Chapter 129: Death of a Routine

Chapter 129: Death of a Routine



Since coming back to the German Reich form his time spent in the Russian Empire, Heinrich had been busy, both with work, and with his home life. Prior, he seldom spent his time in his own home, rather entertaining the many single ladies of the world, and some of those who were already married.

But upon finding himself suddenly forced to adopt a teenage Russian girl, Heinrich was ultimately forced to clean up his act. Trying his best to create an environment for the girl that was far less painful than the life she had left behind in Russia.

Ultimately, his days as a playboy, truly deserving of the term "Rake" which had incidentally been applied to Bruno, rather than Heinrich, the man had suddenly found himself completely and utterly free from any dalliances with the less respectful women of the world.

Instead, he would come straight home after work to ensure that his newly adopted daughter was properly fed, their home was properly cleaned, and that the girl had finished with her studies for the evening.

At first Alya had a hard time adapting to her new life. But after spending a few weeks with Heidi and the tyranny which the woman imposed upon her, Alya soon found the habits formed in Bruno's home had stuck.

Heinrich no longer came home to an empty and dark house, but one that was well lit, and with a meal prepared for him by his young, adopted daughter. Though the girl had a long way to go before she could match Heidi's level of skill when it came to performing chores.

At the very least, the house was clean; the laundry was freshly done, and there was food on the table the moment Heinrich came home from his day at the base. Coincidentally enough, today Heinrich came home with a subtle change to his uniform, but one which Alya instantly recognized when the man entered through their door.

Heinrich was wearing the shoulder tabs of Lieutenant Colonel, or in the German Army would be known as the Oberst Leutnant. He had been promoted today to the position and was now in charge of his own battalion.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

This was a major cause for celebration, and because of this, Alya instantly expressed her shock.

"You were promoted? Why didn't you call home in advance? I would have prepared something for dessert!"

Heinrich, who was already thoroughly exhausted by the day's affairs, was quick to sigh as he collapsed onto his sofa, loosening the collar around his neck, and freeing it so that he could breathe properly. After doing so, he commented on the whole thing as if it were less than what he desired.

"Thanks, Alya, but I have had my hands full all day with managing an entire battalion of men. I mean, it's one thing to assist a Lieutenant Colonel with managing his unit, but to manage 1,000 men and everything else that comes with it. It's a lot more work than I was expecting. I just need a moment to relax, and then I'll join you for dinner..."

Alya wasn't exactly mad at Heinrich for his exhaustion. The man had cut back completely on the two things that had helped him cope with the monumental amount of stress that came with being a high-ranking officer in the Military.

After working up a sweat for the day shortly after her husband went off to work, Heidi began to perform her daily chores, which also required a degree of exercise. She had a complete and utter disdain for filth, and did a damn good job maintaining a squeaky-clean environment in

her home.

Aside from cleaning the home, and exercising, Heidi would routinely mother her small children, keeping an eye on them throughout the day, before finally preparing a meal for when her husband came home. By now she had mastered the art of finishing the meal just in time for Bruno to get home, so that he could enjoy a brief beer while it cooled down just enough to be the perfect temperature to eat.

And like always, this is exactly what happened when Bruno came home for the night. However, the words which the man spoke over dinner to his wife and children have instantly shattered Heidi's routine. She realized things would be changing for her and her beloved

family in the coming months.

"So... I finally found the perfect plot of land to begin building our estate upon just outside

Berlin. As for the one in Russia, I have yet to choose a city which I would prefer to construct it. But I'm thinking near Tsaritsyn, I am after all rather beloved in the area for the mercy which I showed there, and the Volga Region has a high concentration of German settlers, so when we vacation there, it won't be too alien of an environment. What do you think?"

Though Bruno asked for Heidi's opinion, she really didn't have one, and even if she did, she wouldn't argue with Bruno over it. She simply accepted his decision, as he had clearly thought

it out far more than she had.

After all, she was much too busy managing their home to be involved thoroughly in such affairs. Thus, she wore a charming smile on her pretty face as she agreed to her husband's

question without hesitation.

"You know me, whatever it is you decide, I will support you with my everything, dear!"

Bruno was happy that Heidi didn't disagree with his choice of location for their Russian Estate. However, though neither of them knew it, they both sighed in a silent lament for their relatively peaceful and humble city life in this old manor which they had called home for

many years now.

It was the death of a routine, and the birth of a new era for their family