Tori Transmigrated - Chapter 203: I Said What I Said

“It was one of the last villages to be abandoned in the later end of the great drought,” a thin, weathered middle-aged man said as he stood in front of the table where Tori sat, looking over a map and various papers. “As we were agricultural workers, we went out in search of farm jobs around the empire.”

“And you ended up in the disputed region?” Tori asked without looking up from the reports. The mail carrier in front of her nodded and fidgeted with the wool cap in his hands.

“Yes, my lady. While there was work there, it was considered dangerous due to the occasional raids, so not many people went there for work.”

Tori took a deep breath. “You’ve suffered.” She lifted her head and gave him a nod. “It must’ve been difficult to leave your home and go from place to place.”

“It was necessary to survive, and I’ve grown accustomed to it,” the man replied.

“Well, thank you for your input, Mr. Kester. I’m sorry to have taken up your time. I know you’re escorting some goods to the towns east of the delta.”

“Not at all, my lady.” He bowed his head and Tori excused him.

When she to Viclya for the weekend and asked for some maps of Anlar and the area where there was a drought from their now extensive map collection, one of the villagers working in the operations tent told her of a wanderer from the drought area who had come to their village to do labor and ended up coming with them when they fled.

Mr. Kester was now doing courier work for the delta and Tori called him to ask him some questions. She was lucky that he was in Viclya when she summoned him, and he’d told her as much as he knew of his former village.

In both this life and her original one, Tori never had to flee her home. She’d only left to go to school in both lives, but that was a matter of choice. She could only imagine how difficult it was to have to be forced to leave for survival. And then forced to leave again when their surrogate village was attacked.

She let out a heavy sigh and leaned back against her chair. Since Burnrest Point was one of the last villages abandoned, it made sense that their structures hadn’t fallen into disrepair as much as some of the earlier villages.

On the map, the village was near a major road, just between the boundaries of Fendersmith Fields and the Central Corridor. From what Mr. Kester told her, the mass migration from the area didn’t happen all at once. Some places lasted longer than others, whether that was due to proximity to a water source that lasted longer or delayed effects of the drought, such as a labor shortage or decreased trade.

It explained why Alessa’s grandfather left years before Mr. Kester’s village was abandoned. While there had been rain in the last few years, it had not been enough to replenish the region. The rivers still dried during the late summer months and from what she heard; underground water sources were still scarce.

In contrast, there was plenty of fresh water in Nord, but anything on the northern side of the mountain ranges flowed down through rivers away from the drought-stricken area. Building canals and aqueducts to bring water to that part of Anlar was labor intensive and expensive.

Piers’ Lycée project was to repair ancient aqueducts and that had taken him three years and a lot of money to repair a portion. Fendersmith Fields and the drought area were in Anlar, but march funding prioritized infrastructure in major areas and supporting the military. It wasn’t seen as cost-effective to spend so much to redirect water to a place where there weren’t many people to begin with.

It was considered a farming region, but wasn’t as fertile as other places in Anlar and the neighboring Central Corridor. Perhaps the only thing the area was good for was a caravan stop, logging if there were suitable forest, and as Mr. Kester pointed out, mining.

Tori rubbed her temples. The mining wasn’t even for lucrative crystals, they were quarries for limestone. Excellent for building, but the market was saturated.

She didn’t know what else could be done to support the livelihoods of people in the area. Perhaps grazing hearty animals that could stand drought like goats? Considering the age of the empire, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that the area would get periodic droughts. Such cases have been well documented.

“Why did people even settle in that area if there are long drought periods every two or three centuries?” she asked out loud and across from her, Axton read through historical records he’d pulled for her from Université’s libraries.

“When there isn’t a drought, it’s a comfortable place to live and they can settle with farms.”

“The empire is thousands of years old. They would know that the land there is not suitable for long term habitation after two, maybe three hundred years because of drought cycles,” Tori said. The more she’d found out about the area, the more she grasped that settlers should’ve known and should’ve been prepared. “Roughly every two and a half centuries, there is a near fifty-year drought.”

She wasn’t sure of the exact reasons why. For all she knew, there were climate changes every couple of centuries. However, she was fairly certain that if the current trend followed historical records, within five years, the region would be able to support moderate agriculture again. Millet didn’t need as much water as other grains and could help sustain a population.

