news and he said that someone at the print shop where he works said that the city will close our doors as were not authorized to operate. That was why he came to recruit me.

I can accept that hes kind enough to want to ensure you have a job. After all, you taught him when he was in Presidio. However, a regular employee usually wouldnt have such insight into the business operations of another shop.... Tori lifted her hand to her breast pocket and frowned.

My lady. Mr. Somerset rushed into the cafe with a concerned look on his face. Mr. Skuldsen is calling and says you arent answering your comcry.

Tori frowned more so. Tell him Ill call him right now. Mr. Somerset nodded and turned around. Tori gave Mr. Villalobos a dismissing nod and reached for her comcry. She swept her finger across the crystal. Call Henrik Skuldsen.

Henrik answered almost immediately with a ragged voice. Tori, we need to increase security at the shops.

Wait ,what? Whats going on? Tori frowned and sat up straight.

My house was broken into, and my room in particular was torn apart, Henrik said, breathless. I think Im being targeted.



Part of Tori didnt want to immediately make the conspiracy theory that the missing permits from the Imperial Commerce Commission and the break in at the Skuldsen residence were connected, but it was what her mind came up with as soon as Henrik told her.

It just felt like too much of a coincidence for it to happen all at once, and Tori couldnt help but think about what Tom said about Duel closing. From what she knew, he wasnt in a position where he could find out the business status of other companies. Someone mustve fed him that information.

That also meant that someone knew before her that permits were missing.

This made the missing permits from the Imperial Commerce Commission suspicious.

One of his knights left and Prince Emil walked further away to make a call. Ilyana moved closer to Tori. Do you think he can help us?

His Highness should have a good deal of influence here, Henrik said in a low voice. I think he can.

Tori nodded, but still drew her lips into a line. I hate to have to call in favors and not follow standard procedure for this, but I dont want our paperwork to get into her hands. She looked back at the counter and glared at Miss Moore.

The older woman pretended she didnt notice.

Tori, you said that you saw her at the Three Queens with the Cowman, Ilyana whispered. She narrowed her eyes. Do you think he might be involved in our lost permits?

Not think. Know. I dont have any proof. We cant go around accusing him without any proof, Tori said. She let out a heavy breath. It doesnt matter. Well deal with this today regardless of what she does.

Countess, Mr. Devereux will be out in a moment. Prince Emil made his way back towards them and Tori tilted her head.

Mr. Devereux?

The chief officer of the Imperial Commerce Commission, Prince Emil said, looking almost smug. Since the manager of this division is busy, Ive contacted his boss.

Ilyanas face lit up and Henrik nodded. Its good to know people....

Tori lifted her hand to her chest and bowed. Thank you, Your Highness-

Your Highness, my apologies for the delay! A booming voice filled the parlor and Tori snapped her head towards the counter. A large man with a thick beard almost seemed to storm out of one of the offices. He shot an annoyed look at Miss Moore and the young man still stationed by the counter and Tori took a bit of pleasure watching them pale.

Jonathan, are you understaffed? Prince Emil sounded both annoyed, but amused. Two of your employees arent seeing guests and one of them had an appointment with them.

Mr. Devereuxs face reddened. Ill make sure to speak to them. Where is the Countess? He looked towards Tori and her friends, and she stepped forward to greet him.

Good afternoon, Mr. Devereux. Im sorry for bothering you, but we have-

He lifted his hand to stop her and nodded. Prince Emil has already told me. Please follow me and show me the papers. I apologize for my departments negligence, my lady. This should not have happened. He led them back to the counter and took the first available seat behind it.

Tori motioned for Henrik to produce the documents and laid them out in front of Mr. Devereux. The bearded man scanned the documents, reading all the information quickly while nodding. He checked the dates and Tori watched his brows furrow.

Is something wrong with the documents, sir? Henrik asked, carefully. Mr. Devereux shook his head.

Jonas! He called over his shoulder, but didnt turn around. The young man named Jonas rushed forward to look at the numbers on the paper that Mr. Devereux pointed out. Check for these files again. The permits should already be filed.

Jonas seemed to hesitate, but nodded and rushed back.

Will we need to re-apply if the documents are missing? Henrik asked.

No, as you have a copy, I will prepare a mirrored form with the information and refile it myself. Be sure to keep these copies with you as reference, Mr. Devereux told them. He frowned. This shouldnt be missing from our archives. Im unsure why you received a letter about missing paperwork.

Sir, Jonas reappeared with a small folder. The permit to operate is here, but the number assigned to it is for another business.

At this, everyone frowned. Tori narrowed her eyes and Mr. Devereux reached for the folder. He opened it up and sure enough, the identification number matched with Duels paperwork, but the name of the company, the address, and the owners and partners were different.

One of these permits is fraudulent, Miss Moore said suddenly. Tori wondered why she was standing around, but it seemed she was waiting for a moment to interject. Miss Moore met Toris eyes. Countess Guevera, are you certain you submitted the permits and that yours are real?

Yes, Tori said with a raised brow. How would we make a fraudulent permit?

