CH 73

Odette was taken aback as she received an unexpected invitation from a familiar yet distant place. The name on the invitation, Theodora Klauswitz, puzzled her. 

She requested Odette’s presence at her home for a tea time meeting sometime during the following week. The simplicity of the reason only added to Odette’s confusion. Ever since Theodora and her family reluctantly attended her wedding, there had been no personal communication between them. Considering the strained and perpetual tension between Bastian and his father, this invitation seemed even more perplexing and difficult to comprehend.

Odette read the invitation repeatedly, her mind consumed with thoughts, before setting it down on the desk.

As she tried to gather her scattered thoughts, Margrethe, who had just awakened from her slumber, approached Odette. The delicate pink lace collar that Odette had crafted to conceal the cruelly shorn patches of fur on Margrethe’s body fluttered as she groaned and affectionately scratched against Odette’s leg.

In the midst of Margrethe’s playful antics, Odette found herself momentarily distracted from the weighty matter at hand, and a smile graced her face as she embraced her furry companion. 

When Odette fed Margrethe pieces of dried meat from the drawer, the soft clinking of tea cups being filled resonated in the background, signaling the arrival of their tea.

“It looks like Meg enjoyed a satisfying breakfast.” Dora commented with a smile.

“I didn’t give her as much as before,” Odette said, recalling her commitment to providing the appropriate portion of snacks.

Having finished her piece of meat, Margrethe gazed eagerly at the treat box on the desk, wagging her tail in excitement. Unable to resist the playful temptation, Dora teasingly took the treat box away.

“I understand your deep affection for Meg, madam, but it won’t be long before she becomes a professional house thief,” Dora remarked with a touch of humor. 

“I apologize for breaking my promise.”

“It appears you do have a soft spot after all. Perhaps it’s time to find a strict nanny, madam.” Dora playfully suggested, adding an unusual jest to her words. Odette, a bit slow to grasp the full meaning behind Dora’s statement, awkwardly smiled and averted her gaze.

“I apologize for the presumptuousness, madam, but I feel compelled to bring up the matter of an invitation from the Master’s family,” Dora hesitated as she glanced at the desk, struggling to find the right words. “In my humble opinion, I believe you should decline the invitation. However, please remember that this decision ultimately rests with you.”

“Dora, I share the same thoughts as you,” Odette acknowledged. Setting Margrethe down gently, she reached for the troublesome invitation once more. 

Observing how meticulously Dora had chosen her words, Odette sensed that there was a far more intricate tale behind this invitation than initially anticipated. 

“Dora, may I seek your counsel once more? I could use one more piece of advice.”

As Odette posed her question with caution, Dora nodded, awaiting her inquiry. “Yes, madam. Anything,” 

“Should I discuss this matter with my husband?”

“Madam, it appears you have the capability to handle it as you see fit. With the approaching festival, it would bring immense honor to the master on that day. There is no need to burden him with unnecessary concerns,” 

“Is that so? In that case, I shall stand my ground and decline,” 

“That is an excellent decision. The master would not be pleased to hear that name,” 

Dora’s eyes lit up with excitement. Her expression revealed her readiness to divulge the intricate history of the Klauswitz family, meticulously prepared to share the details.

“Thank you, Dora. Your assistance has been invaluable,” Odette expressed her gratitude sincerely. She calmly chose to ignore the signal, knowing deep down that she didn’t want to uncover whatever secrets Bastian might be hiding through such means. 

Their relationship was not entangled, and there was no need to needlessly complicate things. With a resolute decision made, Odette reached for a pen and began drafting the letter of refusal. Fortunately, Dora had guided her in the right direction.

“Now, it’s time to prepare for our guests,” Dora mentioned, bringing up the next item on the agenda just as Odette sealed the letter.

“Yes? Oh…yes, I’ll take care of it,” Odette responded, her gaze flickering slightly as a memory resurfaced. She recalled the appointment she had made with a newspaper journalist for an upcoming interview. 

The purpose of the interview was to delve deep into the life of Bastian Klauswitz, the central figure of the naval festival, which would be featured in the empire’s leading daily newspaper. Odette was included in the schedule to provide a photograph for the article.

A request was made for a photograph featuring the Klauswitz couple, intended for use as propaganda. The prospect of their faces being publicly recognized in such a manner was far from appealing, yet Odette found herself with no alternative. The looming command of the Emperor left her with no room for refusal, and reluctantly, Bastian agreed to comply.

‘it was part of an effort to secure Princess Isabelle’s national marriage,  If you don’t feel like it, convince the emperor.’ he said

For Odette, it was akin to being informed that she must stand before a camera without any room for objection.

Odette concluded as she rose from her seat with a pleasant grin that this, too, was part of her job.

It was time for her to take on the role of wife.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

The interview unfolded in the grandeur of the guest parlor, a spacious room adorned with tall, expansive windows that showcased the awe-inspiring vista of Ardenne’s sea. 

Bastian, a devoted and honorable soldier of the Empire, effortlessly fulfilled the assigned task. The majority of the reporter’s inquiries fell within the anticipated spectrum, and Bastian’s responses flowed smoothly, having been reiterated numerous times before.

