CH 62

The unexpected arrival of the Belov diplomatic mission at the Ministry of the Navy caught everyone off guard. Initially, the plan was to proceed to the detached palace following a commemorative speech at the National Assembly. However, the Crown Prince’s intense fascination with the nearby Admiralty prompted an impromptu change of plans.

Given that the emperor had already granted permission, there was no recourse but to acquiesce. Consequently, the Admiralty was compelled to declare a state of emergency comparable to that of a wartime scenario.

As the preparations for the state guest were finally completed, the ceremonial car carrying the Crown Prince of Belov arrived at the headquarters building. After exchanging greetings with the high-ranking generals, the Belovian Crown Prince approached Bastian, addressing him with a polite.

“Hello, Captain Klauswitz.”

Bastian stood tall and proud as he extended his arm in a salute, acknowledging the presence of the Crown Prince of Belov. Without skipping a beat, he greeted the Prince with a formal handshake, his composure unwavering despite the unexpected encounter. 

“Your Highness, it is an honor to meet you,” Bastian said with a deep, respectful bow.

The Crown Prince’s greeting to Captain Klauswitz was unusually warm for a state guest and an officer, but nobody found it out of place. The Crown Prince’s intentions in leading the delegation to Berg were no secret, and everyone knew what he wanted. To reinforce this, the Chief of Staff, upon learning of the surprise visit, immediately instructed that Captain Klauswitz be included in the delegation. It was a gesture of welcome and a gift to the Crown Prince from a friendly allied nation.

“I’m aware of your reputation as the hero who led the victory in the Battle of Trosa. Your efforts helped our camp gain control of the North Sea, making you a hero of Belov as well,” expressed the Crown Prince with a wry smile, showing his satisfaction with the welcome gift. However, his gaze towards Bastian revealed a wariness that he couldn’t hide.

Despite not officially taking issue with his fiancée’s scandal, he still seemed to have lingering doubts that had not been resolved.

“I appreciate the compliment, but it seems a bit excessive. However, Berg’s entire naval squadron earned that day’s win.” Bastian resumed the discussion in a humble manner.  After a few more words of formal praise, the crown prince revealed his actual goals as he spoke about the war.

“I’m engaged to Princess Isabelle, and you married her cousin.”

Suddenly the Crown Prince brought up the topic of Bastian’s marriage and its arrangements. 

“Yes, Your Highness,” Bastian replied.

“I was informed that the imperial family directly arranged your marriage. The Emperor of Berg, who upholds tradition, gave his sister’s daughter to an officer without a title. It appears that Captain Klauswitz is highly regarded by him.” The sharp glint in the Crown Prince’s eyes suggested a clear suspicion, but Bastian remained unfazed.

“It’s a reward for a soldier who’s proven his worth on the battlefield, but I see it more as being a part of a noble reign that covers the era’s quick transformation. Since he is responsible for my marriage to a lady of noble birth, I owe it to the empire and the royal family to be even more devoted to them.”  Said Bastian

“The captain is indeed quite modest,” remarked someone in the group.

“I am grateful for your kind words. As for my wife, she is not only beautiful but also wise. I consider myself fortunate to have her as the love of my life, and I have no desire to seek another.” His words eased the tension in the room, and the relieved generals and officers showed it on their faces. However, none were happier than Admiral Demel, who had been pushing the idea of a love of a lifetime for Bastian.

“Will we have the opportunity to meet and greet each other in person at the naval festival? This makes me more and more curious about Mrs. Klauswitz,” the Crown Prince said. 

“Of course, Your Highness. My wife will be accompanying me at the ceremony,” said Bastian.

Crown Prince Belov passed Bastian after a polite greeting, expressing his anticipation for the naval festival. The delegation departed after a formal inspection of the Admiralty, which Bastian knew was the Crown Prince’s way of trying to identify the person involved in Princess Isabelle’s scandal.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

As the storm passed, Bastian ate a late lunch in the dining room while the other officers grumbled.

And now that he’d gotten back to the office and wrapped up his papers, it was almost time for his workout.

Bastian changed into his workout clothes, ran a few laps around the Admiralty park as a warmup, and then headed to the gym.  When he was done with jumping rope and beginning to lift barbells, he ran into Erich Faber.

“Did Prince Belov speak to you? Did he bring up Princess Isabelle’s scandal directly?” Erich approached Bastian with urgency and asked.

Bastian, though, chose to ignore the question and instead concentrate on his workout.  After the injury, he was still able to lift the same amount as before.  At this point, it was reasonable to presume that his health had fully recovered.

“I didn’t think you would tell me anyway,” Erich grumbled, but remained in place. “Oh, regarding the overseas assignment you’re interested in, I think it might be possible next month. What do you think?”

During Bastian’s workout, Erich, who was doing gymnastics, suddenly brought up a topic. Just as Bastian finished his set and put down the barbell, he turned to face Erich “When next month?”

“It will take place on the last weekend of the month.  You should be free to go as soon as you hand in your application now that the suitability test has been completed, and it will be effective immediately.  After the event, it appears that they will let you to leave as they promised.” 

“Are you sure?” Bastian asked

“Admiral Demel signed it. I have no doubt about it.” Erich gave a resolute nod to the question.

While Bastian regarded the warm sunlight that was coming in through the window, he dabbed his forehead with a towel that had been placed at the other end of the seat.

The section of the Admiralty that was in charge of personnel was Erich’s responsibility.  At least with regard to matters of this nature, he was a trustworthy source of knowledge.

