#165. Twisted Fate (1)
The falling chandelier had frozen in midair.
The massive chandelier hovering in space was so astonishing that even those below momentarily forgot their fear, mouths agape.
This was thanks to the wind spirit Sasha had summoned to hold it aloft, though those unable to see the spirit found it utterly bizarre.
“What… what is happening?”
“C-could this be part of the event? A surprise, or something like that?”
Sasha quickly stepped forward to prevent the spreading confusion.
“Everyone, please calm down.”
Yet the murmuring crowd did not immediately settle.
Sasha projected her voice further through the spirit, making it louder and reaching further.
“Please, everyone, relax. Everything is fine now.”
Her voice carried calming magic that soothed the hearts and minds of those listening.
Gradually, the hall quieted, the previous commotion subsiding.
Sasha clapped sharply, drawing complete attention.
“Now, the prepared event isn’t over yet.”
Picking one of the murmured comments from the crowd as an excuse, Sasha snapped her fingers.
The crystals of the chandelier, suspended in midair by the wind spirit, trembled…
Bang! Pop! Crack!
With loud, explosive sounds, the crystals seemed to burst.
“Ahhh—?”
Those who had feared the chandelier was shattering soon realized the sight before them.
The sparkling crystals exploded like fireworks, scattering colorful flowers, confetti, and small jewels into the air.
“Oh my! How beautiful…”
The unique spectacle immediately captured everyone’s attention.
“Indeed, the Duke Volkov is different,” people murmured, forgetting the confusion moments before.
But at that moment, not everyone could purely enjoy the beautiful scene.
One person, unable to revel in the display, was Naina, desperately trying to escape the tightening net around her.
‘Did you think you could finish this so easily?’
At her signal, the monster stirred.
Cutting the chandelier’s chains, it emerged from hiding in the shadows and lunged at Sasha.
Shriek—!
The wind spirit tried to intercept the rapidly approaching creature, but…
[Wait a moment, Alexandra! Put this down—ugh!]
Having her strength divided to hold the massive chandelier, the spirits could not fully neutralize the monster.
Kiiiik!
The creature, with half its flesh torn and badly wounded, revealed its teeth at Sasha as if immune to pain.
Sasha, seeing the monster closing in, drew mana through her body and extended her hands.
She had only a few defensive spells ready; the number of spells she could use with her current mana was limited, and hastily casting them reduced their effectiveness.
‘For now, I’ll try to block it, but the aftereffects are unavoidable.’
Fwaaah!
Sasha activated her magic, striking the monster as it pushed past her defenses.
Its claws swung fiercely toward her.
‘I can’t fully block that.’
She judged that she could avoid as much as possible but could not completely evade the incoming blow, bracing for the pain.
“Ugh!”
A figure blocked her path.
“Pavel!”
His broad back filled her sight, yet Sasha immediately recognized her husband.
Pavel had drawn his sword and stood resolutely before her, slashing at the lunging monster.
Shwaak!
The sword cut cleanly, splitting the creature.
Already battered by the spirits and Sasha’s magic, it could not withstand Pavel’s powerful strike.
Moreover, Pavel’s sword was imbued with fire mana.
The sparks transferred from his blade and instantly engulfed the monster in blazing flames.
Unlike ordinary fire, the mana-composed flames had extraordinary heat and shape.
The sight was almost sacred, eliciting murmurs from the crowd.
“Is that… sword energy? The Duke has reached the Swordmaster’s level?”
“I’ve heard he played a key role in the war’s victories. I thought it was just strategic skill, but it wasn’t.”
Onlookers, unable to take their eyes off Pavel, marveled.
They knew how formidable the Swordmaster’s level was.
The renowned Duke Sergei, known as a hero, had become famous across the continent as one of the few Swordmasters, achieving that rank in middle age—already considered rapid growth.
And yet Pavel, barely past adulthood, was exhibiting the same heroic aura as those seen in fairy tales and novels, leaving the crowd captivated.
“Was this all staged on purpose? Incredible. The Duke’s prowess is showcased perfectly in an instant.”
Some believed the entire event had been deliberately orchestrated, impressed by the dramatic display.
But Sasha had no time to enjoy or explain such misconceptions.
“Pavel! Are you alright?”
Sasha hurried to him, her worry evident as she could only see his back shielding her.
From the reactions of those around, he seemed unhurt, but one never knew for sure.
Especially since Pavel had always hidden any pain, making her even more anxious.
Once the monster’s movements ceased and no other hostile energy remained, Pavel turned to face Sasha.
Finally able to see each other, Sasha carefully examined him, worry etched across her face.
“Really… are you okay? Not hurt anywhere?”
Her hands trembled as she touched him, forgetting the audience.
Pavel held Sasha’s hands, gently meeting her gaze.
“I’m fine. And you?”
“I’m… fine, since you protected me.”
“Then that’s settled.”
Pavel slowly removed her hands from his face, pressing a kiss to her palm.
The soft contact left warmth on her skin.
From Pavel’s intense gaze, the firmness of his grip, and the breath on her palm, Sasha felt a surge of emotion—a wave so overwhelming she froze for a moment, forgetting to breathe.
Others, too, were captivated by the couple’s display of affection.
From the monster’s attack to the focus on the Duke and Duchess, the audience’s attention remained fixed.
The tender touch and longing in their eyes left the crowd spellbound.
Even the smallest gestures or words from the couple drew full attention.
At last, Pavel lifted his head from the kiss and spoke.
“As long as my wife is safe, there’s nothing else to worry about.”
His words echoed quietly, heard perfectly by the onlookers, who were eavesdropping with rapt attention.
“How romantic…”
A lady covering her flushed face with a fan sparkled with admiration.
Ahem. Newlyweds, indeed.
A middle-aged noble muttered, unable to endure the warmth.
“Yes, one must be like that to win Sasha-sama’s side,” added a fan of the Sasamo girls.
The whispers swelled into murmurs, making Sasha blush as she quickly tried to regain control.
Despite the event, she needed to conclude it properly to prevent rumors.
Fortunately, no major accidents occurred, and no one was hurt, so Sasha continued with her schedule.
However, she could not leave the instigator unchecked.
“I’ll handle it.”
As the host of today’s charity event, Sasha left the aftermath to Pavel.
For dealing with dangerous situations, it was appropriate he take charge.
After all, he had ended the war victoriously, and now his fame as a Swordmaster made him the obvious choice.
If it had been anyone else, Sasha would have handed it over without hesitation.
Yet she could not easily let Pavel go.
“Be careful.”
Sasha held his hand tightly, whispering her concern into his ear.
“Don’t worry.”
Pavel stroked the back of her hand with his thumb to soothe her, then moved forward.
“As I said, we’ll capture them.”
He signaled his loyal knights to form ranks and act.
