CH 69

After going around the bend, the carriage that belonged to the Herhardt family drew into the driveway that led to the mansion. The road certainly made an impression with its towering plane trees that flanked both sides.

Odette observed the spectacle outside the window with apprehension and wonder as it unfolded. The route was embroidered with the sunlight’s shadows as it passed through the spaces between the arches made by the meeting of branches. 

The entrance door, which was situated at the vanishing point, was equally as beautiful and splendid as the majesty of Herhardt.

It’s alright.

Odette inhaled deeply, strengthening her resolve once more.

The mother of Duke Herhardt, whom she had conversed with the previous day, had been amiable. Based on the passing reference to the imperial family, Bastian appeared to be correct in assuming that they were already aware. Nonetheless, even if they had opted to invite the daughter of Princess Helen, the objective would not have diverged greatly from his conjecture.

With the biggest challenge now conquered, the only task that remained was to enjoy a delightful lunch.

As Odette pondered over Bastian’s guidance, even the slightest trace of doubt lingering in the recesses of her mind vanished into thin air. She chuckled softly, taken aback by how effortless it felt to recall her mother’s name. As she shifted her attention away from the passing scenery outside the carriage, she couldn’t help but notice how much brighter everything seemed.

‘Bastian’, suppressing the name that nearly escaped her lips out of habit, Odette shifted her gaze towards the man seated beside her. Bastian sat slouched in his seat with his eyes closed.

Feeling reassured, Odette observed the sleeping Bastian with a sense of ease. His sharp eyes were softened by his unusually long eyelashes, and the contrast between his sharp, high nose and delicate lips was striking. Bastian Klauswitz was not only a handsome man but also a distinguished soldier and accomplished businessman.

Regardless of the public’s opinion, Odette did not view her decision to marry this man as a disgrace. It was difficult for her to empathize with the disdainful labels given to him by the nobility, who ridiculed his maternal grandfather’s lineage.

As Odette pondered these thoughts, Bastian abruptly opened his eyes, causing her to realize that he had been watching her all along, and right from the beginning. The realization dawned on her so suddenly that she didn’t even have a moment to avert her gaze.

Although the situation was rather awkward, Odette endeavored to maintain her composure, and Bastian appeared unruffled as well.

Breaking the uncomfortable silence, Odette spoke up first. “I believe your tie might be slightly askew,” she remarked, using it as a pretext to divert attention away from the uneasy atmosphere.

“Where?” Bastian inquired, furrowing his brow as he inspected his appearance.

With a hint of anxiety that her falsehood might be exposed, Odette hastily retrieved Bastian’s tie and straightened the knot that had been slightly askew. As she did so, the carriage approached the entrance to the Duke’s estate.

“Done,” Odette exclaimed with a natural smile, withdrawing her hand from Bastian’s tie. However, Bastian remained silent and did not respond.

“How are you feeling? Are you alright?” inquired Odette, masking her apprehension with a tone of genuine concern.

“I’m fine,” Bastian replied in a hushed voice, maintaining his prolonged and penetrating gaze at her until the carriage came to a stop. As the door to the carriage opened, Odette let out an uneasy smile and cast her eyes downward, grateful that she no longer had to struggle to find the right words to say.

“Are you prepared?” Bastian asked before alighting from the carriage and extending his hand towards Odette. With her mind cleared of any extraneous thoughts, she grasped his hand and took the first step towards what promised to be a delightful lunch.

She walked with grace, carrying herself with an air of refinement befitting the title of Mrs. Klauswitz.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Norma von Herhardt, the Dowager Duchess of the Herhardt family, set down her glass and began to speak about her grandson. “Matthias is an officer in the army, currently serving on the overseas front,” she disclosed, all the while keeping her gaze fixed on Odette.

