#29. Preparation (9)
Just as she told Pavel, Sasha would be satisfied if this plan simply gave people a reason to take another look at him.
Right now, no one thought Pavel was a suitable successor to the Grand Duke.
In fact, some vassals believed it would be better for the family and the territory if Pavel died early and a more promising heir was chosen.
This was because Pavel’s reputation was at rock bottom.
He was seen as violent, stupid, and incompetent—a disgrace to the Volkov family.
But what if that same Pavel brought back a legendary flower?
People would be shocked.
When the Grand Duke’s army returned, all eyes would fall on Pavel, holding the Barudum flower.
But the flower itself was just bait—just a tool to make Pavel shine.
Some people might focus only on the flower. But the more thoughtful ones would notice something else.
The information it took to find what was once considered a mythical flower. The skill it took to actually obtain it.
And they would be stunned by how different Pavel looked, riding on horseback.
No longer the frail and sickly boy of the past—but a grown, impressive young man.
“With that, we can break the fixed image people have of Pavel.”
This was Sasha’s true goal.
To use shock to quiet the bad rumors.
To start forming a new public opinion that said: the rumors were wrong, and Pavel was actually a fitting heir to follow the Grand Duke.
“So the plan has to succeed without a hitch.”
Sasha took a breath, calming her excited heart.
Then she asked Pavel, who had been silently listening the whole time:
“Hmm? What do you think, Pavel? Doesn’t it sound good?”
Pavel scrunched up his face like he was thinking, then slowly nodded.
It wasn’t because he agreed with her dreams of success.
He didn’t care much about winning his father’s recognition or others’ praise.
He nodded simply because…
“She’s so happy—I don’t want to ruin her mood.”
That was all.
The two began their efforts to make the “Barudum Flower Plan” a success.
But before anything could start, Pavel pointed out a big problem:
“But… we don’t even know where to find the flower.”
You needed the flower before you could give it to anyone. How could they find a legendary flower that had only been passed down in stories?
Sasha confidently answered:
“Don’t worry. I’ll find it.”
Pavel wondered if the flower even existed.
But—
“She probably has a way.”
He trusted his wife unconditionally and didn’t voice his doubts.
“I’m not worried.”
His words were blunt, but full of trust.
Sasha smiled brightly.
The next day, Sasha started looking for the Barudum flower with the spirits.
In fact, there was a specific reason she chose this flower.
To most ordinary people, the Barudum flower was pure legend—something you might never see in a lifetime.
But Sasha was different.
She had seen the Barudum flower a few times in her past life.
She knew exactly where and under what conditions it bloomed.
For others, finding it was nearly impossible. For Sasha, it was easy.
“It’s an easy way to make a big impression for little effort.”
She focused her search on areas where she knew the flower could grow.
Meanwhile, Pavel started horseback riding lessons, just as Sasha suggested.
Climbing mountain paths on horseback was extremely difficult for beginners.
So Pavel had to train hard and grit his teeth to improve quickly.
Helping Pavel in Sasha’s place was Andrei.
During his training years, Andrei had practically lived on horseback. He could swing a spear at full gallop—he was highly skilled and a big help.
Andrei visited whenever he could. Sometimes he came back with bruises.
“Hey, young master! How’s your skill today? Any better?”
“Get lost.”
Pavel spat the words harshly.
Andrei flinched a little, but Nikolai, who was the one being insulted, didn’t back down.
“Haha, you’re as cranky as ever. With a temper like that, you’ll never—oh wait, you’re already married!”
“…”
“Do you think your sweet young madam likes it when you curse like that?”
“Shut up!”
Pavel grabbed Nikolai by the collar.
Even as he was grabbed by someone smaller than him, Nikolai thought:
“Guess the rumors about his bad temper aren’t wrong.”
But Nikolai also knew another side of Pavel.
The side that turned into a harmless kitten around Sasha.
“That must be his real personality.”
Which meant Pavel was pretending to be angry and harsh to everyone else—but was only honest with Sasha.
“Our young madam is amazing at taming wild beasts.”
Nikolai chuckled to himself. Pavel’s eyes grew sharper.
Pavel threatened him through clenched teeth:
“If you say anything in front of Sasha, I’ll make sure you never talk again.”
“Of course.”
Nikolai raised his eyebrows in mock innocence.
“How could I possibly speak carelessly in front of our lady?”
He enjoyed teasing the young master—but he knew his limits.
He would never say a word about Pavel in front of Sasha.
Angering a future master by touching his sore spot would be far too reckless.
“…”
Pavel let go of Nikolai’s collar.
Nikolai dusted off his clothes, feeling curious.
It was like Pavel could tell if he was being sincere or not.
“Does he really have that kind of instinct?”
He didn’t know he had just gotten lucky.
Meanwhile, Pavel ignored Nikolai’s thoughts and went to Andrei, holding the horse reins.
“Let’s train on the slope today.”
Pavel spoke first about what he wanted to do. Andrei assessed his skills and replied:
“Understood.”
Unlike the casual Nikolai, Andrei was always respectful toward Pavel.
He was the model knight—serious and polite.
But strangely, Pavel found Andrei more annoying than Nikolai.
Why?
“Your posture is off. You might fall. Please maintain this form.”
There wasn’t anything wrong with Andrei.
Just as his father said, Andrei was skilled, dependable, and had a bright future.
He was a good teacher too. He never got angry, and calmly coached Pavel step by step.
So it made sense that Pavel should like him.
But… for some reason, he didn’t.
Every time he saw Andrei, something felt off.
“Stay focused! It can be dangerous!”
“…Alright.”
Pavel shook his head, clearing the thoughts, and returned to his training.
He was a fast learner. Soon, he was riding like an expert.
Once it became familiar, horseback riding was actually fun.
Grinning from the thrill, Pavel glanced at Andrei, who never took his eyes off him.
“From this angle, he doesn’t bother me as much…”
That was when—
“How’s everyone doing?”
All three boys turned their heads at once.
Sasha approached, smiling like sunshine, holding a big rattan basket.
She’d been bringing these almost every day since Pavel started training. He didn’t even need to check—he knew what was inside.
A mat to sit on, cool drinks, and tasty snacks.
As Pavel dismounted, Nikolai and Andrei rushed toward Sasha.
Then Andrei went a step further—he took the basket from her arms.
“Let me carry that.”
He sounded displeased that someone as delicate as Sasha had to carry something so heavy.
“If you’d told me, I would have brought it.”
“It’s not that heavy. And I can’t ask busy people to do errands like this.”
Sasha kindly declined his offer in a soft voice.
“Besides, I can’t ask Sir Andrei to do such a trivial thing. I can manage.”
“No, please leave such work to someone like me.”
“Someone like you? Sir Andrei, you’re the only person I can truly rely on.”
“…Still, please allow me.”
Andrei blushed and stuttered, insisting on helping.
Sasha kept smiling and refused, just like always.
They had this same argument every day since training began.
Watching from a distance, Pavel’s eyes darkened.
Now he understood—
Why Andrei, who had done nothing wrong, annoyed him so much.
Standing next to Sasha, Pavel looked like a little brother.
But Andrei had a body big enough to hold Sasha in one arm.
And…
“You always work so hard. Thank you.”
“Ah, it’s nothing…”
This bear-sized man turned into a shy teddy bear in front of Sasha.
“…Ridiculous.”
Sasha was his wife.
It bothered Pavel to see another man—especially someone like Andrei—seeming more like her husband than he did.
Grinding his teeth, Pavel stepped roughly between them.