Axton looked up from what he was reading. “Are you saying that they should’ve been prepared?”

“Yes. That’s exactly what I’m saying,” Tori replied. “This cycle isn’t new. Why wouldn’t they have been prepared? Was it recently settled?” Axton furrowed his brows. Tori sat up straight and narrowed her eyes. “Was it?”

“That area was sparsely populated to begin with and places that weren’t developed often had people sent there to settle it. In some cases, refugees were sent to those places,” Axton said. He met her gaze and crinkled his eyes. “Just like the delta.”

Tori’s lips pulled down in a frown. “Refugees from the border region?”

“And from abroad. Dede’s ancestral tribe settled in land that was relatively untouched. It was just forest,” Axton told her. “The empire is concerned that foreign groups could anger settled ones as competition for resources, so they’d assign them in locations that were unpopulated or underdeveloped. Refugees from the border regions, who are citizens, were able to get support for a year, but foreign refugees were given land to live off of and little else.”

She felt her skin curdle as she lowered her head. “Were all the groups who came as refugees from the Duraga Federation seeking asylum?”

Axton drew his head back and shrugged his shoulders. “Why else would they come to us? And to Varsha and Hong in the east? No one wants to leave their home willingly. They’d have to be in a dire situation to have to flee.”

He made a good point and after meeting Dede and knowing that his tribe and several others had settled well and assimilated into Soleil after several generations, but still desperately tried to remember their ancestral homeland’s customs, she knew that they wouldn’t have moved if they could help it.

Still couldn’t help but be suspicious. Anything that involved Adrien Rosiek, even if it was just land he was standing on, made her suspicious.

“Is it possible to find out who settled where?” Tori asked.

“You mean a record of groups that sought asylum with Soleil?”

“Yes, since the Duraga Federation started fighting for resources from its own sedentary groups,” Tori said.

“That started centuries ago, Tori. And we don’t know about the groups that Varsha and Hong accepted,” Axton replied.

“Then let’s focus on the groups Soleil accepted. I want to know who the groups were, where they settled, and when.”

“Why?”

Tori clenched her jaw. She met Axton’s eyes in the small conference room of the tent. “What if we’ve been infiltrated by the Duraga Federation and we don’t know?” she asked. She leaned forward. “The animal hunting ring that led to the border, the strange backgrounds of several wealthy individuals who refuse to work with locals, von Dorn’s old sword instructor…it’s as if they all appeared out of thin air and somehow lead back to the Duraga Federation.”

“You think they’re trying to undermine us?” Axton crossed his arms over his chest and gave her a curious look.

“Illegal trade brings money. Money can be used for supplies. Those wealthy individuals can get into wealthy circles and gain access to people with power to both get influence and gather information on our economy, our military, our politics. Von Dorn’s old instructor is proof that a Duraga loyalist was lurking in Soleil and living without worrying about being caught for years.”

“Well, that bastard also tried to get Fabian’s loyalty,” Axton said. Tori tilted her head and narrowed her eyes.

“How?”

“He said he knew Fabian’s mother and that his mother, who was from Osten, was sympathetic to the plight of Duraga’s tribes. He even claimed that the late Madam von Dorn supported giving Osten territory to the Federation,” Axton replied. He lowered his voice, his expression serious. “That could be grounds for treason.”

Tori stared at Axton with her mouth slightly agape. “I didn’t know about that….”

“Von Dorn didn’t tell anyone but us,” Axton said. He cringed, as if suddenly realizing he told her something he shouldn’t. “Don’t tell anyone. Not even the second prince knows.”

“But is it true?” Tori crinkled her eyes and shook her head. “If it’s a lie to try to turn von Dorn, it’s not the same as if it were true.”

“There is nothing to prove that it was. In addition, Madam von Dorn did marry into a loyal vassal house.” Axton let out a knowing sigh. “But…we really can’t know for sure, and we never will. Madam von Dorn has long been dead…this really shook Fabian. However, Piers ordered him to be silent on the matter.” Axton swallowed hard. “Tori, the Emperor doesn’t know.”

She nodded her head slowly. “Then I will follow Piers’ order.”

Axton shook his head and let out a huff. “Honestly, you two are of the same mind.” She raised her brow and looked at him. “You haven’t wondered why I’m not surprised by this?”

