CH 71

Hand in hand, Odette strolled through the bustling amusement park, immersed in the festive atmosphere. Her grip on Bastian’s hand resembled that of a child on a carefree picnic day.

Her gaze lowered to the cotton candy she held, a sweet gift given in place of Tira. It felt almost like a dream to Odette as she contemplated taking a bite, yet hesitation held her back. She couldn’t bring herself to discard it either, leaving her in an awkward predicament.

Odette released a soft, resigned sigh and lifted her gaze to meet Bastian’s eyes. Despite the vibrant glow of the colorful lights surrounding them, his expression remained unchanged. He had a certain degree of kindness, yet there was also a hint of detachment.

Why was he still keeping her in the dark about his departure? Did he consider their relationship to be inconsequential, not requiring the courtesy of a proper farewell? If that were the case, why was he extending this kindness to her now? The questions swirled in Odette’s mind, leaving her feeling uncertain and perplexed.

As the multitude of questions lingered in their minds, the two of them arrived at the heart of the amusement park. The plaza, adorned with a grand palace-like structure made of steel frames, teemed with a multitude of holidaymakers.

Caught off guard, Odette’s gaze naturally gravitated towards the spectacle, and a soft gasp of awe escaped her lips. The electric palace shimmered with an array of colored lights, casting a magical glow upon the surroundings. The melodies from the merry-go-round and the joyful laughter of children blended harmoniously, enhancing the beauty of the autumn night that was gradually enveloping them.

Odette came to a halt, captivated by the enchanting panorama before her. It seemed as though she had stepped into a page from a fairy tale—a reward bestowed upon the protagonist who had triumphed over countless trials. 

It was a chapter at the story’s end, where a bright and promising future unfurled, promising a lifetime of joy and contentment. However, her ephemeral daydream was abruptly shattered by the gentle breeze that carried with it the sweet fragrance of cotton candy.

In that moment, Odette redirected her gaze to the reality that surrounded her. She glanced down at the cotton candy in her hand and then shifted her attention back to Bastian, their eyes meeting once again.

“Bastian,” Odette uttered softly, prompting him to turn towards her. His visage bore no discernible expression, yet his eyes held a tenderness as they met her gaze. However, it was difficult to perceive it as a profound intimacy. Bastian Klauswitz was a man of impeccable manners, after all.

He was typically courteous and kind, never displaying more than what was deemed appropriate. Odette was well aware that this was merely a facade, a surface-level portrayal of their marriage. It was clear that he approached their union with such a mindset.

However, there were moments when the truth broke through.

On a spring day, she discovered that the stake he had won in a hidden gambling den belonged to the partner chosen for her in the arranged marriage set by the emperor. A ribbon, originally intended as a symbol of victory, was carelessly discarded in the mud. A heartless hand extended a contract offering a two-year employment. In the depths of the mountains, a night unfolded with untamed desires, devoid of any reservations.

Bastian’s raw emotions always had a way of piercing her heart. The truth that had been overshadowed by the peaceful days suddenly resurfaced as she looked at Bastian’s composed face. Yet, it was through their combined efforts that the contractual arrangement had progressed relatively smoothly.

They both aimed to fulfill the shared objective of successfully completing the contract. There might have been moments of understanding and empathy that blossomed from their time together, but they were as ephemeral as the fleeting illusions created by the cotton candy.

Therefore, pondering over such questions seemed futile.

Her mind, which had been like a tangled ball of thread, was finally beginning to be sorted out just as she felt something dull hit her shoulder. Odette was pushed to the side as she tried to make her way through the crowd that had gathered to watch the Electric Palace. She was able to avoid falling because to the support provided by Bastian; nevertheless, the cotton candy that she missed was already laying on the ground.

“Just let it go, Odette. I’ll get you another one,” Bastian chuckled, gently persuading Odette not to retrieve the dropped cotton candy. His demeanor carried a nurturing tone, akin to soothing a child. 

“No, it’s alright,” Odette replied, declining his offer.

Odette gazed at the cotton candy, now tainted by footprints, and shook her head, wearing a smile. The ethereal thread of enchantment, resembling a wisp of cloud, had vanished, leaving behind only a crushed lump of sugar. It was a disappointment, yet there was no sense of remorse. With a newfound sense of ease, she turned to face Bastian.

Even if Bastian up and moved to the front lines unexpectedly one day, their contract would not be affected in any way. All that is required of her is to come back within the allotted time frame and pay the prize. Therefore, all that Odette could do was show humility in the face of any choice and carry out the responsibility that had been assigned to her.

