CH 45

Odette serenely shared her experience of residing in the Ardene estate, revealing her plans to construct an outbuilding and purchase new furniture and paintings. Moreover, she mentioned the urgent need to respond to the pending invitations but Bastian only grasped the full extent of Odette’s vision upon hearing her discuss the specific flora and fauna to be planted in the outbuilding’s garden.

“I was contacted by the madam.” Lovis frequently served as the bearer of news these days, with the madam communicating important matters to Odette via phone, and Lovis subsequently conveying them to him.

Bastian now understood why she had never given him a straight call. Because she always made sure to call during his absence in order to avoid having to speak with him. But her strategy failed since Bastian uncannily left for home early today.

[The piano arrived today] Odette announced.

Bastian, who was looking at his watch with a tired expression, responded after a short pause, “Piano?”

[Yes, the one for the solarium] Odette said, her voice filled with excitement as she went on to explain how wonderful the instrument was.

Bastian struggled to jog his memory, searching for any recollection of a piano delivery but to no avail.

The task of adorning the new home was solely entrusted to the empire’s top interior decorator. His expertise in procuring opulent and costly items was sufficient for Bastian, who was content with simply signing checks for everything.

“Why?” Bastian asked with a hint of impatience. Just as the conversation was starting to frustrate him, Odette finally revealed her intention.

[Can I use the piano?]

“Why are you asking me that?” Bastian countered.

[Because it’s yours] Odette replied, being cautious and prudent. [If you purchased it with someone else in mind, I won’t play it.]

Bastian sighed in relief as he finally realized who the second person was that his wife had alluded to. He found it strangely amusing that Odette would pay attention to Sandrine. It wasn’t an enjoyable feeling, though.

“I don’t care about it, do whatever you want,” Bastian said indifferently.

[Ah, okay]

“Is that a satisfactory answer?” Bastian asked.

[Yes, thank you, Bastian]. Odette replied, her tone shifting slightly to reveal a hint of excitement despite remaining professional. [I will treat it with care.]

[Uhm, Bastian] Odette’s voice lowering to a whisper. [I was thinking of going to Ratz tomorrow to get some sheet music] she added.

“And?” Bastian responded.

[Can I?]

“If I said no, would you reconsider going?” Bastian asked.

[Unfortunately, yes.]

“Why?” 

[Because I don’t want to do anything that would upset you,]

Odette said without hesitation. Bastian’s face softened into a helpless smile as he put the phone back in place. His gaze shifted from his watch to the garden outside the window, where golden sunlight was streaming in. The breeze carried a sweet fragrance.

The fragrance of golden oaks signaled the farewell of summer.

From that day forward, Odette went to great lengths to feign ignorance.

Bastian couldn’t fathom her motives, but her ruse wasn’t very convincing. Nevertheless, he humored her moderately, as he had no inclination to delve into the matter at present.

As his father scrambled to reorganize his troops in response to the sudden declaration of war, Bastian too rallied to confront the enemy.

The major strategies had been put in place, yet careful coordination was required to counter the adversary’s moves. Deception was the key to success in this game of chess.

Bastian anticipated a leisurely pace, with ample time to plot his next move. However, an unforeseen twist threw his plans into disarray.

Admiral Demel hinted that the emperor was wary of him and his spouse.

The proximity between Ratz and Ardene was not great, and the emperor found it peculiar for a newlywed couple to be separated. He suggested to quash any gossip before it spread, but it was merely an imperial decree conveyed through Admiral Demel’s mouth.

Bastian appeared to be under pressure to complete the firm work as soon as possible in order to soothe the uneasy emperor.

“I want to see you tomorrow at 12, come to the Admiralty,” Bastian said in a composed tone.

[Do you mean we’re meeting?]

“I don’t like being away for too long, so maybe we can have lunch together.”

[You don’t have to do that, I’ll just get the sheet music and return.]

“I’ll inform the entrance checkpoint, just mention my name,” 

Bastian stated the situation unambiguously, leaving no room for debate. Admiral Demel acted as the emperor’s eyes and ears, so it wouldn’t hurt to demonstrate his unwavering loyalty by following his commands. It was like wagging his tail, proving his allegiance.

[Alright, then.] Odette said, despite her apparent reluctance. [By the way, Bastian, can I ask you something?].

“Go ahead,” 

[Well, getting into the Admiralty might be a bit awkward and unfamiliar for me. Would it be possible to change the meeting place? What do you think?]

“How about we meet at the fountain in front of the Admiralty’s main entrance instead?” Bastian suggested. After some back-and-forth, Odette quietly agreed. “Tomorrow at 12, at the fountain in front of the Admiralty.”

After affirming the appointment, Bastian hung up the phone. As he spun around, massaging his tired eyes and temples, the chime of the bell echoed, marking the end of the brief interval.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Theodora Klauswitz let out a nervous cry as she drew the curtains, obscuring the once-glorious seascape that was a source of pride for the mansion. 

