RAYLEIGH’S POV
Teacher has never looked this happy and shy.
The Winter Count is almost blinding in his brilliance, his tailored white suit and sapphire accessories enhancing an already handsome face and well-built body.
“Thank you for accompanying me, boys.” Only teacher would address the heirs to the throne so casually.
“Thank you for having us, teacher.” Once again, they synchronize perfectly.
Teacher looks like he wants to ruffle their hair, but holds back because he knows how hard their servants had worked.
When the first strains of harp sound, the doors open and the trio enter.
Asha.
She’s accompanying Lady Willow - in a complete break with tradition given House Lamberg and House Ferdinand have had no relation with each other until now, while Rayleigh and Griffin have been teacher’s students since they were little - and it’s an action that’s so quintessentially Asha, Rayleigh can’t help but smile.
She also looks absolutely incredible, in a sky blue halter-neck dress that perfectly complements Lady Willow’s emerald green gown, and Rayleigh stares so openly that Griffin has to elbow him subtly to snap him out of it.
Once the ceremony is over - the High Priest having to spend ten minutes detailing the sizeable dowry House Ferdinand is sending the Lambergs - Asha disappears temporarily and Rayleigh almost loses his mind.
“Don’t worry, Ray.” Teacher smiles warmly at him, which calms the Grand Duke down immediately. “I think Asha’s just gone to get her surprise ready.”
“I’m sure it’ll be perfect.” I agree, Lady Willow.
The elegant soon-to-be countess is smiling brightly, brilliant green eyes shining at teacher, and Rayleigh’s congratulations are heartfelt to the couple.
“What is she doing?”
Upon hearing the whispers, Rayleigh turns, seeing Asha walking barefoot towards where instruments are set up for the musicians, an odd item strapped to her back as a Winterblade carries some weird looking equipment behind her.
Asha...?
Mage Monique and Dame Valora are following behind their lady, and Rayleigh’s curiosity is sky high when they start adjusting unknown items while settling into position - the redhaired knight seated behind the drums as the brunette mage takes a seat at the piano.
“Hello, everyone.” He blinks when Asha’s voice resounds, despite her appearing to speak at a normal volume into the odd contraption at mouth level. That’s not an amplification spell. “I’m sure you’re all curious about what I’m doing, and these devices. What I’m currently speaking into is a voice amplifier that I’ve developed, which can transmit sounds clearly and loudly over great distances without the use of mana”
“Incredible!” Count Eszes and Viscount Fleming look like they’re itching to take the item apart and learn its secrets, which makes Rayleigh chuckle.
“As for what I’m doing,” Asha continues, twinkle in sapphire eyes enrapturing the Grand Duke, “well, I think it’d be best to show not tell. But before that, I’d like to ask our newly engaged couple to take to the floor for a waltz.”
Grinning, teacher leads his fiancée to the middle of the ballroom and gets into ready position. With a nod from Asha, Mage Monique and Dame Valora begin to play.
“What song is this?”
“Did Lady Asha write it?”
Asha.
She’s smiling at her father and Lady Willow, who’ve started dancing, and then teacher misses his step when Asha starts to sing.
I didn’t know you could sing like that.
For someone so small, she has a big voice - clear, powerful, and soul stirring.
Her personal attendants harmonize beautifully with Asha, leading to more whispers, and when she whips the odd device on her back to the front and starts to play - fingers of her right hand in weird positions on the neck of the item as fingers of her left hand strum and pluck - even the ever-elegant Lady Willow stumbles.
Asha.
The lyrics are beautiful and meaningful, bringing tears to teacher’s and Lady Willow’s eyes even as they smile and continue dancing. And then, when Asha plays a solo on her invention, everyone in the ballroom gasps at the melody she creates.
Then they gasp and clap when she wields her Elemental magic, creating an ice platform out of nowhere that elevates the newly engaged couple before the frame of a giant heart sprouts around them as the song comes to an end.
That was wonderful.
Judging by the commotion, it seems Asha has set a new standard for engagement parties.
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ASHA’S POV
Thank the gods we pulled it off.
Monique and Valora had been against her idea at first - not wanting Asha to put herself in a position that would open her to ridicule - but she’d prevailed and in the end her best friends had practiced like crazy so as not to embarrass her.
Though they’d had to practice at different hours of day and night, since Monique and Valora fight constantly if they’re in the same room at the same time for more than five minutes.
When did it start? Was it when they first met, when their parents brought them to the Winter Castle and offered them to me on my third birthday?
All heirs to the Lune clan chieftain receive personal guards when they turn three - attendants who’re responsible for protection, counsel, and anything their true master asks of them. It’s the greatest honor any non-Lamberg can receive in the north, since the chosen individuals always go on to assume the highest positions possible in the House, and would essentially be the closest advisors and last line of defense for the future leaders of the northern guardians.