“Thank you for your valuable time, Captain. I will now proceed with taking photographs to conclude the interview,” the journalist expressed, closing their notebook and extending a polite farewell. Bastian gracefully rose from his seat, responding with a suitable acknowledgment. Odette, who had remained as silent as a shadow, quietly trailed behind him.

Bastian swiftly retrieved and put on his gloves before skillfully guiding his wife out onto the balcony, where the photographer patiently awaited their arrival. Odette adorned a white dress that complemented Bastian’s uniform, clearly mindful not to overshadow the central figure, yet exuding the grace befitting her role. Odette Klauswitz proved herself to be a devoted wife, a fact that Bastian accepted without any lingering uncertainty.

“Please take a seat here, ma’am. And Captain, please stand right here,” instructed the photographer’s assistant, presenting the desired composition for the photograph. Following the instructions, Odette gracefully took her place on the prepared chair, while Bastian positioned himself behind her, assuming a poised stance for the photo.

After all the preparations had been completed, the photographer suddenly voiced his dissatisfaction, “This composition doesn’t quite seem to be working, especially considering the Lieutenant’s height. Captain, I apologize for the inconvenience, but would you mind taking a seat instead?” Casting a discerning gaze over the subjects, the photographer proposed an alternative approach.

Once again, they dutifully adhered to the photographer’s suggestion. Bastian occupied the chair initially prepared for Odette, while Odette positioned herself where Bastian had previously stood. Finally, the photographer nodded in contentment. 

“Could you both come a bit closer?” the photographer requested, gesturing accordingly. Odette took a step nearer as instructed. 

The familiar fragrance of her meticulously prepared body, an aroma nurtured each evening, mingled with the gentle sea breeze and tantalized their senses. The radiant light from the pristine, expansive sky was dazzling, and in that very brilliance, Odette herself seemed to emit a radiant glow.

Had Bastian chosen to do so, he could have rejected the request. However, Bastian accepted this reality with composure and averted his gaze. The radiant sunlight streaming down from the lofty and cloudless sky was blinding, and Odette, immersed in that luminosity, shone just as brilliantly.

The Emperor’s desire to utilize a photograph of the affectionate couple, Captain Klauswitz and his wife, as propaganda material for the naval festival was once again communicated through Admiral Demel, as customary. However, this time it came with a condition that Bastian’s honor would not be compromised. It was a stark contrast to the past, when he was relentlessly pushed forward without any consideration. With such an honorable excuse at hand, Bastian had the option to decline the interview and photograph. 

The Emperor held a particular fondness and pride for the North Sea Fleet. No matter how crucial it was to appease Crown Prince Belof, the Emperor would not opt to tarnish the reputation of the hero of the Battle of Trosa.

Despite being fully aware of the circumstances, Bastian complied with the request because it was what he desired—a moment captured in a photograph with Odette. 

As he confronted a resolute conclusion, a subtle tension coursed through Bastian’s hand resting on his knee. Odette, who had maintained her gaze straight ahead, finally shifted her eyes toward him. The fleeting surprise in her eyes quickly dissipated, replaced by her graceful smile. 

“Both of you, look straight ahead!” called out the photographer, who had retreated beneath the dark cloth once again.

With a sense of duty resurfacing, Bastian averted his gaze from Odette. As the photographer signaled, an assistant stationed at the far end of the balcony swiftly approached, meticulously adjusting the appearance of their uniforms. Ensuring the epaulets and decorative cords were properly aligned, the assistant then departed, signaling that all preparations had been completed. 

Bastian fixed his gaze directly at the camera, his determination shining through. There were no plans to preserve any photographs or portraits commemorating this marriage. It had been decided that there was no need to preserve remnants of a contract that spanned only two years. 

But, what if…

The flawless facade of his grand plan began to show cracks ever since their marriage. Bastian had made that decision under the assumption that Odette was merely a tool to strike a deal with the emperor, serving no purpose beyond that. However, if Odette could continue to offer substantial advantages as his wife even beyond that initial arrangement, the narrative would take a different turn.

The process of undermining his father was progressing with unexpected speed and ease. If the trajectory remained the same, it appeared feasible to accomplish the objective without the need for a marriage alliance with Laviere. 

While their existing collaboration with the railway company would be implicated, successful completion of the ongoing project would grant them a fair share of the operating rights. Duke Laviere, known for his astute calculations, would not hesitate to strike a deal that promised substantial profits without sacrificing his daughter.

If such were the circumstances, it wouldn’t be entirely unfavorable to carry on with this marriage. With that realization, there seemed to be no reason to decline the photo shoot requested by the Emperor.

“Now, this will be the final shot. Ma’am, if you could show a bit more affection and place your hand on the Captain’s shoulder?” The photographer’s call reverberated through the tranquility.

Odette complied with the final instruction, her hands gently resting on Bastian’s shoulders, their fingers interlaced. The photographer appeared content as he began to count aloud. 

Upon fulfilling the assigned task, untangling the intricate web of relationships, and the day arriving when they could start afresh, perhaps considering Odette as a genuine wife and building a family wouldn’t be so unfavorable.

Feeling the warmth transmitted through his shoulder from Odette’s touch, Bastian confronted his burgeoning desires. Then, just as his assumptions were being affirmed, a brilliant flash of white light temporarily blinded his vision.