Chapter 176: Size Does Matter

Chapter 176: Size Does Matter

How influential was the charm? How much of Dimitri, and the other love interests, affection was sincere and how much was the result of the charm?

Tori shifted uncomfortably at Dimitris words. She couldnt rule out the chance that without the charm, one of the love interests could have sincerely fallen in love with Alessa. Dimitri was around Alessa before Montan gave her the charm, after all. It wouldnt be the first time a teenager fell in love fast.

Her stomach twisted and she felt more pity for Dimitri now than she did after finding out about his breakdown and seeing him listless in bed. He sounded just like many people she knew in her original world whose romantic relationship left them with a broken heart.

When you return to Lyce, your contact with her will be limited as you will be in a different homeroom class, but I suggest continuing to distance yourself from her if you feel that being around her clouds your judgment and hurts you, Tori told him in a calm voice. That is not to say that you cant give a passing greeting or answer her when she speaks to you, but if thinking of her brings you discomfort, then its best to avoid her as it may aggravate you further.

Dimitri took a deep breath and nodded. That is something Ive considered.

Tori let out a heavy sigh and lifted her arm. She patted him on the shoulder and offered him a sympathetic smile. You can only do what you can. Dont feel bad about distancing yourself.

They turned around and walked back to the townhouse. Tori gave the knights a signal and they called Mr. Novak. SIG One was waiting at the curb by the time that they reached the front of the townhouse. Dimitri stood on the sidewalk, politely waiting for Tori to enter as one of the knights opened the door for her to climb in.

Before they closed it, Dimitri stepped forward. Guevera. She sat down on the seat bench and raised a brow as she looked towards him, silently asking what he wanted. My mother will be replacing my comcry this week.

Replacing? What happened to your old one? Tori frowned.

It broke. He didnt continue to explain how. He stood up straight and met her gaze. Will you register your comcry with mine?

Yes, itll be good to stay connected while youre recovering. If you have any questions or want to talk, I should be reachable. However, for a few days, Ill be on a boat, so communication will be difficult during that time, Tori told him.

Dimitri nodded. Then, the next time you come; you can register your contact information. As you said, having someone to speak to is beneficial.

Tori didnt notice the narrowed eyes of the knights looking at Dimitri. Sir Lloyd suddenly swung the door closed and stepped in front of it. Young Mr. Guthry, our lady needs to return to Lyce. She still has class tomorrow.

Dimitri leaned to the side to look at Tori, only to have Sir Lloyd lean in the same direction to block his view.

You should go inside now, Young Mr. Guthry, Sir Granger said. Its getting late. His voice was lower than usual, and he was frowning. Dimitri gave a nod towards the carriage and walked back to the door.

As soon as he was inside, the knights got on their horses and the carriage jerked forward.

She was dropped off at the front of Lyce, thanked the knights and her driver, and headed back to her dorm. She passed the auditorium where Ilyana was giving her review, and craned her neck to look inside the open door. As usual, it was packed full. She could see Ilyana at the front of the auditorium, walking in front of a large chalkboard as she explained what appeared to be a class on Soleil governance.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Satisfied that everything was going well, Tori headed to their dorm room to continue to study. At the end of the week, she did her last visit to the Guthry residence before she left for Presidio. Madam Guthry understood that she wanted to stay on campus for final exams.

Dimitri was quick to hold out his comcry and Tori registered it with hers, informing him of the dates she would be on a ship and unable to answer.

Please remember to stick to the diet Dr. Mondelli approved and to continue your walks. Tori didnt know when she became the mom-friend to Dimitri, but her sentence just now made her think it.

I will remember. Mother and Lucille are making sure I continue with the regimen you have prepared for me, Dimitri said as they reached the exit of the park after his walk.

Good. Dont concern yourself with your project for the time being. Well work on it when I get back. Tori looked up and down the street before crossing to get to the townhouse. There wasnt much carriage traffic, but the knights escorting them still rushed forward to hold back any oncoming carriages so Dimitri could take his time walking across.

Tori paced herself beside Dimitri, instinctively offering her arm to help him down and on to the curbs, as if he were a little old lady. Dimitri looked at her arm for a moment before he raised his hand to hold on to her.

Young Mr. Guthry, I can assist you if you need help. The Countess may not be able to hold your weight if you fall. Sir Dassler, the most recent addition to Piers escort knight entourage seemed to sweep to Dimitris side and grasped his elbow and braced his back.