She narrowed her eyes. “You have been abnormally calm.”

“What do you mean abnormally?” Axton scoffed and drew his head back. “Piers also feels this is the case.”

“Really?” She should’ve figured.

“He’s put a lot of effort into watching what’s happening in Fendersmith Fields and has reviewed every group that came from the Duraga Federation’s history. He said that none of them seem suspicious, which makes sense because each group was vetted before they were allowed to resettle, but that doesn’t mean a few spies couldn’t have sneaked in. He’s switched to observing specific individuals that seemed to stand out from those groups and those areas,” Axton said. “This includes some of the business associates of Baroness Hart.”

“The ones who were supposed to help with Chetterswickshire?” Tori’s eyes widened. “And they moved their attention to the caravan stop!”

“But nothing they’re doing right now can be seen as treasonous. They’re just building inns and trying to fix roads leading to the area,” Axton said. “They stand out, but they haven’t done anything that could shake the core of the empire.”

Tori wrinkled her nose and thought for a moment. “So, we can’t prove their spies?”

Axton nodded. “Several of them, including Rosiek, have good reputations, as well.”

Tori slammed her hand on the table and scowled. “That perverted asshole who’s been preying on innocent women and children shouldn’t have such a thing!”

“Public works buy good graces.”

Tori quietly swore. “I should’ve kicked him harder.”

“I heard you sent him to the hospital for several days.”

“I should’ve made sure he couldn’t get it up again, that’s what I should’ve done,” she muttered under her breath. She almost didn’t notice Axton grimacing and pulling his legs together. She tapped her fingers on the table. “If Piers has this covered, then I don’t have to worry about it.” She frowned a bit. “Although, I’m sure he has his hands full right now.”

Piers didn’t come with them to Viclya that weekend. Axton had come to escort her with Alexander and some knights. Piers had gone to the imperial palace at his father’s summons. If it wasn’t serious, he wouldn’t have gone. Piers had no qualms about ignoring his father when it came to unimportant matters. In fact, sometimes Piers almost reveled in defying the Emperor.

“I’ve been told not to tell you about matters in Pargath,” Axton told her. “His Highness Prince Piers insists on shielding you from any news so that you can focus on your schoolwork and be at ease.”

He almost sounded as if he were mocking Piers’ careful concern for her.

“Not much is happening that I’m not prepared to deal with at this time,” Tori replied. Her Lycée project was nearly completion, she was well prepared for any upcoming tests, the delta was progressing smoothly, and all her businesses were stable. In some cases, they were almost overwhelmed with need.

Ilyana and Henrik were handling most of the work. Her other friends weren’t going through any outstanding crises. Her family was happily expecting a new addition soon.

“Then, you should check on Piers. He isn’t overwhelmed easily, but he’s cranky when he’s busy and focused on multiple projects. Talking to you will make him more bearable,” Axton told her.

“I thought he didn’t want me involved in the Pargath issue.”

“You don’t have to talk about Pargath, just tell him he’s doing a good job and that you love him or something. I don’t know. Just make him less insufferable.”

Tori gave him a dull look. “I’ll call him, but not because of you.”

“No matter how smoothly things are going, he won’t relax until it’s dealt with,” Axton sighed.

Tori frowned. “When you say that, it does seem that things are going too well….” She didn’t want to jinx it, but nothing could be too easy.

Axton looked at her with curiosity. “Why do you sound like you’re expecting something to happen?”

“Because something probably will happen. We’re just waiting for it to,” Tori said.

“What’s going to happen?”

“I don’t know, Axton. I can’t see the future.” Tori rolled her eyes. “All I know is that it feels like despite the calm, there is pressure building. I’m hoping it’s something surprising, but minor that we can handle easily, but I should still prepare.”

Axton looked amused. “And how exactly are you going to prepare?”

“I don’t know,” Tori replied in a dull voice. “I guess…I’ll go play with crystals.

“Yes, Master, Benedict is doing very well.” Tori looked towards a cushioned swing under the eaves of Master Ramos’ porch on Anahata Island. Alexander was sprawled out and Benedict the cat was curled in a ball next to him. She always worried that Alexander would not get along with his siblings now that they were grown, but he and Benedict seemed to get along. “His food remains the same and I brought him to the mainland for his check-up. The doctor says he is very healthy.”