Doesnt Countess Guevera have another store? It is possible that you copied the format from an existing permit, Miss Moore told her.

Tori resisted rolling her eyes. Oh, very astute. That is quite a possibility. Mr. Devereux, are the number assignments made in order according to the date of application or approval?

They are assigned upon the submission of the application, Mr. Devereux replied, looking at Miss Moore as if she were an idiot.

I thought so. Therefore, I have a question for Miss Moore who thinks my document is fraudulent, Tori said. The dates on my permit and this permit found in the archives are the same. If our permit werent submitted at that time, how would we know what number should be assigned?

Henrik straightened up and frowned. We dont know how many applications are submitted per day. If we tried to guess based on our other permits, there would be little chance that the dates would match.

Tori nodded with a knowing look. However, it would be very easy for someone who works in the department to switch out permits in the archives.

Countess Guevera! Jonas gasped and Mr. Devereux frowned more so. How can you accuse us of something like that without any evidence!

Tori shrugged. It wasnt so much an accusation as it was a statement of a possibility. Can you assure us that such a thing is absolutely impossible?

I can! the young man said.

Based on what? Prince Emil asked with disapproval. Your word?

Ill issue an immediate permit to replace your permit while keeping the original date. Im sure there is a mistake, Mr. Devereux said with a dark look on his face. He reached under the counter and took out some papers. He looked over his shoulder at Jonas and Miss Moore and gave him an annoyed look. I will have this situation reviewed.

Mr. Devereux, you cant side with Countess Guevera because of her status. We have strict processes regarding our archive. Her permit is obviously a fake. Miss Moore insisted.

Tori gave her a dull look. Is this the best you can do?

Miss Moore shot her an annoyed look. What are you talking about?

Miss Moore and I have some animosity. In addition to her personal opinions of me, none of which are positive, she also was in a relationship of some sort with Adrien Rosiek, the owner of the Golden Cow who happens to be our largest competitor, Tori said without any hesitation. If there was a motive to replace our permit, there it is.

Miss Moores face turned red. Her brows shot up. How dare you! Ive worked here for years, and Ive never made such a mistake, nor would I use my position against others!

How much is he paying you? Henrik asked. He raised a brow. Is he paying you?

Ilyana lifted her hand to cover her mouth as her brows rose.

Countess Guevera, rest assured that I will review the situation and find out what happened, Mr. Devereux told her as he copied a form for a new permit under the unflinching gazes of Sir Dobchek, Prince Emil, and Henrik.

In particular, I would like Miss Moore investigated for misconduct, Tori said. If you had kept your personal opinions personal, I wouldnt touch you at work. But here we are, and Im going to be a bitch and get you fired. I have no fucks to give now.

What? Miss Moore jerked her head back. Ive done no such thing! Countess Guevera, my personal views would not affect my professionalism.

I would hope not, considering you slandered me because youre jealous.

Miss Moore choked back a cry. Jealous? Me? Of you?

Tori counted the instance off her fingers. Jealous because I was able to eat at the Three Queens and you were kicked out. Jealous because I got to eat at the rooftop dining room. Jealous because of Instruct...Benedict.

The other womans eyes widened. Then you admit it! You did seduce him! I knew he wouldnt pick crystals over me!

But he did, though...? Tori shrugged. What does it matter now? You were the one who broke up with him.

Because of you! It was as if Miss Moore forgot that they were in an office building. Her voice filled the area and several people looked over. You stole him from me!

I did no such thing, Tori said, lifting her hands. The corners of her lips turned upwards. He came to me. Which was technically true, as Instructor Ignatius did come to her to ask to live on an island like a mad crystal scientist-hermit. However, Tori didnt mind being vague if it made the woman lose her head.

Miss Moore seemed to twitch with anger. He was going to marry me!

Well, now hes not.

Miss Moore slammed her hands on the countertop, trembling. Her face was red and her breath was ragged. You...you! She was so consumed with fury; she couldnt seem to think straight.

It was the perfect opening to set her off.

Miss Moore, please, Tori said with a smirk. She leaned forward, lowering her voice so that only the other woman could hear her. You can yell my name. Its what Benedict does.

The documents to the side were suddenly swept off the counter. Mr. Devereux looked up, red-faced and furious. Before he could open his mouth to reprimand her, Miss Moore grabbed a handful of papers.

Ilyana cried out and Henrik took in a sharp breath, reaching out to stop her. Miss Moore grasped the top of the documents and pulled them apart.

Tori stood in place with a smug look as the papers twisted and almost stretched, but didnt tear. Prince Emil and Mr. Devereux both looked surprised as Miss Moore tried to tear the sheets apart, only to awkwardly fail.

What...how? Jonas choked in a stunned voice.

Tori smiled pleasantly. Did Instructor Ignatius tell you I was skilled with crystals? That often overshadows the fact that Im also quite good with charms. I was worried youd try to destroy our paperwork, so I put a protection charm on them. Looks like I was right to be worried.

Miss Moore stood in place, shaking with disbelief.

Miss Moore, Mr. Devereux said in a low voice trembling with fury. Did you mismanage Countess Gueveras permits?