Dimitri jerked his head back, his eyes wide as he was suddenly led across the street by the knight. Sir Dassler didnt release Dimitri until they got to the entryway of the townhouse. The knight bowed, leaving the confused and flustered young man standing in front of his door.

Ive already greeted your mother, but I need to get back, as I need to continue my reviews for final exams, Tori said. Do you have any questions before I leave?

Dimitri took a deep breath as he stood a few steps above her. Tori had remained on the walkway with her carriage waiting for her just a few paces away.

No, Dimitri replied.

Great! Ill see you when I get back. Eat and rest well. Tori turned around and made it two steps before she heard shuffling behind her.

Guevera! Dimitri sounded out of breath as he dashed in front of her. Tori stopped where she was and drew her head back, giving him a quizzical look. His face twisted with difficulty, and he took another deep breath. His hands clenched at his sides, and he grit his teeth. Thank you.

Wow, that is a lot of effort to show your gratitude. No need to be thankful all at once... Tori pulled her lips into a line as her eyes dulled. No need.

He shook his head. There is a need. I know you came because of my mother, but I would be remiss not to address my improvements because you came. I didnt understand why my mother liked you, but the reason is quite clear to me now. I am grateful for your help, Guevera.

Tori gave him a small nod. There is a saying from an obscure book - you can lead a horse to water, but you cant make him drink. I can try to help you all I want, but if you don't want to recover, there is not much I can do. Your recovery is in part due to your own will to do so and you should give yourself credit.

Dimitri lowered his head and shut his eyes. He bit his lips to try to collect himself before lifting his gaze. Im sorry.

She scrunched her face. For what? Youre really trying-

No. His firm determined voice cut her off. His eyes were intense as he looked at her. Im sorry for trying to put the blame for the ceiling collapse on you. Her brows shot up and he continued. Im sorry for trying to contradict you, for always finding fault-

Okay-

For arguing with you when you only tried to help me-

I see-

For believing you bought your way into Lyce-

I get it! Tori raised her arms to stop him. Just forget about that and concentrate on your health.

Dimitri let out a low scoff and shook his head. How can I forget? I saw you as someone who would constantly oppose me, up to the point where you came to my bedside to make me eat. You are right to have animosity towards me. I have not been acting as a proper schoolmate.

Tori inhaled and tilted her head up. Even if you apologize, I am not required to forgive you.

And I dont ask for it, Dimitri told her as he lifted his chin. I know I was rude and ignorant towards you, and I dont expect you to forgive me. I only want to make it clear that I am sorry for my past actions, and they wont happen again.

Tori raised a brow with disbelief. Are you sure? Even if Baroness Hart is involved?

He nodded. I have already planned to distance myself from the Baroness.

She stared at him for a few seconds. He seemed determined and she wondered if he made the connection between his questionable life choices and Alessa. Whether or not Alessa had an influential charm, plenty of people went back to their exes in her original world, so there was always a chance Dimitri would drift back into Alessas orbit.

Toris hard work trying to get him to recover and ween him away from Alessas influence would be for naught. She stepped around Dimitri and held up her hand to stop him from following. Wait a moment.

She marched towards her carriage. Mr. Novak quickly stepped forward to open the door for her. Rather than climbing in, Tori reached inside and grabbed a wooden case. She stood outside the door and opened it on the floor of the carriage. Two small clicks were heard as the case lid was lifted and Tori moved her hand over the rows of raw crystals in velvet, padded compartments.

She snatched a nearly clear crystal with swirls of aqua, purple, and pink, with some deep purple tint on one end, then closed the case, shoved it back, and turned around.

As she stood in front of Dimitri, she held up the crystal between two fingers. This is a virgin rainbow fluorite from Gorask. It is naturally charged and will help you regulate any stressful energy, as well as help you focus by strengthening and clearing your mind. I dont have any as a pendant or charm, so just keep this in your pocket close to you.

This particular crystal also negated the influence of low level to moderate charms, of which Montans charm counted. If by some chance, which was likely if Tori were honest, Alessa crossed paths with Dimitri before Lyce started and Alessas charm was negated, then this crystal would keep Dimitri safe.

Fragile states of mind were much more susceptible than stable ones.

Dimitri looked at the charm in her hands and bowed his head without a word. Thank you, Countess Guevera.

Dont get too formal. Its unnerving. Just take the crystal and always keep it with you. Think of it as a safety talisman. Ask your mother or Miss Lucille to make a pouch you can wear around your neck for it. Thatll probably be the most convenient way to keep it with you. She grasped his hand and put the crystal in his palm, then curled his fingers over it. Keep up your hard work, Guthry.

