ASHA’S POV
What was that all about?
Rayleigh’s actions confuse her, because she’s witnessed firsthand how much he loves Medea and the lengths he’s willing to go for the blonde.
She’s experienced firsthand the pain he’ll inflict on her and her loved ones, for Medea’s sake.
Asha doesn’t have much time to think about it though, when an overwhelming mana pressure makes some attendees start to gasp for air.
This is...
“To arms! Protect the Emperor and the people!” Her father jumps into action immediately, his status as a Grandmaster, Hero of the Empire, and joint Defense Minister giving him full authority over all knights.
Rayleigh draws his sword quickly, pushing Asha behind him and facing the door that stands between them and this enormous magical power.
No, wait!
“It’s Grandmaster Alexis!” She’s always been good at identifying people by mana and aura - probably a side effect of her divine blood - but more importantly she recalls the feeling of this mana from long ago.
“What? Grandmaster Alexis?”
“Wasn’t he traveling?”
“I thought he was ill?”
“Didn’t he die a few years ago?”
The young Grandmaster had disappeared two years ago, after the death of his only surviving relative - the grandmother who’d raised him.
His devoted retainers had continued to manage the Vihur territory and businesses in his absence, and the only reason why the Emperor hadn’t declared the genius mage dead is because Loredan is proud to be the only country in the world with three Magic Grandmasters, as well as the only country in the world with two unparalleled geniuses: Count Lamberg, who became a Sword Grandmaster at nineteen, and Marquess Vihur, who became a Magic Grandmaster at twenty-two.
When the doors burst open and the pressure intensifies, something in Asha reacts and suddenly walls of ice appear - preventing the overflowing mana outside the ballroom from overwhelming the attendees and destroying the decorations House Lamberg had worked so hard on.
This is my dad’s engagement party, you arse.
Through the ice, she can see the silhouette of a tall man, hear some muffled sounds. The distorted figure seems to be touching and knocking the ice wall, before a voice amplified with magic reaches her ears.
“I see the wind was right about an Elementalist being in the empire.”
This guy...
“My name is Alexis Vihur, and I have come to congratulate Count Callan Lamberg on his engagement.” It looks like the figure has raised his hands as a gesture of peace and goodwill. “I mean no harm, Elementalist.”
Did he really not hear the news?
“Asha.” Her father has sheathed his sword, and is signaling to her to dissipate her defenses.
“Yes, dad.” Closing her eyes, she focuses on the ice and inhales like Lady Willow had taught her to.
When she opens them again, she wonders if Marquess Vihur was always this ridiculously good looking.
Wow.
His long blond hair is tied in a low ponytail, while brilliant purple eyes sparkle with curiosity as they focus on her.
I’m getting a bad feeling about this.
Before she can react, he’s suddenly right there and has a finger under her chin as he bends down to look her in the eye, their noses almost touching.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?!” Rayleigh shoves the blond Grandmaster away angrily, putting himself between Asha and the mage. “Asha is my fiancée, Marquess Vihur, so you would do well to keep your hands to yourself!”
“Oh ho? This is little Asha?” She doesn’t like the way he’s looking at her when he leans his body sideways to peer around Rayleigh’s broad shoulders. “How fascinating.” Why is he purring?
“Al.” Her father steps in quickly, because Rayleigh is still only a Senior Swordmaster and therefore no match for a Magic Grandmaster in a fight. “Thank you for coming to my engagement party. I must say it’s a relief to see you in good health.”
“Count Lamberg.” The scoundrel has always had enormous respect for the Winter Count, and he bows low. “My sincerest congratulations on your betrothal. I wish you and your beloved all the happiness this world has to offer.”
“Thank you, Al.” Her father smiles warmly, moving forward to pat the other Grandmaster on the shoulder fondly. “Allow me to introduce you to my fiancée, Lady Willow of Ferdinand.”
“Willow Ferdinand greets Grandmaster Alexis Vihur.” Asha’s future mother curtsies gracefully, right hand placed lightly over her heart. “It is an honor to have you at our engagement celebration.”
“The honor is mine, High Mage Willow.” Trust a Grandmaster to determine her level of power immediately. “Congratulations on your engagement. Count Lamberg is fortunate to have such a lovely lady by his side.”
“You flatter me, Grandmaster.” Lady Willow smiles, before holding out her palm towards Asha, who’s stepped out from behind Rayleigh. “But Callan has always had the loveliest lady by his side.”
At that, those bright purple eyes hone in on Asha once more.
Here we go.