Head butler Truman, a High Mage, is the Winter Count’s personal secretary, while head knight Amell Winterblade - who remains in the north to protect and manage the territory - is a Senior Swordmaster and Asha’s father’s personal knight. Despite being children themselves at the time, both had followed then twelve year old Viscount Lamberg to the battlefield during the Sorcerer War and refused to leave their master’s side no matter the dangers they faced.
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
I don’t remember much of that time since I was so young, but I think I recall dad telling me once that the first fight started because Valora was irritated that Monique - who’s six months older than her - pulled seniority immediately after the oath swearing ceremony. Or was it because Monique laughed at Valora who couldn’t pronounce the words of her oath very well? Mony was only five at the time, and Val was four, so I doubt even they remember why they fought.
Asha doesn’t have much time to think about the past, since she’s besieged with questions as soon as the song ends, while Monique rushes to help her put her shoes back on since she couldn’t step on the sustaining and distorting pedals comfortably in high heels, and Asha gladly explains how her devices work to curious nobles as her father and Lady Willow smother her with kisses and praise.
The Emperor immediately puts in orders for several of her voice amplification tools, and Asha beams when she realizes that for the first time in her life she’s earning her own money, since council positions are paid only with honor and prestige.
Rayleigh asks her to dance soon enough, and Asha accepts immediately because it’s the quickest way out of the terrifyingly large crowd swarming around her.
Today is supposed to be about dad and Lady Willow, not me.
“That was incredible, Asha.” His gaze is warm, and it makes her blush. “You have a beautiful voice.”
Thank you.
In the face of such genuine appreciation, she can’t help but be tongue tied.
“I’m looking forward to hearing more of your songs.” Why are you being so nice to me?
The Grand Duke leads her easily through the dance, even as she struggles to say something, mind racing and heart thundering at her partner’s compliments and happy smile.
As soon as he leads her back to her father, trouble arrives.
“Lady Asha, what a wonderful performance.”
Medea.
The blonde is dressed in an exquisite gown that highlights her beauty and curves, golden eyes accentuated with subtle hints of kohl and mascara.
“Thank you, Lady Medea.” What is she up to?
“Cass and I were in awe of your talents, Lady Asha.” The person she’d thought a friend in another life smiles and nods in agreement. “You’re quite the songstress.”
Seriously?
While noblewomen are encouraged to learn music, being called a ‘songstress’ is an insult as only commoners sing for money.
The flaring of aura and mana around her makes Asha worry, since it could be easily used against them.
Quick, Asha. Think of how to deal with this.
She can’t directly call Medea out for that comment, since it’d be far too easy for Rayleigh’s former flame to act like she’s being bullied for her previous commoner status.
“You must be quite familiar with songstresses to make such a claim, Lady Medea.” Asha smiles brightly, though her heart is hollow because Rayleigh is staring at his ex-lover.
I know you love her, Rayleigh. But you made an oath to me, and you also know that she’s not as innocent as she seems.
“Oh, Lady Asha!” Wow, she’s good at faking tears. “I don’t know why you’d say such a thing!”
…seriously? That’s all you’ve got?
“Oh, Lady Medea!” Why is Rayleigh...? “I can’t believe you misunderstood me!”
Rayleigh’s laughter distracts everyone temporarily, before the Grand Duke composes himself and turns to Asha. “My lady, I’m surprised you’d say that.” Is he reprimanding me?
Her heart hurts, especially when she sees the hints of smirks on the faces of the Nathaira girls.
You don’t have to be so cruel, Rayleigh. You could’ve just told me off in private.
His next words floor her and her attackers.
“Haven’t we already established that the Gusic girl isn’t as intelligent as she’d like everyone to think?”
By calling Medea ‘the Gusic girl’, Rayleigh is reminding everyone not only of the blonde’s previous adoptive family - and therefore the possibility that the former commoner is nothing but a social climber - but also, by deliberately refusing to say Medea’s name, the emperor’s nephew is telling everyone that the blonde isn’t someone worth knowing.
Perhaps most importantly, Rayleigh is reminding all within earshot of what happened at his and Asha’s own engagement ceremony - when trouble had started thanks to Medea ‘misunderstanding’ Asha’s gift.
Why are you going this far for me?
It makes her heart both clench and feel warm.
“Your highness.” Medea is very good at crying. “I apologize if my heartfelt emotions at your gift caused you distress.”
That was foolish, Medea.
The blonde had effectively called Rayleigh a liar, a crime punishable by having her tongue removed at the very least.
“Asha.” Her fiancé is refusing to look at the tearful blonde, and Asha has no idea what to think about it. “I really should have gone with your suggestion that time, I’m sorry for interfering and expecting more of that girl.”