“I just want to make sure. Benedict the human will give him food whenever he asks and I’m worried he’ll gain weight while I’m not there,” Master Ramos said.

Tori glanced across the table, where Instructor Ignatius let out an exasperated sigh. Whenever the two were the subjects of the same conversation, he was the one who was also referred to by his species.

“He can’t. Benedict’s food arrives with everyone else’s food and once it’s gone, it’s gone,” Tori replied. “So, his meals have been well regulated.”

“Benedict isn’t like Alexander, so he shouldn’t grow too big.”

“I don’t think any of his siblings are as big as he is,” Tori said with a sigh. The closest one to Alexander’s size was Armando’s fluffy calico and she still wasn’t as big as Alexander. “How is the research on the crystals for the vessels going?”

An irritated scoff came from the comcry on the table. “It would’ve been better if we’d worked on the research in Viclya! These naval engineers know little about crystals and the crystal masters here can barely be called such!” There was a pause. “Don’t look at me like that, I said what I said! If you don’t want me to say it, work harder!”

Tori winced. “This is a relatively new project, Master. Most of what we’ve worked on were advancements in existing technology, like crystal stove tops or the city’s crystal payment cards. New technology takes time to develop.”

“It would develop faster in the delta….” her master grumbled. “I want to go home.”

Tori cracked a small smile. Master Ramos was supposed to be retired. Working on crystals on the island was his idea of an enjoyable retirement. He wouldn’t mind working on new crystal projects, as long as it was done where he considered home.

“Is it possible to do the research here?” Tori asked. “Unfortunately, we lack a ship building facility and people who are experienced in building them, not to mention all the recruitment needed-”

“We can bring those.”

Tori blinked and stared at the comcry. “Pardon?”

“We can bring the equipment and so-called specialists in building ships,” Master Ramos told her in a reassuring voice. It sounded more like he was telling her what he’d bring to a party as opposed to relocating specialized research and building facility.

“Master…we still don’t have a place to build ships,” Tori said, measuring her words.

“We don’t need too much space. In fact, one of the near-by empty islands will suffice to build a small test vessel,” Master Ramos replied. “At the moment, we’re working on a small fishing vessel. It does not require a lot of space to work on.”

Tori couldn’t help but turn around her stool and look towards the nearest island that wasn’t more than a small lump where sea birds nested. The identified island S8 was about the size of NE12, which made it smaller than Anahata Island. As it was one of the islands furthest from the mainland, it had not yet been touched by construction.

It had not been identified for need, yet so it wasn’t even on the list of islands to build upon.

“What would be needed?” She was almost reluctant to ask.

“Nothing much. Perhaps temporary living quarters for a dozen naval engineers, a dry dock, and covered work area where tools can be kept will suffice.”

Tori pursed her lips. That would be fine in the summer, but autumn was already starting to reach the delta and temperatures began to drop at night. It would only grow colder the closer winter came.

“Master-”

“If you are worried about paying for it, we can tell the Anlar Navy and the O’Tuagh March,” Master Ramos told her in a bold voice. Tori was sure he hadn’t checked with either party about it yet. “This research is of great importance, and I am certain if we move it to the Cosora Delta, the research will be more fruitful.”

“Have you brought this up to the research team there?” Tori asked in a tentative voice.

“My pupil, I have been here for several months, and I want to go home. If they do not come with me, then I will leave without them, and they can figure out the crystals on their own!” Master’s voice rose with each word.

He sounded serious, as if he’d pick up and leave at that very moment.

“I’ll call my cousin and ask her about moving the research here. Maybe she’ll allocate some funding,” Tori said. “In the meantime, keep up your hard work, Master. I don’t believe that anyone else can get the crystals to work as we discussed like you can.”

Master Ramos let out a small huff. “Then, discuss with Marquess O’Tuagh. The sooner I can go home, the better.”

The call ended and Instructor Ignatius looked at the comcry helplessly. “Master isn’t trapped there. He can come home at any time.”

“He knows the crystal-powered ship research is important and doesn’t want to abandon it no matter how much he complains,” Tori said. She knew her master well enough to understand that.

“Are you going to give in to his demands, Countess?” Master Holloway asked from the workstation next to her.