“This is truly horrible,” she exclaimed. “How much longer do we have to endure living like this?”

Franz took a break from his book and let out a heavy sigh, lifting his gaze. His mother, a bundle of nerves, was pacing the room, cigarette in hand. Her once poised and elegant demeanor was now marred by a growing dependence on alcohol and nicotine, a result of the torment she’s been enduring since Bastian’s mansion across the bay was revealed. She no longer carried the grace she once did.

“Have faith in Father, Mother,” Franz said, trying to mask his own doubts. “He’s determined to find a solution, so I’m sure he’ll figure it out soon.”

“You always act like this tragedy doesn’t concern you,” Theodora chided.

“I’m just trying to keep my worries in check. I’m just as concerned as you are.”

“Then don’t waste your time with those books! Help your father instead. This isn’t the time for carelessness!”

The blame shifted. Franz, feeling disillusioned, put up with his mother’s persistent scolding.

“Do you think Bastian might be considering marrying the Duke of Felia’s daughter after using the daughter of the beggar duke to build connections?” his mother ranted before spiraling into her own fantastical musings.

“No matter how crazy he is, he wouldn’t do something so heinous to the emperor’s niece, Odette,” Franz tried to reassure her.

“Odette, the emperor’s niece, may be well-spoken, but she’s a weakling with no influence. There’s no reason for Bastian to not dispose of her. After all, he’s the son of Jeff Klauswitz!” Theodora sneered, picking up her cup with the hand that had just put down her cigarette. “I should have put a stop to this before it got this far, instead of caring about appearances. Your father was foolish to think he could raise a monster like Bastian and then just get rid of him. It’s a disaster.”

Theodora gulped down the stabilizer along with the poisonous alcohol and slumped back onto the sofa as if defeated.

“By the way, Franz,” she started, “it’s strange. Everyone thinks Bastian and Odette are madly in love, but the servants say otherwise.”

“What are you referring to, Mother?” 

“Bastian may visit Ardennes every weekend, but he always stays in a different room,” Theodora revealed. “A virile young man like him wouldn’t do that if he was truly in love with his wife. And since the Duke of Pelia’s daughter can’t walk, there’s no way she has any physical issues.”

Franz rose from his seat, his expression stern. The wind blew a book off its place, sending it tumbling across the vibrant patterned carpet, but Theodora paid it no mind, reaching for her cigarette once more.

“Mother! Did you really conduct such a dirty background check?”

“Yes, my dear,” Theodora said, her gaze softening as she looked at her son. “May you flourish as a noble flower of our family. I will bear the dirt and grime for you. I devoted my entire life to protecting your father, and I want to make sure that the legacy of that love is safeguarded. You need to understand that. And please, don’t disappoint your father. I beg of you.”

“No matter what I do, Father is always ready to be disappointed,” Franz replied with a sigh.

“The more he continues like this, the harder you’ll have to work! Why don’t you visit Ella? Your father would be over the moon if you formed an in-law relationship with Count Klein. Make sure to cling to your fiancée. Focus on your job and continue learning.”

“Father devoted his entire life to becoming a noble, but as the heir to a noble family, he’s eager to turn me into a merchant.”

“Franz,” Theodora said, approaching her son and sighing deeply. “The world is changing. A nobleman who doesn’t have a source of wealth can no longer call himself a nobleman. Just look at Bastian’s wife. Despite her noble blood, they live in poverty. But you’re different. With your father’s estate and my distinguished lineage, you have inherited the perfect combination to be the ideal aristocrat of the new era.”

“But I…” Franz started to object.

Theodora’s hand were holding tight to Franz’s shoulder, was brimming with intensity as she said, “You can do it. I know you can. Right? Isn’t that right?”

“…..Yes, Mother.” Franz could only offer the one acceptable response, and Theodora beamed with satisfaction before drifting off to sleep.

Franz summoned the servants to escort his mother to her bedchamber. As the commotion died down, the sun started its descent. Back in his room, Franz stepped out onto the balcony overlooking the bay and released a deep sigh. 

In the distance, the silhouette of the mansion across the sea, tinged with the hue of a setting sun, was just barely visible. It was exactly where Odette resided.

Franz approached the railing and delicately clasped the small piece of gold foil he had hidden in the depths of his vest pocket. During their fateful encounter at the gallery, they shared tea together, and the eager-to-please gallery owner had presented a spread of cookies and cakes, but Odette only indulged in a single piece of chocolate. In a moment of impulsiveness, Franz had taken its wrapper, feeling both shame and a lack of remorse.

What was he doing now?

Franz thought of Odette, feeling the gold foil against his fingertips, yearning to gaze upon her face of perfect beauty. He longed to open his heart to her, to love her.

By the time his heated breath had subsided, a heavy dusk had descended.

After departing from the balcony, Franz retrieved the notebook he had concealed on his desk. It was a collection of art, solely dedicated to portraits of Odette. As he reached the final page, Franz began to sketch Odette once more, the sound of his pencil gliding across the paper filling the room as the darkness deepened.