“We had hoped that he would join the Imperial Guard, but he refused to yield. He is undoubtedly a Herhardt, stubbornness and all,” remarked Elysee von Herhardt, the Duke’s mother, her face glowing with pride. She too, like the Dowager Duchess, kept her attention fixed solely on Odette, seemingly having forgotten Bastian’s presence. It was a display of sophistication and refinement in their mannerisms.

Bastian ate his meal with the demeanor of a courteous but unassuming bystander, as he had expected from the outset. Knowing that older and higher-ranking aristocrats could be rigid and uncompromising, he appreciated the gracious hospitality of the two ladies from the ducal family. At the end of the day, what mattered was that he had been invited as a guest of the Herhardt family.

Despite knowing Matthias von Herhardt, without the recognition of the two ladies, Bastian felt only partially connected to the family’s social circle. However, after today, that would change. An invitation bearing the signatures of the family ladies was like a key to the heart of high society. By accepting and reciprocating the invitation, a deal had been sealed, solidifying Bastian’s place among the elite.

Bastian was fully aware that both of the duke’s wives were considering the same thing at the same time. Since they had all succeeded in accomplishing their individual objectives, the only thing left to do before heading back was to take some time off formally.

“It would be nice if he could come back for a vacation. I am worried about how well he’s doing in that rough terrain.” Norma von Herhardt expressed her worry for her grandson serving in the Army overseas. As she spoke, her usual cool and elegant demeanor softened into that of a typical grandmother’s concern. Bastian showed his sympathy with a gentle expression, acknowledging her worries.

“I’m sure he’s doing his best out there, but it’s natural to worry about those we love.” Odette, taking on a maternal role, chimed in to offer comfort. I also heard that the situation on the overseas front is not too bad,” said Odette, smoothly redirecting the conversation. She turned to Bastian and asked, “What do you think, Bastian?” Her innocent and curious expression caught the attention of the Herhardt family members seated around the table, who followed her gaze.

Bastian gracefully placed his cutlery down and turned towards his attentive audience, wearing a subtle smile. “The situation on the North Sea front is currently in Berg’s favor. While there are occasional local battles, our troops are prevailing in ground battles, and Duke Herhardt is a skilled soldier. Therefore, I believe he is doing well,” he replied, diffusing the tense atmosphere with his composed answer.

The Dowager Duchess of the Herhardt family observed him closely, nodding in agreement and displaying a kind smile. Odette’s previous comment had not seemed to offend her.

Odette frequently offered to assume the role of the mother bird, even after that incident. She would wait patiently and pounce quickly on suitable prey before carrying it away. During lunch, Bastian had intended to relax and leave, but Odette’s topic of conversation, primarily focused on international affairs and war, disrupted his plans.

As the topic of last spring’s polo tournament was brought up, Odette’s previously light-hearted expression turned serious once again. Bastian felt a wave of confusion as he observed his wife’s sudden shift in demeanor.

Odette had always been like a mother bird of prey, providing for those under her care, but now she seemed unwilling to open her beak for even the weakest of them. Bastian couldn’t help but wonder if the sharp ladies of the duchy had also taken notice of Odette’s change. In fact, the grandmother of the Herhardt family was watching Odette intently with an odd expression.

When Bastian and her locked eyes, she raised her eyebrows and smiled, showing her admiration for the new bride’s efforts to maintain a good relationship with her husband.

Bastian briefly acknowledged her with a grateful glance. The Dowager Duchess, known as a distinguished figure among the nobility, held a special affection for Odette. Perhaps it was a generous sympathy for the daughter of an abandoned princess who had managed to gracefully transform her life, but the exact reason was insignificant.

Odette proved to be a surprisingly valuable wife, despite her disadvantaged position and past struggles. It appeared that the power of her lineage had not completely vanished, even though she had experienced a period of hardship and uncertainty.

As he pondered whether the emperor had burdened him with an inconvenient task, Norma Catharina von Herhardt spoke up. “Captain Klauswitz must be feeling bored, sitting all alone without someone of his own age. If Matthias were here, he would have made a great companion.”

