CH 43

The visitors split into two separate groups as they approached the forest’s entrance. The women and kids travelled down the valley on a lovely excursion with plans to enjoy a delightful picnic while the men, commanded by Admiral Demel, set off on a fishing expedition to catch some trout.

“Exercise caution and be mindful of your steps. We don’t want to lead our guests into a treacherous terrain,” advised Marquis Demel before venturing into the enchanting birch forest with his entourage.

Standing at the far end of the group, Bastian and Odette gave each other a quick glance before dispersing. No special words were exchanged, as usual, only lifeless emotions portrayed their face.

“Father!”

A child’s breathless scream shattered the peaceful ambiance of the forest path. It was the voice of Count Xanders’ young daughter, who had let out a piercing cry that reverberated through the woods. The serene ambience of the forest trail was abruptly disrupted by the piercing cry of a breathless child. It was none other than the young daughter of Count Xanders, who had let out an alarming scream that echoed through the woods.

Bastian swiveled his head towards the source of the commotion and saw the child, who had become separated from her father, sobbing uncontrollably, as if her entire world had come crashing down.

It was common for children to cry and seek comfort, so he wasn’t particularly surprised by the sight of Count Xanders running towards his weeping daughter. However, the tender display of affection between father and child was foreign to him, having grown up without experiencing it himself.

Count Xanders immediately took charge of the situation, comforting his child with tender care. He held her close, showered her with affectionate kisses, and wiped away her tears with the corner of his sleeve, a heartwarming sight that left Bastian feeling somewhat envious.

The child’s cries gradually stopped, making it appear as though Count Xanders’ persuasive words had worked like magic. Her small hands, which had held tenaciously to her father’s collar, continued to hold on in an apparent attempt to find solace and certainty.

As a hint of embarrassment crept over Count Xanders’ face, Odette stepped in, bringing a bright ray of hope, who stepped forward with an air of confidence. She deftly plucked a vibrant wildflower and approached the father and daughter with a gentle smile on her lips.

As soon as she handed the flower to the child, a sudden burst of joy erupted from within the little one, and she began to wave it back and forth gleefully. In the meantime, Odette gave yet another hidden flower from behind her back, holding it out with grace and elegance.

One by one, the flowers kept coming, each one more beautiful than the last, until the entire family was surrounded by a glorious bouquet of wildflowers that seemed to dance and sway to an invisible tune. Count Xanders but felt immensely grateful for Odette’s kindness, which had transformed a moment of embarrassment into a dazzling display of beauty and joy magically.

Odette kept displaying each vibrant flower, and the child’s giggles grew louder and more exuberant, her laughter echoing through the forest like a sweet melody. By the time the last flower was offered, all eyes were fixed on Odette, who become the center of attention.

Seizing the opportunity, Odette tenderly embraced Count Xanders’ daughter, whose beaming smile revealed a newfound happiness that seemed to have eclipsed her father’s absence. After expressing his profound gratitude, Count Xanders bid farewell to the group and returned to his fishing expedition, while Odette and the child made their way back, hand in hand.

As they walked, Odette’s once-icy demeanor melted away, replaced by a gentle smile that radiated warmth and kindness. For a brief moment, the forest was filled with a sense of peace and contentment, as if everything in the world was right and good.

Count Xanders approached with an apologetic smile on his face, his eyes skimpy a hint of discomfort. “I apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused you unintentionally,” he said. “My daughter is shy and anxious, but it seems she has taken a liking to Mrs. Klauswitz.”

Bastian nodded in understanding, his lips curving ever so slightly to convey his empathy. He could sense that Count Xanders was a loving father who cared deeply for his daughter, despite his initial reluctance to join the group. As the two men exchanged a brief moment of mutual respect, the forest around them seemed to breathe life, becoming alive with a newfound sense of camaraderie and understanding.

They soon came across a rocky byway. At the very end of the trail stood Admiral Demel’s fishing location.

The road grew steeper and narrower as they ascended higher. The soldiers had no trouble ascending the mountain, but nobles who were unfamiliar with the environment naturally lagged behind.

As the lagging guests struggled to keep up, Admiral Demel leaned in and issued a secret order to Bastian. “You must help Count Xanders,” he whispered urgently, his eyes betraying a sense of concern. “He has asthma.”

Bastian turned his head to look at Count Xanders, who had fallen out of rank, wheezing and gasping for breath. Despite his initial hesitation to join the group, it was clear that the Count was in dire need of assistance, and Bastian knew he had to act fast. With a sense of urgency in his step, he rushed over to the Count’s side, ready to offer whatever help he could.

Bastian began speaking up, concerned. “Then perhaps he shouldn’t be forced to climb the mountain,” he suggested, eyeing Count Xanders with a worried expression.

But Admiral Demel was quick to dismiss his concerns. “His symptoms are not very severe. Besides, he came here for an important purpose, so he won’t give up easily.”

