CH 74

The morning sun’s radiant rays bathed Nancy, who wore a deeply moved expression on her face. Ever since Theodora received the letter from Duke Dyssen, she had kept the curtains open, allowing the sunlight to stream into the room. The sight of the twin mansions standing opposite each other no longer seemed unfavorable; instead, it ignited her motivation.

“Get ready to go out. I’m heading to Ratz. We’ll leave around noon,” Theodora announced as she lazily stretched upon rising from bed, then made her way to the balcony. 

Odette, Bastian’s wife, had declined the invitation, showing her unawareness of Theodora’s plans. It was evident that Odette had no knowledge of what Theodora had in mind. As for Molly, it seemed reasonable to trust her innocent demeanor and assume she wasn’t playing the role of a double agent. If that was the case, it was time to start taking action.

Leaning against the sun-warmed marble balustrade, Theodora took a drag from her cigarette, savoring the smoke as she gazed across the sea. Bastian’s wife had made plans to visit Ratz this afternoon, specifically to see the Countess of Tree, a relative of theirs. 

Exhaling a plume of smoke, Theodora’s eyes lingered on the mansion in the distance. “If you won’t come to me, then I’ll come to you,” she murmured with a hint of annoyance. 

The task ahead was bothersome, but Odette Klauswitz warranted such attention. After all, she held significant importance to Theodora, at least for the time being.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Perched on the third floor of the naval headquarters, Admiral Demel’s office awaited Bastian’s arrival. Ascending the staircase, Bastian reached the top step and discreetly confirmed the envelope tucked securely into his uniform pocket. 

Within it lay his meticulously filled-out service application, destined for Trosa Island, the frontline once more. This task demanded ample time, and it was a decision that had been carefully pondered and deliberated upon.

The downfall of his father wouldn’t instantaneously restore everything to its rightful place. The aftermath required a substantial amount of time and effort to clean up the mess left behind. As Bastian contemplated how to effectively utilize that time in a profitable venture, a plan had taken shape in his mind. The service application he held in his hands was the optimal choice he had discovered.

Bastian’s involvement in his grandfather’s company extended to devising intricate schemes to ensnare his father. However, the subsequent tasks were efficiently managed by Thomas Muller, a pragmatic individual. It was reasonable to believe that Bastian’s absence would not result in any detrimental setbacks.

With the envelope securely tucked back into his pocket, Bastian resumed his interrupted stride. The sound of his firm footsteps reverberated through the lengthy corridor. 

The reason for his extended deliberation stemmed from the demands of the Navy department’s work. The counsel from his peers that serving at the headquarters would prove beneficial to his career carried weight.

Bastian’s own musings echoed a similar sentiment. Ascending to esteemed ranks was not solely a product of exceptional prowess. Unavoidably, navigating through the intricacies of politics with limited authority was imperative, and occupying pivotal roles within the headquarters presented a formidable weapon to gain advantage in the fight against his father.

By following such calculations, it seemed prudent to remain in this position. Yet his resolve to avoid a lifelong existence as a soldier remained unwavering. Instead, he reasoned that donning the military attire for a period would serve to fortify the honor he had diligently earned thus far. If that were the case, adorning a few more glistening medals, perhaps those befitting a major, would be the perfect finishing touch, enhancing his achievements.

and Odette.

Bastian couldn’t shake off the name that kept echoing in his mind, causing him to slow down as he repeatedly wrote, tore, and rewrote his job application. 

if she to become my real wife…

The mere thought haunted him, lingering in his subconscious. What was once a hazy daydream had now taken on a tangible form, consuming his thoughts regularly.

Odette exemplified unwavering dedication and love towards her family, which assured Bastian that she would undoubtedly remain loyal to their new family too. Even if her current feelings towards him were not romantic, Bastian was confident that over time, her affection for him would blossom. Although he wasn’t quite familiar with the concept of a harmonious family, he believed he could provide a better family environment for her compared to the Dyssen family, who had exploited her throughout her life.

Bastian knew he had much to offer as a husband to Odette.

He was determined to bestow upon her a life of unparalleled nobility, surpassing that of any aristocrat and  vowed to provide her with the most precious and exquisite things the world had to offer. Whatever her heart desired, he would stop at nothing to acquire it. Above all, he would shield her from any further hardships, ensuring that no more stains tainted her already challenging life.

With unwavering conviction, Bastian believed he could embody the role of a devoted husband, a caring father, and the cornerstone of a loving family. It was only a matter of time before their hearts would intertwine, as Odette had never been a woman who would betray his trust.

The possibility of attaining such a fulfilling life made him contemplate relinquishing the alliance with Laviere. Yet, he acknowledged that this inclination might be nothing more than a fleeting impulse, a delusion fueled by his longing for the woman he desired.

However, as he reasoned that time could potentially resolve this predicament, he decisively penned his signature on the service application. It was a resolute choice, devoid of any lingering uncertainties.

Bastian reached Admiral Demel’s office and took a moment to straighten his posture before lightly tapping on the door. 

“Come in,” the admiral answered, his voice coming through the closed door as strong and cheerful as always.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“Take a look at this. It’s wonderful to have such compelling evidence,” remarked Countess Trier with a satisfied smile, as she unfolded the newspaper in her hands.