Matthias’s grandmother shifted her gaze towards Bastian, marking their first direct conversation since their initial greeting. Despite the curious onlookers fixating their attention on her, she remained utterly unconcerned and unperturbed.

“Matthias appeared to hold Captain Klauswitz in high regard. Given that you both share a background as soldiers and businessmen, it’s likely that you have good communication between you. When I met you in person, I couldn’t help but notice certain resemblances to the boy.” said Norma.

“You flatter me too much.” Bastian remarked.

“When Matthias returns, you should come for another visit, accompanied by your wife, of course,” Norma suggested, turning her attention to Odette. Her expression held a mix of pity and admiration. “Well, now that it seems the meal has come to an end, shall we adjourn for some tea?”

Norma, signaling the conclusion of the luncheon, silently communicated her instruction by fixing her gaze upon Bastian once more. Interpreting the unspoken message, Bastian rose discreetly and made his way towards the head of the table. Extending a courteous gesture to accompany her, the elderly lady gladly presented her hand.

As they prepared to depart the lunchroom, Bastian cast a glance in Odette’s direction. She resembled a contented mother bird, having nourished her fledglings to their heart’s content.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“The food was exceptional, don’t you think?” Bastian remarked.

Odette, who had been observing the ducal residence receding in the distance, nodded in agreement. Her smiling countenance was as resplendent as the bouquet of roses cradled in her arms—a farewell present from the ladies of the Herhardt family.

“If you enjoyed it that much, I could consider hiring the chef,” Bastian mused, reclining against the seat of the carriage as he playfully uttered whimsical words.

“What are you discussing?” Odette inquired, her forehead creasing as she tilted her head curiously.

“I was referring to the chef from the Herhardt family. She appears to possess remarkable culinary skills,” Bastian explained.

“Yes, but how would you manage that?” Odette responded, her expression indicating that she recognized the impracticality of the suggestion. Nevertheless, a faint smile graced her lips.

“I’ll offer her a higher salary,” Bastian replied, determinedly asserting his intention.

“Well, it seems like she wouldn’t easily be outdone by you when it comes to money.” 

“Nevertheless, I excel in strategic battles, Odette. I possess weapons that others can never acquire.” 

“What kind of weapons are those?” Odette inquired.

“The audacity inherited from my grandfather,” Bastian revealed.

Odette burst into laughter at the lighthearted jest. Her laughter was delightful, reflecting her pleasant demeanor.

“I apologize, but I surrender. Our chef is more than capable,” Odette gracefully played along with his prank. She appeared entirely transformed from her usual serious demeanor, no longer resembling a dull nun.

Once they departed from the duke’s residence, the carriage gradually picked up speed. Odette observed the scenery passing by through the window, a lingering smile adorning her face. The afternoon was radiant, with sunlight filtering through the trees, creating a dazzling ambiance.

Bastian cast an oblique glance in the direction of his wife as she sat next to him. Along the route of the golden sycamore, one could frequently hear the rhythmic sound of carriage wheels and the hooves of horses. 

A clear bell started ringing just as he was beginning to convince himself that the elderly woman’s insistence on a horse-drawn carriage might not be such a horrible idea after all. It sounded like the bell from a bicycle, but it was coming from the opposite side of the road.

Shortly after, a young schoolgirl rode past the carriage on her bicycle. Bastian’s gaze, which had casually swept over the scene, once again settled upon Odette’s profile.

Having fulfilled her duties, Odette appeared completely at ease, exuding a sense of tranquility.

Bastian swallowed, feeling his throat dry, and instinctively tugged at his tie knot. However, he ultimately couldn’t bring himself to loosen it. As the suffocating sensation gradually subsided, Bastian released his grip on the stubbornly tangled tie. A hint of self-derision washed over him, yet his resolve remained unchanged.

He desired to let it be.

Just as it was, for a little while longer.