“Another purpose besides fishing?” Bastian wondered what other motives Count Xanders might have had for joining the group, especially if he was willing to risk his health to achieve them.

Admiral Demel chuckled and shook his head. “Maxime is not interested in fishing in the slightest. Instead, he has a passion for flowers and grasses. In fact, there is a habitat of rare plants on this mountain that he’s hoping to collect samples from. He’s quite the character, a really nice guy, but definitely eccentric.”

“We should make sure that Maxime doesn’t feel embarrassed during the climb. I’ll speak with him to ensure that he won’t have to be carried on anyone’s back.”

Despite how awful the assignment was, Bastian was happy to accept it. He complied because he was told to do so. There was no reason to allow other ideas or feelings to influence such a straightforward situation.

As Bastian resumed his journey, Count Xanders offered an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry for the trouble,”.

“Shall I lend you a hand with your baggage?”

Bastian offered his assistance, but Count Xanders declined the offer with a wave of his hand, “No need, it’s not that heavy. Your company is more than enough.” And with that, he strode ahead while Bastian adjusted his pace to match his. The two men talked quite briefly as they proceeded down the mountain trail.

Count Xanders had a pretty dignified and polished way of speech, in contrast to his reputation as a plant-obsessed weirdo. Politics, the financial market, and sports. Also, he had more than a basic understanding of topics related to men’s social abilities. Despite all that, He obviously didn’t appear interested in anything at all. 

“Wait!” Count Xander screamed out as he was moving along and gazing at the ground.

Bastian paused after scowling. Count Xanders hurried over and knelt down at the same instant. He was directly in front of a small patch of grass on the road that Bastian had nearly crushed.

With a small shovel in hand and a bag slung over his shoulder, Count Xanders carefully dug up a patch of grass. Despite his otherwise reserved demeanor, his expression betrayed a sense of excitement and triumph as he revealed his discovery. “No matter how much I looked for it, I couldn’t find it, but here it is,” he exclaimed.

“Is this the plant you were searching for?”

“No, but it is just as invaluable.” Count Xanders delicately removed the dirt from the roots and used a clean paper to wipe them. With great care, he wrapped the grass and packed it.

When Bastian arrived at the valley where they planned to go fishing, his goal was completed.

Count Xanders graciously thanked everyone and then departed to find the target plant. While he appeared to be fatigued, he would occasionally gasp for air, but even then, his upright stance remained unaltered.

Bastian sat on a rock beneath a canopy of larch trees. Suddenly he got a feeling of déjà vu.

Here was where the water that flowed through the narrow valley began to collect. Why did he feel like he had seen this before?

As Bastian’s fingers curled around the fishing rod, the answer to a lingering question sprang to mind like a fish leaping out of the water. And with a jolt, he echoed the name “Odette,” his head swiveling towards some unseen presence.

With a steadfast determination, Count Xanders roamed the hillside in search of blades of grass. Along the way, he had traversed a path from apathy towards his fellow beings to a genuine fondness and devotion to things of little practical value. Indeed, Maximin von Xanders bore a striking resemblance to his beloved wife, Odette – a fact not lost on those who knew them both.

Bastian’s eyes fluttered open when the image of Odette lying on the sofa with the furniture covers draped over her filled his mind. But what caught his attention were the blindingly dark green eyes that stared back at him, as if daring him to relive the memories that haunted him.

Memories flooded in – the feeling of filth that had washed over him as he looked down at her, the tingling sensation that still lingered even now. But he refused to let them consume him. He then hurled the fishing line out into the water, as if casting away the thoughts that threatened to drag him under.

The valley was filled with the sound of unrelenting river flow and wind rustling through the trees. His pointless recollections quickly vanished after that enlivening event.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“Can you believe it?” Marchioness Demel scoffed, her tone laced with disbelief. “He claimed he was weary of the water, yet he up and moves to a villa nestled deep in the mountains, where he spends his days fishing and boating. The man hasn’t the slightest clue what he truly wants.” She shook her head, her expression a mixture of exasperation and amusement. “It’s a wonder he hasn’t driven himself mad with all this indecisiveness.”

When the words of criticism for her husband spilled from her lips, the Marchioness Demel’s countenance remained awash with deep-seated affection. This was a familiar sight, as even the most esteemed ladies of the court engaged in verbal skirmishes over the shortcomings of their own spouses. 

Odette, meanwhile, found solace in the pleasant chatter as she cradled a child in her arms, offering soothing comfort. While Alma struggled to keep her eyes open, eager to continue playing, she eventually succumbed to slumber’s embrace.

“Mrs. Klauswitz possesses a remarkable gift for tending to children. It’s evident that you have the makings of a fine mother,” remarked one of the noble ladies, causing the attention of the group to shift suddenly towards Odette. The earlier tales of marital discord and discontentment paled in comparison to the prospect of discussing motherhood and child-rearing skills.