She turned around, climbed into her carriage, and left.



Early summer and already the delta was hot. There was some humidity in the air as the group stood on the dock of the embarkation island, preparing to leave. They had left Horizon the day before as soon as they found out their final scores and ranks.

Ilyana, as expected, clinched the top spot. Tori was once more ranked third while the others hovered within the top twenty, except for Sonia, who had at least made it into the top thirty this time. Everyone was satisfied with their ranks.

I thought the ship was huge, Sonia said as she squinted and looked at the ship in front of them. This looks to be about the same size as the ship Constantine left in.

Is there really enough room for horses? JP frowned and looked at the body of the ship with a hint of worry.

What about after they become your knights? Sonia asked.

Tori watched all the knights who were escorting Piers turn to him. Piers didnt answer immediately. I know enough. He walked past the group and asked Instructor Ignatius to show him to his cabin.

Axton furrowed his brows and looked at Tori as the sailors closed the gate and doors behind them. I knew he knows about me, but does he really know about the other knights?

Tori picked up Alexander. Not just his. Piers keeps track of all first-tier knights. She slung her cat over her shoulder and looked towards the dozen imperial knights who had joined them. By the way, Sir Lloyd, congratulations on the new girlfriend. Let me know if you want to take her to Viclya.

A sharp breath was taken in by Sir Lloyd as his face reddened. Several knights looked at him and then paled. If Piers knew about Sir Lloyds personal life, did he know about the personal lives of the rest of them?

Tori let out a hum as she headed towards the stairs with her friends.

Isnt Sir Lloyd the one who likes to watch Alexander? Ilyana asked in a low whisper.

He often talks to Alexander and doesnt notice when Piers is nearby, so Piers hears a lot, Tori replied.

JP raised a brow. And he tells you?

Tori smirked as she looked ahead. He tells me a lot. Piers is surprisingly gossipy when it comes to his knights. Its like they dont think he can hear them, so they just talk about personal things unrestrained.

They caught up with Instructor Ignatius, who took them to their cabins. Everyone was in pairs, except for the trio of high nobility and a prince. Their cabins were across from each other. Tori got to stay in the cabin that was set aside for the current Marquis Guevera.

It was the largest and most luxurious private cabin on the ship, though luxurious was still rather crude compared to the rooms at the imperial palace. It had an antechamber, a parlor, a bedroom with a large four poster bed, a private bathing area, changing room, and behind a changing screen was litter for Alexander. His food and water bowls were kept in the parlor, which had a cooling box where his pre-prepared food was kept.

Hanging over the parlor was a framed picture of her immediate family. It was several years old, as the Victoria in the painting was still a little girl and her brothers were teenagers. When her friends came in to see her cabin, they studied the portrait seriously.

Its strange to see your brothers that young, Henrik said. How old were they here?

Master was likely eighteen at this time, Piers said from where he sat on one of the plush chairs. He was already a sword master then and was instructing me.

Ewan looked at the portrait with awe. A sword master at eighteen....

Lord Kasen really looks like Marquis Guevera when he was young. Tori, do you look like Auntie Lucia when she was young? Ilyana asked as she looked over. Tori was kneeling by Alexanders food bowl and putting some food in it.

Not really. Similar features with the hair and eyes, but our facial structure is different. Grandpa Sophos says my face shape comes from his family, Tori replied. Auntie Lucia and Uncle Lorenzo used to look identical when they were children, apparently, but their features changed as they grew.

Whos older? Sonia asked.

Auntie Lucia by a few minutes.

Auntie Lucias a twin? Sonia blinked and looked at her brother, who looked at her. Tori nodded.

She stood up and put the remaining cat food away. Lets rest for a bit before we explore the ship.

No rush. We have plenty of time, JP said as he reclined against a chair. Where is our first stop?

Karap.

Karap? Albert sat up straight. Will we get to go ashore?

No, were only stopping for additional fresh supplies, but were not leaving the boat, Tori told them. Her friends looked disappointed.

Thats a shame. I want to see where Constantine is studying. Its an old monastery, isnt it? Ilyana asked.

Even if we go, hes cloistered, so we cant see him, Henrik reminded her. We dont have a way of letting him know were coming, either.

One more year, Albert said, slapping his thighs with determination. He promised to invite us when he finishes seminary and will show us around.

