Bastian
Chapter 14 - Spring Snow

✧Spring Snow✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

Amidst the bustling Saturday lunch crowd, a table of distinction held the gaze of all. As a sought-after haunt for the wealthy and famous, the clear intention of the meal was palpable. But Bastian was undeterred, becoming a willing player in the matchmakers’ game. With grace, he embraced the opportunity to reunite with Odette in the near future, for he saw no reason to decline.

The accident caused by the princess was apparently controlled, but as the days passed, stories gained greater traction. The idea that the tragedy of the previous generation would eventually be repeated was growing. A good number of fools were also gravely frightened that their relationship with Bellof would be shattered as a result of a skewed national marriage.

“April is a really crazy month. When the flowers are in full bloom, winter returns.” Admiral Demel gently changed the subject after gushingly praising the compatible duo. “It’s unfortunate if the game needs to be postponed due to the weather.”

Admiral Demel’s gaze met with the aged Countess, and he sighed with a sudden air of gravity. Bastian, keenly attuned to the purpose of their gathering, joined the fray with subtle observation. And so, it was Countess Trier, Odette’s chaperone, who made her move.

“It seems there’s a significant happening afoot,’’ she remarked.

‘‘Indeed.’’ replied the Admiral, seizing the opportunity. ‘’Next weekend will mark the annual friendly polo match between the Navy and Army. It is a cherished event that promotes camaraderie between the two forces.”

“I see. I’m sure I heard about it. Does the Captain take part in the game as well?” Countess Trier questioned Bastian.

“Indeed, Countess.” With a discerning understanding of the matchmakers’ designs, Bastian offered a fitting response. Odette, dining in silence, finally lifted her gaze, her plate still heaping with uneaten food.

‘’Captain Klauswitz, you see, is a paragon among the Admiralty’s players,” the Admiral revealed. “Save for a brief stint on the overseas front, he has been a mainstay in the annual matches and consistently performed admirably.”

‘’Ah, he truly is a hero in every sense of the word,’’  Countess Trier said in admiration.

“Yes, his prowess in martial arts and resourcefulness are second to none, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he rises to command the fleet in the near future.” Admiral Demel added.

Odette gazed upon the untouched remnants of her meal with a pensive frown. She sighed silently before lifting her eyes once more. She noticed the rearrangement of the cutlery and realized that she could not possibly finish the feast before her.

Admiral Demel, meanwhile, was in the midst of his confident conclusion, “I can assure you, he is truly a gem among soldiers, a naval treasure in every sense of the word. But the admiral was unaware that the treasure he spoke of had been overshadowed by the sea bass dish before him.”

 Countess Trier interjected, “And all he needs now is a suitable spouse. At twenty-six, it’s time for him to start a family.” Her piercing gaze, narrowed like that of a sleepy cat, bore into Bastian, revealing her true, cold emotions.

“Yes, Countess, of course.” Admiral Demel let out an awkward chuckle and with a hint of empathy in his voice, he offered, “Lady Odette, if your schedule permits, how about joining us for a thrilling game of polo? I assure you, it will be a most enjoyable experience.”

As he addressed Odette, the admiral carried out his duties disguised as a simple invitation. If not for his loyalty to the emperor’s wishes, he would have never agreed to this matchmaking scheme.

Despite her impeccable heritage and captivating beauty, the lady lacked substance. For Bastian, the marriage was merely a means to advance his standing, and for the lady, it was the opportunity of a lifetime.

Odette gracefully accepted, “I would be honored to attend if invited.”

As Admiral Demel struggled with the weight of his duty to the empire, he was ready to sacrifice one of his dear subordinates.

“Then let it be.” A smile of relief graced the Admiral’s face as he cast aside his unease and embraced the role assigned to him. The table was cleared and desserts were served as they eagerly looked forward to the approaching weekend.

Admiral Demel ate his dessert with haste, eager to bring an end to this charade. The same could be said for Bastian and the Countess. But Odette, she savored each bite of her barely touched plate in silence.

After the meal, Admiral Demel bid farewell to Countess Trier and left the restaurant, leaving Odette in the care of Bastian.

“Captain Klauswitz, Admiral Demel and I need to talk, so we’d like to have you see Odette off.”.” 

With their business concluded, Countess Trier and Admiral Demel made their way towards the waiting carriage. The Admiral, looking pleased with the results of their discussions, gave a nod of farewell to Bastian before following the Countess inside. 

The carriage, emblazoned with gold trim and a cream exterior, carried the two conspirators away, leaving Bastian and Odette in each other’s company. The two gazed at each other, their eyes locking as a new chapter of their lives began. And then, with a soft invitation, Bastian led Odette towards a waiting vehicle. “Shall we go?”

Bastian’s insensitive face broke into a beautiful smile. Odette nodded her head in agreement and averted her gaze from him.

Bastian escorted Odette and met the waiter who had delivered the automobile. The waltz that evening was as exquisite as the motion of opening and closing the passenger door.

Nowhere could she be escaped at this time.