“Let’s pause here and take a breather. Please, go ahead,” Marchioness Demel gestured, prompting the nanny who had been waiting nearby to approach.

Odette handed the baby over, not being able to hold on any longer, while the noble women were having tea while sitting by the ravine.

“Lady Klauswitz and her husband are both wonderful individuals, and I’m sure they will bring a beautiful child into this world,” One of the Lady commented with a warm smile

“My husband is already vying to be the godfather of the Klauswitz’s unborn child. It’s quite embarrassing, really,” Another noble lady added with a chuckle.

“As for me, I shall make room for the grandparents of the child-to-be. Both my son and daughter-in-law are eagerly anticipating parenthood, Mrs. Klauswitz,” Someone chimed in.

The playful jabs directed at the new bride were met with raucous laughter from the group.

Odette’s head hung low, an awkward smile playing across her lips. The words of praise she had received had been delivered with such ease, yet they left her feeling self-conscious. Was it due to that regrettable incident?

Desperate for respite, Odette left the uncomfortable scene and wandered over to a group of young wives frolicking in the water. Unconsciously, she began to make her way up the valley in search of a quiet spot.

But the more she tried to push the memory aside, the more it nagged at her. Questions about the man she couldn’t quite comprehend flooded her mind, refusing to be ignored.

Odette ventured deeper into the wilderness and the distant murmur of human voices faded into silence. Gasping for air, she collapsed onto a flat rock overlooking a breathtaking valley, her heart pounding with the thrill of quest.

But her exhilaration was short-lived, as she was forced to endure the vicious insults of a man who treated her like a mere possession, bought and sold at an exorbitant price. Despite her compliance, she seethed with a fiery indignation, vowing to never forget the injustice done to her.

Finally, as she rubbed her lips in frustration, she realized that her rage would not be quenched until she had exacted her revenge on the callous, unscrupulous man who had betrayed her trust.

Despite the turmoil raging within her, Odette bore her anguish in silence, knowing deep down that Bastian’s words held a painful truth. Their relationship was a farce, a mere charade of meaningless transactions and empty promises.

But as she pondered the broken promises and heartless betrayal, a flicker of anger ignited within her. Why was he so brazenly defying his own word, and treating her with such disdain?

Odette rubbed her lips, trying to erase the memory of his treachery like a stubborn stain. Yet, the more she tried to forget, the more the feeling of inexpressible contempt grew within her, fueling her determination to seek retribution for the hurt he had caused.

On the evening of the dinner party, Sandrine said young men craved that sort of pleasure. Even the way she spoke with fake sympathy and the way her eyes treated her like a prostitute selling her body. Odette remembered everything vividly at that very moment.

“There she is. The courtesan,” 

Odette’s heart sank as she heard the cruel words uttered by Princess Isabelle ringing in her memory.  Though her words had been skillfully cloaked in clever guise, the message had been clear – She was nothing more than a mere courtesan, an object to be used and discarded at the whim of the nobility.

When her lips began to tremble ever so slightly, Odette strained them in an attempt to suppress the feeling. Although it wasn’t the first time she experienced this, she felt more wretched than she had the first time, for reasons unknown to her. 

In an act of frustration, she hurled her foolish thoughts away, tossing them into the void alongside a fallen pine cone. And as acorns and pebbles followed suit, she wondered if this symbolic act would bring her any sort of relief.

Odette got down and cleansed her face after the water’s ripples stopped. Her awareness became more distinct, possibly as a result of the cooling of the heat on her cheeks. Perhaps that was a wise move.

With her breathing finally steady, she sauntered towards the valley’s abundant flora, her steps now much lighter than before. Though it would have been easy to simply claim she was gathering flowers, Odette felt no need to make excuses for her wandering. 

Blue irises and golden seaweed bloomed alongside white briar and vibrant wild roses. But it was the sight of a cluster of bellflowers on the far end of the valley that truly caught her attention. It was a bloom she longed to share with the child, and so she made her way towards it with a sense of purpose.

With no faint trace of hesitation, Odette swiftly shed her shoes and stockings before gathering the hem of her skirt and pulling it up to her knees. Despite the sweltering heat of midsummer, the water flowing through the valley was frigid, akin to a frozen glacier. Yet, the cold was far from intolerable, and Odette found herself totally unbothered.

Odette carefully stepped into a shallow area of the water. When she got to the centre of the stream, she heard what sounded like something dropping.

As soon as she realized the lock had been tampered with, she wasted no time diving beneath the surface in search of her prized possession. A wave of relief washed over her as she spotted the necklace adorned with a stunning rose crystal pendant, resting just a short distance away. 

However, before she could even take a step towards it, a figure emerged from the water, snatching the necklace up with a swift motion. 

With wide, startled eyes, Odette looked on as her supposed spouse, Bastian, stood before her, holding her leash under the guise of their fraudulent agreement.