Upon laying eyes on the photograph, Odette responded with a soft smile and gently cast her gaze downward. The stirring of a cup, with sugar long dissolved, filled the air, adding to the quietude that enveloped them.

“I’ve always been troubled by the absence of a wedding photograph for the both of you. Whenever the portrait artist was mentioned, he consistently refused. It almost led me to suspect that your husband was intentionally avoiding any evidence of the marriage,” 

“That’s not the case. Bastian…” 

“I completely understand and comprehend. Please don’t fret. Observing the warmth and affection displayed by your husband, it’s evident that the two of you are still immersed in the honeymoon phase,” Countess Trier reassured, setting aside the newspaper as she let out a joyful laugh and applauded. “If his intentions were malicious, he wouldn’t proudly showcase his wife to the entire Empire. It appears his feelings for you run even deeper than I had initially perceived. There’s no need for you to harbor unnecessary worries any longer.”

As Countess Trier tightened her grip on the teacup, the delicately crafted sapphire ring glimmered on her wrinkled hand, catching the light.

Odette’s gaze fixated on the subtle, ethereal blue radiance of the ring. With a practiced smile, she concealed her inner turmoil once more. It was a challenging misconception, one that couldn’t be easily clarified or explained.

Countess Trier began showering Bastian with effusive praise, a complete reversal from her hesitant demeanor when she reluctantly delivered the news of their marriage. The stark contrast in her attitude was impossible to ignore.

Odette gently placed the teaspoon she had been idly playing with, her gaze fixated on her own reflection mirrored in the teacup.

Just as Countess Trier had mentioned, Bastian had been meticulous in avoiding any traces of their marriage. Only now did Odette start to grasp the underlying motives behind the excessive acclaim and acknowledgment bestowed upon him. It was a situation that could easily arouse suspicion.

Odette couldn’t help but feel a tinge of foolishness for not recognizing it sooner. Thankfully, Bastian’s foresight had allowed them to quell any doubts that might have arisen, a stroke of good fortune they were fortunate to have.

“Still no news of a child?” Countess Trier’s chattering came to an abrupt halt, culminating in a perplexing question.

Odette answered the inquiry with a slight nod and cast her eyes downward. “…No, not yet,” 

“Well, both of you are still young and healthy, so there’s no need to be hasty. However, do understand the longing in this old woman’s heart, yearning to cradle your baby as soon as possible. A child born to such extraordinary parents, imagine the sheer beauty they will possess!” Countess Trier shifted her attention back to the picture in the newspaper, providing Odette with a moment to compose herself and arrange her expression.

In recent times, discussions about children had been cropping up more frequently, indicating that the topic was drawing near. However, Odette found respite from these awkward inquiries only when Bastian was away on the battlefield.

As her thoughts reached this juncture, Odette began to comprehend Bastian’s choice to depart from Berg. He proved to be a skilled captain in the journey of their marriage, skillfully charting a course toward their desired destination. His triumph would be her triumph, so all Odette needed to do was place her trust in him and follow his lead.

“Excuse me, a letter has been received for Mrs. Klauswitz,” announced the maid, presenting a tightly sealed envelope just as Odette had started to regain her smile.

Perplexed by the unexpected development, Odette inquired about the origin of the letter, her voice tinged with surprise. The maid nodded emphatically, providing additional details to shed light on the matter.

“The letter was delivered by a messenger, marked as urgent, which is why it was brought to your current location. It bears a message from Lady Rahner,” the maid explained.

Rahner. 

Odette silently echoed the unfamiliar name in her thoughts as she carefully opened the envelope. The sight of the opulently adorned golden letter paper caused a sudden tightening in her chest, as if her throat constricted. 

While there was no explicit indication of the sender’s identity, Odette instinctively recognized it. She had encountered this distinct, custom-made letter paper before.

Theodora Klauswitz…., someone who wasn’t bound by blood but regarded as family. A connection beyond mere neighbors, akin to true neighbors. That was who she was.

Odette recalled the recent invitation she had received from Theodora, adorned with the same distinct golden pattern. The familiarity of it all resonated deeply within her.

“Are you alright, Odette? Did you receive some distressing news?” Countess Trier’s concerned question snapped Odette out of her reverie, prompting her to swiftly regain her composure.

“…No, it’s nothing,” Odette hurriedly said, gripping the small folded letter tightly in her hands. “It was from the wife of a high-ranking officer whom I know. She mentions an urgent matter to discuss regarding the Navy Festival.”

Despite her hands trembling from the cold, Odette mustered a convincing smile. Thankfully, Countess Trier nodded without a hint of suspicion.

“It’s regrettable, but please go ahead. We cannot overlook the preparations for a day that will bring glory to our family,” 

“Thank you for your understanding, Countess,” Odette swiftly rose from the tea table, bidding her farewell with politeness.

Managing to depart from the parlor without her unsteady legs attracting notice, Odette hurriedly fled from the House of Trier. She no longer possessed the capacity to pay attention to the inquisitive gazes of the household servants.

Determined to quell any futile doubts, Odette made the choice to temporarily set them aside. Above all else, her priority was to meet Theodora Klauswitz.

With that singular thought guiding her, Odette began running, relying solely on her determination to reach her destination.