I still wish we could see him now, since well be close by. I know he wanted to go to the seminary, but it seems a bit confining to be cloistered, Ilyana replied. Even if you are kept busy and are passionate about theology, being trapped in a single building can be maddening. I dont even like staying indoors for a winter in Gorask.

Tori looked out the window of the parlor and narrowed her eyes. Maybe we can send him a message that we passed by and thought of him?

Im sure hed like that, Sonia said with a nod. But, how? Can we send a message to the monastery? Is he allowed to get messages?

Tori pursed her lips. Maybe not a message...but what if we made a sign?



Do you think this is too much? Tori asked as she watched the small boats loaded with fireworks row away from Sur Bronce. Beside her, her friends wore excited looks on their faces as the sunset in the distance.

If the majority of the fireworks werent promised for your brothers wedding, a few more wouldnt hurt, Henrik said. Im worried that by the time the fireworks are used up, hell just notice. After all, we dont know where his cell is.

If its deep in the heart of the monastery, theres a chance he wont hear them at all, Axton told them.

Despite the risk that their use of fireworks would be for naught, the group still unanimously agreed to set off one boat of fireworks every two minutes. There were three boats total and Tori hoped that within those two-minute breaks, Constantine would be made aware and see.

He should recognize the display and know it was from them, at least she and everyone else hoped.

I asked, and thats the monastery where the seminary is, Axton said, pointing to a large, stout stone building perched on the cliffside. So as long as he looks towards the sea, he should see them clearly.

Maybe hell see the ship, Ilyana said as she clapped her hands together.

Its kind of hard to miss Sur Bronce, Sonia nodded. But it will be dark.

There are lights on the ship, Henrik replied. Im sure its noticeable.

It wasnt as bright as a cruise ship, but it was still very well lit. The deck was illuminated and there were tables and chairs set up so they could eat their dinner outside. To one side of the ship was Karap and once the sunset came and it was dark, its old streets and buildings would light up just enough for a nice glow over the seaside town.

Dotted along the waterfront were various vessels and further out, there were larger ships anchored for the night.

Ilyana tugged Toris arm and led her to the long table where they would eat dinner. Tonights dinner was fresh lamb brought in from Karap, at Toris request. She was very close to asking for food to be catered from the restaurant shed eaten last time, but the cooks onboard the ship assured her they could make it the way she wanted.

How is it? Ilyana asked. Authentic?

Yes, but not as tender. Still, the seasoning tastes the same, Tori said with a nod of her head. For eating on a ship, it was well beyond acceptable. She opened her mouth to speak when the first set of fireworks lit up the sky.

Luckily, Piers was already wearing his crystal earbuds and upon the first explosion, he lifted his hand to touch the crystal and increase the noise muffling level. He was calm about it and Tori touched his arm to make sure he was comfortable.

The table stopped eating and looked at the fireworks before turning towards the seminary on the cliff. It wasn't extravagantly lit up like the monastery further up the hill. Aside from a few lit windows, it blended into the darkness.

Ewan sighed. How do we know if hell see it?

We dont. We just have to hope he does, Henrik replied.

The first set of fireworks died down and Tori silently counted for two minutes. When the explosions rang once more, she squinted back at the monastery. Unless Constantine had a telescope, he wouldnt be able to see them on the deck from that distance.

The second set of fireworks completed, and Tori began to count once more.

Hey...hey, theres something hanging on that window! Albert stood up from his chair and rushed to the side of the boat closest to the seminary. The rest of them joined him, crowding close to follow where Albert was pointing. Tori didnt notice it at first, but there was one window on the third or fourth floor that was brightly lit and in the light, she could see something waving below the windowsill.

Is that a shirt? A towel? JP squinted.

Tori. She was leaning forward against the railing when Piers tapped her shoulder. She turned around and saw him offering her a telescope. She didnt ask where he got it. She grabbed it and extended it, peering through and trying to focus on the wall of the seminary.

What is it? Do you see it? Albert asked.

Toris mouth dropped and she let out a laugh. She held out the telescope to Sonia, who was next to her.

Sonia peered through and she screamed. Thats the quilt I made him! Thats his room! Thats Constantine!

They jumped up and down and waved their arms. Tori knew their voices couldn't be heard as the last set of fireworks exploded behind them, but that didnt stop them from screaming everything from Constantines name to silly greetings and promises to visit when he finished.

Tori tilted her head back and laughed, happy knowing that somewhere in that stone building, in a small cell, was their friend holding a light crystal and waving his quilt out the window to do the simple act of saying hi back.