“Asha Lamberg greets Marquess Alexis Vihur.” She can’t allow anyone to insult her for poor manners, not at a party for her father and Lady Willow. “House Lamberg is greatly honored by your presence at our humble gathering.”
It’s not humble in the least, not with the entire imperial family present, but she has to say the right words while everyone is watching.
“Little Asha, you haven’t grown much physically,” she hears gasps at that, feels auras flare and wishes everyone would calm down, “but your magic is far more powerful now than it was the last time we met.”
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“You flatter me, Marquess Vihur.” She has no choice but to ignore his comment about her appearance. “I’m touched you remember me when it’s been six years since we’ve seen each other.”
“Has it truly been six years?” Why is he coming closer? Beside Asha, Rayleigh tenses. “Or perhaps more?”
What does he mean by that?
Something in his knowing eyes unsettles her, and she unconsciously inches closer to the Grand Duke, who wraps a protective arm around her while glaring at the newcomer.
“You must be Grand Duke Rayleigh. Greetings, your highness.” The Grandmaster’s tone is almost too casual, but he’s a powerful mage that the empire needs so Rayleigh has to let it slide.
“Good afternoon, Marquess Vihur.” Asha can feel the tension in the solid body by her side, though Rayleigh’s voice is congenial. “It’s been awhile.”
“Indeed it has, Ray.” The Crown Prince steps forward, arm around his wife’s waist. “It’s good to see you again, Marquess Vihur. I trust you remember my wife, Ariana?”
“How could I forget, your highness?” The Grandmaster bows gallantly. “Crown Princess Ariana, you look more exquisite than ever.” This flirt.
“Welcome back, Marquess Vihur.” True to form, the Crown Princess is elegant and composed. “The empire is most grateful that you have not forgotten us.”
Strike one.
While Grandmasters can’t be controlled by the Emperor, they have a tacit, unspoken agreement to remain within the empire’s boundaries unless on assignment. Count Lamberg, Count Prospero, and Duke Nathaira have all stayed true to that arrangement, never crossing borders without the Emperor’s blessing.
Not so with Marquess Vihur, who’d upped and left as soon as the funeral rites for his beloved grandmother were over, vanishing with the wind and not being heard from again until now.
“Though I may have wandered the world, your highness, my heart has always remained with my homeland.” Smooth.
“How fortunate.” The Emperor speaks at last.
“Your majesty, forgive my long absence from duty.” At least he still remembers he has a duty. “Alexis Vihur has returned to serve and protect Loredan, if you will still have me.”
Of course we will. Only a lunatic would chase such a powerful ally away.
“Welcome back, Marquess Vihur. There have been many changes since you left us, though I’m sure Griffin, Ray, and Ariana will bring you up to speed.”
“Thank you, your majesty.” With one last nod at the errant mage, the Emperor walks over to the Winter Count and starts a conversation.
“I heard some news in the wind about a female councillor?” Has this guy been living under a rock? Marquess Vihur accepts the glass of wine a Snowfall brings, savoring the scent before taking a sip. “May I have the honor of an introduction to the breaker of glass ceilings?”
Well...
While cheesy, it’s also extremely flattering to be recognized by such a brilliant individual.
“You’ve already met her, Marquess Vihur.” The Crown Princess’ smile is proud. “Asha is Loredan’s current Minister of Education.”
Even when choking and sputtering, the Marquess is extraordinarily handsome.
“A...Asha?” Now I’m starting to feel insulted. “Little Asha has become a permanent member of the privy council?”
“‘Little...’” Calm down, Rayleigh.
“Lady Asha is a woman of incredible intellect and insight, my lord.” Thank you, Viscount Hawksworth. “Not only has she developed new principles of alchemy and economics, but she also accurately determined the type of weapon used against the empire’s citizens not long ago and helped secure Anouar’s cooperation in a joint investigation.”
Now I’m really starting to feel insulted.
The way those amethysts bug as he gapes at her is annoying Asha immensely.
Calm down. It’s logical if you think about it - the last time we met I was a bratty thirteen year old.
“And let’s not forget Lady Asha’s new inventions, that she kindly showcased earlier alongside a remarkable singing and songwriting talent.” Viscount Fleming joins in.
“Little Asha...” I know I’m short, alright? “How unfortunate.” Huh? “Had I known you were such a woman, I would have returned to the empire sooner to seek your hand in marriage.”
IS HE NUTS?!
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RAYLEIGH’S POV
I’m going to kill him.