“As his pupil, I am duty bound to aid my master’s research!” It was a gallant statement, but technically, the crystal-powered ship research was something she started, and Master Ramos had been the one roped into it. She slid off her stool and called towards the porch. “Alexander! Let’s go! We need to call Cousin Siobhan!”

She heard her cat let out a lazy meow.

“Countess, the balance checks on the point-of-sale devices can be launched for phase two testing this week,” Master Hansen told her. “If everything goes well, then we can update all current devices in time for the winter tourist season.”

“Excellent. Wonderful work,” Tori said. “How are the delta toll markers?”

“Enabling the entry crystals to react to the toll markers is going smoothly. We will be able to run the tests on the village’s main gates at the end of the month.”

“The Cosora-Horizon carriage fleet’s first three carriages are ready for crystal installation in the industrial zone. Arrange with the transportation department to do test runs,” Tori told them. Alexander reached her and Tori picked him up and slung him over her shoulder. She headed towards the dock and pressed a light beacon crystal to summon a transport vessel.

Once she returned to the mainland, she and her cat stopped by the restaurant to have their meals delivered to her tent. She was the only one of her friends who’d gone to the delta that weekend. Ilyana was finalizing some things for Lions Gate’s latest collection and Henrik had gone with his family to see his sister.

Annika had decided to finish her secondary schooling in the countryside. Henrik said that his sister didn’t want to go back to Horizon after the humiliation she felt at her coming-of-age party. His parents didn’t force her to, either. The Skuldsens had refocused their energy into their remaining stores and sold off some personal belongings to pay off some of the debts incurred by Annika.

Henrik had paid whatever remained using money he’d earned from Lions Gate. It had been a difficult decision to make, as he wanted to reinvest the money into the Lunar Pavilion, but after some discussion, he decided to deal with his family’s issues first. In return, Henrik was now listed on all the Skuldsen’s holdings.

Albert was doing the final checks on his Lycée project. Despite how he normally acted, he was well organized when it came to his project and efficient. His family provided him with good guidance and suitable connections to get the plumbing repairs done while meeting civil, legal, and engineering requirements.

JP and Sonia were at the equestrian training grounds that weekend and if Tori was right, then they were being begged to participate in the Spring Three Day. Since the twins had both won the tournament in the past, the school did not want to let them go. JP and Sonia did not plan to participate in all three of the events. At most, they considered participating in one each, but the equestrian team could not let their prized top riders go.

Ewan was on a weeklong training exercise in Alvere. It was his first time leading such a long exercise and Tori and the others had called him before he left to give him encouragement.

As for the ‘neutralized love interests’, Montan was working at Duel on weekends and slept there overnight. Dimitri was in Fosse village meeting the apprentices the carpenters and masons had selected. Except for one, all of the apprentices were from neighboring villages. The only person from Fosse village was a young lady who lived with her aging grandparents.

She had been too young to apply during the school’s first iteration, which Tori considered lucky. She had been told about the school’s terrible reputation, but insisted on applying. As she was from Fosse, and the only person who applied from Fosse, she was given priority. Dimitri had some hope for this batch of apprentices.

Gideon and Fabian had been the ones who went with her to Viclya. Tori had tried to leave without them, but when she got to the gate of the school and saw SIG One and her escorts, Gideon and Fabian were there with bags already in the carriage.

“Training Commander O’Tuagh has given us strict instruction to build and maintain our stamina,” Fabian had told her as soon as they saw her, as if they knew she would refuse to bring them if he didn’t give a suitable reason. “May we join you in Viclya to swim while the weather is still suitable?”

Since they were both so determined, Tori couldn’t say no. However, she wondered what they would do in the winter. Even if the weather was clear and the sun was out, the water temperatures dropped. She supposed the two could figure that out when they got there.

Tori returned to her tent and saw that the two knights stationed outside had turned into four. Her brows furrowed and her lips tightened into a frown. She quickened her pace, gave a nod to the knights, and brushed aside the entry flap.

The main chamber of her tent was empty, and Tori went straight to the inner chamber that was her bedroom. The bedroom area’s walls were thicker and blocked more light than the outer walls, but there was still enough light coming through the ceiling layer that everything was visible.

A man laid on her bed, which was still haphazardly made, and had his eyes closed.

“Piers, what are you doing here? I thought you were at the palace.”

“I am tired.”

She stared at him and felt the corner of her eye twitch. “You’re tired, so you took a carriage a day’s travel from Horizon to get here?”