Odette reiterated that fact as she readied herself. She needed to accept responsibility for her choice. Of sure, it was going to be difficult.

She felt a chill run down her spine, as she realized the road ahead was uncertain and filled with potential heartache. But she remained steadfast, as she had always lived life to the fullest, her spirit unbreakable in the face of adversity.

Bastian stepped into the driver’s seat, his demeanor now serious and his expression as cold as the winter sky. As Odette took a deep breath, she knew that she was ready to face whatever the future held.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“Let me know if you’ve thought of somewhere to go.”

Bastian finally broke the silence as their vehicle halted at an intersection. Odette whose gaze fixated on the mayhem of cars swerving out of the opposing lane, turned her head around in surprise

“My understanding on these matters is limited,” Odette said,  her voice as gentle as a summer breeze.

“These matters?”

“The things between a guy and a woman,…. if you know what I mean.” with a contemplative expression, Odette graced Bastian with an sincere response. “I’ll simply follow the captain’s lead,” 

A hint of a smile graced Bastian’s lips as he regarded her curiously. “Well, I don’t think that’s a very good idea.” he stated, turning his gaze forward once more. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ NøᴠᴇlFire.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

His reply was cryptic, causing Odette to furrow her brow in confusion.

Odette couldn’t help but wonder if she had misinterpreted his words. The train chugged along the tracks, the sound of the wheels clacking a soothing background as she delved deeper into her thoughts.

She rode in a carriage or streetcar, so she was not accustomed to the view of the city from this vantage point.

“I believe a location with lots of eyes would be ideal if it’s a meeting to disseminate rumors.”

As the vehicle glided onto the elegant Preve Boulevard, Odette’s mind raced with possibilities until she stumbled upon the perfect solution. Amidst the shimmering lights of high-end boutiques and grand hotels, the city was awash in a soft, cloudy glow.

“Well, that seems to be the most practical approach,” Bastian agreed readily, his gaze taking in the vibrant downtown landscape.

The Opera House loomed ahead, its majestic facade lit up in the gathering dusk. Despite the early hour, the performance would soon commence, making it near impossible to secure a coveted seat.

The Department Store bustled with activity, a sea of faces blending together in the throngs of shoppers. It was difficult to stand out amidst the crowds.

Finally, Bastian’s gaze landed on a grand Hotel, its regal facade beckoning. Yet, he knew that becoming embroiled with this delicate creature was not an option.

The automobile pulled up to Preve Boulevard’s intersection while he checked each choice off his list one by one. The location was where the two museums faced one another.

“Are you a fan of paintings?” Bastian squinted his eyes as he turned to face the Art History Museum. The building’s façade was covered with a sizable poster advertising a special show. A gathering spot for bored women with excess money and free time, it wasn’t a bad setting though

With a studied gaze, Odette quietly voiced her approval. “……Yes. I like it.”

Nodding in agreement, Bastian guided the vehicle towards their destination with confident ease. Grand carriages and luxurious automobiles dotted the parking lot, basking in the splendor of the surrounding building.

Though the back entrance was closer, Bastian chose to lead Odette to the more conspicuous front door, a decision that would not go unnoticed. As they approached the steps of the Art History Museum, Odette suddenly came to a halt, her previously cooperative demeanor giving way to wonder.

A gentle smile lit up her features as she gazed skyward, and Bastian soon figured out the reason for her delight. Snowflakes were drifting down, mingling amongst the blooming branches.

Though spring in Ratz was known for its erratic weather, the sight of the snow-covered sky seemed to enrapture Odette, her expression dreamy. Bastian couldn’t help but ponder the age of this enigmatic woman.

A snowflake landed on Odette’s eyelashes as Bastian went over the memories he had forgotten.

Odette appeared much gentler and younger than usual when she blinked in astonishment.

As Bastian stood in the falling snow, his thoughts turned to Odette, who seemed so fragile and vulnerable. In that moment, it felt like a fleeting thought, as ephemeral as a snowflake before it melts away, much like the petals of a flower carried off by the winds of spring.

Though he had initially seen her presence as a hindrance, Bastian came to realize that it was also an unexpected blessing. Through her, he was able to fully immerse himself in this world and neutralize the ticking time bomb that was the princess.

The marriage business would greatly benefit from having Odette’s name. She was undoubtedly a woman of noble standing and pedigree, even if she had to reach rock bottom to get from one location to another. It would be preferable if Bastian Klauswitz’s marriage to such a partner became part of his name-value-increasing history.

He would happily exploit her till the day she was no longer useful.

Odette tilted her head as Bastian reached a firm conclusion. Her long, thick eyelashes framed her big, beautiful eyes. Tentative curiosity or hazy apprehension. In any case, it was a feeling out of character for a lady who was selling herself to escape the pit.

As the exhibition came to a close, a bevy of noble ladies stepped out into the open air. With a smooth and practiced motion, Bastian doffed his officer’s cap, revealing his countenance to all. He then offered his arm to Odette, escorting her up the grand steps of the Art History Museum, where the gaze of onlookers soon settled upon them.

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