Even though he knows very well that the empire needs Marquess Vihur, and even though he knows that as a Senior Swordmaster he doesn’t stand a chance against the Magic Grandmaster, Rayleigh is a hair’s breadth away from flinging his glove at that sparkling face.
“I’m sure Marquess Vihur meant it as a compliment.” Asha... She’s gripping his wrist and looking up at him meaningfully, warning clear in those bright blue eyes. I know I’m not strong enough to take him on, but... “After all, you and I have been promised to each other for eleven years.”
That’s true. Only a few people know that the engagement was actually canceled and renewed recently.
“It wasn’t an empty compliment, little Asha.” I’m going to KILL him. “Have you already performed the tying of the strings?”
“Yes, they have.” Thank you, big brother. “It’s unfortunate you missed such a wonderful ceremony, Marquess Vihur.” Take that, you playboy.
“I see.” What is he thinking? “A pity, I would have abandoned my travels sooner had I known.”
“YOU...”
“Your highness!” Asha is glaring up at him now. “Accept it as a compliment, for my sake.”
For your sake?
Rayleigh is suddenly acutely aware of all the eyes on them.
That’s right. This is teacher’s engagement party, and Asha is the hostess. If anything were to go wrong here, House Lamberg would be the target of mockery or scorn.
“For you.” He nods and exhales, forcing his body to relax. Asha seems unbothered by my aura, somehow. She’d been affected that time when uncle’s aura had flared during the discussions leading up to the dissolution and renewal of their engagement, yet for some reason she seems completely fine with the increased pressure from his own right now.
Come to think of it, Asha has never been disturbed by teacher’s aura flaring either, even though it’s powerful enough to make anyone sweat.
What does it mean?
“Marquess Vihur’s travels have kept him away from the empire for a long time.” Thank you, Ariana. Not only is his cousin-in-law changing topics, she’d intimated that the Grandmaster’s lack of decorum is a result of rusty imperial etiquette. “We should do as His Majesty said and brief him on the latest developments in Loredan.”
“Quite right, your highness.” Marquess Fenceton steps in at last, since Marquess Vihur’s family has usually maintained a neutral stance.
As Griffin, Ariana, and other nobles share the latest news with the flippant blond, Rayleigh doesn’t miss how those purple eyes keep returning to Asha.
If it wasn’t for the fact that this is teacher’s party that Asha worked so hard for...
“Come with me.” It’s uncommon for the hostess to leave her own party, but with teacher and Lady Willow still around it’s not a total breach of etiquette.
This is Asha, anyway. She doesn’t really care if anyone insults her, she only cares about her family’s happiness.
They make it out of the hall quickly thanks to Mage Monique and Dame Valora, then the couple is strolling in the gardens as their attendants follow twenty steps behind.
“Why are you letting him get to you?” When was the last time you scolded me, Asha?
He can’t deny it’s a pleasant feeling, even as the memory of that rogue’s words inflames his temper once more.
“I’m sorry, Asha.” He’s not sure what else to say. “It’s just that he was being incredibly rude to you, with the way he kept talking down to you and making light of your honor.”
Those skies are sharp and assessing, before she huffs cutely and turns away, taking a swig from the bottle she’d swiped on their way out of the ballroom.
The sight of it makes him chuckle and eases the knot in his chest.
After a few moments of silence, her sweet, soft voice fills the air once more.
“It’s not up to you to worry about my honor.” I know I was terrible to you before, but... “I can take care of myself.”
I know.
It’s clear she’s smart and strong, with a free spirit and independent mind that no one can ever hope to tame. And he knows well enough just how much he’s dishonored her in the past with his poor decisions.
“I just...” What am I trying to say?
When she looks up at him like that, he loses track of his thoughts and blurts out what’s in his heart.
“I just feel useless.”
GODS.
He flushes deeply at his slip of tongue, turning away and wondering if he can dig a hole deep enough to bury himself and all his stupidity in.
“Huh? Why would you? You’re the only Grand Duke of the empire, and a Senior Swordmaster.”
Asha...I’m also your fiancé.
“Oh.”
Her bad habits are rubbing off on him, though he can’t find it in himself to mind when she blushes like that.
“Well...you’re going to need to control yourself, since Marquess Vihur looks like he’ll be staying in the empire for the time being.” Did I get hit on the head?
Asha Lamberg, the most notorious wild child in the country, whose flagrant disregard for rules and conventions is matched only by a genius mind and rare Elemental abilities, is telling him to control himself?
Rayleigh can’t stop the laughter that erupts at that.
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MOONRISE BY LUNASEA: CHAPTER 25 END