“There’s quite a crowd here. Let’s move to a quieter spot,” Odette suggested, leaving behind the shapeless remains of the cotton candy. Her resolve to fully embrace this enchanting night was unwavering. It was her way of reciprocating Bastian’s kindness.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“Exercise restraint,” Theodora cautioned, interrupting Franz as he reached for the final button on his jacket. Startled, he wearily turned his body to face his mother. Theodora Klauswitz sat comfortably in her chair by the fireplace, appearing far from an intruder who had barged into her son’s room in the dead of night.

“I believe you were recently giving advice to Ella about performing well,” Franz attempted to mask the rising irritation in his mind and responded. It had been an incredibly exhausting day, filled with visits to stock exchanges, banks, and countless business partners. He had spent the entire day navigating the bustling Ratz financial district, constantly learning about the workings of the company.

However, his father would not give up easy, despite the fact that it appeared as though he was about to get bored of the complicated figures and equations. He dismissed Franz by ranting and raving at the successor, who he deemed to be unacceptable, and using abusive language. 

Every day has been a living torment for Jeff ever since that lowly beast stripped him of the right to construct railroads and put an end to his railroad building career.

“Indeed, it is essential for you to treat Ella kindly. During moments like these, we must hold onto our inner childlike innocence. We need to ensure that Count Klein does not belittle us or harbor any alternative thoughts,” Theodora stated as she set her pipe aside and rose from her seat. Franz, with eyes tightly shut, anxiously discarded his jacket and tie onto the bed. The mere mention of his fiancée’s name, Ella, now evoked a sense of sickness within him.

His mother had claimed that Ella would be the one to uplift and support him, and Franz had believed it. Consequently, he had accepted his engagement to Ella von Klein. Little did he imagine that she would turn out to be such a repulsive, indulged individual?

Ella frequently demanded Franz’s love and attention, resorting to rushing to his mother and fabricating stories when her desires weren’t fulfilled. She carried herself with the dignity and pride befitting a noble family.

Franz nonchalantly removed his glasses and watch, settling himself on the edge of the bed as he let out a heavy sigh. Theodora stood right before him, in close proximity.

“It appears that there is another woman who requires some restraint,” Theodora remarked, her voice soothing as she comforted her son’s weary shoulders, her grip gentle as she held his hand. Franz’s complexion grew pale as she directed his attention to the lower shelf of the chest of drawers, where Odette’s portrait was concealed.

“No… You didn’t… search my room again, did you?” Franz’s voice quivered with disbelief.

“Since you refuse to speak up, am I not allowed to take any action?” Theodora questioned with a hint of frustration in her voice.

“Oh my god, Mother!” Franz exclaimed, taken aback by his mother’s words.

“Thanks to that, I now understand why you became so neglectful of your fiancée all of a sudden. Although it is disheartening to realize that she is, in the end, Bastian’s wife,” Theodora commented, her tone tinged with disappointment. Despite Franz’s astonishment, Theodora maintained her composure, not even raising an eyebrow.

“How intimate are you with her?” she inquired calmly, facing Franz directly.

An eyebrow arched, Theodora pressed on, determined to elicit a response. “How close are you with her?”

Silence hung in the air, stretching uncomfortably.

“Hopefully, the muddy water she splashed isn’t close enough to stain you,” Theodora added, her words filled with subtle implications.

Still met with no answer, Theodora’s patience wore thin. “Answer me, Franz Klauswitz!” she demanded, her voice carrying a mix of frustration and concern.

Franz stubbornly maintained his closed lips, his face, once and a blank canvas, now flushed with a hue of crimson, unbeknownst to him.

“Could it be that you’re the only one experiencing these emotions?” Theodora questioned, her eyebrows furrowing as she observed her son’s unsettled gaze.

As Franz’s eyes darted about in instability, Theodora couldn’t help but remark, “To think that my own son was captivated by a mere piece of flesh he sank his teeth into. What an ironic twist of fate.” She chuckled and took a seat beside Franz.

Now equipped with a general understanding of how to utilize the seemingly providential letter, Theodora had a plan in mind. With the minor issue that had arisen earlier now resolved, the only thing left to do was wait for Bastian’s wife to return.

“It may seem unlikely, but until this matter is resolved, ensure that you don’t even come near that woman,” Theodora warned, her voice filled with caution.