That’s got to hurt.
Rayleigh has not only effectively called Medea an idiot once more, but by refusing to say the blonde’s name again the Grand Duke is reinforcing his stance that Medea isn’t someone worth remembering - a way of saying that he’s forgotten all about his previous infatuation.
When Asha sees the flush on high cheekbones, as well as Cassandra’s clenched jaw, she smiles for real before turning back to her fiancé.
“It’s only right for an Imperial to assume all nobles have prepared well to serve the empire, per their oaths.” Apart from being a jibe at Rayleigh for his prejudice towards her previously, it’s both an indication that she understands while insulting Medea for her failure as a ‘noble’.
This is a very novel feeling, and I can’t say I dislike it.
Asha is usually on the receiving end of censure, in the other life she’d led. Yet now many nobles are either agreeing with her or openly snickering at Medea.
They used to mock and insult me for every word I said to Medea before, and always take her side. But now they’re backing me up?
She knows it’s all because she’s gained power, but Asha can’t bring herself to hate the sycophantic behavior at present, when she’s facing off against her nemeses.
“How generous of you to consider that girl a noble, Asha.” Rayleigh?!
With that one statement, the Grand Duke has dismissed Medea’s tenuous claim to nobility while reminding everyone that the blonde is of commoner roots.
The titters turn into laughs, and Asha starts to feel bad for both Nathaira daughters.
“Lady Medea...”
A sigh interrupts her, and she snaps her head back to stare up at her unhinged fiancé.
“Asha, why are you always so kind? You worry me.” Kind? Worry?
“Isn’t it because Asha is such a thoughtful person, Rayleigh?” Crown Princess?
“Thoughtful?” Why are you acting confused?
“It’s teacher’s special day, little brother.” The Crown Prince steps into the fray. “Asha must have decided she’s willing to endure any manner of insult in order not to cause trouble for her father and his fiancée, just as any good daughter would.”
“I see.” Asha’s starting to get a bad feeling about all this. “But shouldn’t the fault lie with those who instigate trouble in the first place?”
Why are you doing this?! You LOVE Medea!
“That’s right. Lady Asha has been trying to deescalate the situation, yet that upstart keeps provoking her.”
“How dare a commoner insult the one and only daughter of House Lamberg like that?”
“Lady Asha is such a dutiful daughter, singing a song she wrote herself for her father. How could anyone mock her for it?”
“Poor Lady Asha. First her gift is used against her, now that cruel witch is trying to attack her even though Lady Asha is doing her best to make peace.”
What’s WRONG with all of you?
The hall is buzzing with censure towards the blonde Nathaira, shocking Asha because never in her lives has she been openly supported by so many nobles at a party when it comes to choosing between her and Medea.
Medea’s clenched fists and strained smile, as well as the flush on her beautiful face which matches the one on Cassandra’s, make Asha stare.
“Asha.” What are you up to now, Rayleigh? “I know you’re strong, but please get behind me, my lady.” Huh? “I don’t want you getting hurt.”
Hurt? By whom?
When she realizes that Rayleigh is staring at the clenched fists of his former flame, Asha just gapes in shock.
“Guards!” What is the Crown Princess doing? “Escort the Gusic girl out immediately. How dare she even think of physically harming my dear cousin?”
’Physically harming’? But she’s just....
“Your highness!” Cassandra intervenes at last. “I realize you care deeply for the Grand Duke’s fiancée.” Asha doesn’t like the way those eyes linger on Rayleigh. “But to accuse my sister like this is most unjust!”
“‘Unjust’, you say?” Crown Prince Griffin looks absolutely terrifying when he narrows his eyes like that, usually friendly tone frigid and cutting. “Are you accusing my wife and little brother of slander, Cassandra Nathaira?”
This is getting out of hand.
“Y....your highness.” Cassandra seems to have realized the implication of her words. “I...I meant no such disrespect. It’s just that...”
“Enough.” The Emperor? “I grow tired of this attempt to sully my dear friend’s engagement ceremony.” When he glares at the cowering noblewomen, Asha really feels bad for them. “Leave.”
“Your majesty.” Duke Nathaira finally speaks up. “I apologize for the inconvenience my foolish daughters have caused, and will be sure to educate them properly.”
Yeah, right.
“See that you do.” For the Emperor to not use an honorific or even look the Duke’s way says enough.
What’s going on? Why is everyone being so nice to me?
Asha can’t remember the last time she’d been publicly defended on a scale like this. Not even at her own engagement party had so many taken her side when Rayleigh’s gift to Medea was revealed.
Didn’t all of you betray us?
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MOONRISE BY LUNASEA: CHAPTER 24 END