#96. Title Ceremony (5)
When people followed the glances, they saw the Grand Duke Volkov and his son, making it clear they were father and child.
“Isn’t that the one who received the title of Count today, the Grand Duke’s son?”
“He truly looks like the heir of Grand Duke Volkov.”
Pavel, who was basically the star of the ceremony, had caught the eyes of the Kalita nobles at once.
But though his face was inhumanly beautiful, there was hardly any admiration in their gazes.
Most of them looked at him with discomfort, as though seeing something unpleasant.
Sasha guessed why they looked at Pavel like that.
“They say… he’s foul-mouthed and cruel with his hands, and his nickname is the Devil’s Grandson.”
‘So the old rumors still haven’t disappeared.’
Even northern nobles had believed those rumors until they spoke with Pavel themselves. So it wasn’t strange that nobles living far away would be swayed by gossip.
Still, hearing people bad-mouth Pavel over and over was unpleasant.
“But isn’t this almost the first time Pavel Volkov has shown up at a social event?”
“Yes. It’s his first time appearing publicly as the Grand Duke’s heir.”
“Then I must meet him at once! What an opportunity, we mustn’t miss it.”
“That’s true. He’ll soon return to the north, so we may not get another chance… but still…”
As whispers followed, Sasha turned her head—and suddenly locked eyes with Pavel.
“……”
“……”
She blinked. Pavel stared back at her as if asking why she was standing there alone.
‘Well…’
Sasha parted her lips but stopped. They were too far apart to exchange words properly.
Then—
“…?”
Pavel suddenly excused himself from those around him and began walking toward Sasha.
‘He didn’t need to come…’
Sasha waved her hand lightly.
But he didn’t understand her gesture and didn’t stop. Soon he was close enough that she could see his face clearly.
“Pa—”
“Lady, you look lonely. Is the ball boring for you?”
Someone suddenly stepped in front of her, blocking her sight.
She looked up at the greasy voice and saw a strange man with a sly expression.
Sasha frowned, but quickly forced a polite smile.
“No, it isn’t. Since His Majesty held this ball, I’m enjoying it enough.”
“Is that so? But a beautiful lady like you shouldn’t be hiding in a dark corner. You should be shining in the center of the ballroom. That’s the true way to enjoy it.”
“……”
‘What nonsense is this?’
Sasha smoothed her face, which was about to twist, but the man only grew more excited.
“I am Count Graciu. May I have the honor of knowing the beautiful lady’s name?”
“I’m not a lady, I’m a madam.”
“Ah, of course! That explains it. I thought you had the rich, mature charm of ripened fruit.”
Sasha’s face twisted again—she had never heard such unpleasant lines in her life.
Even though she clearly showed her dislike, Count Graciu continued speaking.
“Since you’re alone here, I suppose your marriage must not be very happy. But I understand—marriage is always like that.”
“No.”
She had been ignoring him, but this time she couldn’t let it pass.
“I’m not unhappy. Saying that is an insult to both me and my husband.”
“Really? But even if you don’t think so, your husband must. Otherwise, why would he leave you standing alone?”
“……”
“If things aren’t good with him, don’t you get lonely? Come out to the terrace with me—we can talk deeply while enjoying the night breeze. I’ll give you the satisfaction your husband cannot. I assure you, I’m very capable.”
“Ha…”
The words felt strangely familiar.
‘Didn’t someone like this also show up at the first ball I ever attended?’
Why did she keep running into such men at every ball?
‘If I say I dislike it, they should just stop—why cling like this? Do they think I’m a joke?’
Her patience was running out.
‘I told Pavel not to cause trouble, and now I’m about to cause it myself.’
It would be embarrassing in front of him, but she couldn’t endure hearing more.
She opened her mouth to snap back—
But then, bam!
The man was shoved so hard that Sasha, standing close by, heard the rough sound.
Crash!
“Ugh!”
The man stumbled, dropping his glass. It shattered into pieces.
At the same time, Pavel grabbed him by the collar and slammed him to the floor.
‘Pavel!’
Sasha bit her lip hard to stop herself from crying out.
“Kyaa!”
“Oh no!”
“What happened?”
The nobles around them shrieked and crowded closer.
Someone explained, “That man—Count Graciu—approached the Grand Duke’s wife and asked her to dance.”
“And?”
“He whispered something, and right away the Grand Duke’s son threw him down like that!”
People stared, curious what Graciu could have said to make Pavel so furious.
Graciu was now soaked head to toe in spilled drinks, writhing pathetically.
At first some people snickered, but soon even they frowned with pity.
“But no matter what he said, shouldn’t a noble challenge him to a duel instead of attacking like that?”
“So the rumors were true after all. I thought they were exaggerated, but no…”
With Pavel’s already bad reputation, people rushed to criticize him even more.
Meanwhile, Pavel’s face still burned with anger as he unbuttoned his sleeve, looking ready to beat the man further.
Sasha rushed to stop him.
“Pavel, stop.”
She grabbed his arm firmly.
“It’s enough already.”
She spoke gently, trying to soothe him—telling him she wasn’t that angry and that Graciu had been punished enough.
Pavel exhaled slowly.
“……”
Though his face was still filled with rage, he dropped his arm.
Gasps spread through the crowd.
Someone muttered, “So even the Devil obeys his wife.”
“Ah…”
Now people realized Sasha was his wife.
Whispers spread quickly, many pretending to pity Sasha but actually mocking her.
Sasha ignored them, only checking Pavel’s scraped hand.
But Pavel wasn’t calm.
“……”
He turned his fiery red eyes toward the gossips, making them shut their mouths instantly.
Then Sasha spoke again.
“Pavel. I’m tired.”
“I’ll prepare the carriage.”
He quickly wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
“No, it’s too early to leave. Let’s just get some air out there.”
She pointed to the open balcony.
Without a word, Pavel led her outside.
He shut the doors tightly and drew the curtains so no one could enter.
Sasha leaned against the railing and thought,
‘They said ever since he gained the fire’s power, his temper became harsher. It must be true.’
This wasn’t the first time. At their first ball in the north, Pavel had threatened a man who approached her—but he hadn’t used his fists then.
“Pavel.”
She called in a stern voice, forgetting their promise to use formal speech.
“We promised not to cause trouble today.”
“…I know, but—”
“You can’t just throw people like that.”
Pavel’s voice rose, full of frustration.
“But he insulted you.”
“That’s true, but still…”
Sasha frowned. She admitted to herself that if Pavel hadn’t stepped in, she might have snapped first.
She fell silent for a while, but she knew she had to continue.
This moment—this place—was the only chance to say it.
She lowered her gaze and remembered what she had realized yesterday with Nikolai, and what she had felt after meeting her parents.
Her tangled thoughts became clear.
“Pavel is precious to me.”
It was the purest truth.
And one more thing.
“I love Pavel.”
