#28. Preparation (5)
Even if Sasha exposed Count Tula’s scheme, no one would believe or support her. To everyone else, she was still just an outsider.
But… what if she didn’t say it herself?
What if there was someone trustworthy who could speak for her?
The only person with more power and authority than Count Tula was Grand Duke Volkov—and the man he trusted more than his own brother:
Igor Medvedev.
Sasha couldn’t approach Igor Medvedev directly, since he was away with the Grand Duke.
But she could influence him indirectly.
“Drink some water while you work.”
“…Thank you.”
Because right here, she had his only son.
In truth, Sasha’s plan was simple:
Let Andrei find out how she and Pavel were really being treated.
Make him feel sympathy.
And plant suspicion in his mind about the true nature of Count Tula.
The plan was going very well.
While Andrei fixed the roof, Sasha stayed near him and casually dropped comments about Count Tula.
“…So Pavel got sick, and Uncle just told me to forgive the servants. Pavel could have died, but still…”
“Is that really true?”
“Yes. I was shocked.”
She put a hand on her chest and sighed, even pretending to wipe imaginary sweat from her forehead.
To Andrei, it looked like she was reliving a traumatic memory.
“Unbelievable!”
Andrei’s body trembled in anger. He looked like he wanted to punch the servants who hurt Pavel.
His eyes were full of complicated emotions—probably because he had believed Count Tula was kind and wise.
A good uncle who cared for his nephew.
‘But after hearing me, he probably thinks Count Tula is hurting Pavel on purpose. He must be so confused.’
From his frown and stiff expression, Sasha could guess what he was thinking.
‘What a naive man.’
Sasha wasn’t lying. She only exaggerated slightly and left out a few parts to make the story sound worse—but it wasn’t completely false.
‘If he had been sharp or suspicious, maybe he wouldn’t have bought it so easily…’
She had thought it from the beginning—
Andrei was honest and innocent.
Sasha barely held back a smile and continued speaking in a sad tone.
They kept chatting like that through the whole repair.
By the time the roof was done, one firm idea had formed in Andrei’s head:
“Count Tula is secretly abusing the young master!”
It wasn’t just Andrei’s personality that made him trust Sasha so quickly.
There was something else:
During all the time he worked on the roof, not a single servant came by.
Sure, the annex was smaller than the castle, but it still needed staff.
Andrei only saw one maid—the one who was rude.
That maid called Sasha “Young Madam” with her mouth, but her eyes and actions were completely disrespectful.
When Sasha asked her to bring water for Andrei, she looked annoyed and moved very slowly, like it was a bother.
Sasha didn’t seem to care, probably used to it.
But Andrei was furious.
At the rude maid.
At how Sasha and Pavel were being ignored.
And most of all—at Count Tula, who caused it all!
‘How could he do something so cruel?’
Andrei had respected Count Tula.
He had run Velikorod Castle in the Grand Duke’s absence, even checking in on low-ranking knights.
He had a great reputation: well-liked, responsible, and caring to his nephew.
Andrei, like many others, had believed he was a good man.
‘I can’t let this go. I must reveal the truth of what’s happening to the young master and young madam.’
A heavy sense of duty settled on Andrei’s shoulders.
He needed to tell his father—and through him, the Grand Duke—what was really going on.
While he was still figuring out how to say it, Sasha came over.
“Thank you so much for today.”
“No, it was my duty.”
“Your duty? I feel so bad for bothering you with something unnecessary.”
Seeing Sasha look so sorry made Andrei feel even worse for her.
‘She’s so kind and gentle. No wonder she’s being taken advantage of by that wicked Count Tula.’
Without realizing it, Andrei no longer saw Count Tula as kind—but as evil.
He didn’t even notice the shift in his thoughts.
Looking at the pitiful young lady, Andrei said:
“It was an honor to help you. Please call me anytime you need anything.”
“Really?”
That was the green light Sasha had been waiting for.
“Thank you, Sir Andrei.”
She smiled brightly.
Her smile was more beautiful than the moon itself, and Andrei blushed without realizing it.
But Sasha was too busy reviewing her plan to notice his reaction.
‘That’s one part of the plan done.’
She wasn’t finished yet.
But the biggest hurdle was now behind her.
‘I’ve made a connection with Medvedev’s heir.’
Gaining the Grand Duke’s trust wasn’t something Sasha could do on her own in a short time.
That’s why meeting Andrei—and getting him on her side—was a huge success.
She looked at her unexpected gift: Andrei.
‘Now that I have him, I should use this “resource” wisely.’
She blinked innocently and asked in a careful voice:
“Um… would it be okay to ask for one more favor right now?”
“Anything you wish.”
“Then…”
Later
“Horse riding?”
Pavel frowned. What was she talking about?
Sasha quickly sat beside him.
“Pavel, have you heard of the ‘Legend of the Barudum Flower’?”
Why was she bringing up that when they were talking about horseback riding?
Still, Pavel answered without arguing:
“It’s a flower that blooms once every thousand years, in a place untouched by humans. But it melts as soon as it’s picked. Right?”
“Right. But do you know why the flower is so famous?”
Pavel remembered her history lessons.
She didn’t just talk about dry dates and facts—she liked telling old stories and legends.
The “Legend of the Barudum Flower” was one of them.
“It’s rare, blooms once every thousand years, so people say it brings good luck.”
“And?”
“…And the person who picks it is said to receive eternal glory.”
“Correct! You remembered well.”
Sasha praised him with a big smile.
Pavel scratched his neck, embarrassed.
“So why are you bringing that up?”
“The Grand Duke is returning soon.”
“…”
Pavel frowned. He had been anxious about that.
Sasha rested her chin on her hands and said:
“You know that tradition, right? Welcoming returning warriors with flowers.”
“Annoying tradition.”
He frowned deeper.
“So what about it?”
Why was she listing random things?
“Listen, Pavel.”
“Go ahead.”
“When the Grand Duke comes back, how about giving him a Barudum flower?”
“What?”
Pavel looked at her like she was crazy. But Sasha kept smiling as she explained excitedly:
“You ride in on horseback, all proud, and present the flower like this!”
She mimed holding out a flower.
“Everyone would be shocked! Especially the Grand Duke. He might even faint!”
Even Sasha giggled—it was such an over-the-top idea.
Pavel couldn’t argue while looking into her sparkling eyes. He just grumbled and looked away.
“Why should I do something like that?”
“Because…”
Sasha took his hand and said:
“I want you to become close with the Grand Duke.”
“…”
“And… I want people to really see you.”
Pavel’s eyes asked: What do you mean?
Sasha answered gently:
“I want people to know the Pavel I know. And love you, like I do. That’s all I want.”
She traced soft shapes in his palm.
The ticklish touch made him flinch a little.
Then Sasha continued:
“That’s why I think we need something big. Something to make people look at you differently.”
“…”
“Giving the Barudum flower… wouldn’t that be a great start?”
“…Maybe.”
“You find a flower that only exists in legends and give it to the Grand Duke…”
The rumors would change.
Instead of being called violent and useless—
People would start to say he was capable and blessed, someone destined for greatness.
‘It won’t change everything all at once. But…’