“Are you seriously going to do that?  Your supervisors would appreciate it if you could put in more hours at the headquarters.  In my perspective, it is of a higher quality. People are envious of it because they can’t have it themselves.  It’s a total loss.”

“ If I don’t go out the month after that.  When do you anticipate that it will be your turn again?” Bastian retorted

“I don’t know the exact date yet, but it will probably be over the course of the year.” Erich put an end to the gymnastics moves he had been pretending to perform and folded his arms in a relaxed manner.

Bastian tossed the damp towel into the basket and looked up at the clock on the gym wall.  Time ticked 4:00.  It was about this time that Dr. Kramer was supposed to come to Ardenne

Odette became ill after spending time in the cold rain.  Her condition was officially labelled as aches all over her body and a high temperature.  Her body weakness, he stated, was to blame for the severity of her symptoms.

Bastian felt an odd discomfort after reading the note Dr. Kramer left during his first day at home.

Odette was in about the same shape physically as she had been while she was dealing with her baggage of a family. She was still quite pale and very frail. She had been living in such lavish comfort compared to when she had been bedridden that it defies logic that she would not have improved.  It made no sense at all.

Perhaps there wasn’t a medical problem at all.

Bastian just last night had this unexpected curiosity.

Odette’s fever did not quickly subside despite the needles and medication she had received.  Because of the his sick wife, Bastian had a restless night as well. That’s why he scheduled that extra appointment with Dr. Kramer. He couldn’t fathom how feeling unwell could hurt so much.

“Are you going to delay it?” Interestedly, Erich questioned. “Or are you planning on going out?”

Erich’s irritation increased as the stillness lasted longer. Bastian got up and went to take a shower, leaving behind simply a cryptic grin this time.

“Anyway, you unlucky bastard.” The gym resounded with Erich’s enraged cry.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“Madam’s condition has greatly improved since this morning.” After a brief round of greetings, Lovis got right to the meat of the matter.  Bastian gave the door a quick glance before walking in on his own.

“Now that the fever has subsided, the tonsil swelling should decrease. Also, she munched on some food. ” Lovis informed.

“What does Dr. Kramer think?” As Bastian reached the top of the final flight of stairs to the third level, he finally spoke up.

“He stated that if she gets some sleep and eats well, she should feel better over time.” Lovis quickly responded with the planned response.  Bastian, who had been quiet for a while, seemed to agree by nodding his head.

“The same can be said for Margrethe.” Lovis disclosed his final liaison as they approached the hostess’ bedroom.  Bastian came to a halt and stared at him sternly.

“Margrethe?”

“Ah yes.  The dog belongs to the madam.  Madam named it herself today.  Margrethe is currently in the care of the lady’s maid. ” Lovis’s explanation prompted deeper furrows between Bastian’s brows.  When Lovis’s nerves started to kick in, Bastian started laughing.

“Margrethe.”  Bastian repeated the name with a happy chuckle.  “Yes, I get it.  I appreciate your hard work.”

Bastian turned around to look at Lovis once more with a trace of a smile on his face. Lovis looked at him in silence for a moment before taking a few steps back without uttering a word. The housekeepers who had followed behind were likewise dispatched.  It would appear that assistance was not what he required at this time.  Even Margrethe, who had been washed and dressed, was elevated to the following rank after being promoted.

Bastian removed the officer’s cap from his head before walking up to the door of the hostess’ bedroom and opening it without knocking.  The sound of someone walking through the threshold was immediately followed by the sound of the door closing once more.

Lovis hastened her exit as she exited the corridor in front of the bedroom and began walking away.  The sunset had already given the mansion a muted tint, which added to its opulence.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

The moonlight shone through the window, casting a soft glow on Odette’s peaceful face. She was lost in a dream world, where anything was possible. The gentle rise and fall of her chest was the only indication that she was alive. The room was silent, except for the occasional rustle of the curtains in the breeze. 

As Bastian stepped out onto the balcony, the salty sea air hit his face. He gazed out at the endless expanse of water, the waves crashing against the shore in a soothing rhythm. He listened intently, and as he heard the sound of her breathing becoming more relaxed, he knew she was finally asleep. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, feeling the cool breeze on his skin. 

As she lay in bed, the soothing melody of the ocean’s waves drifted through the open windows. The salty breeze carried the sound of seagulls and the distant hum of boats, lulling her into a peaceful slumber.

Bastian cautiously shut the window, his heart pounding with anticipation. He turned around, his eyes fixated on the bed.  The moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow over the grand four-poster bed.

Bastian kept his grip on the hem of the curtain as he looked through it to see Odette’s silhouette beyond. It appeared as though he could hold out till the dusk was over. Even if it did, the chaos wouldn’t endure for very long.

“Bastian… ?”

When he was on the verge of releasing his grip on the drapes, he suddenly became aware of someone softly whispering his name.  Odette, who had just recently come to, spoke with a voice that carried with it a hint of sleepiness.

Unconsciously, Bastian held his breath as he strained to get a firmer grip on the drapes.  Odette carefully raised herself up while hiding her face in the shade cast by the moving lace.  

The surroundings went back to being calm as the sound of her long, flowing hair brushing against the bedding was no longer heard.

Bastian pulled back the drapes that he had been unable to let go of for what seemed like an eternity as the sun continued to set.

In the dim light, Odette’s smile revealed a hint of mischief.

The sky was painted in a beautiful blend of red and blue

She tossed and turned, her long hair brushing against the sheets. Eventually, the sound of her hair grazing the bedding ceased.