Franz’s eyes, previously clouded and lost, suddenly regained focus as he questioned, “Has something happened to Odette?” His gaze fixated, filled with a desperate intensity. This level of enthusiasm had not been present when discussing his own fiancée.

“It’s not your concern. Your responsibility is to focus on your job,” Theodora retorted firmly.

“But, mother…” Franz attempted to interject.

“She is a valuable pawn in our game. Don’t fret, she won’t cause any harm,” Theodora assured with a smile, gently grasping her son’s hand, which was damp with cold sweat. “For now, put Bastian’s wife out of your mind. Concentrate on learning the workings of the company and assist your father in his difficulties. And, of course, fulfill your duties as a loyal fiancé to Ella.”

“What are you contemplating? You are well aware of the kind of person Bastian is. If something goes awry, Odette could be in jeopardy,” Theodora expressed her concern.

“Franz, you must remain composed. Do you honestly believe now is the opportune moment for you to be consumed by worry for her?” she questioned, trying to bring a sense of calm to the situation.

With a sigh, Theodora rose from her seat, observing Franz, who appeared astonishingly feeble. In that moment, he evoked both pity and a sense of pathos. It seemed that all of this stemmed from the influence cast by the woman’s son.

“You just need to live your life diligently, one step at a time. If things go smoothly, that desirable outcome will naturally be yours, so don’t worry,” Theodora reassured, her affection for her beloved son still evident in her expression.

Bastian was not a naive individual. It was evident that while she could manipulate his wife to their advantage, she couldn’t keep such a secret hidden indefinitely.

Regardless, Odette was merely a card to be utilized for a temporary period. Even if the truth were to be exposed, it would be handled with finesse. Bastian possessed the skill and ability to manage such situations efficiently.

If, by some stroke of luck, Odette were to secure a divorce, there would be no obstacle preventing Theodora from bestowing the child upon Franz as a gift. While the notion that Odette was a woman associated with Bastian held an undertone of unease, when viewed from a different perspective, it amplified her value as a prized possession. Ultimately, it would be Franz who would claim her.

“If you desire to have her, demonstrate your worthiness. Understood?” Theodora communicated her request as she firmly grasped her son’s shoulders.

Franz was taken aback by the revelation, unable to deny its truth. He gazed at Theodora in a state of blank astonishment, then shifted his gaze towards the open window with curtains billowing. In that moment, as their eyes met once more, Theodora sensed a certainty. There was no possibility that this young man would fail in his task.

Franz, in various respects, was an estranged child, and such was the nature of blinded love.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Upon reaching the Ferris wheel, they arrived 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Bastian narrowed his eyes, examining his watch intently.

“I’m alright,” Odette assured.

Throughout their time together, Odette persistently echoed the same response as they strolled through the amusement park. Whether it was rides, snacks, puppet shows, or souvenirs, Bastian attempted to offer various things, but the consistent answer remained unchanged. As a result, they aimlessly meandered around the park, and before he realized it, it was time for his appointment. In light of this, Bastian couldn’t help but wonder what exactly intrigued her. She was a woman of puzzling complexity.

“Would you care to go on a ride?” Bastian asked politely, surprising Odette with his unexpected question.

“I’m fine,” she replied, offering a polite smile. However, this time, the silence that followed seemed unusually prolonged.

Bastian, feeling perplexed, directed his gaze downwards towards Odette, who stood beside him. He noticed her gaze fixed upon the Ferris wheel, her eyes carrying a hint of seriousness.

“Will it be finished in 30 minutes?” After some time, Odette cautiously turned her head and inquired. It appeared that the reason behind her freshly flushed cheeks was not solely due to the chilly autumn evening.

“Perhaps,” Bastian responded without hesitation. Although he lacked knowledge about the specific boarding time for the ride, he answered confidently.

“As long as you’re alright, then yes, let’s go,” Odette affirmed, her gaze fixed on the Ferris wheel once more, nodding in agreement.

Bastian couldn’t help but chuckle at the air of elegance displayed by Odette as she gave her consent. In response, a serene smile graced Odette’s face as she quietly observed his expression. It was a look that made Bastian feel as though he was witnessing the blossoming of a flower, a truly captivating moment.

Instead of providing a verbal response, Bastian chose a different course of action. He reached out and firmly grasped Odette’s hand, taking a decisive stride forward. It was a significant step towards their ultimate destination, symbolizing the answer he had finally discovered.