“No,” Piers said, unaffected by the annoyance in her voice. “I did not take a carriage. I rode Ice Queen. It’s faster.”

This time she frowned. “Piers, why didn’t you just rest at the palace?”

“I cannot rest there.”

“Why not? It’s your home.” Tori sat on the edge of the bed and extended her hand to touch his head. He tilted his head and rested the side of his face against her palm.

“You are not there, and Alexander came with you.”

“Nyaow!” The gray cat jumped on the bed and curled next to Piers’ arm.

Tori kept her hand still, letting Piers rest against her. Her voice softened. “Is everything all right?”

He kept his eyes shut and didn’t answer immediately. The lines between his brows deepened. “I will not tell you.”

That meant it had to do with Pargath. Tori pushed down the urge to ask and instead stroked the side of his cheek with her thumb. “Everything will be all right,” she said in a measured voice. “My brother is there.”

Piers seemed to tense against her. He opened his eyes and looked up at her with a frown. “Senior did not tell you he was going.”

Her eyes reddened a bit. “He didn’t have to. It’s obvious he was.”

Piers slowly pushed himself up on the bed and faced her. “Are you angry with me for sending your brother?”

Tori shook her head. “I am well aware of the duties that are required not only of Kasey, but my entire family. Privilege like ours comes with a price.”

“He is your favorite brother.”

She cracked a wry smile. “Don’t tell Sebby that.”

Piers looked down. “Tori, I did not want to send him. He is your brother.”

“He is also loyal to the empire, and this is his job. He’s knowledgeable, efficient, and experienced. It would be difficult to find someone else as suitable as he is.”

His long fingers tugged at her hand. “That is what Senior said. He is best suited for the mission.” Piers kept his violet eyes on her hands.

“Do you feel guilty for sending him?”

“He is also a father now.” There was some regret in his voice that she didn’t expect. Plenty of people who worked dangerous positions at his order had families. Perhaps Kasen stood out because Piers personally knew his children.

“Piers,” Tori said as she wove her fingers between his and gave him a gentle squeeze. “You must have more faith in my brother. He isn’t reckless.”

Piers’ eyes deepened as he kept them on their hands. “When I become the Emperor, such decisions will be expected of me. I must be firm in my resolve.”

“Yes, but we can’t forget that we are humans and feel things,” Tori said. She tilted her head to the side and squinted. “When you become Emperor?”

“Father will make the announcement to make me crown prince at my winter ball. He and Mother will attend,” Piers told her.

Tori smiled widened for a moment before she came to a harsh realization and her smile faltered. “I have to increase security.”

“I am sorry.”

She sighed and pulled her hands from his. “No, it’s fine. I knew they’d come to the Lunar Palace for such an event one day. I’ll contact the imperial knights and let Henrik and Ilyana know.” She touched the side of his head once. “Since you’re tired, take a nap. I need to call my cousin and the others.”

He gave her a small nod and laid back down on her bed. Alexander lifted a paw and put it over him as Tori left the room. In the main chamber, she took a seat at her desk and leaned back on her chair. After a few moments, she shuffled through the papers on her desk to look for her calendar.

She carefully counted the days since she saw Kasen. If he left that day and took a ship from Viclya, he would’ve arrived in Pargath already. In fact, he should’ve arrived a few days before.

She couldn’t help but wonder what her brother was doing. Was he assisting the third prince? Was he gathering information? Was he creating chaos in the Duraga Federation’s southern feed and supply strongholds?

Knowing Kasen, it could be any one of those.

Tori closed her eyes and pushed down her worry. In the original game and sequels, Kasen survived to cover Horizon in a dangerous fog. He’d be all right.

Of course, the current world was not proceeding as originally planned and things obviously changed.

“Fuck it, Tori,” she said to herself as she ran a hand down her face. “Don’t overthink it. Just do your work.”

She shook herself out of her stupor and out her comcry. She called Siobhan and waited to see if her cousin would answer.

“Good evening, Tori,” the older woman’s calm, smooth voice greeted.

“Good evening! Do you have a moment to talk?”

“Yes, I’m just finishing up some work. What is it?”

“Regarding the crystal research for ships,” Tori said. “Is it possible to move the research, including some equipment and staff, here to Viclya?”